BRIDGES GOLF TOURNAMENT
WINE, BOURBON & CELEBRATE
WILLIAMSON, INC. GOLF TOURNAMENT
A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE
Celebrating 10 Years
g n i t a r b Cele
MAY 2021
! s r a ye THE LADIES’ EDITION
HERE FOR YOU, ALWAYS.
Our ER is open 24/7/365. When you visit us, you’ll receive fast, compassionate care that always adheres to the highest safety standards. Leave it to our expert ER team members to quickly get you back on your feet, and on your way. WilliamsonMedicalCenter.org/ER
4321 CAROTHERS PARKWAY • FRANKLIN (615) 435-5000 • WILLIAMSONMEDICALCENTER.ORG
2 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
A
NAS HV I LL E
R ETR E AT TO REVITA LI ZE YOUR
MI ND,
BODY A N D SPIR I T.
807 Clark Place, Nashville, TN 3rd Floor rhapsodyspanashville.com 629.800.5050
FEATURES
26 YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNER 2021 Ladies of Distinction
38 INTERIOR THINKING Beautifully Designed for Love with Bloom Family Designs
52 POURS & PALATES 1799 at The Harpeth: Have the Experience
64 UP THE ROAD
Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel: Come Get Lucky With Us!
74 EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY Sweetness Is In Full Bloom at Blooming Kupcakes
ON THE COVER:
YOUR Williamson Celebrates Our 10th Anniversary in Publication
6 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
74
BUILDING A LUXURY HOME SHOULD BE A LUXURY EXPERIENCE
From the $900s to $2+ million For more information visit:
livealegend.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS MONTHLY
LIFESTYLE
COMMUNITY
12
Letter from the Publisher
14
Social Secretary
16
Styling Your Everyday 2016 with Katie Jacobs
46
25
Socially Yours
82
Did You Know?
18
Beautiful You with SkinTheoryRX
A Little Something Extra Voice Activated Technology Enhances Aging at Home
20
Your Health & Wellness with Williamson Medical Center
76
Your Education 2018 with Layne Pickett
21
Your Best Self May is Mental Health Month
77
News from the Schools in Williamson County
22
Fashionable You Haute History: Ann Cole Lowe
78
Your Kids 2014 with Ginger Jones
48
In Your Backyard Backyarding Personalities
79
Read Between the Lines The Horses of Second Wind Farm
50
A Southern Gentleman Is 2016 with Danny Anderson
56
A Spirited Conversation with Franklin Wine & Spirits
60
Come Fly With Me The Brazilian Court Hotel
72
The Lady Entertains with Southern Events
80
Arts & Culture
80 BUSINESS 36
Your Real Estate The Value of a Legacy Vacation Home
44
It’s Your Business Graham’s Living
72
66 Distinctively Williamson Business Jenny Cruger Photography
SOCIAL
68 Scoop YOU in the News 69
Ribbon Cuttings Welcome New Business to Williamson County
71
We’re in the Money with FirstBank
8 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
66
19
BRIDGES Golf Tournament
58
Wine, Bourbon & Celebrate
68
Williamson, Inc. Golf Tournament
mily-owned dealership, Walker Chevrolet takes pride in putting our relationship with the customer first. Get a classic American brand fro a local, family-owned dealership at Walker Chevrolet. Visit walkerchevrolet.com or call 615.591.6000 to get started on buying your new Chevrolet. wvttww
Come see the ladies of Walker Chevrolet Franklin! Here in Williamson County, roots run deep. And at Walker Chevrolet in Franklin, those roots began in 1926 in this community. As a local, family-owned dealership, Walker Chevrolet takes pride in putting our relationship with the customer first. Get a classic American brand from a local, family-owned dealership at Walker Chevrolet. Visit walkerchevrolet.com or call 615.591.6000 to get started on buying your new Chevrolet.
WALKER CHEVROLET | 3940 CAROTHERS PARKWAY | FRANKLIN, TN 37067
YOUR STAFF Shelly Robertson Birdsong
Johnny Birdsong PUBLISHER
PUBLISHER EDITOR IN CHIEF
PEEL S DE LS
Anna Robertson Ham MANAGING PUBLISHER
Christian Headden
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Tracey Starck
CREATIVE SERVICES
CREATIVE SERVICES
Ron Cheatham
Jackson Ryan
OPERATIONS
DISTRIBUTION
F
IL
LE
R BOT O
P FACI
Mackenzie Smith
APL ANE
PR
M
A
R
DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN’S NEW FAVORITE MED SPA
X
Nurse Zan Master Injector
primary objective 615-747-0071 | ÔSKINTHEORYRX.COM | ÚSKINTHEORYRX ¼ primary focus 504 WEST MAIN STREET | FRANKLIN, TN 37064
Your Williamson and Distinctively Southern Wedding are publications of: Robertson Media Group, LLC
404 Bridge Street | Franklin, TN | 37064 Office: 615.465.6046 yourwilliamson.com distinctivelysouthernwedding.com
A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE
Please send all content & coverage requests to: info@robertsonmediagroup.com FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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It’s so good to seat you again! Contact the Southern team to reserve rentals for your 2021 event today.
