Your Williamson Holidays 2020

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE

HOLIDAY 2020

Merry Christmas from our family to yours

BUILDING A LUXURY HOME SHOULD BE A LUXURY EXPERIENCE

For more information visit:

livealegend.com

Franklin’s Favorite Place to Shop!

Incredible selection of carefully curated home furnishings, accessories and art.

Custom upholstery and design services available.

Weekly “Open House” door prize drawings throughout the holiday season!

301 Lewisburg Avenue | Franklin, TN 37064 | 615.790.8908 | www.zulaandmachome.com

YOUR WILLIAMSON | HOLIDAYS 2020 . VOLUME VI – ISSUE 93

18 Holiday Gift Guide

FEATURES

with Macy’s

20 Eat, Drink & Be Merry Bake the World a Better Place at Sugar Drop Cafe & Dessert Boutique

28 Interior Thinking Deck the Halls

40 Up the Road Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park

46

Come Fly With Me Bungalows Key Largo: The Tropics In Florida Await

ON THE COVER: GINGERBREAD MAGIC FOR THE HOLIDAYS AT SUGAR DROP CAFE & DESSERT BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ANNA ROBERTSON HAM

4 HOLIDAY 2020

20

AN IMMERSIVE POP-UP EXPERIENCE

WALK THROUGH YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE SCENES IN AN ALL-NEW, MULTI-SENSORY EXPERIENCE

iLoveChristmasMoviesNashville.com NOW - JANUARY 3 A CHRISTMAS STORY, NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION, THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Turner Entertainment Co. (s20) ELF and all related characters and elements © & ™ New Line Productions, Inc. (s20) THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s20)

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S MONTHLY

BUSINESS

10 Letter from the Publisher

52

12 Social Secretary

24 Socially Yours 58 Bone Vivant

62 Did You Know?

36

Ribbon Cuttings

Welcome New Business to Williamson County

52

Scoop

54

Your Business Partner

55

We’re in the Money

YOU in the News

with Williamson Inc. with FirstBank

LIFESTYLE 14 Fashionable You with Draper James

26 COMMUNITY 26

In Your Backyard

45

Southern Is Your Lifestyle

50

Keeping Score

The Top Four Trees for Christmas

with Say It Southern

Gather Around the Table for Family Card Games

59

Your Kids

with Mindy Spradlin

6 HOLIDAY 2020

16

Your Best Self

17

Winter Protection for Your Skin

Forget Christmas Stress: Engage Your Creative Side

Beautiful You

34 The Lady Entertains Holiday Hostessing 101 36

Styling Your Everyday Simple Holiday Porch Decor

56 A Little Something Extra with Jenny Reimold 38

A Southern Gentleman Is... with Tim Kearns

61 Read Between the Lines Wrapped Up In Christmas Joy 60

Arts & Culture

60

Merry Christmas from Walker Chevrolet

2021 TAHOE

The All-New Tahoe offers six trims, each carefully refined to help you find your perfect blend of eye-catching design and premium comfort. From the top-of-the-line comforts of High Country, to the street-inspired style of RST and the legendary off-road capability of Z71, each trim offers its own unique style and capabilities.

Here in Williamson County, roots run deep. And at Walker Chevrolet in Franklin, those roots began in 1926 in this community. As a local, family-owned dealership, Walker Chevrolet takes pride in putting our relationship with the customer first. Get a classic American brand from a local, family-owned dealership at Walker Chevrolet. Visit walkerchevrolet.com or call 615.591.6000 to get started on buying your new Chevrolet.

3940 Carothers Parkway | Franklin, TN | 615.591.6000 | walkerchevrolet.com

New packages now in stock!

YOUR STAFF Shelly Robertson Birdsong

Johnny Birdsong

OWNER & PUBLISHER

OWNER & PUBLISHER

Anna Robertson Ham MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Jennifer Franks

Paige Atwell

MANAGING EDITOR

Tracey Starck

CREATIVE SERVICES

CREATIVE SERVICES

Ron Cheatham

Jackson Ryan

OPERATIONS

DISTRIBUTION

S E T YOUR TAB LE I N STYLE WIT H O U R

Your Williamson and Distinctively Southern Wedding are publications of: Robertson Media Group, LLC

404 Bridge Street | Franklin, TN | 37064 Office: 615.465.6046 yourwilliamson.com distinctivelysouthernwedding.com

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE

We’re Hiring

Please send all content & coverage requests to: info@robertsonmediagroup.com FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

We are looking for professionals to join our team in Sales, Marketing, Writing and Photography.

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

We want to meet you!

Contact us with your resume and cover letter at: info@robertsonmediagroup.com

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

Merry Christmas

Thank YOU for letting me help you sell or buy a new home this year!

Current Listings FOR SALE 601 Boyd Mill Franklin Laurelwood

SOLD 108 Meadowgreen Ct Franklin

movingwithkelly.com RealtorKellyDougherty @movingwithkelly

FOR SALE

SOLD 1559 Westhaven Blvd Franklin Buyer’s Agent

2022 Roderick Circle Franklin Forrest Crossing

PENDING

PENDING

SOLD

4425 Westlawn Nashville Sylvan Park

1564 Championship Franklin Westhaven

138 Bertrand Franklin TN Highlands of Ladd Park

FOR SALE 6698 Eudailey Covington

College Grove 2 Acres

kelly dougherty

SOLD 208 Morning Mist Ln Franklin Westhaven

SOLD 102 Fitzgerald Franklin Westhaven

REALTOR®

c: 615.804.6940 | o: 615.790.3400 | Kellyd@VillageTN.com

MONTHLY

Publisher’s Letter

“When it seems we have lost our way, we find it all again on Christmas day”

KEELING & CALHOUN BIRDSONG

You Have Everything You Need If You Just Believe This holiday season is so very different in so many ways. We decorate, for no one but ourselves to enjoy. There are no events to attend besides closed window, drive through and look at lights, options. No school Christmas parties, no church choir concerts; we make plans to watch our Christmas Eve service at church – online. Santa comes in a bubble complete with mask.

Our life as we know it during this season has ceased to exist. Every measure of the holiday season as I have known it for over twenty years working in jobs related to community, events and networking – is gone. The harried but happy rush to attend multiple open houses, to host parties and parade watching, decorating the classroom at school and enjoying more socializing than we do in a whole year; not present this year.

There is quiet. There is almost a feeling of not knowing what to do next. So, we pray. We pray for the reason for the season – even more fervently than we might on another ordinary Christmas year. We pray for hope. We pray for change to come soon. We pray that we see another Christmas like we know it to be. We pray. And with prayer, is faith and the most important element of all, in our faith and our prayers - and most assuredly at Christmas – we have to believe.

Virginia learned that and I share with you, as I have every year since I started publishing this magazine – the wonderful letter of old, sharing the story reminding us all that: “Yes Virginia, there Is a Santa Claus.” And how, do you ask, am I certain of this? Because I believe. I believe in the spirit of Christmas and I believe in a baby born in a manger so long ago. I believe in the power of that moment of light in the darkness of the world.

And today – we must believe again. Believe that someday soon – things will be as they should, once more. I know my prayer is your prayer. I know my belief is yours. Do not lose faith. Like the song from Polar Express says - You have everything you need if you just believe.

From our house to yours Williamson County, may this Christmas season be filled with light, hope, love, faith and a belief in something that carries you through to the better days ahead. Cheers to 2021.

Shelly Robertson Birdsong | Publisher shelly@robertsonmediagroup.com

MY YEARLY TRADITION OF SHARING A FAVORITE CHRISTMAS LETTER - ENJOY! Eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York’s Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial September 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history’s most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.

DEAR EDITOR: I am eight years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.

Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O’HANLON 115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

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

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 11

MONTHLY

Social Secretary

YOUR SOCIAL SECRETARY DEC 1-18

DEC 1-26

DEC 12&19

GET CONNECTED Here are a few events to add to your Social Calendar this month.

Visit yourwilliamson.com for more events.

Things were #MerryAndBright this holiday season at Zula & Mac Boutique!

Drop Off Your Letters In Santa’s Mailbox

Local Recreation Facilities | Through December 18th wcparksandrec.com

Calling all good boys and girls! Craft your holiday wish list and drop it off for Santa at one of Williamson County Parks and Recreation’s (WCPR) facilities from December 1st – 18th. Personalized mailboxes for Saint Nick will be located at the Franklin Recreation Complex, Fairview Recreation Complex, Longview Recreation Center and Timberland Park on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Franklin. Be sure to include your mailing address, so Santa can send a personal reply!

Franktown’s 3rd Annual Festival of Lights

Williamson County Ag Center | Through December 26th franktownopenhearts.com

Open every night of the week, from 5pm-9pm, rain or shine! Explore more than a mile of seasonal splendor from the safety of your car. This year features new and improved light displays! Attendees can relax in the comfort of their own car and wind their way through the magical display, while listening to Christmas classics on the radio.

Congratulations to our friends at Triple Crown Bakery on their move to #DowntownFranklin!

Franklin Fire Department’s Neighborhood Santa Parades

Franklin Neighborhoods | franklintn.gov/santavisit

The Franklin Fire Department will be escorting Santa Claus and his sleigh through more than fifty Franklin neighborhoods on the four Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The remaining neighborhood parades will take place December 12th and December 19th, between 10am and 3pm. Santa’s exact routes, along with approximate neighborhood arrival times, are available on the Santa Tracker at franklintn.gov/SantaVisit.

New Year, New You We kick off 2021 with our Winter issue featuring New Year, New You! Our annual Valentine’s Day Gift Guide planning tips and more! Start your 2021 off right with exceptional marketing and advertising strategies and packages with Your Williamson!

ADVERTISING DEADLINE January 10th | sales@yourwilliamson.com

Welcome to The Amish House!

Make yourself at home.

We work with Master Amish Craftsmen to provide you solid hardwood furniture that is made to order. At The Amish House, our customers get to select their wood, size and stain colors options. Choose any hardwood from Cherry, Maple or Oak to name just a few. Have a custom piece in mind? Bring us your idea and we can make it come to life. Don’t settle for particle board with cheap veneers, get the very best. Visit us at The Amish House to see your possibilities.

Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions.

We look forward to helping you furnish your home with the very best!

Warm Regards, Kurt & Lisa Fuchs Owners | The Amish House

THE AMISH HOUSE Handcrafted Furniture Made by Master Amish Craftsmen | No Particle Board | No Veneers Made to Order – Pick Your Wood, Size & Color | Furnish Your Home with the Very Best

7278 NOLENSVILLE ROAD | NOLENSVILLE, TN 37135 | 615.487.4090 | THEAMISHHOUSE.COM

LIFESTYLE

Fashionable You

From bright plaids to luxurious velvet, Draper James, Nashville has a festive holiday option for every taste.

Fairisle Sweaterdress $175

Georgia Plaid Sweaterdress $135

Lurex Sweaterdress $150

Kitty Dress in Paisly $88

Love Circle Dress in Angie Plaid $150

Velvet Bow Shoulder Dress $175

14 HOLIDAY 2020

2608 12th Avenue South • Nashville, TN • 615.997.3601

Presents with personality — gift inspiration curated for the most interesting ladies on your list (including you!)

Crystal Star Bracelet $78

Hi Y’all, Bye Y’all Mittens $28

Whiskey In A Teacup - Book $35

Reese’s Limited Edition Holiday Bag

One Line A Day, 5 Year Memory Book

What Would Dolly DO Canvas Pouch

$16.95

$35

$98

nashville@draperjames.com • draperjames.com

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 15

LIFESTYLE

Come see us for your holiday decor and floral arrangements!

Family owned and operated.

Your Best Self

Forget Christmas Stress; Engage Your Creative Side

BY SANDY COWEN

you truly enjoy. The day is yours. Success or failure, who cares?

Holidays can push us to the brink; too much to do and too little time. The panic of finding the perfect gift, all the food prep in advance, decorating the house and wondering if the items we’ve ordered online will look as good as they did in the picture – especially clothes. It’s always the same, but with the COVID-19 panic this year, stress is off the charts.

I have a secret, it’s all in your head. Stress and worry and over-thinking all reside in the left hemisphere of our brain. So, switch gears, shift to the right hemisphere and become more creative. There are very simple acts that will help you to engage your creative side and allow you refocus to the present moment. It’s living in the moment that eliminates stress. When you do that, you push out projection, which invites worry; and wipe away the past, which reminds us of regrets, guilt and sorrow.

