Your Williamson March 2016 Dining Edition

MARDI GRAS BALL

BLACK TIE AFFAIR

HEART TO HEART

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE MARCH 2016

WATERCOLOR EASTER EGGS STYLING YOUR EVERYDAY

MARCH MADNESS KEEPING SCORE

2016

DINING EDITION

Photo by J. Jones Photography

“

we made it because of you!

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–bryan & tammy hooper

read B ryaN & Tammy’s s tory: williamson m edical c enter.org/My WMC STORY

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YOUR WILLIAMSON | MARCH 2016 . VOLUME V – ISSUE 47

FEATURES

30 To Cater or Not to Cater

31 2016 Dining Guide

36

Meal Planning

42

Food & Drink Tech Support

46

Dining Etiquette 101

ON THE COVER Beautiful charcuterie spread courtesy of Chef’s Market Catering & Restaurant located in Goodlettsville, Tennessee Photography by Daniel Walley

30

BUILDING A LUXURY HOME SHOULD BE A LUXURY EXPERIENCE

2015

BRENTWOOD: Annandale from $1 million Valley View (Coming Soon) ARRINGTON & COLLEGE GROVE: The Hideaway at Arrington from the $800s The Grove from the $800s

FRANKLIN: Berry Farms from the $600s The Preserve at Echo Estates from $1 million Westhaven from the $800s Downtown Franklin/Everbright from the upper $800s

WILLIAMSON COUNTY: Hillsboro Cove from $1 million Benington (Coming Soon) from the $700s

615.376.9354 legendarylifestyles.com

20 Your Effortless Style

with Katie Rushton 26 Styling Your Everyday

with Katie Jacobs 28 Your Best Self

with Connie Haley

40

32 Eat, Drink & Be Merry

with Miss Daisy King 38 A Southern Gentleman Is

with Danny Anderson 40 A Little Something Extra Traditions Kept on the Modern Day Easter

16

COMMUNITY

18 Beauty Junkie

with Julie Jorgensen

SOCIAL

HeART to Heart Luncheon

44 Your Charitable Self

Feeding Those in Need 48 Days Gone By

Years of Sweet

Southern Eateries 50 Your Community Partner Cool Springs Wine & Spirits 76 Your Kids

Benefits of Organized

Sports for Children 77 In Your Backyard Local Easter Egg Hunts 78 Your Education Cafeteria Cuisine

17 Groundhog Day Party 19

A Night at the Ball

21

O’More Reveal

22 Hymns, Hams & Jams 24 Black Tie Affair 52 Mardi Gras Krewe Party 54 Mardi Gras Ball 66 Music City Masquerade

76 56 Interior Thinking

with Eric Ross Interiors 60 Welcome Home

Passing on the Torch

for a Golden Era 68 The Lady Entertains with Krista Ehret 72 Keeping Score

March Madness 74 Come Fly With Me

Planning a Trip to Disney 80 Arts & Culture a la Carte

with Andrea Davis

56

67 Fabulous Friends for Africa

60

BUSINESS

LIFESTYLE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

58 Your Real Estate

with the WCAR 70 Ribbon Cuttings

Welcome New Businesses to Williamson County 71 Scoop

You in the News

YOUR STAFF YOUR Williamson & YOUR Sumner are publications of: Shelly Robertson Birdsong

Johnny Birdsong

Ron Cheatham

Anna Robertson

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VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

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CEO & PUBLISHER

Robertson Media Group, LLC 436 Main Street, Suite 205 Franklin, TN 37064 Office: 615.979.1548 yourwilliamson.com yoursumner.com

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CONSULTANT

MANAGING EDITOR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Caitlin Daschner

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CREATIVE CONTENT EDITOR

COMMUNITY EDITOR

LIFESTYLE EDITOR

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Adam Sanner

Rachel Weishaupt

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PHOTOGRAPHER

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

Steve Absher, Account Exec.

Kingery Printing Company YOUR Printing Partner 615-828-8661 stevea@kingeryprinting.com quotes@kingeryprinting.com

Your Williamson is a publication 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 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 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.

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YW MONTHLY | Publisher’s Letter

Hope Springs Eternal Dear Readers, So the groundhog predicted an early spring and so as recent temperate days attest, the daffodils and other blooms are already peeking their heads out in hopeful anticipation. Spring in Williamson County is a wonderful and magical season, as our landscape seems to capture the individual foliage and features of each season so perfectly. But, I do love spring! As things come alive again and the drear of winter disappears in our scenery, it feels as if everything else comes alive as well. We all seem to drop our dreary winter blues and sniffles (await the pollen) and begin to feel lighter. With an increase in our step and our moods, we “hop” on in to this beautiful season of rebirth.

The story of Easter is one of my favorites from a spiritual point of view, as it is the cornerstone of my faith and belief in the resurrection and our Lord’s unending love and redemption. Because of this day and that faith, I have gotten through many “winters” in my life and been able to see the spring ahead. Seeing the world around me literally come back to life after a time of chill and darkness, is inspiring and fulfilling as I know it is for so many of you.

If your soul is hungry, enjoy the feast for the eyes, and stomach - on our cover this issue celebrating food! It’s really more a celebration

Once more to new creation Awake, and death gainsay, For death is swallowed up of life, And Christ is risen today! ~George Newell Lovejoy Keeling Birdsong, Easter 2014 of eat, drink and be merry since food and dining encompasses so much more than just satisfying hunger. It can be an art form when created with the zeal and passion of a talented chef. And that chef can be you! Williamson and Davidson Counties have some amazing culinary experiences to offer. Take this month and seek out some new cuisine you have always wanted to try and remember to savor and enjoy! And don’t miss the homage to all things full of taste - Taste of Williamson is this month, presented by the United Way of Williamson County and featuring many of our local eateries and caterers - offering up a taste of their favorites. For more information on this event and many others coming up, always remember to head to yourwilliamson.com. All Williamson.

All the time.

Don’t let the Ides of March blow you over, or the leprechaun pinch you too much!

Enjoy the fun month of March and remember to be “Hoppy” Williamson County!

Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!

Shelly Robertson Birdsong CEO, Publisher shelly@robertsonmediagroup.com

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YOUR CONTRIBUTORS

JULIE JORGENSEN

KATIE JACOBS

Beauty Junkie

Julie is our go-to gal for all things beauty - She scouts out the best deals and the best beauty tricks around. She treats readers to some hilarious insight into the world of what it takes to be fabulous!

Ginger is a Speech-Language Pathologist and the owner of Jones Therapy Services, which provides speech-language, occupational, and physical therapy in 7 locations across Middle and East Tennessee.

CONNIE HALEY

The Lady Entertains yoursouthernsoiree.com

Your Best Self conniehaleylifecoaching.com

Katie is a graphic designer, photographer and stylist. She is the art director and creator of stylingmyeveryday.com, a food and lifestyle blog with a focus on styling, entertaining and DIY.

Krista is an event designer and co-owner of Southern Soiree, a full service event and wedding planning company. She also enjoys bringing beauty into everyday life.

Connie is a certified life coach that specializes in helping people love the life they have and from there, create the life they always envisioned. She will show readers ways to find peace and calm.

MISS DAISY KING

MARGIE THESSIN

Tennessee’s “First Lady of Southern Cooking,” Daisy was the founder and chef of the renowned Miss Daisy’s Tearoom and is now the proprietor and executive chef of Miss Daisy’s Kitchen.

Margie is the owner of Franklin on Foot and a Williamson County historian. She is also the author of Ghosts of Franklin, Tennessee’s Most Haunted Town and Lizzie’s War.

GINGER JONES

Your Kids jonestherapyservices.com

KRISTA EHRET

Styling My Everyday stylingmyeveryday.com

LAURYN GILLIAM 5 Sense Living

Lauryn is a seeker of fun, student of life and lover of exploring mindful ways to enlist the 5 senses in all her experiences. Her column takes us on a sensory tour of all things arts, culture and dining.

Eat, Drink & Be Merry missdaisyking.com

Days Gone By franklinonfoot.com

COMING NEXT ISSUE

ERIC ROSS

Interior Thinking ericrossinteriors.com Eric Ross Interiors specializes in full service residential interior design and interior decoration for homes and provides truly unique, luxury design solutions for any room in your home.

DANNY ANDERSON

2016 Home & Garden Edition

A Southern Gentleman Is . . .

Danny is a Broker with Parks Realty on Main Street in downtown Franklin. Danny will be the new contributing his musings, advice, tips and tales for the Gentlemen (and ladies) of Williamson County.

12 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

Content deadline: March 15 Contact sales@yourwilliamson.com for advertising

YW MONTHLY | Your Social Secretary

YOUR SOCIAL SECRETARY

MAR 6

Taste of Williamson

MAR 12

Great Futures Gala

MAR 15

Here are just a few events to add to your Social Calendar this month. Visit YourWilliamson.com for more events.

GET CONNECTED The Winter 2016 Bridal issue earned rave reviews!

March 6, 7pm–9pm | CoolSprings Galleria Taste of Williamson, presented by Nissan, is an annual favorite of the local and regional community, featuring the area’s best food and beverages. All proceeds benefit United Way of Williamson County and its partner agencies. www.tasteofwilliamson.com.

March 12, 5pm | Omni Hotel The 5th annual Great Futures Gala, benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, is an evening of Hollywood glamour, fine dining and an auction experience. The Gala features a live and silent auction of more than 200 items - from Nashville-made products to international trips. This year, the Gala will feature special guest Martin Short. www.bgcmt.org.

Check out the behind the scenes photos from last month’s bridal shoot.

Outlook Williamson

March 15, 7:30am–11am | The Factory at Franklin Outlook Williamson is an intensive, half-day economic forum during which attendees learn about business trends from local and national experts, hear from leaders who are shaping the economy and get a first look at wide-ranging statistical information illuminating both of those in Williamson County. www.williamsonchamber.com.

The March issue features our Eat, Drink & Be Merry dining guide. Tweet your favorite thing to eat in Williamson County. #DiningInWilliamson

吀栀攀 挀漀洀瀀爀攀栀攀渀猀椀瘀攀 搀愀椀氀礀 最甀椀搀攀 琀漀 愀氀氀 琀栀椀渀最猀 圀椀氀氀椀愀洀猀漀渀 䌀漀甀渀琀礀℀ 䐀愀椀氀礀 挀漀渀琀攀渀琀Ⰰ 漀渀氀椀渀攀 瀀爀漀洀漀琀椀漀渀猀 愀渀搀 挀漀渀琀攀猀琀猀Ⰰ 瀀栀漀琀漀猀Ⰰ 椀渀琀攀爀愀挀琀椀瘀攀 挀漀洀洀甀渀椀琀礀 挀愀氀攀渀搀愀爀Ⰰ 爀攀猀漀甀爀挀攀猀 昀漀爀 攀瘀攀爀礀琀栀椀渀最 椀渀挀氀甀搀椀渀最 搀椀渀椀渀最Ⰰ 洀攀搀椀挀愀氀Ⰰ 愀爀琀猀 愀渀搀 攀渀琀攀爀琀愀椀渀洀攀渀琀Ⰰ 爀攀愀氀 攀猀琀愀琀攀Ⰰ 琀爀愀瘀攀氀Ⰰ 戀爀椀搀愀氀 愀渀搀 洀漀爀攀℀ 䘀椀渀搀 愀 氀椀渀欀 琀漀 攀瘀攀爀礀琀栀椀渀最 礀漀甀 眀攀爀攀 氀漀漀欀椀渀最 昀漀爀 栀攀爀攀 椀渀 漀甀爀 挀漀洀洀甀渀椀琀礀℀ 䈀氀漀最猀 愀渀搀 挀漀渀琀攀渀琀 昀爀漀洀 氀漀挀愀氀 愀渀搀 爀攀最椀漀渀愀氀 瀀攀爀猀漀渀愀氀椀琀椀攀猀 攀瘀攀爀礀 眀攀攀欀⸀

䤀渀琀攀最爀愀琀攀搀 眀椀琀栀 漀甀爀 猀漀挀椀愀氀 洀攀搀椀愀 愀渀搀 攀戀氀愀猀琀猀 攀愀挀栀 眀攀攀欀Ⰰ 礀漀甀爀眀椀氀氀椀愀洀猀漀渀⸀挀漀洀 椀猀 眀栀攀爀攀 礀漀甀 眀椀氀氀 最漀 琀漀 猀琀愀礀 椀渀 琀栀攀 欀渀漀眀℀ 14 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

We’re pinning our favorite recipes in anticipation of March’s dining guide. Check back next month when we’ll be posting recipes featured in our dining guide.

