YOUR Williamson May 2022 by Robertson Media Group

FRIENDS & FASHION

MAIN STREET FESTIVAL

ONE NIGHT ONLY

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE

Celebrating 11 Years MAY 2022

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA

The Queens’ Strides: Girl Power Dominating the Track

THE LADY ENTERTAINS

Magical Parties with Southern Grace Unicorns

YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNER

Ladies of Distinction

Ladies’ Edition

We Love Our Staff! May is the month our nation honors healthcare heroes, and Williamson Medical Center proudly joins in the celebration! HAPPY NURSES WEEK (MAY 6–12) • HAPPY HOSPITAL WEEK (MAY 8–14)

4321 CAROTHERS PARKWAY • FRANKLIN (615) 435-5000 • WILLIAMSONMEDICALCENTER.ORG

3 8 0 5 G R EEN H I L L S V I L L AG E DR I V E , N AS H V I L L E T N 372 1 5 615-61 0 -76 5 6 | D I A MO N D C E L L A R .CO M

YOUR WILLIAMSON | MAY 2022 VOLUME XI – ISSUE 110

F E AT U R E S

YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNER Ladies of Distinction

UP THE ROAD Nashville’s Big Back Yard Part II & Part III

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA The Queens’ Strides

COWGIRL UP! Franklin Rodeo Flag Girls

THE LADY ENTERTAINS Magical Birthday Parties with Southern Grace Unicorns

ON THE COVER: A magical experience with Carlie Cannon and Luna the Unicorn, from Southern Grace Unicorns PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITT HART PHOTOGRAPHY

COMING SUMMER 2022

TOWNHOMES STARTING IN THE $600s

VILLAGE HOMES STARTING IN THE $800s

W W W. S O U T H B R O O K E T N . C O M

BUILT BY

SALES BY

Office: 615-503-9727 Sales: 615-224-9598

CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE

COMMUNITY 42 YOUR Charitable Self The Oak Cottage for Women 46 In YOUR Neighborhood with the Downtown Franklin Association 48 Days Gone By Finding Franklin with Katie Shands 54 In YOUR Backyard Southern Plantscape with UPCOUNTRY Plant + Design 84 I Am Williamson County Pam Horne 88 YOUR Kids Summer Fun at the Library 90 YOUR Education Top College Choices for Williamson County Students

SOCIAL

91 News from the Schools Class of 2022 Graduation Schedule

14 Main Street Festival 16 Bourbon & Bubbles

MONTHLY

19 Celebrate The Promise

10 Letter from the Publisher

24 Frances Valentine Pop-Up Shop

12 Social Secretary

26 Friends & Fashion

98 Did YOU Know?

30 Go Red for Women Luncheon 78 Williamson, Inc. Joint Mixer with Spring Hill Chamber & Maury Alliance 81 Williamson Medical Center Ground Breaking 82 Outlook Williamson 93 Voices for the Children 94 One Night Only

BUSINESS 80 YOUR Business Partner Williamson, Inc. Annual Golf Classic 83 We’re in the Money Online Shopping Do’s & Don’ts with Lineage Bank

LIFESTYLE 18 YOUR Health & Wellness Cultivating Kindness & Care with Williamson Medical Center 20 Beautiful YOU Beauty Must Haves with the Ladies at YOUR Williamson 22 Fashionable YOU Frances Valentine 28 After A Fashion Steeplechase Fashion Advice with Milton White 44 From Our House to YOURS Discover Lovely Franklin with Founder Buffie Baril 56 Come Fly with Me Luxurious Hawaiian Getaway at Timbers Kaua’i 64 Styling YOUR Everyday Bridgerton Inspired Decor with Mrs. Southern Social 66 Eat, Drink & Be Merry A Scrumptious Steeplechase with Miss Daisy 68 A Spirited Conversation Horse Racing Season Cocktails 72 A Southern Gentleman Is... Manners & Decorum from Junior Cotillion with Suzette Tucker Wimpy 74 Keeping Score What a Load of Bulls with Britton Headden 92 Read Between the Lines Women Authors Shaping Literature with Emily Evans 96 Arts & Culture Events

Y O U R S TA F F

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Shelly Robertson Birdsong

Johnny Birdsong

OWNER | PUBLISHER EDITOR IN CHIEF

OWNER | PUBLISHER

Anna Robertson Ham

Christian Dian Headden

MANAGING PUBLISHER

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Emma Chennault

Claire Anne Page

INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER

Allie Caldwell

PARTNERSHIPS & DEVELOPMENT

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Amelia Rose Smith

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

INTEGRATED MARKETING COORDINATOR

Ron Cheatham

Lawson Ryan

OPERATIONS

DISTRIBUTION

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YOUR Williamson and Distinctively Southern Wedding are publications of: Robertson Media Group, LLC 404 Bridge Street | Franklin, TN | 37064 Office: 615.465.6046 yourwilliamson.com distinctivelysouthernwedding.com

ENTER THE 5th ANNUAL IROQUOIS STEEPLECHASE

TAILGATING CONTEST! Do you think you have the best tailgate setup? Post your Tailgate photos to Facebook and Instagram with hashtag #TailgateContest and let people vote all day for their favorite entries! @YOURWILLIAMSON See coverage from the 2022 Iroquois Steeplechase at yourwilliamson.com YOUR Williamson is the SOCIAL | COMMUNITY | BUSINESS | LIFESTYLE PUBLICATION FOR WILLIAMSON COUNTY

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE

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

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Your Williamson & Distinctively Southern Wedding are publications of Robertson Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or whole, without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Your Williamson, Distinctively Southern Wedding or Robertson Media Group, LLC, its employees, and/or its representatives. All information printed in this publication or online is compiled in such a way as to ensure accuracy. However, Your Williamson, Distinctively Southern Wedding, and Robertson Media Group, LLC and its agents assume no liability and/or responsibility for the accuracy of claims in advertisements, articles, photographs, etc. published directly or submitted.

BUILDING A LUXURY HOME SHOULD BE A LUXURY EXPERIENCE I would classify working with the Legend Homes team, from our initial concept meeting to completion, as my most seamless build. This is my seventh luxury home build experience and my favorite home to date. When dealing with hurdles brought on by the pandemic, the Legend group of professionals were always prepared to shift to ensure my dream home would be to my specifications — quite the feat when dealing with a noted perfectionist like myself who has high standards and discerning taste. Since my first visit to a Legend Parade home years ago, I knew we would work together in the future. I don’t believe there is much that could top this well-thoughtout concept of a one-level living home and my great experience with Legend Homes. Gaven Smith Realtor, Hinge Real Estate and Development Owner, Studio Gaven hair colour

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MONTHLY

Letter from the Publisher

I N S P I R AT I O N S O F M AY

“Don’t envy what people have, emulate what they did to have it.” - TIM FARGO

Dear Readers, I inevitably greet the month of May with joy and anticipation, as it inspires We were talking about the idea of imitation being the sincerest form of so much! It is a month full of celebrations like Mother’s Day, my nephew’s flattery, as the saying goes, in the office recently. Another publication’s birthday (turning 16 this month – Happy Birthday Lane Robertson!), incessant and ever so blatant copying of pretty much our entire editorial my niece Lillian’s birthday and...drum roll...my birthday! Now, we calendar and media kit, had us all riled up pretty good one day. But won’t talk about the magic number this year. Thankfully, I do trust me, I have been doing this too long to go down those roads subscribe to the mentality that the number is irrelevant, and with too much vigor. After all, why wouldn’t they copy us? We age is relative to how you feel and act. My actual age is, to ARE good. After a total of seventeen years in publishing, I be honest, older than I can fathom. But I don’t feel old. I do can say that, and it does not feel egotistical. I didn’t do it all have a three-year-old I am chasing around! I am doing all – many talented individuals and a whole host of contributors the things today, most of my contemporaries did twenty of some form or fashion made this magazine what it is today years ago! So, I’m good – for now. and made it possible for me to build a company based on just a few basic principles: Integrity, over-delivering, quality, With each passing year, I do find myself doing the: Wow, partnerships and customer service. But most of all – being I can’t believe I haven’t done that yet, accomplished that real. Being local. I can’t control other people, so I try to focus goal, finished that project, read that book, taken that trip, on simply doing what we do. It has served us well, it seems, cleaned out that closet. That’s normal. So too is the realization as we celebrate our eleventh anniversary of publishing YOUR that as age comes for us, it also does for those we hold dear. So Williamson this May! Wow, it’s been a whirlwind, but a blessing. many icons of our community, especially a few I have personally known my entire life – have passed away recently. Lives lived with such I too, have found myself emulating so many publications of note, people, purpose and inspiration that their indelible mark on our community and businesses, in my path to success. I prefer the word emulate and my own heart and mind is profound. One such person is to copy, or even imitate, because to emulate means I have Ann Carroll. When I was just a little girl, Miss Ann was my taken something I have seen or experienced and translated ballet teacher waaay back in the early 80s. I can still smell it into something all my own. To emulate shows respect and the ballet leather and hear the tapping on the wood floors admiration for something that inspires and moves us forward. at the original studio in Grassland. My dancing days were I fully intend to keep on emulating many things in my future. neither stellar nor memorable to anyone. I did not care for I did not get HERE on my own. And I won’t get where I am going on my own either. Many hands hold onto me as I dance or any performance art for that matter. Not my thing. But I did care for the experience and for Miss Ann. The walk. As we honor ladies this month – I am reminded of the impact and the memories have remained with me for over women in my life who have literally molded who I am and four decades. When it came time to send Keeling to dance hopefully, who I will be. I am setting my daughter up for the school at age three, I never even thought of another option same experiences, as having women in your life to look up to other than Ann Carroll School of Dance. Mostly I was just filled and emulate is a great gift. Their inspiring direction will point with a sense of tradition and permanence in life of being able to you on your path, where you one day may find yourself on the send her where I had attended. And while Miss Ann has not taught receiving end of some little girl’s or grown-up girl’s gratitude. Who for many years herself, the traditions and heartfelt joy within the home knows? They may want to copy you and something you did well, too. of this dance school are no less real. Ann was someone I looked up to, as so many did. I got to work with her as an adult when I would schedule the school to perform at the Main Street Festival during my days as the Director of Special Events & Fundraising. And whenever I saw her, she remembered me by name, from literally hundreds of girls she had taught Shelly Robertson Birdsong Publisher | Editor in Chief over the years. She made a lasting mark on this community and me. 10 | MAY 2022

YO U R C O N T R I B U TO R S BRITTON HEADDEN

MARY HOLLIS HUDDLESTON

KEEPING SCORE

MRS. SOUTHERN SOCIAL

Britton is a born-and-raised Franklin local and Broker/Owner of Headden Home Real Estate. Britton has a lifetime love of basketball and other sports, including playing and coaching experience on all levels, elementary through college.

Southern hospitality. Tradition with a twist. And a bit of sarcasm. That’s what you’ll find here with Mrs. Southern Social. Mary loves entertaining and sharing ideas, inspiration and contacts that will make your life a bit easier one cocktail party at a time. Learn more at mrssouthernsocial.com.

DAISY KING

MILTON WHITE

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY

FASHION EDITOR AND CELEBRITY STYLIST

Miss Daisy King is the queen of the Williamson County culinary scene. She owns and operates Miss Daisy’s Kitchen in Franklin and formerly had Miss Daisy’s Tearoom. She has published several cookbooks, been a guest on numerous television spots and is iconic when it comes to hospitality and hostessing.

Milton White is a renowned fashion editor and celebrity stylist. His work has been featured in many renowned magazines. You can see more of his work at thefashionoffice.co and his blog, The Good, The Bad & The Glamorous. You can follow him Q miltonwhite and thegoodthebadtheglamorous.

EMILY EVANS

WILLIAMSON, INC.

@LETSREADTHERAINBOW

YOUR BUSINESS PARNTER

Emily lives in Franklin with her husband and their three children. She teaches at The Little School and, in addition to reading, she loves walking, working out, monogramming, baking and spending time with her family. Follow Emily at Q letsreadtherainbow on Instagram as she reads and recommends books.

Williamson, Inc. is committed to the core values of leadership, education and community. We are laser-focused on helping our members be productive, progressive and prosperous business professionals. Learn more by visiting their website at williamsonchamber.com.

HEIDI HOOD

WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER

DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN ASSOCIATION

YOUR HEALTH & WELLNESS

Heidi Hood is the Managing Director of the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA), which is dedicated to the historic preservation, revitalization and community vibrancy of historic downtown Franklin. Learn more at downtownfranklintn.com.

Williamson Medical Center has been a pillar of our region for over sixty years, with an impressive tradition and commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services to hundreds of thousands of patients. For more information, please visit williamsonmedicalcenter.org.

KEVIN HERRINGTON

YOUR SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

PRESIDENT & CEO, LINEAGE BANK

JOHNNY BIRDSONG

Kevin is the president and CEO of Lineage Bank, a multi-branch community bank based in Williamson County. Kevin has more than twenty years of banking experience and is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville. He currently lives in Franklin with his wife and children.

Johnny Birdsong, Publisher at YOUR Williamson, is a Kentucky native and Williamson County convert but, above all, a Southern Gentleman. In upcoming issues, this column will feature Johnny to offer timehonored advice in the area of manners, hospitality and what being a gentleman means.

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | 11

Social Secretary

MAY

MONTHLY

MAY 6

EAT THE STREET Bicentennial Park Franklin 21stdc.org

MAY 13

HAMMERS & HIGH HEELS The Factory at Franklin womenbuildtn.com

MAY 14

Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build program empowers women to take the hammer and take the lead to help lower-income families in their community build and purchase safe, affordable housing. Hammers and High Heels will feature live entertainment, dinner and cocktails, and a silent auction jampacked with unique experiences and local favorites.

MAY 14

IROQUOIS STEEPLECHASE Percy Warner Park iroquoissteeplechase.org

More than thirty food trucks will line the street at Bicentennial Park in Franklin to serve their yummiest eats! Benefiting the 21st Drug Court, Franklin’s food truck festival also features live music and family fun!

track. The event benefits Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Friends of Warner Parks, and other nonprofits that have been recipients of charitable funds.

More than 25,000 spectators worldwide will come out for the Iroquois Steeplechase, the premier spring event in middle Tennessee. The day is packed with entertaining and exciting activities for all ages, including the YOUR Williamson Steeplechase Tailgate Contest! The best horses and riders from around the world race over a well-manicured turf

FRANKLIN RODEO PARADE Downtown Franklin franklinrodeo.com

Tennessee and one of the largest rodeos east of the Mississippi! The Franklin Rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA), bringing world champion and top-ranked contestants to Franklin each year. Celebrating its 71st anniversary, this event is fun for the entire family!

MAY 24

WILLIAMSON, INC. GOLF CLASSIC Little Course williamsonchamber.com

The fun starts at noon in downtown Franklin with floats, horses, clowns, bands and more! This annual event kicks off the Franklin Rodeo events!

MAY 19 – 21

FRANKLIN RODEO Williamson County Ag Center franklinrodeo.com

The Franklin Rodeo is produced by the Franklin Noon Rotary Club and is one of the longestrunning charity events in middle

Get ready for the biggest party of the year! Williamson, Inc. Golf Classic offers something for everyone: golf teams, lessons, putting contests and networking. You’re sure to have a tee-rific time!

SCAN ME! Stay in the know with all the happenings in and around Williamson County!

12 | MAY 2022

Advertise with Your Williamson! A DISTINC

TIVELY SOUTH

ERN PLACE

SUMME R

2020

S PALATEGo POURS & On the rtime Eats... Sweet Summe

NABLE YOU A Rolex FASHIO Something About There’s Just

Be a part of Williamson County’s COMMUNITY—SOCIAL—BUSINESS—LIFESTYLE publication and online resource.

UP THE ROA Dreaming of

GET CONNECTED

Dollywood

2020 ge ntle

me n of

dist inc t ion

Find us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @yourwilliamson

Asking for a friend...Can we have Main Street round 2 this weekend???

Do you know our story? Dianne Christian 615.260.3313

Dianne@Daniel-Christian.com

Comment

Matt Daniel 615.498.6129

Matt@Daniel-Christian.com

There is a story behind most all things, and our company and business is no exception. In a nutshell, here’s ours. . . SUBSCRIBE TO OUR E-NEWSLETTER SCAN QR CODE

yourwilliamson.com A N D S TAY I N T H E K N O W

• Family-owned and operated real estate business w/mother, Dianne, and son, Matt • 6th and 7th generation natives and lifelong residents of Franklin/Williamson County • 53 years of combined experience in the business of helping buyers, sellers, builders and investors buy and sell real estate in the Middle Tennessee area We live and work in historic downtown Franklin Daniel-Christian Real Estate, LLC is now 8 years old with 14 affiliated agents Both Dianne and Matt are brokers with Matt the managing broker for the company Matt served as 2018 President of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® Dianne and Matt both have served years as Directors of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® • Dianne serves as a Director for the Downtown Neighborhood Association • Dianne and Matt are committed to keeping Franklin the charming, quaint and special place that it has always been • Seems hard for newcomers to believe that we have lived here our entire lives!

• • • • •

• We would not have it any other way!!

615.790.6107 www.Daniel-Christian .com Daniel-Christian Real Estate, LLC

203 2nd Avenue South in the historic district of downtown Franklin

SOCIAL

Maya, Maria & Giovanni McCambridge

Maggie & Margaret Smith

Michael Robison with Leana & Winston

Wally, Wyatt & TrishaThroneberry

Camryn Palmer, Dallas & Ryan Currier

Sam Greer, Steve Rich & Derrick Brady

Matt Brown

HERITAGE FOUNDATION OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY

Main Street Festival PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMELIA ROSE SMITH

Chaise Bethmann & Maddie Manis

WHO: Heritage Foundation of Williamson County | williamsonheritage.org WHAT: 37th Annual Main Street Festival WHERE: Historic Downtown Franklin WHY: To foster economic vitality for local businesses and visiting vendors while creating a beloved community event that enriches and preserves our town’s historic charm and enduring spirit. YOUR Williamson hosted the 3rd annual Dunking Booth at the festival, filled with plenty of community notables willing to take the plunge!

SCAN FOR MORE EVENT PHOTOS

Natasha Hendrix

Evan, Melissa, Brees & Ezra Shapiro

Bullet & Hero Semler 14 | MAY 2022

Butter Bean & Hot Rod

Bella Duel & Lindsay Bagwell

Jen Rowles

Nicole & Anaya Kelly

Carter & Ryan Gaddis

Mark & Robin Teegarden

Bella & Zoe Uelty

A SUNNY SOUTHERN

We have tablewa�e, linens, �entals and styling expe�tise to make eve�� upcoming celebration meaning�ul and special! Stacie Wallin

Order your Graduation flowers! Jason Potts

Natalie Spires & Kylie Carns

Glenn Johnson

227 Franklin Road | Franklin, TN | 615.591.7990 | alwaysinbloominc.com

SOCIAL

FRIENDS OF FRANKLIN PARKS

Bourbon & Bubbles PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAYLEY ANTHONY

WHO: iHeartMedia | bourbonandbubblesfest.com WHAT: Bourbon & Bubbles Fest WHERE: The Park at Harlinsdale Farm WHY: Bourbon and Bubbles Fest is a beverage tasting event where attendees can sample all kinds of spirits and bubbles. This event benefits Friends of Franklin Parks, which is a not-for-profit organization that was formed to bridge the gap between the services and amenities offered by government funding and those that allow us to take full advantage of the incredible natural and historic resources of our community.