Instead, choose to live in the moment; the joy of that can be overwhelming and it eliminates stress, while you’re in that state.

Yes, and while in the present you’ll find it easier to actually love the task at hand instead of dreading it.

Take cookies, for example. Even if you’re not a cookie baker by nature, baking cookies can become a fun adventure. Dig out your mother’s homemade cookie recipes for butter cookies or sugar cookies or Mexican wedding cookies. Select a few that sound appealing. Then, take an entire day off and drop out of life. Turn off TV news and bask in the stillness of a quiet house or turn on low music in the background that

My favorite creative experience is wrapping the gifts. I set aside part of my dining room table as Santa’s workshop. Of course, if you have little ones at home, a person has to be a bit more clandestine with the effort.

In that case, find a large waste basket and fill it with wrapping, bags of ribbon, tape, scissors, name tags and everything you’ll need. When you take the basket from the closet – you’re ready to go. Feel the love you have for the person you’re giving the gift to, as you wrap each one. There’s something about doing a task with love, that always make it turn out better. Take your time – even if you only wrap a few; fill each effort with lots of love.

Finally, shopping for gifts – stocking gifts, in particular. This project is the most fun while engaging one’s intuition and creativity. I try to always shop for stocking gifts primarily in person. I devote a day or two before Christmas to trek out to male-type stores, if I’m buying for a guy – and female-type stores, if I’m buying for a gal. It’s best if you rarely shop at them so everything is discovery. Stockings, for me, are the most fun to fill – and I wrap every single gift that goes inside – not with ribbon but absolutely with paper. Unwrapping the gifts as they’re removed from the stocking extends the process and builds anticipation.

If you’re the gift giver, this is the best experience to watch.

When a person allows themselves to be creative and intuitive, it seems like it is more natural for the feeling of love to flow into the task. These magical breaks in your normal Christmas routine will help diminish your seasonal stress level, guaranteed. So, shift gears this season, it could be the best family holiday ever., Merry Christmas.

SANDY COWEN

615.591.7990 | alwaysinbloominc.com 227 Franklin Road | Franklin, TN 37064

Sandy Cowen is a national and international consultant for major corporations facing challenging markets. She helped found and was the programmatic architect for the largest and most comprehensive women’s resource center in the country that quickly accommodated 30,000 client visits a year. She is a role model of resilience. She teaches others that answers always exist and that each of us can take charge of our lives in ways that can be fascinating and exhilarating.

LIFESTYLE

Beautiful You

Winter Weather Protection for Your Skin And Great Stocking Stuffers!

It’s that time of year when our skin begins to suffer from the winter elements of cold, wet and dry. It’s also that time of year when we search for the perfect stocking stuffer! Well, look no further!

Are your lips starting to get chapped from chilly temperatures? Are your hands drier than usual? That must mean it’s time to winterize your skincare routine! Add extra hydration to your skincare lineup and help defend your skin from cold weather damage with the below beauty essentials that’ll ensure you beat any winter chill: • Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum ($33.99): This award-winning formula contains Vitamin C, E and Hyaluronic Acid to deeply condition skin in distress, leaving a dewy complexion behind. Madhippie.com • Mad Hippie Cheek and Lip Tint ($22.00): Jojoba and shea butter keep skin hydrated while sea buckthorn berry and blueberry provide antioxidant support to protect and nourish. Look good while you feel good with this versatile cheek and lip tint can be layered for a natural or bold look! Madhippie.com • Aura Cacia Jojoba Skin Care Oil ($15.59): This natural, non-comedogenic skincare oil is perfect for blending with essential oils or works perfectly on its own for a simple, yet replenishing moisturizer for all skin types. Auracacia.com • Rituel Sacred Serum ($98.00): This serum alchemizes nature’s most revered healing and beautifying plants with Hemp’s potent cannabinoids and contains 777 mg of organic full-spectrum CBD, fifteen raw, organic, cold-pressed botanical oils, and twelve organic healing flowers and herbs formulated to nourish, regenerate and protect your skin.

Rituel.com Winter is coming...are you ready to take it on with these essentials?

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 17

FEATURE

Macy’s Holiday Gift Guide

Macy’s Holiday Gift Guide Macy’s brings magic to the holiday season with thoughtful gifts at every price point for every person on the list. Whether you need a unique stocking stuffer or a truly special piece, for the young or young-at-heart, Macy’s makes finding the perfect gift easy, with luxury items to gifts under $100, $50, $25 and $15. What’s more, shoppers can explore macys.com/gifts to find easy-to-navigate shopping guides by price or personality and discover the season’s most coveted gifts in fashion, home, beauty and toys.

Go online to shop at macys.com or visit local Macy’s locations: Macy’s at The Green Hills Mall 3813 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215

Macy’s at CoolSprings Galleria 1790 Galleria Blvd, Franklin, TN 37067

TMD Up To Snow Good Flask and Shot Glass Set $30.00

Nespresso Vertuo Next Bundle $249.99

Bella Mini Donut Maker $30.99 Harper + Ari Pink Champagne Bar Bath Bomb $10

18 HOLIDAY 2020

Brookstone UV Phone Cleaner $50

Instant Pot 6 Quart Pressure Cooker $124.99

BUSINESS

Best in Business of Williamson County

Harpeth Valley Dermatology Opens New Practice in Thompson’s Station Harpeth Valley Dermatology is a family-owned and operated, full-service medical practice consisting of three board-certified dermatologists: Dr. Megan Morrison, Dr. Pezhman Shoureshi, and Dr. Benjamin Bashline.

With convenient locations in Thompson’s Station and Smyrna, our practice provides dermatologic care to all ages in the middle Tennessee area. We have a reputation amongst the medical community for providing quality dermatologic care to all of our patients.

Our dermatologists bring a wealth of medical experience that collectively spans over twenty years. Through their prior experience, they became increasingly concerned with the ever-apparent shift from patient-centered dermatologic care to that of a corporate driven business. Many dermatology practices have replaced their boardcertified dermatology physicians with providers lacking specialized training, which can be misleading to patients. At Harpeth Valley Dermatology, our mission is to provide our patients with a true dermatology experience.

Our dermatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating a wide array of medical conditions. We provide comprehensive treatment modalities for common conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and warts as well as diagnosing and treating skin cancer and various autoimmune conditions. As osteopathic physicians, we provide a holistic approach to diagnosis that focuses on finding the root of the problem instead of solely treating symptoms. We customize treatment plans to not only provide effective management, but

more importantly, find a solution that patients feel comfortable with. Outside of medical services, we also provide a full spectrum of cosmetic procedures. These include toxins, fillers, lasers for antiaging and scarring as well as platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatments for hair loss. We are also proud to carry our own line of Harpeth Valley Dermatology products for anti-aging.

One of the most important services we provide is screening for skin cancer. Twenty percent of Americans will develop skin cancer and it remains the leading cause of cancer in the United States. All three of our dermatologists are members of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and regularly provide free skin cancer screenings sponsored by the AAD. Outside of diagnosis, the dermatologists at Harpeth Valley Dermatology are experts in providing surgical and non-surgical treatment options for skin cancer, including Mohs micrographic surgery. Dr. Morrison is not only a board-certified dermatologist but she is also a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon.

Mohs surgery is the gold standard for skin cancer treatment and offers the highest cure rate (99%) while minimizing the cosmetic effects of surgery.

We invite you to discover the difference at Harpeth Valley Dermatology where we pride ourselves on practicing first-class dermatologic care.

For more information, please go to harpethvalleydermatology.com or call us at 615-905-8083.

Harpeth Valley Dermatology | 990 Elliston Way, Suite 101 | Thompson’s Station, TN 37179

FEATURE

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

Bake the World A Better Place at Sugar Drop CafĂŠ & Dessert Boutique

Sugar Drop Café & Dessert Boutique is a cake, party and sweets supply shop that has been serving the greater Nashville area for almost fifty years. They are a locally- owned boutique sweet shop specializing in professional cake-baking supplies and unique party supplies for every occasion.

In early 2017 Sugar Drop was purchased by Brooke O’Dell, an awardwinning cake artist. Brooke’s cakes have been featured in local and regional publications multiple times including RollingStone.com, The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, and NashvilleBrideGuide.com. She was notably Best of Kids Birthday Cake Baker in the Nashville Scene in 2008. Brooke’s client list includes Ringo Starr, Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Country Music Television, Johnnyswim, Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey, Congressman Marsha Blackburn, Senator Jack Johnson and many more.

Brooke has turned dessert into an art form and uses buttercream, fondant and whimsy as the tools of her decadent trade-creating edible works of art. As the owner and proprietor of the revamped store, Brooke has combined her eye for design and love affair with sweets to re-establish Sugar Drop as Nashville’s premiere go-to, one-stop, specialty shop for party and baking supplies. From balloons and buttercream to candles and cake pans, Sugar Drop has everything you need for your unique party occasion. Sugar Drop is stocked with the latest trends in both party supplies and cake-decorating and will also carries a variety of specialty unique boutique gift items, perfect for any party host or guest.

In addition to baking and party supplies, Sugar Drop offers fresh Sugar Drop Drippy Cakes in a variety of flavors and sizes, as well as scratch made homemade cookies and bars from family recipes nearly a century old. Homemade chocolate treats and sweets are available for pick-up or can be custom ordered for any occasion, from corporate gifts to wedding favors.

In the new party rental space, Sugar Drop offers a variety of cooking

and decorating classes for the young and young at heart. In these classes, O’Dell will share her expertise on everything from buttercream basics to cookie decorating. You can also host a private all-inclusive event for anyone turning five or older at Sugar Drop. Each guest will create a theme based confection with instruction in both buttercream and fondant while enjoying house made goodies including birthday cake popcorn and cotton candy cocktails.

Brooke tells how she left the corporate world and picked up a book to teach herself the art of cake making. “I never dreamed I would be where I am now. Throughout my cake career I have been able to work with some amazing celebrity artists. I dreamed of owning a place of my own at a young age and feel privileged to have been able to take an established business with a long-standing heritage in Brentwood and bring it back to life. Because I am a self-taught baker, my goal is for guests of all ages to feel that our classes and concepts are approachable; that young aspiring bakers can be reminded that dreams do come true through lots of hard work,” she says.

So how did this fairy tale of confections come to be for Brooke? Sugar Drop has been a familiar name in Brentwood for decades. “I was familiar with Sugar Drop when I was told it was for sale. A dear friend saw this dream with me and partnered with me originally, to purchase the shop. We kept the name and general sweet supply concept but basically started the business from scratch, as any good baker would do,” Brooke recalls. “Within five months of operating we had done a complete remodel and began offering our cakes, private events and classes. Within about a year, I realized that we had a special place in the “sugar market” and knew that we would need to be able to relocate in order to grow and do all of the things I dreamed of for this business,” she tells.

At the original Sugar Drop location, Brooke and staff had been able to host over 400 private events, countless classes, three sold-out summers of Camp Sugar Drop and teach thousands. But it wasn’t enough. And so, Brooke began the search for new property in 2019. “We found our current spot in early 2020 and held off signing our lease in March due to the unsteadiness of the market and not knowing how business would be with the pandemic only in its beginning stages,” she remembers. “But we were able to alter our business model overnight to help continue to meet the demand of the market throughout the pandemic shutdown, by offering delivery, curbside pick-up, virtual events and much more. We were one of the only bakeries in Brentwood that remained open and therefore, were able to feel an enormous new wave of business and support that allowed us to keep all of our staff off of unemployment and our doors open,” Brooke says. Definitely – a sweet miracle!

“I want each customer to have an overwhelming childhood wonderment when they walk in, no matter their age. We want guests to be able to enjoy our menu in person, so we expanded to have a cafe area, as well as expanded hours and menu offerings. We are now able to host larger private events in our space and continue to offer virtual events. We offer delivery and shipping services to those unable to venture out. We want all who enter to feel like a kid in a candy store.

You can order cakes, book events and sign up for all classes through our website,” she says.

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 21

French Hot Chocolate Ingredients: 8oz good bittersweet chocolate bars 1 ¾ c. whole milk ½ c heavy cream 2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar ½ tsp vanilla extract Directions: 1. Combine all ingredients on medium heat and stir until combined and thick. You can add more milk if desired for a thinner consistency.