SOCIAL | HeART to Heart Luncheon

Story & Photography by K. York United Way of Williamson County’s Patricia Hart Society held their annual HeART to Heart luncheon at the Embassy Suites in Cool Springs in February. The vision of the Society is to create the opportunity for women to take a leading role in positively impacting their community. Each year, United Way agencies nominate someone for the Woman of Inspiration award. This year, Waves nominated Christy Webb, The Arc nominated Rena Booker and Sheila Robb was nominated

by Tucker’s House. Each nominee has overcome hardships, meeting daily challenges and inspiring others. Shelia Robb was named the 2016 Woman of Inspiration.

Ruth Leach & Hattie Baines

Sunny Rosanbalm, Shelia Robb & Jan Braun

Sharon Larsen, Julie Polk & Linda Issitt

Liz Boye, Rachel Wright & Ann Buchanan

Lacey Buhl, Tammy Long, Cheri Haskew, Katie Sturdivant & Lorrie McKinney

Leigh Bawcom & Donna Choate

Sonya Johnson & Beth Lotman

Betsy Tauman & Laura Salzer-Wilcxek

Sharon Bottorff & Stephanie Smith

Erin Blunt, Maureen Iselin & Emily Layton

Krystal de la Rosa, Debbie Whiten & Kim Hamil 16 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

Nancy Blackwelder & Anne Longhurst

Taylor Rutledge, Kate Kimbrough & Tracy Sullivan

Linda Jackson, Cricket Hughes & Carol Barbosa

Cheryl Stewart & Elizabeth Mefferd

Denise Manning & Cathy Rogers

Judy Anderson & Catherine Sanford

SOCIAL | Groundhog Day Party Story & Photography by K. York The law firm of Stites & Harbison celebrated Groundhog Day in their customary manner, opening their doors to friends and colleagues by sharing great food, drink and music.

Despite the pouring rain and whistling winds, the party went on at the downtown office on Main Street in Franklin. Guests gathered and shared in the excitement that America’s most iconic weather forecaster, Punxsutawney Phil, was promising early spring like weather!

Vernon Gerth, Stacey Watson, Taylor Irwin, Matt Magallanes, Christina Willow, Denise Laumeyer & Frances Reagan

Mary Kate Brown, Torrey Barnhill, Jay Sheridan & Marcus Stamps

Julian & Jayne Bibb, Christopher Douse

Rick Wimberly & Alicia Barker

Live music entertains at the Groundhog Day Party

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LIFESTYLE | Beauty Junkie

MASQUERADE

BY JULIE JORGENSEN

I think spring is finally here, y’all. With it comes the ubiquitous emergence of flowers and fresh growth on the trees, longer days, friendlier temps, and a general renewal of life. It’s also the perfect time to spruce up your beauty regimen! Let’s put an end to dry, dull, winterravaged skin, shall we? One of my favorite ways to tackle skin woes (on my face and the rest of my body) is with a relaxing mask. There’s truly a mask out there for just about anything, and I’m here to discuss which ones are the best of the best. Take a deep breath of that fresh spring air, have a seat on the patio, and prepare to take some notes.

It’s important when choosing a mask to address your primary skin concern (dryness, sun damage, acne, etc.). As I get closer to forty, I’m always on the lookout for a mask that will brighten my skin and give it that just-back-from-vacation glow. Keeping with the idea that fruit acids speed up cell turnover, skincare guru Kate Somerville created the powerful Exfolikate mask. Papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes team up with lactic acid for a mask that eradicates dull, dead skin in no time flat. There’s even a gentler version for those of us with sensitive, delicate skin called Exfolikate Gentle. Another perennial favorite is the C-Quence mask from the cult-favorite brand Environ. Salicylic acid and a high concentration of vitamin C provide “micro-exfoliation” and reduce stubborn sun damage. Unlike Exfolikate, the C-Quence mask can be left on just as long as you please—I’ve even slept in it. Hightech “sheet” face masks are an entertaining way to get a radiance boost while you relax, even if you look a bit like something out of a horror film. I just love the Gold Radiance mask from Passport to Beauty that came in my last Fit Fab Fun box. Collagen and flower oils are infused into a shimmery golden sheet that’s laid upon your face, while you’re instructed to “relax and think happy thoughts for twenty minutes”. I could think of worse ways to spend a little time before a big night out, couldn’t you?

If you’re more concerned with soothing dry, irritated skin, look for ingredients like nut butters, oatmeal, and calming oils. First Aid Beauty leans on shea butter and colloidal oatmeal to quiet angry skin in its

18 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

Ultra Repair mask. White tea, BUYING GUIDE licorice root, and sea buckthorn Kate Somerville: Nordstrom combat free radicals, as well, while Environ: www.conceptskincare.com you chill for ten minutes and First Aid Beauty: Sephora think of how amazing your skin Clarins: Macy’s and Dillard’s will look. I also love the triedKerastase: Dion’s South, Parlour 3, and-true HydraQuench Cream and Juel Salon Mask from our friends at Clarins.

Baby Foot: Woo Cosmetics Fancy-sounding Katafray oil draws in moisture, while Sorbier tree extract stimulates “micro-circulation,” leaving you with dewy-soft skin. On the other side of the skin-concern spectrum, acne-prone and oily skin can benefit greatly from a clay mask (look for kaolin and bentonite clay in the ingredient list). Check out Supermud from Glamglow for a powerhouse oil-clearing mask and Yonka Masque 103 for a kinder, gentler version.

Speaking of making masks at home, it’s highly likely that you have what you need for whatever ails your skin right in your fridge. Take a cue from the fabulous Lauren Conrad, and combine plain Greek yogurt with an opened probiotic capsule for a mask that reduces redness and calms irritation. Toss some fresh pineapple chunks into the blender with enough water to make a paste, then brush onto your face for an exfoliating extravaganza. Whip up some egg whites and honey for a tightening “lift,” or combine good old table sugar and honey for a hydrating scrub that’s good enough to eat. Malic acid, found in apples, is a great naturally-occurring exfoliant, so don’t be afraid to steal a little bit of the kids’ applesauce and mix it with some oats, honey, and lemon juice for a mask-scrub that will leave you looking refreshed and glowy.

Masks aren’t just for our faces, y’all. Luxury-brand Kerastase turns out some of the most divine hair masks out there, and can accommodate all hair types. The Masque Nutri-Thermique is my ultimate splurge.

Drugstore brands like L’Oreal, Neutrogena, and Pantene all offer hair masks that won’t break the bank. My latest obsession is a foot mask called, weirdly enough, Baby Foot. More an exfoliating peel than a hydration treatment, Baby Foot is a serum packaged in clear plastic booties that you step into, secure around each ankle, and then leave on for twenty minutes (kick up your feet—this is not the time to walk around the house). After about five days, dead skin comes away in quantities that are equal parts startling and satisfying. What’s left behind is a pair of feet that are as soft and pretty as, well, a baby’s. The moral of this story? Don’t be afraid to break out of your beauty rut with the changing of the seasons, and don’t hesitate to try new things! In no time, you’ll have people asking, “who is that masked woman?” Cheers to that!

SOCIAL | A Night at the Ball Story & Photography by K. York The Longview Recreation Center in Spring Hill was transformed into an enchanting palace, as they played host to A Night at the Ball. 150 girls, ages four to twelve, enjoyed a special evening of dancing and fun with their dads, uncles, grandfathers or other special someone’s.

The girls were decked out in their most beautiful dresses and prettiest shoes, while the dads sported their Sunday best. The gymnasium was transformed into a magical ballroom decorated in pinks and purples with balloons galore, and upon entering, each girl entered given a tiara. This was the 8th year the event has been hosted by Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department, and by the smiles on so many faces, there will be many more to come.

Alan & Finley Burger, Madelyn & Nick Todd

Melody Jatko, Haley Meyers & Catilyn Brannon

Lydia & Ryan Shannon

Josh & Perrin Parker Entremont

Mollie & Will James

Layla & Chad Petty

Rayna & Jason Boyd

Michael & Liana Begley

Chad & Hannah Scobey

Mary Jane & Matt Pederson

LIFESTYLE | Effortless Style

A few must haves for

BY KATIE RUSHTON

It’s hard to think about spring trends right now, but despite the snow we keep getting here in Middle Tennessee, spring really is just around the corner. The spring season always brings lighter colors and cooler fabrics, but the trends for this spring are quite different from those from the last couple of years. They are a little more dramatic!

spring

Although there are several trends for spring, I wanted to narrow it down to just a few of the true must haves for this season.

LONG STATEMENT EARRINGS If you like the shoulder baring trend but aren’t exactly sure how you would wear a dress or top in that particular style, then look no further than another one of springs biggest trends…the long statement earring.

Eye-catching earrings frame the face and provide an instant boost to almost any outfit! (left) Trina Turk Linear Drop Earrings and (right) Vince Camuto 3 Stone Drop Earrings both via Belk

BARE SHOULDERS Shoulder baring tops were all over the Spring 2016 runways last year. Runway trends don’t always translate to real world, but this particular trend is one that has easily transitioned from runway to everyday. Tops, like this State Cold Shoulder Blouse, are already in stores. The good thing about this trend is that it comes in different variations from full on off-theshoulder tops and dresses to other options with more clean lines and simple cut-outs that only show a small amount of shoulder.

State Cold Shoulder Blouse via Belk

THE SLIP DRESS The trends of this spring also brings back the return of the slip dress. You will see the new and improved slip dress in different colors and patterns and even some versions with asymmetrical hems.

These different variations will keep this seasons slip dress looking more modern and updated versus something you just pulled out of your lingerie drawer.

Tavik Print Slipdress via Nordstrom

MAKE SURE TO STOP BY OUR BLOG WWW.EFFORTLESSTYLE.COM FOR MORE ON SPRING TRENDS AND HOW TO WEAR THEM!

20 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

SOCIAL | O’More Reveal

Story & Photography by K. York The top performing students in fashion design will be showcased in the upcoming O’More College of Design Student Fashion Show in May. As a prelude to the Fashion Show, the College held a “Reveal” at the Abbey Leix Mansion on the O’More campus. The evening showcased the work of the college’s top fashion designers in preparation for the big event.

David Rosen, Macy Harmon, Adelynn & Keith Chapman

Caroline Acree, Diane Acree & Jamie Atlas

Maarika Mann, Nathan Chapman & Sophie Harris

Travis Joy, Natasha Herron & David Seibert

Emily Dukes, Alicia Searcy & Naja Burchett

Amber Chapman & Manny Cuevas

Henry & Pearl Bransford

Stephanie Caporella & Carrington Elliott

Angie Nielsen & Edward Jones

Angela Jackson

SOCIAL | Hymns, Hams & Jams

Story & Photography by K. York The 7th annual Hymns, Hams & Jams fundraising event, benefiting The Shalom Foundation and Moore Pediatric Surgery Center in Guatemala, was held at The Factory at Franklin. Shalom means peace, wholeness, completeness, harmony, health, safety and soundness. It is the powerful blessing the Foundation takes to the people of Guatemala providing them nutritious food, clean water, housing and education, as well as outreach and medical assistance for basic healthcare and critical needs. Chairman and Founder, Steve Moore, told the crowd that God called him to do whatever he could to help these people, and he has been involved in the area for fifteen years, completing a state of the art hospital that treated 941 children last year. Mayor Ken Moore serves as Vice Chair. Supporters enjoyed cocktails, dinner, auctions and an incredible concert by Grammy award winning Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland. For more information, visit their website at theshalomfoundation.org.

Tresa Hardin & Debbie TenPenny

Tim Pagliara, Cordia Harrington & Gordon Inman

Cindy Vachuska, Shirlene & Jerry Lyles, Craig Vaughan & Donna Perry

Christy Waller, Joanna Thomson, Tom Morales & Sacha Bone

Lottie & Travis McCormick

Linda & Edward Ewing, Linda & Ken Moore, Steve Moore & Charmione Moore

Beverly Herro, Becky Moon, Ed Harlan & Donnie Morrow

Brooke Dial & Jonathan Sites

Linda Ewing, Olivia Dial, Wanda Tomlin, Clare Lundy & Bette Parolini

Jame & Jennifer Parker, Joy & J.R. Roper

22 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

Susanna & Kirk Sauers

Herb & Lori Coleman

Gina & Eddie Collier

Eddie & Stephanie Allred, Lee & Eddie Ables

Deborah Warnick, Oliver Strange & Leighann Evans

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SOCIAL | Black Tie Affair Sponsored Event

Story & Photography by K. York The African American Heritage Society held the 15th Annual Black Tie Affair, “Education, Our Key to the Future,” at the Embassy Suites in Cool Springs. The event raises funds for the McLemore House Museum and the African American Heritage Society, which have helped to preserve, chronicle and recognize the contributions of African Americans in Williamson County. Each year a family whose roots can be traced back to the 1850’s and beyond is recognized as the Pioneer Family. This year’s honorees were the Carother/Caruthers family. Keb Mo and Julius Fisher and the Genius Band provided the evening’s entertainment.

Robertson Media Group and YOUR Williamson Publisher, Shelly Robertson Birdsong was honored with the Communication Award.