Your Williamson & Distinctively Southern Wedding are publications of Robertson Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or whole, without written permission from the publisher, is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Your Williamson, Distinctively Southern Wedding or Robertson Media Group, LLC, its employees, and/or its representatives. All information printed in this publication or online, is compiled in such a way as to ensure accuracy. However, Your Williamson, Distinctively Southern Wedding and Robertson Media Group, LLC and its agents, assume no liability and/or responsibility for the accuracy of claims in advertisements, articles, photographs etc. published directly or submitted.
MONTHLY
Publisher’s Letter
1ST COVER - MAY 2011
CELEBRATING TEN YEARS AS YOUR WILLIAMSON! “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the COMMUNITY, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.” - GEORGE BERNARD SHAW
Don't miss an issue of YOUR Williamson!
FRANKLIN WINE FESTIVAL
PUMPKINFEST
Dear Readers, WINE DOWN MAIN STREET
A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN
PLACE
NOVEMBER 2019
A GOLDEN GALLOP PARADE A DISTINC
TIVELY SOUTHE
RN PLACE
Y 2019 HOLIDA
Merry as Christm From our family
MAIN STREET FESTIVAL
A VINTAGE AFFAIR
A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE MAY 2019
INTERIOR THINKING A Fall Gathering Spot
YOUR COMMUNITY
to yours
Celebrating Business with
PARTNER
Williamson, Inc.
Forty Six Years of the Heritage Special Commemorative
Edition
Ball
Cheers to Eight Years
YOUR WILLIAMSON ANNIVERSARY ISSUE Featuring Our Distinctively Southern Ladies
BLACK TIE
AFFAIR
ANTIQU SHOW ES & GARDEN OF NAS HVILLE
A DIST
DENIM
& DIAMO
NDS
INCTIVEL Y SOUTHE
RN PLAC
MAR CH
Eat, Drin and be km err
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2020
A LITT ING EX LE TRA flow
SOMETH Southall
A SPIR
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Tom Blac k: Wine
CONVER Reclaimi ng SATION Whiskey A Birthright: Disti and Histo ry to Tenn lleries Return essee
is Proof
YOUR A Vintage
Farm’s Wild
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that God
Loves Us
COMM UNIT PARTNE Y R brates Twen
Affair Cele
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SUBSCRIBE TO OUR E - N E W S L E T T E R AT yourwilliamson.com
A N D S TAY I N T H E KNOW
This is the quote I have had on my email signature for, well maybe almost a decade! Every time I am about to take it off, or even change it, I stop short and think…no, this really says it all. THIS is what defines not just my own personal reflection of purpose, in what and why I do what I do as publisher of this community magazine, but it also sums up definitively, what WE do here at YOUR Williamson and why. It’s all about community. The bee in our business logo and seen in different ways on our various platforms – is also a reflection of community. The bee represents community after all, and another of our tenets – social. And what is more indicative of community than socializing! I can still remember when we were round-tabling and white-boarding, ten years ago, trying to come up with who we were and what we were about. The why of a business, and the what of a business model, may be simple in many instances. If you sell widgets, for example, you plan to sell as many widgets as possible to make as much profit as possible. Oh sure, quality, customer service and growth, will all be important factors too. But in our case, we found, what we were “selling,” far bigger than just a widget, or in our case – an advertisement. It all comes back to community for me. We are selling this community: Williamson County. When I tell people who and what we are – why THIS magazine, it’s because of Williamson County and this community. It IS a Distinctively Southern Place, and a place so unique and so incredible, it deserves no less than its own publication. We define ourselves as THE Lifestyle, Social, Business, Community publication for and about Williamson County. And whose community is that? That would be YOUR Williamson. And so, we were off. Came up with a tagline, a logo and a template for design; some demographics – oh just about the best in the
12 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
country; a distribution plan; chose size, paper stock and circulation plan – and voila – we had a magazine. If only it were that simple! Now, ten years and nearly 100 issues later – we reflect on what we are: Have we stayed true? Did we deliver? Have we ebbed and flowed and grown and tempered, and met the times? Of course. Have we fallen short? Have we failed and cried and despaired? Most certainly. Have we persevered? Come through it? Figured out a way? And gotten the job done? Every. Single. Time. After hundreds of contributors, writers, photographers, salespeople and other employees; literally thousands of stories and profiles about this community; and over a million dollars in donated promotion and advertising to local nonprofits and charitable events; we are here, and we are still YOUR Williamson. We are all looking for community. We are all, in so many ways, defined by the communities we find ourselves in: Our church, our work, our schools, our friends, our families – all the communities we become part of, and that we pour who we are, into. Our world lost its community this last year it felt like. Isolation, social distancing, losing our identity behind a mask, and having to shut ourselves off from those communities that define us, has taken a toll. But now is the time to become a community once again. BEE SOCIAL! Live life and enjoy what it is to be a part of Williamson County once again. We are ready! Are you? Let’s start this next decade off, showing our smiles, sharing our time and talents, giving back once again, enjoying fellowship of all kinds, as we take YOUR Williamson to the next level! And may I just say once again, never too often, what a privilege it is to showcase this community and YOU! Thank you! Shelly Robertson Birdsong | Founder, Publisher
Let Us Help You Achieve the Smile You Have Always Dreamed Of
Around the corner from Franklin’s downtown square, you’ll find
Taylor Made Smiles. Step inside and you’ll see that we’ve completely changed the way dental services are delivered. We combine today’s most advanced dental technology with patient care in a welcoming, elegant atmosphere. The goal of our practice is to reveal your smile’s full potential. That means whether you’re seeking preventive, family, or cosmetic treatment, we want to make sure your teeth are as healthy and beautiful as possible.