Jessica Kurg, Angelina Contreras, Sue Estrada & Chasitie Samargis

Jana & Danny Brywczynski

Jesse & Emily McCullough

Kevin & Jodi Kowalick, Drew & Catie Michael & Rebecca Griffin, Jamie Rose Bergstresser & Jason Plumb

SCAN FOR MORE EVENT PHOTOS

Leah Hulan & Kimberly Reishard

Lisa Goehring & Lindsey Baksch

Mike Hoover, Brent Knight & Michael Dones

Christy Schwab, Mariah Smith Lauren Meredith & Sam Bryant & Melanie Buckley

VA C AT I ON

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For the Love of our Ladies! Ladies, your perfect getaway awaits! Hotel Effie features 250 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, four culinary concepts by James Beard Award-Winning chef Hugh Acheson, a luxury spa, and the only hotel rooftop pool and lounge on the Emerald Coast. Hotel Effie delivers chic accommodations and the ultimate in Southern hospitality, perfect for your ladies only weekend getaway!

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LIFESTYLE

YOUR Health & Wellness

Cultivating Kindness

Care

HOW WMC IS SUPPORTING STAFF, CREATING A CULTURE OF KINDNESS WITH WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER

For Lori Orme, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care is all in a day’s work. As Chief Nursing Officer at Williamson Medical Center (WMC), Orme spends her days making sure the nursing staff has the resources and support to care for their patients. Offering encouragement and understanding has always been a vital part of that responsibility. But, according to Orme, it’s grown even more critical in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Healthcare providers have essentially been in a trauma situation for two years,” Orme said. “Similar to the stress of triaging patients during an emergency, healthcare providers have had to take care of a much sicker population while constantly adjusting to the latest guidelines and treatment standards, learning new protocols and working more shifts per week than ever before.”

is committed to restoring, encouraging and supporting staff members emotionally, physically and professionally.

exhaustion, anxiety, frustration and sometimes even aggression directed at those same frontline healthcare heroes.

“Our staff is here to take care of our community, and it’s important to us to take the necessary steps to take care of our staff,” Mincey said. “At WMC, we want to continue to reassure and build up our team members who show up every day because they are passionate about providing exceptional care to our patients.”

“Our nurses, technicians and physicians are here because they want to help each and every patient get better,” Orme said. “They are here serving others – day in and day out, and we want to create an environment where it’s possible for them to continually do their best work.”

WMC is also committed to cultivating a culture of kindness throughout the hospital and the community. The hospital recently launched “Kindness Matters,” a campaign designed

For the Williamson Medical Center administrative team, this means reminding everyone who comes through the doors that mutual respect, compassion and teamwork are essential in the healthcare journey. “We hope this message resonates,” Orme said, “and that the community will join us in reminding their friends, family and neighbors that Kindness Matters — always!”

That sounds all too familiar for KC Mincey, nursing director for WMC’s critical care unit. “When staff left the hospital to get some rest, their sleep was often interrupted by thoughts of the day or worries for their own health or that of their family members,” Mincey said. “With the long hours, continually evolving symptoms and increased death rates, there’s only so much you can take before it starts taking a toll emotionally and physically.” For these reasons, the WMC team has been working diligently to find creative ways to uplift the staff. From partnering with local restaurants to provide special meals to creating a COVID reflection wall, visits from therapy dogs and opening a new meditation space, the hospital 18 | MAY 2022

to promote mutual respect and compassion among healthcare providers, patients and staff, ensuring WMC remains a space for health and healing. Orme explained that the campaign is yet another way to offer support to the hospital staff. One of the most surprising and disheartening obstacles that healthcare providers globally have been experiencing is a sharp increase in the level of contempt and hostility directed at hospital staff by some patients or their family members. At the beginning of the pandemic, healthcare workers were viewed as heroes. Unfortunately, over time the pandemic created

Orme also hopes that a commitment to kindness and care is something patients and visitors recognize from the first moment they step inside the hospital. “WMC is a family,” Orme said. “Our patients and their loved ones, our physicians and nurses, and every staff member is a part of that family. When we treat each other with kindness and respect — when we work together as a team — it truly allows us greater capacity to care for our patients.” In addition to joining the “Kindness Matters” movement, local residents can help cultivate a culture of thanking and celebrating hospital staff members through the WMC Foundation’s Heroes of Hope program. Please share your story about one of our dedicated team members or donate at williamsonmedicalcenter.org/heroes-of-hope.

SOCIAL

MIRIAM’S PROMISE

Celebrate the Promise PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAYLEY ANTHONY

WHO: Miriam’s Promise | miriamspromise.org WHAT: Celebrate the Promise WHERE: The Factory at Franklin WHY: Miriam’s Promise is a licensed child-placing agency located in Nashville, founded in 1985 by the Tennessee Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church to provide crisis pregnancy counseling and parenting and adoption services. The not-for-profit organization serves children, expectant parents and families hoping to adopt throughout middle Tennessee.

HOLISTIC HEALING FOR YOU AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY

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HG Stovall & Joanna Torres

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LIFESTYLE

Beautiful YOU

FROM THE LADIES AT YOUR WILLIAMSON

Beauty Must Haves

Anna’s Picks

BY CLAIRE PAGE

Being able to work with different women of all ages has its perks! Here at Robertson Media Group, we are fortunate enough to feel like one big family who can always discuss beauty hacks along with our favorite beauty products. These products are our staff’s must-haves, and they should be YOURS too!

Shelly’s Picks

Christian’s Picks

ANNA’S RoC MULTI CORREXION 5-In-1 Cream Burt’s Bees Lip Balm Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser

SHELLY’S 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly Neutrogena Hydro Boost Lip Shine Olaplex #6 – Bond Smoother

Emma’s Picks

Claire’s Picks

CHRISTIAN’S Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Mascara Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer

EMMA’S Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Beachwaver Pro 1 Rotating Curling Iron Olaplex Number 4 & Number 5

CLAIRE’S

Allie’s Picks

Amelia’s Picks

Loving Tan Two Hour Express Dark Aquaphor Lip Repair Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

ALLIE’S Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Gel Eva NYC Mane Magic Bliss Bright Idea Brightening Serum

AMELIA’S

20 | MAY 2022

Beautycounter Satin Powder Blush Escentric Molecules: Molecule 01 Fragrance Natasha Denona Mini Retro Eyeshadow Palette

PEOPLE EAT FOODIES DINE OUR GUESTS

INDULGE PHOTO TOP-MIDDLE/BOTTOM-MIDDLE: VICTORIA SAINT MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO BOTTOM-LEFT: AL PEREIRA

Get back to City Winery for delicious fo od award -winning wines and world class music 609 LAFAYETTE ST, NASHVILLE, TN 37203

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LIFESTYLE

Fashionable YOU

Valentine

Frances Valentine TIMELESS, SPIRITED DESIGNS THAT ARE BUILT TO REFLECT YOUR MOOD

Setting out to create a modern American lifestyle brand with a joyful perspective, Elyce Arons launched Frances Valentine with Kate and Andy Spade in February 2016. Inspired by Kate’s timeless style and distinct aesthetic, Frances Valentine is a design house that works to create original, vintage-modern pieces to delight and brighten your life.

The Spring collection brings form, color and pattern using prints created from original artists’ paintings worldwide. Wistful yet modern silhouettes give architectural structure to these beautiful works of art in heirloomquality materials. The combination of these bold, artful prints and nostalgic styles creates music that makes you want to sing and dance through spring. Shop this collection and more at francesvalentine.com.

7 1. Chloe Corduroy Pant Oyster 2. Embroidered Flower Basket Green Multi 3. Margot Tote Croc Emboss Pink 4. Sandy Slide Heel Soft Glove Nappa Oyster 5. Sleeveless Fringe Top Green 6. Simplicity Dress Sherbet Stripe 7. Twiggy Loafer Heel Soft Patent Pink 22 | MAY 2022

9 17

13 10 18

8. Darling Cardigan Poppy 9. Slim Skirt Trixie Stripe Multi 10. Jude Mary Jane Leather Flat Red 11. Balmacaan Painterly Stripe 12. Beatrice Tote Tumbled Leather Black 13. Dreamy Caftan Bird is the Word 14. Honey Basket Natural 15. Scooter Skirt Navy Red 16. Lucy Stretch Cotton Pant Pool 17. Criss Cross Cloud Slide Nappa Pink Oyster 18. Easy Top Bird is the Word 19. Bettina Sandal Soft Patent Black 20. Embroidered Flower Tote Poppy 21. Doll Pump Soft Patent Black 22. Wool Fringe Crewneck Barberton Daisy 23. Jackie Croc Embossed Leather Green 24. Sleeveless Fringe Fish Dress Pink YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | 23

SOCIAL

FRANCES VALENTINE

Frances Valentine Pop-Up Shop PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM

Elyce Arons & Emily Magid

Mary Looney, Paige Cleveland & Jennifer Parker

WHO: Frances Valentine | francesvalentine.com WHAT: Frances Valentine Pop-Up Shop WHERE: Watson House WHY: Ladies gathered at the beautiful and historic Watson House, in downtown Franklin, to shop the latest Frances Valentine fashions. Ten percent of the sales were donated to the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County.

Melissa Houck & Anne Ainslie

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McKayla Denning, Anna Williams & Abby Leathers

Regina O’Keefe, Donna Westbrook & Alice Sisk

Alissa Mansfield, Charlotte Langerman, Carla Radford & Jackie Osborne

Ashley & Emmy Pyles

Nickie Marberry & Heather Maki

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Friends & Fashion

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRIS RAE

Suzanne Rivera & Angie Bronson

Mamie Shepherd & Shea Gehertner

Kate Schneider, Elizabeth Tardia & Rebecca VanDiver 26 | MAY 2022

WHO: Friends of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt childrenshospitalvanderbilt.org WHAT: Friends & Fashion WHERE: Music City Center WHY: Friends & Fashion is a fashionable celebration of hope that raises funds for Monroe Careall Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Attendees experienced fashionable fun, thanks to Friends of Children’s Hospital volunteers.

Chase Crocker & Melissa Laskaris

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Caroline Johns, Yvonne Ayers, Anna Peebles, Molly Woods, Kelsey Burtchaell, Abby Davis, Lisa Terrell & Laura Easter

Starla Watherall & Debbie Ranzan

Lynn Sandstrom & Lori Scott

Ann McKinney & Meg Erskine

Courtney Welborn, Sarah Wray, Jessica Deerkoski, Emily Cox & Meredith Burns

Christy Reed & Linda Adams

Ty Tate, Danielle Burchett & Melinda Keffer Valeria Ball & Brenna McPherson

Debbie Lundy & Hugh Howser

Martha Chapman, Shea Gehertner, Steve Sirls & Nancy Deaton

Marlene Vanderklok, Minna Varis, Ellie Josi, Olivia Vollmers, Sarah Heinz & Libby Reese

Carson Love

Cameron Jones, Holly Hill & Hillary Rector

Krys Lenz, Margaret Wailes, Danielle Goggin & Mary Allden Brett

Rebecca Stephens, Suzanne Tatum, Vera Lee, Dawn Delta & Annie Brackman

Jordan, Ivette & Jeff Johnson

Anne Zadick & Laura Baggett

Jennifer Schrim & Jennifer Baker

Kelley Beaman & Memree Roberts

Lauren Murphy & Kimberly Clearwater

Olivia Healy, Johnna Watson & Bianca Parker YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | 27

LIFESTYLE

After A Fashion

Come for the Race, Stay for the Fashion STEEPLECHASE FASHION ADVICE WITH MILTON WHITE

Steeplechase is right around the corner, and it’s time to get back into the fashion saddle. Race-day fashion is just as important as the race itself. So, if there was ever a time to make a bold fashion statement and show off your style, Steeplechase is it. Whether you’re in Paddock Club, Iroquois Society, Turf Club, have a box seat or are tailgating in the infield, we offer a fashion survival guide full of advice that will keep you on top of your game!

Steeplechase Fashion Advice Showing up to a horse race without a hat is a major misstep. Everyone needs a fabulous hat. That includes the men. Speaking of men, seersucker suits, braces and bow ties are de rigueur. A great sport coat with grey pants or khakis and colorful suits works well too. I think for the infield, a polo is fine, and it’s on-trend. I also think a great pair of fashionable shorts are acceptable. As for the ladies, they usually wear bright or pastel-colored dresses, solids are okay, but prints are better. You will see lots of floral dresses, but abstract patterns may be more to your liking. I would love to see someone do a

great pair of pants - lace, crochet, palazzo or shorts. There will be many, many over-the-top hats and fascinators. Most of the looks are designed around the hat. While it’s typically hot in May, middle Tennessee weather is anything but predictable. It’s not a bad idea for gentlemen to bring a jacket and for the ladies to bring a cardigan or jacket. I recommend that ladies wear wedges since it will be a long day, mostly on your feet. However, if it has rained a few days before, you may want to opt for wellies. Ladies, you will also want to keep your hands free to hold cold glasses of bubbly and plates of delicious

nibbles, my advice, wear a cross-body handbag. Don’t forget another fashion essential - your sunglasses. Here are a few trends for spring 2022 ready-to-wear and menswear perfect for Steeplechase this year. Stripes take fashion in a new direction. Pun intended. Horizontal or vertical, it matters not. Try pairing graphic black and white with bright colors, creating tonal looks with hues of the same color, mixing saturated colors or mixing different patterns of stripes and the best effects.

Ready-To-Wear MINI SKIRTS are back! They aren’t going

anywhere anytime soon, and it’s just as well. They are perfect for a hot spring day in middle Tennessee. The mini will provide your look with a major impact.

TRAINS are perfect for a dramatic exit, the last kook, if you will.

While FLORAL may not be groundbreaking for spring, thank you very much, Miranda Priestly; what makes them modern is that the best options are three-dimensional this season. Blossoms and petals, and leaves have texture, bringing nature’s beauty to life.

COLOR BLOCK is a great and graphic alternative to florals. 28 | MAY 2022

If it’s detail and embellishment you want, and

CUT-OUTS are still popular. And practical! who wouldn’t want it for Steeplechase, look Look for asymmetrical shapes and artful cut- for FEATHERS or FRINGE. You can’t outs to keep things exciting and current.

go wrong!

This season, the retina-searing color palette is all about SOLAR SHADES. Bright colors were on all of the runways this spring, but none shone more brightly than orange, followed by an array of sunshine-inspired hues - red, yellow and gold.

In Williamson County, a few retail options are Emmaline, Fab’rik, Habit, Hemline, Posh and Vignette. In Nashville, there is 20Twelve, Draper James, e. Allen, Emerson Grace, Haven, Hero, K. McCarthy, MODA, Nordstrom, Parish, Posh, Shop Alice and This Is The Finale.

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CLOTHING, JEWELRY & HOME DECOR A VARSITY JACKET is a fashionable alternative to the traditional sportcoat. Currently on trend for spring is the POLO SHIRT or, more specifically, the COMPLETE PLACKET POLO is a great option to replace the traditional pullover or button-down shirt. A runway trend for spring was the VEST, shown all on its own. Middle Tennessee may not be ready for that much skin, but it could be a lighter alternative to a jacket or sport coat. In Williamson County, men can shop at Peter Millar and Philanthropy, and in Nashville, they can shop at Billy Reid, Haymaker, J. Michael’s, Levy’s, Nordstrom, Oak Hall, The Oxford Shop, Peter Millar and Q Clothier. Don’t forget fantastic consignment and resale options like Designer Finds, Savant and UAL.

VIGNETTE

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SOCIAL

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

Go Red for Women PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMELIA ROSE SMITH

WHO: American Heart Association | heart.org WHAT: Go Red for Women Luncheon WHERE: Schermerhorn Symphony Center WHY: The Go Red for Women Luncheon is designed to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States, as well as generate funds for lifesaving cardiovascular research for women. The event celebrated a special group of women for the overall impact they have on the association’s mission and community, which is known as Women of Impact.

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FEATURE

YOUR Community Partner

es i d La

OF DISTINCTION

ARTS

Each May, we select a group of ladies who exemplify what makes our community so amazing. This year’s Ladies of Distinction represent perseverance, diversity, talent and plenty of wit that is sure to inspire our readers. While being a lady can be challenging, it is these charitable and classy women - a handful of so many in our midst - who reign supreme in this community. So, wtithout further ado, cheers to the 2022 Ladies of Distinction!

nne GOETZE Anne Goetze has been an artist and photographer for most of her life in some form or fashion. When Anne moved to Nashville from Memphis in 1982, she worked as an assistant to a master portrait photographer and a photographic retouch artist, while also involved in the music business, doing album covers and publicity pictures. “This is back when it was all by hand...no photoshop.” The most fulfilling bodies of work she has done are the Nun Series. Pray To Love is about the women of the Contemplatives, and the Beloved Country is a series where she documented the people and painted the farms that highway 840 was going through. Twenty years ago, Anne started the first art shows and opened the first gallery with Lisa Fox and Butler Steltemeier–Leipers Creek Gallery, in Leiper’s Fork. Anne has lived in Williamson County since the early ‘90s. “Before moving here, I would drive from Nashville every day, so my son could go attend a small school back then, called Willow Hall.” Anne’s list of beloved places in Williamson County is long, and most of it is not a tangible thing she says, “Like a pastoral scene or a sunset diffused with the Tennessee haze. But what always

32 | MAY 2022

resonates in my heart is the feeling of home I have found here. Art has a role in society and culture. It brings awareness to our surroundings and has the capacity to reflect the beauty of Creation, something all souls need in life. As an artist, the fabric of this community is woven into my daily life by the rural landscape and way of life of its people.” Since being here, Anne has felt a call to document life here through photography, painting and film. What started as a passion slowly became a mission as land loss escalated and overdevelopment now threatens. “I use the work to help in conservation and preservation efforts for the land; I am an activist for sustainability for any community to thrive, it must be taken care of to be sustainable for the whole and for our next generation.” What compels Anne to move forward is “to keep hope in my viewfinder and my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. To recognize that I will never fully arrive as I am only blessed to be given another opportunity. To do better is to keep trying.” Anne’s work can be found at The Copper Fox Gallery.

