Sperry’s Restaurant: Setting the Standard for Fifty Years POURS & PALATES
Since 1958, we have built our reputation on a tradition of authenticity and exceptional care. As this community has grown, so have we. What started as a single building called Williamson County Hospital in 1958 has grown into a regional health system, with 30 different locations including primary care and orthopaedic clinics, outpatient lab and imaging services, EMS stations, walk-in clinics and more. We are proud to be poised to take care of our communities for generations to come. The entire Williamson Health organization is committed to providing world-class care that feels like home.
For more information, visit WilliamsonHealth.org.
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YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNER
Elevating Healthcare Excellence: Williamson Health
42
FASHIONABLE YOU
Get Ready to Rumba: What to Wear for A Vintage Affair's Main Event: Havana Nights!
71
POURS & PALATES
Setting the Standard for Fifty Years: Sperry’s Restaurant
78 IN YOUR BACKYARD
The Bee is Back: Local Honey in Middle Tennessee
ON THE COVER:
Kristen Pickens and Gavin Shellnut are ready for A Vintage Affair's Main Event: Havana Nights!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAUSHA DICKINSON
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COMMUNITY
LIFESTYLE
34 Eat, Drink & Be Merry
Balancing Act: How to Stabilize Blood Sugar with Food with Cara Clark Nutrition
36 YOUR Health & Wellness
The McPhail-Cliffe Clinic
Shands 60 I Am Williamson David Collins: Franklin’s Dancing Cop
In YOUR Neighborhood YOUR Williamson Summer Mixer 88 A Southern Gentleman Is... Dr. Snowden’s Twenty-Four Year Impact on the Franklin Special School District with YOUR Southern Gentleman
Transforming Education: Battleground Academy’s Vision for Future-Ready
Make It Count: GLP-1 Tips with Edge Peptide
38 YOUR Best Self
The Hot Topic: A Holistic Guide to Thriving Through Menopause with Prism Strength
58 Welcome Home
Fine Southern Living: 4613 Majestic Meadows Drive with Brittany Moon
64 A Spirited Conversation
Rediscover Tequila: My Journey Southbound with Southbound Tequila
84 Keeping Score
Surviving without Saban: SEC Predictions for 2024
Fashion with a Focus: Jeff Garner and the Fight Against Toxic Textiles
Realtor Good Works Foundation
76 A Little Something Extra Digital Gold: Music City’s Historic Bitcoin Conference with Bitcoin Ben’s Crypto Club
“Do All The Good You Can”
Chuck McDowell, CEO of Wesley Mortgage, his wife Jo Ellen and their two dogs Bud and Ollie
Chuck McDowell, a true Middle Tennessee native, was born and raised in Mt. Juliet, met his wife while attending college in Murfreesboro, and currently resides in Franklin. As an MTSU alumni and successful business man, Chuck wanted to make a mortgage company that is Middle Tennessee’s Hometown Lender. He started Wesley Mortgage to be in the business of supporting our community and the people that live in it. Whether we’re highlighting local heroes at Titans games, or helping local churches and non profits, Wesley Mortgage reinvests in the people and places that make Middle Tennessee great.
When you work with Wesley Mortgage, you can expect three things:
1. Great customer service from Middle Tennessee experts
2. Fast closing times
3. Invests back into the people and organizations that make Middle Tennessee great Choose Middle Tennessee’s local lender today!
“Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind and spirit - the realization that everything we do, think, feel and believe has an effect on our state of well-being.“
- greg anderson
ear Readers,
I have thought about health and wellness a lot in recent time, especially in the last year. My extended family has dealt with a series of health issues over the last year, and when faced with life-or-death situations or disease, you can see very quickly, how and why our health is so very important. I also turned fifty a few months ago, and while I have yet to come to terms with what that number means fully – I know that I certainly do not feel my age physically! And I have come to understand even more fully, just how in sync the physical and mental must be in order to truly call yourself “healthy and well”.
If our minds aren’t right, we certainly don’t feel well. And when we physically are not feeling well, our minds suffer too. “You are only as old as you feel,” of course, is a favorite trope and it’s true. As long as I can get up every day and want to take a run, and as long as I can make it up the stairs without getting out of breath, then I would say life is good. And I feel young! But we have to take care of that don’t we? In all the ways.
Stress seems to be the world’s number one source of ill health – in both mind and body. And what is stress anyway? I have been trying, as I get older, to breathe and calm down; put whatever, IT is, in perspective, in that moment of stress and anxiety, and break it down. Is it really worth making myself sick over a work deadline? I can’t find my keys - should I have a stroke? Someone cuts me off in traffic? Go on a cussing rant? Uh, no. None of that is worth what huge levels of stress does to your body and mind. I feel like if there is something in life that causes your very well-being to suffer, is it truly worth it?
Prioritize. Realize just how short life is and it shouldn’t be spent tied up in knots every day, lest you completely miss the joy. I for one, thrive on stressful situations in general. In that, I work well under pressure. But wow, isn’t it nice sometimes to go with the flow, laugh a bit more, enjoy those around you, and LIVE.
This issue has so many interesting features on how to stay
healthy and be well - and so much more! Everyone is gearing up for school to begin again; don’t even get me started on how in the world the summer is over! Our days will turn from hearing “I’m so bored,” to – “ugh homework!” There will be routine again, which can be very nice! We head into the fall with anticipation of soooo many fun things around the corner.
In the meantime, for now, let’s not stress over anything at all. Listen to the crickets, enjoy the fireflies, have a popsicle or slide down a waterslide a few more times. These are things that TRULY make us healthy and well. Enjoy the rest of your summer, Williamson County!
Shelly Robertson Birdsong Publisher | Editor in Chief
Nana (Anna Margaret Giles) celebrates being ninety-four years young with her great-grandchildren!
Giles Robertson, Calhoun Birdsong, Lane Robertson, Lillian Ham & Keeling Birdsong
YOUR CONTRIBUTORS
JOHNNY BIRDSONG
A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN IS...
Johnny Birdsong, Publisher at YOUR Williamson, is a Kentucky native and Williamson County convert but above all, a Southern Gentleman.
KATIE SHANDS
DAYS GONE BY
Katie Shands, local author of novel Finding Franklin, has found her home here in our community. See her interesting and history-filled blog posts about Franklin and Williamson County on social media daily. Follow her on social media @katieshandsauthor.
RHONDA BENNETT, Ed. D. HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL
With over twenty-five years of experience in elementary and higher education, Rhonda joined BGA in 2008. Her Wildcat experience began at the heart of the Lower School as a classroom teacher. She moved into academic leadership roles before being named Head of Lower School at BGA in 2014. For more information visit battlegroundacademy.org.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
YOUR REAL ESTATE
The WCARis a trade association that exists to represent the interests of real estate professionals and those who own or desire to own real property. To learn more, visit wcartn.org.
WILLIAMSON HEALTH
YOUR HEALTH & WELLNESS
Williamson Health has been a healthcare pillar in our community for over sixty years. With an impressive tradition and commitment to providing exceptional healthcare service to thousands of patients, they are YOUR community hospital. For more information, visit williamsonhealth.org.
WILLIAMSON, INC.
YOUR BUSINESS PARTNER
Williamson, Inc. is committed to the core values of leadership, education and community. They are laser-focused on helping our members be productive, progressive and prosperous business professionals. Visit williamsonchamber.com for more information!
AUG
AUG
2 – 10
WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR
Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park williamsoncountyfair.org
This year marks the twentieth anniversary of the Williamson County Fair. Opening on August 2nd, visitors can explore an array of new rides and attractions, such as the Amazing Wonderland Circus, a Stilt Walker and rides including the Autobahn, Runaway Train and more! New competitive event categories for the 2024 Fair include wood burning, tricked-out cowboy hats, sourdough bread classes and so many more.
AUG 15
STEAK & BURGER
DINNER
The Factory at Franklin bgcmt.org
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee will host its 35th Annual Steak & Burger Dinner, a unique and cherished fundraising event dedicated to honoring our Club members and engaging supporters with the young people who benefit from their generosity. The event promises an evening of delicious food, captivating entertainment, and meaningful interaction between supporters and youth. Highlights of the evening will include performances by talented Club members, inspirational speeches and the opportunity for guests to interact with the youth, hear their stories and understand the impact of their support firsthand.
AUG 17
RAISE THE ROOFS
The Park at Harlinsdale Farm friendsoffranklinparks.org
The much anticipated Raise the Roofs weekend will include a twilight polo match at the Tractor Supply Co. Arena at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm on August 16th and the main event will be
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Tap into the heartbeat of Williamson County with a quick scan! Our community calendar is your portal to the pulse of local events and activities. Stay connected, stay engaged, and never miss a beat of what makes our county extraordinary.
held on August 17th under the big tent on the lawn overlooking the Hayes House. Patrons can expect plenty of great food, drinks, live music and an after party beginning at 8:30pm. This year’s celebration will honor the twentieth anniversary of The Park at Harlinsdale Farm.
AUG 21
WILLIAMSON, INC. BIZFEST
The Factory at Franklin williamsonchamber.com
BizFest is your chance to expand your network, showcase your products and have a great time doing it. Enjoy an evening filled with engaging conversations, lively entertainment and opportunities to connect with fellow professionals. With drinks, delicious food and enticing prizes, BizFest promises a vibrant atmosphere where business meets celebration. Don’t miss out on this unique blend of networking, marketplace and fun.
AUG 23
A VINTAGE AFFAIR MAIN EVENT: HAVANA NIGHTS
The Factory at Franklin avintageaffair.org
A Vintage Affair will host its twenty-fourth annual Main Event with Havana Nights. Grab your fedora, sip a Mojito and get ready to dance the night away. This lively, Cuban-inspired, tropical party theme promises an escape from the ordinary. Guests will experience fabulous food from amazing local restaurants, select wines, whiskey, bourbon and rum tastings, a silent auction, a wine auction, and a live auction, live music, dancing and so much more!
AUG
29
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Franklin Marriott Cool Springs williamsonchamber.com
The annual Women’s Leadership Conference gathers women for an event focused on
professional development and networking. This year’s theme, EmpowerHER, highlights the inspiring journeys of women who have triumphed through perseverance to achieve remarkable success. The conference includes a networking segment prior to the program, featuring display booths from women-owned businesses.
SEP 2
MERCY FRANKLIN CLASSIC
Downtown Franklin mercytn.org
Join Mercy Community Healthcare’s twenty-fifth anniversary of hosting the Franklin Classic. In honor of the anniversary each runner will receive a medal as they cross the finish line. The Franklin Classic is a 5K, 10K, 15K combo and 1K Kids Run. The race starts and finishes on the historic Franklin Square with the final sprint down Main Street.
EVENT PHOTOS
Relive the moments, discover hidden gems, and bring the memories home. Scan here for event photos, both featured and exclusive.
Photo by Jen Creed Creative
yourwilliamson Franklin, Tennessee
FRIENDS OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY ANIMAL CENTER
An Evening with Friends
PHOTOGRAPHY BY APRIL KISER
WHO: Friends of Williamson County Animal Center | friendsofwcac.org WHAT: An Evening with Friends WHERE: Barn at Sycamore Farms WHY: The Friends of Williamson County Animal Center hosted their sixth annual “An Evening with Friends” at the Barn at Sycamore Farms. The evening included dinner, beverages, and a live and silent auction. All proceeds directly benefited the animals and program at the Williamson County Animal Center.
Janvi & Taara Shivdasani, Tilly & Terra Lovelace
Brian & Nicole Kersey
Cassie Jones & Laura Musgrave
Erin & Hunter Birdwell
Andy & Kim Southard
Elizabeth & Brandon Priddy, Kelsey & Joe Graves, Gray & Sara Harrison
David & Monica Chioli
Gina King & Lauryn Zallud
Chris Feemster, Chad Randall, Jana Crim & Anna Richardson
Elaine & Mike Rohrig, Karen & Mike Garfield
Laura Westbrook & Candie Westbrook
6459 Arno College Grove Road
College Grove, Tennessee
6 Beds | 6 Full /2 Half Baths | 7137 Sq. Ft. | 5 Acres Guest House 1 Bed | 1 Full 1 Half Bath | 1363 Sq. Ft. Offered at $7,500,000 MLS# 2669540
AVAILABLE NOW!
This stunning property offers modern design with a mountain flair on 5 fully fenced acres. Enjoy a heated 40x18 Negative Edge Gunite Pool, a putting green, and an expansive covered back patio with an outdoor half bath and grilling station. The Guest House features a stunning kitchen, 1 Bedroom and 1.5 baths, while the main house boasts an incredible kitchen with double 12' quartz islands, Miele appliances, and a pool service kitchen. The temperature controlled 120 bottle wine storage is perfect for entertaining.
Elevating Healthcare Excellence
WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER'S REVOLUTIONARY $200 MILLION EXPANSION
illiamson Health celebrates the grand opening of the newly expanded and renovated Boyer-Bryan West Tower, marking an ongoing commitment to providing top-tier healthcare in Williamson County
It’s been hard to miss Williamson Health’s growth over the past year. From the historic expansion and renovation project underway at Williamson Medical Center to a new clinic in Spring Hill, it’s clear that the regional healthcare system is elevating excellence in healthcare throughout the county.
Williamson Health is committed to serving the community—and nothing tells that story more clearly than the expanding skyline at the system’s flagship hospital. Williamson Health marked a monumental milestone this summer with the completion and grand opening of Williamson Medical Center’s newly expanded and renovated Boyer-Bryan West Tower.
Just prior to the ribbon cutting, Williamson Health unveiled a sign dedicating the building as the Boyer-Bryan West Tower on behalf of hospital supporters Luke and Caroline (Boyer) Bryan and The Brett Boyer Foundation.