2. Top with whipped cream, crushed mint, marshmallows, caramel, etc.

Thankfully, after finally being able to officially open their new space this fall, Sugar Drop is on a roll! Going into 2021 Sugar Drop plans to expand their class offerings to include a variety of interests, both within the culinary world and the creative world. They will be partnering with local chefs and artists to have a variety of monthly offerings in their creative classroom.

@SugarDropTN to find the latest information and inspiration for your next cake or party project and for monthly specials! Sugar Drop aims to be the sweetest shop in town! Come visit Sugar Drop and let your imagination run wild!

In the meantime, Brooke shares some of her holiday favorite treats you can make at home or find at Sugar Drop. It’s truly a sweet life!

Be sure to follow Sugar Drop on Facebook or Instagram at

Come see us at our New Location!

574 Franklin Road | Suite #110 | Franklin, TN 37069 Store Hours: Monday-Wednesday 8am -5pm | Thursday-Saturday 8am - 7pm Closed Sundays sugardrop.com | 629.202.6949

22 HOLIDAY 2020

Peppermint Bark Ratio: 2 Pounds Melting Wafers - we suggest Merckans Brand 8oz or 1/2 lb Peppermint Crunch By following this simple ratio, you can adjust your bark favor for each season.

You can create white chocolate and key lime crunch during the summer or a dark chocolate orange during the fall. The classic holiday Sugar Drop Bark is white chocolate with red and green peppermint crunch.

Directions: 1. Pour chocolate into a plastic microwave-safe bowl and melt in 30-second increments, stirring in between. Chocolate should melt within 3-5 cycles.

2. Add preferred crunch and pour onto a sheet of parchment or directly onto a granite countertop.

3. Spread bark as thin as possible and allow it to sit for approximately one hour or until it has cooled and hardened. Break into bite-size sections and store in a zip closure bag or tin.

Cream Cheese Mints Ingredients: 4 oz Cream Cheese at room temperature 1 Pound of Powdered Sugar ¼ tsp Peppermint Oil or other flavoring (Butter, Almond, Marshmallow, Cheesecake, etc.)

Gel Food Coloring if desired Granulated or Sanding Sugar Flexible Rubber Mint Mold or Chocolate Mold Directions: 1. Mix together cream cheese, powdered sugar, desired flavor, a pinch of salt and gel coloring until the mixture becomes a stiff dough. This can also be done in a food processor.

2. Pinch off small marble size pieces and roll in granulated or sanding sugar and press gently into a mold or gently flatten with fingers into a disk. If using a chocolate mold with multiple molds, press into mold, and place in the freezer for 1 minute then remove. Continue until all dough is formed.

Christmas Butter Cookies Ingredients: 1 c Butter 1 C Sugar 1 Egg 2 tsp. Vanilla ½ tsp Baking Powder 3 C All Purpose Flour ½ tsp salt Cookie Glaze: 1 lb Powdered Sugar 4-6 Tbsp. Hot Water Pinch of Salt 1/2 tsp almond or vanilla extract Directions: 1. In a standing mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in egg, vanilla baking powder, flour and salt. Form dough into a ball and place in the fridge to set for 1 hour. Can be placed in the fridge at this point until later use.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove dough from the fridge and roll out the dough into ¼” thickness on a lightly floured surface or rolling mat. Cut dough using your favorite cutters and bake for 7-9 minutes, just until set.

3. Remove and allow to cool completely before icing.

Glaze Directions: 1.Stir all ingredients to a large bowl, starting with 4 Tbsp. of hot water. Whisk until smooth. If the mixture is too dry, add 1 additional tablespoon at a time until it is a thick but smooth consistency. Glaze may be tinted with food gel. This glaze is great to use for dipping the top of cookies and topping with sprinkles. Use a thick consistency for piping.

MONTHLY | Socially Yours

GETTING IT RIGHT HOLIDAY NOTES & CARDS COURTESY OF EMILYPOST.COM

HOLIDAY GREETINGS: A LITTLE HISTORY Holiday cards are hardly a recent phenomenon. In 1822 the U.S. Superintendent of Mails complained that he had to hire sixteen additional carriers to handle the December deliveries and petitioned Congress to limit the practice. (Fat chance!) Britain holds the honors for the first commercially printed card, commissioned in 1843 from artist John Calcott Horsley by Sir Henry Cole, who was looking for a tasteful card to send to friends. Wishing “A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You,” a thousand cards were printed. The idea caught on and by the 1860s printed cards were big business, featuring both seasonal and religious themes.

No matter what you celebrate, the holidays are a time when many make an effort to stay in touch. Here are a few of the etiquette issues that may arise when participating in this seasonal correspondence.

IS IT RUDE TO SEND NON-CHRISTIAN FRIENDS CARDS? No, but stick to cards that offer the message “Seasons Greetings” or “Happy New Year”- with no religious figures, messages or symbols on them. These are appropriate for a wide range of friends and acquaintances. Sending seasonal greetings goes beyond any particular religious holiday, and it’s long been an accepted practice to wish one’s friends well at least once a year. Sending a card early in the new year can also de-emphasize the religious aspect of the season.

IS IT OKAY TO EMAIL MY HOLIDAY GREETINGS INSTEAD OF MAILING CARDS? Sure. The electronic version of the traditional card is definitely

greener and less expensive. Since your goal is to reach everyone in your address book, keep a few points in mind: • Send e-cards to those friends and relatives who actually use e-mail.

• Write your message as you would a traditional card.

• Limit the size of attachments to 1MB or smaller.

• Keep other recipients’ info private by using the “Bcc” feature.

• Use a personal rather than a work addresses.

IS IT NECESSARY TO WRITE THANK-YOU NOTES TO FAMILY MEMBERS? A thank you note is appreciated, but a note isn’t needed if you’ve thanked someone in person. If you receive gifts from family members you won’t see to thank in person, write a thank you note, both to let them know their gift arrived and that you liked it. Older relatives may expect a written note even if thanks were given in person.

WHAT ABOUT AN EMAILED THANK-YOU NOTE FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS? While it may be all right if you and the giver email each other frequently, it’s still no substitute for a handwritten note. Thanking the person the old-fashioned way will emphasize how much the gift means to you.

Socially Yours is a YOUR Williamson column with advice, tips and tricks for staying polite, socially acceptable and always mannerly for the busy community socialite, from the expert on all things mannerly.

“The standards of etiquette that Emily Post established with her seminal book Etiquette in 1922, are timeless. Though times have changed, the principles of good manners remain constant. Above all, manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others.

Being considerate, respectful, and honest is more important than knowing which fork to use. Whether it’s a handshake or a fist bump, it’s the underlying sincerity and good intentions of the action that matter most.” The Emily POst Institute

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COMMUNITY

In Your Backyard

THE TOP 4 TREES TO CHOOSE FOR CHRISTMAS WITH THE DAVEY TREE EXPERT COMPANY

Nothing brings the sights, sounds, and smells of the holiday season into your home like a real Christmas tree. Scott Johnson, Nashville District Manager with the Davey Tree Expert Company says that while you’ll find many types of real Christmas trees at the tree lot, the key to picking the perfect tree is to consider species type, fragrance and needle retention.

“Real Christmas trees are a wonderful way to bring natural beauty into our homes.” Says Johnson. “Evergreen trees are an incredible reminder that while many plants and trees seem quiet or ‘sleepy’ this time of year, trees are actually growing and thriving yearround.”

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The following four Christmas trees are among his favorites for their texture, fragrance, less-mess needle retention, and beauty: 1. FIRS, INCLUDING BALSAM AND FRASER With a wonderful Christmas fragrance, stiff branches to hold heavy decorations, and needles that won’t shed, firs are stand-out Christmas trees. However, as slow-growing trees, they are often a more expensive option. Both varieties offer needles that are soft to the touch and easy for decorating, as well as the longevity to last through the holiday season… when watered properly!

2. SCOTCH AND EASTERN WHITE PINE Pines are the most popular choice for Christmas trees, and their excellent needle retention makes them the perfect choice for anyone worried about “shedding” this holiday season. However, their flexible branches may struggle to hold heavy ornaments. Those with sensitive noses may wish to choose the Eastern White pine, while those seeking the classic holiday scent of fresh pine can choose the Scotch variety, which offers a long-lasting aroma.

3. COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE The silvery-blue hues and symmetrical shape of spruces make them an elegant holiday

fixture. With a full bottom that winnows to a slender top, the Colorado Blue Spruce’s stout branches make it a good choice for heavier ornaments and decorations. It’s also among the best trees for needle retention, offering beauty throughout the entire holiday season.

4. DOUGLAS FIR While not a true fir, these trees can be found on many tree farms, and often at an affordable price. Douglas firs are prized for their sweet scent and dense dark green or blue-green needles that are soft to the touch.

Once you settle on the perfect tree, two tips can help you make the most of your real tree: Water Regularly: Frequent watering helps to maintain fragrance and prevents needles from drying and dropping off. Your tree may take in a large amount of water one day and just a little the next in a cycle that seems random but is perfectly normal. Check and replenish your Christmas tree’s water every day.

“Tree-cycle” It: After the holidays, be sure to recycle your real tree. Your municipality or local recycling program may offer “tree-cycling” that often turn former Christmas trees into mulch.

Just be sure to remove all non-organic décor like lights and ornaments!

Have more questions about Christmas trees or trees growing in your yard? Find out more at davey.com. The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental solutions for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners across North America. As one of the largest employee-owned companies in the U.S., Davey has been dedicated to creating and delivering sustainable solutions for 140 years.

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FEATURE

28 HOLIDAY 2020

Interior Thinking

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BY JENNIFER PARKER

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This year more than ever I believe we need to truly “Deck The Halls” for the holiday season. As different as things may seem, I say bring it out, bring it on, and let’s decorate!

I love using fresh garland whenever possible, as the fragrance fills the entire home. By combining fresh and faux you can get a really fantastic look that’s full, and cut down on the expense of the fresh each year. This is especially a great idea for bannisters and mantles that are focal points in your home. Fresh magnolia and greens can be easily found. You can also ask to purchase bundles of trimmings from your local tree seller for a nominal cost.

It would not be Christmas without a fresh tree in our home. We save that honor for the great room and the tree is filled with heirloom ornaments, handmade one’s from my grandmother, and every ornament my daughter brought home that she made herself, since pre-school.

I even have ornaments I made as a child and from my family’s tree. We also purchase an ornament from our travels through the year which makes hanging them fun as we remember special vacations. This tree is the most meaningful to our family. Other trees throughout the house have various themes and special meaning too, but the main fresh big tree is always our favorite.

Collecting nutcrackers with my mother was a valued tradition I am continuing with my daughter. I use them throughout the house and each has a special memory. Bringing the nutcrackers out each year and adding to the collection is a favorite decorating tradition.

I believe personalizing your decoration as much as you can truly fills your home with joy. Think about framing Christmas cards from years past to set a vignette in your home. I hang family and friend photo ornaments on their own special tree on our kitchen island. It truly makes me smile every time I am in that space. I also set up a Christmas candy and hot chocolate bar after Thanksgiving for us to enjoy through the season. The treats are fun to have and it adds a special touch to the overall holiday decor.

Whatever your plans look like this Holiday season I hope it is filled with hope and happiness. Finding joy in our spaces is more important this year than ever. Here’s looking to finding many things this year to be grateful for, and wishing you and yours a safe and beautiful Holiday Season.

JENNIFER PARKER

Interior Thinking jennifer@parkerhaveninteriors.com Jennifer is the owner of Parker Haven Interiors. She thrives on helping her clients design their homes, to style their life, with feeling, function and form.

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LIFESTYLE

The Lady Entertains

Holiday Hostessing 101

Seems like this magical, wonderful season, has quite a few reasons to make us pull our hair out! Whether it is the exhausting party circuit, the cooking, the relatives, gift buying and giving, or in general getting your home, your life, your kids, all set for Christmas – we could all use a few tricks of the trade to get us through with a bit more ease and a lot less strife! We may not get to use these tips during a pandemic this year, but save this page for 2021 because, Lord willing; we will all be ready to PARTY all season long!

Cheers to a safe and fun holiday season. Article reprinted from previous issue.

BY SHELLY ROBERTSON BIRDSONG

As your resident harried hostess, I am an endless supply of entertaining tips for the busy working mom. You all know that exhausting moment in December when you crawl in from work after sitting in Christmas shopping mall traffic for over an hour?