Camille McMullen, Gloria Reese & Tee Jordan Aaliyah Hall, Jerzine & Jimmy Johnson & Martha Johnson

David Carothers, William Carothers & James Hughes Pamela Wall-Dover, Valerie Buford, Jalen Williams & Alexis Bright

Grant Benedict, Judy Oxford, Shelly & Johnny Birdsong

Barbara & James Hughes & Jennie Petway

Pat & Dianne Petty

Alma McLemore & Asiana Swift-Miller Allena Bell, Robert Blair & Roberta Hill

Cathy & Loy Hardcastle, Connie Clark

Pearl Bransford & Mary Pearce

Julia & John Haynes

Ron & Joyce Crutcher

Jayden Parker, Marvin Bloomer, Philar Solomon, Trence & Juanita Patton

24 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

Jeff Bivins & Camille McMullen

Gina Cross & Jessica Bransford

Heather & Hanley Crawford

Kevin Townsel, Mike Looney & David Snowden

Barbara Wiseman & Anthony Luster

Darlene Morton & Brenda McLemore Patton

Arlene Bronson, Emma Booker & Shawn Otey

Brian & Lisa Beathard, Kenny Young

Diane & Steve Smith

Lackecia & Daniel Carothers, Monica Patton

Timothy Easter ,Danielle McMorran Marianne & John Schroer

Harvey & Lishie Chrisman

David & Sue Marsh

Eleanor Bright & Mary Bright Walker

Denise Andrea & Richard Cash

Ida & James Thomas

Sonny Kelton & Clark Price

Lulu Soundara & David Stallings

Brenda Campbell, Pearl Bransford & J. Edward Campbell

Delia Belcher, Jesse Dotson & Margaret Mevils March 2016 | YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 25

LIFESTYLE | Styling Your Everyday

Wa t erco l or TURN ORDINARY EGGS INTO BEAUTIFUL WATERCOLOR-INSPIRED WORKS OF ART WITH THIS SIMPLE PAINTING TECHNIQUE.

Easter Eggs

BY KATIE JACOBS

While dying eggs may be fun, it’s far from artistic. However, with watercolors, painting blown eggs or hard boiled eggs can become true works of art. Using watercolor paints or simple food coloring, you can create soft watery designs in beautiful pastel colors. It is a great interactive project for kids to share in without the mess and monotony of dying.

Hard boiled eggs will work for this project but blown out eggs can be preserved for years after they’re made; without the egg white or yolk, the eggs will never spoil.

To blow out eggs, poke a hole in each For more DIY ideas, end of a raw, regular-sized egg with a check out pin or thumb tack. Reach through one StylingMyEveryday.com hole with a skewer, wire, straightened paper clip, or toothpick piercing the yolk and breaking up the membranes that keep it whole. Hold a thin straw to one hole and blow air through the straw and into the egg, letting the insides flow out

from the opposite hole. Do this until the egg is empty. Take a glass of water and pour it over the eggshell to rinse it out. Then take your straw to blow out the water and any remaining egg yolk/white. Shake gently and repeat until the egg is completely clean.

To watercolor the eggs, you’ll need food colors, white vinegar, a paintbrush, and small bowls or jars. Mix a few drops of food coloring with 2-3 Tablespoons of water in a small bowl or jar, until you get to your desired color. Add a teaspoon of vinegar to each bowl or jar.

Use a small paintbrush to paint the eggs with the watercolors and place the painted eggs back into the egg carton to dry.

Not only are painting eggs a more interactive, fun activity for you and your little ones, as opposed to simply dropping them in the dye and waiting, but you will love the watercolor effect on your beautifully colored eggs!

LIFESTYLE | Your Best Self

COULD YOUR LIFE USE A LITTLE SPRING CLEANING? Your resource for the latest designer trends in tuxedos and suits.

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March is here! That means spring is just around the corner. Many of you will mirror the earth’s energy, as it prepares to wake up by cleaning, organizing and getting outside more.

This is the perfect time to add your “life” to the spring cleaning list. Cleaning up areas of your life that have gathered dust and dirt will produce the same results as washing your house windows – the sunshine sparkles more and the view will be clear and bright!

To begin sprucing up your life, commit to the idea, carve out some time to think and then apply the same principles you would to cleaning your living space:

Cool Springs: 615.771.0948 | Green Hills: 615.386.0500 Berry Hill: 615.750.5324 | Murfreesboro: 615.890.0955

WHAT IS BROKEN OR NOT USEFUL ANYMORE? This could be a habit (the pint of salted caramel ice cream before bed every night), a situation (you always say yes to a co-workers request to socialize when you really don’t want to), a commitment (you raised your hand to be the Boy Scout leader only because no one else did), a thought (my kids are grown and I am not needed anymore), etc. If something isn’t supporting your overall happiness, can’t be fixed, or is coated with guilt, it is time to let it go. Do so lovingly and swiftly.

WHAT NEEDS MORE OF MY TIME AND ATTENTION? Just like those cobwebs in the ceiling that you promised to get to yesterday, you have places in your life that you know need some TLC. It could be a relationship, your health, a forgotten dream, a much needed vacation…Your heart knows. Listen carefully. The key to success in this area is to know why you’ve been putting it off. Common reasons include: not feeling worthy, too much effort, fearful of the other person’s reaction, not sure where to start and not enough time. These are all excuses and none of them valid enough to justify postponing your happiness. Choose the area, imagine how awesome life would be if you finally took action, map out a plan of action and Do It! Life is too short for regrets and “what ifs”.

WHAT DO I LOVE AND NEED TO FOCUS ON MORE OFTEN? This is a powerful, but often overlooked question to ask. As humans, we have a built-in negativity bias that keeps us on the lookout for potential threats or what is wrong in a situation.

Identifying what is going well and expressing gratitude is a sure fire way to override this biological programming. Make a list of all the good things (rewarding job, healthy children, loving friends/spouse, great hair), know why they bring you joy (this reinforces the feel good) and then focus on your list regularly. Cultivating this habit will help elevate a bad mood and actually retrain your brain to focus on the positive. If nothing else, try this one!

Your life, just like your house, needs regular maintenance and repair. With a little grit and determination, you can create a life that you truly love. Happy cleaning!

Be you. No apologies.

Connie

FEATURE | Dining

TO CATER OR NOT TO CATER

BY KRISTA EHRET

Anytime one plays host or hostess of an event, there is a certain level of stress that can follow. Some of this stress just comes with the territory and some of it can be avoided. In this instance, let’s discuss feeding your guests. Every party from a small get-together to a grand party will involve food and drink of some capacity. Here is a breakdown of when you should play chef and make the menu yourself and when you should have it professionally catered in.

WEDDING RECEPTIONS: CATERED For many, a wedding is the largest event that one will ever host. There are so many details to consider such as location, décor, attire, entertainment, etc. While the list grows so does the cost and it is very understandable to try to cut corners wherever possible. However, having family members prepare the food is possibly the worst way in which to do this. It may seem feasible when you’re months away from the date, but as the big day grows near the stress levels rise and the logistics of how to get the food there, how to serve it, and who will clean it up will prove to be daunting. Do yourself a favor and save the DIY for other aspects. Have it catered!

BIRTHDAY PARTIES: DEPENDS Thanks to envy-inducing beautiful blog posts, a simple birthday party with a few balloons and cupcakes seems so lack luster. It’s so tempting to go all out once you’ve seen gorgeous sculpted cakes, lush floral centerpieces, and cute photo backdrops. The great thing about a birthday party is that you set the expectations. If you want to spend your entire budget on décor and skimp on the food, you can! Simply plan for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon party that has a start and end time. For a child’s party, prepare the food yourself or pick up some simple pre-made options. For an adult cocktail style party, prepare the food yourself. For an adult dinner party, consider hosting 30 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

it at a restaurant or have it catered in. This way you can focus on being the host and aren’t spending the entire party in the kitchen.

BABY AND BRIDAL SHOWERS: MAKE IT YOURSELF Showers are often hosted mid-morning. This is the ideal time frame to serve heavy snack type foods that are easy to prepare and can often be made a day in advance. Another great thing about this type of event is that there are typically multiple hostesses. Start by creating a list of the guest of honor’s favorite foods that are appropriate for the event and then divvy out who wants to bring what. Bite sized sandwiches, dips, fruit and veggie trays, and pasta salads are all crowd-pleasers and are easy enough for anyone to prepare.

EVENTS WITH 50 OR MORE GUESTS: CATERED Unless you have a gourmet kitchen with multiple refrigerators, ovens, and the uncanny ability to multitask, do yourself a favor and have the food brought in.

Whether you’re having a sit-down dinner or a mingle type cocktail party, it will be money well spent. Make sure you discuss your expectations with your caterer. Would you like passed appetizers, or a buffet style? Are you expecting the staff to bus tables as the event progresses? Will they be responsible for serving alcohol? If so, do you provide the alcohol, or do they? Who brings the ice, glassware, and dinnerware? The more questions you can ask ahead of time, the fewer surprises on the day of the event there will be.

Ultimately, it comes down to your budget and what type of vibe you want for your event. If you bring a caterer in, it will almost always give a slightly more upscale feel. DIY may be more personal and intimate. As with any party, you should identify your priorities before you start planning and this will aid in allocating your budget accordingly.

EAT, DRINK

& BE MERRY DINING/TO DINE verb (used without object), dined, dining.

1. to eat the principal meal of the day; have dinner.

2. to take any meal.

verb (used with object), dined, dining.

3. to entertain at dinner.

noun 4. Scot. dinner.

Verb phrases 5. dine out, to take a meal, especially the principal or more formal meal of the day, away from home, as in a hotel or restaurant: They dine out at least once a week.

Enjoy this year’s Dining Edition where we offer up some tasty treats for Easter, show you the ins and outs of being a good restaurant diner, and enlighten you and your palate with options on historical dining experiences and ways to enhance today’s. It’s a bit of a cornucopia of that old saying, “eat, drink and be merry.” Bon appetit!

LIFESTYLE | Eat, Drink & Be Merry

Egg-cellent Easter Eats WITH MISS DAISY KING Spring is springing, and Easter is upon us. Nature echoes the religious significance of the holiday in this season, showing us a bright, beautiful and fragrant example of rebirth and renewal. It is a season for new beginnings, and indelibly woven into the symbolism of the Easter holiday is, of course, the Easter Egg.

Children all over Williamson County will soon be donning their Sunday best to go on Easter Egg hunts. The tradition of coloring eggs may go as far back as Mary Magdalene. Likewise, the eating of eggs at Easter once also had formal significance in the early Christian church. While the latter is for the most part lost to history, eggs and egg-based dishes remain favorites at many celebrations and picnics, especially at Easter. Here at Grassland Foodland, Miss Daisy’s Kitchen is happy to prepare for such festive events. Our eggs Fermiccelli, egg salad, deviled eggs and Easter shortbread cookies are on our menu for this Easter.

As more and more people are realizing the benefits of healthy eating, they are eschewing commercially produced eggs in favor of those that are organic, free range and farm fresh. Lynn Gothard, a neighbor and associate at Miss Daisy’s, is part of the trend. Lynn supplies us with free range eggs.

This season all of us at Grassland Foodland and Miss Daisy’s Kitchen are proud to salute the incredible, edible and eminently decoratable egg. So, put on your Easter Bonnet “the one with frills upon it,” and prepare some of these recipes as part of your “egg-cellent” Easter!

Happy Easter, Daisy King

Miss Daisy’s Kitchen 2176 Hillsboro Road • Franklin, Tennessee 37069 615.599.5313 • MissDaisyKing.com facebook.com/MissDaisysKitchen

Easter Egg Shortbread Cookies

SHORTBREAD COOKIES 2 cups butter, softened 2 Tablespoons vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder Parchment Paper Assemble ingredients and utensils. Beat butter and vanilla at medium speed until creamy. In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, flour and baking powder. Gradually add sugar

mixture to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Flatten dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill 1 hour to 3 days.

Place dough on a lightly floured surface; roll to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with desired cookie cutters. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet 1/2 inch apart. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12 to 13 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 5 minutes.

Transfer to wire cooling racks; cool completely (about 20 minutes). Decorate with cookie icing. Let dry 1 hour. Yield: 24 cookies

COOKIE ICING 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 2 Tablespoons milk, or more as needed 1 1/4 teaspoon almond extract Food coloring of choice Combine powdered sugar, milk and extract until mixture reaches a spreading consistency. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time. Add in coloring of choice and blend until smooth.

March 2016 | YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 33

Farm Fresh Egg Salad 6 hard boiled eggs 2 tablespoons chopped green onions 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/3 cup mayonnaise Assemble ingredients and utensils.