“The new tower represents Williamson Health’s commitment to elevate healthcare excellence for all residents of Williamson County and the surrounding region by providing world-class care for years to come,” said Phil Mazzuca, Williamson Health CEO. “We’re excited to reach this milestone and open the Boyer-Bryan West Tower to our patients, friends and neighbors. Our goal is to provide top-tier care to all residents of Williamson County and the surrounding region, and this expansion plays a vital role in achieving that goal.”
EXPLORING THE BOYER-BRYAN WEST TOWER
The expanded Boyer-Bryan West Tower offers a variety of elevated healthcare services to the community.
The recently completed project added three floors to the original West Tower footprint plus a new wing that encompasses all six floors, for a total of nearly 175,000 new square feet and 134 new patient beds that have been added to the hospital. The Boyer-Bryan West Tower now includes a 35-bed intensive care unit for critical care needs, 94 medical-surgical in-patient rooms and 10 pediatric inpatient rooms.
The tower also features a fully renovated and expanded obstetrics and neonatal unit, including 33 total rooms, a spacious nursery and three C-section rooms, and an updated world-class Cardiac Center, including two state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs and a brand-new electrophysiology lab as well as pre- and post-procedure areas.
“Every element of the Boyer-Bryan West Tower project is purposefully designed, allowing for greater efficiency and capacity, but also creating family-friendly spaces that promote healing and comfort,” said Dr. Andy Russell, Williamson Health Chief Medical Officer.
That “purposeful design” includes top-of-the-line technologies in patient rooms that enhance communication as well as the overall patient experience. In addition, advanced equipment and integrated systems promote greater collaboration among providers and support the continuity of care.
“We understand that a hospital stay can be a challenging time for patients and their families,” Dr. Russell said. “We’ve carefully planned each aspect of the design—from room size to furnishings—with patient and visitor comfort in mind.”
CELEBRATING THE BOYER-BRYAN WEST TOWER
Williamson Health officials, physicians and staff members celebrated the monumental milestone with area residents earlier this summer. The grand opening and ribbon cutting was held on June 18th and included elected officials, community leaders, Williamson Health employees and capital campaign honorary co-chair and co-chair, Luke and Caroline Bryan.
“Williamson Medical Center has played a significant role in our lives,” said Caroline Bryan, who serves alongside campaign co-chair Vicki McNamara. “Our children were born here, and we’ve been in the emergency room more times than we can count. We love this hospital, its staff, and everything the Williamson Health system does for our community. This project means so much to our family.”
Luke Bryan said, “We are honored to be a part of this project and to now see the Boyer and Bryan families’ names on this building that will change so many lives. We’ll see lives brought into this world, and we’ll see lives be healed in this special place. We love this community and this hospital that has always been and felt like home.”
The ribbon cutting also kicked off a family-friendly community event, featuring free food, a live DJ and kids activities such as train rides, face painting and a magician. The community-centered celebration also gave area residents their first glimpse of the newly completed West Tower, with guided tours offered throughout the event.
Community members and area residents who attended the ribbon cutting and family fun event, also got a chance to hear from some of the Williamson Health physicians who provide exceptional, highquality care within the tower walls, like Swati Patel, M.D., and Tufik Assad, M.D.
“Our new ER, which was completed earlier this year, has been well received by the patients and families,” Dr. Patel said. “We have more much-needed space, including an expanded waiting room and additional exam rooms. We have truly elevated the way we can care for our patients with space that is more efficient and lends itself to enhanced collaboration for our staff.”
Dr. Assad, who works with Williamson Health Medical Group’s Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Group and serves as the Medical Director of Williamson Health’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), stressed
“Our children were born here, and we’ve been in the emergency room more times than we can count. We love this hospital, its staff, and everything the Williamson Health system does for our community. This project means so much to our family.”
- CAROLINE BRYAN
COMPLETING
THE PROJECT
The completion of the West Tower is a monumental milestone. It’s the largest component of Williamson Medical Center’s extensive $200 million renovation and expansion project covering nearly every aspect of the regional, acute-care hospital. Launched in 2022, the project is designed to help Williamson Health continue serving the community’s healthcare needs long into the future.
“Williamson Health exists to meet the healthcare needs of our community,” Mazzuca said. “This transformational project is a tangible representation of our commitment to make top-tier healthcare more accessible to the residents of Williamson County.”
Additional updates to be completed this year include expanding the Emergency Department from 28 to 43 beds and adding a more modern and spacious neonatal intensive care unit with nine private bays.
“We are honored to be a part of this project and to now see the Boyer and Bryan families’ names on this building that will change so many lives. We’ll see lives brought into this world, and we’ll see lives be healed in this special place. We love this community and this hospital that has always been and felt like home.”
- LUKE BRYAN
the significant ways the updated ICU will allow physicians and staff to better serve the community.
“Not only are our new ICU rooms more spacious, more modern and more technologically equipped,” he said, “but we have also been working diligently on elevating our abilities to care for patients with the higher levels of complexities and acuities so we can treat a wider array of illnesses and conditions.”
The final phase of the Williamson Medical Center renovation and expansion project, which includes renovations to the Main Lobby and patient floors in the original tower, is expected to be continued into 2025.
All of the updates, officials say, are designed with one purpose in mind: elevating excellent healthcare for Williamson County now and for decades to come.
“This project is truly transformational and has Williamson Medical Center and Williamson Health well positioned for the future,” Mazzuca said at the ribbon cutting. “This project demonstrates our commitment to keep growing along with the community, and I guarantee that our drive to elevate excellence for this community won’t stop here.”
Round Up ON THE RISE
Williamson Health is committed to providing high-quality healthcare throughout the region. From award-winning obstetrics care to new locations and updated spaces, here are a few highlights of recent Williamson Health happenings.
OH, BABY!
Dolly and Elvis. Barbie and Ken. The cast of “Frozen”: Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf. Those are just a few of the iconic outfits Janet Weidner of Bizzy Bee Crochet has carefully crafted for babies born at Williamson Medical Center, photographed each month by Kristie Lloyd and showcased on Williamson Health’s social media channels, billboards, in the local media and more.
While the photos are always a fan favorite among Williamson County residents, they recently garnered the attention of a national audience. This past winter, a writer at PEOPLE magazine learned about the themed outfits and shared the story in the magazine’s February 26th issue. Williamson Health’s babies also made an appearance on the TODAY Show’s Instagram.
Learn more about the award-winning obstetrics department and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at williamsonhealth.org/medical-services/ob-and-nicu.
EXPANDING COMMUNITY CARE
Spring Hill is home to Williamson Health’s newest clinic location. Williamson Health officials, physicians and providers recently joined with the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce, Williamson Inc., elected officials and community members to celebrate the grand opening of the new Williamson Health and Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee clinic on May 28th
Located at the corner of Port Royal and Duplex Roads, the clinic offers primary care and other specialists, laboratory services, orthopaedic care and physical therapy.
Williamson Health Medical Group physicians Paula Dunn, M.D., and Sanford Kim, M.D., provide primary care at the new location, while Bone and Joint Institute physicians Matt Anderson, M.D., and Preet Gurusamy, M.D., lead the orthopaedic care. Physical therapy is anchored by Andrea Pierce and Angel Shipman. Learn more at williamsonhealth.org/spring-hill.
MILESTONE MOMENTS
As the charitable and development arm supporting all Williamson Health entities, the Williamson Health Foundation is leading the “More for You. Close to Home.” capital campaign supporting the transformational expansion and renovation project currently underway at the hospital. The Foundation recently celebrated several significant achievements, including:
A special dedication and sign unveiling at Williamson Medical Center’s newly expanded West Tower. The tower bears the Boyer-Bryan name in recognition of the families of Luke and Caroline (Boyer) Bryan in honor of their support of the hospital’s “More for You. Close to Home.” fundraising campaign and the Brett Boyer Foundation. Luke serves as honorary co-chair and Caroline as co-chair of the campaign, along with co-chair Vicki McNamara. Bo and Ellen Boyer created the Brett Boyer Foundation in loving memory and honor of their daughter, Brett, who was diagnosed prenatally with Down Syndrome and a congenital heart defect (CHD). The foundation's mission is to raise awareness for Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) and fund research to advance treatment options.
The dedication of the Turner-Dugas Emergency Department. The Turner and Dugas families, namesakes for Williamson Health’s Turner-Dugas Breast Health Center, were recognized this summer for their sustained giving, which continues to benefit the patients and staff of Williamson Health, most recently helping to fund the emergency department expansion and renovation. The Turner-Dugas Emergency Department was officially dedicated at a special event after comments by Williamson Health CEO Phil Mazzuca and philanthropist Cal Turner, Jr., the former CEO of Dollar General. The emergency room expansion increased the total capacity of the ER from 28 to 43 beds, includes two new triage rooms, 10 new exam rooms, the addition of an eight-bed flex pod for patients requiring a variety of privacy and security needs, and more.
Final projects in the renovation and expansion project are expected to be completed in 2025. Visit williamsonhealth.org/more-for-you-close-to-home to learn how you can support the project. To learn more about the Williamson Health Foundation, visit williamsonhealth.org/williamson-health-foundation.
RODEO READY
Williamson Health is proud to serve Williamson County at various events throughout the year.
One of the most recent events includes the popular Franklin Rodeo. Williamson Health EMS participated in the Rodeo Parade and was on site to provide care throughout the event. Staff from The TurnerDugas Breast Health Center welcomed visitors to the event’s “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” night where community cancer survivors joined Dr. Rebecca Baskin, Dr. Jared Slater and Center colleagues at intermission to receive a $5,000 donation from the Franklin Rodeo to benefit breast cancer patients. Special Williamson Health-branded headphones were also available free for the littlest rodeo visitors who needed to block out loud noises. In addition to the rodeo, Williamson Health is a familiar presence at area festivals, events and sporting events throughout the year.
Rest Assured
HOW WILLIAMSON HEALTH’S NATIONALLY ACCREDITED SLEEP LAB IS MAKING BETTER SLEEP POSSIBLE FOR MORE PATIENTS
As the result of recently completed renovations and updates, Williamson Health’s state-of-the-art sleep lab is ready to make getting a good night’s sleep possible for more patients.
“With these new upgrades, our lab is certainly one of the prettiest sleep labs in all of Tennessee,” said Karl Kuhn, M.D. Board-certified in internal medicine and critical care as well as sleep medicine and pulmonary diseases, Dr. Kuhn provides care at Williamson Health’s sleep lab. “We have the most up-to-date equipment available and extra room so we can get patients into the lab as quickly as possible.”
In addition to cosmetic updates, such as new furniture, bedding, lighting, fresh paint and other amenities designed to make patients feel more comfortable, the renovations also included the addition of a fifth bedroom, increasing capacity so providers can meet the needs of more patients each month.
“This additional bedroom will allow us to see more patients more quickly,” Dr. Kuhn said. “That means quicker turnaround times, less waiting and receiving results much faster.”
Previously, Williamson Health’s sleep lab averaged between 60 to 70 in-lab sleep studies per month, but the recent upgrades have increased that capacity to 100 studies each month. In addition to the renovation,
the lab also added equipment that will allow them to facilitate more in-home sleep studies, making it possible to serve an additional 70 to 80 patients per month.
“If people are complaining about being overly tired, snoring, choking or gasping in their sleep or waking up with headaches, it might be time to consider a sleep study,” Dr. Kuhn said. “Just because you’ve gotten older doesn’t mean you should be more tired, so if you’re needing to nap during the day, it may be time to make an appointment.”
Sleep studies help doctors diagnose sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, insomnia and more. Often, these disorders cannot be identified with a normal office visit, and diagnosis requires gathering more conclusive evidence while patients are asleep.
During a sleep study, lab team members monitor a patient’s brain and physical activity during sleep as well as breathing rates and oxygen levels. The sleep lab also upgraded its equipment to the latest sleep testing technology which further demonstrates that all aspects of the sleep lab experience have been elevated.
“For patients, these improvements have made an evening in Williamson Health’s sleep lab that much nicer,” Dr. Kuhn said. “In addition to the most up-to-date equipment and extra rooms, we’ve got two fantastic board-certified sleep physicians and are adding another at the end of the year. We’re well-equipped to get patients in and diagnosed as quickly as possible.”
Dr. Kuhn, Aaron Milstone, M.D., and Jordan Phillips, M.D., are boardcertified in pulmonary and sleep medicine. Dr. Phillips will join the team on October 1st
Located on the third floor of the Williamson Health Medical Office Building, the sleep lab has been serving Williamson County residents since 1995. To learn about Williamson Health’s pulmonary and sleep medicine services, visit williamsonhealth.org/medical-services/pulmonary-and-sleep-medicine.
Sideline Heroes
AN
IN-DEPTH LOOK INTO THE DAILY LIFE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BONE AND JOINT INSTITUTE TEAM PHYSICIAN WITH SCOTT ARTHUR, M.D.
It’s hard to believe another school year is starting up with new classes, teachers and extracurriculars. It’s this time of year that we often reflect on the dedication of our educators who work diligently to serve the academic needs of our students every day.
However, many others including coaches, athletic trainers and team physicians play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of students as they also embark on their athletic endeavors.
Dr. Scott Arthur, sport medicine physician and orthopaedic surgeon at Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, is one of many providers who gladly give their time and energy to serve student-athletes. As the current team physician for Brentwood High School and Brentwood Academy, Dr. Arthur is passionate about his profession.
“From a young age I knew I wanted to be a surgeon, and I also had a love for sports,” said Dr. Arthur. “Being a team physician has allowed me the ability to interface my two interests, attend games in the community and enjoy what I do.”
With a background in sports medicine and personal athletic experience, it was a natural fit. However, the role of a team physician requires much more than being on the sidelines.
“In addition to keeping the athletes safe, one of our main priorities is to establish an open line of communication with the coaches, athletic trainers, parents and athletes to build a network of trust,” said Dr. Arthur.