Accepting New Smiles, Most Insurances Accepted 214 Bridge Street • Franklin, TN 37064 • 615.595.8585
Dr. Missy Taylor Burton
MONTHLY
YOUR Social Secretary M AY
22 JUNE
26
JUNE
27
fcpt
Social Secretary
Here are a few events to add to your Social Calendar this coming month. Visit yourwilliamson.com for more events.
GET CONNECTED
f
Bourbon & Bubbles
Love our new office sign from Signs First of Franklin! Have you spotted it in downtown #FranklinTN yet?
THE PARK AT HARLINSDALE FARM | 5PM - 9PM BOURBONANDBUBBLESFEST.COM
The inaugural Bourbon & Bubbles Fest is a beverage tasting event where attendees can sample bourbon, spirits, wine and more! The event will feature live music and delicious food for purchase from area restaurants. Attendees must be 21+. A portion of ticket sales from this event will benefit Friends of Franklin Park.
Iroquois Steeplechase PERCY WARNER PARK | IROQUOISSTEEPLECHASE.ORG
Nashville’s grand tradition returns to Percy Warner Park on June 26th. Event organizers are working diligently following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for major outdoor events. Patrons will see more sanitizing stations, masked and gloved workers and more. Box holders are now able to purchase tickets to the party tents, Paddock Club, Iroquois Society and Turf Club. The Hillside Tents, private party tents, are on sale for 50 or 80 guests with the option to purchase additional tickets for party-goers. Individual tickets are also on sale for patrons who wish to attend the event and roam throughout the venue. Tailgating spaces are on sale and the annual Tailgating Contest will take place by the Your Williamson team of judges!
c
The #YourWilliamson team had a blast at the annual Bridges Golf Scramble!
Sunset Concert Series
CARNTON EAST LAWN | BOFT.ORG
The Battle of Franklin Trust has announced the dates and lineup for its annual Sunset Concert Series, a family-friendly, summer tradition providing outdoor concerts on the east lawn of Carnton. This year’s schedule includes fan favorite musical acts: Rubiks Groove: 80s and 90s Tribute Band on June 27th and Resurrection: A Journey Tribute on July 25th. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Carnton or Carter House, as well as online at boft.org.
The Gentleman’s Edition Our Summer edition will feature lots of cool summer fun for the hottest months of the year! Enjoy our annual tribute to “The Gentlemen of Williamson County,” as well as our special feature section on the Iroquois Steeplechase!
ADVERTISING DEADLINE 14 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
June 5th | sales@yourwilliamson.com
LIFESTYLE | Styling Your Everyday 2016 Celebrating 10 Years with a Special Feature Worth Sharing Again
Planning the Perfect Picnic AL FRESCO DINING TURNS EVEN THE SIMPLEST MEAL INTO A MEMORABLE OCCASION BY KATIE JACOBS
The best way to take advantage of the beautiful, warm days ahead is with a picturesque picnic eaten in a lovely al fresco setting. There’s something about eating outdoors, and on a blanket, that makes food taste slightly more delicious.
THE PARK AT HARLINSDALE FARM Pitch a blanket between the new Tractor Supply Co. Horse Arena and beautiful historic barn. While you’re there, take your pup to the dog park or for a loop around the walking trail.
Whether you’re feeding a large group on the boat at the lake, having a romantic picnic for two, or enjoying a mom-and-me afternoon at the park, picnics can be a fun change up to the normal routine. Sure, you could grab fast food and sit in the grass, but why not make a memory by having an extraordinary meal in a special place?
ARRINGTON VINEYARDS Go early, and snag a picnic table or a table on the patio. Watch the sun set over the vineyard, and enjoy a bottle of Red Fox Red.
There are a few important tips to consider when packing your meal to-go. First, when planning your menu, choose items that will not spoil easily. Avoid foods with mayonnaise or dairy, make a vinegar based potato salad instead of the traditional mayo based version, skip the deviled eggs, and leave the yogurt at home in the fridge.
THE NATCHEZ TRACE Birdsong Hollow at milepost 438 off Hwy 96 provides views of the double-arched bridge, 155 feet high, with a great view of The Loveless Cafe.