CIVIL SERVANT

amantha BROOKS Detective Samantha Brooks has served at the Franklin Police Department since 2004. Originally from Memphis, she moved to Franklin seventeen years ago to escape the big city life for a small town. “Law enforcement has traditionally not been a desired career for females, and this challenge inspired me to overcome the odds and choose the law enforcement path. I have always had the mindset to prove people wrong and strive for what might be considered unconventional to most.” As a police officer, Samantha’s job is to connect with the community she serves and create a safe place for citizens. “Patrolling the neighborhoods and now serving as a detective, allows me to connect with members of the community and create life-long friendships. I will always cherish the people I have met and continue to meet in this community.”

Samantha tells how she first fell in love with Williamson County’s tight-knit community, family values and smalltown feel. “I have seen neighbors show up for one another in times of need and citizens express selfless love and support for its first responders. I feel so lucky to work and serve in a caring, vibrant and patriotic county.” However, Samantha’s greatest accomplishment is being a respected person and officer in the community she serves. “I have always valued building trusting connections with citizens so they can feel comfortable enough to come talk to me about anything,” she says. “A lady can be defined in many ways, but to me, a lady is a role model, has a strong work ethic, and she is fierce, caring, loving, responsible, supportive and giving. Your life is only as rewarding as the effort you put toward it,” Samantha says. She leaves us with the wise advice: “Always be yourself, and don’t be afraid to show love and compassion to all.”

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | 33

CULINARY

aneet CHAUHAN Maneet Chauhan is an award-winning tv personality, chef, author, restaurateur and founding partner and president of Morph Hospitality Group. Maneet came to the United States in 1998 to study at the Culinary Institute of America. In 2014, she moved to Williamson County and founded Morph Hospitality Group with her husband, Vivek Deora, who serves as CEO. They opened Chauhan Ale & Masala House the same year, followed by Tansuo, The Mockingbird and Chaatable. “I’ve always had a love for cooking and eating, and food is the best language spoken around the world,” she says. Maneet is proud that her businesses not only provide delicious food and drinks, as well as unique dining experiences but that they add diversity and global foods to Nashville’s culinary landscape. This makes the community more diverse and richer. “We’re also committed to giving back. During the pandemic, we made sure that workers in the hospitality industry were fed and taken care of and continue to do so through our nonprofit, Hospitality Strong and Sunday Supper by Franklin Food & Wine, which benefits OneGenAway,” she says. Maneet and Vivek have a daughter, Shagun, and a son, Karma. “We do our best to teach our kids about their Indian culture while fully adopting American culture into their lives as well.” They spend Sunday nights cooking traditional Indian dishes as a family to celebrate their culture but also love to go out for pizza and ice cream. When asked the advice she would give her younger self, Maneet responded: “To not be too upset by failures. Failures are your biggest teaching tools. You learn more from your failures than your successes, so embrace those failures and don’t let them set you back.” 34 | MAY 2022

EDUCATION

oris McMILLAN Doris McMillan is the Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management at New Hope Academy. She has been with New Hope Academy for fourteen years, starting as their Afterschool Program Director for twelve years before accepting the position she is in now. She admits, “an undeniable fate brought me into the world of children and their families.” Doris believes that she is a conduit of hope and an advocate, understanding education’s role in communities. Being able to serve by way of learning grants her a position to advance the next generation and promote the success of family, faith and fellowship. Doris has lived in Williamson County for thirty years and has loved every moment! She has been married for thirty-five years and is the mother of three wonderful daughters and a grandmother to three granddaughters and one grandson. Her family is the motivation that has given her new life and respect for the legacy she leaves behind. When asked what her

greatest accomplishment is, she declares: “The most accomplished elements of my work with children and their families is the ability to love unconditionally and improve lives. Not to mention my love of sewing and the given occasions to dress some special individuals.” In Doris’s eyes, what makes living in Williamson County special are the people that live here. She says that “there is a genuine regard for celebrating and supporting each other. Whether it’s a church event, school function or the various fundraisers that exist to support the philanthropic efforts of the Williamson County community, its citizens prove to be devoted and committed.” With Doris being involved in the community, she has a great definition of what a lady should be. Doris says, “A lady of distinction has the ability to love others, act appropriately, exhibit gracious living and choose an encouraging lifestyle. A true lady is not fearful of the assessment another may have of her but rather seeks to engage in her growth to produce the surety of wisdom. She is slow to speak but eager to listen. She uses her time and talents to advance herself and others who walk the journey with her.”

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | 35

FINANCE

vette MELDRUM Yvette Meldrum is an attorney and the owner of Mid-State Title & Escrow, Inc. Yvette started her career at the company by answering phones and has now been with them for thirty years! After eventually buying the company, she knew that Mid-State Title & Escrow, Inc.’s focus would be for every day to be a chance to change someone else’s life. She finds inspiration to work harder and be better by accepting herself and cultivating true connections with others; she notes “it is still an everyday process.” Yvette has resided in Williamson County since 1991 – thirtytwo years! She is married with three children, and her greatest accomplishment is hearing her children say they are proud of her – heart gush! Yvette’s favorite part of living here is: “All the pieces of the fabric that is our community; some of the pieces are brand new, and others have been here for generations.” When asked what makes Williamson County special, she says, “there are so many different people and backgrounds but always a community of gratitude - of being right here, right now and knowing that we are a part of what we collectively know is special and wanting to preserve, protect and grow it for future generations.” Yvette says, “To be a lady of distinction is to be caring, knowing that everyone has a story and wants to be understood and that takes listening, truly listening with a heart, so they feel heard.” The advice Yvette would tell her younger self is not to be afraid to reevaluate. “As life changes us with new experiences – either failures or successes – reevaluate your behaviors and habits to check in if they are serving your greater purpose. Let go of fear.”

36 | MAY 2022

MEDIA

tacy CASE Stacy Case has been in broadcast news for thirty-one years with a front row seat to history that has taken her all over the country and the world. Before joining Fox 17 News, Stacy worked as a national TV news correspondent with CBS Network News in New York, servicing CBS Newspath, CBS Morning News, CBS Early Show, CBS Weekend Edition and CBS Up to the Minute. Her career has included main news anchor positions in Nashville, Cincinnati, Ohio, Champaign, Illinois and Greenville, Mississippi. She also owned a television production company, Stacy Case & Company, hosting and producing shows on HGTV, Fine Living Network and DIY Network. Stacy got into journalism to be a voice for those who routinely go unheard, to effect change, right wrongs, shine a light on wrongdoing and help find solutions for people who have, in many cases, lost hope. “My role in the community is to give back and to help where I’m needed. Whether volunteering as classroom mom or Girl Scout leader or Sunday School teacher or whatever the need…. I’ve been humbled to jump in feet first and try to help bring hope and lighten the load for someone else.” She also holds the role of wife to her husband of thirty years, Chris, and mother to children, Grace and Heath. In 2006, they hand-picked Williamson County as the place to raise their children. “Once here in Williamson County, we knew we were home,” she says. When asked what a lady of distinction is, Stacy claims, “a lady is humble and transparent. She is the same no matter where she is or who she’s with. She’s genuine. She’s joy-filled. She’s a good listener who carries herself with dignity. She speaks highly of other ladies; she pulls as she climbs in business; she shares a smile easily and brings others into the fold. She laughs a lot, but not at anyone. She’s firm but not brash. She’s confident but not cocky. She’s poised yet vulnerable because she’s real.”

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | 37

MEDICAL

eather RUPE As of January of this year, Dr. Heather Rupe is the new Chief of Staff at Williamson Medical Center. Before joining Williamson Medical as Vice Chief of Staff for eight years, she has been an OB/GYN at the Women’s Group of Franklin for seventeen years. Despite her extensive career history, Heather says, “when I went to medical school, there were two things I said I would never do, OB and pediatrics.” However, during her training, she fell in love with OB/GYN. “I love taking care of women in all stages of their life and being able to implement preventative medicine in my practice. Being a part of the miracle of birth on a daily basis is the best job in the world.” Heather wants Williamson Medical Center to be the best and safest place to give birth. “As part of the leadership team and obstetrics department, we are always looking for ways to improve the quality of care at our hospital.” Recent projects have included making skin-to-skin and delayed cord clamping standards for all deliveries (including c-sections). They have also instituted low intervention protocol for low-risk births 38 | MAY 2022

but, at the same time, are always prepared for emergency situations when they occur. In her free time, Heather is very active and enjoys running, hiking and CrossFit. She notes, “maybe ‘enjoy’ is a strong word for CrossFit, but I do it regardless.” In fact, a personal accomplishment of her’s is qualifying and running in the Boston Marathon. Heather finds inspiration from her husband of twenty-five years, two sons and, of course, her patients. “It is such an honor to be entrusted with the care of women in all stages of their life, from childbirth to menopause.” Heather’s words of wisdom are ones to note: “Always focus on gratitude and optimism. Not everyone will like you, and that is okay. Stick with your strengths and outsource the rest. You do not have to be a perfect mom. I fretted a lot about how much my job took me away from my kids when they were little. I missed a lot of bedtime stories working late delivering babies. I wish I could go back and tell myself as a toddler mom that I was doing a good job and that my kids were going to grow up to be great boys who know that they are loved and supported. My boys are crazy proud of me, which means the world to me.”

PHILANTHROPY

icki McNAMARA Vicki McNamara has lived, worked and served in Williamson County for the past thirty-five years. After a successful career in sales and management with Pfizer, many years of volunteering, and the birth of her daughter, she is now co-chairing with Caroline Bryan for the “More for you, Close to Home” capital campaign for Williamson Medical Center. Vicki has volunteered with the Williamson Medical Center Foundation for almost five years and served on the Foundation Board for three years. Vicki is the Vice-Chairman of the Foundation Board and Champion of the Physicians Leadership Council, an elite group of doctors who give of their time, talents and resources to support Williamson Medical Center. Vicki brings communication and organizational skills to the Foundation in various projects and finds it rewarding

to support the mission of their wonderful community hospital in this important campaign. Vicki’s greatest accomplishment has been to be a wife and mother. She and her husband, Michael, were married in the old First Baptist Church in downtown Franklin thirty years ago. Vicki is a committed Christian and loves working with the children in bible study and vacation bible school at her church. She also enjoys working and maintaining her farms in Kentucky and Primm Springs, “I even have a pet cow!” she says. She considers herself a Proverbs 31 woman of strength, dignity and integrity. “If I make a commitment, I do it 100%. My life verse is Matthew 5:16: ‘Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Vicki would tell her younger self, “Be who you are. Say what you feel. Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind, in the words of Dr. Seuss.” YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | 39

REAL ESTATE

isa culp taylor TEAM Founded in 2017 by Realtor Lisa Culp Taylor, the Lisa Culp Taylor Team (LCT), an affiliate of Parks Realty, has decades of cumulative experience in Williamson County and throughout the middle Tennessee area with agents holding a license from one to twenty-eight years. The ladies that represent the LCT Team represent all phases of life, including newlyweds, parents of small children or teenagers, blended families and empty nesters. “In our opinion, Williamson County is the greatest place on earth to live! So, it isn’t surprising to see Franklin and surrounding communities make all the lists locally and nationally for the best places to visit, live, work, go to school and retire! Our schools, medical community, restaurants, music scene and area attractions, historic and new, all weave together to make Williamson County special. But it is the people who make our community extra-ordinary – from natives to newcomers!”

40 | MAY 2022

The LCT Team is honored to play a key role in helping people with one of the largest undertakings in life – selling or buying a home. “This can be a very stressful time, especially in an active market like ours. We all feel this calling and passion to help our clients find new homes in our community, to support and assist home builders working daily to meet the home demand and helping people new to our area make the transition with an understanding and appreciation of our southern hospitality,” says Lisa. In fact, the LCT Team is excited to be the top team for middle Tennessee’s #1 brokerage, Parks Realty, with Lisa Culp Taylor topping various lists for Favorite Realtor. Ultimately, the LCT Team considers themselves ambassadors for the community, many times a first new friend, and this is something “we never take for granted.” When asked what a lady embodies, the LCT Team responded: “ She is confident, kind, independent, classy, charitable, nurturing, and compassionate while carrying themselves with dignity, grace and impeccable character!”

UP & COMERS

he national charity league GREATER NASHVILLE CHAPTER The National Charity League, Inc. (NCL), Greater Nashville Chapter, is a group of mothers and daughters who have come together to commit to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences. The chapter aims to foster the mother-daughter relationship by serving its communities through hands-on volunteerism. “Helping others and learning about leadership inside the National Charity League has been an incredible experience. It has taught me so much about growing different relationships in my life and given me fun opportunities to serve my community with my best friends,” said Maddie Grieco, Ravenwood High School. The Class of 2022, comprised of sixteen young ladies, has volunteered two hundred and fifty-eight hours over their two years as members. In addition, they have contributed over three hundred and five league hours to the organization, all during pandemic years. The Greater Nashville Chapter members volunteer for eight local philanthropies, serving as a

valuable resource for the area. This volunteer work includes a wide range of experiences, from working with foster children, assisting the elderly, or working with community members with special needs. “I love NCL because it is a great way to meet new people from different schools and spend extra time with my mom, doing what we love,” said Lana Gruver, Ravenwood High School. The NCL experience inspires and empowers women to succeed as confident, well-rounded and socially aware contributors to society. Congratulations to our youngest Ladies of Distinction- the National Charity League, Inc. Class of 2022: Elizabeth Britt, Elizabeth Craig, Olivia Craig, Chloe Glover, Ella Glover, Avery Greene, Kaitlyn Grieco, Madeline Grieco, Lane Gruver, Sophie Hibsch, Megan Hill, Saba Kent, Ellie Kimpel, Kyley McClung, Caroline Thacker and Zoe Thurston.

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | 41

COMMUNITY

YOUR Charitable Self

by women

FOR WOMEN

THE OAK COTTAGE FOR WOMEN, INC. BY AMELIA ROSE SMITH

The Oak Cottage for Women is a local nonprofit that “exists to provide a safe residential home to formerly incarcerated women to re-enter society as productive citizens. They seek to create a balanced spiritual, physical, vocational and emotional foundation for daily living through Christ-centered, compassionate care,” per their mission statement. We had the privilege to interview the Founder & Executive Director, Judy Felts. For the past twenty-three years, Judy Felts has served as a volunteer at Tennessee Prison for Women, currently the Deborah Johnson Rehabilitation Center. Judy says, “I went into the prison as a professional musician and led worship service for the maximum-security prison.” While getting to know the ladies there, she learned that many incarcerated women sit in prison for months waiting on a bed to become available in a Tennessee Department of Corrections(TDOC) approved home. Judy explained that if a woman is on parole, she is often mandated to reside at an approved TDOC home. Judy noted that “One girl I knew waited four months in prison before she could find a bed available to be released.” So, in 2016 she put together a committee to begin the journey to create the Oak Cottage. Judy’s intention was to address the problems she

42 | MAY 2022

witnessed, which was achieved by applying for a grant through the Community Housing Partnership of Williamson County. Judy is proud to announce, “We are the only home in Williamson County that is on the approved list for the Department of Correction!” As of March of 2022, the Oak Cottage has two homes in Franklin. The first location is on West Fowlkes Street, and the most recent home is on Berry’s Chapel Road. The Oak Cottage currently provides housing, transportation, clothing,

“LOVE IS SPOKEN HERE.” meals and mentors, as well as assistance with job placement. The organization also works with other groups to provide dental care, glasses, counseling and other health services. Judy Felts notes, “We would love to expand our ministry throughout middle Tennessee and provide housing after they graduate. The girls are at our home for a minimum of six months. Once they graduate, they are allowed to stay an additional six months until they can find a place to go.”

The success stories that have blossomed from the Oak Cottage truly show the impact this organization has on the women of Williamson County. Judy tells how program “graduates” are thriving through new career paths, mending relationships with family and even attending college! Judy hopes women who stay at the Oak Cottage “know that their lives are no accident and God has a purpose. People believing and having hope in them is essential. I hope this will be a rich experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. I am blessed to have this opportunity to work with these ladies.” You may be wondering how you can contribute to this life-changing cause? The community can help by donating clothes, cleaning supplies, trolley tickets or transportation and necessities for running the house. In addition, the Oak Cottage graciously receives volunteers to teach classes, mentor the members and assist the program director with basic office skills. For additional information regarding applicant qualifications, please visit www.oakcottage.org or contact info@oakcottage.org.

AWARDED BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT IN FRANKLIN, TN FOR 2021 & 2022!

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1070 Vaughn Crest Drive Franklin, TN SOLD FOR $2,995,900

615.707.0597 (mobile) 615.778.1818 (office) naomibannister@kw.com www.NaomiBannister.com License #341615

From Our House to YOURS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRENTON LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

COMMUNITY

BY AMELIA ROSE SMITH

Buffie Baril is the founder of Lovely Franklin, a digital platform developed to discover historic Franklin’s most charming places and people. Buffie also manages @FranklinTN, Franklin’s largest community Instagram page, dedicated to showcasing the very best of Franklin’s people and happenings while promoting local businesses. Between Buffie’s love for historic homes, supporting local and building connections within the community, she is living out her dream job. So just how did Buffie come to be here in “lovely Franklin?” After graduating from Harding University with a degree in marketing, Buffie married her best friend Chuck and moved to Nashville for music. They built their first home and raised their three children in Gallatin. After twenty-one years in the same home, Buffie’s family moved to Franklin in 2016, and the rest is history – pun intended!

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Buffie’s earlier career had been at Bridgestone Corporation for seven years, then Nashville Wraps, a gift wrap company in Hendersonville, for fifteen years. A few years ago, Buffie realized she was searching for her next venture. That is when her husband, Chuck, suggested she do what she loves - interior design - and that is how Buffie’s Home Decorating began. Buffie’s Home Decorating was a blog and YouTube channel with the intention of teaching women how to decorate. After starting this endeavor, one thing led to the next, and before she knew it, Buffie’s true love of history and lovely historic homes came to the forefront. As a result, Lovely Franklin was born in 2019. With the help of her son, Brandon, Buffie cultivated a brand that encompasses everything she is passionate about. Buffie and Brandon are invested in telling the story of their beloved town. “It is everything from the historic homes and places to the fascinating people, that we are honored to share with you,” Buffie says. Lovely Franklin started as an outlet to share her passion for the city of Franklin, and it has developed into

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• Franklin, Tennessee was named after Benjamin Franklin and founded in 1799 by Abram Maury. Franklin has been designated a Great American Main Street and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. • The oldest commerical building still standing in Franklin is Landmark Booksellers (circa 1808). It was the inspiration for best-selling author Karen Kingsbury's book “The Bridge,” which was made into a Hallmark movie. • The Franklin Theatre, known as "The Crown Jewel of Main Street," opened in 1938 as the first air-conditioned building in town. This art deco gem was saved and restored by the Heritage Foundation. • The oldest building on the Franklin square, built in 1815, is now home to Twine Graphics. • Main Street is also known as US Highway 31, the main artery from the 1700’s to Nashville that runs north and south starting in Mackinaw City, Michigan and goes all the way to Mobile, Alabama.