Throughout the year, Williamson Health athletic trainers work in tandem with dedicated Bone and Joint Institute physicians and physical therapists to care for the WCS student-athletes. Williamson Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are also on the sidelines during football games and other events, ready to provide immediate care in case of injury.
During the fall season, team physicians are typically assisting with football games and practices as well as other seasonal sports including volleyball, cross country and girls’ soccer.
Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee provides sports medicine coverage, free of charge to high schools in Williamson County as well as Grace Christian Academy, Battle Ground Academy, Brentwood Academy, Christ Presbyterian Academy and Lipscomb Academy.
“Our team physicians are at every home football game for their respective schools and are on-call for other sporting events like soccer games and volleyball matches,” said Dr. Arthur. “However, most of us can be seen at the majority of school sporting events cheering on the athletes we’ve helped rehabilitate.”
These dedicated physicians are also available during the week providing on-campus evaluations, answering questions and attending practices.
“Having us readily available helps the kids return from injury and get back on the field as soon as possible,” said Dr. Arthur. “Personally, I try to be on campus two to three times a week outside of games.”
Football occupies a lot of the team physicians’ time in the fall due to the increased risk of injury. On game days, the physicians
“Being a team physician has allowed me the ability to interface my two interests, attend games in the community and enjoy what I do.”
arrive early to interact with the officials and athletic directors, assess players’ conditions and ensure that everyone is briefed on emergency protocol. During the game, the physicians are ready to evaluate a variety of conditions in realtime including concussions, spinal injuries, ACL tears, shoulder dislocations and sprains, said Dr. Arthur. These providers are also equipped to handle rare cardiac incidents should they occur.
“Safety is top of mind, but if the athlete is able, we want them to get back out and play,” said Dr. Arthur. “Having us on the sidelines allows us to make that determination almost immediately.”
For convenience and further exams, Bone and Joint Institute offers a Saturday morning walk-in clinic available to student-athletes in addition to the group’s four urgent care locations across the county that are open seven days a week.
“The Saturday clinic allows us to get X-rays, be evaluated by a provider and order MRI scans sooner. Sometimes, we even have those results in the same weekend,” said Dr. Arthur. “By expediting the process, we can get our athletes definitive answers as soon as possible
and begin a treatment plan.”
Dr. Arthur and the other team physicians also place a strong emphasis on injury prevention. By attending practices and scrimmages early in the season, the providers can get a sense of areas of concern.
“We coordinate with strength trainers and coaches to integrate techniques into preseason training that will help to decrease the risk of injury,” said Dr. Arthur.
From pre-season parent meeting introductions to post-game athlete evaluation, the dedicated team physicians are committed to the athletes they serve and love to see them triumph over adversity.
“I do what I do because I love it,” said Dr. Arthur. “And the most rewarding part of being a team physician is being able to watch an athlete who’s been through a long and difficult injury recovery get back to doing what they love.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit boneandjointtn.org.
As one of the longest running pilates studios in Franklin, we are here to help you build the strength, function and mobility to move confidently through life!
A Second Chance
HOW WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER’S STATE-OF-THE-ART CARDIAC CARE AND NEWLY UPDATED CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION CAPABILITIES HELPED SAVE BOB LANGSDON’S LIFE
Bob Langsdon doesn’t remember much about the day he had a heart attack last year, but his family does.
“He was driving, and he stopped right in front of the UPS store,” his wife, Annette, recalled. “I looked at him, and I saw that something was wrong, so I called 911.”
Annette watched as local first responders, including Williamson Health EMS, arrived and began working to save her husband’s life. They quickly transported Bob to Williamson Medical Center, where Amit Keswani, M.D., an interventional cardiologist, stepped in.
“There were a lot of factors that were not necessarily in Bob’s favor,” Dr. Keswani said, “so we took him immediately to a cardiac catheterization suite.”
By using state-of-the-art technology, Dr. Keswani and his team were able to quickly identify and repair the artery that had caused Bob’s heart to stop.
“In general, patients that present with cardiogenic shock and out-of-hospital arrest—like Bob—have a 50% mortality rate,” Dr. Keswani said. “We were able to fix the artery—the artery that runs down the front of your heart—but I wanted the family to understand how sick Bob was.”
While Bob benefited from the advanced technologies available in Williamson Medical Center’s cardiac catheterization lab, the transformational expansion and renovation project has enhanced the flagship hospital’s cardiac offerings even more. The new Cardiac Center houses two state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs as well as a brand new electrophysiology (EP) lab and pre- and postprocedure holding and recovery areas.
In addition, the center includes the cutting-edge technologies physicians need to perform a full range of diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures including inserting pacemakers, performing cardiac ablations, angioplasties and more. These technologies enhance physicians’ ability to perform complex cardiac procedures with equipment capable of delivering real-time, high-quality imaging of heart and blood flow.
Even now, Bob doesn’t remember much about that fateful day.
“I have no memory of the events as they happened,” Bob recalled, “but since then, I’ve come to realize how much care I did get. It’s been a blessing to be here.”
Williamson Health is known for high-quality care, a fact that recent recognitions underscore. In May, Williamson Medical Center earned the prestigious Gold Seal of Approval® from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Heart Attack Center Certification. The designations reflect the hospital’s commitment to excellence in cardiac care and attest to the cardiac care team’s ability to rapidly assess, diagnose and treat patients experiencing heart attacks, ensuring timely intervention and optimized outcomes.
For the Langsdon family, having access to exceptional healthcare options right at home in Williamson County was crucial when their family needed it most.
“It used to be thought that you had to go to Nashville for heart care,” said Karen Paris, Bob’s daughter. “It’s wonderful to know that in Williamson County we have such an elite team of people who really provide top-notch care. We’re just so thankful.”
To learn more about Williamson Medical Center’s awardwinning cardiac care, visit williamsonhealth.org/medicalservices/cardiology.
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BLOOD ASSURANCE WEAVES A SAFETY NET FOR OUR COMMUNITY
INVISIBLE THREADS
BY BROOKE KATZ MEDIA RELATIONS COORDINATOR, BLOOD ASSURANCE
Blood Assurance is more than just a blood bank; it’s a community partner committed to saving lives. Every two seconds in the United States, someone needs a blood transfusion. Their survival depends on the generosity of donors, as blood is a medicine that cannot be manufactured in a lab. Despite the need, the stark reality is that our country is facing a severe shortage of donors. Only about three percent of the eligible population donates blood.
Blood Assurance, a Tennessee-based non-profit, serves as the sole provider of blood and blood products for Williamson Health. It is also the primary provider for most hospitals in middle Tennessee. The mission of Blood Assurance is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components, in a cost-effective manner, to every area patient in need.
The Importance of Blood Donations
Blood donations are vital for a variety of medical treatments and emergencies. For patients undergoing surgery, those fighting cancer, trauma victims, and individuals with chronic illnesses, the availability of blood can make the difference between life and death. Williamson County alone needs more than 5,000 units each year.
When you donate with Blood Assurance, you can take pride in knowing that your donation directly impacts the health of your community. Each donation has the ability to save up to three lives.
How You Can Help
There are several ways you can support Blood Assurance and contribute to the health of this community:
DONATE BLOOD
The most direct way to make a difference is to become a regular blood donor. Each donation can help multiple patients in need. Blood Assurance has a donor center in Franklin, and also has frequent mobile drives across Williamson County.
HOST A BLOOD DRIVE
Encourage your workplace, school, place of worship, or community organization to host a blood drive. Blood Assurance provides all the necessary support and resources to make it a success.
SPREAD THE WORD
Share the importance of blood donation with friends and family. Use social media, community bulletin boards, and local events to raise awareness.
A Community Effort
The strength of Blood Assurance lies in the collective efforts within the community. By donating blood, hosting blood drives, and spreading awareness, the people of Williamson County can ensure that the local hospitals are always prepared to meet the needs of patients. Every donation is a testament to the compassion and generosity that defines this community.
For more information on donating and hosting drives, visit bloodassurance.org. Walk-ins are always welcome at the donor center in Franklin at 600 A Frazier Drive, Suite 110.
I BALANCING
HOW TO STABILIZE BLOOD SUGAR WITH FOOD
BY CARA CLARK, INTEGRATIVE NUTRITIONIST, CN, IHP
’ve been teaching health and nutrition for seventeen years and while I’ve grown as a practitioner and followed the ever changing science, one thing has remained true since the beginning: We must eat to stabilize our blood sugar in order to provide our bodies with the best chance for health. This is a must-learn concept that should be taught in school yearly, beginning in kindergarten. But since it’s not, I only hope and pray that you will not only adopt this philosophy, but also share it with everyone you know.
When we eat to balance our glucose levels (blood sugar), we are giving our bodies a chance to burn fat as fuel, but more importantly to efficiently operate in a manner we are supposed to. The outcome of this is: healthy weight, stable energy, good moods and more. Balanced glucose in the blood works for glycolysis, which is a central ATP producing pathway. This is how we get energy into the cell from food!
Act
While my philosophy works for all genders and ages, it is mostly geared towards women. Men can be a little more lenient without the hormonal repercussions that women face. So, before you jump into the next new “quick fix” give this a try:
1. EAT WITHIN AN HOUR OF WAKING UP. This ensures we’re using food for fuel and not stress hormones. Same goes for eating before coffee.
2. EAT EVERY FOUR HOURS, THROUGHOUT THE DAY. This will help negate hypoglycemia and also give your body proper time to digest and rest.
3. ALWAYS COMBINE YOUR MACRONUTRIENTS. Aim for approximately 50% carbs, 25% protein, 25% fat. This is counterintuitive to dieting culture and is a lifestyle approach.
Photography by Angelica Marie
Photography
4. EAT REAL FOODS. The closer to nature, the less processed and the more in season, the better the foods work as medicine in your body.
5. KEEP MEAL SIZES CONSISTENT. This helps to balance insulin released in the system. 100-calorie snacks are not in! Neither are 800-calorie graze sessions.
6. EAT FIVE DIFFERENT COLORS A DAY. Yes, from fruits and vegetables.
As an integrative practitioner, I dive much deeper into other lifestyle habits, like exercise, sleep, nervous system and more. But for the sake of where to start, it’s always with food
As a mom to four young girls, I’m always looking for ways to instill healthy eating habits. My family loves these delicious Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies for a wholesome grab-and-go breakfast that provides balanced macros and plenty of energy for the day ahead. Enjoy!
Cara invites you to learn more about her feel good philosophy for sustainable health at caraclarknutrition.com.
PUMPKIN BREAKFAST COOKIES
MAKES 10 COOKIES
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup oat flour
¼ cup flax meal
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup pepitas
¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips
¾ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
METHOD:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix all of the dry ingredients together. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk all of the wet ingredients together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until well combined.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Using your hands, scoop up mixture and form into ten cookies of equal size (they should be about an inch or so thick). Place each cookie on the prepared baking sheet, spacing evenly between.
Bake for 15 minutes or until cookies are slightly firm to the touch.
TIP: Store in an airtight container in the freezer.
T A M E Y O U R A P P E T I T E T A M E Y O U R A P P E T I T E T R A N S F O R M Y
MAKE IT count
GLP-1 TIPS WITH JAMIE RUCKS, NP | EDGE PEPTIDE
Achieving weight loss on a GLP-1 is not about quick fixes or extreme measures; it’s about building sustainable habits that promote overall health and well-being.
When on a weight loss medication, often the first thing to go is muscle (especially in women). To lose fat, you need to not only consume fewer calories than you burn each day, you also need to make sure you eat a sufficient amount of protein to help retain valuable muscle mass. Frequent physical activity is also essential because if you lose weight without exercise, you’re more likely to lose both muscle and fat, setting you up for weight gain down the road.
At Edge Peptide Therapy, we prioritize our patients’ weight loss journeys by offering practical, efficient, and safe solutions with the utmost care to help them achieve their goals. In order for our patients to avoid significant muscle loss, we track progress and body composition using the InBody scanner. We also offer EmSculpt NEO, a groundbreaking, non-invasive treatment that simultaneously eliminates fat cells and builds muscle in a thirty-minute session.
WE SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES TO ASSIST YOUR GLP-1 JOURNEY:
EAT A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF PROTEIN
Aim for .7-1 gram of protein per pound of your ideal body weight. Weight loss medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide make you feel fuller faster; therefore, it is imperative to eat enough protein when in calorie deficit (consider incorporating protein shakes to supplement protein intake).
STRENGTH TRAIN
While eating enough of the right foods is important, so is strength training such as weightlifting or resistance training. The more muscle mass a person has, the better resting metabolic rate or the number of calories a person burns at rest. When you lose muscle mass the resting metabolic rate will decrease too, making maintaining your weight loss more difficult.
STAY HYDRATED
To decrease potential GI side-effects, proper hydration is essential. Aim for 100 ounces of water each day.
BE PATIENT
While GLP-1’s can be a great tool to aid weight loss, it’s important to not rush the process. Extreme calorie deficits that are low in protein are not sustainable. The longer your weight loss takes, the more likely you are to keep it off.
Sufficient protein intake, proper exercise, hydration and taking your weight loss journey slow and steady is not only the most effective way to lose the weight but also keep it off!
BY CANDICE STORLEY STRENGTH & WELLNESS PROFESSIONAL
A HOT A HOLISTIC GUIDE TO THRIVING THROUGH MENOPAUSE
s a women’s strength and wellness coach, I am asked all the time about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by clients who are curious about where it fits into their wellness journey as they approach or experience menopause. I am going to tell you what I tell them: While HRT can be a great tool to help with symptoms such as lack of energy and stamina, stubborn weight retention, low libido and more, there are a host of other tools out there as well. I ask my clients to focus on the following for six months and then re-evaluate if they still want to try HRT.