Mix together and serve on your favorite slice of bread, tomato, or lettuce cup. Yield 6 servings.Â

34 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

Perfect Deviled Eggs 6 large eggs 2 Tablespoons Mayonnaise, or more as needed 2 Tablespoons sweet pickle relish, plus some of its liquid (optional) 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt and freshly ground black pepper Assemble ingredients and utensils. Place the eggs in a large saucepan and pour in enough cold water to cover them by a couple of inches. Place the pan over mediumhigh heat and bring to a boil. Cover the pan and remove it from the heat. Let the eggs stand in the hot water for 15 minutes. Drain the water from the pan and immediately fill it with cold water. Remove the eggs from the pan and gently tap them on a counter to crack them. Peel the eggs under cool running water, starting at the large end. Slice the eggs in half lengthwise, remove the yolks with a teaspoon, and place them in a small bowl. Set aside the whites. Add the mayonnaise, pickle relish and mustard to the yolks and mix, mashing the yolks with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more mayonnaise or some of the sweet pickle liquid if the yolk mixture is too dry. Spoon the yolk mixture into the hollows of the egg whites and place them on a serving plate. Garnish the tops of eggs with garnish of your choice.

Yield: 12 servings

Egg Casserole Fermicelli EGG CASSEROLE FERMICELLI 9 hard boiled eggs 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled 3 cups White Sauce (see below) 2 cups grated cheese Breadcrumbs Assemble ingredients and utensils. Grate the eggs and crumble the bacon. Alternate layers of White Sauce, eggs, bacon and cheese to fill a 2-quart casserole. Add extra white sauce and breadcrumbs to the top. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Yield: 6-8 servings WHITE SAUCE 2 Tablespoons butter 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 - 1 1/2 cups light cream or milk

Celebrate Easter with the best gospel music and the most inspiring view in the city.

brunch seatings at 10am and 1pm $60 Adults • $25 Ages 6–12 • 5 & Under Free Advance ticket purchase required. Includes Museum admission, brunch buffet with family-style seating, entertainment, and free photos with the Easter bunny.

Purchase brunch tickets at CountryMusicHallofFame.org/Spring Downtown Nashville • 615.416.2001

FEATURE | Dining

MEAL PLANNING

BY KRISTA EHRET

The idea of sitting down once a week and planning out your family’s meals seems like a simple task.

However, when things get hectic, this well-intended organizational plan may get pushed off the to-do list.

After becoming a meal planner myself, I’ve realized a few things. First, I will always spend more money at the grocery store (and on take out meals) if I haven’t planned ahead. Secondly, my stress levels go down when I’m not wondering at the witching hour what to prepare for dinner. Lastly, it’s easy and gratifying to have it planned and posted on the fridge. The hardest part is just finding your groove and making this half hour part of your weekly routine. Here are some easy steps to get you started: CHECK THE WEEKLY SALES AND COUPONS. Ok, I’m not a dumpster-diving coupon fanatic with 1,000 tubes of deodorant in my garage, but I do really enjoy finding good deals. There are a few unfair myths about couponing, such as you can only use coupons to buy junk food, you can’t use coupons if you buy the store brand, and it takes way too much time to hunt for coupons. Maybe years ago, these points were true, but if you haven’t given couponing a try in a while, you may be surprised. Deals exist for produce, meats and organic products (even at Whole 36 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

Foods!); Kroger and Target both offer coupon deals for their brands; and if you have a computer at home finding coupons is fast and easy. Many stores, such as Publix, even allow you to link coupons to your phone or phone number electronically.

No clipping required! Your ideal scenario here is to match a coupon to an item, while it is already on sale at the store.

This is why you check the store flyers online first, see what is on sale that week, then voila $.30 box of brand name pasta, anyone?

GRAB A PAD, PEN AND MAYBE A RECIPE BOOK. Now that you know what is on sale for the week, it’s time to plan out your meals. Start with the main components that you know you will purchase. For instance, you know you’re going to be buying a whole chicken because they’re marked down. There’s your entree for one night.

Bagged lettuce and rice are buy one get one free? There’s your side dishes. You get the picture. Then just go throughout the week and fill in the blanks. My biggest piece of advice here is to be thorough but realistic. Do the kids have soccer one night? Then plan to have something in the crockpot so it’s ready as soon as you get home. Think about snacks, breakfast and lunches as well.

ASK FOR INPUT FROM THE FAMILY. This can actually be a fun way to involve the kids in thinking about nutrition and what they will eat throughout the week. Let everyone pick their favorite meal and also a night that they would like to help prepare it. I’m very fortunate to have a husband that loves to cook and is very good at it. I love his parents for teaching him this skill and will definitely be passing the lesson down to my children. Cooking can be a fun affair for the entire family when looked at from the right perspective.

NOW GO SHOPPING. When heading to the store, you’ll find it much less overwhelming and dreadful when you have a plan.

Timing is important as well. Go when you have sufficient time to complete the task to avoid running in for forgotten items. Definitely do not go when you’re hungry!

Weekday mornings are the least crowded and make for a faster trip.

I personally go to three different stores so as to take advantage of sales, but this isn’t for everyone.

If you only have time to go to one store, then that’s fine. Just stick to the list and avoid impulse buys!

GET TO PREPPING. Once you’re home, find a couple of hours, maybe on a Sunday, to do some prep work for the week. Wash some fruits and veggies; figure out if you need to freeze some of the meat for later in the week; and if there are things you can make ahead (like sauces), then do it. It’s amazing how in control and organized you’ll feel. There are definitely times when something will pop up and you end up pushing a meal off to the next night and that’s ok. But in general, sticking to a plan will help the “hanger” (hunger induced anger) episodes and consequential trips to a drive thru melt away.

Take a little something home with you.

Hams & Jams Country Market at the Loveless Cafe is reminiscent of those quaint stores tucked away on a winding country road. With warm hospitality and hot coffee all day, you’ll enjoy browsing through our Loveless Cafe pantry items, southern-inspired home goods and unique gift items. So stop by. And if you can’t, you can always find what you’re looking for online. Go ahead, take home a little bit of southern goodness.

lovelesscafe.com

LIFESTYLE | A Southern Gentleman Is...

COME ON OVER!

THESE SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN KNOW HOW TO COOK

BY DANNY ANDERSON

Eat, Drink and be Merry, sounds like a good idea to me, and what a perfect topic for the Dining Issue. So, I invited a group of guys to come over for a dinner party. The big hitch? They would have to make it!

Having many friends that are excellent cooks, I began making my calls to “come over for dinner - but, by the way, you need to make a dish if you do.” Surprisingly, everyone I called with the exception of a couple of guys that were out of town ( or at least they said they were), happily agreed. I was really disappointed that the Commissioner John Schroer was heading out of town on business, as he makes the absolutely best bread pudding ever. Darn!

Late on a bright sunny afternoon, my distinguished guests began to arrive, each with an amazing looking dish. Thus we began our journey to Eat, Drink and Be Merry.

Those joining me were old friends, new friends, business associates and my son.

MIKE FRAGOMENI Mike and his wife, Hillary, moved here recently from outside San Francisco.

Mike’s family owned the largest Italian Deli in San Francisco for many years, so as you might guess, Mike is an amazing cook and so is his wife. Mike treated the gang to one of his own awesome creations of homemade meatballs and marinara sauce.

JOHN REYNOLDS I have the pleasure of working with John at Parks on Main. John has a real love of cooking whether it is on the grill, smoking his favorite meats, or baking the perfectly cooked Beef Wellington, which he wowed us all with for our gathering.

John says his wife Ali enjoys looking on while he cooks. Sounds familiar.

38 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

JIM STARK I am delighted to say that Jim and his wife, Diane, are our new neighbors and talented in many areas, including cooking. To the enjoyment of all, Jim brought a Cheesy Polenta Soufflé.

REID ANDERSON Perhaps out of necessity (or maybe survival), our son Reid developed a real passion for cooking, often coming up with his own recipes. Fortunately, for his mom and me, Reid and his wife Cameron invite us over for dinner often. We just hope they make it a habit! Reid served his tasty and colorful Ratatouille, and kindly left it for us to enjoy!

Not to be totally outdone, I made my famous artichoke dip. Famous only because it is the only thing that our friends ever want us to bring to a party! It’s really not my recipe. It comes from Marilyn Lehew’s “Choices Restaurant Recipe Book.” I do add my own twist by adding more cheese and lemon juice, but I can’t take ownership of the recipe. People really do seem to like it, so I usually triple the recipe when I serve it.

Anna Robertson and K York from the magazine, said that they would be at our house to meet the guys, take a few photos and be on their way. Well, after two hours of eating, toasting, eating more, toasting more and being merry, they headed out to their next event. I’m guessing that means the evening was successful!

A great time was had by all as we shared some amazing creations by some of

Williamson County’s finest home chefs. I just hope we can do it again.

If you are a great cook and want to share your talents, just let me know. I will be glad to invite you over – and let you bring dinner, too!

Bon Appetit!

Danny TO SEE THE RECIPES THAT EACH GENTLEMAN MADE FOR THE DINNER PARTY, GO TO YOURWILLIAMSON.COM.

LIFESTYLE | A Little Something Extra

Traditions Kept on a Modern Day Easter

BY ANNIE OSTEEN

Springtime is certainly the season of warmer weather, thunderstorms, along with tulips and daffodils gracing our garden after a winter’s nap.

We are hopeful as we say goodbye to the snow, cold temperatures and darker days. In this country, and in several countries around the world, springtime also means the Easter holiday is upon us, which encompasses a myriad of traditions, new and old.

Long-established, holy Easter customs still continue to play a heavy role in many lives around the world, while others view these practices as “too close to religion” to take part, taking a more simple approach with celebrating the day. However, there’s no denying that the nonreligious traditions that have comfortably made their way into sharing the Easter holiday with Christ, are enjoyed by most families in modern day America.

Even though most of us know the meaning behind Easter- the resurrection of Christ after being crucified on the cross, the utmost

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Hot Chicken Salad

Sweet Potato Casserole

Grilled Garden Vegetables Green Beans Amandine

New England Pot Roast

Home Made Spoon Rolls

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Cookie & Truffle Cake Bites

Roasted Sesame Dressing

In a culture where a new generation is taking over and making plans to strip away traditions such as saying “Merry” in “Merry Christmas,” and pretending that Christ didn’t play a major part in what Christmas means, Easter is closely followed with trying to remain politically correct. However, for many Christians, Easter is the pivotal holiday in which Jesus Christ takes center stage. It’s a holiday symbolizing life and death and most importantly, victory over evil. And while those

politically correct and critical protesters are trying to write a new story for America, there are many of us who continue to flip through the traditional book that made America so great.

THE

symbolic event in a Christian’s life; Do we know the meaning behind some of the most common traditions during the Easter season?

For instance, the Easter egg. How did we come to use an egg as one of the key commercial icons of the Easter season? There are a few theories about how the egg became popular. One in particular was the tale of the Easter bunny bringing eggs to the community that began as a German tradition, brought to the United States with settlers from southwestern Germany in the 1800’s. The Christian custom of the Easter egg can be traced back to early Christians who stained eggs red in memory of the blood of Christ. Others have said that the egg was something typically given up during the season of Lent (the period of 40 days before Easter), so people would paint and embellish them after their time of atonement, eating them on Easter Sunday as a celebratory tradition. Eggs, in many different cultures around the world, have been viewed as a representation of new life and fertility, thus making it a perfect symbol of spring.

COUNTERTOP Experts GRANITE • MARBLE • QUARTZ

Where did the Easter Bunny come from? How does that play into the role of Christ’s resurrection? Well, it doesn’t. The bunny, for lack of a better term, is springtime’s equivalent to Santa Claus and allows children to relish in the idea of finding Easter baskets and eggs that he leaves. Some believe that the intense nature of the life and death of what Easter ultimately represents to Christians is too intense for small children to understand. Therefore, the bunny serves as a playful, innocent distraction.

Some folks maintain that the word Easter stems from Eostre, a pagan goddess of spring and fertility. According to folklore, Eostre found a bird dying from the cold and turned it into a rabbit, so its fur would keep it warm, but the rabbit still laid eggs like a bird. In one adaptation of the story, the bunny paints and decorates the eggs as an offering to Eostre to show his love and devotion.

Regardless of cultural narratives or religious beliefs, the bunny, along with painting eggs and egg hunts, delight us when we watch our kids get a similar excitement to that of Santa Claus and his presents.

Then there’s that beloved chocolate. Shaped as bunnies or eggs, it will always find a way into our diet during Easter time, along with a vast array of jelly beans and marshmallow Peeps. Easter is the second best-selling candy holiday in the United States, after Halloween.

According to the National Confectioners Association, over 16 billion jelly beans are made in the U.S. each year for Easter, enough to fill a colossal egg measuring 89 feet high and 60 feet wide. Peeps, created in the 1950’s by a Russian immigrant, has also been the top selling non-chocolate Easter candy for the last fifteen years.