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so much more. Buffie feels her role is to, “Make Franklin the star of the show. She is charming, fascinating, and altogether lovely. Our backstories and travel guides appeal to locals and visitors alike, from staycations to vacations,” Buffie says. “I feel a responsibility to present Franklin as a bridge-builder between ‘old Franklin’ and ‘new Franklin’ and among all races and backgrounds of people. I want to be a light for good and allow Franklin to shine. I created Lovely Franklin to preserve the backstories of our historic, charming city. Now we offer great local stories, visitor’s travel guides and our brand-new Downtown Franklin Shopping & Dining Map.” Buffie is thrilled to announce this interactive map launch that will provide a guide for the original sixteen square blocks of historic downtown Franklin. It will be printed monthly, and kept as up-to-date as

1 AVEC MOI Home + Gifts + Vintage 418 MAIN STREET l 615-791-9121 l avecmoifranklin.com 2 AWAKEN Luxury Mattresses + Organic Bedding 434 MAIN STREET l 615-807-2393 l shopawakentennessee.com 3 BAKEHOUSE WINE & SPIRITS Wine + Spirits + Beer 117 1ST AVENUE NORTH l 615-905-4827 l franklinbakehouse.com/wine-spirits 4 BAYA DESIGNS Jewelry + Women's Clothing + Accessories 411 BRIDGE STREET l 615-812-3131 5 BINK'S OUTFITTERS Outdoor Clothing + Supplies 421 MAIN STREET l 615-599-8777 l binksoutfitters.com 6 BOUTIQUE MMM Women's Shoes + Purses 238 PUBLIC SQUARE l 615-628-8323 l boutiquemmm.com 7 CARPE DIEM Vintage Record Shop 212 SOUTH MARGIN STREET l 615-429-0157 l carpediem212.com 8 CHICO'S Women's Clothing + Jewelry + Accessories 348 MAIN STREET l 615-599-8471 l chicos.com/locations/us/tn/franklin 9 CITIZEN Sneakers & Apparel by Toby Mac 430 MAIN STREET l 615-614-3126 l citizen615.com 10 CITY FARMHOUSE Antiques + Vintage + Modern Day Mercantile 117 3RD AVENUE NORTH l 615-268-0216 l cityfarmhousefranklin.com 11 CT GRACE Women's Fashion + Accessories + Jewelry 122 EAST MAIN STREET l 949-933-8802 l ctgrace.net 12 DEANN ART GALLERY Art Gallery + Home + Gifts 343 MAIN STREET l 615-596-3936 l deanndesigns.com 13 EMMALINE Women’s Clothing Boutique 400 MAIN STREET l 615-791-6205 l emmalineboutique.com 14 FINNLEYS Women's Fashion + Shoes + Accessories 435 MAIN STREET l 615-628-8495 l finnleysonline.com 15 FRANKLIN ANTIQUE MALL Home Decor + Antiques + Gifts 251 2ND AVENUE SOUTH l 615-790-8593 l thefranklinantiquemall.com 16 FRANKLIN FINE JEWELRY Diamonds + Jewelry at Wholesale Prices 300 PUBLIC SQUARE l 615-472-8906 l franklinfinejewelry.com 17 FRANKLIN ROAD APPAREL Men's Boutique + Ladies Apparel 508 WEST MAIN STREET l 615-540-5198 l franklinroad.com 18 GALLERY 202 Art Gallery Featuring Local Artists + Antiques 202 2ND AVENUE SOUTH l 615-472-1134 l gallery202art.com 19 HABIT Stylish Clothing + Lingerie + Accessories 506 WEST MAIN STREET l 615-905-8721 l habit-nashville.myshopify.com 20 HESTER & COOK Tabletop + Lighting + Home 340A MAIN STREET l 615-905-8180 l hesterandcook.com 21 IMAGO DEI Women's Clothing + Home + Gifts 326 MAIN STREET l 615-573-7716 l shopimagodei.com 22 JJ ASHLEY'S Fine Furniture + Home Decor + Design Services 125 SOUTH MARGIN STREET l 615-791-0011 23 JOHNNIE Q Jewelry + Home Decor + Gifts 317 MAIN STREET l 615-794-2763 l johnnieq.com

24 JONDIE Women's Clothing + Jewelry + Accessories 407 MAIN STREET l 615-807-2386 l jondie.com 25 LANDMARK BOOKSELLERS New, Old + Rare Books 114 EAST MAIN STREET l 615-791-6400 l landmarkbooksellers.com 26 MIMI & DOTTIE Jewelry + Women's Clothing + Accessories 98 4TH AVENUE NORTH l 615-814-2912 l mimianddottie.com 27 OLIVIA OLIVE OIL Olive Oil + Balsamic Vinegars + Tasting Bar 118 EAST MAIN STREET l 615-771-9595 l oliviaevoo.com 28 ONYX + ALABASTER Home Decor + Furniture + Interior Design 234 PUBLIC SQUARE l 615-628-8253 l onyxandalabaster.com 29 POSH Designer Clothing + Shoes + Jewelry 231 PUBLIC SQUARE l 615-465-6483 l poshfranklin.com 30 PHILANTHROPY FASHION Women's Apparel + Home Decor 413 MAIN STREET l 615-794-0074 l philanthropyfashion.com 31 PURPLE BUTTERFLY Children's Boutique + Free Monogramming 142 2ND AVENUE NORTH l 615-905-4160 l purplebutterflykids.com 32 RARE PRINTS GALLERY Prints + Framing + Art Gallery 420 MAIN STREET l 615-472-1980 l rareprintsgallery.com 33 RIVERSIDE FRANKLIN Home Decor + Furniture + Lighting 144 BRIDGE STREET l 615-591-4089 l riversidefranklin.com 34 ROCK PAPER SCISSORS Balloons + Party Goods + Stationery 317 MAIN STREET l 615-791-0150 l rockpaperscissor.com 35 ROOTED FROM YARROW ACRES House Plants + Gifts 424A MAIN STREET l 615-591-7090 l franklinslittleplantshop.com 36 SAINT GOOSE Wine + Whiskey + Wisdom 134 2ND AVENUE NORTH l 615-468-7935 l saintgoose.wine 37 SCARLETT SCALES ANTIQUES Vintage + Home + Apparel 121 2ND AVENUE NORTH l 615-791-4097 l westmainbyscarlettscales.com 38 SHUFF'S MUSIC STORE Music Store + Musical Instruments 118 3RD AVENUE NORTH l 615-790-6139 l shuffsmusic.com 39 SOUTHERN GRACE Gifts + Jewelry + Home 504 WEST MAIN STREET l 615-747-0021 40 T. NESBITT Antiques + Vintage-Inspired Goods 145 2ND AVENUE NORTH l 615-347-6128 l tnesbittandco.com 41 THE CELLAR ON MAIN Women's Clothing + Accessories + Gifts 344 MAIN STREET l 615-790-9803 l cellaronmain.com 42 THE HEIRLOOM SHOP Gifts + Home Goods + Souvenirs 404 MAIN STREET l 615-791-0110 l theheirloomshoptn.com 43 THE IRON GATE Fine Home Decor + Linens + Antiques 338 MAIN STREET l 615-791-7511 l theirongateonline.net 44 THE REGISTRY Gifts + Fine Tableware + Bridal Registry 347 MAIN STREET l 615-595-2323 l theregistryfranklin.com 45 TIN COTTAGE Happy Gifts + Apparel + Home Decor 334 MAIN STREET l 615-472-1183 l tincottage.com 46 TWINE GRAPHICS Local Apparel + Custom T-Shirts + Screen Printing 304 PUBLIC SQUARE l 615-538-8031 l twinegraphics.com 47 VINNIE LOUISE Women's Clothing + Shoes + Accessories 400 MAIN STREET l 615-477-7879 l vinnielouise.com 48 WALTON'S ANTIQUE & ESTATE JEWELRY Fine Jewelry 410 MAIN STREET l 615-790-0244 l waltonsjewelry.com 49 WHITE'S MERCANTILE Mercantile + Gifts + Apparel 345 MAIN STREET l 615-721-8028 l whitesmercantile.com

possible, focusing on the very best shopping, dining, services, and historic sites for tourists and residents alike. Buffie explains that she wants the map to be her gift to the city, not only for travelers and visitors but for locals to use almost like a bucket list of what to do and see in their hometown. When asked what makes Franklin and Williamson County so special, Buffie says, “the people are lovely and are so proud to live here. They want to preserve its charm because in many ways it is truly like living in a Hallmark movie - much like our recent feature on Landmark Bookstore.” Buffie has had the pleasure to feature stories on the Watson House, the Harris McEwen House, Lilli House, Gray’s on Main, Mayor Ken and Linda Moore’s home, Gallery 202 and many more. With every story,

50 WILDER BOUTIQUE Clothing Boutique + Jewelry + Accessories l 615-591-8450 l shop-wilder.com 51 WINCHESTER ANTIQUE MALL Fine Antiques + Accessories 121 2ND AVENUE NORTH l 615-791-5846

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RESTAURANTS 52 55 SOUTH Flavors of the Delta + Cajun Specialities 403 MAIN STREET l 615-538-6001 l eat55.com 53 1799 KITCHEN + COCKTAILS Upscale Chef-Driven Cuisine 130 2ND AVENUE NORTH l 615-786-0840 l harpethhotel.com 54 AMERICANA TAPHOUSE A Beer-Forward American Eatery 94 EAST MAIN STREET l 615-790-2309 l americanataphouse.com 55 BISCUIT LOVE Southern Biscuits, Breakfast & Lunch 132 3RD AVENUE SOUTH l 615-905-0386 l biscuitlove.com 56 BURGER DANDY All American Burgers & Milkshakes 96 EAST MAIN STREET l 615-504-7935 l burgerdandy.com 57 CORK & COW High-End Steakhouse & Bar 403 MAIN STREET l 615-538-6021 l corkandcow.com 58 CULACCINO ITALIAN RESTAURANT + BAR Classic Italian Dishes 104 EAST MAIN STREET l 615-435-3539 l culaccinotn.com 59 FRANKLIN BAKEHOUSE Fresh-Baked Bread, European Fare & Market 100 EAST MAIN STREET l 615-628-8493 l franklinbakehouse.com 60 FRANKLIN MERCANTILE DELI Southern Breakfast & Sandwiches 100 4TH AVENUE NORTH l 615-790-9730 l franklinmercantile.com 61 FROTHY MONKEY All-Day Cafe, Specialty Coffee Roaster & Bakery 125 5TH AVE SOUTH l 615-600-4756 l frothymonkey.com 62 GRAY'S ON MAIN Southern Flavors + Vintage Spirits + Live Music 332 MAIN STREET l 615-435-3603 l graysonmain.com 63 HOP HOUSE Local Beer Taps & Great Food 117 5TH AVENUE NORTH SUITE B l 615-454-8592 l hophousetntaps.com 64 JJ'S WINE BAR Upscale Wine Bar in a Historic Home 206 EAST MAIN STREET l 615-942-5033 l jjswinebar.com 65 KILWINS Old Fashion Confectionery + Chocolates + Ice Cream 405 MAIN STREET l 615-472-1244 l kilwins.com 66 KIMBRO'S PICKIN PARLOR Live Music + Great Burgers and Beer 214 SOUTH MARGIN STREET l 615-567-3877 l legendarykimbros.com 67 MCCREARY'S IRISH PUB & EATERY Irish Bar & Grill 414 MAIN STREET l 615-591-3197 l mccrearyspub.com 68 MCGAVOCK'S COFFEE BAR & PROVISIONS European-Style Coffee Bar 130 2ND AVENUE NORTH l 615-786-0841 l harpethhotel.com/mcgavocks 69 MELLOW MUSHROOM Stone-Baked Pizzas, Calzones, Hoagies & Salads 317 MAIN STREET l 615-628-0181 l mellowmushroom.com 70 MERRIDEE'S BREADBASKET Made from Scratch Cafe & Bakery 110 4TH AVENUE SOUTH l 615-790-3755 l merridees.com 71 O' BE JOYFUL Intimate Tavern + Elegant Cocktails + Amazing Burgers 328 MAIN STREET l objfranklin.com 72 ONYX + ALABASTER COFFEE LOUNGE Coffee, Beverages + Light Bites 234 PUBLIC SQUARE l 615-628-8253 l onyxandalabaster.com 73 PUCKETT'S Authentic Comfort Food Classics + Live Music 120 4TH AVENUE SOUTH l 615-79-4-5527 l puckettsgro.com

74 RED PONY Southern Cuisine with an Upscale Environment l 615-595-7669 l redponyrestaurant.com 75 RUBY SUNSHINE All Day Brunch Restaurant with Eye-Opening Cocktails 231 PUBLIC SQUARE l 615-716-3711 l rubysunshine.com 76 STARBUCKS Signature Roasts + Light Bites 438 MAIN STREET l 615-591-6539 l starbucks.com 77 TAZIKIS Healthy Mediterranean Lunch & Dinner 428 MAIN STREET l 615-490-9585 l tazikis.com 78 THE COFFEE HOUSE Local Roasters + Scratch-Baked Goods + Crepes 144 2ND AVENUE NORTH l 615-465-6362 l thecoffeehousefranklinshop.com 79 THE GRILLED CHEESERIE Gourmet Grilled Cheese Melts + Nostalgic Treats 334 MAIN STREET l 615-905-0467 l grilledcheeserie.com 80 TRIPLE CROWN BAKERY Scratch-Made Cakes, Cookies, Desserts + Pastries 118 4TH AVENUE NORTH l 615-721-8488 l triplecrownbakery.com 408 MAIN STREET

SERVICES 81 FRANKLIN WALKING TOURS (2 HRS) 9:30am Mon-Sat (reservations required) 114 EAST MAIN STREET l 615-604-7171 l franklinwalkingtours.com 82 HARPETH HOTEL Luxury Hotel + 1799 Fine Dining + McGavocks Coffee 130 2ND AVENUE NORTH l 615-206-7510 l harpethhotel.com 83 NASHVILLE DRIVING TOURS Franklin Chauffeur + Custom Driving Tours CALL CHUCK BARIL TO SCHEDULE PICK UP l 615-881-4145 l nashvilledrivingtours.com 84 PARKS REALTOR LOY HARDCASTLE Licensed Real Estate Agent 106 WEST MAIN STREET l 615-948-3704 l loyhardcastle.parksathome.com 85 PEDEGO ELECTRIC BIKES Rentals & Tours 248 2ND AVENUE SOUTH l 615-614-3814 l pedegoelectricbikes.com/dealers/franklin 86 SKIN THEORY RX Facials + Peels + Injectables + Skin Care 504 WEST MAIN STREET l 615-747-0071 l skintheoryrx.com 87 SKOAH FACIAL SHOP Facials + Natural Skin Care 133 1ST AVENUE NORTH l 615-471-7779 l skoahfacials.com/tn-franklin 88 THE NOW MASSAGE Luxury Massage Boutique 125 1ST AVENUE NORTH l 615-229-7656 l thenowmassage.com/franklin 89 THE PARKER HOUSE ON MAIN Hair Salon + Event Space 341 MAIN STREET l 615-780-8003 l theparkerhouseonmain.com 90 THE RESIDENCES AT HARPETH SQUARE Luxury Apartment Community 159 1ST AVENUE NORTH l 615-450-6060 l harpethsquareliving.com

HISTORIC SITES 91 DAN GERMAN HOSPITAL 92 FRANKLIN THEATRE 93 GALLERY 202 Free Historic Home Tour 94 MASONIC HALL 95 MCPHAIL-CLIFFE OFFICE 96 OLD OLD JAIL - HERITAGE FOUNDATION 97 VISITOR'S CENTER 98 WILLIAMSON CO. ARCHIVES Free Museum

137 4TH AVENUE SOUTH 419 MAIN STREET 202 2ND AVENUE SOUTH 115 2ND AVENUE SOUTH 209 EAST MAIN STREET 112 BRIDGE STREET 400 MAIN STREET 611 WEST MAIN STREET

her love only deepens for Williamson County. In fact, Buffie admits she still gets giddy to drive down the streets of Franklin and throughout the county, admiring all the beautiful homes. Currently, Buffie runs the business side of Lovely Franklin on her own but dreams of creating a team. Thankfully, she is blessed with the help of award-winning author Katie Shands and photographer Trent Wallace of Trenton Lee Photography. Their contribution to Lovely Franklin is a wonderful addition as it features talented locals right here in Williamson County. To follow Buffie’s journey, you can find her on Instagram @lovelyfranklintn. Look for copies of the new downtown map in prominent locations throughout downtown soon - including at the YOUR Williamson offices at 404 Bridge Street!

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May 3

RICKIE LEE JONES

In YOUR Neighborhood

Mission to Lead Revitalization and Purposeful Evolution THE DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN ASSOCIATION BY HEIDI HOOD, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN ASSOCIATION

THE WATERBOYS

May 12

FIVE FOR FIGHTING with String Quartet

May 18

DARRELL SCOTT

June 3

THE SELDOM SCENE

THE PAUL THORN BAND

June 10

June 24-25

THE ABRAMS

MARY GAUTHIER

July 23

Sept 7

FT Live and Great Performances Sponsored by

615.538.2076 | FranklinTheatre.com 419 Main St., Franklin, TN 37064

The Downtown Franklin Association, a division of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, is excited to continue its mission work this year with the launch of the festival season well underway... As a nationally accredited Main Street program, the Downtown Franklin Association’s mission is to lead the continued revitalization and purposeful evolution of downtown Franklin - in the context of historic preservation - by maintaining a diverse economic base, promoting a unique local shopping experience, fostering accessible and attractive public spaces, and forging partnerships across all sectors. 38th ANNUAL MAIN STREET FESTIVAL The DFA was thrilled to host the 38th Annual Main Street Festival, presented by First Horizon Bank, on April 23rd and 24th. Produced by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, this festival is one of Main Street’s most beloved traditions, drawing around 100,000 guests from near and far over a single weekend, featuring over 150 arts and crafts vendors, a wide array of food trucks, live entertainment and more. New this year, were unique activations like “Spring Street,” featuring special photo opportunities, chalk art and more experiential activities for memory-making on Main Street, as well as the “Caterpillar Crawl,” which encouraged guests to shop and dine the businesses on Main Street during the festival. According to economic impact studies by Chandlerthinks in 2021 from Main Street Festival, the festival’s economic impact was over $4 million.

WAYFINDING SIGNAGE The DFA also continues to live out its mission to maintain the quality and design of downtown by mobilizing a signage committee to update the wayfinding signs with current information regarding the shops and destinations downtown, projecting the effort to be completely updated by the summertime. DFA UNIVERSITY In support of the economic vitality downtown, the DFA is launching DFA University on May 10th with guest speaker Joni Cole, co-owner of Gray’s on Main. Joni will be sharing educational content on the topic “Creating Culture & Retaining Talent” as an exclusive benefit to DFA membership. In addition, DFA University will continue to cover business-building points of interest for the business community downtown, with additional “lunch and learn” events taking place throughout the year. FRANKLIN LOCALS Providing hospitality and concierge on the streets for visitors downtown, Franklin Locals equips trained, on-the-street representatives to answer questions, give recommendations and share the story of Franklin with new friends. The DFA is now recruiting volunteers to join this fun crew for the summer season. You can learn more and apply on their website: DowntownFranklinTN.com. In the ever-changing landscape of Franklin, the DFA is working hard to ensure downtown remains one of America’s favorite historic districts.