Activity Levels:
7-10K STEPS DAILY Walking is the #1 form of fat burning activity.
STRENGTH TRAIN 3X PER WEEK Don’t be afraid to progressively use heavier weights and challenge yourself (load builds strength). You won’t bulk up, but you will build more lean muscle.
• The more muscle you build and retain as you age, the healthier your hormones and biological systems are able to function for you. Plus, the more muscle and strength you have, the faster your metabolism is and the leaner you will be!
Nutrition Habits:
PRIORITIZE PROTEIN INTAKE before any other macro (carbs/ fats). Protein helps you stay full longer, sustain energy levels and helps your body build and retain muscle.
• Aim to consume 1 gram of protein per pound of your ideal body weight daily. Women typically eat around 60g of protein per day on average, which is not nearly enough.
• What gets measured gets managed, so I advise using a food tracking app such as Cronometer or MyFitnessPal to track your protein intake.
DRINK AT LEAST 90 OZ. OF WATER DAILY Add electrolytes (without added sugars).
SUPPLEMENT DAILY WITH CREATINE AND COLLAGEN Our collagen production and free testosterone significantly drop after we turn thirty; both of which play a significant role in how we look and are able to perform.
Stress Levels:
GET 7+ HOURS OF RESTFUL SLEEP PER NIGHT
• Eliminate screen time at least an hour before bed and use an eye mask, ear plugs, black-out curtains etc. to improve sleep quality, if needed.
LOWER THE LIFE STRESSORS YOU CAN CONTROL
• Under fueling, being dehydrated, lack of quality sleep, and many other lifestyle factors can cause your cortisol (stress hormone) to spike. High cortisol levels are also linked to increased, persistent belly fat.
I recently worked with a fifty-year-old perimenopausal client who wanted to lose thirty pounds. She followed my advice, and here's what happened:
IN THREE MONTHS her testosterone levels more than tripled (this is a good thing!) causing increased energy, motivation and libido.
IN SIX MONTHS her body fat decreased by 6% and her BMR (basal metabolic rate) increased by 150 calories per day. That means she was burning 150 more calories each day just by existing!
IN NINE MONTHS she’d lost twenty pounds! Turns out, she didn’t need to lose thirty. She needed to lose thirty pounds of fat and gain ten pounds of muscle!
As you can see, “aging” has a lot less to do with how many years you’ve lived, and a lot more to do with HOW you live as you age. Aging is inevitable, but the EFFECTS of aging are more controllable than you think. As you approach menopause, or even if you’re in the thick of it, there are ways to fortify your body and enjoy the journey. I have many clients in every stage of menopause who are thriving!
For more information about how to thrive during your menopause and wellness journey, check out the following resources:
In the FLO by Alisa Vitti, ROAR by Stacy Sims, Forever Strong by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Bill Gifford and Peter Attia and The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver, MD.
CandiceStorley
WHO: African American Heritage Society of Williamson County | aahswc.org WHAT: Juneteenth Celebration WHERE: McLemore House WHY: The African American Heritage Society of Williamson County joined our nation in celebrating freedom and recognizing the important sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. The community-wide celebration began with raising the American and Juneteenth flags by American Legion Post 215. Local food vendors and organizations participated in the event.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE MURPHY
Matt Gentry, Calvin Malone, Craig & Rose Wright
Rick Warwick, Rogers Anderson, Donna Choate & Ken Moore
Carolyn Oden & Nasean Akridge
Sandra Dobbins & Alma McClemore
Beatrice Heach & Deborah Anderson
Shirleen Davis & Gail Vaughn
Deborah McLemore & Janet Wales Taylor, Mason, Amanda & Thamarius Head
Kim Manifue, Tamara Reffegee & Johnnie Hamilton
Rumbaget ready to
WHAT TO WEAR FOR A VINTAGE AFFAIR’S MAIN EVENT: HAVANA NIGHTS
BY: ANNA ROBERTSON HAM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: TAUSHA DICKINSON
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT: ANTHONY ROMANO
STYLED BY: BRANDY HUMPHREY & FRANK GIARDINA
LOCATION: THE FACTORY AT FRANKLIN
CLOTHING PROVIDED BY: BELK COOLSPRINGS GALLERIA
MINKPINK - Solstice
Tie Front Mini Dress
Calvin KleinTegin Sandals
Stacey Downs
xperience the vibrant allure of Havana at A Vintage Affair’s 24th Annual Main Event with a theme of Havana Nights. Taking place on August 23rd at Liberty Hall at The Factory at Franklin, the Cuban-inspired party will include cocktails, wines, whiskey, bourbon, food, a silent auction, a wine auction and a live auction, live music, dancing and so much more! One must dress the part for this tropical theme and we have your attire inspirations here, in the next few pages, modeled by A Vintage Affair Board Members.
All of these looks can be found at Belk of CoolSprings Galleria.
A Vintage Affair is devoted to serving women and children in need. Since its inception, A Vintage Affair has contributed $2.5 million dollars to local non-profit organizations. This year’s beneficiaries are Blind Early Services TN, Gentry’s Educational Foundation, My Bag, My Story, Path United and The Williamson Health Foundation/NICU. Learn more and get your tickets to the Main Event: Havana Nights at avintageaffair.org.
Gavin Shellnut & Will Cross
Perry Ellis® - Striped Linen
Blend Button Down Shirt
Polo Ralph Lauren - Stretch
Straight Fit Chino Pants
Cole Haan - GrandPro
Topspin Sneakers
Dockers® - Two Tone Stripe
Band Fedora Hat
Saddlebred® - Flamingo
Printed Suspenders
Nautica - Printed Linen Short Sleeve Shirt
Tommy Hilfiger - Men’s Linen Sport Coat
Nautica - Linen Drawstring Pants
Stacy Adams - Corby Moc Toe Saddle Slip-On Loafers
Kristen Pickens
MINKPINKRuffle Mini Dress
Calvin KleinTegin Sandals
CeCe - Women’s Flutter
Sleeve Smock Waist
Floral Jumpsuit
Sam Edelman - Amber
Platform Wedge Sandals
Charles Pareigis & Mike Leech
Ryan Fite, Jett Williams & Wiggs Thompson
Brandon Pott & Hal Bruen
Chip Wilkison & Trip King
David Landrum, Jason Seinfield & Coy Acock
Steven Suket & Toar Jellison
Chris Mehl & Rick Bruining
Edward Wad & John Ditto
Tyler Barnes, Blake Lobel & Jason Bizwell
Ralph Maxson & Dillard Baker
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Luxury Living Just 2 Miles from Downtown Franklin
Welcome to Reese, a new community rooted in rich family heritage. Offering 132 homes, including 69 townhomes and 63 single family homes, this neighborhood blends tradition and modernity. Located minutes from Downtown Franklin, TN, each luxury home boasts unique designs, contemporary finishes, and impeccable interiors. Experience elevated living at Reese.
A Monument to Franklin’s Medical History
THE MCPHAIL-CLIFFE CLINIC
BY KATIE SHANDS
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE RICK WARWICK COLLECTION
n 1815, Franklin was in the bloom of adolescence. The town was only sixteen years old, and new businesses were popping up like weeds. Few of the buildings from that era survived the years, but a tiny, brick structure defied the odds. Dr. Daniel McPhail’s former medical clinic still stands on East Main Street, bearing witness to nearly all of Franklin’s long and rich history.
Dr. McPhail was born in Inverness, Scotland in 1796 and immigrated to Williamson County around 1828. It’s believed he received his medical education before coming to America. In Franklin, Dr. McPhail moved into a home that once sat on what is now the First Horizon Bank parking lot on the corner of East Main Street and Second Avenue South. Behind the residence was the 250-square-foot building he would use as his office. In 1973, the home was under threat of demolition to make way for a parking garage, so local preservationist Rudy Jordan had the house moved farther south on Second Avenue. The office was relocated several feet from its original site.
Dr. McPhail earned himself a solid reputation in Franklin. The Medical Society of the State of Tennessee described him this way: “He had a commanding personal appearance, was well educated, and made an excellent surgeon. He was specially devoted to this department of medicine…”
According to tradition, Dr. McPhail went on to make history within the walls of his little office as the first surgeon in middle Tennessee to successfully administer anesthesia. No known
surgical records exist, but it’s said the procedure took place in 1831 on a patient with gunshot wounds. This operation would have predated the discovery of ether anesthesia, so historians conjecture he used whiskey, opium, or another plant derivative as a crude painkiller.
In 1836, Dr. McPhail’s thirteen-year-old nephew Daniel Bonaparte Cliffe moved from Ohio to live with him in Franklin. The teenager went on to study medicine under his uncle and later earned an M.D. degree from the University of Louisville. After college, Dr. Cliffe returned to Franklin and partnered with his uncle.
During the Mexican War, Dr. McPhail left Franklin to serve as a brigade surgeon to the First Tennessee Regiment Infantry. While in Mexico, he died from dysentery on July 13, 1846 at the age of forty-nine. His remains were returned to Franklin more a year later and buried with Masonic rites in the Old City Cemetery.
After Dr. McPhail’s death, Dr. Cliffe inherited his uncle’s office and took over the practice. He became a prominent figure in town as the president of both the Nashville & Decatur Railroad and the National Bank of Franklin. However, controversy swirled around him during the Civil War. Dr. Cliffe joined the Confederate Army, but it’s said he returned to Franklin as a “Union man.” During the Battle of Franklin, his home (and likely his office), served as headquarters for Union General John Schofield. Although Dr. Cliffe acted as a mediator between the troops and citizens of Franklin throughout the Federal occupation, he faced much ridicule in town for his politics.
Dr. Cliffe died in 1913 at the age of ninety-one. In the years that followed, the old clinic was rented out to various tenants. For about three decades, it served as the law office of Captain Tom Henderson, who was famous for attempting to kidnap the German Kaiser in 1918. In the early 1970s, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County restored the structure and turned it into a tourist information center. The building later became the site of Early’s Honey Stand. Today, the former medical clinic serves as private offices.
The next time you’re in downtown Franklin, take a moment to see the structure for yourself. Imagine the history it’s witnessed, the people who have crossed its threshold, the stories it could tell. It’s more than an old building; it’s an enduring monument to Franklin’s earliest days and the legacy of two doctors who helped pioneer Williamson County’s medical field.
Dr. Daniel B. Cliffe
McPhailCliffe house
WHO: Bethlehem United Methodist Church | bethlehemumc.com
WHAT: Fish Fry WHERE: Bethlehem United Methodist Church
WHY: One of the county’s longest-running events, the Bethlehem United Methodist Church’s Fish Fry, returned for its forty-ninth year on the grounds of the Grassland church. The BUMC Fish Fry is a good oldfashioned social with delicious, all-you-can-eat catfish, live music, a silent auction and a free children’s area – all helping support church missions.
BETHLEHEM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
PHOTOGRAPHY
KATIE MURPHY
Larry Pendedras
Jane Hannah Karen & Butch Wabby, Mike & Eileen Morsh
Karen & Ken Roden
Heidi Parker & Judy Wright Noah & Katie Prosser
Patrick Gladstone & Sarah, Tommy & Beth Koehler
Jane & Fred Neu
Mark & Jamie McCollum
Stacey & Mike Crouch
Neil & Rebecca Little
Kristi Hebel & Leigh Redden
Ann Wixted, Audrey Tilman & Caitlin Wixted
Fourth of July Celebration
WHO: Friends of Franklin Parks | friendsoffranklinparks.org
WHAT: Fourth of July Celebration WHERE: The Park at Harlinsdale Farm WHY: Friends of Franklin Parks, in conjunction with the City of Franklin and City of Franklin Parks Department, hosted a Fourth of July Celebration (music, food, and kids games) at the Tractor Supply Co. Arena at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm. The Tractor Supply Co. Arena was open to the public for prime fireworks viewing.
Elle & Chase Rowe
Anna & Calvin Penson
Haley & Emily Ebanks
Chase Burghard & Maddie Pixley
Christina, Eddie & Eli Garcia
Chelsey & Amanda Shea
Kathy & Nate Smith
Katherine Parslow & Abigail Timms
Introducing Onward Real Estate
Shawnna Simpson Lisa Culp Taylor Leanne Vanderkamp
Teresa Zilinsky Dick & Judy Williams
Mary Jane Cochran
Cindy Denson Matt Ligon Greg McCollum Greg Fritz
Brandi Cotnoir
Darci Caesar Group
Danny Anderson Reid Anderson
Jesse Burns
Patrick Jackson
fine S OUTHERN living
welcome to your dream home in the heart of Arrington, Tennessee! This stunning residence is better than new, packed with amenities that you won’t find in new construction, including: Irrigation system, full landscaping and established trees, fenced backyard, private tree line, outdoor kitchen including appliances and garage storage racks, to name just a few. This property features top-of-the-line upgrades
throughout, ensuring modern elegance and comfort. Enjoy the tranquility of a private backyard, perfect for relaxation or entertaining. Take advantage of the community’s walking trails, pool, and clubhouse. Culinary enthusiasts will be delighted by the chef’s dream kitchen both inside and outside, ideal for hosting unforgettable gatherings. Don’t miss the opportunity to own this exceptional home!
Prior to a career in real estate, Brittany worked as a teacher. As a hobby, she loved to stage houses and volunteer for various charities. Those experiences shaped her into being a lifetime learner, an effective communicator, and passionate about helping others. Coming from a family who has been in the real estate business for over forty years, it was a natural move when Brittany entered the industry. Brittany’s family has also been in the Country Music business since the 1960’s. Her family member, Tex Ritter, was one of the founders of the CMA’s.
When asked why she chose to join the Parks Family of REALTORS®, Brittany said, “I chose Parks because it felt like home to me. I knew I wasn't just joining a company – I was joining a family of professionals that care about each other and their community.” Brittany knows from personal experience that an agent’s level of care, expertise, and knowledge should be second to none. She strives to give her clients an experience they will love and to build lifelong relationships with them.