Secondly, pack smart. You don’t have to use a traditional picnic basket. Any basket, tote bag, cooler or even wagon will do the trick. Pack food in sealable containers to prevent spilling. Don’t forget the necessities like plates, napkins, cups, ice, a blanket and a bottle opener. Think ahead by packing a trash bag and wipes for easy clean-up. Finally, choose a location that’s fun for the whole family. You don’t have to venture far to make a memory. A local park, kids’ baseball field, or even your own back yard can be exciting and special.
FAVORITE PERFECT PICNIC DESTINATIONS CHEEKWOOD Go to see the flowers and the International Playhouses. Take your toddler for art class on Tuesdays, and set up a picnic over-looking the pond. Or, take your significant other to “First Thursday Nights in the Gardens,” and eat from the food trucks. STEEPLECHASE AT PERCY WARNER PARK Percy Warner’s Steeplechase is great for picnicking beyond the Iroquois. CARTON PLANTATION The Sunset Concert Series is the perfect excuse for a picnic and live music. PINKERTON PARK Hike the steps up to Fort Granger for a picnic with a view. 16 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
menu al fresco Caprese Sandwiches with Basil Pesto
Fresh Grapes, Blueberries, and Dried Apricots
Salami Subs with Balsamic Vinegar and Arugula
Sweetened Green Tea with Mint and Orange
Strawberry Salsa
Blackberry Limeade
California Quinoa
Chocolate Chunk Toffee Cookies
Cucumber Mint Salad
New Homesites in 2021!
Discover A Community for Every Stage of Life Tour our 5 furnished models Village Series From the mid $300s
Cottage Series From the low $400s
Retreat Series From the low $400s
Estate Series From the mid $600s
Sanctuary Series Coming Soon!
615.849.1149 www.sheltonsquareliving.com Visit our Info Center at 5711 Shelton Blvd. - Murfreesboro Only 3 minutes from I-840
YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 17
LIFESTYLE
Beautiful You
Healthier, Thicker, Fuller Looking Hair WITH TISHA O’DOWD
Everyone wants it. How do you get it? This month we feature some ways you can do that with products and services from SkinTheoryRX in downtown Franklin.
1. HydraFacial Keravive: What is it? A unique, relaxing treatment designed to cleanse, exfoliate, nourish, and hydrate the scalp for
healthier and fuller looking hair for all skin and hair types. The HydraFacial’s Solution delivers a hyper-concentrated blend of biomimetic growth factors and skin proteins that hydrate and nourish the scalp.
What to expect: Three monthly in office treatments including topical take home spray 2. PRP for Hair $600 What is it? Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative, non-surgical solution for men and women
experiencing hair loss and miniaturized hair growth, in which strands of hair become finer and finer with the passage of years. PRP hair restoration is a safe, natural alternative that involves injecting the scalp with platelet-rich plasma obtained from the patient’s own body to restore miniaturized follicles and repair damaged tissues
What to expect: Using a fine needle, PRP is injected into the scalp, concentrating on the areas that display the
most severe hair loss. Injections are administered in a specific pattern to maximize the regenerative effects of the PRP treatment.
3. Virtue Flourish What is it? Powered by two groundbreaking keratin proteins and born from regenerative medicine, virtue
developed a brand-new approach specifically for female hair loss. Their treatments cleanse, purify, and enrich the scalp, creating fertile ground for hair to grow. As each new hair emerges, it’s nourished and strengthened so it can survive and thrive.
What to expect:
The results have been incredible – dramatically thicker, fuller, healthier hair. Get started with Virtue’s Flourish Shampoo and Conditioner.
4. NutraFol What is it?
Provides hair wellness from within. Improves hair growth with visibly more thickness and strength. Target root causes of thinning hair like stress, environment, and nutrition with medical-grade, natural ingredients that support your whole-body health.
TISHA O’DOWD SkinTheory Rx Owner & Aesthetician Tisha O’Dowd is a medical aesthetician and owner of SkinTheoryRx located in downtown Franklin. She has over twenty years of experience in the medical aesthetic industry and specializes in result driven treatments and skincare.
18 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
Sponsored Event SOCIAL
12th Annual Bridges Golf Scramble
Story & Photography by Mackenzie Smith On a surprisingly sunny afternoon, Bridges Domestic Violence Center hosted their 12th Annual Golf Scramble at the Temple Hills Golf Course, sponsored by E3 Construction Services LLC. After a complimentary lunch provided by Hunt Brothers Pizza, several fun contests took place with valuable prizes. Twenty-one teams arrived hungry to play and win at this fundraiser, which benefited the only domestic violence center in Williamson County. Through various programs, Bridges serves men, women, and children who have been affected by domestic violence and assists in their transitions Hannah Shellnut to successful independent living. Learn more at bridgesdvc.org.