COMMUNITY

In YOUR Neighborhood

Made from

Grace CTGRACE BOUTIQUE

CTGrace Boutique did not start in an ordinary way. Even though the owner, Colleen Burke, has always had a passion for fashion, it was not until her husband’s death that she was encouraged to follow her dreams and embark on this venture. When her husband passed away after a seven-year battle with cancer, and her twins, Irelan and Nolan, went off to college, Colleen decided to take this next step and open up her boutique, CTGrace. Her dream of helping others on their fashion journey started when she opened in September of 2021. She chose the name CTGrace because it was the

name of the company that her husband, Tim, started for her before he passed. Unknowing at the time of what CTGrace would become, it only seemed right to use this name for her venture. The initials “CT” stand for Colleen and Tim, while “Grace” stands for the grace that she tries to live out every day. Even though Colleen never imagined this would be the plan for her life, she is so grateful that God knew what she needed before she did! CTGrace’s mission is to share Colleen’s love of fashion by cultivating amazing outfits with “all the fixings.” When you walk through the

boutique door, she wants customers to feel as if they are “living out your custom lifestyle.” That is what her boutique’s purpose is all about! Colleen is very thankful for all the support and love that she has received throughout this unexpected but exciting journey. If you are looking for accessories, stylish clothing and amazing shoes – CTGrace is the place to shop! Make sure to visit Colleen in downtown Franklin at 122 East Main Street! Follow CTGrace Qctgraceboutigue and visit their website at ctgrace.net.

TRY NEW, FRESH FLAVORS

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IT’S SPRING TIME

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Huli Huli Chicken

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COMMUNITY

Days Gone By

Finding Franklin WITH KATIE SHANDS publishing package, and Finding Franklin was released in 2018!

BY AMELIA ROSE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRENTON LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

Katie Shands is a southern writer, born just east of the Smoky Mountains in Johnson City, Tennessee. Although deeply rooted in East Tennessee, Katie found her true home in the historic city of Franklin. In fact, Katie notes that she looked at her husband during a car ride through downtown Franklin’s Main Street and said, “this is a special place…this is where I want to land.” Shortly after, Katie and her family relocated to Franklin in 2015. Katie says, “fiction is my true passion, but journalism is where I first landed.” Katie studied Journalism and Electronic Media at the University of Tennessee, which led to the start of her writing career in broadcast journalism. During her senior year of college, she landed a producing job at WBIR-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee, but her true dream was to become a novelist. So, after several years of producing the weekend newscasts and Newsmakers, a weekly political show, she left the world of broadcast news to find work in print media. This choice led to her greatest accomplishment to date, the publication of Finding Franklin. The manuscript took about a year to finish. Upon its completion in 2017, Katie entered it in the Janice Keck Literary Awards, a writing contest sponsored by the Williamson County Public Library. The prize was a complete

“Finding Franklin is my love story to a town that continues to inspire me. The historic homes, the distinctly southern flavor, the sense of community that evokes bygone days— Franklin encapsulates so much I hold dear, and my novel celebrates it all.” Katie hopes longtime residents feel a sense of home as they turn the pages of Finding Franklin, and that the many newcomers gain a greater appreciation of the culture here. Her novel is also an unofficial advertisement for small businesses here in Franklin. Katie sprinkled many local shops and restaurants into the story (including Frothy Monkey, Gray’s on Main, Lotz House, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and Landmark Booksellers). “When fiction is anchored in reality, authenticity infuses the story, and that’s one of my primary goals as a writer. I’d like to think that element of authenticity has compelled my readers to pop into the places mentioned in the story and support Franklin’s business owners.”

“Finding Franklin is my love story to a town that continues to inspire me”

48 | MAY 2022

When asked her favorite thing to do in Williamson County, Katie said, “I can never pass up a chance to wander around Landmark Booksellers…from the wall-to-wall bookshelves to the well-worn couches and

antique rugs, it’s truly a sanctuary in the busy downtown district. But as inviting as the atmosphere is, it’s the people who make Landmark such a special place.” Katie tells how the owners of Landmark Booksellers, Joel and Carol Tomlin, were a big support in her writing journey. The day Katie and her husband drove through Franklin, admiring the city, she pointed at the bookstore and said: “One day, I will have a book there.” To her surprise, she made that dream come to fruition in 2018! “I’d be remiss not to mention Ashley Adcox, who is the Tomlins’ right-hand woman in the bookstore. She’s had an incredible impact on my oldest daughter and never misses an opportunity to encourage her. Those kinds of relationships make Franklin truly feel like home.” In addition to Katie’s fiction writing, she freelances for lovelyfranklin.com, a website created by the talented Buffie Baril, that features Franklin’s most fascinating people and places. She finds joy in writing stories set in small southern towns where the pace is slower, life feels simpler, and the tea is sweeter. Everything she writes is centered around God and the truth of His love. Katie finds inspiration from her husband, Daniel, and four kids, Nora, Ellis, Lillian and Oliver. For more about Katie, follow her Instagram account: @KatieShandsAuthor. Purchase signed copies of Finding Franklin at Landmark Booksellers.

615.794.7415 • TENNESSEEVALLEYHOMES.COM

WILLIAMSON COUNTY’S #1 REAL ESTATE TEAM

READY TO BUY OR SELL? CALL US TODAY (615) 775-3830 VIEW AVAILABLE HOMES AT LCTTEAM.COM

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COMMUNITY

In YOUR Backyard

SPLANTSCAPE outhern WITH UPCOUNTRY PLANT + DESIGN BY AMELIA ROSE SMITH

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achael Freitas, of UPCOUNTRY Plant + Design, creates and implements landscape designs to draw people out of their homes and into nature. Rachael aims to achieve an elevated plant aesthetic through education and creative installation. She believes plants can and should invite people outdoors. Rachael began her career in sales, which quickly escalated to head designer at one of Southern California’s premier nurseries. Rachael realized her passion was shifting, so she took a leap and began working full-time

Covid changed a lot for all of us and, one huge change in landscape design was people wanting more reasons to be in their front yards and connect with their neighbors. on creating high-level vegetation design! Since then, Rachael has designed interiors and exteriors for well-known commercial and high-end residential spaces throughout Southern California and in Nashville. When asked how she would describe her style, Rachael lightheartedly responded: “That’s a trick question! I design to fit both the style of the home and the needs of the homeowner. That being said, l like to keep my designs simple and low maintenance. The fussier a landscape, the greater chance for it to deteriorate over time.” If you ask Rachael what she wants her own home to look like, she will describe it as Southern Class meets Mediterranean. She admires the

plant palette in places like Italy, Australia, and Southern California. Rachael “ADORES” making a home’s outdoor space just as meaningful as the inside. “I want people to view their yard as part of their home’s square footage, not an afterthought,” she says. She takes great pleasure in the opportunity to create unexpected moments. Rachael notes that, “Covid changed a lot for all of us, and one huge change in landscape design was people wanting more reasons to be in their front yards and connect with their neighbors.” When it comes to a project, design alone can take anywhere from one month to six weeks. The installation has a similar variation. If the project

is hardscape heavy, it can take longer than the typical landscape and softscape in a standard size lot, averaging two to three weeks. Of course, those estimates assume all plants and materials are readily available locally. Rachael lives in Fairview now with her husband, Wesley, their children and a very fancy mutt! Rachael told us: “I’m blessed to have the coolest husband in the world who happens to be from, wait for it–Upcountry Maui. So, he named my company.” To see more of Rachael’s work, check out her six-chapter workshop, “Learn to Landscape: Easy Backyard Projects,” via the Magnolia Network app and Discovery+ app. Also, visit her website at upcountrydesign.com.

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LIFESTYLE

Come Fly with Me

Luxurious Hawaiian

Getaway TIMBERS KAUA’I

Since 1999, Timbers Resorts has established a portfolio of properties in the world’s most soughtafter destinations, including ski, golf, leisure and beach locations. To make the ownership and vacation experience more rewarding, Timbers Resorts has created the Timbers Collection – with a host of amenities and services equal to its residences and resorts. Take advantage of 56 | MAY 2022

their services, making travel effortless and of their partnerships with brands that enrich and invigorate, and most importantly, reciprocity among the resorts. Timbers Kaua‘i is part of the 450-acre Hokuala resort community, featuring a Jack Nicklaus Signature Ocean Course golf, winding trails, freshwater lagoons and more—right at your doorstep. Here, the

lifestyle is classically Hawaiian, and the spirit of aloha prevails. They aspire to inspire, so every experience is immersive and authentic. At your doorstep awaits a diversity of experiences–to explore nature, culture, sport and tradition, all in signature Timbers style.

Spa & Fitness The Spa at Timbers Kaua‘i weaves local ingredients into traditional practices to create thoughtfully crafted spa treatments. Each spa experience is unique and tailored to guests to inspire “lokahi” – harmony of body and spirit. Adjacent to The Spa, the fitness center features state-of-the-art equipment and guided group classes varying from yoga, pilates and tai chi at the beautiful outdoor studio. The Farm at Hokuala The Farm at Hokuala makes suitable on the “farm to table” promise: The farm’s mission is to not only provide fresh ingredients to the restaurant, bar and spa, but to also build a community farm with an agriculture-education program for local schools. Tour the farm and help harvest ingredients for special chef-prepared, farm-to-table dinners. Recreation Kaua‘i is one of the most captivating Hawaiian islands, and even short distances bring dramatic contrasts. In the same amount of time it takes to venture from Hokuala to Poipu’s sunny beaches, you can just as easily be hiking through a tropical rainforest on the North Shore. With the help of a handpicked collective of local experts, the Adventure Guides will happily serve as your guide to adventure however you define it. Golf Winding its way through mango and guava groves to dramatic seaside cliffs, the Jack Nicklaus signature course boasting the longest stretch of oceanfront golf in Hawaii, was recently named “Hawaii’s Best Golf Course.” The Ocean Course offers specials, packages and clinics with PGA pros for multiple ways to experience this impressive home course. Exclusive Adventures Enjoy a beach day without any fuss. Everything you need, from towels and chairs to water sports equipment, will be waiting for you on Kalapaki Beach, just a short distance from the resort. From surf and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lessons to canoe rides, snorkel and kayak rentals, you’ll be geared up to experience the true spirit of aloha. Book your dream vacation today by visiting timberskauai.com!

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | 57

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FEATURE

Up the Road

Get Out & Explore NASHVILLE’S BIG BACK YARD PART II & III BY CLAIRE PAGE & SHELLY ROBERTSON BIRDSONG

Our exploration resumes as we continue our partnership with Nashville’s Big Back Yard (NBBY), the region in-between Nashville and Muscle Shoals. Nashville’s Big Back Yard has been treating our entire staff to day trips to the various towns and communities located in this VERY big backyard! My co-worker Allie and I, headed to explore Collinwood, Loretto and Summertown. From eating the best barbecue to taking a tour of a luxury resort, this trip allowed us to experience the beautiful sights and people that make these places great.

NBBY Part II Our full-day road trip consisted of four towns and five stops. Collinwood, Tennessee, our first stop, was only a two-hour drive from Nashville, here we visited the Dragonfly Emporium. The Dragonfly Emporium is a one-of-a-kind experience, with coffee, smoothies, gifts and baked goods under one roof; it is a one-stop shop. We had a warm welcome from David Harrison, the owner who opened the Dragonfly in 2008. When asked what his favorite thing about owning the Dragonfly was, David said, “our guests are amazing and feel like family.” When Allie and I walked in, we were amazed by the eclectic merchandise and variety of food and drinks. I had the strawberry lemonade, and it was delicious and refreshing! If you are stopping through Collinwood, break here and grab David’s favorite drink – Mounds Bar Latte. You may stop for a break while on your road trip, but you are sure to come back for the people. After leaving the cozy Dragonfly Emporium, we traveled up the scenic route to Keestone at Village Point in Loretto, only a short twenty-three-mile drive from Collinwood. Keestone is a luxury resort and 55+ active adult community with upscale amenities, high-end accommodations and chef-prepared cuisine. Modeled after the Peabody Hotel, you are greeted with vaulted ceilings, charming music, an elegant foyer with the front desk, a sitting area and a small bar and eating area. What makes Keestone unique is the ability to stay a few nights, as if you were at a hotel, or you can rent one-to-two-bedroom apartments, both in the same gorgeous resort building. On our tour, Allie and I were amazed at all the amenities Keestone had to offer, including a movie and performance theater, bowling alley, golf simulator, conference rooms and a spa. This slice of heaven has everything you need for an event, wedding, weekend getaway or your next home.

60 | MAY 2022

Next, we drove to Summertown to eat a delicious barbecue lunch at Shaffer Farms Texas BBQ. This little stop in the road, a Texas barbecue joint, had the best food that Allie and I have ever eaten! It’s that good! When you first walk in, you are greeted by the owner wearing a cowboy hat and the meat market – where you can find any meat to cook. The small and rustic restaurant truly feels like you just stepped into a slice of Texas. The guest book signatures reveal the diverse group of visitors flocking from all over, confirming how good their brisket and barbecue are. The restaurant is cafeteria-style, where you will be served by two of the sweetest ladies, Jodi and Joyce. Allie had the brisket sandwich with ranch potatoes, while I had the pulled pork, ranch potatoes and green beans. They may be known for their brisket, but those ranch potatoes are over the top! After lunch, we made our way to The Farm. The Farm is an intentional community of families and friends living on three square miles in southern middle Tennessee, founded on the principles of nonviolence and respect for the earth. The Farm started in 1971, intending to establish a strongly cohesive, outwardly directed community. Phil Schweitzer, an original member of The Farm community, met us and took us on a tour of this modern-day eco-village and physical example of sustainable living. The Farm is 1750 acres and is preserved in trust. While on tour with Phil, we

asked what he wanted people to know about The Farm. He says: “The Farm is a peaceful community made up of people that try to take care of each other. The concept, in the beginning, was to create a lifestyle that could be replicated. Using the land, diet, and what we have to offer in living together harmoniously. It is not like any other town; when you are all on the land together, you are all in it together.” Allie and I experienced that firsthand while touring. The Farm consists of beautiful land, unique houses, an on-site school, a publishing house where multiple books have been published and even horses! It was refreshing to see an intentional lifestyle, leaving behind the hustle and bustle many cities have conformed to. Once our tour was over, we proceeded to the last stop of our road trip before heading back to Nashville. We took a nice hike at Stillhouse Hollow Falls in Mt Pleasant. This trail is conveniently located off the highway for easy access. This 1.20-mile loop trail is considered an easy hike that takes an average of thirty-four minutes to complete. This hike is a trendy area for birding, hiking and walking. As we hiked down to the falls, the sound of nature and water surrounded us, allowing Allie and me to unplug and appreciate our surroundings. Our hike at Stillhouse Hollow Falls was the perfect ending to our day.

NBBY Part III Shelly here! Not to be left out of the fun – Johnny and I headed out on our own Nashville’s Big Back Yard jaunt one gorgeous Friday morning. The perfect day to spend some time just up the road a bit from downtown Franklin, in bucolic Sante Fe. I was, of course, dressed incorrectly for our visit to start the day at The Farm & Fiddle. But who cares! Once we arrived, I was enthralled. Greeted by ducks and geese and fluffy dogs, along with farm proprietress Samantha Lamb, I only cared about seeing this incredible place. Samantha and her fiddle playing husband, Daniel Lamb, decided to move their farming lives to Santa Fe/Fly, Tennessee, from Arizona, both to allow Daniel to pursue his music career and because of the great need for good whole-hearted food products and the willingness of the chefs and community to support local farmers. If you were to visit The Farm & Fiddle, you would see a happy farm with a thriving, sustainable garden and well-respected animals. Samantha’s gift for farming shines through, from flowers to even homemade pasta. After seeing all she grows there and sells weekly at the Columbia Farmer’s Market, even Johnny was inspired to take some plants and herbs to start our own raised garden at home. Now that’s what I call a win! You can find The Farm & Fiddle at thefarmandfiddle.com. From one homegrown goodness to another, we drove further to YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | 61

Hampshire. Now, all I heard was, we are going to the wineries in Hampshire, and I was sold! Amber Falls Winery and Natchez Hills Vineyard rolled out the red carpet and the tastings for our arrival. Who would have imagined that these completely enchanting locales would be found in the VERY hilly landscape of quaint Hampshire, Tennessee?! But here we were, traversing by car, quite a steep hill (I felt sure, mountain) to reach our first destination at the Amber Falls Winery. Judy and Tim Zaunbrecher purchased the Lewis County property in 2003 to build and open a Christian retreat center. The retreat center did not happen as things worked out, but a beautiful vineyard and winery developed. The first vines, Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc were planted in 2005. For the next three years, several thousand more vines were planted as the vineyard expanded. The winery tasting room opened in March of 2008, and the community has never been the same. Travelers and wine lovers from every state and many international countries have discovered Hampshire and Amber Falls Winery & Cellars. In addition to some incredible wines, they also have live entertainment and events often throughout the year. Well worth the hike up the “mountain,” joking aside, this is a definite must-do when making your way through the Big Back Yard. For more information, go to amberfallswinery.com. Back down the hill to visit Natchez Hills Vineyard, with a wholly different vibe and feel, yet still unique and fabulous! Having grown up in coastal Mississippi and California, owners Jim and Karen Odom brought together their histories and passions to establish Natchez

62 | MAY 2022

Hills Winery and Vineyard – a small, familyowned and operated boutique winery. Jim and Karen were inspired to create a unique and local experience combining their passions of old-world style wine, music, and bringing people together. Again, I had an opportunity to taste several offerings, including their truly one-of-akind “Naughty Tea,” a southern sweet tea wine. Yes, that’s right—a sweet tea wine! I have died and gone to southern bell nirvana. It was that good! Their newly launched product Hard South Selzer, a take on the tea wine, but in a seltzer format, with a cool new logo and branding, was refreshing and interesting. Visit them at the vineyard when open and at The Hermitage in Nashville at their on-site tasting room. Learn more about Natchez Hills and where to purchase their wine at natchezhills.com. At about this time, two wine tastings later… it was time for lunch, and this was what I had been waiting for. Our guide for the day, Donna Morency, with Visit Mount Pleasant, led us to Mount Pleasant and the Mount Pleasant Grille for a late but wonderful lunch. What an eclectic and cool place this is, right on Main Street in this Mayberry of a place full of history. Donna was excited to point out all the amazing restoration of buildings and revitalization of this town just down the road a bit from Columbia. Then she led us down the street to show us the shops. I was openly candid when I told her I was coming back without my husband and bringing a carload of girlfriends…and a trailer because the shopping is that good, my friends. I could have stayed all afternoon in places like Bellissima, Pinch of the Past, The Blue Hydrangea, Too Much Stuff