SCAN FOR VIRTUAL TOUR
David Collins
FRANKLIN’S DANCING COP
he “I Am Williamson” column features individuals in Williamson County who are known and unknown as staples of our community, doing good, being seen and unseen, and exuding Williamson County.
This month, we feature David Collins, an Officer with the Franklin Police Department. David has served with the police department for twenty-four years and, in that time, he has created a well-known and well-loved trademark… His dancing! David, also known as the “Dancing Cop” to locals, has been making people smile for years. His personality shines through not only in his dance moves, but also how he gives back through his service as an officer. He chose his profession with the Franklin Police Department, to help others and serve the community that he loves.
Let’s learn more about David and why he is Williamson!
How long have you lived in Williamson County? What makes it feel like home to you?
I have lived here my entire life. Williamson County’s southern charm is what makes it feel like home.
Three words that best describe you. I would say dedicated, caring and fun.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy growing roses and spending time with my daughter.
Where is your favorite place to go in Williamson County and why?
I love the Farmers Market. Their fresh produce is the best!
What keeps you motivated and inspired?
Dancing and making people smile keeps me motivated, in addition to a love for service.
What organizations are you involved with and why?
I am involved at Rolling Hills Community Church. It is a wonderful place to be!
What is the one thing you do not go a day without?
I can’t go without a cup of Joe.
When and how did you become Franklin’s “Dancing Cop”?
One day, I was directing traffic and I just decided to start dancing. I continue to do it to spread joy and make people’s days brighter and better.
Finish this statement: I AM Williamson because… I love to spread smiles and joy in this wonderful community I serve.
PARKS
Jeannie Bankins
Kay Beard Suzi Bussacco
Mary Brown Dawn Berry Paula Bruns
Kathy Danner
Susan Gregory
Kelly Dougherty
Lisa Davis
Dave & Kristi Goldstein
Loy Hardcastle
Jackie Tulumaris
Marla Richardson Margaret Orton
Lauren Sullivan
HOP ON FRANKLIN TRANSIT for Local Shopping and Fun
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Franklin Transit is the easy way to get around Franklin and Cool Springs. We have friendly service, $1 one-way tickets, and more stops available every 30 minutes to get you where you need to go. From restaurants to shopping to historical sites.
Supporting Higher Education
REALTOR GOOD WORKS FOUNDATION AWARDS $30,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO LOCAL
STUDENTS
WITH WCAR
he REALTOR® Good Works Foundation (RGWF) is the philanthropic arm of the Williamson County Association of Realtors (WCAR). This organization raises thousands of dollars annually to provide scholarships to graduating seniors and promote fine arts education in Williamson County Schools. Fundraisers throughout the year include Tacos & Trivia, a yearly WCAR Golf Tournament, and other events that sometimes collaborate with the WCAR Young Professionals Network. They are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 scholarships. This year, RGWF awarded a total of $30,000 to six high school seniors and two returning college students from Williamson County. The six high school seniors each received a $4,000 scholarship, which will help them pursue their higher education goals.
The recipients are:
Ashlyn Easley, a graduate of Summit High School, will attend Western Kentucky University and plans to be a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Emma Foote, a graduate of Brentwood High School, will attend Lipscomb University and study Design Psychology.
Alivia Haylett, a graduate of Independence High School, will attend the University of Tennessee and study Animal Biotechnology.
Emalyn Herbert, a graduate of Centennial High School, will attend Lee University and pursue a degree in Counseling.
Davis Long, a graduate of Franklin High School, will attend UNC-Chapel Hill and study Medicine.
Bethany Wright, a graduate of Centennial High School, will attend Lipscomb University and pursue a degree in Special Education/ Speech Language Pathology.
The two returning college students each received a $3,000 scholarship. They are:
Seely Redding is a former graduate of Ravenwood High School and a current student at Clemson University.
Grace Simmons is a former graduate of Centennial High School and a current student at Baylor University.
The Realtor Good Works Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to deserving students in Williamson County. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $150,000 in scholarships to local students.
For more information about the Realtor Good Works Foundation or to learn how to apply for future scholarships, please reach out to tina@wcartn.org or visit wcartn.org.
$4,499,900
REDISCOVER TEQUILA
MY JOURNEY SOUTHBOUND
BY IVEY CHILDERS | CO-FOUNDER & CEO, SOUTHBOUND TEQUILA
Ihave lived in Nashville for twenty five years, and in my first career as a recipe developer, I created forty different cake flavor combinations, which led me to opening my own bakery, IveyCake, almost seventeen years ago. During those years of running a busy bakery, I would come home from work and create cocktail recipes as a way to unwind. My spirit of choice was always tequila.
I was experimenting with a new tequila brand almost every week, but never found a brand of tequila that I truly loved and felt loyal to. I also noticed, as an avid tequila shopper, that there wasn’t a brand of tequila that was marketing directly to me. With less than 5% of the spirits industry led by women and 70% of tequila consumers being female, I knew there was plenty of room to offer a tequila brand with a female point of view. So, after I sold my bakery to new ownership in 2019, I started a tequila journey that led me to Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, to find a distillery that would create that unique profile for premium mixing and standalone sipping, and that’s how Southbound Tequila was created.
Southbound is proud to be a female-founded brand that also partnered with a female-founded distillery in Mexico with deep family roots in authentic, high-quality tequila production. Our distillery partner is committed to using only fully mature agaves at harvest, a well-respected slow cooking method, a slow fermentation process, and high-quality cuts in distillation. Absolutely no corners are cut in any part of the Southbound Tequila-making process.
Photography courtesy of Southbound Tequila
GARDEN PARTY MARTINI
INGREDIENTS
¼ ounce red bell pepper juice
1/2 ounce lemon or lime juice
1 1/2 ounces Southbound Tequila Reposado
¼ ounce light blue agave syrup
1/2 ounce cilantro infused water (or 1/2 ounce of plain water)
2 slices of jalapeño with seeds
Tajin Clasico seasoning for garnish
METHOD
Juice one fresh bell pepper. Add all ingredients to the shaker with ice. Shake and serve with bell pepper garnish and Tajin rimmed glass.
For cilantro water: Steep one bunch of fresh cilantro in hot water (or simply throw fresh cilantro in your cocktail shaker and strain before serving).
Southbound offers three distinct expressions: Blanco, Reposado and Añejo. There’s a saying in the tequila world that you should judge a brand by its Blanco, as that is the purest, truest form of tequila and where all of the high quality production decisions show off. Our Blanco is an excellent sipping tequila with earthy, herbaceous and complex pepper notes and a juicy citrus finish with zero burn. Our Reposado and Añejo expressions are aged in Tennessee whiskey barrels to create further complexity with incredible elegance and well-thought-out oak maturation. I am so thrilled that a piece of my Tennessee roots plays a part in the making of Southbound Tequila.
As CEO and resident recipe developer, it was important to me to support consumers who may feel intimidated to make their own cocktails. I realized that cocktails are a lot like baking: It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be exact. The Southbound brand comes with endless cocktail recipes to support everyone from the home entertainer to professional mixologists. As the bounty of summer produce ripens here in middle Tennessee, please take a moment to craft and savor our Garden Party Martini. Our Reposado expression mingles beautifully with fresh herbs and vegetables for a delicious and unexpected alternative to your typical Bloody Mary. Cheers!
Southbound is currently available in select retail, bars and restaurants in Tennessee and Florida. For more delicious recipes, visit drinksouthbound.com
WILLIAMSON, INC.
State of the County
MURPHY
WHO: Williamson, Inc. | williamsonchamber.com WHAT: State of the County: Mayoral Address 2024 WHERE: Franklin Marriott Cool Springs WHY: Williamson, Inc. hosted the 2024 State of the County at the Franklin Marriott in Cool Springs. Over 500 attendees gathered for this significant occasion, where Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson presented his annual address. The event featured Mayor Anderson’s overview of Williamson County’s economic performance and budget, alongside a networking hour with local businesses and organizations.
Karen Paris & Stacey Edmonson
Robert White & Todd Palmer
Victory McCoy & Anna Lisa Roberts Sam Whitson & Julian Bibb
Linda Hirsch & Debbie Martin Kelly Kirchhoff & Ellie Jenkins
Tammy Myrick, Megan Owens & Elaine Nelson
Karen Clark & Suzanne Bell
B B Q
C
oin us for our Summer Mixer at One Eleven Motorcars in Franklin on August 14th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Set to open in August 2024, this impressive 75,000-square-foot space is more than just a car dealership; it’s a community hub for car enthusiasts. Featuring luxury vehicle storage, an auto spa, and membership club with a variety of amenities, One Eleven Motorcars is sure to be your exclusive destination for all things automotive.
Be among the first to explore the new showroom while enjoying delicious bites, drinks, live music, car exhibits, hand-rolled cigars, giveaways and prizes. This will be an experience like no other!
The Standard FOR
FIFTY YEARS SETTING
SPERRY’S RESTAURANT
BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM
remember when I first dined at Sperry’s Restaurant over twenty years ago, at the Belle Meade location, which opened in 1974. The Franklin location opened in 2006 and, since then, has been a staple among my family for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and more. It is simply a place where you never have to second guess the food quality, the service or the experience. The atmosphere is another notable part of both restaurants – with their Old English warmth of rich wood, stained glass, nods to the horse heritage and fireplaces. It is a place that celebrates sophisticated, old south elegance.
I had a tasting recently at Sperry’s Restaurant in the Cool Springs area of Franklin, as well as a conversation with owner Al Thomas and Director of Operations Bob Tappan, and learned more about the history of this distinguished dining establishment. The first location, in Belle Meade, was originally Al’s mother's garden store that opened in the late 1950s. It became The Brass Scales in 1970, a restaurant opened by Al’s father and a couple of partners. “The design of the restaurant was inspired by my father’s love of English Tudor design as well as from visits to Steak and Ale, known as the Jolly Ox, here in Tennessee. After a partnership break-up, the restaurant was reopened in 1974 as Sperry’s, named after my great-great grandfather Burton W. Sperry.”
Al began working at Sperry’s at the age of fourteen and continued to make his way up through the ranks of the family business. He purchased Sperry’s from his parents in 2000 and it has since evolved over the years from a simple steakhouse to a warm-English steakhouse. “My parents were original ‘foodies’ and when they weren’t
preparing interesting and unusual recipes from their many cookbooks at their home, they were traveling the world looking for additional inspiration,” Al says. “The menu continued to evolve after my many years of varied restaurant experiences at Houston’s and L&N Seafood Grill, after graduating from Denver University School of Hotel Restaurant Management. Sperry’s position in the market as a leader in consistency and quality was cemented with the addition of Bob Tappan as Culinary Director and now current Director of Operations for both Sperry’s and Sam’s concepts. Bob upgraded all of Sperry’s culinary policies and procedures to what they are today. Every aspect of the menu from procurement to production and final plating was placed under a microscope and adjusted if needed to insure the most consistent high-quality product possible.”
During the tasting, I had the opportunity to learn more from Bob about the restaurant’s quality, philosophy and approach. Bob explained that Sperry’s concentrates on offering only the freshest ingredients, nothing pre-cut for produce, seafood or meat, and they fabricate all cuts of beef with their in-house butchers. Having tried several entrees over the years, I was still surprised at my lack of exploration of the menu! It is one of those places where I have established my favorite go-to options, so this opportunity was truly a delight to sample other dishes I have not ordered or tasted yet.
Top: Sperry's Old Fashion
Middle: Grilled
Lamb Chops
Below: Sticky
Toffee Pudding
First, I tried the Seared Tuna Stack appetizer with ahi tuna, mango, jicama, avocado and wonton crisps. If you are fan of textures and mingling of flavors, then this is a refreshing appetizer. It is also beautifully presented with vibrant colors from its fresh ingredients. It is a great sharable appetizer.
Next, I tried the Grilled Lamb Chops appetizer served with finely cut sweet potato fries. The dish is prepared to be easily eaten by hand, with lollipop lamb chops and a saffron aioli for dipping. This dish
Al Thomas, Owner
is hearty and can be a meal on its own as well… In case you don’t feel like sharing.
The first entrée was the Grilled Swordfish Oscar, which is a special menu addition being offered this summer and is served with king crab, asparagus and hollandaise. The cut of swordfish was generous and beautifully presented. The freshness of the cut of fish would also having you second guessing that you were nowhere near the coast.
Next up, a favorite of mine and my brother’s, the Filet and Lobster Tail. This is exactly why Sperry’s is so respected and loved – the steak. The six-ounce, bacon-wrapped filet mignon was prepared with their in-house seasoning, grilled to perfection and paired with the lobster tail and butter. This dish boasts of the old-school simplicity of surf and turf, yet only offers the very best, high-end cuts of meat.
For dessert, we had a Sperry’s classic – the Sticky Toffee Pudding, served with a grand mariner spiked crème fraiche and warm toffee sauce. I have never had this dessert and, I can now say, it is one of the most delicious desserts I have ever tried. You know those moments when you take a bite of something so delectable, that you close your eyes and sigh? Well, this dessert is that moment. Sticky
Toffee Pudding was discovered by Al and his wife while on holiday in London. With the help of Al’s mom, they then perfected the recipe into the unique way that Sperry’s offers on the menu.
We couldn’t wrap up the tasting without a signature cocktail. The Sperry’s Old Fashion, which is mixed with Old Forrester Bourbon, smoked citrus syrup, bitters and garnished with an orange slice and cocktail cherry. I am a bourbon gal, so this is a drink I have ordered before and enjoyed. You cannot go wrong with a classic, especially when you have a skilled bartender that takes pride in their craft. If you have ever encountered a blunder of a bourbon drink before, then go order this classic at Sperry’s and let them show you how it’s supposed to be done.