There are many more Easter traditions that have come and gone over the last century, such as wearing white for the first time since Labor Day or Easter bonnets that were typically worn by ladies celebrating Easter to show off for family and friends. Some traditions remain steadfast in our culture, while others have slowly dissipated into memories from an older generation.

Easter has always been a time of family and of celebrating religious Christian beliefs that, for many of us, still hold a special place in our hearts, giving new meaning to life and to what’s important in our own world.

TATE GRANITE

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FEATURE | Dining

FOOD & DRINK

TECH SUPPORT Can’t decide where you want to eat tonight? Keep forgetting to write down the name of wines you try and love? Wonder how to choose between products at the store? There’s an app for that! We’ve curated some useful ones you may not have heard about...and better yet - they’re all free!

OPEN TABLE This app is a go-to for anyone that goes out with larger parties or just prefers having a reservation. Explore restaurants, find available tables and with one click, you can book instantly, as well as manage or cancel.

MATCHBOOK The next time someone tells you about a great place to eat or grab a drink, use Matchbook to save and map the location so you don’t forget. Then when you’re trying to find a place you can pull up all your suggestions to see what’s nearby.

URBANSPOON If you struggle with the decision making process when it comes to restaurants - this app is for you. Choose your location, food genre and price point (last two are optional), and shake your phone for a magic-8-ball-like answer to your dilemma.

www.circagrill.com 1549 Thompson’s Station Road West, Thompson’s Station TN 37179

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DELECTABLE How many times have you made a mental note to remember a new wine you tried but then completely spaced? With Delectable you can simply snap a photo of the label with your phone and the app will instantly find it for you to save and rate.

BEER CITIZEN This app is especially great if you’re new to the beer scene, new to branching out, or just like trying new things. Beer Citizen will give you suggestions from other beer drinkers based on what you love, as well as provide reviews and taste profiles.

CONSUMR It’s hard to do product research while you’re standing in the grocery aisle, but sometimes questions come up. Does the less expensive version still taste as good? With Consumr you can scan the barcode of thousands of products to pull up customer reviews.

LIFESTYLE | Bone Vivant with Ollie

Bone

Vivant

Hello, Williamson County! My name is Ollie, and I am honored to be a guest columnist this month! I’m sure you have seen me about town at festivals or on my Momma’s social media. She takes a lot of pictures of me, which is fine because I am very handsome (and like to be told so). I also like to have my picture taken. Let me tell you a tad more about myself…I am a seven-month old (handsome) Boxer and my human parents are Anna Robertson and Chris Ham. You may have seen them on the recent cover of the YOUR Williamson Bridal Issue. I wanted to be in that picture, but I am hoping to play a role in the real wedding! I have a big sister, Lady. She is a black lab mix that was adopted over nine years ago by my Momma. I love her, but she is a very bossy sister sometimes.

Any who, I wanted to share with you one of Lady’s and my favorite treats. This is the human’s dining issue, but I thought that the pups should be included, too! This is an easy one, so don’t fret, folks!

Don’t forget when you are making your own homemade dog treats, take into account any allergies your pup has. It’s also always a good idea to give your pup a small amount of the treat first to see if they are okay with it and that it doesn’t upset their stomach.

FROZEN PEANUT BUTTER & YOGURT YUMMIES INGREDIENTS 32 ounces vanilla yogurt 1 cup peanut butter DIRECTIONS • Melt the peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl • Combine the yogurt and melted peanut butter • Pour the mixture into cupcake papers • Place in the freezer until treats are frozen solid

• After treats are frozen, store your homemade dog treats in an airtight container and place them in the freezer.

Allow the treat to thaw for 10 to 20 minutes prior to serving to your dog (and remember to remove the cupcake paper before giving to your dog).

Treats can last for up to 6 months in the freezer.

Recipe courtesy of www.cesarsway.com

I hope all of you pups enjoy these yummy treats. I gobble them up!

Wiggle bottom and slobbery smooches to you and yours!

Ollie Pup See more of Ollie and his adventures: www.facebook.com/olliepupboxer

COMMUNITY | Your Charitable Self

FEEDING THOSE IN NEED

BY ANDREA DAVIS

Studies show that one in six Tennesseans struggle with hunger, and even in Williamson County, “the struggle is real.” Fortunately, there is help for the unfortunate. Whether you are in need or want to serve those who are, there are many organizations in our area that provide hope for the hungry.

SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK Second Harvest has a network of over 450 Partner Agencies working together to feed hungry men, women and children.

They collect, sort and distribute food and personal care products throughout 46 Middle and West Tennessee counties. www.secondharvestmidtn.org.

MID-CUMBERLAND MEALS-ON-WHEELS Mid-Cumberland Meals-on-Wheels has the joy of serving the senior citizen population of 13 counties in middle Tennessee. They serve over 300,000 meals annually from 18 meal sites in the Mid-Cumberland region, and they like to say they are “more than just a meal”! They also partner with Nutro, part of Mars Petcare, to deliver 30,000 lbs. of donated pet food annually through a service called AniMeals. www.mc-mealsonwheels.com.

GRACEWORKS MINISTRIES GraceWorks offers three hunger prevention programs- Food Carts, Student Fuel Bags and Mobile Food Pantries. The Food Carts program provides qualifying families a shopping cart of perishable and non-perishable food monthly, allowing families to stretch their dollars and spend their resources on other basic needs.

The Student Fuel Bags program offers nutritional food for the weekends for those that receive free/reduced meal programs through the school system. The Mobile Food Pantries provide another source of food to families and individuals facing hunger. GraceWorks uses mobile food pantries to provide access and increase food distribution so nutritious, non-perishable foods as well as perishable foods, such as milk, juice, bread and fresh produce, do not go to waste. www.graceworksministries.net.

FOR A LIST OF MORE ORGANIZATIONS, VISIT WWW.FOODPANTRIES.ORG 44 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

MID-CUMBERLAND NUTRITION PROGRAM The Nutrition Program is designed to provide resources and education for low-income families lacking the knowledge and tools required to make appropriate nutrition choices and includes three programs- Commodity Food Program, Food Pantries and Nutrition Education. The Commodity Food Program provides non-perishable food items to eligible households through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Tennessee Emergency Food Assistance Program. Households must meet USDA income guidelines. Food Pantries provide emergency food boxes to households that have limited or no access to food. Nutrition Education provides clients with information needed to help make healthier and cost effective choices with their food monies. Meal planning guidance and nutritious recipes are also provided in conjunction with other Nutrition services. www.midcumberland.org.

THE GIVING GARDEN The Mission of the Giving Garden is to share the bounty of God’s gifts by feeding our neighbors and those in need. In 2015 more than 25,000 pounds of produce was given freely to more than 20 distribution partners like Graceworks, 61st Avenue United Methodist, Meals on Wheels and so many other organizations. www.franklinfumc.org/serve/local-outreach.

THE COLLEGE GROVE COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY The College Grove Community Food Pantry is in its sixth year of serving the folks in the community, serving 25 to 30 families every Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30am. www.collegegroveumc.org/ community-food-pantry.html.

THE WELL The Well began as a food pantry in a local church in 2006, with the goal of showing God’s love by giving food to those in need. www.springhillwell.org.

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FEATURE | Dining

THE DOS & DON’TS OF DINING

BY ANDREA DAVIS

As the years go by, society seems to slip further and further away from adhering to the standards set by Emily Post for etiquette, including dining out. I admit to not following the rules on occasion, but there are some worth upholding no matter what. It’s just good common sense. So, let’s forget about which fork to use, what side your drink should be on and which direction to pass, and focus on what can make or break your dining experience, while ensuring that no one spits in your food.

Before you set foot in the door, find out if you need to make a reservation. Most restaurants have reservation information on their website, and many of them allow you to make them online. There is an app for reservations that I like to use called “OpenTable.”

Several of our local restaurants can be booked through the app.

There is also the option of “call ahead seating” at some restaurants that do not take reservations. Your dining destination may not have either choice, but it is certainly worth finding out.

While we’re on the subject of pre-planning, see if there is a dress code. This really only pertains to fine dining. Save yourself the embarrassment of being turned away or given a dinner jacket from the spare closet. If you are going to spend the money on a nice meal, you might as well look nice doing it.

Now, I have two precious children that I adore, and they love to go out to eat. However, I know that there are some restaurants I should not take them. They likely would not enjoy them anyway, as these restaurants usually do not serve chicken nuggets and a fruit cup. If you want to go to the nice restaurant, splurge for a babysitter. Chances are, somebody else eating there did, so that they could have a kid-free night, your kids included. You also need to know when to take your kids out of the restaurant. If they have gotten out of control, it’s not fun for anyone. Get a to-go box. On the other hand, if you are a part of the group of diners that think children do not belong in any restaurant, stay away from places that offer crayons with the menu or keep your disapproving looks to yourself.

For my next bit of suggestions, I had a little help. Not having worked in the food service industry myself, I reached out to friends who have, so that I would not leave out any important

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advice, causing the aforementioned spitting. Of course, tipping is at the top of the list, and I agree with the information gathered. 15% is not a good tip. It is not the worst, but if you want to be considered a “good tipper,” go with 20%. What about take out, you ask? My sources tell me that, while 20% is not expected, you should still tip something.

Sending food back, in my opinion, is tricky business. My server friends say that it is perfectly fine to send food back that isn’t cooked properly, has a hair in it, etc. However, if you’re just being picky or eat half of it and decide you don’t like it, you’re towing the line on what may happen to the next thing brought out and put in front of you. Good luck.

When you are done eating, you really should not stay more than 15 minutes. Other people are probably waiting for your table and your server is losing money if you’re a table hog. Be considerate, because next time, you may be the one waiting for someone to get up.

Above all, be nice. If something is wrong with your food or it is taking too long, it’s probably not your server’s fault. If it is, well, people make mistakes and have bad days. You never know what someone’s story is. If anything is really that bad, take it up with the manager. Just make sure it’s worth someone losing his or her job over. If you treat your server the way you would want to be treated, you will most likely have a great dining experience.

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COMMUNITY | Days Gone By

Years of Sweet Southern Eateries

BY MARGIE THESSIN

These days Franklin’s restaurant scene satisfies even picky eaters who can choose to dine at eateries ranging from meat ‘n three’s to fine dining. Main Street restaurants serve up seafood, hamburgers, barbeque, steaks and pizza. Irish, Italian, Mediterranean, American, Cajun and Southern styles of cooking are represented. We have a deli, bakery, cup-cakery, coffee shops and the list goes on.

It’s not always been this way. In 1988, when my family moved to Franklin, there was no Cool Springs (literally, the area didn’t even have the name yet). The main commercial district was Murfreesboro Road, where McDonald’s, Shoney’s, Waffle House, Ponderosa, Uncle Bud’s Catfish and

a restaurant at the Holiday Inn served up the goods. We were very excited when O’Charley’s opened in ’89. On the west side of downtown…hmmm… another McDonald’s? Oh, and a Quincy’s Steakhouse.

Main Street restaurants included Dotson’s and Choices and I think that was it.

Choices was Franklin’s first fine dining restaurant and the first to serve liquor by the drink. It was truly wonderful.

Great southern cooking. Dotson’s, with its wonderful Martha-Stewart approved biscuits, closed at the end of 2014.

48 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

4886 Port Royal Rd.  Spring Hill, TN 931-486-994

MING SOON! O C ON BERRY FARMS

South on Columbia Avenue, Miss Daisy King had a tearoom at Carter’s Court and the Bunganut Pig ruled the cellar there.

So, Williamson County has gone from maybe a few dozen restaurants to 316, by TripAdvisor’s reckoning, in just 28 years. It’s great to have so many choices (but alas, no Choices). How things have changed!

In the early to mid- 20th century, Franklin’s downtown had cafes, luncheonettes and coffee shops, hotel dining rooms and even the precursor to the modern food truck, Chapman’s Pie Wagon. The Pie Wagon, which served full meals plus pies, sat on the Square near Capitol Bank from1922-1946. In 2011, Gwen and the late Dan Perkins resurrected the Chapman’s concept and served up great street food before selling the business. Gilco’s Drive-in on Lewisburg Avenue, where Country Charm antique mall is today, was a popular hang-out with the teenage set.

So take a stroll down memory lane and take a look at some of these photographs of restaurants from the non-so-distant past.

Photographs courtesy of Rick Warwick with the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County.

Photos courtesy of Rick Warwick, Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County

1340 West Main St.  Franklin, TN 615-794-3232

COMMUNITY | Your Community Partner

SPIRITED GIVING For our annual Dining Issue themed, Eat, Drink and be Merry, we had to include something on the other part of the dining experience – the spirits.

What are your goals for the company?

Though, Williamson County has many locations to choose from for their wine and liquors, there are a few that stand out.