Cole Hodges & Chad Schmidt
Poonam Bery, Jeanne Rybolt, Marybeth Averill, Erin Brown & Karla McCamish
Lynn Schroeder & Linda Crockett
Michael Ma & Michael Ambrose
David Vincent Williams, Joe Morales & Chance Formby
Eric Brown & Brian Chmura
1027 8TH AVE SOUTH
Jerry Hopkins, Glenn Maul, Jim Wells & Dan Ford
Craig Burrer, Johnny Birdsong, Bo Birdsong & Tom Janisse
NASHVILLE, TN 615.491.9009 HAT WRKS.COM
Your Health & Wellness
LIFESTYLE
accompanied by pain, rash, or any other sign of infection.
TOP 10
ER CONDITIONS THAT
SHOULDN’T BE IGNORED WITH WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER
Has the threat of COVID-19 made you hesitant about a visit to the hospital, even in urgent situations? Delaying care can have serious consequences. Don’t let the fear of the virus prevent you from getting the emergent care you need. Williamson Medical Center physicians and nurses want you to be aware of the Top Ten ER conditions that should never be ignored. ABDOMINAL PAIN Severe abdominal pain that won’t go away may be a sign of a serious condition such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, or an intestinal blockage or infection. Acute pain that lasts longer than twenty-four hours or accompanies a tender stomach, back pain, vomiting or fever may need urgent diagnosis and treatment. CHEST PAIN Any symptoms of chest pain warrant an immediate ER visit. Even minor chest pain can be a sign of a heart attack, with heart disease being the number one cause of death in America for both men and women. Chest pain with pressure, burning, aching or tightness that comes and goes, especially when accompanied with shortness of breath, arm or jaw pain, excessive fatigue or weakness, nausea/vomiting or back pain, may be signs of a heart attack. 20 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
If you feel you are experiencing a heart attack, you should call 911 immediately. FALLS An unexpected fall can be especially dangerous for the elderly. But bad falls that often result in broken bones and head injuries can be bad news for young and old alike and should be taken seriously. Pain, bleeding, or loss of consciousness may be immediate symptoms that need ER treatment, but it’s important to note other fall-related injury symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or vomiting for head injuries and pain, swelling, or bruising that may flag a fracture. FEVER A fever is a sign of your immune system at work and can often be treated at home. However, a prolonged fever that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication should receive medical attention, especially if
VOMITING Vomiting is a common symptom of a number of illnesses or conditions. While vomiting may be related to food poisoning or the stomach flu, persistent, uncontrolled vomiting can be a sign of serious sickness and can quickly lead to severe dehydration. Vomiting accompanied by severe abdominal pain, chest pain or pressure, high fever or stiff neck also needs to be assessed right away. URINARY RETENTION OR FREQUENCY Both excessive and insufficient urination can be emergency conditions. Sudden urinary retention symptoms may be the result of a blockage or be a sign of an underlying chronic condition. Seeking immediate care when experiencing symptoms such as the inability to urinate, severe bladder, groin, or abdominal pain, abdominal swelling and accompanying nausea is important not only for relief, but to prevent damage to the bladder or kidneys. HEAD INJURIES Injuries to the head can be particularly damaging and prone to long-lasting complications. Any trauma to the head should be immediately assessed and treated. Serious symptoms of a head injury such as a headache, difficulty waking, speaking or changes with eyesight may show up later as well and should prompt an ER visit
LACERATIONS Some cuts require more than a Band-Aid. Deep cuts that don’t close together with pressure or lacerations across a joint may require stitches. Injuries from an animal bite, rusty object or resulting in an impaled object require emergency attention to avoid complications from infection or blood loss. BACK PAIN Severe back pain following a trauma or sudden unidentified sharp or radiating pain may call for an ER visit. Back pain accompanied by numbness, weakness, fever or loss of bladder or bowel control can be associated with serious conditions such as heart attack, stroke, nerve compression or spine infections. SHORTNESS OF BREATH Although the most common causes for shortness of breath are asthma, COPD, or infections such as pneumonia, it too can be a sign of a heart attack. If you’re having trouble breathing, especially when lying down or along with chest pain or nausea, get to the ER. Don’t risk your health by trying to protect it. Williamson Medical Center is confident in our protocols and procedures to keep our patients, staff, and facilities safe. When symptoms strike, we’re here to help. If you’re experiencing any of these or other concerning symptoms, our ER is open 24/7. Learn more at: WilliamsonMedicalCenter.org
LIFESTYLE
Your Best Self
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH WITH NIDHI TEWARI
Create the
Perfect Patio
YOU MAY BE REACTING TO TRAUMA AND NOT EVEN KNOW IT. HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE AND COPE? Did you know that trauma refers to anything that’s too much for the nervous system to handle? We often think of trauma as being tied to a major negative event; war, natural disasters, or domestic violence. While these are considered traumatic experiences, other more common experiences, such as adverse childhood events, bullying, divorce, job loss, sudden grief/loss, and systemic racism are also traumatic and the body reacts the same way. Nidhi Tewari, acclaimed Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and mental health therapist specializes in trauma and anxiety disorders. She has made it her mission to help people identify the trauma in their lives and learn ways to cope. She is excited to share her top five trauma tips in a time when people need them more than ever! SELF-AWARENESS- Take the ACEs questionnaire and start
reflecting on your childhood experiences, as well as other adverse experiences throughout your life. If these past experiences are causing challenges in various facets of your life, you may be experiencing the ripple effects of trauma. RECOGNIZE YOUR TRIGGERS- Often, criticism from a partner
or a certain tone of voice can be a trigger to painful past events such as being harshly criticized or reprimanded during childhood.