If you are seeking the perfect place to celebrate special occasions, or to simply guarantee a meal and experience that devotes attention to detail and service, then you must visit Sperry’s Restaurant. The owner knows that when it comes to what they have offered since its inception, the answer is simple: “We haven’t tried to reinvent the wheel. Our primary goal is for our guests to return year after year and always know what to expect. We know that we have reached this goal by the ever-increasing number of returning guests including many third and fourth generation guests that continue to enjoy our unique atmosphere and consistent food and service,” Al says. “Many of our loyal patrons children and children’s children visit Sperry’s for all of their special occasions. It is our dedicated staff that has created the welcoming atmosphere and level of quality food and service that keeps our guests coming back. For that, we are truly grateful!”
Visit Sperry’s Restaurant at their Franklin or Belle Meade location, as well as stop in their Cafe Sperry’s, a coffee shop offering pastries and snacks. Learn more about the eateries, their offerings and make reservations at sperrys.com.
Middle: Filet & Lobster Tail
Below: Seared Tuna Stack
Top: Grilled Swordfish Oscar
Empowering Small Businesses
WILLIAMSON, INC.’S COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT OFFERINGS
WITH WILLIAMSON, INC.
A
t Williamson, Inc., we are deeply committed to serving small businesses, which comprise over 90% of our nearly 1,400 members. Recognizing that small businesses are the backbone of our economy and vital to enhancing the quality of life in Williamson County, we take pride in offering tailored programming and dedicated resources specifically designed to support their growth and success. Here’s a closer look at the most utilized resources Williamson, Inc. provides to our small business community:
The Small Business Council
The Small Business Council brings together small business owners to discuss common issues and challenges and to help identify how the Chamber of Commerce can develop innovative and value-driven programs to meet the needs of the small business community throughout Williamson County.
Small Business Academy
The Small Business Academy is aimed at empowering local business owners in Williamson County. Designed in collaboration with the Small Business Council, this academy offers monthly sessions covering essential topics such as customer advocacy, financing strategies, effective
problem-solving, budget-friendly marketing, and social media trends.
Member Connect! Leads Exchange
A monthly opportunity for small businesses to meet with businesses of all sizes for intentional lead sharing. This platform fosters connections and facilitates the exchange of valuable business opportunities.
Tiered Membership Pricing for Small Employers
Recognizing the disparity in resources between small and large employers, Williamson, Inc. offers discounted pricing for small businesses seeking chamber memberships. This ensures that small enterprises have access to the same valuable resources and networking opportunities as larger companies.
Advocacy and Information
We’re proud to advocate for small businesses by offering monthly Policy Talks events with the Williamson County Legislative Delegation during the session alongside a yearly Day on the Hill with fellow area chambers. We also provide several voter resources on our website at williamsonchamber.com/vote, including candidate interviews, polling locations and more.
Ribbon Cutting Services
Williamson, Inc. is dedicated to supporting your business from the very start. Our ribboncutting services include media invitations, discounted and complimentary goods/ services from fellow members, exposure, agenda samples, speakers, and more! These services ensure your business receives the attention it deserves during its launch.
The Franklin Innovation Center
The Franklin Innovation Center provides a collaborative environment for businesses, featuring five individual office suites available for lease on 1-year terms to selected companies, alongside co-working space for members. This center is designed to foster innovation and support the growth of emerging businesses.
Startup Academy
Set to launch in Fall 2024, the Startup Academy will provide valuable resources and training for new entrepreneurs looking to establish their businesses in Williamson County. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting new program.
Engage in Networking and Professional Development
We offer several programs for small business owners and their employees to connect and grow professionally with larger groups. These include Young Professionals, Women in Business, Leadership Brentwood, the Ambassador Program, joint events with other area chambers and more. These programs are designed to enhance professional development and expand business networks.
At Williamson, Inc., we understand the unique challenges faced by small businesses and are dedicated to providing the support and resources needed to thrive. Through our comprehensive offerings, we aim to foster a vibrant and prosperous small business community in Williamson County. For more information on our small business programs and how to get involved, visit williamsonchamber.com.
Rachael Meurrier Senior Vice President Director of
digital gold
MUSIC CITY’S HISTORIC BITCOIN CONFERENCE
WITH BITCOIN BEN’S CRYPTO CLUB NASHVILLE
Bitcoin Magazine made history July 25-27th by hosting the world’s largest ever Bitcoin Conference with over 26,000 attendees at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville. Williamson County residents and hosts of the new podcast, God, Freedom and Bitcoin, Todd and Janet Gatewood, along with friend and business partner “Bitcoin Ben” Semchee, sponsored one of the larger booths at the conference to promote their new education business, Bitcoin Ben’s Crypto Club Nashville located in Cool Springs.
Greeting thousands of Bitcoiners over the three-day period and hosting giveaways totaling over $8,000 in Bitcoin, Todd Gatewood described the experience, “We had people from all over the world stop by our booth, register for our drawings, and ask about our club in Brentwood,”
Gatewood. “They want to learn, to be a part of a community, and they all recognize Bitcoin as digital gold.”
“You are the modern-day Edisons and Wright brothers and Carnegies and Henry Fords, and what you do in your lifetime stands a chance to outlive us all,”
- DONALD J. TRUMP
The biggest draw of the weekend was the appearance by keynote speaker President Donald J. Trump, who became the first ever candidate from a major political party to address Bitcoiners. “You are the modern-day Edisons and Wright brothers and Carnegies and Henry Fords, and what you do in your lifetime stands a chance to outlive us all,” Trump told the thousands of in-person attendees and over 500,000 watching live on air. “I stand before you today filled with respect and admiration for what the Bitcoin Community has achieved. It’s incredible. This is the steel industry of 100 years ago, I think you’re just seeing it in its infancy. I can see it happening.”
Bitcoin Ben held on-air live shows all three days and, together with the Gatewoods, interviewed influencers, business associates, and shared live stream content for viewers on X. When asked about President Trump, Semchee shared, “This is the leading candidate for president of the U.S. announcing that they will be buying Bitcoin for the strategic reserve, I cannot express how large this is!”
Robert Kennedy, Jr., also candidate for President, took the time to
Bitcoin Ben, Janet Denton Gatewood & Todd
Gatewood
speak at the conference, “Bitcoiners have it right, fix the money, fix the world. Bitcoin provides a store of value that will allow middleclass Americans to live in abundance again.”
Notably the most influential figure in the Bitcoin space, Michael Saylor, CEO of Microstrategy, delivered a positive keynote address to the upbeat crowd, “This is the biggest week in the history of Bitcoin, this is the week where we have two of three presidential candidates, a former president, perhaps the next president, ten senators, congressman, governors, the amount of media attention is profound. It’s a coming out party for Bitcoin. They recognize this as a technology critical to the success of America. This is an inflection point because there is a subtext here and the implication is that Bitcoin is digital property, it has property rights, it’s ethical, it’s technically sound, it’s economically sound, it’s an instrument of economic empowerment, and the establishment now agrees with you. Bitcoin has an infinite life span. It’s the solution to our economic dilemma. It’s a revolution in economics”
Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Haggerty also spoke, vowing to defend the rights of privacy and freedom of transactions that Bitcoin allows. “You will see us get the federal government off your back, out of your wallets and let you control your life,” stated Senator Blackburn.
President Trump got a thunderous applause when he proclaimed, “Never Sell your Bitcoin,” which is a core belief of Bitcoiners. “The United States will be the crypto capital of the planet and the Bitcoin superpower of the world.”
Photography by Ryan Slattery
Sign
Work & Event Space
Social & Community Events
The Bee is Back
LOCAL HONEY IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE
BY DOMINIQUE PAUL
ast Christmas I was gifted a jar of honey from Francolin Farm, a boutique organic farm and apiary in Leiper’s Fork. I’d tasted honey before, of course, mostly just the kind you buy at the grocery store that comes in a plastic bottle shaped like a bear. But this honey from Francolin Farm was nothing like that. Rich and savory with a creamy consistency and a nuance of flavors I didn’t know existed. It felt like I was seeing color for the first time. I found myself returning to the cupboard again and again, eating the honey by the spoonful, sometimes with a sprinkle of pink Himalayan Sea salt on top. You can imagine my despair when I finished the jar and learned I’d have to wait until late summer to get another fix.
I soon learned that in addition to helping with seasonal allergies, raw local honey has a host of other benefits:
Good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory polyphenols
Contains vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and zinc
Has antibacterial and antifungal properties
Aids in wound healing
Contains phytonutrients packed with immune boosting and anticancer properties
Helps with digestive issues thanks to beneficial prebiotics
Soothes sore throats
Has cognitive benefits due to its ability to counter inflammation in the hippocampus
In March, as the weather warmed, I braced myself for the upcoming allergy season. Except this year, I experienced no symptoms. By June, I realized I was in the clear and began to wonder why I’d been spared. Could it have been the honey? A quick consultation with Dr. Google revealed that consuming raw honey containing pollen and nectar builds the immune system against allergies caused by that same pollen, similar to a vaccine. Basically, by eating raw honey in winter, you’re adapting your body to what’s coming in spring. Pretty cool, huh?
Now that I was a card-carrying member of the honey cult I wanted to know more. Hadn’t I heard that the bee population was declining? Did I need to put hives in my backyard to help save the bees and feed my new addiction?
In the early aughts, the prevailing narrative was that the bees were in peril because around 2006, beekeepers began reporting huge losses of honey bee colonies. The biggest factor being the Varroa mite, an invasive, parasitic mite from China that was destroying hives. As beekeepers were able to figure out ways to keep the pests at bay, bees flourished once again. And that’s a good thing because, according to scientists, if bees disappeared off the face of the earth, man would only survive approximately four years. It’s amazing to think how closely our fates are tied with a tiny stinging insect. We have good reason to want to keep these little guys alive.
Today, there are likely more honey bees on the planet than there have ever been in history, and backyard beekeeping is a thriving industry. But beekeepers Steven Abernathy and Claire Papevies of Greenwood Honey Co. in Nashville say that keeping hives in your backyard isn’t the only way to help the bees. “Buying bees isn’t the answer because, without an abundance of resources, bees compete with other pollinators in the area for limited sources of nectar and pollen,” says Steven. “Planting native pollinator plants is one of the best ways you can help the bees.”
It turns out bees prefer to stay within a three mile zone from their hive, but will go as far as six miles to find food if they have to. Honey is a source of fuel for bees, so the further they have to travel, the less honey they make. “Each hive needs around two to four acres of resources to thrive,” says Claire. Planting native pollinator plants is especially important because of the abundance of ultra-green manicured lawns in our area. “Stop planting fescue, and start planting flowers,” urges Steven. “Letting the clover bloom in your lawn is also great for bees and other pollinators.”
Steven and Claire are on the board of the Nashville Area Beekeepers Association (NABA) and began their beekeeping and honey making journey in their backyard in East Nashville in 2019. They then built a rooftop apiary for The Turnip Truck in East Nash and are also the beekeepers for Leiper’s Fork Distillery, Patina Meadow and fifty other residential hives in our area. Recently, they built the hives for Meadowbrook Farms, an organic and regenerative farm near Beechwood Hall.
After each harvest, Steven and Claire host a pop-up event where folks can sample fresh honey and learn about the various tasting notes. “Like wine, raw honey has its own unique flavors and characteristics. And each hive produces its own unique batch of honey,” says Steven, who is working towards his Honey Sommelier Certification with Claire. With notes like marshmallow, caramel, citrus, geranium and fresh pear to name just a few, Steven says no two hives’ honey tastes the same -even the ones located on the same property.
"Like wine, raw honey has its own unique flavors and characteristics. And each hive produces its own unique batch of honey"
“It’s the thing that made me fall in love with bees,” he says, referring to each hives’ ability to craft a bespoke product. “The bees are communicating with each other where they’re finding nectar sources, and with a waggle dance they will communicate that they found, say, an abundance of milkweed, and so the forager bees will go out and find more of that.” Steven and Claire keep the integrity of each hive’s product in tact by never mixing honey together from different hives. “Nectar ratios are unique to each hive based on what resources are available. And it’s what makes the honey taste unique.”
Lucky for us, there is an abundance of raw honey available in our area. “But you don’t need to only eat honey from a mile up the road for it to be considered local. Middle Tennessee is zone 7b, so any honey from zone 7b will offer the same benefits to someone who lives in that zone,” says Steven, who recommends consuming honey from various pollen sources. Zone 7b stretches through our area and into Kentucky, Georgia, Central Texas and the Carolinas.
But, even if you don’t like honey, or happen to be allergic to it, planting for non-honey bees and pollinators is still essential. Wild bees are considered incredibly important, especially for home gardens and crops that honey bees can’t pollinate such as tomatoes, eggplants and peppers. Claire adds, “The best thing any of us can do, not only for the environment but for ourselves as a species, is to help pollinators thrive. When bees have enough resources, they are able to make enough honey for themselves to survive, and humans can enjoy the excess. Honey is a delicacy that can only be enjoyed when there is enough for both of us.”
Tips for helping pollinators
Plant a variety of plants so your garden blooms from spring through fall. Consider using Roundstone Seed’s Honey Bee Specialty Pollinator Mix.
Stop using pesticides. When honey bees encounter pesticides they can take that poison back to their hive and kill their entire colony (if they make it back to the hive at all).
Start viewing weeds as flowers. Allow dandelions and clover to thrive on your lawn.
Plant Milkweed. This native plant aids bees and other pollinators, including the Monarch Butterfly. To view the full list of native plants suggested by NABA, visit yourwilliamson.com
Plant non-native plants that attract pollinators including Tulips, Catmint, Butterfly Bush, Lantana, Lavender, Russian Sage, Snapdragons and Sedum.