Cool Springs Wine and Spirits was opened nearly 20 years ago by owners Jackie and James “Woody” Woodard. They began with 6,750 square feet of space next to Kroger on Mallory Lane. And in 2000, they moved to their current location of 1935 Mallory Lane in Franklin and have over 21,000 square feet of combined retail and warehouse space.

What challenges does your company face this day and age?

Cool Springs Wines and Spirits has made their stamp on our community as a go-to place with knowledgeable and helpful staff, and one of the largest selections around town. We caught up with Woody and Jackie and asked them a few questions to learn more. Here is what they had to say: Why did you choose Williamson County as your home for the company?

In the early 1990s, the opening of the Cool Springs Galleria spurred a construction boom that continues today. In 1995, there were no liquor stores for miles, and seeking a new challenge, we sensed an opportunity ripe for the picking. We had the good fortune of being involved in the area before it was Cool Springs and we got into the development of the area on the ground level.

50 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

To focus our efforts on providing outstanding customer service while embracing change and capitalizing on the opportunities it presents.

The public may say its wine and grocery stores, but for us, that’s a topic we addressed when it was first introduced many years ago. We did our research and we feel confident that we are in a good position for continuous growth… no setbacks. Most entrepreneurs probably think the same way… we interpret challenges as opportunities.

Is there a favorite event or organization that the company is involved with?

As owners of the first large-scale wine and spirits store in Williamson County, we wanted to find a way to give back to the community where our patrons live, work, shop and play. Almost 15 years ago, we teamed up with the downtown Franklin businesses to present the first ever Wine Down Main Street, a wonderful event that many of our customers attend every November. In 2002, we decided to establish our own event – the Franklin Wine Festival – held annually at The Factory. To date, the event has raised nearly $1.4 million in its 12-year legacy. Event proceeds are used to help serve children with a mentor through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Funding is specifically used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety, and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships. We expect this year’s event, to be held October 16, will bring even more record-breaking numbers. The event truly would not be possible without the personal commitment of each of our staff members who spend arduous hours and energy to plan and execute the festivities. A very sincere thank you, as well, to the staff and volunteers at Big Brothers Big Sisters who have continually stepped up as true partners. Most importantly, we are eternally grateful to our loyal patrons who attend the Festival each year.

How has the company remained so strong over such a period of time?

Cool Springs Wines & Spirits has maintained a prominent position in an increasingly crowded beverage alcohol retail sector over the past two decades. With annual revenue of $14 Million and yearly growth averaging 12.7 percent, we attribute some of that success to our ability to spot trends that keep the store “ahead of the curve.” Also, our reputation for customer service and a comfortable, inviting atmosphere must be a leading factor. Our loyal staff members also deserve a ton of credit!

You can learn more about Cool Springs Wines and Spirits at www.CoolSpringsWines.com.

SOCIAL | Mardi Gras Krewe Party Sponsored Event

Story & Photography by K. York The ever popular Krewe Party, which is the prelude to the annual Mardi Gras Ball, was hosted by the Corner Pub in Franklin. In the week before the Ball, the Royal Court, guests and supporters of My Friends House Family & Children’s Services gathered for a casual evening of fun prior to the big event.

Funds raised from both the Krewe Party and the Mardi Gras Ball support the mission of My Friend’s House, providing services to abused, neglected and at risk youth in Williamson County. For more information, visit myfriendshousetn.org.

Bruce & Alicia Barker, Frances & Cummins Johnson

Katie Creighton, Terrell White & Leah Tramberg

Max Brown & Morgan Mitchell

Nancy & Charles Sargent, Margaret Mahew

Katie Creighton & Leah Tramberg

Wes & Caroline Weigel

Courtney Williams & Matt Pierucki

Julie Lynch, Margaret Mahew & Laura Chambers 52 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

Betty Peacock & Kathy Heaton

Michelle Koehly & Ed Theis

Morgan & Scott Newell

Angie & Brad Langford, Tommy Anderson & Adrien Lynch

Michelle Koehly & Alisha Corley

Terri Cozart & Richard Arnold

Kevin Hacker, Brett Berg & Craig Lynch

Tim Tranberg, Betsy Adgent & Charles Sargent

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SOCIAL | Mardi Gras Ball 2016

Story & Photography by K. York Embassy Suites in Cool Springs was the scene of the 12th annual Mardi Gras Ball. The 2016 Court, Adrien and Craig Lynch, Morgan and Scott Newell, Caroline and Wes Weigel, and Alicia and Bruce Barker, helped raise over $80,000 for My Friend’s House with Alicia and Bruce being crowned Queen Hera & King Zeus XII. Longtime supporter and advocate for Williamson County’s youth, Betsy Adgent, was recognized for her relentless crusade in helping the young men the agency serves. Guests enjoyed dinner and then dancing to the upbeat sounds of Gary Jenkins & The Thundering Hearts. Learn more at myfriendshousetn.org.

Adrien & Craig Lynch

Bruce & Alicia Barker, Matthew & Anel Muterspaugh

Nate & Sydney Essell, Caroline Weigel, Joshua Smith & Hillary Seckman

Tim Tranberg, Debby Rainey & Pam Bryant

Monica Funderburk & Ed Underwood

Laura Chambers & Michelle Koehly

Mardi Gras Ball 2016

Carrie Plowman, Bradford Reszel & Molly Ryan

Ed & Shannon Cae, Rita Conner & Mark Brooks

John & Mary Zic, Mickie Howell & John Smith

54 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

Steve & Diane Smith, Stephanie & Cale Clark

Amber Slifer, Patrick Burke, Courtnay Williams & Ed Theis

Tim & Betsy Adgent

Kendra & Jennifer Luster

Lori Reid & Lindsey Brown

Peter & Mari Falk

Tim Stilling’s Group

Jimmy & Marie Patton, Erin Taylor & Seth Douthett

Kristy & Ed Thornton

Kevin Cleveland & Audrey Korshoff

Wendy & Jeff Mucci

Mallory Lytle & Bucky Ingram

Dianne & Pat Petty

Audrey Freshwater & Danielle McMorran

Colleen Tickle, Laura McGill, Lara Latture, Teresa Shellnut & Beth McDonald

Ginger Jones, Anna Robertson, Erin Myrick & Shelly Birdsong

Jay & Becky Deason, Tara & Char Cochran

Courtney & Paul Winegar

Leah Tranberg, Trey Keller & Terri Cozart

Scott & Emily Lattimore, Ferry & Lisa Blanchard, Denis & Carol Riordan

Brentwood Babes & Boys

Tim & Melissa Stillings, Paul & Kim Bergeron

Charles & Nancy Sargent, Terri Cozart, Richard Arnold, Steve & Rita Adams

Jessica Moen, Kathy Drury & Eva Angelina Romero

Robert Blair

Ginger & Mark Jones

Brad & Cheryl Smith, Kris Blalock

March 2016 | YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 55

LIFESTYLE | Interior Thinking

It’s All in the Details HOW TO LAYER MORE VISUAL INTEREST INTO YOUR ROOMS

BY ERIC ROSS

In creating rooms today, a huge buzzword is “layering.” What material, finishes of materials, the list is inexhaustible. As a designer, is layering? I’m sure you are familiar with the term in regards to I layer various colors, patterns and textures to create a more clothing. It is very fashionable to have a colored dimensional look. But I also layer in pieces and t-shirt peeking under your dress shirt or blouse, parts of a client’s interests to create a more personal Eric Ross Interiors with a scarf or jacket as a third pattern or tone to his or her new environment. These are the 220 Lewisburg Avenue, texture. By layering, one can visually create more details that can transform a room.

Franklin, TN 37064 attention to yourself—creating more energy or 615.472.8236 more sophistication, depending on the deftness How can you achieve a more layered look in your EricRossInteriors.com of your skill. home? It’s not that difficult if you know the go-to tricks of some of the most talented designers and Follow Eric Ross Interiors on In interior decoration, layering refers to many decorators. Here’s a quick list of the decorating FaceBook, Instagram and Twitter aspects of a room. It can refer to paint, flooring tricks I use to create a more layered look.

56 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

IT ALL STARTS WITH PAINT. So many of my clients think we will just be painting a room one color, or even two. But 4 or 5! That just sounds crazy. Or is it? I have mentioned on a couple of occasions how painting the walls and ceilings different colors can create a more dynamic room. Well, you can also paint built-in cabinets a separate color, as well as an accent wall, all in the same room. It does take some skill, but it can create a very layered look if paired with fabrics and other finishes that combine to create one deliciously lush vignette.

USE MORE THAN ONE FABRIC FOR CURTAINS. Curtains transform a basic room into a richer picture. I like to use more than one fabric on the curtains. One of my favorite tricks is to use an under-valance installed just behind the drapery rod. It helps to visually heighten an under scaled window by connecting the window opening to a drapery rod that has been extended by several inches. It allows another fabric to complement the main fabric for more dramatic effect.

Using another fabric helps soften the hardness of the drapery hardware while still allowing you to see a decorative drapery rod. This is especially effective if you want a more masculine

look. So try using more than one fabric on your next window treatment and see how it can look like a better-coordinated ensemble.

WALLCOVERING ON WALLS, CEILINGS AND CABINETRY CAN PUSH A ROOM TO THE NEXT LEVEL. Wallcovering is another of my go-to elements when creating a layered room.

You cannot get the visual depth with paint that you get with paper. It is a physical material you are putting in the room, where as paint is just color.

But also, don’t just use it for the walls. By installing paper on a ceiling, you are giving another texture or visual that you would be missing otherwise.

And, it’s perfect behind a stack of shelves in a bookcase to highlight collectibles that could be lost in a ho-hum painted cabinet.

PERSONAL MEMENTOS ARE A MUST! Creating a richly layered tableau is not just about combining beautiful patterns, colors and textures. To creating something truly unique and bespoke, you must include photos, books and objects d’art that speak of the person who will be using the room. As a decorator, I try to get into the mind and soul of my clients, really learning from them what they are passionate about. This allows me to create a finished room that reflects their own personality and taste. But don’t get carried away. Knowing how to edit out the noise and confusion a client wouldn’t have the stomach for is very important. I can be a ruthless editor, but in the end, it’s to create the more perfect version of the client.

ANIMAL PRINT CAN TAKE YOU FROM TIRED TO TRANSFORMATIONAL. Animal print is really the number one gimmick employed by any decorator worth his design fees. It instantly provides energy to a room and takes it over the edge. Just one pillow or ottoman upholstered in animal print can make your room look like the cover of a magazine. You can throw it in with any room scheme and it creates an exotic flair you can’t get any other fabric pattern. I use animal print in almost every home I do. It’s one of the most effective tools in our professional toolbox.

As you start to think about your next decorating project, keep in mind the importance of layering different fabrics, colors and finishes in the room. By following my tried and true tricks of the trade you too can bring details that will make your room swoon worthy.

March 2016 | YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 57

BUSINESS | Your Real Estate

WILLIAMSON COUNTY HOME SALES RISE IN JANUARY MARKET MAINTAINS MOMENTUM, SINGLE-FAMILY HOME PRICE REMAINS STABLE The total number of closed home sales rose 18 percent in January 2016 in Williamson County, Tennessee compared to the same period last year, according to the monthly market report released today by the Williamson County Association of REALTORS®(WCAR).

“The positive momentum Williamson County’s real estate market experienced last year continued in the first month of 2016,” said David Logan, President of the Board for Williamson County Association of REALTORS®. “Additionally, this marks the county’s seventh consecutive January for increased home sales in the first month of the year.”

The median sales price for a single-family home remained stable with a 2 percent rise over the same period last year. In January 2016, the median sales price for a singlefamily home was $420,372, compared to $412,090 in 2015. The median sales price for condos in January 2016 was $192,000 versus $297,000, a decrease of 35 percent from January 2015.

Total available residential inventory in Williamson County stood at 1,470 units at the end of January indicating a 4.5-month supply of housing in the area. This marks a decrease from the 5. 5 months’ supply for the same period in 2015, but improved from the 3-month supply from last month.

“Inventory is a key driver in an active market and it appears the housing supply, while the numbers suggest is slightly improved in January, is still on the lower side”, said Logan. “Pent up demand from people who would like to move up or down, but haven’t found the option that best suits their needs is one contributing factor, along with the continuation of local investors choosing real estate as a smart option for financial investment.”

With 2,200 members, the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® provides support and services for area real estate professionals and is the leading voice in the community for its members, as well as residential and commercial property owners. REALTOR® is a registered trademark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.

LIFESTYLE | Welcome Home

Passing on the Torch for a Golden Era The Golden Era Estate is located on beautiful, rolling, country side hills in Hendersonville, Tennessee and is the home of William Lee Golden of the legendary Oak Ridge Boys. This home has a thick history in Sumner County. It was formerly known as “Pilot’s Knob,” and is documented as the oldest brick home in Tennessee.