And what to your wondering eyes should appear, but your neighbors and … your other neighbors… and your husband’s golf buddy… and your cousin Suzy, with six kids in tow…

It’s the holidays - so spread some instant cheer with these tips to keep your home and kitchen holiday guest ready at a moment’s notice! And every time a bell rings … you can get your holiday hostess with the most-est wings!

In order to make it through the holidays without spending every day planning for and preparing for guests, do these few things starting December 1st. Yes, a little forethought and pre-planning will make the next thirty-one days much easier I promise!

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Keep the house clear of those pesky tree needles and stray mistletoe balls and invest in a cordless vacuum that you can keep charged and ready to pick up minor messes at a moment’s notice. Even the kids can manage it and help!

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Buy five good candles in varying holiday scents at the start of the season; something Fir Tree, something Winter Snow, something Cranberry, and scatter them in your common area rooms. Keep lighters close by and accessible so as soon as the doorbell rings unexpectedly, you can light and create a festive and non-smelly atmosphere right away!

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If you are really ahead of the game – bake cookies and freeze the dough in ready-made balls to quickly pop in the oven. Or…make sure you buy three or four rolls of pre-made in your favorite holiday flavor – peanut butter, sugar or gingerbread, to slice and bake with no muss or fuss!

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Speaking of pre-planning: keep on hand cans of frozen orange and lemon concentrate and brew up some tea by the gallon, add sugar to your liking. This too can be kept frozen. Guests coming?

32 HOLIDAY 2020

Mix all that together and add some fresh cranberries or sprigs of basil for color. It’s fabulous Tea Punch! This can be a great mixer for champagne or vodka if you need to pligh your guests with holiday “spirits.”

It’s also a good idea, especially if you know you will entertain throughout the holidays or will have a party or two to attend yourself, to just go ahead and buy a case of wine – mix red, white and champagne - and you are ready to serve or take a bottle as a hostess gift at any moment!

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Speaking of hostess gifts, again, forethought here: Buy 5-10 cute, unique, maybe with the date on them, tree ornaments when they are on sale at the start of the season for around $3-$5; get small gift bags, tissue paper and cards. Wrap in advance and have in the closet.

Co-worker got you something and you never even considered getting her a gift? Well here you go you super sweet person you! Gift on the go!

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Buy holiday or just red, green or white cocktail napkins, hard plastic or holiday plates and cups – and keep them tucked away for that moment when you haven’t run the dishwasher in over a week.

If you are lucky enough to have crystal or glass wine glasses – go ahead - pull that stuff out!

And maybe think about polishing the silver the beginning of November…Those trays and serving pieces can come in handy and make you uber Martha Stewart looking for at least four months before they need to be polished again!

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Lastly, and really a year-round trick of the trade of hostessing – buy mixed nuts, multi packs of crackers and keep hard cheeses and/or brie or specialty cheese on hand at all times and voila- add some olives, grapes, jam or other favorite crudité and you have a ready-made and seemingly fancy and well thought out party tray!

Especially if you serve it on a silver platter.

Cheers to the holidays!

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Holiday Diffuser Recipes Whether an avid oil user or a newbie, diffusing essential oils is a great way to experiment with the different combinations of scents. This time of the year, we all want our home to smell festive and oils are a safe and natural way to achieve this. The hardest part can be getting started. Luckily you only need a diffuser (can be purchased online at various sites like Bath and Body Works, Whole Foods or Amazon) and some oils. There are many different brands of oils, so you may want to do some research to find which ones suit your needs and nostrils. After that, it’s time to concoct. Here are a few of my favorite blends to get you started.

FIRESIDE SNUGGLES 3 drops Cinnamon 3 drops White Fir 3 drops Clove MERRY AND BRIGHT 3 drops White Fir 2 drops Grapefruit 2 drops Frankincense CIDER 3 drops Sweet Orange 2 drops Cinnamon 1 drop Clove

WINTER WONDERLAND 4 drops Peppermint 3 drops Bergamot 2 drops Cypress CANDY CANE 4 drops Peppermint 2 drops Spearmint HOLIDAY JOY 3 drops Frankincense 3 drops Sweet Orange 2 drops Peppermint

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Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Alyson has made Franklin home for the past nine years with her husband and their three young children. She understands the stress involved with relocating to a new area and the importance of finding the right home for your lifestyle and your needs.

Misty Woodford has called Franklin home for nearly 20 years. She is a third generation real estate agent and is an active member of the Williamson County community.

Alyson can help you navigate the housing market as well as the school systems along with other factors that come with starting fresh in a new area.

With work experience in architecture and construction, Alyson is dedicated to understanding your needs and looks forward to working for you.

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LIFESTYLE

Styling Your Everyday

Our Simple Holiday Porch Decor STYLING AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER DURHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

Ahhhhh 2020… The unbelievable year of everything unexpected. No wonder everyone is so eager to decorate for the holidays and experience all of the joy that comes with it. Since COVID is causing us to spend more time at home than ever before, we wanted to decorate earlier and enjoy it longer.

Porch living is a way of life in the south, and definitely the way of life in my Williamson County neighborhood. Here in Westhaven we even have “Porchfest” where every year (on a normal year), musicians from all over the area come and play on our residents’ porches. Every home is required in our covenants to have a front porch, so, we all like to put a little of our own personalities into them.

Plus, it could easily be seventy degrees on any given day in the south, so there could even be some porch swinging on Christmas! Just like 2020, you never know…

Fall is always my busiest time of year in my job, so sometimes holiday decorating just seems like another task to accomplish. But I have to get out of that mindset, because I do love decorating my home and my daughter, who is eighteen, would start putting up Christmas in July if I let her! This year she said to me, “Mom, since I’m a senior and this is my last year at home before I go off to college, can we start decorating early and really go all out?” Gulp [choking back tears], how does any Mom argue with that? I agreed, although “early” and “all out” is a little hard for me because I’m a big fan of less is more, not more is more, when it comes to decorating. However, in addition to our living room Christmas tree, I did agree to a tree in her bedroom, my son’s bedroom and our bonus room, plus added a little more “holiday fluff’ to our porch. I figure that should count as “going all out!”

My personal holiday decorating style is organic, without a lot of color, using fresh Leland Cypress garland and eucalyptus, foraging berries and other greenery from the woods in our neighborhood; pheasant feathers, and deer antlers - anything wintry and earthy. I also try to challenge myself every year to come up with new ways to use what I already have, then sprinkle in a few new things to freshen it up. I choose a dominate neutral color and run with it. This year, I decided I wanted a black and white Christmas.

I love how crisp and timeless black and white is. It’s also the colors of our cottage style home’s exterior and I already have a black and white striped rug (from West Elm), on our back porch. So, I decided to add more of that onto our front porch and just for fun, add a small pop of red in the Christmas pillows on our porch swing and chairs. The red was a step out for me, because I usually stick to more muted colors. Maybe it was the 2020 factor creeping in again and I needed the jolt of color. To quote a line from my favorite movie The Holiday: “But try it in a happy red, not a Scorsese red.”

I like to keep things simple and easy instead of fussy and difficult. This holiday porch can be put together in thirty minutes to an hour, I promise! And most of it you can purchase online. I’m kind a lazy holiday decorator. I didn’t even use any zip ties for the garland this year. I just looped it around the porch posts to keep it secure. The only other thing I’m still on the hunt for is a really great rug. I have my eye on this one from Dash & Albert, and since I’m from Birmingham originally, the name of the rug says: It’s meant to be!

I hope you find some inspiration for your own front porch holiday decorating this year. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…and this year, I’ll definitely be home. Merry Merry!

LIFESTYLE

A Southern Gentleman Is...

An Example For Others!

BY TIM KEARNS

Merry Christmas one and all and wishes for a Happy (and hopefully better) 2021! I’m sure you’re all with me in the fact that 2020 is going down in the history books as a weird year!

demonstrates that he recognizes the power, the impression it makes, and the role it plays in society. Dressing well is a point of pride because it demonstrates his personality and taste.

These past ten months have brought a myriad of change from beginning to end. Nothing was ordinary, simple or consistent with anything that happened in previous years. Early on, fear gripped everyone, then cabin fever, then hope, then change, then fear of repeat again. We tried to wrap our heads around the situation; hoarding toilet paper and cleaning supplies, working at home, wearing masks 24/7, not being able to see friends or family, not going to eat or going to a movie, nothing was the same. Now it is obvious that we’re not in the Twilight Zone; this is now known as “the new normal!” Christmas parties and New Year’s celebrations may still be in play, as long as it is with ten or less people, or outside!

However, there is one thing that doesn’t change throughout all of this; being a true Southern Gentleman! While the world around us is chaotic, we still live by the codes which identify us.

A GENTLEMAN IS WELL MANNERED. A gentleman is courteous, polite, and respectful. He says please and thank you, waits his turn in line, and treats others as they wish to be treated. He is an equitable conversation partner, displays good table manners and dining etiquette.

A GENTLEMAN IS IMPERFECT. This may be the most important characteristic on the list. The term “gentleman” isn’t meant to be an unattainable ideal; it takes into account basic human nature, in which we all make mistakes, choices, and judgments every day. The difference is that a gentleman does not believe himself to be perfect, but instead takes ownership and responsibility for 38 HOLIDAY 2020

A GENTLEMAN IS OPEN MINDED. A gentleman does not believe that his opinions and knowledge are absolute or unquestionable.

He strives to learn, is open to new ideas, accepts constructive criticism, and welcomes failure as a path to growth and self-awareness.

A gentleman does not argue purely for the pleasure of being right but focuses on putting himself in other people’s shoes for the purposes of understanding an alternate perspective from his own.

the things he can control: His actions, knowledge, and approach to the world.

A GENTLEMAN HAS HIGH STANDARDS. High standards push people to do the best they can, and gentlemen must set them for themselves. He expects a high standard of quality, value, and functionality from the things he buys to the things he does. He expects as much of

himself as he does of other people.

A GENTLEMAN IS WELL DRESSED. This one shouldn’t be a surprise. A well-dressed man is appropriately attired based on the season, the occasion, and his own style. Dressing well isn’t a matter of money, but rather of careful curation of clothing and accessories based on his means, the occasion, and his tastes. His dress

A GENTLEMAN IS INTERESTING AND INFORMED. These days it is easy to get lost in the cycle of sleep-work-Netflixrepeat, that deprives people of anything interesting to say.

An interesting man can carry a conversation about a number of subjects, is interested in the world and how it works, and actively seeks to grow his knowledge for his own character building. Hobbies and personal interests reveal his passions for activities that are meaningful to him.

A GENTLEMAN’S ACTIONS MATCH HIS WORDS. Quite simply, a gentleman makes promises that he intends to keep.

A GENTLEMAN TREATS PEOPLE WITH RESPECT. When we say people, we mean everyone – women, colleagues, superiors, waitstaff and customer service people. This reflects a gentleman’s belief that all people are created equal. He does not claim to have more or fewer rights than those around him. He is compassionate with those less fortunate than himself. He doesn’t believe that the world is a zero-sum game, nor does he believe that putting someone else down will lift him up.

A GENTLEMAN RECOGNIZES THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ARROGANCE AND CONFIDENCE. An arrogant man believes himself to be of superior importance and relies on his opinion of himself relative to others. A gentleman believes in himself and his abilities independently of other people.

An arrogant man must always win to feel validated while a gentleman self-validates from within.

A GENTLEMAN WIELDS POWER PURPOSEFULLY. Though there are many potential sources for the statement “with great power comes great responsibility,” there is an inherent truth in it for a gentleman. If he is in a position of power, he combines all the above traits to utilize that power purposefully and not selfishly. Not for revenge, not for his own personal gain, and not in a way that tramples the rights of others.

A GENTLEMAN GIVES PEOPLE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT. Even though it can be a challenge to avoid cynicism in a tough world, a gentleman chooses to not assume malice. The person who cut you off on the highway may have received bad news; a friend may not respond to your call because they are behind at work. A gentleman tries not to jump to negative conclusions about other people.

COVID-19, sequestered world or not, these attributes are still a way of life for Southern Gentlemen. Regardless of what life throws at you every day, find a way to deal with life’s hurdles and keep your integrity. Times are challenging but we can rise above it, set the bar high and be the example for others. With this article, I am officially signing off as the author of the “A Southern Gentleman Is…” column. I fully believe in term limits to promote new perspectives and fresh ideas. After three enjoyable years it is my turn to open the door for a new Southern Gentleman to share his thoughts with the Your Williamson readers. I want to thank Shelly Robertson Birdsong for considering me to begin with. It has been my pleasure to put my thoughts to paper each month. It is my deepest hope that you enjoy the holidays, say a prayer for good health and good fortune in 2021!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my family to yours!