CALL IT OUT TO CALM IT DOWN- Being able to acknowledge
that “I’m feeling anxious” or “I’m feeling hurt” will aid in soothing, and helps reduce feelings of distress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Outdoor rugs, bright pillows, decor, flowers & more!
LEARN TO RIDE THE WAVE- It is important to remember that
emotions are temporary and will pass with time. Our first tendency is to disconnect from uncomfortable emotions through social media doom scrolling, watching TV, or other distractions. We should instead be leaning in and approaching our emotions with curiosity. CONNECT WITH A THERAPIST- It’s important to know
that you’re not alone. A trauma informed licensed therapist can help support you as you begin your healing journey. NIDHI TEWARI, EMDR Therapist Nidhi Tewari is an acclaimed Licensed Clinical Social Worker and mental health therapist with a decade of experience. She specializes in treating high-performing CEO’s, lawyers, and doctors coping with trauma and anxiety disorders. She is also an EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist, which stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Learn more at: nidhitewarilcsw.com.
HARPETH TRUE VALUE HOMECENTER
Located at the corner of Columbia Avenue & Downs Boulevard 203 Downs Boulevard • Franklin, TN 37064 615.794.3641 • harpethtruevalue.com Monday - Saturday 8am - 5pm • Sunday - Closed
LIFESTYLE
Fashionable You
HAUTE HISTORY ANN COLE LOWE
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY RACHEL ELSPETH GROSS IN THE VINTAGE WOMAN
A
ccording to fashion lore, when Dior examined a piece designed by Ann Cole Lowe he was astounded by her craftsmanship, he had to immediately know: “Who made this gown?” Lowe designed the dress that Jacqueline Bouvier wore when she married Senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy in 1953, and all the dresses worn by the bridal party. It is one of the most remembered wedding gowns ever; fifty yards “of silk taffeta… embellished with interwoven bands of tucking, finished with a portrait neckline and a bouffant skirt.” The New York Times covered the event, dress included Lowe was not mentioned. When asked, even when she was married to Onassis, Jackie would say that it had been made by “a colored woman.” One of the first African American fashion designers to receive international acclaim, Lowe’s designs were favored by high society women for forty years—from the 1920s through the 1960s. Born around 1898 in Clayton, Alabama (exact date 22 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
unknown), Lowe’s great-grandmother had been enslaved, and had a daughter by the plantation owner in a despicable era of American history where a person of color was property. The child, Georgia Tompkins, was born enslaved, but was emancipated when purchased by a freeman, General Cole.
Janet Auchincloss, Jackie’s mother, had commissioned her own wedding dress from Lowe in 1942 for her second marriage. Auchincloss also brought her daughter Lee to Lowe for a wedding gown about six months or so before Jackie’s wedding in 1953. Ultimately, Lee’s dress was designed by Pauline Trigère, which they thought would be cheaper. For Jackie’s dress, Lowe charged about $500, approximately $5,000 today; a similar dress would sell for $1,500 in the same year. Pricing was a constant problem throughout Lowe’s career—she never charged enough for her work. Lowe saw dressing the woman who would become the Senator’s wife to be an honor. But ten days before the wedding a pipe broke in Lowe’s atelier, flooding her studio. Jackie’s gown, which had taken two months to create, was destroyed, as were most of the dresses for the wedding party. Lowe was devastated but rallied and found a solution. The designer ordered more fabrics, and her team worked
BY SHELLY ROBERTSON BIRDSONG
My daughter recently had to do a report and presentation on a “Hero.” The choices for her second-grade class were a mix of politicians, artists, sports figures, and the like. She chose someone I had never even heard of by name and yet knew instantly by reputation and legacy: Fashion Designer - Ann Cole Lowe. I enjoyed researching her life and work with my daughter to prepare for the big presentation including putting together an outfit reminiscent of Ms. Lowe’s own. A chance to learn about someone whose work was so impactful to this industry was a delight and offered me an opportunity to also share this fashion icon’s story with our readers here. I hope you enjoy learning a bit more about a lady with a “Haute History.”