Historic in structure and full of Tennessee history, the Federal-style structure home was built in 1786 on a military outpost by Revolutionary War Captain James Franklin. Franklin was awarded the property in gratitude for his military service. The Franklin family gravesites are just beyond the present property line in the backyard. Franklin’s son, Isaac, later built and lived in the Mansion at Fairvue Plantation in nearby Gallatin, Tennessee.

During the Civil War, the Golden Era plantation became a station camp for the Confederate soldiers. When word came that Union soldiers were approaching, the plantation occupants buried their gold and silver before

Golden Era Plantation is more than a home; it is a piece of history.

March 2016 | YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 61

leaving. During extensive renovations in 1976, over $12,000 of pre-Civil War gold coins were discovered in the basement. Four years later, William Lee Golden purchased the home. He vowed, as its present caretaker, to try to put the gold back into the home and he feels that he has been faithful to the oath.

Not just gold coins were found in and around the home. Indian arrowheads and pieces of pottery (both Indian and early American) were found buried all over the property. A large time capsule was securely hidden inside the home during the last renovation.

Over the years, two tornadoes have struck the stately home. Rebuilding and renovations by the Golden’s took place after a direct hit by a category four tornado in 2006. The damage was extensive, as the tornado took off the roof and damaged much of the top floor. James Wallace was commissioned to restore the home to its original grandeur. Bricks of the same age and

62 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

likeness were located and shipped in. The renovations were completed by April 2007. While you will see modern updates, the building is faithful to the original architecture and aesthetics.

Home owner, Brenda Hall Golden, describes the unique beauty of the estate and property. She says, “Each season at Golden Era is special. In the spring all of the white and purple wild violets, as well as the wild strawberries, are in full bloom, and they blanket the lawn. In summer, the property is completely isolated with green foliage. The fall brings gold trees, which illuminate the rooms. The winter is a time for family gathering, and this home is perfect for entertaining and decorating.”

Brenda also feels that “Golden Era Plantation is more than a home; it is a piece of history.”

With the selling of the estate, both Brenda and William hope to find a person to buy the home that has had as much love and devotion as they in keeping the history true to the property. “This is a peaceful place,” says William. “It encourages relaxation and creativity.”

It’s full of memories for him, but now it’s time to pass on the torch to others to make their memories.

See the full listing for Golden Era Estate at www.JanisJMartin.com.

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SOCIAL | Music City Masquerade

Story Submitted & Photography by Kristi Irving Photography The fourth annual Masquerade, benefiting The Junior League of Nashville, was a huge success with record breaking attendance! Guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner, dancing and an after party.

For more than 90 years, the Junior League of Nashville has worked to improve the health of local children, a focus that has been newly sharpened to help raise awareness and provide solutions for the growing problems of childhood obesity, literacy and human trafficking in our community. The Masquerade is a special evening to celebrate the 1,600 members and community partners who make it possible for them to continue helping women and children in our community reach their full potential. For more information, visit jlnashville.org.

Christina & Paul Logan

Weber Reid, Erin Reid & Robbie Reid

Robert Glover & Ashley Goldman

Erika & Benjamin Digby

Jennifer Hill, Kerry Dunn & Krystal Clark

Lucas & Kerri Burton

Hadley Doolittle & Matt Crosby

James & Angela Plasko

Linde & David Pflaum

SOCIAL | Fabulous Friends for Africa

Story & Photography by Shelby Waltz The Fabulous Friends for Africa hosted their 9th annual Valentine’s Party on February 13th at The Factory at Franklin. The Liberty Ballroom was beautifully decorated for the charity event, which included an Italian dinner, silent auction and live music performed by the 12 South Band. More than $500,000 has been raised over the past eight years by the Fabulous Friends, and they intend to continue their success. Proceeds from this particular event have gone towards improving the lives of 150 children in a South African orphanage. This year’s proceeds will directly benefit women and children in Africa who have been traumatized by war and the sex slave industry. For more information on the Fabulous Friends for Africa and their charity work, visit fabulousfriendsforafrica.org.

Matt & Llew Ann King, Carlyle & Jane Carroll, Russ & Mimi Heldman

Laura Eddleman & Teresa Sugar

Joel & Terrie Hill

John Walter & Pete Rathbun

Randy & Leta Mann, Suzanne & Bob Rawwells

KC & John Hutchinson, Scott & Melissa Greenwood, Blair & David McLeod

Martha & Malcom Greenwood

Dale Pacetti, Carol & Charles DeWitt, Jim & Lou Douglas

Devon & Jason Morris, Emily Wiesner, Mike & Sarah Thomas

LIFESTYLE | The Lady Entertains

You Don’t Need Luck TO HOST A FUN ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY

BY KRISTA EHRET

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the best holidays for hosting a party. The tricky part can be what type of event you want to throw.

From family friendly to a beer fest, there are several ways to go with this. Here are some of my favorite options to help you decide.

IRISH WHISKEY & BEER TASTING PARTY

You can’t find a more appropriate day to host a booze-sampling cocktail party. This takes your traditional element of drinking, but ads a more sophisticated flair to it. To present the offerings, you will definitely want rocks glasses and small beer pilsners. If you don’t own enough, these can be rented from local party companies. I recommend having each sample poured, labeled, and arranged as a set for each guest prior to anyone arriving. There are tons of great ideas on how to style this look online. For food, I’d go with heavy appetizers. Heavy being key here! You want something ultra absorbent for guests to put in their tummies.

Think up-scale bar food. Brisket sliders, cheese board with crackers, loaded potato wedges, etc.

68 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

LEPRECHAUN SCAVENGER HUNT PARTY

This is a perfect play-date idea for the kiddos. Hide several bags of “leprechaun gold” throughout the house and then leave clues that lead to another clue that eventually lead to the gold. The gold can be actual coins, chocolate coins, or another small gift. Leprechauns are known to be mischievous, so set the stage. Flip some small pieces of furniture upside down, put green hand prints on the windows, etc.

The hunt should keep the kids busy for a while, but you may consider having a small craft or coloring station ready as well. Irish style food probably won’t be a hit with the younger crowd, so maybe just create a festive palette with green and rainbow colors.

LADIES’ CRAFT AND MOVIE NIGHT

I’ll take any excuse for a night with the girls, and St. Paddy’s is no exception. Find a fun themed craft on Pinterest (there are tons) that each person can make and then take home.

Provide all materials and have it set when everyone arrives. If paint is involved, you may encourage the ladies to dress appropriately or even provide with cute smocks. Leap Year is a great movie option to either watch after you’re done with the craft, or have on in the background during. Keep the food light with a yummy potato soup and salad.

TEEN TACKY ST. PADDY’S

It’s easy to host an adult or kid party, but preteens and teens can be tricky, especially when the holiday is so alcohol-driven. Steer them clear of holiday mischief by asking if they want to host their own party at home. Similar to the idea of a tacky Christmas sweater party, invite guests to wear their “best” green garb with a prize for the most creative. If you live in a close-knit community, you could even organize a larger scale scavenger hunt within the subdivision. Offer traditional fare such as Irish stew, shepherd’s pie with Guinness gravy, corned beef, and cabbage rolls. Also consider a fun mock-tail and some root beer in steins.

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THOMPSONS STATION 3,569 SF | 4 BR, 3 Full BA | $599,800 2648 Sporting Hill Bridge Road Lawrence M. Lipman, 615.364.3333

CENTER HILL 3,064 SF | 4 BR, 2 Full BA, 1 Half BA 932 Sunny Point Road| $595,000 Lawrence M. Lipman, 615.364.3333 thelipmangroup.com 2002 Richard Jones Road Suite C-104 | Nashville, TN 615.463.3333 Each office is independently owned and operated.

BUSINESS | Ribbon Cuttings

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

Hardwood Bargains 277 Mallory Station Lane, Suite 118 Franklin, TN

Connors Steak & Seafood 1916 Galleria Boulevard Franklin, TN

Herban Market 3078 Maddux Way, Suite 300 Franklin, TN

MidTenn Insurance Company 7240 Nolensville Road, Suite 206 Nolensville, TN

Graphitti Sign & Graphic Studio 114 SE Pkwy Court #120 Franklin, TN

Dental Care of Spring Hill 2030 Crossings Circle Franklin, TN

BUSINESS | Williamson Scoop

OAK LAKE CHARITY BOWL SUPPORTS BRIDGES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER

Organizers, Lucinda and John Rouse, held the 2nd Annual Oak Lake Charity Bowl at their home in Spring Hill in February.

Friends gathered for an afternoon and evening of live music, a chili cook off and silent auction to support Bridges Domestic Violence Center. All of their efforts resulted in a $2,800 donation. A check was presented to Bridges. A check was presented to Bridges on February 17. Learn more at oaklakecharitybowl.myevent.com.

231 PUBLIC SQUARE BUILDING TO FEATURE FRANKLIN’S FIRST ROOFTOP RESTAURANT SPACE The first ever rooftop restaurant and event space in Williamson County will soon be available in downtown Franklin. Developers of 231 Public Square – the former First Tennessee Bank building located on Franklin’s historic Square – have released renderings of the restaurant space set to be added to the building’s roof, with plans to break ground on the project this summer.

The 9,400 square-foot flat roof will include not only a large patio with 360-degree views of downtown Franklin and the rolling hills of Williamson County, but also more than 4,000 square feet of premium restaurant space under roof. Altogether, the facility will be able to accommodate events for up to 500 patrons. The 231 Public Square building promises to re-envision the 1970s-era former First Tennessee building, while adding a 6,500 square-foot ground

level restaurant that opens to the Square and 20,000 square feet of Class A office space on two floors. With 160 linear feet of 14-foot high first-floor windows and a large patio street-side, the building will become a destination for locals and visitors.

Inside, a grand lobby and multi-floor architectural stairwell will greet patrons, along with passenger and service elevators for easy access to the rooftop restaurant.

Outside, a private fountain courtyard will offer a respite from the action on the Square for the guests of the restaurant and tenants. Leasing at 231 Public Square is currently underway. For more details, including floor plans and renderings, visit 231PublicSquare.com. Reach Bernie Butler at bernie@231publicsquare.com or by phone at 615.472.9472.

Continued on page 73

LIFESTYLE | Keeping Score

MARCH MADNESS HOW TO FILL OUT A BRACKET THAT WON’T MAKE YOU

MAD

BY DAVID CHANGAS

It’s March and that means only one thing in the sports world the NCAA Tournament. College basketball doesn’t come close to sharing the popularity of its football counterpart, especially in the South, but when the field of 68 is announced on Selection Sunday, everyone becomes a hoops junkie.

Whether you’ve watched the sport intently for four months or haven’t spent four minutes in front of a tube checking out the action, odds are, you will fill out a bracket in the hopes of taking home the big prize in your office pool. And if you haven’t any paid attention, here are some suggestions for how to give yourself the best chance to win.

DON’T PAY TOO MUCH ATTENTION TO SEEDS In the first round, for any games other than those involving the top two or three seeds in each region, seeding can be irrelevant. When looking for those first-round upsets to pick, pay more attention to what Vegas says (we’re not encouraging gambling here, but the oddsmakers in Sin City usually know what they’re talking about) than where the teams are placed in the bracket. It’s all about matchups, and you can get an early jump in your pool if you pick the right upsets.

AVOID GETTING TOO CINDERELLA HAPPY Picking a few early upsets is a good idea, but don’t overdo it. And once you get a bit deeper in the tournament, you don’t want too many high seeds littering your bracket. At the end of the Big Dance, the cream usually rises to the top, and you don’t want to be stuck 72 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

with too many teams that get eliminated early deep in your bracket.

Though, this year’s tourney has a chance to be the most wide-open in years, remember that it’s pretty rare that teams seeded five or higher reach the Final Four.

IF YOUR BRACKET IS A DUD, ENJOY THE TOURNAMENT ANYWAY Just remember that most years, whether you’re an avid college basketball fan or not, you’re going to shred your bracket in frustration before the NCAA Tournament concludes its first weekend. At that point, you may be tempted to stop paying attention to the action. Don’t make that mistake. The Big Dance consistently produces some of the greatest drama in sports. You shouldn’t allow bad prognostication to cost you the enjoyment of seeing it. So if you aren’t competitive in your pool, forget about it, and have fun watching.

This season, there’s a good chance we will witness the most wideopen tournament we’ve ever seen. Unlike last year, there is no dominant team that will be the heavy favorite to win it all. North Carolina, Maryland, Villanova, Kansas and Oklahoma may be the best bets to cut the nets down in early April, but another dozen or so teams can make that they’re good enough. This should make for the most entertaining March Madness we’ve seen in a long time. And assuming it does, we’ll once again be reminded that, while many of us may ignore the sport for eleven months, it always delivers in March.