TIM KEARNS A Southern Gentleman Is...

Tim is a Williamson County business owner who lives, works and plays all within the county limits. He has been a triathlete for thirtythree years and married to Bess Kearns for thirty-two years. All of his commitments are for the long haul!

Are you on Santa’s Big Green Egg list?

Located at the corner of Columbia Avenue and Downs Boulevard 203 Downs Boulevard • Franklin, TN 37064 615.794.3641 • harpethtruevalue.com HARPETH TRUE VALUE HOMECENTER Monday-Saturday - 8am-5pm • Sunday - Closed

Located at the corner of Columbia Avenue and Downs Boulevard 203 Downs Boulevard • Franklin, TN 37064 615.794.3641 • harpethtruevalue.com

Monday-Saturday - 8am-5pm • Sunday - Closed

FEATURE

Up the Road

Discover a Gatlinburg resort that goes beyond sunset views and hues. Experience wildlife and nature at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Located within minutes of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the resort is the perfect family destination with an indoor water park, spa, zipline, mini golf, and onsite food and beverage options. Choose from a variety of accommodations, ranging from studio villas to spacious two-bedroom villas so everyone has their own space. If you’re looking for a resort near the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, then this resort should be your top choice!

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, offers guests all the comforts of a fully furnished home, all within minutes of Great Smoky Mountains National

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Park – the most-visited national park in the United States – as well as Dollywood theme park and bustling downtown Gatlinburg. With easy access to a multitude of outdoor recreational opportunities and a variety of onsite amenities, including an amazing indoor/outdoor water park, your dream vacation is waiting at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park.

While enjoying all that Gatlinburg has to offer you also have plenty of options onsite at the resort: SERENITY SPA Serenity Spa by Westgate offers more than fifty world-class spa services, including facials, manicures and pedicures, body wraps and massage treatments found nowhere else in the world. All Serenity Spa by Westgate professionals are licensed and trained in the most current techniques to provide maximum benefits and results from your treatments.

WATER PARK Westgate’s Wild Bear Falls is a mountain-themed world-class family indoor water park features a state-of-the-art retractable roof, taking Mother Nature out of the equation! Guests can enjoy comfortable conditions year-round. At more than 60,000 square feet, this is the largest indoor water park resort in the South and the fifth largest in the country.

DINING

There are multiple dining options on the resort to choose from. Exciting recent news is the Westgate Resort’s partnership with Southern Comfort Whiskey to launch its first restaurant.

The Southern Comfort restaurant – a new Southern-cuisine dining experience located at the resort - features the very best dishes from the South, including low-country, soul food, creole, Cajun and good old southern home-style cooking, and is the first restaurant to open in partnership with the iconic Southern Comfort® whiskey

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brand, making it the most authentic comfort food restaurant Gatlinburg has to offer.

“We are thrilled to partner with Westgate Resorts on such an exciting project in one of the South’s most scenic settings. The connection between Southern cuisine and the nearly 150-yearold Southern Comfort brand is a natural that we think guests will love,” said Jake Wenz, Chief Commercial Officer, Sazerac Company, who owns Southern Comfort Whiskey.

Southern Comfort restaurant joins Westgate Resort’s celebrated lineup of Tennessee eateries, including Wild Bear Tavern, ranked the no. 6 restaurant overall and the no. 1 German restaurant in Pigeon Forge on TripAdvisor.

WESTGATE RESORTS Westgate Resorts is the largest privately held timeshare company in the world and one of the largest resort developers in the United States. Founded in 1982 by David Siegel, the company is headquartered in Orlando with seven Orlando hotel resorts, and twenty-four themed destination resorts nationwide, featuring more than 14,500 luxury villas and hotel rooms in popular vacation destinations throughout the United States. For more information about Westgate Resorts, visit westgateresorts.com.

To learn more about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park or to make your reservation, go to: westgateresorts.com/hotels/tennessee/gatlinburg/westgatesmoky-mountain-resort.

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort Water Park 915 Westgate Resort Rd. Gatlinburg, TN 37738 Resort: 865-430-4800 Group Sales: 877-587-0013 Email: WGSmokymountains.com 42 HOLIDAY 2020

Warm Wishes this Holiday Season from the Autobahn, South Team

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Luxury & Sport European Automobile Dealer in Brentwood Autobahn South. Inc

5648 Franklin Pike Circle | Brentwood, TN 37027 615.376.3550 | www.autobahnsouth.com

ParksAtHome.com

Franklin

Your Real Estate Professionals of Middle Tennessee

Danny Anders 615.790.7400

PARKS On Main | 106 East Main Street | Franklin, TN 615.790.7400 | ParksAtHome.com

Your Real Estate Professionals of Middle Tennessee

Darci Caesar

Danny Anderson 615.790.7400

615.947.6038 Reid Anderson 615.406.3426

Cindy Denson 615.587.0366

Greg Fritz 615.587.0366 615.347.1732

Christopher Close

615.490.2004 Jeannie Bankins 310.499.8146

Cindy Garner

Loy Hardcastle

Mary Grace Gardner 615.948.3704 615.506.4419

Sandy Kim MelzLebo 61.335.4001 615.609.7424

Brentwood

PARKS On Main 415 Main Street Franklin, TN 615.790.7400

Lisa Davis

Mary Jane Cochran 615.982.9404 615. 438.6640

Kim Henderson

Loy Hardcastle 615.881.9053 615.948.3704

Margaret Orton SarahFlowers Beth Litzenberg 615.604.2590 615.712.4312

Tammy Fitzpatri

Lisa Davis 615.335.0405 615. 982.9404

Kim HendersonScott Hudso 615.881.9053 615.403-105

Lauren Sullivan 615.289.8610

Brentwood ParksAtHome.com

Brentwood Office 8119 Isabella Lane, Suite 105 Brentwood, TN 37027 8119 Isabella Lane, Suite 105615.370.8669 | Brentwood, TN 37027 615.370.8669 | ParksAtHome.com

Susan Gregory 615. 300.5111

Kathy Danner 615. 815.5856

Susan Gregory 615. 300.5111

Candace Revelette 615. 456.4022

Marla Richardson 615. 397. 3403

Lisa Culp Taylor 615.300.8285Dawne Davis

Nelle Anderson 615.939.8323

Teresa Chiles 931.607.7513

Debbie Hovsepian 310.701.7477

Candace Revelette 615. 456.4022

Kim Day Shack 615.838.885

Cindy Stanton

Luanne Story

Nathan Throneb 615.542.582

Tammy Morris 615. 596.3900

Cindy Stanton 615. 482.2224Kim Day Shacklock615.714.7511 615. 482.2224 615.838.8850

615.945.7139

COMMUNITY

Reid Anderson 615.406.3426

son 0

Making Memories at Christmas with Lessons Learned from Our Podcast

Greg Fritz 615.347.1732

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BY SARAH STONE SMITH

Josh Kile 423.309.6803

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Southern Is Your Lifestyle

I wish they could see my children making their lists and hear them singing their favorite Christmas carols. I wish they could welcome me home with a hug and a spot at their dining table. I would love to watch Christmas Vacation just one more time with my mom laughing and quoting the entire movie.

But since I can’t be with them, I hold onto all the memories. I relive and tell stories from my childhood. I continue traditions that we did in my family, and have created new ones, so that one day, when I am gone, my children will feel the joy that the season brings and believe in the Spirit of Christmas.

Lisa Culp Taylor 615.300.8285 For me, Christmas is all about the memories.

As the mother to three girls, of course I want the holidays to be filled with cookies, magic and all the warm feelings of the season. I want the girls to grow up and remember the feeling they had riding home from church on Christmas Eve, the smell of the kitchen while baking Elisabeth & Butter’s gingerbread cookiesChris (featured Fullerin Episode 55 of our podcast), and the faint sound of Christmas 615.587.0260 music throughout the house.

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The holiday season is a time when I rely on my own memories to help me cope with the loneliness that also comes this time of year.

I lost both parents at a young age and this is the time of year when I miss them most.

Give the Gift of Memories!

So, I take advice from our first podcast guest, Katie Jacobs. She says cover the dirty dishes with a towel so you can enjoy the company.

I use the tips for delegation from Mary Huddleston in Episode 13 of our podcast.

I’ve also fallen in love with new traditions I learned from our guests like the Bauble Stocking in Episode 96. To quote Dawn Barton from Episode 77: “Without the really hard moments, the wonderful ones can’t stand out so vividly.”

I know that so many struggle during this season. I hope they feel joy and appreciate all the memories they are making while holding on to traditions and memories from seasons past.

Jan Small-Beth 615.934.0446

SAY IT SOUTHERN Courtney Goolsby & Sarah Stone Smith Say it Southern was co-founded and is co-hosted by two of the savviest southern sweethearts you will ever meet. Courtney Goolsby and Sarah Stone Smith are mothers, doers and dreamers who want to do good, live well and leave their mark – and always find a reason to celebrate. Two modern moms bringing you the hearts and stories of the people creating the best of the South. Subscribe to their podcasts on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify or new episodes every Monday.

Instagram: @thesayitsouthern | Facebook: Sat it Southern Podcast Web: thesayitsouthern.com | Email: hello@thesayitsouthern.com

Franklin Travel Services A Rejuvia Travel Company 1284 West Main Street Franklin, TN 37064 615.791.4690 Info@RejuviaTravel.com RejuviaTravel.com

FEATURE

Come Fly with Me

Bungalows Key Largo The Tropics in Florida Await

The Florida Keys – steeped in timeless island elegance; an island oasis for downtime and disconnecting, Bungalows Key Largo rewrites the rulebook on all-inclusive experiences. The intimate resort sits within a botanical garden edged by the ocean and was designed as an intimate escape for couples who believe that time spent together is the greatest luxury of all. Endless adventures on and off protected iconic waters, restorative wellness programs, unspoiled natural beauty and a relaxed local culture fill guests’ days with divine disconnection from life on the mainland. Here, amidst whitewashed splendor, exotic flowers, key limes and sea salt air there is a stay-forever tone. Organic textures, soothing tropical hues and all-natural materials are the perfect expression of Key Largo’s relaxed cabana lifestyle, with bungalows that pair the finest features and furnishings with truly exceptional resort amenities.

The resort offers an exotic, tropical vacation without the hassle of a passport or the worry of international trekking. Lending itself perfectly to those still looking to travel but seeking an escape free of crowded spaces and groups of people, the boutique, waterfront oasis offers an intimate guest capacity and 135 private bungalows (with not an elevator or tight hallway in-site). Dotted across the property’s sprawling twelve acres, each bungalow boasts its own bougainvillea-laden veranda, oversized soaking tub, outdoor garden shower as well as two Huffy beach cruisers, perfect for exploring the property while enjoying fresh air and an ocean breeze.

ACCOMODATIONS

Bungalows Key Largo is home to 135 individual bungalows surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. This adults-only oasis, welcoming those twenty-one and older, invites guests to slow down and reconnect with nature and each other. All accommodations come complete with private verandas outfitted with outside rain showers and soaking tubs, a spa bathroom with rainfall shower and plush robes, among many other in-room amenities. Each bungalow also comes outfitted with two cruiser bikes that can be ridden throughout the property.

DELECTABLE DINING

Home to three distinct restaurants and an oceanfront Sunset Tiki Bar, gourmet dining and premium drinks are all included with every stay.

AQUATIC EXPERIENCES

Bungalows is home to two gorgeous pools, one oceanfront and one lushly cloaked amid tropical palms, as well as two serene Jacuzzi pools, all with full service. Guests can also choose to relax on the beach in a hammock or lounge chair, under an umbrella, or in a private beach cabana.

Paddleboards provide a fun and easy way to get a little workout while taking in glorious views of the bay. In our kayaks guests can paddle the shoreline and explore the diverse marine and bird life in premium, single, or double kayaks. Look out for our family of manatee - they’re known to pop up for a truly delightful surprise.

Featuring an expansive fleet of boats, Bungalows offers a variety of vessels perfect for exploring the surrounding waters. Groups can ride aboard “Lady B” the fifty-five foot custom sailing catamaran, holding up to forty-nine passengers while the WorldCat power catamaran, a twenty-eight foot vessel, provides a smooth, versatile ride for six passengers.