Emporium and Breckenridge Baby! Oh my! The damage I could have done here! I’ll be back for sure, and I will make certain to take time to enjoy coffee at Towne Coffee or a beer at the new Twisted Copper Brewing Company, where we interrupted their finishing up construction in time for a grand opening that next day! I think my biggest takeaway from Mount Pleasant was in the words of Donna herself, “You know that place that you see in your head when you think about the good old days? That’s Mount Pleasant. Not perfect, but just a sweet, small town that’s a great place to visit and an even better place to live. It’s a town that people just fall in love with.” Yes! She is exactly right. A world away from the insanity of life and yet, in reality, so very close to everything. Gorgeous antebellum homes off Main Street beckon visitors to come and sit awhile and enjoy one of their many outdoor concerts on the lawn or maybe a Third Thursday downtown event with shopping and dining on Main Street. For more information on Mount Pleasant, go to visitmountpleasanttn.com. There is just so much to tell, but we will stop here and promise to share even more news about Nashville’s Big Back Yard and the communities within very soon! So stay tuned to our social media, and of course, look for Part four of our special series in the Summer issue of YOUR Williamson. Nashville’s Big Back Yard nashvillesbigbackyard.org

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LIFESTYLE

Styling YOUR Everyday

INSPIRED DECOR WITH MRS. SOUTHERN SOCIAL

Bridgerton is back! It’s incredible how much this show has influenced the zeitgeist since its debut. In fact, one of the significant wedding trends for 2022 is Bridgerton-inspired decor. Think English gardens, blue and white, pretty china. Last year, Molly Sohr and I paid homage to the show with a fabulous tea party setup, and it was such a hit that I wanted to revisit the theme with a fresh table. I hope you find lots of inspiration for all of your spring celebrations! Table Design To help set the Bridgerton tone, I once again turned to Vietri, a go-to tabletop brand for dishware, flatware, serving pieces and more. You can find everything I used here on their Mary’s Spring Picks page. How fabulous are these salad/dessert plates? The gold detailing, the gorgeous pastel colors – I love how clean 64 | MAY 2022

and modern they look when paired with a simple white dinner plate. The gold edging is repeated in the stemware, a small detail that ties it all together - important when playing with color and doing a lot of mixing and matching. The silverware is so fun and different. I think the metalwork gives it some vintage flair, but the clear acrylic keeps it modern. I wanted to take my inspiration from Bridgerton without the table feeling too “themed” or silly, so contemporary touches like the lucite and organic-feeling dinner plates help achieve that. We chose multicolored snapdragons for the centerpiece and arranged them in Vietri’s hibiscus vases in varying sizes. I adore these vases and love that they come in every color and size imaginable. You can order these beauties

online, or if you’re in the Nashville area, Tulip Tree keeps a ton of them in stock. As for the flowers themselves, a favorite trick is using one type of bloom in multiple colors to create a lush centerpiece. The multi-color effect gives the whole thing dimension, and it’s much easier to arrange when you’re working with only one type of flower. The placemats, napkins, and tablecloth are all from Mrs. Alice, a perennial favorite for all things “English garden.” Lastly, there is no “rule” about how long a tablecloth should be – it’s entirely a matter of aesthetic preference. Try out a few different sizes to find the dimensions you like best! See more Bridgerton inspired tablescapes online this month at yourwilliamson.com.

LIFESTYLE

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

A Scrumptious STEEPLECHASE BY MISS DAISY KING

The time of year has come when the ladies and gentlemen of middle Tennessee and beyond, break out their exquisite hats, fine silver, seersucker and libations for the annual Iroquois Steeplechase. Located just across the county line, the Iroquois counts many Williamson County residents as part of its tradition, beginning with the Houghland and Sloan families, who participated in its founding more than eighty years ago. Locally, there may be no other event with a more robust tradition than the Iroquois. The Iroquois Steeplechase race day, May 14th this year, brings together cross-sections of our community - 25,000 people last year. The party is a focal point for some, and the race is secondary. Still, the Iroquois is quite important to the equestrian culture, drawing participants worldwide. It’s a day of frolic, frivolity and the occasional friendly wager. Indeed, there is a noble purpose to all this fun as it has raised over $10 million for a worthy cause, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Picnicking is a key component of Steeplechase. The challenge of this is to prepare delicious and aesthetically pleasing offerings. As always, Miss Daisy’s Kitchen will be preparing readymade box lunches or the individual ingredients for your basket. You can make the following recipes yourself. Tally Ho!

CHILLED BROCCOLI SALAD INGREDIENTS 8 slices of bacon crisp-fried and crumpled florets and tender stem portions of 1 bunch of broccoli, chopped 1/2 cup each finely chopped red onion and celery 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 to 3/4 cup of cashews or pecans 1 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sugar 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar DIRECTIONS Assemble all ingredients and utensils. Combine the bacon with broccoli, onions, celery, raisins and cashews or pecans in a large bowl. Mix the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar in a small bowl. Add to the broccoli and mix well—chill, covered, for one hour or longer before serving. Garnish with bacon.

FRIED CHICKEN WITH HONEY MUSTARD DIPPING SAUCE INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups shortening 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 2 lbs chicken breast cut into strips 1 tsp cayenne 1 tsp paprika Kosher Salt and ground black pepper to taste SAUCE INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup Dijon-style mustard 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1/3 cup honey DIRECTIONS Assemble ingredients and utensils. Pour buttermilk into a large bowl. Place half of the chicken strips in the buttermilk. In a large ziplock bag, shake together flour, cayenne, paprika, salt and pepper. Remove chicken from the buttermilk and place it in the bag. Shake to coat the chicken with the flour mixture. Repeat this till all the chicken is coated. In a large skillet, add shortening over medium heat until it bubbles. Add chicken in batches. Fry 4-5 minutes on each side. Drain. For the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, in a small bowl, whisk all of the ingredients together.

PECAN CHEESE WAFERS INGREDIENTS 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese 1 cup finely chopped pecans 1 cup butter, softened 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour DIRECTIONS Assemble all ingredients and utensils. Grate cheese. Let it soften with butter in a bowl. Mix in the remaining ingredients. Roll dough into rolls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on waxed paper. Chill for several hours. Slice in thin wafers about 1/8 inch thick. Bake in a 350-degree oven for about 8 minutes or until browned. MISS DAISY’S KITCHEN 1110 HILLSBORO ROAD | FRANKLIN, TN 37064 • 615.599.5313 | MISSDAISYKING.COM | FACEBOOK.COM/MISSDAISYSKITCHEN 66 | MAY 2022

LIFESTYLE

A Spirited Conversation

Celebrate

FROM DUSK TO DAWN HORSE RACING SEASON COCKTAILS BY AMELIA ROSE SMITH

The spring horse racing season has begun! Events like the Kentucky Derby, Keeneland and our very own Iroquois Steeplechase are happening, and what is a southern social event without the most divine cocktails? Even if a race lasts a mere two minutes, the celebrations last from dusk til dawn, so you will need a variety of drinks to sip on! Here are just a few options to make merry at the track! These recipes take a spin on the classic Mint Julep by opting for a refreshing and sweet tequila twist and so much more. Blackberry Mint Julep Margarita Recipe courtesy of Liquor.com Ingredients 5 blackberries 6 mint leaves 1 oz honey syrup 2 oz Añejo tequila Garnish: 2 blackberries & a mint sprig Directions 1. Add the blackberries, mint leaves and honey syrup into a cocktail shaker and gently muddle. 2. Add tequila, lime juice and ice and shake until well-chilled. 3. Strain into a Julep cup filled with crushed ice. 4. Serve in a silver julep cup and garnish with two speared blackberries and a mint sprig. Horse’s Neck Recipe courtesy of Allen Katz Ingredients 2 oz bourbon, brandy or American rye whiskey Ginger ale, chilled, to top Garnish: lemon peel Directions 1. Pour your choice of liquor. 2. Top with ginger ale. 3. Garnish with a lemon peel.

Kentucky Mule Ingredients 2 oz bourbon ½ oz lime juice, freshly squeezed Ginger beer, to top Garnish: mint sprig Directions 1. Add the bourbon and lime juice to a Moscow Mule mug or a highball glass. 2. Fill the mug/glass with ice and top with ginger beer. 3. Garnish with a mint sprig. Southside Cocktail Recipe courtesy of Geoffrey Zakarian Ingredients 2 oz gin, such as Plymouth 1 oz lime juice ¾ oz simple syrup 1 sprig mint Garnish: 1 fresh mint leaf Specialty item: Chilled martini glass Directions 1. Combine the gin, lime juice, simple syrup and mint sprig in a shaker. Add some ice cubes and shake vigorously–strain into a chilled martini glass. 2. Garnish with one mint leaf, smacked to release the oils, floating on top of the cocktail.

Saddle up, drink up and relish in a fun-filled day at the races! 68 | MAY 2022

A Little Something Extra PHOTOGRAPHY BY © TOD MARKS NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE ASSOCIATION

FEATURE

The Queens’ Strides GIRL POWER DOMINATING THE TRACK BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM

Steeplechase trainer Keri Brion has made a name for herself in the world of horse racing. She, along with The Mean Queen, a mare she is training, are dominating the boys in the Steeplechase racing world. Keri’s passion for riding began at the age of five. She loved riding and showing, but it wasn’t until she galloped her first racehorse at the age of thirteen, that she knew racing would be her career. She wasn’t initially interested in Steeplechase racing until she started exercise riding for Jonathan Sheppard. “I instantly knew it was something I would love,” explains Keri. “From there, I pursued being a jump jockey, always with the goal I wanted to train long term.” “I wasn’t a spectacular jump jockey, but I won a few bigger races on the big days, which was very exciting,” Keri says. “My first winner came at Nashville, aboard Lune De Caro. After that, I won five races aboard a cool horse named Orchestra Leader and also rode AllthewayJose to win the feature race at Fair Hill, two weeks after finishing second at Nashville. As far as training goes, it’s been an unreal start to my career. Last year I won four out of the fifth-grade ones offered, and this season, I’ve won both the Carolina Cup and Temple Gwathmey.” “I am only as good as my team, owners and horses. I’m lucky to have the best people in my corner, and without them, I wouldn’t be enjoying the success that I have,” she says. “It’s a ton of work, but if you put in the time and effort, you will be rewarded!” For an industry that has been vastly made up of males, Keri doesn’t think it is as bad as it once was. However, she says there are always the owners that do not believe you are as qualified to train because you are a girl. “I dealt with many issues as a jockey where I was discriminated 70 | MAY 2022

against as a female, but the best way to move forward from that is to let the results speak for themselves and I believe my training career is doing that,” she says. Keri says that there is nothing like watching a horse you train win a race. “I am lucky to have a barn full of really talented horses, it’s the dream of what they will all become that keeps me waking up at 4am every day.” The Mean Queen has made a name for herself at Steeplechase. “She’s pretty special. She won her first race in April of last year and since then has been on a tear,” Keri says. “She is so competitive. Her name fits her. She’s mean in the stable and has a very cutthroat type of attitude…a true competitor inside and out.” Keri has a great relationship with the man from whom they got The Mean Queen. “I was in Ireland training at the time and took over training her, and actually made history with her as she won a hurdle race in Ireland and made me the first American trainer to win a hurdle race in Ireland,” explains Keri. “We brought her back to the states then and the rest has been history.” Keri tells how the horses “are top class equine athletes, and many horses, who are nearing the end of their flat careers, find a new spark and lease on life when they try jumping. I have a group of horses running at the Iroquois Steeplechase: Historic Heart in the novice stake, Montmartre D’ Ange in the maiden hurdle, Kicking Myself in the filly stake and, of course, The Mean Queen, and Iranistan in the big race!” See Keri’s talented lineup of horses and The Mean Queen at this year’s Iroquois Steeplechase at Percy Warner Park on May 14th. Learn more at iroquoissteeplechase.org.

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LIFESTYLE

A Southern Gentleman Is

A Good Place to

Start

MANNERS & DECORUM FROM JUNIOR COTILLION WITH JOHNNY BIRDSONG

As a child, my mother and father, as well as other adult role models, taught me life skills that, at the time, I didn’t know were life skills. For example, sit up straight, yes sir, no ma’am, don’t chew with your mouth full, tuck in your shirt, open the door for a lady, help an elderly person down the stairs and on and on. They were trying to mold me, teach me, to be the best version of myself I could be. Despite my early reticence, I use all those life lessons today. Now, as a father, I have a great appreciation for what they were doing and believe it is my role to love, care for, teach and mold my children to be the best version of themselves they can be. I want to be a living, walking, talking example to my sons and daughter. Of course, we as parents want to do all we can for our children, but I believe that at the end of the day, I want to prepare them the best I can for this thing called life. In preparing for our Ladies’ Edition, I wanted to get an expert opinion on what a southern gentleman is in the mind of a lady, who is responsible for molding and training our

next generation in the sometimes, lost arts of decorum, civility and manners. Suzette Tucker Wimpy is the Director of Nashville & Williamson County Chapters National League of Junior Cotillions (NLJC). And she knows first-hand what our young people already know and are taught at home and also what they lack! Here is a bit of information for those who are not familiar with Junior Cotillion: Students enroll based on where they attend school. Suzette and her husband Kevin became involved in 2010 when they were asked to take over portraits for the Grand Ball held at Richland Country Club each year. They have two teenage daughters, who went through two years of the program. Suzette and Kevin were so impressed with the program that they told the former director they would be happy to take over if she ever retired. When that happened in 2021, they were trained and accredited by the national organization and the former director – and before they knew it, they took over!

“We love helping middle schoolers gracefully navigate through the social interactions of middle school. Our program trains sixth, seventh and eighth graders in all matters of manners, etiquette and basic ballroom dance. They learn how to do proper introductions, to escort and to be escorted, chairs, doors, table manners, writing thank you notes, appropriate dress and so much more,” explains Suzette. Suzette believes in the art of being a true gentleman. She says: “Being a gentleman is timeless. Good manners never go out of style. Gentlemen sit strong. They show respect for their parents and authority. Gentlemen rise when a lady excuses herself from the table and when she returns to the table. They escort the lady on their right arm. Above all, a gentleman treats others with honor, dignity and respect.” I could not agree more. So let’s get down to a few more questions. I know we can rely on this expert lady in the field to know the answer to:

“The hardest job kids face today is learning good manners without seeing any.” - Fred Astaire 72 | MAY 2022

What is YOUR definition of a gentleman?

A gentleman exemplifies noble character. He shows respect for his parents and others in authority. He treats everyone with honor and dignity. He makes everyone feel welcomed and excludes no one. How has working with youth and instilling the qualities of a gentleman, and lady, changed over the years?

Basic respect for those around you is timeless and will never change. Good manners are about being a better person with those around you. There have been topics added over the years, such as electronic etiquette. But for the most part, elements of good behavior are timeless. For example, one of the things we teach is that in certain circumstances, it is important to either communicate face to face or with a handwritten note rather than electronically. What do you feel are the top three most important things you would want a student to take from your teachings?

I want the students to feel confident in social situations. I hope I support their parent’s teachings by encouraging them to act and treat others with honor, dignity, and respect and instill life skills that will make them more successful. Why do you feel this process is important? What goes into the process? (Lessons, classes, outings, formal events, etc.).

Everyone is bombarded with social media and entertainment that does not reflect the values or behavior of a proper young lady or gentlemen. Parents appreciate ways to reinforce the correct behavior to their children beyond what they already do at home. Our program is a two-year program. Our first year covers the basics, while our second year digs much deeper. We offer five interactive classes covering manners, etiquette, and ballroom dancing. We also have a holiday dance where they practice their skills prior to their formal Grand Ball. Our Year two students

have the same number of dances and classes, but their Grand Ball also includes a five-course instructional formal dinner. The curriculum was developed by Anne and Charles Winters over thirty years ago in North Carolina. Since then, thousands of students nationwide have been through the program. Our chapters have been active for twenty-seven years with over fourteen-thousand children and were previously led by my predecessor, Sara Seiberling. The program is nationally accredited and is used by the Citadel to teach their cadets. They are taught to sit and walk strong instead of slouching, taught when and how to help with coats, doors, seating, introductions, escorting a lady, how to avoid dancing on a lady’s feet by knowing the correct dance steps, how to cut in, how to serve and be served, appropriate boundaries with the opposite sex, how to set the table, how to write thank you notes, RSVPs, Regrets, and so much more. Do you think children at that age appreciate what they are learning and what they get back from it?

Many children enter with incorrect ideas but quickly change their attitude once they begin to experience it. We have teaching assistants who have been through the program and serve as peer role models. These assistants help do skits, lead games, and other activities to make it fun to learn. So many of the students come back for the Year two program and even volunteer or apply to work for us as teaching assistants. What do you want our readers and audience to know about Junior Cotillion Nashville - Franklin?

Good manners never go out of style. Some misconceive that this is merely an old school way of thinking, but in fact, good manners often make the difference throughout life in whether people get promotions, jobs or even into certain schools. In truth, they can affect every current and future relationship a person has. For information about the Junior Cotillion, go to: nljc.com/chapter/williamsonco

HAMMERS &

HIGH HEELS

Fundraising Event May 13, 2022 The Factory at Franklin 6:30 - 11 PM

Tickets & Info:

womenbuildtn.com Presented By:

71st Annual

LIFESTYLE

Keeping Score

WHAT A

Load of Bulls

J BAR J LIVESTOCK LINEUP AT THE FRANKLIN RODEO BY BRITTON HEADDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMANDA DILWORTH

Franklin Noon Rotary Club

MAY 19-20-21 7PM

:00 :00

Williamson County Ag Expo Park

••••••••• Franklin, TN

Doors open at 5:30pm

MAY 14TH RODEO PARADE MAY 18TH RODEO PARTY Presented by:

Bulls used in rodeos are born to buck. A typical rodeo bull will be part brahman mixed with some other breed. Bulls begin their bucking careers around two to three years old and can continue to perform over ten years old. A bull rider must hang on for eight seconds to receive a score from two judges. Scores are based on the performance of the rider and the bull. The more active the bull, the higher the score. The Franklin Rodeo is in town for the 73rd year, May 19th - 20th, and the main event is bull riding. It’s still early in the rodeo season, so several bulls are yet to be ridden. Here is YOUR Franklin Rodeo livestock lineup for 2022.

The Bulls

Produced by the

Average Stock Score

Qualified Rides

Buck off Percentage

Frank the Tank

44.5

100

Little Hoot

43.5

33.33

Fun Hater

100

Big Block

41.67

66.7

Hoot Wine

41.4

100

Loaded Dice

41.5

Drunken Sailor

39.5

I’m No Angus

39.5

Under Achiever

Sully

Freaky Friday

37.75

100

Coffee Fix Big Machine

Muscle Car Magic 33.25 JIM

“If you’re going to be the best, you’ve got to ride the best” FranklinRodeo.com

J.B. MAUNEY

It’s not everyday that we get a 1971 Chevrolet pickup into Walker Chevrolet, this highly customized beauty has a supercharged 6.2L v8 along with an extensive dream list of add ons. We thought showing off our showroom center piece with our amazing women of Walker Chevrolet for this special edition would be a perfect match! Come by Walker Chevrolet today and drive one of our custom trucks before they’re gone or check out our inventory at: walkerchevrolet.com

WALKER CHEVROLET

3940 C A R O T H E R S PA R K WAY

FRANKLIN, TN 37067

The Ladies of the Franklin Rodeo PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOONE THOMPSON

FEATURE

irl CowgUP!