BUSINESS | Scoop Continued from page 71 WILLIAMSON, INC. ANNOUNCES THE FORMATION OF THE WILLIAMSON BUSINESS PAC Williamson, Inc., the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development arm in Williamson County, announces the formation of the Williamson Business Political Action Committee (PAC) to give businesses an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen their voice in the local political process. The Williamson Business PAC’s first course of action will begin with a focus on the August 2016 Williamson County school board elections. The decision to participate in the Williamson County school board elections is predicated on the fact that significant gains in achievement and individual success stories are being overshadowed by headlines and distractions that put the reputation of Williamson County Schools at risk.

The PAC’s goal is to raise the level of engagement of the business community to help move our public school systems - our number one economic asset - forward. The Williamson, Inc. Chamber and the Williamson Business PAC will have distinct boundaries in terms of governance and financing. Learn more about the Williamson Business PAC at williamsonpac.org.

BRENTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CAMPUS CHAPTER RECEIVES STATE FARM GRANT Brentwood High School Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter has been selected to receive a $10,000 matching grant from State Farm®, the national corporate sponsor of Habitat¹s youth programs.

Across the country, State Farm is providing grants to more than 30 youth groups to engage youth in Habitat’s home construction and neighborhood revitalization activities. A Habitat campus chapter is a student-led, student-initiated organization on a high school or college campus that partners with the local Habitat affiliate to build, fundraise, advocate and educate to support the work of Habitat for Humanity. Brentwood High School Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Williamson-Maury for 16 years and will use the funds to build a home in partnership with Shateka McCord in north Columbia, TN. Grant requirements include raising matching funds. Scheduled fundraising activities include a Habitat Week at the school, Mr. BHS pageant and a Knock & Deliver campaign in area neighborhoods. For more information about the homeownership program, volunteering, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit hfhwm.org. For more information, please visit statefarm.com.

LIFESTYLE | Come Fly With Me

Planning a Trip To Disney

BY JENNIFER HARTMAN

I consider one of the best things about having children is being able to see the world through their eyes. It seems like when you are young all you want to do is grow up.

And, once you are a “grown up”, you wish to be young again. I believe Walt Disney opened up a world for adults of any age to be a kid again! My husband Brian and I have taken our kids to Disney many times, and each one of them holds priceless, special moments in our hearts. From the first time my daughter met her favorite Disney princess to my son meeting THE Lightening McQueen, we have so many magical moments that will never be forgotten. I love the feeling that I get when I am driving through the gates of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Every single time I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. I can totally relate when other adults say to me, “This may sound crazy, but I think I am more excited about this trip than my children!” Nope, that doesn’t sound crazy at all!

I have had the privilege of being an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner for almost five years, and I absolutely love my job! When you are passionate about what you do, it doesn’t seem like work at all. Disney vacation planning can seem overwhelming to most people, especially those who have never been before. With over 22 resort properties, four theme parks, two water parks, dining plans, fast passes, magic bands etc., all the choices and information can take the fun out of vacation planning for some folks, which is why using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner makes sense.

The best part of all is the services are complementary to you! Disney sees the value we bring, and they compensate us for taking extra special care of their guests.

74 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

With our passion and knowledge for all things Disney, we are able to provide unmatched services to each and every client. We don’t just “book” your vacation we “plan” your vacation. There are so many things that we have learned over the years that help our clients get the most out of their Disney vacation. From finding the resort to fit your needs and budget to providing the ultimate packing list, we’ve got you covered!

Our goal as your personal Disney vacation planners are to meet and exceed your expectations and help you create wonderful memories for your family, too. Feel free to look us up to begin making your dreams come true!

For more information, go to jkmousetravel.com.

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COMMUNITY | Your Kids

BENEFITS OF ORGANIZED SPORTS FOR CHILDREN

BY GINGER JONES

Sometimes, the benefits of organized sports beyond ‘fun with friends’ aren’t clear to parents. It can be viewed as pulling away from studies or other important things in your children’s lives, or even dangerous to some extent. Before deciding whether or not your kiddos should be star athletes at such a young age, make sure you’re educated on why sports are still as important as ever.

When a child joins a sports team, they’re learning more than how to kick a football or shoot a ball into a hoop. What they’re really learning is how to collaborate with kids their age to work towards a common goal.

Even more than group projects, kids must participate with a large group of their peers to make something happen together. They must each learn why their role is important, and how their role - whether it be on the basketball court, baseball diamond, or football field - can support and help every team member around them. This is a kind of teamwork that you don’t see in any other area of academia.

Even more than learning how to be an effective team member, your child will learn how to take directions from an authority figure. A coach is someone a child looks up to, someone whose input a child trusts will make them better and more skillful, and that kind of direction-taking spills over into the classroom and even at home.

A final important benefit of getting your children onto sporting teams is the physical aspect. Children today aren’t as active as they used to be. There’s less playing outside and running around, and just PE class at school during the day may not be cutting it if they’re coming home as soon as the final bell rings and sitting in front of the TV or iPad for the evening, no matter what you try and get them to do. Enrolling in a sport promotes 76 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

fun physical activity with friends, which develops muscular strength in children. It’s so important for kids to stay active and healthy, and it’s also important for them to have fun with friends! Sports combines the two in a structured environment.

Whether your child wants to play football or dance ballet, getting them into an organized sport when their young has multiple benefits. It may not be for everyone, but it’s always at least worth a try!

Ginger Geldreich Jones, M.A., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert AVT Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Auditory Verbal Therapist Founder, CEO Jones Therapy Services, LLC 615.614.8833 | www.jonestherapyservices.com

COMMUNITY | Easter Egg Hunts

Easter Egg Hunts

Looking for something bigger than the typical backyard Easter Egg hunt this year? Here are a few taking place that the kids and adults will love to participate in.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt March 19 at 10am Franklin Recreation Complex Williamson County Parks and Recreation invites area residents to hop on over to the FREE annual community Easter Egg Hunt.

Children ages 10 and younger are invited to attend! Hundreds of eggs will be scattered and some eggs will contain special prizes.

Don’t forget your basket or sack for gathering eggs. The Easter Bunny will be available for photos, so bring your cameras. Arrive early to allow for parking and walking to the fields. For more information, call 615.790.5719, ext. 2010 or visit wcparksandrec.com.

Easter Eggstravaganza Timberland Park March 25 at 10am Kids will enjoy making a small Easter craft, hunting for Easter eggs and visiting with the Easter Bunny, so don’t forget your cameras. This event is for ages 3 to 5. To register, call Trisha Bilbrey at 615.790.5719, ext. 2044 or visit wcparksandrec.com.

Eggstravaganzoo March 26 from 9am-4pm The Nashville Zoo’s annual spring celebration is back with egg hunts and Easter treats for children of all ages. Activities during the day include 10 scheduled egg hunts for kids, a Zoo-wide hunt for golden eggs, spring-themed games, bounce houses and face painting. Special appearances by the Easter Bunny and Zoo mascot Twiga! For more information, visit nashvillezoo.org.

COMMUNITY | Your Education

CAFETERIA CUISINE

BY ANNIE OSTEEN

School cafeteria food, like hospital cafeteria food, has been targeted as being less than pleasurable when mentioned amongst most of us. For as long as I can remember, there’s always been a less than desirable stigma attached to school cafeteria food. What is it about the cafeteria that’s always been so offensive to the general population and why does it always seem to be in a struggle with regulatory issues? From beginning decades of healthy food to a rise in desserts? How has this industry been one of such evolution when the concept of feeding school-aged children seems relatively simple?

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP), a federal program signed into law

by President Harry S. Truman in 1946, is the most established school meal program in the United States to date. The NSLP was initially established as a “measure of national security, to safeguard the health and well-being of the nation’s children and to encourage domestic consumption of nutritious agricultural commodities.”

The NSLP also provided relatively healthy meals to children who may not have been provided the same thing at home.

The Food and Nutrition Service, an agency of the USDA, runs the NSLP on the federal level. Within individual states, the NSLP is controlled by a state agency, in most cases through offices in the State Department of Education.

78 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

Public schools in America began feeding kids because so many were malnourished and farmers had a surplus of crops to sell. In the 1950’s, the biggest difference from what we see now is the food served was real food. Lunch ladies in hairnets mashed real potatoes, boiled real pasta and even baked real cookies. The majority of the food was also free of dyes and artificial flavors, while cold milk was the only thing offered.

Researchers looked into the possible reason(s) why kids weren’t interested in eating the healthy food items offered to them.

Blaming the taste wasn’t the core reason--the environment was. What was concluded was that there were several factors that played a role within the atmosphere, such as the noise level, the length of their lunch period, the way the food was packaged and how many of their friends were surrounding them at lunch.

To no ones surprise, school lunches transformed in the 1970s when the USDA began to permit vending and food-service companies to play a part in the National School Lunch Program, which showed a significant rise in chips, sodas and candy as part of the average school lunch. The 1980’s came around and more desserts were offered, which were considered “money makers” for schools. Most children love junk food and will grab it when offered, over a healthier option of fruits and veggies.

In accordance to the mandates given by the USDA and the NSLP, schools are required to serve the appropriate amount of fruits and vegetables each day to their students. However, a growing concern by many is the volume of healthy food that’s wasted by the students who choose to throw it in the trash rather than eating it.

Childhood obesity was becoming an issue for many American children during the 1980s and 1990s. Getting fresh fruits and vegetables onto lunch trays in public schools wasn’t necessarily the struggle; most kids weren’t touching them once they were on the tray.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, studied students’ eating habits and found nearly six out of 10 won’t eat a healthy food option on their plate.

As a past student, I can honestly confess that I never understood the politics or the reasons why we had the cafeteria food that we had. It seems that I overlooked the distinct struggle that still seems to take place between price of food, cost of cafeteria labor and the standards that the USDA and NSLP mandate to each school system in our country. Only when it’s looked at closely can one genuinely recognize the imbalance in the system. The idea of pleasing everyone, and their personal standards, isn’t going to happen. However, I can aptly state that given the strict parameters that schools need to abide by along budget restraints, they still strive to determine innovative ways of pleasing everyone with a tray.

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LIFESTYLE | Arts & Culture A La Carte

WITH ANDREA DAVIS Your Williamson’s gal about town for everything arts, culture & leisure.

THEATRE: Chris Mann is the Phantom Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music graduate, Chris Mann, takes on his dream role as the Phantom in Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of Phantom is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52 people, making this one of the largest productions on tour in North America.

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

Chris’s career launched when he was Christina Aguilera’s finalist on NBC’s The Voice. Subsequently, his classical–pop debut album, Roads, hit #1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart. Aguilera praised the album saying, “Everything from his tone, to his richness, to his soulfulness comes through loud and clear.” Chris also starred in his own PBS television special: A Mann For All Seasons. He has performed with the National Symphony for President Obama, at Christmas in Rockefeller Center and headlined his own symphony tour across the country.

The list goes on with appearances on Ellen, The Today Show, Conan, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Christmas in Washington, and he was an original member of the Dalton Academy Warblers on Glee. With so many amazing accomplishments, Chris’ portrayal of the Phantom is definitely one not to miss. You can find out more about him at ChrisMannMusic.com.

The Phantom of the Opera premieres at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Andrew Jackson Hall March 9-20, 2016. “In TPAC’s 35-year history, no other Broadway production has played more weeks or sold more tickets than The Phantom of the Opera, and it remains one of the most requested shows in our audience surveys,” said Kathleen O’Brien, TPAC’s president and chief executive officer. “Presenting it for the first time in 1994 put our Broadway series on a new level, and we’re thrilled to present again this magnificent newly-staged production with its beautiful music, haunting characters, and, of course, the majestic chandelier.” Tickets can be purchased at tpac.org.

80 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM | March 2016

A LA CARTE MONTHLY MENU Fill your calendar with local Arts & Culture!

Murder’s In The Heir Towne Centre Theatre March 4-19 Phantom of the Opera TPAC March 9-20 Amber’s Drive Gray’s On Main March 11 Kingfish Kimbro’s March 12 The Irish Tenors Nashville Symphony March 17-19 Chicago Nashville Repertory Theatre at TPAC March 17-April 16 Rihanna Bridgestone Arena March 18 “Let’s Dance” The Tour 2016 War Memorial Auditorium March 20 Andrew Bird Ryman Auditorium March 30

YOUR MONTHLY | Did You Know?

DID YOU KNOW? IN HONOR OF EASTER, DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT THE BIBLE?

The Bible was printed in 1454 A.D. by Johannes Gutenberg who invented the “type mold” for the printing press. It was the first book ever printed.

The Bible was written over a period of some 1,500 years, from around 1450 B.C. to about 100 A.D.

The first English translation of the Bible was made in 1382 A.D. by John Wycliffe.

The Bible contains 66 books, divided among the Old and New Testaments.

There are 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament.

Testament means “covenant” or “contract.”

The Bible was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by over 40 different authors from all walks of life: shepherds, farmers, tentmakers, physicians, fishermen, priests, philosophers and kings.

The Bible was written in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic and Koine Greek. information courtesy of bibleresources.org

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