Guests can depart from the dock and spend the day exploring nature’s splendors above and below the surface. Spot a variety of marine and bird life, including manatees and dolphins, on a scenic ride through Florida Bay and beautiful mangroves. At John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, snorkel two extraordinary places: Dry Rocks, home of the Christ of the Abyss, and Molasses Reef.

Enjoy a scenic catamaran cruise from the dock through Florida Bay to the mangroves, anchoring in calm water for a scenic paddle into this amazing ecosystem. Guests can look out for a variety of wildlife and marine life while enjoying this serene environment.

DESTINATION DIVERSIONS

Home to tropical hardwoods, winding creeks, two state parks, a national park and a portion of a national marine sanctuary, Key Largo boasts some of the most fascinating botanical scenery in the state. Visitors can enjoy Key Largo’s ties to the sea including scuba diving, snorkeling, sport fishing, eco-tours, beaches and dolphin encounterprograms. The island also offers numerous on-shore attractions including nature trails and a rehabilitation center for wild birds. KeyLargo is flanked by the Everglades National Park to the west, a premier destination for kayakers, birders and other eco-tourists. To the east is the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef, and Key Largo has earned the moniker of Diving Capital of the World.

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KEY LARGO

Key Largo, located in the Florida Keys just south of Miami, has an overall average high temperature of 82° and an average low of 71°.

Sandwiched between Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, it is no wonder that most outdoor activities in Key Largo revolve around the water. On average, Key Largo’s warmest month is July and February is the average coolest month.

GETTING HERE

Miami International Airport (MIA) - 60 miles • 1.5 hour drive from the airport to the resort, pending traffic. Or take the scenic route to and from Bungalows Key Largo with exclusive seaplane service from Sheltair Aviation located adjacent to Fort Lauderdale International Airport.

Tropic Ocean Air, Bungalow’s official travel partner, takes guests on a forty-minute picturesque flight over turquoise waters, giving a bird’s eye view of coastal Florida in all its splendor. Come by car - Key Largo is around sixty miles from Miami International Airport (MIA), a little more than an hour by car. Along the drive down Overseas Highway guests can take-in views of the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.

For more information and to make your reservation for paradise visit: bungalowskeylargo.com. .

BUNGALOWS KEY LARGO 99010 Overseas Highway Key Largo, FL 33037 Reservations: (866) 801-0195 www.bungalowskeylargo.com

New Homesites Coming in 2021!

Discover Murfreesboro’s New Lifestyle Community Tour our 5 furnished models Village Series From the $310s

Cottage Series From the $360s

Retreat Series From the $370s

Estate Series From the upper $500s

615.849.1149 www.sheltonsquareliving.com Visit our Info Center at 5711 Shelton Blvd. - Murfreesboro Only 3 minutes from I-840

COMMUNITY

Keeping Score

Gather Around the Table...

For family card games!

While there are, without a doubt, so many things to look forward to this time of year, the most meaningful of them all is getting to spend time with friends and family. This year should remind us that it’s more than ever how important it is to savor that quality time. So, after you finish you finish up your holiday meal, grab your loved ones and a deck cards to try some of these family-fun card games! Happy holidays!

POKER To play poker, you’ll need a standard deck of cards (minus the jokers), at least two players and poker chips or a substitution. Each player is dealt five cards and assess the strength of their hand. Based on their confidence in their hand, they will then wager a certain amount of chips. The player that bets the most chips wins unless another player is willing to match their bet. If two bets are equal, both players will show their cards and whoever has the best hand wins all the chips.

CRAZY EIGHTS The objective of crazy eights is to be the first player to get rid of all of the cards in your hand. Each player is dealt five cards, one at a time face down. Place the remaining cards in the middle of the table and have the dealer pick up the top card, laying it face down in a separate stack. After that, each player, starting with the one on the dealer’s left, must place one card on the starter pile. Each card, except eights, must match the card at the top of the pile in either suit or number. If the player is unable to match the card, they must draw from the stockpile until they draw one that does. Eights may be played at any time in any turn.

The first player to discard all of their hand wins that round. The winner then collects from each player the

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value of the cards remaining as “points.” Whoever has the most points by the last round wins!

SOLITAIRE Solitaire starts by dealing the seven main piles, known as tableau. Starting on the left, place the first card face up and the remaining six face down and to your right.

For the next deal, place one card face up on the second pile and one card face down on piles three through seven. For the third deal, place one card face up on pile three and one card each face down on piles four through seven. Repeat this deal pattern until the last pile (pile seven) has one card facing up on top and six cards facing down. Use the remaining cards to build the stockpile to the side. Your first objective will be to build of the foundation of each stack so that they are in sequence and suit by transferring cards from the stock to the piles. To win the game however, you must build the whole pack into the tableau. Although solitaire is only meant for one player, you can make this a family game by giving each player their own set of cards and see who can win their round first!

SLAPJACK If you’re looking for something fun and fast, slapjack is it! To get started, the dealer will deal out the entire deck of cards face down, one card at a time to each player in a clockwise rotation. After each player has a pile of face down cards, the player to the left of the dealer plays a card face up in the center of the table. Every player will take a turn doing this until someone plays a jack. Whichever player slaps the jack first wins all the cards in the middle of table and gets to add them to their pile. The new pile will start with the player to the winner’s left.

RUMMY The whole game of rummy revolves around trying to

improve the hand you’re originally dealt. To get started, you’ll need a full deck (or two for more than six players) and something to keep score with. Start by dealing each player the same amount of cards. For two to four players, each person gets ten cards. For five players, each person gets six cards. With any game over five players, each person should be dealt seven cards. Use the leftover cards to create a stock pile face down, then take the first card on top and lay it face up in a new pile. This creates the discard pile. The player to the left of the dealer can either draw a card from the stock or pick up the top card from the discard pile. The players’ objective is to make your cards into two types of combinations: either a run (numeric sequence of three or more cards in matching suits) or a set (three or four cards in the same rank).

The first person to do so with one card left to discard wins that round. The cards in your combination will determine your score based on their value.

SPADES Spades is played with four players with two players per team. The game begins with the dealer giving each player thirteen cards, face down in a clockwise rotation. Each player will then take a turn placing one card clockwise around the table. The card must be in whichever suit is played first. Four cards played in a unit create a trick. Before each round begins, players will say a random number, the total of which, combined with their partners number, becomes their guess of how many tricks will occur that round.

The goal is to get as close to your guess or “bid” as possible. If your team hits your target number of tricks, you win points, and if you don’t your team is penalized. If you make more tricks then you bid, you are also penalized. You play rounds this way until someone wins what is known as the rubber, which is typically achieved by the first team to score 500 points.

Land & Lots, First Time Home Buyers, Design & Custom Homes...

Just plain Real Estate... It’s what I do!

“Coveted Views of Olde Franklin.”

Five, beautiful estate lots - 5 minutes from Downtown Franklin & 5 minutes to Leiper’s Fork Village! Project is under construction, but plat is approved and recorded.

Utilities will be in place, as well as asphalt driveways. Call for your private tour today or for more info!

Three lots remain! **Lot 1 - $719,000 - 8.90 Acres - UNDER CONTRACT **Lot 2 - $539,000 - 7.11 Acres - UNDER CONTRACT

Lauren Sullivan

6011 Leiper’s Fork Pvt. Lane Franklin SOLD Offered at $619,000

12.62 acres offered at $619,000, 3.5 miles from Leipers Fork Village. Approved for two dwellings a 5 bedroom and a 4 bedroom. Beautiful views and utilities are on property. Platted and recorded with Williamson County. Ready for building permit.

Cell: 615.289.8610 PARKS Realty

106 East Main Street, Suite 200 Franklin, Tennessee

BUSINESS

Ribbon Cuttings

Ribbon Cuttings Congratulations to these new Williamson County businesses and Chamber members!

BRANDMettle 212 E Main Street Suite 200 Franklin, TN 37064

Corelife 401B Cool Springs Boulevard #220 Franklin, TN 37067

Franklin Bakehouse 100 E. Main Street Franklin, TN 37064

Happenstance Social Lounge 7180 Nolensville Road Suite 1G Nolensville, TN 37135

Harpeth Valley Dermatology 990 Elliston Way Suite 101 Thompson’s Station, TN 37179

HomeWell Care 231 Public Square Suite 300 Franklin, TN 37064

J. Lee Boutique 128 Holiday Street Suite 101 B Franklin, TN 37067

Row House 1201 Liberty Pike Suite 107 Franklin, TN 37064

BUSINESS

Scoop IF YOUR COMPANY HAS COMMUNITY OR BUSINESS NEWS TO SHARE, SEND TO INFO@YOURWILLIAMSON.COM

CALEB ALEXANDER JOINS CAPWEALTH AS CFO

CITY OF FRANKLIN NAMES TWO NEW DEPUTY POLICE OFFICERS

CapWealth Advisors LLC, one of Financial Times’ 300 Top Registered Investment Advisors for 2020, has appointed Caleb Alexander as their new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Alexander brings with him an extensive background in wealth management, financial planning and analysis, investor relations, and real estate – as well as an appreciation for the vision of CapWealth’s leadership. Prior to joining CapWealth, Mr. Alexander served high net worth individuals as a Tax Manager with LBMC. Mr. Alexander is a Certified Public Accountant having earned his Master of Business Administration from Middle Tennessee University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, where he completed a double major, accounting and supply chain management. Founded in 2000, CapWealth is an independent, SEC-registered investment advisory firm offering financial consulting services. The firm uses a trademarked investment approach to grow, protect, and preserve their client’s wealth through services like portfolio management, retirement planning, investment advice, personal financial planning, and more. The Franklin, Tennessee firm also offers real estate planning and advisory services.

Police Chief Deb Faulkner announces the hiring of two new Deputy Chiefs for the Franklin Police Department. The two hires were chosen from a field of seventy-eight applicants. Franklin Police Captain J.P. Taylor will be promoted to Deputy Chief over the Administrative Division, Public Affairs and Criminal Investigations. Kenneth Winslow, former Police Chief in Springfield, IL will soon be Deputy Chief over Field Operations and Special Operations J.P. Taylor has been with the Franklin Police Department for twenty-two years.

He has worked his way up from Patrol Officer.

Chief Kenneth Winslow has twenty-five years of comprehensive law enforcement as well as supervisory and management experience with the last seven years as Police Chief in Springfield Illinois. Deputy Chief Taylor will begin his new duties December 6, 2020. Deputy Chief Winslow will start January 19, 2021.

BUSINESS

Best in Business of Williamson County

First Citizens National Bank Community-by-Community Focus We are rooted in Tennessee with a reputation of being an Unbelievably Good community bank. Since our founding, we have striven to give back and make a difference in the communities we serve. With twenty-six locations in eleven Tennessee counties, we are truly a statewide bank that maintains a community-by-community focus.

The Story Behind the Tree Logo Our primary logo mark – which is an abstract interpretation of a growing TREE – has a long tradition of representing the ideals of community banking at its best. The logo represents exactly what the bank is about: Strong roots, substantial branches, and a primary focus on serving by being people centered.

David Hopkins, FirstCNB Middle Tennessee Regional President says this about our bank: “Twenty-nine percent of our state population resides in Middle Tennessee. As the number two job market in the country, we are on quite a roll. Add to that the quality of life, schools, entertainment options and geographic location, and you will see why serving this market is a banker’s dream come true. Through our sponsorships of A Vintage Affair, One Gen Away, and the Heritage Foundation, we are proud to be a part of

making Middle Tennessee - Unbelievably Good!”

Our ultimate purpose as a community bank is to serve people … its customers, shareholders and the entire community. First Citizens National Bank’s mission statement is, “As an independent financial service provider since 1889, our mission is to attract, develop, and retain high performing, ethical teammates creating a Customer Centric organization that delivers superior shareholder returns.” This statement has never been more true as the bank weathers the storm of 2020. Chairman and CEO Jeff Agee stated, “Our creative, innovative First Citizens team continues to combat all these unknowns with a gritty ‘can do’ attitude and a relentless desire for excellence. Our team is armed with a fortress strong strategic plan with actions

specifically designed for key areas including teammates, customers, shareholders, capital, asset quality, earnings, and risk management.

We are People Centered and Unbelievably GOOD.” First Citizens National Bank has successfully weathered challenging economic times and achieved substantial growth in order to help people – just like you – build their financial futures.