Support local nurseries that specialize in native plants like Wonder Gift & Garden Nursery in Kingston Springs and Bluebird Springs Farm in Shelbyville.
Photo by: Kate Dearman
LocalGuideHoney
Leiper's Fork Distillery
BEEKEEPERS: Greenwood Honey Co.
NECTAR SOURCE: Polyfloral
TASTING NOTES:
Hive "Gayle": Herbaceous floral & fruit notes of geranium and fresh pear
• Hive "Locke": Warm buttery berry notes of black currant, fresh melon and a hint of rose
WHERE TO BUY: Leiper's Fork Distillery Gift Store, Leiper’s Fork
Patina Meadow
BEEKEEPERS: Greenwood Honey Co.
NECTAR SOURCE: Polyfloral
TASTING NOTES:
• Hive “Clementine”: Dried fruit, apricot with a hint of berry, cherry on the front end with a warm nutty finish
• Hive “Daisy”: Woody and warm notes of caramel brown sugar and marshmallow with candied fruit and a hint of melon on the finish
WHERE TO BUY: Patina Home & Garden, Leiper’s Fork
The Turnip Truck
BEEKEEPERS: Greenwood Honey Co.
NECTAR SOURCE: Polyfloral
TASTING NOTES: Rose and jasmine with a hint of citrus zest and candied peel (Hive “Basil”)
WHERE TO BUY: The Turnip Truck Grocery Store, East Nashville
Greenwood AvE.
BEEKEEPERS: Greenwood Honey Co.
NECTAR SOURCE: Polyfloral
TASTING NOTES: Warm confectionary vanilla with an orange citrus finish (Hive “Nugget”)
WHERE TO BUY: Kinda Collected in East Nashville or visit greenwoodhoneyco.com
Morning Glory Orchard
BEEKEEPERS: O'Brien Family
NECTAR SOURCES: Apple, peach, and pear trees, flowering gardens
TASTING NOTES: Dark and rich with a mild fruit ending
WHERE TO BUY: 7690 Nolensville Road in Nolensville, The Factory Farmers Market and Crieve Hall Farmers Market
Francolin Farm
BEEKEEPER: Jay Williams
NECTAR SOURCES: Tulip Poplar, Goldenrod, Black Locust, and over 100 varieties of produce and native flowers, including blackberries and red clover
TASTING NOTES: Buttery, with notes of jasmine, pear, and a mild hint of citrus with a touch of spice
WHERE TO BUY: francolinfarm.com
Southall Farm & InN
BEEKEEPER: Jay Williams
NECTAR SOURCES: Catalpa, Apple Blossom, Basswood and over thirty-five acres of native perennial flowers
TASTING NOTES: Light and smooth with notes of pear, green apple and jasmine with a spicy finish
WHERE TO BUY: Southall Farm Stand, Franklin
Blackberry Jam Musical Festival
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE MURPHY
WHO: Hard Bargain Association | hardbargain.org WHAT: Blackberry Jam Musical Festival WHERE: The Park at Harlinsdale Farm WHY: The twenty-first Annual Blackberry Jam Musical Festival was presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners and took place at the beautiful backdrop of the Park at Harlinsdale Farm and the historic Hayes House. The talented roster featured Reyna Roberts, Tae Lewis, Don Adam’s Band, Tanya & Charles Harris and more! The event benefited the Hard Bargain Association, whose mission is to preserve the historic downtown Franklin, Hard Bargain neighborhood by renovating existing homes, building high-quality, affordable housing, and enriching the lives of our neighbors.
HARD BARGAIN ASSOCIATION
Sheileigh Swift & Latoya Murdock
Kiane, Jayme & Keondra Taylor
Dan & Michelle Rojo, Tracey & Brian Schaefer
Kymberly Shaw, Janet Wood & Vikki Long
Chris & Elaine Whitney, Annette & Robb Doom
Isaiah, Pamela, India & Isabella Goldry
Rebecca Famurewa, Taylor Rosser & Lauren Ross
Cicely & Kenneth James
Audrey Dillan & Dayna Parvin
THE AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE SOCIETY OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY
Tom E. Murdic Prom Night
BY LAQUITA SCAIFE
WHO: The African American Heritage Society of Williamson County | aahswc.org WHAT: 10th Annual Tom E. Murdic Prom Night WHERE: Embassy Suites WHY: The event is a fundraiser for the African American Heritage Society of Williamson County, benefiting their annual educational scholarship fund. Seven scholarships were awarded to deserving high school seniors in our community who are preparing to attend college. The night included food, fun and dancing, all for a good cause!
PHOTOGRAPHY
Marcella & William Clay Jenkins
Louise Anderson, Victoria Burls & Rochelle Walker
Doug & Amy Ware
Mitzi & Greg Spring
Dominic Reed & JoAnn Miller
Roy & Lisa Brown
Kiane & Keondra Taylor
Maya & John Faison
Wanda, James & Kemi Onadeko
Linda Williams & Jerzine Johnson
SURVIVING WITHOUT SAB N
SEC PREDICTIONS FOR 2024
BY BO BIRDSONG
This coming year marks a very new look for the Southeastern Conference and College Football as a whole. Who will survive and who will find their way to the top of the new SEC? But first, we should address the elephant in the room - or should I say elephants.
The Alabama Crimson Tide are without the greatest football coach to ever live for the first time in seventeen years. With coach Nick Saban’s shocking retirement after the playoff loss against the Wolverines, the Tide have lost countless weapons on both sides of the ball. But the Tide always seems to roll. After the hire of new head coach Kalen DeBoer, and after what looks to be another “Bama” level recruiting class coming in 2025, it looks like Alabama has a real chance to go back to the SEC Championship again this year. Here are my predictions:
Alabama will go 11-1 with a tough loss to Georgia.
Arkansas and Sam Pittman, who has his work cut out for him this season with new transfer quarterback Taylen Green Jr., (Green could make or break the Hogs’ season), I see Arkansas ending their season 5-7.
Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers were one thirty-one yard completion away from coach Freeze’s first staple win of his time at Auburn, but since that game, Freeze has done an amazing job recruiting very talented Wide Receivers. They are still stuck with a mediocre at best quarterback, Peyton Thorne, who will have a great cast of wideouts to help him, but I don’t believe that alone will make this quarter back any better than what he has shown. I have the Tigers going 7-5 this year, which will be an improvement from their first season with Freeze.
The Florida Gators have the hardest schedule in college football, and there’s honestly not much they can do with the schedule given to them besides get better for next year and hope DJ Lagway is the quarterback they’ve been needing ever since Tebow left. I have the Gators going 6-6, losing all of their last five games.
I believe the Georgia Bulldogs, who come in ranked #1 in almost every pre-season poll, will find themselves in Atlanta again this year -but not without a regular season slip up. I have the Dawgs going 11-1 with a loss to either Texas, Alabama, or Ole Miss, which are all tough road games. Now that they don’t have the privilege of only having to compete with teams like Tennessee and Kentucky for a spot in Atlanta, it makes the road a lot harder for them.
Now for the Kentucky Wildcats, who is my Dad’s team, (and I’ve always been told “the ball don’t bounce right” when talking about Cats football). But, since Mark Stoops became head coach for the Cats they have figured out how to make that ball bounce right for once. The Cats still have a very tough schedule and will need a lot more weapons than just one amazing wideout and a new transfer quarterback to break the “middle of the pack” that they have been stuck in for a while. I see Kentucky going 7-5.
The LSU Tigers are without pretty much all of their offensive weapons this coming year, did not have anything on defense last year, and haven’t added anything. I don’t think the
playoff committee will be callin’ Baton Rouge at the end of this season. I have them ending with a 9-3 record and only winning one of their big games.
The Mississippi State Bulldogs will have their work cut out for them with a difficult schedule for their first year with head coach Jeff Lebby (and without their main guy Will Rodgers under center). The new head coach will struggle this season and will end up with zero conference wins and a 4-8 record.
Now for Mizzou, who started to find success last year in the SEC, I predict they will find it again this year with Brady Cook and Luther Burden leading them to a 10-2 season again, which will put them on the borderline of making the playoffs.
Now for what I believe to be the biggest surprise of this season. The Oklahoma Sooners come into their first year of the SEC barely being talked about since their Texas rivals have been getting all of the attention with the expansion of the SEC. I have the Sooners beating their rivals and ending with only losses to Ole Miss and Alabama, which should be quality enough losses to land them in the playoff discussion.
The other team I see in Atlanta this year are the Ole Miss Rebels. Living in Oxford for the past four years, I have never seen this much faith in a football team and that is because Ole Miss will be loaded with talent thanks to the portal king Lane Kiffin. The Rebs will also be helped out by an easy schedule which will see Jaxson Dart and Tre Harris lead them to an 11-1 season with a loss to Georgia at home.
The South Carolina Gamecocks and
Shane Beamer will have a tough time playing “Beamer ball” with their schedule being the way it is. I still see the Gamecocks making a bowl game but only barely by ending the season 6-6.
What most of y’all reading this will want to hear is that Nico Iamaleava will be an amazing quarterback for the Volunteers this season. He will not be enough to carry the rest of the offense with him though. The Vols only having three players on the team worth talking about is enough for me to say the Vols won’t be in the playoffs this year, but they will still have a good season for Tennessee fans finishing 9-3 with losses to Oklahoma, Alabama, and Georgia. Maybe Florida again since they have only beat the Gators twice in twenty years.
In College Station, the Aggies aren’t expecting much out of their first year head coach Mike Elko. After paying the massive $77.6 million buyout for Jimbo Fisher to leave, most Aggie fans will be looking to rebuild the program and bring it back to the Johnny Manziel days. I predict they end up with the biggest upset of the season, which will be beating the Longhorns at the end of the year and finishing 8-4. A huge step forward for Coach Elko in his first year at the helm!
The Texas Longhorns come into the SEC with all the confidence in the world after going into Bryant-Denny Stadium and beating the tide by 10 and making the playoffs last year. I’m here to tell y’all now that they’re very mistaken if they think they can win the conference year one. The SEC is not like the Big Twelve where you have “easy” games. Every game is a battle and the wear and tear on their players will show throughout the season. The Longhorns will be the biggest “bust” out of all the high-rated teams for this season, and will end up 9-3 or 8-4 with losses to Oklahoma, Georgia, Texas A&M, and maybe Michigan.
Last and definitely least is Vanderbilt. Not much to really talk about here. They don’t win a conference game and end up 3-9.
A Different Kind of School
GALILEO PREPARATORY ACADEMY
BY MARK CLAYPOOL | FOUNDER & CEO
After thirty-six years in education, I can say with confidence that traditional schooling does not work for many children. For students, particularly those with school anxiety, not only is school not working, it makes them and their families miserable. A recent study commissioned by the National Institutes of Health (NIH, 2022) found that school anxiety significantly impacts almost 50% of girls and more than 20% of boys in the United States. School anxiety leads to poor academic performance, reluctance to engage in social activities, work avoidance and even refusal to go to school.
We established Galileo Preparatory Academy (GPA) in 2022 to improve education for children who are not thriving in their current schools. We serve learners from many academic, medical and neurodiverse backgrounds in our personalized program. We focus on supporting the child, rather than fitting them into a traditional and rigid system. Traditional schools ask the child to adapt to the environment, instead of adapting the environment to meet the child’s needs.
Our learning center has bright colors, comfortable seating and natural light. We eliminate anxiety-inducing norms of traditional school, like raising your hand to go to the bathroom or waiting until a specified time to eat a snack. At GPA, learners work at their own pace with our mastery-based curriculum, so no one in our mixed-age classes knows the academic placement of other students. We are also available year-round to allow students the time needed to regain lost ground or get ahead. We have daily group activities such as outdoor restorative play, enriching projects in the maker’s space and competitive gaming in our eSports studio.
GPA’s families are happy. “My son is more supported at GPA than at his previous public school,” said parent Traci Wilbur. “They just get it. The staff is comprised of compassionate experts who are dedicated to making sure that every student succeeds. We couldn’t ask for a better place for our son.”
When a child feels safe and supported at GPA, they thrive academically, socially and personally.
Want to learn more about how GPA supports K-12 learners? Visit our website at galileopreparatoryacademy.com to schedule a tour or call admissions at 615.472.1932.
The Heart of Education
DR. SNOWDEN’S TWENTY-FOUR YEAR IMPACT ON THE FRANKLIN SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BY JOHNNY BIRDSONG, YOUR SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN
Our children are our future. What we want that future to look like depends on what they are taught, see, and are told about themselves today. What examples are we setting?
My mother was a schoolteacher. I got to see from a different perspective what it takes. It takes a lot of time, understanding, determination, patience and mostly a lot of love for what you do. I have often said that I can’t
think of any job with more importance than our teachers. Education is critical.
This issues’ A Southern Gentleman Is... Dr. David Snowden, Director of Schools for Franklin Special School District (FSSD). I had the honor of getting to meet and talk with Dr. Snowden and left thinking ‘what a wonderful man, a Southern Gentleman indeed.’
Here is a little more from our conversation.
When and why did you choose education as your career path?
No matter where you live, all parents desire for their children to have great educational opportunities and their expectations are high, as they should be.
As a youngster growing up in rural Mississippi, other than my parents, the individuals who positively impacted my life were teachers and coaches. Therefore, I made the decision to choose a career in education as a senior in high school. I wanted to have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of students like my teachers had done for me.
When and how did you become involved with Franklin Special School District?
In 1981, I was serving as a Superintendent of Schools in Pascagoula, Mississippi, when I heard about the opening for the FSSD Director of Schools position. The entire selection process took several weeks to reach the point where I was named as one of three finalists. Two of the FSSD Board members came to Pascagoula to continue the vetting process. A couple of weeks later, I received the call that I’d been selected. Fast forward twenty-three years later, I am fortunate and blessed to begin my twenty-fourth year in this position.