gowns for Alabama’s First Lady, Elizabeth Kirkman O’Neal. While grieving a devastating loss, Lowe somehow finished the order. Around the same time, in 1912, Lowe married Lee Cohen, who expected a homemaker. They had a son, Arthur Lee, and for almost a year she stopped working. Ultimately, she left Cohen for a job—the wife of a Florida tycoon wanted Lowe to be her personal dressmaker. Lowe told the Saturday Evening Post in 1964 that “it was a chance to make all the lovely gowns I’d always dreamed of. I picked up my baby and got on that Tampa train.” Cohen though this much too ambitious and sent Lowe divorce papers. Lowe had ambition, but never too much of it; with the support and encouragement of her employer, she took her son to New York City in 1917 to attend the S.T. Taylor Design School. day and night until everything was remade. She never told the family what happened, did not bill for additional costs. Lowe ended up absorbing the expense, and even with her commission the costs nearly bankrupted her. To hand-deliver the gowns, Lowe took an overnight train to Newport, Rhode Island from Manhattan. When she arrived, the guards at the venue told her that Blacks used the service entrance at the back. Lowe reportedly said, “If I have to use the back door, they’re not going to have the gowns!” They let her in through the front. Lowe learned to sew from her grandmother (Tompkins) and mother (Janey Lowe) who worked as seamstresses for white society women in Alabama. From childhood, she had inherent skills. There are stories about her creating beautiful fabric flowers when she was only six, decorative elements that would become one of her signatures, details that brought women begging for her work. Lowe’s mother died when she was sixteen, leaving an unfinished commission—four
The school was segregated, and the head of the school did not know that he had admitted a Black student until she arrived. He tried to make her go, but Lowe would not leave. She was allowed to stay, but had to attend her classes alone, separate from the white students. Regardless, the work she completed while attending the school was so good that they were used as examples to show those students the correct way to do things. Lowe graduated in 1919, about a year early, and moved back to Tampa with Arthur. At home, Lowe opened a salon, ‘Annie Cohen,’ and eventually had to hire eighteen seamstresses to keep up with the demand. If there was a formal affair, you lived in Tampa in the early 1920s, and if you could afford it, you wanted an ‘Annie Cohen.’ But Lowe wanted to be in the most important center of American fashion. By 1928, she had saved up $20,000 and returned to New York, settling in Harlem with her son. She did commissions for department stores like Henry Bendel, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. The Great Depression began, and though she survived, it is worth mentioning
that Lowe always struggled with money. While relatively expensive, her prices were still a deal. This had a bifold effect—it kept her penny pinching, wealthy clients coming back, but it also meant that she was almost always close to, or recovering from, a financial emergency. A note about this department store work— the custom of the time was that the labels in
clothing held the name of the shop that sold it, not the name of the designer who made it. In 1946 when accepting an Oscar for Best Actress, Olivia de Havilland wore a gown designed by Lowe. The tag in the dress was for Sonia Rosenberg, the store from which the dress was purchased. In 1947, New York World (an important African American newspaper), sent Lowe to Paris to cover the first haute couture fashion week. During the trip, she met Christian Dior who admired her skills, and they got along famously. Back in America, the postwar years were good; it was a prosperous time. The wealthy returned to opera, ballet, theater, formal events. Debutante balls were back in style. Ladies who could indulge in such activities always needed clothes. Lowe was now dressing the daughters of her older clients, and these relationships provided a new generation of customers. YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 23
“I LOVE MY CLOTHES AND I’M PARTICULAR ABOUT WHO WEARS THEM… I SEW FOR THE FAMILIES OF THE SOCIAL REGISTER.”
Lowe opened ‘Ann Lowe’s Gowns’ in 1950. Again, she was successful. Her son Arthur was her partner, managed the books, and kept his mother from giving deals to clients who could easily afford to pay reasonable prices. Clients were constantly trying to talk down prices, realizing they could get work on par with Parisian Couture for pennies on the dollar. Even at the height of business, the margins Lowe operated on were terrifying. Sadly, Arthur died in 1958, in a car accident. In mourning, without Arthur’s guidance, money problems became serious enough that Lowe closed her atelier in 1962 due to outstanding bills. She took a job as the in-house dressmaker at Saks 5th Avenue but quit soon after. Then the medical problems began, glaucoma, losing her right eye. She could not afford surgery, so her physician performed the operation for free. Next, it was back taxes. “Society’s best kept secret” owed the IRS $13,000. With no money, and missing an eye, it was a catastrophe for Lowe. “Friends at Henri Bendel and NeimanMarcus loaned me money to stay open, but the Internal Revenue agents finally closed me up for non-payment of taxes. At my wits end, I ran sobbing into the street.” Out of the blue the IRS called to say an “anonymous friend” had paid off the debt. In subsequent interviews with both Ebony and The Post, Lowe said she believed Jackie Kennedy had done this—it would never be confirmed.
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Celebrating 10 Years
They had stayed in contact, and while it seems unlikely that Lowe would have told the First Lady (social propriety), Jackie was obviously connected enough to find out.
Rockefellers. For many of them she designed gowns for generations of women. In 1966 she would tell Ebony, “All the pleasure I have had, I owe to my sewing.”