Visit one of our Williamson County Financial Centers or online FirstCNB.com.

Cool Springs Financial Center 9045 Carothers Pkwy Franklin, TN 37067 615.591.2248 Franklin Financial Center 1304 Murfreesboro Rd Franklin, TN 37064 615.550.2200 Nolensville Financial Center 7116 Nolensville Road, Suite 701 Nolensville, TN 37135 615.550.2225 Spring Hill Financial Center 2035 Wall St Spring Hill, TN 37174 615.302.3905

BUSINESS

Your Business Partner

How Can We Keep Ourselves and Our Economy Healthy? with Williamson, Inc. Williamson, Inc., the county’s Chamber of Commerce and Office of Economic Development, is encouraging Williamson County residents and visitors to stay vigilant about taking individual measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. “There are simple, common sense things we can do to make it through this pandemic with our economy intact. Personal responsibility is the key to bringing our active COVID case count down and keeping our businesses open. Wearing masks correctly, maintaining physical distance, and practicing proper hand-washing hygiene are all things we can do individually to help slow the spread of the virus,” said Matt Largen, President and CEO of Williamson, Inc. “I know we are all tired of COVID, especially our small businesses that were thrown a life-line with the Paycheck Protection Program in the summer, but now need continuing customer demand to turn a profit and keep our residents employed. Simply put, sick customers and sick employees can decimate our small businesses.”

Williamson, Inc. is offering a list of tips for shopping local this holiday season: •Have a grab bag. You know you are going to need a mask and sanitizer – why not keep those in a designated area in your car or on your person? Great additions are sanitizing wipes and extra masks.

BUSINESS

Scoop Continued

WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER NAMES HEALTHCARE VETERAN PHIL MAZZUCA AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Phil Mazzuca has been named Chief Executive Officer of Williamson Medical Center (WMC) effective March 8, 2021, following a nationwide search.

Mazzuca will replace long-time CEO Donald Webb, who announced his retirement in March. Mazzuca has more than thirty-eight years of experience in hospital management, most recently serving as senior vice president for Franklin-based Community Health Systems (CHS). In Middle Tennessee, beyond his role at CHS, he has been CEO of Parkway Medical Center, COO of IASIS Healthcare and CEO at Brim Healthcare. Mazzuca holds a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and a doctorate of Science in Health Services Administration from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, a leading program in Health Services Administration in the country. Mazzuca and his wife, Janice, have made their home in Franklin for the past twelve years.

Webb will retire from his role as CEO on March 8, 2021. He joined WMC in 1985 as Controller. He served as Chief Financial Officer for sixteen years prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in 2012. His extensive background in healthcare management, coupled with his strategic leadership and vision, has guided WMC through a new era of healthcare, expanding services and advancing technologies. He led the opening of the first dedicated children’s pediatric emergency room and inpatient unit and comprehensive state-of-the-art orthopaedics facility in Williamson County.

For more information, visit WilliamsonMedicalCenter.org.

• Be intentional. If you are transitioning from a store to a busy street where people aren’t appropriately distanced or getting up from a table at a restaurant, keep your mask on.

• Visit your destination online before visiting in person. During the pandemic, many small businesses have been able to add additional services like shipping and curbside pick-up.

• Gift cards. By purchasing a gift card, you are supporting a local business and economy while providing your recipient with the opportunity to explore a new business or service.

• Spread the word. If you want to help local businesses this season, check-in through social media to give your friends insight on local deals and finds.

• Ask. Going the extra step and asking a small business owner how you can help them through such unprecedented times can really make a difference.

• Advocate. Leave a detailed Google or Facebook review sharing your experience.

• Tell. If you know a local business that is struggling, email info@williamsonchamber.com and Williamson, Inc. will reach out to them with financial relief information, brand exposure and more.

Learn more about Williamson, Inc.’s people, events and information about joining by calling 615.771.1912 or by visiting williamsonchamber.com.

FRANKLIN TOMORROW, COMMUNITY LEADERS CREATE SCHOLARSHIP FUND IN HONOR OF LATE ALDERMAN PEARL BRANSFORD Franklin Mayor Dr. Ken Moore has announced the creation of a scholarship fund in honor of the late City of Franklin Alderman Pearl Bransford, for an individual or individuals pursuing the study of health sciences through Columbia State Community College. The Pearl Bransford Memorial Scholarship is being created in conjunction with Franklin Tomorrow and the family of the late Alderman Pearl Bransford but is open for contributions from the public. Franklin Tomorrow will collect initial donations and it is the intent of organizers to endow the scholarship through Columbia State Community College in the first quarter of 2021. Alderman Bransford was a resident of Franklin for more than thirty-five years, spending almost twenty-five years as an elected official in Franklin, first for eleven years on the Franklin Special School District Board of Education and then thirteen years as a member of the Franklin Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Her public service was an amplification of her outstanding professional career in nursing. For more information and to donate go to: franklintomorrow.org.

BUSINESS

We’re in the Money

GIFTING IN 2020 FINANCIAL GIFTS THAT LAST WITH MANDY GARLAND, FIRST BANK

Do you remember your favorite gift from last year? What I recall most are the times spent with family and friends more than what I received. In this year where family gatherings and community celebrations are limited, how can we give gifts or lessons that provide a lasting, memorable impact? How about something that’s more than the latest online craze? Those can be fun too, but in times like these, some people might be searching for a practical route. Show your friends and family that you care with gifts that keep on giving for years to come.

For younger children, now is a great time to teach them about saving, as well as, giving. Contact a local shelter or find an angel tree in your area. Let your children go with you to pick out some things to help those in need. You can also consider letting your child go to the bank with you to set up an UTMA-Minor Savings Account.

While the days of stamping a savings book are long gone, it can still be fun to check the account online with your child. They can watch the balance grow with contributions from their allowance or other family members. They will thank you later.

If you are ready to give your teen or young adult more responsibility, FirstBank’s Swipe Smart Checking is another great teaching tool. It is designed for customers who use a debit card to access their money without checks. It’s great for students and other customers opening their first account. Consider gifting them with an opening deposit and then they can be a part of deciding where their money goes.

Another fun avenue is gifting individual shares of stock to allow them to own a piece of their favorite company. Show them how to check the stock symbol and watch the price and trends. I have given FirstBank stock to my children, which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, to show them how to track a stock’s value over time.

While the pandemic has made 2020 one that most people want to forget, let’s end the year enjoying our usual traditions while being mindful of COVID-19. Driving around looking at holiday lights and baking cookies are some of my favorites. Wishing you a great holiday season and an even better new year!

MANDY GARLAND First Bank Mandy Garland serves as Senior Vice President, Middle Tennessee Regional Marketing Coordinator for FirstBank.

LIFESTYLE

A Little Something Extra

Holiday Gift Guide 2020 Gifting Success from a Mother of Seven

BY JENNY REIMOLD

Tis the season….the season in which we overbuy for children who have too much, struggle to buy for those with no opinion and look to donate to those in need. In an effort to put together a genuine and honest holiday gift guide for friends and family, I’ve carefully crafted thoughtful lists, researched the newest toys in person, reviewed my most well received gifts and polled each of my seven children for their holiday wish lists.

With children ranging from preschoolers to a freshman in college, I have a wide range of experience buying gifts that please…and those that don’t. I have also included a “grieving” category for those who may be experiencing the holidays after experiencing a loss. After losing my stillborn daughter, Elizabeth, weeks before Christmas, the holidays just weren’t as cheerful. I am mindful of those that are experiencing loss so I have included a few ideas that brought me comfort. I am also inclined to share that as a mother with a Masters in Education, I prefer gifts the promote creativity, literacy, development, group play and imagination.

I have found that experiences mean the most and always include gifts that give back or benefit our community.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAMERON HINKLE

Many gifts are appropriate for multiple ages but will be added to one category to save space. For example, I would enjoy many gifts off the college list while my two year old could play with some of the elementary toys. It would be best to skim through all categories to get a comprehensive list.

For more videos and updates on this gift guide, as well as home and lifestyle content, follow me @ jennyreimold on Instagram!

JENNY REIMOLD, DESIGNER & MEDIA STYLIST Styling Your Everyday

Writer and Franklin resident, Jenny Reimold, is a local designer who serves as HomeGoods’ “Style Expert.” Her work has been featured in House Beautiful, HGTV, People Magazine online, Property Brothers and Good Morning America. To follow her work, visit her Instagram @jennyreimold.

Babies & Toddlers

Elementary Aged Kids

Teens

• Educhape Sensory Balls - Nubby surfaced balls for sensory engagement and easy gripping.

• Tegu Magnetic Blocks - Purchasing Tegu blocks donates to a child in Honduras who will be given on full day of school.

• Count and Sort Stacking Tower • Haiti Baby - Baby hats and blankets made by Haitian mothers. This program provides jobs for women to care for their children to avoid turning them over to orphanages.

• Loverly Baby subscription box _Monetssori based subscription toys created by a mother who did her PhD dissertation on the neurological development of babies. My sister loves this (and she has a degree in neuropsychology.)

• Cuddle and Kind Dolls - Hand knit dolls that provides 10 meals to hungry families. These are my favorite present to give to younger children.

Beautiful dolls that give back to our community.

• American Girl, Wellie Wishers - The smaller and more affordable collection of American Girl dolls. The Wellie Wishers are five girls with different personalities who learn that friendship is what counts

• Crazy Cart by Razor - A family favorite… everyone in our family loves this. We have had 2!

• PonyCycle - This is by far the most used toy in our home. My three year old uses it and has ridden the big one since he was 18 months old.

The 4 and 5 year olds love it and even the 7 and 9 years olds ride. It can also hold Mommy.

There are different animals to choose from as well. (Make sure you get the PonyCycle brand and not the imitation one.)

• Sound Activated Light Blocks - Build your own imaginative sculpture and then make it glow with sound.

• Skyrocket Blume Doll - Just add water and like magic, a new friend will Blume Before your eyes!

• Scratch n Sniff Stickers plus Sticker book One of my favorite childhood activities is back!

• Schleich Horses and Stable - My daughters love collecting these horses.

• Tumbling Hedgehog - Great way to learn about robotics and engineering.

• World Map Coloring Tablecloth- Learn about the world while coloring a family piece of home decor!

• Adidas UltraBoost Running Shoes - My teenage daughter wears all white • HydroFlask - the popular water bottle amongst teens • Nike Apple Watch - Great gift for older, athletes • Basketball Shootout - Great for a game room or porch • Crazy Cart XL - This is the larger version of the kids go cart that can hold up to 240 lbs. My husband and son are asking for this.

• AAA Auto Membership - I have this for both of my kids should they need emergency roadside assistance.

• Razor Pocket Mod Mini Scooter - Vintageinspired scooter with chain-driven electric motor Sphero - Designed for learner progression, beginners can give robots commands by drawing a path in the app for their robot to follow.

• Tangle Nightball LED light up football - Each toss, bounce, and roll of the ball triggers the light so you never lose track of it • Ultraboost Adidas • Air Force One Zip Hoodie Jacket

Gifts for Him

Gifts for Her

Teachers

• Hatch Restore Sleep Machine • LL Bean Hanging Toiletry bags - these are the best. Nolan used them for years during his pro baseball days.

• Nike Mens Dry Icon Basketball shorts - great $22 shorts • YETI Backpack Hopper - These are everywhere at sports tournaments and the beach. So much easier to carry.

• GCI Outdoor ROCKING tailgate chair • Rolling YETI Haul Cooler - super convenient and easy to pull • Demerbox - Rugged, Waterproof, Outdoor Bluetooth speakers.

(These came highly recommended by several people.)

• Buttercloth Mens Shirts - Shark Tank winner!

This shirt feels like a T-shirt but looks like a button down shirt • Leather catch all - a place for their keys, wallet and change.

• Theragun - This is great for sore muscles, athletes and pain relief. I love it for the bottoms of my feet after a long day of standings

• Cookie Do Monthly Delivery -Best edible cookie dough I’ve ever eaten! I’ve ordered this, for MYSELF, many times.

• Nellie WOW mop - If you’re seen my Instagram, you know that I swear by this electric mop!

• KitchenAid Mixer - I love this one!

• SOMA Brushed Cozy Zipper Robe - I live in this!! Perfect for before/after shower and lounging • SOMA Brushed Cozy Henley wide pants and henley top - My favorite PJ’s of the season. The softness is unreal!