What sets the Franklin Special School District apart from Williamson County Schools?
Both school districts are high performing and provide great opportunities for students. We believe being a smaller district provides easier opportunities for district-wide collaboration and consistency across schools. We also think our smaller student enrollment at each school is a positive when focusing on meeting the needs of each child and the ease of creating an inviting family atmosphere.
What insights have you learned from this role?
No matter where you live, all parents desire for their children to have great educational opportunities and their expectations are high, as they should be.
What keeps you motivated and inspired daily?
Working to positively impact the lives of students continues to motivate us each day and we stay inspired by the immense work done each day by our passionate and dedicated teachers, administrators and all employees of the school district.
How has this position changed you personally and professionally?
Being in this role has provided me with the opportunities to meet and work with awesome individuals throughout the county and to create positive relationships and lasting friendships.
Can you provide an example of a successful initiative you led in this role?
With the support of the Board of Education and many others, we implemented the FSSD Therapy Dog program in 2019, which has now grown to include a therapy dog at each school. We have seen positive results and these trained canine friends continue to improve the overall environment of each school for both students and adults.
How can the community support the students, educators and programs of FSSD?
We are always appreciative of the community support and one of the best ways to support students is by volunteering in a school. We also have opportunities for guest speakers who can add value to the educational content being discussed, and we always appreciate their willingness to share their expertise.
How do you promote a positive school culture?
We have to be optimistic, be willing to listen to all concerns and ideas and constantly communicate to constituents and create an inviting environment to everyone. We want everyone to have a sense of belonging in our schools and in the district as a whole.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our district, and how would you address them? One of the biggest challenges is continuing to find ways to support our students who struggle with anxiety and behavioral issues. We utilize a “Positive Behavior Intervention Support” program in all schools and we provide ongoing professional learning for educators related to social/ emotional learning, anxiety, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and overall trauma. Even with these plans and programs in place, we will continue to search for more and possibly better ways to help students.
What do you feel it is to be a Southern Gentleman?
First and foremost, we believe a Southern Gentleman, or any gentleman for that matter, demonstrates respect to everyone and is willing to have considerate discussions with anyone regardless of whether they agree or disagree on a particular subject. People can disagree without being disagreeable. Even though the use of the terms “sir” and “ma’am” are not in vogue now, we were taught to use them as terms of respect. Being polite and kind is also extremely important which, in my opinion, includes opening doors, assisting with the carrying of heavy items, assisting with coats and offering his seat. He doesn’t believe chivalrous behavior towards women is outdated. He values honesty and integrity in what he says and does and he utilizes proper manners and etiquette in all situations. We believe he is also one who is modest and does not seek attention or boast of accomplishments.
5225 CARTERS CREEK PIKE
CROFTON PARK LANE
DURHAM MANOR DRIVE
Making Connecting Together Extraordinary
Memories are made here! Summer is for slowing down, soaking up the sun, and savoring life’s simple joys. From lazy days by the pool to laughter around the dinner table, seize the season and create unforgettable moments and lasting family traditions.
Book your perfect summer staycation today.
COMMUNITY | YOUR Education
Transforming Education
Transforming Education
BATTLE GROUND ACADEMY’S VISION FOR FUTURE-READY STUDENTS
BY DR. RHONDA BENNETT | HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL, BGA
As the Class of 2037 enters kindergarten, education has evolved significantly from their parents’ time, requiring more tools than just pencils and crayons to thrive as learners. As the world around us changes, so do the needs of our youngest learners. “Preparing students for an unpredictable future starts with building the right foundation of mindsets, skills, and habits,” says Dr. Rhonda Bennett, the Head of Early Childhood Education at Battle Ground Academy.
Although core content and skills like reading, writing, and math will always be important, developing a growth mindset, mastering transferable skills, and practicing scholarly habits are the bedrocks of success. “We must be aware of what students need beyond traditional academics,” says Dr. Bennett. “Across domains, students will need strong leadership skills, intellectual agility, dependability, and collaboration to be successful through and beyond college.”
Educators at BGA believe in the importance of developing these attributes from a young age. “We want our students to not only solve problems but also be able to identify problems
from the start,” shares Dr. Bennett. “We do this through inquiry-based learning and creating environments conducive to discovery and exploration at all grade levels.” In an inquirybased setting, the teacher takes on coach-like qualities, helping students through guided exploration, skill development, and feedback. Questions encourage curiosity, deep thinking, and problem-solving, rather than a direct line to solutions. “When kids apply skills in an authentic context, they see purpose in their work. They become more invested and better problemsolvers as a result.”
In practice, inquiry-learning looks like fewer assigned chapter readings or rote memorization, and more problem-based scenarios where students learn by doing. Through these experiences, students design, iterate - even fail - and then try again as they learn to approach obstacles with resilience. “It’s about productive struggle – sticking with a challenge and trying different strategies – as opposed to seeking immediate gratification,” says Dr. Bennett. “It can be hard for us as parents to watch our children go through this learning process, and our initial instinct is to rush to help. But, persevering, and ultimately succeeding in a difficult task, builds confidence and leads to a mindset that approaches future struggle with greater resolve.”
BGA’s new strategic plan, launching this fall, will enhance programming to benefit all students, including experiential learning opportunities through travel; further development in STEM; a cohesive approach to student well-being; and a comprehensive approach to leadership beginning in pre-K.
With the return of the BGA pre-K program this fall, and the addition of a three-yearold section in 2025, BGA students can begin developing intellectual curiosity, a growth mindset, and resilience even earlier in their educational journeys.
A community of Character A passion for Scholarship A history of Excellence
The educational leader in the area for 135 years, BGA offers the most transformative and comprehensive educational experience in Williamson County.
With the flexibility to adjust our curriculum to meet each BGA student where they are — academically and personally — we welcome pre-K through 12th grade students into a community of challenge, support, acceptance, and warmth.
Inquire online & ensure you’re among the first to know when our pre-K3 through 12th grade applications for admission open for Fall 2025.
Inquire now at battlegroundacademy.org
Dr. Rhonda Bennett
Pull-Tight’s Knot Awards Banquet
PHOTOGRAPHY BY APRIL KISER
WHO: Pull-Tight Players | pull-tight.com WHAT: Pull-Tight’s Knot Awards Banquet WHERE: Franklin Elks Lodge WHY: The Pull-Tight Players celebrated their fifty-fifth season in style with cocktails, dinner and awards that recognized the season’s sensational shows and significant contributions from their artist membership. Recalling Truman Capote’s infamous 1966 Black and White Ball, Franklin’s Elk Lodge was decked out in hues of black and white.
Peggy & Iain Macpherson
Jeremy Hargis & Ryan McFadden
Kyle Langford & Melanie McBurney Dave & Melissa Taylor
Helen Carter & Johnny Peppers
Brian & Jennifer Bennett
Michael Hall & Bre Hall, Tim & Cindy Massey, Savannah & Sean Aiello
Glenn Whalen & Frankie Piccione
Phillip Prone & Woody Woodruff
Beth Woodruff, Lynda Gibbs & Pat Street
Jeanne Drone, David Weatherbee & Lindsey Scruggs
Cindy Massey, Caylin Maguire & Aaron Gray
Village Series From the $600s Crescent Homes
Retreat Series $600s - $700s Celebration Homes & Paran Homes
Sanctuary Series $600s - $800s Brightland Homes & Celebration Homes
Estate Series $700s - $1+Millon Davidson Homes, DeFatta Custom Homes, Four Corners of TN, Jackson Brothers Construction, Jackson Construction & Willow Branch Homes
- Tour 4 furnished models - Resort-Style Amenities including adult and kiddie pools, clubhouse, playground, dog park, 1/2 court basketball - Excellent schools including Blackman Middle & Blackman High - Fabulous Location Near I-840, I-24, Shopping, Medical & Dining
FASHION WITH A
FO SU
BY KATIE MURPHY PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSEPH NOTHER
JEFF GARNER & THE FIGHT AGAINST TOXIC TEXTILES
Born on a horse farm in Franklin, Jeff Garner was raised by artists. His grandmother taught him to sew at a young age, and his mother was a piano teacher. Growing up, most of Jeff’s friends were in bands. They all wanted him to join, but he was more interested in dressing them. “I liked to sit on my floor and design things… I’m one of the lucky ones because I quickly discovered what my passion was, and I was able to pursue it,” says Jeff, who spoke with us from London. He told us he prefers the title “Fashion Artist,” as opposed to “Fashion Designer,” and says he’s not in the business of creating commercial fashion. His sustainable fashion label, Prophetik, sprouted from his childhood here in Williamson County.
“It taught me how small towns view the world and that you must take care of what’s around you,” says Jeff, sharing the harsh reality of the toxins in commercial synthetic fashion. Believe it or not, approximately 8,000 synthetic chemicals are used in the manufacturing of clothing. These include harmful substances like lead, phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, and pesticides. These chemicals’ negative impacts on human health and the environment are significant. Health risks range from immediate effects such as respiratory issues to long-term consequences like cancer. Environmentally, these chemicals contribute to air, water, and soil pollution, leading to widespread ecological damage. Jeff seeks to expose this harsh reality and offer solutions within his industry.
Prophetik’s aesthetic is an elevated mix of colonial as well as equestrian-inspired pieces that are completely nontoxic. With his clothing line and his design work in general, Jeff is bringing the fashion industry back to the basics by dying his fabrics
exclusively with plant-based dyes. His designs have been seen on notable celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Kellan Lutz, Jared Leto, Cara DeLevingne, Miley Cyrus and more. His newest project, Let Them Be Naked, is a documentary that sheds light on the toxins found in our everyday clothing and his journey transforming the fashion industry. “I decided after my mom passed away from her breast cancer, now’s the time. Now or never. I’m not gonna stay young forever,” says Jeff.
Jeff’s advocacy has fostered connections with research organizations and innovators worldwide, driving the conversation on unregulated toxins in the fashion industry. The documentary is backed by The Redford Center, which is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated solely to producing environmental impact films. Suzy Amis Cameron, a former actress and model turned activist and the wife of Avatar and Titanic director James Cameron serves as the film’s executive producer. On the project, Jeff says, “I decided to make this movie with my friends, and I went with my gut. I followed my passion, and we basically went from the financing phase to delivery within a year.” The documentary will be released in the Fall of 2024, and it’s currently making its rounds in the film festival world. The Nashville Film Festival is hosting a viewing of the documentary at the Franklin Theatre on September 23rd
“After twenty-two years of doing this, I quickly realized that you can only get so many people to go to a catwalk show. The platform to make change is a documentary, and I’m looking forward to seeing its impact,” says Jeff.
To learn more about the documentary and find a showing near you, go to letthembenaked.com.
“ IT TAUGHT ME… THAT YOU MUST TAKE CARE OF WHAT’S AROUND YOU.
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 music events, plays and more!
THE CONCERT: A TRIBUTE TO ABBA
AUGUST 21
Schermerhorn Symphony Center nashvillesymphony.org
This is the closest to ABBA you’ll ever get! Join the world’s top ABBA tribute band as they perform some of the most iconic dance songs ever written: “Mamma Mia,” “Waterloo,” “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme,” and more.
THE SONGS OF ‘74
AUGUST 25
The Franklin Theatre franklintheatre.com
Get ready to travel back in time to the golden era of music with a sensational new show, The Songs of ‘74. Coming to the Franklin Theatre on August 25, this unforgettable performance will celebrate the iconic songs of 1974 — a year that is hailed as one of the greatest in music history. Prepare to be transported to an era of timeless hits as a talented lineup of Nashville musicians takes the stage to deliver electrifying renditions of the songs that defined a generation. The show promises to showcase the diverse range of musical genres that dominated the charts in ’74.
CLUE
SEPTEMBER 10-15
Tennessee Performing Arts Center tpac.org
Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the cult 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.
DRACULA
OCTOBER 3-6
Tennessee Performing Arts Center nashvilleballet.com
This fall, Nashville Ballet entwines the spellbinding allure of Paul Vasterling’s Dracula with the elegance of George Balanchine’s Serenade for a double bill that transcends the ordinary. Delve into the dark, passionate world of Dracula, a ballet rich in love, lust and eternal desire, set against a backdrop of Gothic mystery. Dracula will captivate audiences with its tale of immortal yearning, while Serenade is a serene masterpiece danced to Tchaikovsky’s haunting “Serenade for Strings in C3” played by The Nashville Symphony.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
OPENING WEEKEND: RACHMANINOFF AND MAHLER with the Nashville Symphony
SEP 13 & 14
Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor
Joyce Yang, piano
HERBIE HANCOCK: 2024 NORTH AMERICAN FALL TOUR
SEP 18
PresentedwithouttheNashvilleSymphony.
PINK MARTINI FEATURING CHINA FORBES: 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR with the Nashville Symphony
OCT 24 TO 26
Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor
HOME ALONE IN CONCERT with the Nashville Symphony
DEC 6 TO 8
Jason Seber, conductor
DREW & ELLIE HOLCOMB’S NEIGHBORLY CHRISTMAS
DEC 17
PresentedwithouttheNashvilleSymphony.
BEETHOVEN’S NINTH: ODE TO JOY with the Nashville Symphony & Chorus
FEB 6 TO 8
Nicholas Hersh, conductor
Tucker Biddlecombe, chorus director
Gabriella Reyes, soprano
Jennifer Johnson Cano, mezzo soprano
Alek Shrader, tenor
David Leigh, bass
LYLE LOVETT
with the Nashville Symphony
APR 3 TO 5
Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor
TCHAIKOVSKY CELEBRATION with the Nashville Symphony
In the realm of medical language, prefixes and suffixes act as fundamental clues. They help decode the meanings of numerous terms by indicating aspects like location, quantity, or condition. Do you have what it takes to de-code these clues?