FRANKLIN RODEO FLAG GIRLS

BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM Being the horse girl that I am (and a huge fan of Yellowstone), I am very excited about the Franklin Rodeo returning this month! After two years of not taking place - cowboys and cowgirls, broncos and bulls, and the thrill of the ride - will embrace Williamson County again. Kicking off the rodeo events each night is the flag presentation on horseback. The flag girls gallop around the arena carrying sponsor flags and signifying that the nightly events have commenced. These cowgirls are a staple to the Franklin Rodeo. I recently had a chance to learn more from Linsey Kincaid, who helps head up the group of talented riders along with her partner, Marlee Stephens. “Being a part of the Franklin Rodeo is a blessing. We enjoy being involved in the Franklin Rodeo because we know that there are little girls out there that look up to the flag girls and dream of being a cowgirl,” says Linsey. “We try to emphasize to all the girls how important this role can be. To put together a group of cowgirls for little girls to look up to is very rewarding to us. It is also important to recognize all of the wonderful sponsors of the Franklin Rodeo, and the flag girls are able to assist in showing thanks to all of those sponsors.” 76 | MAY 2022

To be a flag girl, one must have excellent horsemanship skills. “It takes skill and knowledge for it to run smoothly behind the scenes, as well as in the arena in front of a huge crowd,” explains Linsey. “The girls are carefully picked so that we know the girls can handle the task of being a part of such a big show. The girls must qualify to be a part of the rodeo.” Almost all the flag girls also rodeo and compete in competitions too. “They compete in High School Rodeos, IPRA rodeos, Jr High Rodeos, STAR Rodeos, barrel races, roping competitions and more. Almost all of them have grown up with horses,” says Linsey. And, when it comes to the horses, you can imagine that it takes a well-trained horse to do the flag presentation. “Not just any horse can handle the Franklin Rodeo crowd,” Linsey says. “It’s a huge show with lots of noise and most horses are very scared of that.” “The sport of rodeo and the western way of life is patriotic, and we aren’t afraid to put God first,” says Linsey. “Women in rodeo represent hard work, morals, respect, responsibility and toughness. We learn that when you fall, you get back up. We are strong God-fearing women, and rodeo represents this very well now.” Learn more about the Franklin Rodeo, nightly events, competitions, vendors and get your tickets at franklinrodeo.com. And, go cheer on the flag girls!

2022 Franklin Rodeo Flag Girls Kaitlyn Abbott, Mary Beth Brennan, Jayden Gossett, Kayla Hipp, Gracie Long, Bailey Kremling, Grace Magee, Macie Minor, Maggie Minor (Tennessee High School Rodeo Queen 2022), Karli Pieropan, Mattie Pinkerton, Valerie Preston (Miss Rodeo Tennessee 2022), Brooke Smith (Star Rodeo Queen 2022).

NEW! BREWERY & RESTAURANT

Huckleberry Brewing Company, a familyfriendly brewery and restaurant, is bringing quality food, craft beer, and entertainment to Williamson County!

SOCIAL

WILLIAMSON, INC.

Joint Mixer with Spring Hill and Maury Alliance PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAIRE PAGE

WHO: Williamson, Inc. | williamsonchamber.com What: Joint Mixer with Spring Hill Chamber and Maury Alliance Where: Homestead Manor Barn Why: This networking event allowed over one hundred business professionals from Williamson and Maury County to connect while enjoying great food and drinks from vendors within the area.

Hold Fast Land and Garden, LLC (HLFG) is a small, Middle Tennesseebased company with a drive to beautify and better the experience of your land while utilizing what nature has to offer. It is our belief that a yard that makes you feel good amplifies the joys of a home and its value.

Zakiyah Johnson & Erika Sanchez

SCAN FOR MORE EVENT PHOTOS

Kristen Ledbetter & Tracy Lewis Bob Upton & Renee Shafer

HFLG was founded in 2017 when Matt followed his passion in land design and maintenance. Since starting HFLG we have only found more joy in helping homeowners put a stamp on their yard and find more utility in their spaces. We look forward to creating and maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces that speak to you!

Meghan Duthu & Brandy Brower

Nancy Conway, Kurt Winstead & Lynn Maddox

Angela Hardison, Caroline McBroom, Abby Bass & Holly Marcus

MAINTENANCE SERVICES

Jill Arnold & Steph Buell

Janis Onstott, Reagan Clayborne & Cortni Beardsley

HARDSCAPE LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALL

Zach Pharr, Tina & Jeff Adams

Leigh Bawcom & Cheryl Blanchard

Tiffany Goode & Doris Holmes

Malaurie Leach & Kari Franklin

FLOWER BED OVERHAUL

615.920.4676 INQUIRIES@HOLDFASTLG.COM

Martin Plumlee, Gina Learell & Doleshel James

Zarette Beard & Julia Bargas

Chris Pixley & Jay Strobing

THIS IS HOME “We have lived in 7 different places in the last 10 years. Shelton Square feels different, because it is the first place we have lived that feels like “home.” Evan’s sister lives next door and his parents moved in right behind us. We can say that Shelton Square has the potential to be a community we can live in for life.” – Nicole and Evan Duvall

NEW HOMES FROM THE $400s - $900s

www.sheltonsquareliving.com MURFREESBORO, TN

BUSINESS

YOUR Business Partner

Williamson, Inc. Annual Golf Classic Get ready for the biggest par-tee of the year on Tuesday, May 24th! This year’s Williamson, Inc. Golf Classic will be held at The Little Course in Franklin. This par three course allows members to select a tee time, move through the event quickly and will also offer group golf lessons. Lessons will be led by a golf pro who can help beginner golfers grasp a basic swing while assisting experienced golfers in polishing their game while connecting in a small group class setting. In addition, players will get to connect on the green with hole sponsors while helping support their local Chamber in its mission to grow a prosperous business community. All golfers will receive a swag bag with gifts from local businesses, and prizes will be on the line for first, second, third and a putting contest. This is the perfect golf outing for both experienced and novice golfers.

Teams Team of 4 – $200 Each golfer will enjoy a swag bag with goodies from over 20 sponsors.

“Golf is a great lifetime sport, and learning the game has strategic career implications. We are excited to be able, in partnership with the Tennessee Golf Foundation, to offer lessons at a variety of levels for our members to grow their careers.” – Matt Largen, President & CEO.

Lessons 9 am - 10 am | Long Drive Group Lesson ($25 per person) 11 am - 12pm | Women in Business Group Lesson ($25 per person)

Sponsorships Hole Sponsorship: Offer golfers an unFOREgettable experience by setting up a tent, table, games, refreshments, giveaways and more. Golf Classic Sponsor: Brand Awareness – logo on all event advertising, including website and social media and add swag to the gift bags, Hole Sponsorship – have a presence on the course and meet the players as they play, and Enjoy – Have a team of four compete.

Details on teams, lessons and sponsorships are below. To register, visit williamsonchamber.com/events.

Family owned and operated For three generations.

Full service Funeral and cremation provider. cemetery and crematory on site. plan ahead by calling our office or visiting 3009 Columbia Ave. Franklin, TN 37064 www.williamsonmemorial.com 615-794-2289

5239 Main St. Spring Hill, TN 37174 www.springhill-memorial.com 931-486-0059

www.preplanning.com/williamsonmemorial www.preplanning.com/springhillmemorial

SOCIAL

WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION

Williamson Medical Center Groundbreaking PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAIRE PAGE

Russell Little & Wendy Monaci

Nick Binicker & Jena Potter

The Ceremonial Groundbreaking

Mary Kate Brown & Chad Story

WHO: Williamson Medical Center Foundation | williamsonmedicalcenter.org WHAT: Williamson Medical Center Groundbreaking WHERE: Williamson Medical Center WHY: WMC broke ground April 4th on the largest expansion and renovation in the hospital’s history. Caroline Bryan and Vicki McNamara, the cochairs for Williamson Medical Center Foundation’s “More for You. Close to Home.” capital campaign, were speakers at the groundbreaking. Along with honorary co-chair, country music star Luke Bryan. The $200 million project touches nearly every department, with improvements to Labor and Delivery, NICU, Cardiology, Emergency Room, ICU and more. The WMC Foundation’s capital campaign, “More for You. Close to Home,” will help supplement the $150 million in bond financing to fund the project.

SCAN FOR MORE EVENT PHOTOS

Stacy Carson & Lisa Nierste Morris

Sandy Bridges & Angie Birkemeyer-Jones

Phil Mazzuca, Vicki McNamara, Caroline & Luke Bryan

Pam Hazelwood & Jeanette Crosswhite

Austin T Rich & Barb Sturgeon

SOCIAL

WILLIAMSON, INC.

Outlook Williamson PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAIRE PAGE

Meg Meredith & Kristen Marques with Hershel

WHO: Williamson, Inc. | williamsonchamber.com WHAT: Outlook Williamson WHERE: Sondra Morris and Robert N. Moore, Jr. ‘52 Center for Arts and Entrepreneurship at Battle Ground Academy WHY: An economic forum featuring industry-leading experts providing an in-depth picture of Williamson County’s Economy and forecasting trends, growth projections and statistical data for the region.

Christina Riojas, Erica Thureson & Janet Duke

Tony Graves, David Scott & Billy Carroll

BEFORE

Matt Largen, Kel McDowell, Drason Beasley & Nathan Zipper

Sara Campbell, Catherine Williams & Jenny Telwar

Nick Biniker & Elizabeth McCreary

SCAN FOR MORE EVENT PHOTOS

Nelle Anderson & Renee Shafer

Courtney Leggett & Riley Sipes

AFTER

Locally Owned and Operated, proudly serving Williamson County for over 26 years.

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BUSINESS

We’re in the Money

Online Shopping DO’S & DON’TS

Helping Protect What Matters Most

WITH LINEAGE BANK

The idea of ordering something from the comfort of your home and having it arrive days later is very appealing. Whether it be for speed or convenience, Americans are shopping online more than ever before. While the perks of online shopping may sound ideal, buyers should be aware of safe practices while surfing the web for a great deal.

DO’S:

DON’TS:

Do YOUR homework: Before entering your information, research the website, policies, and reviews.

Don’t Fall Victim: If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Be careful of ‘Today Only’ or ‘24-Hour’ Deals. Instead, do your research on the company and its products.

Do know what information to provide: It is typical for sites to ask for names, addresses, phone numbers, and debit/ credit card numbers. However, never give out your bank routing number, social security number, or driver’s license number.

Don’t Use a Personal or Business Email: Shoppers should create an email specifically for online purchases. This avoids overloading important inboxes and lessens the burden if the email is ever hacked.

Do a URL check: Scammers often replicate sites but use different extensions like .ru, .cc, or .cn instead of .com.

Don’t Allow Time to Pass: Inspect it immediately once your order arrives. It is much easier to get refunded or have the item replaced soon after it initially arrives.

Do frequent statement checks: Online shoppers should regularly check statements after making a purchase.

Don’t Shop on Public Computers: Entering personal information on computers other than your own puts you at risk of having important information stolen.

Do a Quality Check: Most online retailers have a toll-free customer service line. Give the number a call to very credibility, especially if this is your first time buying from this seller.

Don’t Click on Suspicious Links: Scammers have learned to take advantage of our online shopping habits. So, be careful of the website you visit and the links you click while shopping online.

Remember, online shopping may be appealing, but it is crucial to understand the potential drawbacks if best practices are not adequately utilized.

(629) 248-9085 | Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Downtown Branch: 120 5th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064 Cool Springs Branch: 3359 Aspen Grove Dr, Suite 100, Franklin, TN 37067

I Am Williamson County

PAM HORNE NONPROFIT CHAMPION BY CLAIRE PAGE

Pam Horne is the Community Relationships Coordinator at BrightStone, a twenty-two-yearold non-profit that serves adults with special needs and their families. She also spends a great deal of time at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, located in the heart of downtown Franklin, and graciously shares her time with organizations across Williamson County. Read below to learn more: YW: What makes Williamson County feel like home to you? My first childhood impression of Williamson County was the friendly people. In fact, our first visitor was a sweet lady from Welcome Wagon bearing a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken and all the fixins’ for our family! My mom taught piano in our home afternoons, so I quickly learned how “community” works here. Of course, I was the kid who usually needed a ride to church or school activities, but that was never a concern because hearts are big in Williamson. Our home was a place of hospitality and music, where kids always felt welcome. To this day, making people feel welcome is essential to me. YW: What do you like to do in your spare time? My passion is local discovery. Writing and learning about the lives of others gives me great joy. When I became a journalist in my early twenties, I quickly learned that if you don’t have experiences with places and people outside your circle of friends and family, you are missing out on a rich community. YW: Where is your favorite place to go in WC and why? Favorite is a limitless word in Williamson County. 84 | MAY 2022

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEBBIE SMARTT

COMMUNITY

I love my church, St. Paul’s Episcopal, for quiet solitude and joyful worship. It’s a humbling place where I gain strength and purpose from every visit. I love the personal vibe of McCreary’s Irish Pub, the greetings and desserts at Huff’s Market, and the hugs and broccoli salad from Miss Daisy’s. Near my home, I can hide and hang out along the bank of the Harpeth, just thinking about the good times my family has had here, enjoying the simplest things. The world didn’t begin with The Franklin Theatre, but my second date with my husband sealed it in 1989 when I fell asleep in Gone with the Wind. YW: How long have you been involved with BrightStone? What is it about the organization that is so special to you? I joined BrightStone one year ago. BrightStone offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a huge difference in the vulnerable yet inspiring lives of adults with special needs. BrightStone’s new Land of Dreams Campus, situated on 140-acres off scenic Columbia Pike, just south of Franklin, is the next jewel in the loving heart of Williamson County. For me, this is history in the making! Folks are making it possible for adults with special needs to have lifelong learning, job training and job opportunities, and residential options that meet their physical and emotional needs. These folks are emblematic of Williamson’s commitment to spreading God’s love. I have such respect for our founding director Brenda Hauk and the board of directors’ leadership, not to mention our many teachers and volunteers who have committed their lives to bringing new possibilities to our adult students, ages twenty-one and up, every day.

I could begin to name those who have supported BrightStone, but hundreds and hundreds of men and women and families, have made sure that these 140 acres of magnificent beauty, could become our adult students’ BrightStone Land of Dreams! YW: Anything else you would like for the readers of YOUR Williamson to know? Join the work of this community in any fashion you can. In response to your heart, dig deep for the possibilities through volunteerism and, sometimes, through your pocketbook. Every little bit counts. Never let your feelings of falling short amid such a “successful” community prevent you from being a part of what I consider to be God’s heaven on earth! To read the full interview with Pam, visit yourwilliamson.com! The I Am Williamson County column features individuals in Williamson County who are known and unknown as staples of our community, doing good, being seen and exuding Williamson County! If you know someone who fits this distinction, let us know at info@yourwilliamson.com.

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The Lady Entertains

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHASING RAINBOWS CREATIVE

FEATURE

Because Everyone Deserves a Little Magic MAGICAL BIRTHDAY PARTIES WITH SOUTHERN GRACE UNICORNS 86 | MAY 2022

Southern Grace Unicorns, LLC, was born through the magic of my four-year-old’s excitement when she saw her first unicorn. My mother and I have always had a love of horses, and on a whim, one day, we decided to dress up our new white horse, Luna, as a unicorn as a surprise. It was a fantasy come to life, and we knew that we needed to bring that magic to other little princes and princesses throughout middle Tennessee, and birthday parties are just one way we do that.

unicorn-in-training, is perfect for our little princes and princesses, especially if they are too shy or young for Luna. Pearl really brings out that Disney-esque goofiness and wonder when paired with Luna with her small stature and bite-sized resplendence. They are quite a pair, and there are no two unicorns like them in middle Tennessee!

Dressed in our most delicate princess dresses and adorned with the fanciest accessories, your princes The key to a magical unicorn birthday party is all in the and princesses will get to ride either Luna or Pearl presentation. The way children’s little faces to feel special on their birthday. With light up when they first see their own high-quality photography and Luna magic kingdom is nothing short putting on her best show, Southern of amazing. First, we suggest Grace Unicorns will ensure that an eye-popping balloon you get good angles of this arch for the lucky kids and extraordinary memory worthy of a keepsake guests to enter through. An arch built with white, something to have and pink and unicorn balloons share forever. sets the stage and builds anticipation. We often Finally, to wind down and partner with Claire at cap off the magical day, PoppYAYparty to help we provide themed cake, make dreams come true. cupcakes, or cookies for the party through our local Of course, it couldn’t be a partners. The best bakers book unicorn party without a unicorn! up fast, so hurry if you want to Luna is our eleven-year-old Quarter book your own! If you prefer to let Horse who has been specifically trained us handle the desserts, our little elves at for this task. She loves children, is safe to ride, and Josephine Bean Bakery have a package deal to make knows a few tricks to make it even more special. We like sure they fit the theme and always arrive on time. to think she feels extra fancy in her costume because it seems the kids can feel that energy. The princes and Contact the ladies at Southern Grace Unicorns to book princesses get to ride, brush, and feed Luna to truly the most magical and unique birthday party your prince bring the magic to life. Luna will even lie in the grass or princess will ever have. But do it soon! There’s only to show off her regal majesty. so much magic to go around with so many wonderful kids in middle Tennessee! Find us on social media – Naturally, we have a little girl too! Pearl, our miniature- @SouthernGraceUnicorns. YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | 87

COMMUNITY

YOUR Kids

Summer Fun AT THE LIBRARY WITH THE JOHN P. HOLT BRENTWOOD LIBRARY

BY AMELIA ROSE SMITH

As the 2022 school year comes to a close, it can be difficult to find learning opportunities for kids. Williamson County is fortunate enough to have wonderful public libraries across the county! The John P. Holt Brentwood Library is proud to present summer kids calendars that you – and your little readers - won’t want to miss! Splash Into Summer JUNE 3 | 4PM Dive into an Ocean of Possibilities and celebrate Summer 2022 with an event featuring food and fun! Mr. Rich with Super Science JUNE 7 | 1PM Audience: Ages 6+ Like science? Try something dynamic, fun and interactive with Mr. Rich. Created to educate and entertain, kids can see experiments and learn about a lightsaber, disappearing water, bubbling potions, a bed of nails, smoking drinks and (Yes!) explosions! Code Club JUNE 7 | 4:30PM Location: Learning Lab Grades 3-5 are invited to learn a new language through the Prenda Coding Club program. Create Minecraft worlds, build a website, control robots and more!