• ABLE Leather Martha Tote - This is my go to travel bag for my laptop, planner and work materials. You can also use as a purse. Love it! This brand also provides job to women in impoverished communities.

• Golden Goose sneakers - Its Christmas, why not. The new ones don’t look dirty.

• Dyson Super Sonic Hair dryer - This cut my drying time from 35 minutes to 10. Worth every penny!!!

• Westbend Bread Maker - Just dump your ingredients and go.

• Personalized teacher stamp - I LOVE this idea…create a character of your teacher on a stamp with a positive message used for grading papers.

• Vera Bradley keychains/small bags • Math teacher equation/formula glass set • Literary mugs for your favorite English teacher • Darden Restaurants Gift Card - Still a gift card but include a more personal note like, “Thanks for all you do! Please enjoy dinner on us.”

• Volunteer Gift Certificates - Create gift certificates with your child and offer to volunteer in the classroom when assistance is needed.

• Manicure gift certificate - Who wants to grade papers with bad nails?

• Custom Cookies - Find a local cookie baker and create teacher themed cookies that you may break up in small sets. If you are local, Meesh’s Bakery Franklin does this.

• Acrylic Lazy Susan - Whether your teacher uses this in their classroom or linen closet, this is a practical gift that anyone can appreciate. Fill with school supplies for an added bonus.

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BARK, the makers of BarkBox, is celebrating the holidays with the world’s most famous beagle! BARK collaborated with Peanuts on limited-edition boxes for BarkBox, a monthly themed surprise of dog toys, and Super Chewer, for dogs who love a challenge!

Inspired by the classic Peanuts characters, BarkBox has reimagined Snoopy, Woodstock, Charlie Brown and others, as dog toys. The boxes feature Skating Snoopy, Deck The Halls Woodstock, Let Go Linus!, Charlie Brown Buddy and more. What better way to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas than with your four-legged friend and his Peanuts toys? You can purchase the Peanuts-themed BarkBox and Super Chewer box at barkbox.com and barkbox.com/superchewer, with subscriptions starting at $22/month. It’s the gift that keeps giving all year!

Happy Howl-idays!

Ollie Pup See more of Ollie and his adventures at facebook.com/OlliePupBoxer, on Twitter @OlliePupBoxer and follow OlliePupBoxer on Instagram.

58 HOLIDAY 2020

COMMUNITY

Your Kids

BY MINDY SPRADLIN

It’s Christmas break and the kids are home!

Well, in some cases, your kids have been home for quite a while! But at least during the holidays, no zoom and asynchronous learning is on the agenda so now is the time to try your hand at some DIY fun activities for you and the kiddos to do together. What could be better than hot cocoa bombs?!

You’ve probably already noticed that these are ALL THE RAGE this holiday season! Try making them with the kids, and I think you’ll have a blast! Below is a basic recipe, but you can add all sorts of fun into the mix by adding rainbow marshmallows, sprinkles, peppermint pieces, or just about anything that would be delicious in hot cocoa!

Enjoy this special time off where everyone can enjoy getting into the holiday spirit at home!

SUPPLIES • Sphere Mold (can be found on Amazon or locally at a craft or baking store) • Plate (that can be heated) • Spoon INGREDIENTS • Milk Chocolate Melting Wafers or Sweetened Baking Chocolate or even Chocolate Chips • Mini Marshmallows • Hot Chocolate Mix (Store-bought such as Swiss Miss or homemade) INSTRUCTIONS Melt Chocolate - Melt chocolate in a microwave safe bowl in short, fifteen second, increments, stirring in between, until fully melted.

Fill Molds - Add a heaping tablespoon of melted chocolate into each cavity of the sphere mold. Use the back of a teaspoon to spread the chocolate evenly until the sides of each cavity are completely covered. Turn upside down over parchment paper to shake out excess if needed.

Freeze - Place mold in the freezer for seven-eight minutes to set.

Remove - Turn over the molds and gently press the center of each cavity to release the chocolate from the mold. Place, cavity side up, on a baking sheet.

Fill - Fill ½ of the spheres with one tbsp of hot chocolate mix along with one-two tbsp of mini marshmallows.

Seal - Place a microwave-safe plate in the microwave just long enough to warm. Take an empty sphere, edge side down, and place on the warm plate to lightly melt the edge. Place the melted edge on top of one of the filled spheres and press together to seal to form a full ball. Remember to handle the chocolate as little as possible so your hands do not begin to melt it.

Adorn - If you desire to decorate the top of the ball with drizzled chocolate or sprinkles or anything else, go for it!

Set - Freeze for five minutes, and then store at room temperature.

Make these for yourself or to give to others.

They are great gifts! Watch your children light up with delight as you pour hot milk over the top of them, and they slowly begin to melt away, revealing the delicious surprises inside!

MINDY SPRADLIN Your Kids Mindy Hyatt Spradlin is a native of Williamson County, a mom of four, and an outspoken advocate for children.

She is an entrepreneur, owning and running Little Sprouts Upscale Consignment Sale, as well as a top leader with doTERRA Essential Oils.

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LIFESTYLE

Arts & Culture

Community Youth to Perform in Televised Premiere of

Nashville’s Nutcracker

The televised premiere of Nashville’s Nutcracker, presented by Nashville Ballet and in partnership with Nashville’s CBS affiliate NewsChannel 5, will feature youth cast members from middle Tennessee alongside Nashville Ballet’s company dancers. The fulllength, televised performance sponsored by the Tennessee Titans, will feature an introduction and narration by former Tennessee Titan Eddie George, and will replace the previously scheduled in-theater production at TPAC’s Jackson Hall out of an abundance of caution amid COVID-19.

Each year, the youth cast for Nashville’s Nutcracker includes over 200 members ages eight and up from both the School of Nashville Ballet and the surrounding community.

Due to COVID-19, this year’s cast was selected from the Academy division at School of Nashville Ballet in place of open auditions.

“This was a big opportunity for our Academy students this year,” said School of Nashville Ballet Academy Principal Kate Linsley. “Our students are used to performing in Nashville’s Nutcracker at TPAC every December but preparing for a performance during the pandemic required immense commitment from our students, our faculty, and their families. I am so proud of how our School of Nashville Ballet community has adapted over the last several months and we are thrilled that our students will be featured in the film.”

This year’s youth cast from Williamson County includes: • William Barton as a Party Boy, Kai Carter-Sullivan as a Party Boy, Mariana Dominguez as a Party Girl, Emerson Rose Duke as a Baby Mouse, Carly Graham as a Party Girl, Catherine Graves as a Commodore Cavalry, Anna Caroline Henry as a Frontier Soldier, Amelia Johnson as a Commodore Cavalry, Victoria “Winnie” Jones as a Lamb, Alyssa Shave as a Russian Nesting Doll, Anna Sloan as a Frontier Soldier and Madeleine Stillwell as a Lamb.

Nashville Nutcracker’s two-hour performance will feature new and creative ways to engage audiences (such as George’s introduction and narration), as they take a sparkling—and safe, socially distant— journey through the Land of the Sweets 60 HOLIDAY 2020

and Music City’s past. In the midst of these unprecedented times, Nashville Ballet hopes that viewers will find comfort in enjoying this classic holiday tradition in a new and safe way.

Nashville Ballet completed filming for the televised premiere within its 12,000-square-foot warehouse in early October on a sound stage that was specifically constructed for this event. Under continued consultation with a team of trusted medical advisors, close collaboration with the Metro Nashville Public Health Department, and guidance from the CDC and Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville Ballet instituted numerous policies to ensure the process was completed in the safest way possible.

Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee.

Nashville Ballet and the second company, NB2 (a pre-professional training company), provide more than 55,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through season performances and its Community Engagement programming. Curriculum-based Community Engagement programs bring dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries, and public elementary, middle, and high schools across the state. School of Nashville Ballet brings world-class dance instruction to students age two and up. To learn more about Nashville Ballet, please visit nashvilleballet.com.

Nashville Ballet receives public funding from Metro Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Contributions from local, regional, and national institutional funders and community partners, as well as hundreds of generous individuals, provide ongoing support of Nashville Ballet’s mission-critical programs.

Nashville’s Nutcracker will air December 18th at 7pm.

To tune in, watch on NewsChannel 5 (WTVF Nashville), NewsChannel 5+, or the WTVF app that can be found on Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Amazon Alexa, and Google Play.

The performance will re-air on December 24th at 7pm on NewsChannel5+ and December 25th at 3pm on NewsChannel 5.

LIFESTYLE

Read Between the Lines

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy Spirit of Christmas Shines through in Uplifting, Small-Town Romance Build a crackling fire, pour a cup of cocoa and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy, a heartwarming, small-town romance from Hallmark Publishing author, Janice Lynn.

Set in the charming little town of Pine Hill, Kentucky, Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy introduces readers to quilt shop owner, Sophie Davis and former Marine, Cole Aaron, whose lives intersect at Pine Hill’s Christmas festivities.

The story begins when Sophie finds Cole’s journal among a box of books that had been donated to her church. She can’t help but peruse the personal entries, finding herself drawn to the stranger on the pages. As the daughter of a veteran and a seamstress who sews Quilts of Valor, she feels a deep connection to the former soldier who wrote the emotional entries, and she longs to heal his heart.

As a former Marine, Cole battled to find peace after returning to civilian life, and his journal was the conduit toward a truce with his past. Always needing to protect others, Cole now fights fires and is embracing his new life in Pine Hill. When Sophie shows up at the fire hall with his journal, he fears digging up the demons from his past and tells her to trash it.

Their paths continue to intertwine, with both Sophie and Cole volunteering for their community. But it’s hard for Cole to let down his guard, and he doesn’t need anyone’s pity. After all he’s been through in the past, can he find faith in a more hopeful future — one touched by joy?

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy is the perfect small-town Christmas romance to warm readers’ hearts during the holiday season. It is the sequel to Janice’s first story, Wrapped Up in Christmas, and can also stand alone. Make both part of your holiday reading!

About the Author: Local author, Janice Lynn’s first sweet romance, Wrapped Up in Christmas, was a bestseller on Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Amazon (hit No. 13 overall in paid fiction in Kindle) and ibooks (hit number No. 1 paid ebook fiction); was Hallmark Publishing’s first release to hit the USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal’s bestseller lists; and was a finalist in the Bookseller’s Best Award. Janice also writes contemporary medical romances for Harlequin, and her books have won numerous awards, including the National Readers’ Choice Award, the Golden Quill for Best Short contemporary Romance and for Best First Book, Romantic Times Magazine’s American Title, and the Holt Medallion Award of Merit. Janice lives in Tennessee with her Prince Charming, their seven kids, her vivid imagination, an adorable Maltese named Halo who’s the true princess of the house and a bunch of unnamed dust bunnies who took up permanent residence after Janice started her writing career.

In addition to writing romance novels, Janice is a nurse practitioner, a quilter, an exercise queen, a military mama and a member of, and an avid supporter of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Just kidding on the exercise queen! For more information, please visit janicelynn.com.

Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy | Publisher: Hallmark Publishing Available from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com

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Did You Know?

Did You Know?

Rockefeller Christmas Tree It’s as iconic as any American Christmas symbol we know! And the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City, is the true start to the holiday season in our country. Here are a few facts about America’s Christmas tree you may not have known.

- TRIVIA -

The official tradition of lighting a huge Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center began in 1933 — and A 77-foot (23-meter) tall, has continued every year since.

12-ton (10-metric ton) However, this tree-dition actually Norway spruce gets the got its start in 1931. During the Great Depression and during the honor of towering over Rockefeller Center’s plaza building of Rockefeller Center, construction workers pooled their in all its holiday glory. welcome paychecks to erect and Usually, the tree ranges decorate a 20-foot (6-meter) tree. in age from approximately The strings of cranberries and garlands of paper were added on 70 to 75 years old.

Christmas Eve, and a decades-long idea was born.

More than 2.5 million people view the towering and intricately decorated Rockefeller Center Christmas tree every year.

RECYCLING THE ROCKEFELLER CENTER TREE TAKES RE-PURPOSING TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL. THE TREE IS MILLED INTO LUMBER, WHICH IS THEN DONATED TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND USED TO BUILD A HOME. EACH PIECE OF WOOD IS STAMPED “ROCKEFELLER CENTER TREE,” ALONG WITH THE DATE OF ITS FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME.

Once fully decorated, the tree will be topped with a newly redesigned star from Swarovski Crystals and architect Daniel Libeskind.

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