Anthony Lena – Balloons of Pure Awesomeness JUNE 9 | 1PM Audience: All Ages Join for a special comedy magic show by a multitalented young man who can make amazing balloon sculptures. Join for a celebration with Balloons of Pure Awesomeness®. Steve Pennington JUNE 14 | 1PM Audience: Age 5 and up Steve Pennington combines comedy, magic, music, puppetry and whatever else he can think of to entertain children. He co-created WSMV’s Snowbird and was the master puppeteer for Walt Disney on Broadway. Mr. Bond JUNE 16 | 1PM Audience: Ages 6+ Bond is back! Enjoy another great summer reading program with the best mad scientist around. You might witness a tornado simulation, sound FX, optical illusions, and explosions! Donuts with Dads JUNE 18 | 10:30AM Meeting Room A Bruce Amato JUNE 21 | 1PM Audience: Age 6+ Join for a show consisting of magic, comedy and audience participation, focusing on the importance of reading. Bruce will dazzle us with his marvelous magic and comical antics, and he never fails to delight his audience.

88 | MAY 2022

Farmer Jason JUNE 23 | 1PM Audience: Age 2 - 8 Farmer Jason draws his musical influences from folk, country and rock ‘n’ roll with a dash of DIY punk rock to teach kids about farm lie and the wonders of nature. Scott Humston JUNE 28 | 1PM Audience: All Ages Scott’s show is a mix of music that inspires with messages about honesty, self-respect, and cooperation, combined with comedy! Gene Cordova JUNE 30 | 1PM Audience: All Ages Gene Cordova and his cast of characters lead you through an exciting performance, including ventriloquism, illusions, comedy, audience participation, and high-energy antics. Rodney Kelley JULY 5 | 1PM Audience: Age 6+ Are you ready to laugh and be amazed? Rodney performed at Opryland theme Park and Gaylord Opryland Hotel, and his magic has been featured on America’s Funniest Videos – Twice! Runaway Puppet Theater JULY 12 | 1PM Runaway Puppet Theater presents timeless tales with a twist. A fifty-minute show that uses hand and shadow puppetry to tell the story of perhaps how the Olympics began.

Roger Day JUNE 14 | 1PM Audience: Ages 3 - 8 Roger Day will perform a concert featuring his action-packed and interactive songs that will have kids jumping for joy. Roger combines his wit and wordplay to create a musical experience that parents enjoy as much as their kids. Don’t miss your favorites along with his new song – Zoo Keeper’. Donna Washington JULY 21 | 1PM Audience: Ages 6+ Donna Washington is an internationally known, award-winning storyteller, spoken word recording artist, and author. She has been entertaining, educating and inspiring audiences with her vocal pyrotechnics, elastic face, and deep characterizations that bring folklore, literary tales, and personal narratives to life for over thirty years. Rodney Kelley JULY 26 | 1PM Audience: Age 6+ Rodney performed at Opryland theme Park and Gaylord Opryland Hotel and his magic has been featured on America’s Funniest Videos – Twice! Animalogy JULY 28 | 1PM Audience: Age 5+

$ SAVE UP TO 31

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John P. Holt Brentwood Library 8109 Concord Road, Brentwood, TN 615. 371.0090 brentwoodtn.gov

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If you have any questions about these events, please email Hayley Ellis at hayley.ellis@brentwoodtn.gov.

Drone and Fireworks Spectacular

COMMUNITY

YOUR Education

Top 10 Colleges Williamson County students are interested in:

Williamson County Seniors ARE HEADED TO COLLEGE TOP COLLEGE CHOICES FOR WILLIAMSON COUNTY STUDENTS BY AMELIA ROSE SMITH INFORMATION COURTESY OF NICHE.COM

May 1st, the National College Decision Day in the US, is a day high school seniors have been preparing for since their junior year of high school, or maybe even birth! Countless students have weighed the pros and cons of the 5,300 and counting colleges and universities in the United States. This season of life is bittersweet and momentous for the graduate and those who helped get them to where they are today! It is exciting to see where each student chooses to flock – some staying close to the nest while others travel thousands of miles from familiarity. Either way, the Williamson County community is here to cheer them on and welcome them home!

Grads,

Congratulations on your well-deserved success! Completing your high school education is certainly something worth celebrating! Best wishes on your next adventure!

Parents,

Soak up the last few weeks with your graduate by planning college dorm shopping, teaching them quick meals, and of course, an ice cream date! Remember to offer compassion to your student as this is a significant chapter of their life closing and an exciting yet unknown season beginning!

join us

FOR THIS CLASSIC NEIL SIMON COMEDY!

The Odd Couple BY NEIL SIMON

SHOW RUNS MAY 27 - JUNE 11. Purchase tickets beginning May 16. Go to www.pull-tight.com or call 615-791-5007 Tuesday-Friday, 10 am-4 pm.

Discover a treasure 112 2nd Avenue, South Historic Downtown Franklin

COMMUNITY

News from the Schools

Class of 2022

SUMMER CAMPS

GRADUATION SCHEDULE The time has come for the class of 2022 to walk across the stage to celebrate a huge milestone. We have compiled the graduation schedules for Williamson Schools. Congratulations graduates!

Battle Ground Academy

Grace Christian Academy

SUNDAY, MAY 15 | 5PM BGA Glen Echo Campus

SUNDAY, MAY 22 | 4PM Grace Christian Academy

Brentwood Academy

Independence High School

SUNDAY, MAY 29 | 7PM Carlton Flatt Field

THURSDAY, MAY 26 | 7PM IHS Football Stadium

Brentwood High School

Nolensville High School

SATURDAY, MAY 28 | 1PM Lipscomb University Allen Arena

FRIDAY, MAY 27 | 7PM NHS Football Stadium

Centennial High School

Page High School

FRIDAY, MAY 27 | 7PM CHS Football Stadium

FRIDAY, MAY 27 | 7PM PHS Football Stadium

Currey Ingram Academy

Ravenwood High School

THURSDAY, MAY 26 | 5PM Currey Ingram Academy

SATURDAY, MAY 28 | 10AM Belmont University Curb Center

Fairview High School

Renaissance High School

FRIDAY, MAY 27 | 7PM FVHS Football Stadium

FRIDAY, MAY 27 | 5PM Fourth Avenue Church of Christ

Franklin Christian Academy

Summit High School

SATURDAY, MAY 28 | 2PM Christ Community Church

SATURDAY, MAY 28 | 7PM SHS Football Stadium

Franklin Classical School

The Classical Academy of Franklin

SATURDAY, MAY 21 | 1PM Franklin Classical School

Franklin High School THURSDAY, MAY 26 | 7PM FHS Football Stadium

FRIDAY, MAY 20 | 10AM The Classical Academy of Franklin

Vanguard Virtual High SATURDAY, MAY 28 | 10AM Fourth Avenue Church of Christ

40+ half- and full-day camps available in

ART ATHLETICS CANNONBALL DAY CAMP CHEER CODING CULINARY ARTS DANCE PERFORMING ARTS ROBOTICS ...AND MORE! Learn more and register at battlegroundacademy.org/ camps

LIFESTYLE

Read Between the Lines

Women Authors Shaping Literature BY EMILY EVANS Reading is my escape, my relaxation, my nightly ritual. No matter how tired I am at the end of the day, I read something before turning out the light. It might be an article, a chapter in the book I am currently reading, or a few pages in a nonfiction book from the stack on the shelf of my bedside table. Reading takes my mind away from the day’s events and the anticipation of the day to come and allows me to settle for the night.

Jeanette Winterson said, “books and doors are the same thing. You open them, and you go through into another world.” Pick up one of Elin Hilderbrand’s many bestsellers and find yourself on the tiny island of Nantucket. Hilderbrand, “the queen of beach reads,” takes her readers through love affairs, summer

There are countless highly talented and well-renowned authors, and according to a recent study, just over fifty percent are women. Just as the Ladies of Distinction in this issue are all unique and inspiring and work hard to make a difference in our community each day, these authors inspire, empower and entertain readers. As writer

Open one of Mary Kay Andrews’ thirty bestselling novels, and another ‘queen of beach reads’ takes you on adventures in Savannah, St. Petersburg, and other southern idyllic beach towns. Her novels have a trademark wit and often sassy style, and her mysteries and beach reads are fun and fast-paced. So, fall into her books and feel like you are on the perfect summer escape! romances, heartbreaks and family relationships. Her loyal readers look forward to her new book each June. They cannot wait to zoom off to Nantucket for the latest summer romance, with bottles of Veuve Clicquot, fun cocktails, dancing at the Chicken Box and all of the magic that the tiny island offers in the height of the season.

92 | MAY 2022

Be swept away to remote Alaska, World War II France, Texas during the Dust Bowl, or the Pacific Northwest in one of Kristin Hannah’s highly acclaimed books. Hannah is another one of my favorite authors and is a brilliant writer whose historical fiction bestsellers such as The Great Alone, The Nightingale and The Four Winds are blockbusters and book club picks.

Good luck putting one of Colleen Hoover’s addictive books down! She released her first book, Slammed, in 2012 and has had a following, unlike most others! She writes romance novels, with a few thrillers mixed in, and has published more than twenty novels and novellas. Her books are in high demand, thanks largely to #BookTok, where readers talk up their favorite books. Hoover is affectionately called Coho by her enormous fan base, who refer to themselves as CoHorts! Her books are almost impossible to put down once you begin reading and so hard to let go of after reading the last page! Women authors have significantly impacted literature, whether through writing memoirs, historical fiction, romance, nonfiction or other genres. From Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Ann Patchett, Dorothea Benton Frank, poets to novelists, they empower us, educate us, inform us, challenge us, and take us on journeys to places past, present and future. They make us think. As summer nears and the days are warmer and longer, I hope you can take a break, open a new book and enjoy a new adventure. Happy reading!

SOCIAL

WILLIAMSON COUNTY CASA

Voices for Children Susannah Barry, Tyler Dicke, Ioana & Dan Sullivan

Glen Casada & Robbie Beal

Deanna & Jack Johnson

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAYLEY ANTHONY

WHO: Williamson County CASA | williamsoncountycasa.org WHAT: Voices for Children WHERE: Graystone Quarry WHY: Williamson County CASA is a 501 (c) (3) that makes a direct impact on the lives of children in this community. Their mission is to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system, and they work daily with a vision to ensure that every child is placed in a safe and permanent home. All proceeds raised from this evening directly benefit the children that they serve.

Chris Jenkins, Stuart Tutler & Helen Olivares

Robert Blair, Gabrielle Cesario & Chris Fuller

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Tina & Ken Shreeve

Derek Twente & Marsha Maller

Jenn Morrison, Holly Nichols & Emily Jenkins

Diane Bearre & Jessica Richardson

Courtney Grande, Tracy Barnes, Sarah Pouliot & Stephanie Stokes

Lacey Keller & Tiffany Holland

Becky Barkley & Morgan Bracy Carter

French-inspired Home & Gift Store

A f f o r da b l e E l e g a n c e 4 4 3 c o o l s p r i n g s b o u l e va r d

Laurie Vairetta & Sandra Burke

Franklin, TN

Chelsea Faught & Brooke Powers

SOCIAL

Rieves & Lathram Berry

Harry Horton & Tom Ruiz

Greg Sandin, Teresa Anderson & Barbara Sandin

Ward & Carman Boone

Kyle Bowen, Cameron Hinkle & Debra Whitehead

Shawn Walsh, Tom Foolery & Tara Walsh

Patrick & Lauren Thomas, Tony McAlister

Maria Christensen, Claude Kelly, Chuck Harmony & Tiffany Anderson

STUDIO TENN

One Night Only PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRIS RAE

Bob & Kay Musgrove

Jessica & Brian Mayes

Rick & Elaine Warwick 94 | MAY 2022

WHO: Studio Tenn | studiotenn.org WHAT: One Night Only WHERE: The Factory at Franklin WHY: An evening of live musical entertainment, daring circus acts, delicious food, specialty drinks and an unparalleled online auction. One Night Only honors those who have helped make all of this possible, celebrates their accomplishments over the past thirteen years. This event allows Studio Tenn to continue producing world-class entertainment that showcases middle Tennessee as a prominent destination for professional theater.

Norman & Brenda Johnson

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Marabeth Poole, Amy Pappas & Lisa Culp Taylor

Kathie Lee Gifford & Patrick Cassidy

Trent & Bethni Hemphill, Harrison Houle & John Schuck

Tyler Donner, Brian & Ashlyn Meneguzzi

Dudley & Tyler Berry

MAY WE ALL will feature a rotating lineup of country music guest artists. Confirmed artists include:

ALANA SPRINGSTEEN • ALEXANDRA KAY • ANGIE K • BRELAND • CALEB LEE HUTCHINSON CANAAN SMITH • DANIELLE BRADBERY • JAMIE O'NEAL • LAINEY WILSON • LINDSAY ELL LOCASH • RAELYNN • ROBYN OTTOLINI • SCARLETT BURKE • SYDNEY SIEROTA THOMAS MAC • TIGIRLILY • TRENT HARMON and many more.

JUNE 7 – JULY 17

TPAC.ORG • 615-782-4040 For groups of 10 or more, call 615-782-4060.

LIFESTYLE

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture There never seems to be a shortage of arts and culture events to attend in middle Tennessee. Here are just a handful of upcoming art exhibits, music events, plays and more that we can’t wait to see! to the outskirts of paradise. Each receives an opportunity to stay... or return to hell, forever divorced from heaven. The choice proves more challenging than imagined. MAY 5 – MAY 15 Camelot Studio 10 studiotenn.org Based on The Once and Future King by T.H. White, this is a small cast version adapted by David Lee. The legendary love triangle of King Arthur, Guinevere and Sir Lancelot leaps from the pages of T.H. White’s novel in Lerner and Loewe’s award-winning, soaring musical.

MAY 15 C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce Tennessee Performing Arts Center tpac.org C.S. Lewis’ mesmerizing fantasy about heaven, hell and the choice between them, comes to life with Lewis’ signature wit, excellent actors and dazzling, state-of-the-art stagecraft! Lewis’ brilliantly drawn characters take a fantastic bus trip from hell

MAY 25 Prohibition with the Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center nashvillesymphony.org Celebrate the Roaring ‘20s with the Nashville Symphony in this musical journey through the cabarets and speakeasies of New York, Paris and beyond. Featuring guest singers, dancers and musicians, this evening of classic jazz revisits some of the greatest artists of the 1920s, from Rudy Vallée to Josephine Baker, from Kurt Weill to King Oliver, accompanied by vintage photos and video.

MAY 26 – MAY 28 Leslie Odom, Jr. with the Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center nashvillesymphony.org

The sensational Tony and GRAMMY® Award-winning star of Hamilton joins your Nashville Symphony for a night of jazz standards and Broadway hits. In addition to his breakout role on stage, he has appeared in TV and film, including the acclaimed Harriet. You won’t want to miss his first-ever appearance at Schermerhorn Symphony Center as he sings favorite songs, including “Wait for It,” “Dear Theodosia,” “Without You,” “Sunny Side of the Street,” “Autumn Leaves,” “You Send Me,” “Minnie the Moocher” and many more.

MAY 26 The Odd Couple Pull-Tight Theatre pull-tight.com As an antidote to a couple of rough pandemic years, Pull-Tight revisits this beloved audience favorite. The fun begins as fastidious and tightly wound Felix Unger, just separated from his wife, moves in with recently divorced Oscar Madison, whose slovenly and careless ways probably contributed to the breakup of his marriage. A cast of pokerplaying buddies and a date night with the Pigeon sisters round out an evening full of hilarity and heart.

BEETHOVEN'S NINTH

ABBA THE CONCERT

ABBA

THE CONCERT

Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor Presented without the Nashville Symphony. SERIES PARTNER

June 2 to 5

with the Nashville Symphony Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor

June 8

BERNADETTE PETERS with the Nashville Symphony Marvin Laird, conductor

June 17 to 19

June 22

BEN FOLDS WITH THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor SERIES PARTNER

IN CONCERT with the NASHVILLE SYMPHONY Nathan Aspinall, conductor

June 30 to July 2 EXPLORE OUR CONCERT CALENDAR AND BUY TICKETS

NashvilleSymphony.org/Tickets | 615.687.6400

July 8 to 10 WITH SUPPORT FROM

MONTHLY

Did You Know?

LegendaryWOMEN

Know your legendary women? Your Rosa Parks from your Marie Curie’s? Then test your skills on this issue’s crossword! 5 DOWN ACROSS 1. Rear Admiral Dr. Grace Hopper 5. __________ Child introduced America to was a Rear Admiral in the U.S. French cooking in her books Navy credited with developing the and television series from 7 ____________ computer language, and 1963 through the 1990s. with coining the phrase "debugging" 8. Anne ________ was the to fix a computer. first American woman 2. Wilma Mankiller was the first poet whose poetry was 9 woman in modern history to lead this published in London. major Native American tribe. 9. Appointed in 1997, 3. In 1937, Amelia ________ mysteriously Madeleine ________ became disappeared. the first Secretary of State 4. _________ Eastman was the female of the United States. lawyer who worked for equal rights and suffrage, co-founded the ACLU 10. This double Nobel in 1910, and helped write the Equal Prize winner, Marie Curie’s, scientific discoveries launched effective cures Rights Amendment. for what? 6. Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her 12 seat to a white person on a __________ 11. Elizabeth _______ is a 19th-century bus in 1955 sparked the civil rights social reformer who campaigned tirelessly for the welfare and rights of movement. prisoners, promoting rehabilitation over 7. Gertrude Ederle was the first woman harsh punishment. to swim across the ________ channel. 12. Mary Dyer was imprisoned and then 11. Geraldine _________ was the first hanged for her __________ faith in Boston. woman vice-president candidate on a major political party ticket in 1984. 14. Barbara __________ was the first woman to win an unshared Nobel Prize in physiology or 13. ________ Adams was both a wife and medicine in 1983 for her discovery a mother of a U.S. President. that genes can change positions 14 on the chromosome.

HARPETH RIVER SWING

PILGRIMAGE MUSIC & CULTURE FESTIVAL

CHUKKERS FOR CHARITY

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE FALL 2021

LUKE & CAROLINE BRYAN

The Place They Call Home

FASHIONABLE YOU

Fall Fashion In Williamson County

YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Nonprofit Heroes & Distinctively Williamson Businesses

Philanthropy Edition

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YOUR Williamson May 2022

Articles inside

One Night Only

YOUR Kids

Arts & Culture

Read Between the Lines

I Am Williamson County

We’re in the Money

Outlook Williamson

YOUR Business Partner

A Southern Gentleman Is

Williamson, Inc. Joint Mixer with Spring Hill Chamber & Maury Alliance

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

A Spirited Conversation

Styling YOUR Everyday

In YOUR Backyard

YOUR Charitable Self

After A Fashion

Bourbon & Bubbles

YOUR Health & Wellness