Regardless, Lowe was able to reopen her business, and soon it was once again booming. At her best, Lowe maintained a staff of thirtyfive, made nearly 1000 dresses in a year, and grossed approximately $300,000 annually.
Lowe retired in 1972, at seventy-one. Essentially broke, she lived with her (adopted) daughter Ruth. Lowe would die there on February 25, 1981 after a long, undisclosed illness.
Lowe developed a cataract in her left eye but did not lose it. After another surgery, she was able to keep some of her vision; “People tell me I’ve done better feeling than others do seeing.” Ann Copeland, a client in 1964, described watching Lowe work: “Her assistants hovered around her to be certain that she got it all right. No one made dresses as beautifully.” The New York Times would cover the wedding, describe the brides look in detail but, again, the paper did not name the designer. Lowe only accepted a certain class of clientele: “I love my clothes and I’m particular about who wears them… I sew for the families of the Social Register.” One such client was Pauline Carver Duxbury, whose gown Lowe designed for her social debut in 1967; “I was seventeen years old… the dress made me feel so grown up and beautiful. It is in my mind the most beautiful dress I have ever seen.” In 1968 she opened ‘Ann Lowe Originals’ on Madison Avenue in Manhattan, the first African American owned business in the center of American fashion. Lowe designed gowns for many of the wealthiest, most connected women in America including the DuPont’s, Posts, and
Though never given proper credit during her lifetime, in the early 2000s this began to change. The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum celebrated the first couple of Camelot’s 50th wedding anniversary with an exhibit in 2003. It included Jackie’s dress, which drew enormous attention, leading to questions about the designer. Instead of being less than a footnote in the history of American fashion, the lady who created impeccable styles for decades of white American socialites began to be recognized for her place as a major designer in the era of Jim-Crow. Today, Lowe’s dresses are kept in the collection of the Met’s Costume Institute and at the Fashion Institute of Technology. The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has her gowns on display. In 2016, her work was included in the FIT’s exhibition about the contributions of Black Americans on the history of fashion design. In recent years, two children’s books about her life have been published. “I like for my dresses to be admired. I like to hear about it… Like when someone tells me, ‘the Ann Lowe dresses were doing all the dancing at the cotillion last night.’ That’s what I like to hear.”
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FEATURE
Your Community Partner
BY SHELLY ROBERTSON BIRDSONG
I came across this on a blog I frequent: 25 Rules for Mothers of Daughters. It seemed entirely fitting to share in this issue – as it is our annual issue for the Ladies. I have had the joy of raising a little lady for the last eight years and every year when we honor special women from our community, I always say a little prayer of hope that I am able to pass on something equally as significant to her, as these ladies have for our community. I am privileged to call some of them friends, they are definitely all inspirations and I hope as we honor women this month, if you have a daughter or simply are a daughter, that these ladies fill you with the same pride and awe - something to emulate, something to teach, something to celebrate: The distinction of being a lady. 1. Paint her nails. Then let her scratch it off and dirty them up. Teach her to care about her appearance, and then quickly remind her that living and having fun is most important. 2. Let her put on your makeup, even if it means bright-red-smudged lips and streaked-blue eyes. Let her experiment in her attempts to be like you…then let her be herself. 3. Let her be wild. Try to remember that you were her age once. Everyone makes mistakes, let her make her own. 4. Be present. When she looks through the crowds of people, she will be looking for your smile and pride. Show it to her as often as possible. 5. Encourage her to try on your shoes and play dress-up. If she would rather wear her brother’s superman cape with high heels, allow it. If she wants to wear a tutu or dinosaur costume to the grocery store, why stop her? She needs to decide who she is and be confident in her decision. 6. Teach her to be independent. Show her by example that a woman can be strong. Find and follow your own passions. Define yourself by your own attributes, not by what others expect you to be. Know who you are as a person, and help your daughter find out who she is. 7. Pick flowers with her. Put them in her hair. There is nothing more beautiful than a girl and a flower. 8. Let her get messy. Splash in the puddles, throw snowballs, make mud pies, finger paint the walls: just let it happen. Do it with her. 9. Give her good role models—you being one of them. Read to her about influential women and read to her the words of inspirational women. She should know that anything is possible. 10. Show her affection. Daughters will mimic the compassion of their mother. “I love you’s” 26 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
and Eskimo kisses go a long way. 11. Believe in her. It is the moments that she does not believe in herself that she will need you to believe enough for both of you.
Ladies of Distinction
There are so many wonderful people doing great things in our community. But this issue is all about the women that empower others through the difference they make every day. They volunteer, donate, create, lead and inspire... These women were nominated by their fellow community members because they have made an impact. These are your 2021 Ladies of Distinction.
12. Tell her how beautiful she is. She needs your reminders. She needs your pride. She needs your reassurance. 13. Love her father. Teach her to love a good man, like him. 14. Make forts with boxes and blankets. Help her to find magic in the ordinary, to imagine, to create and to believe in fairy tales. 15. Read to her. Read her Dr. Seuss and Eric Carle. But also remember the power of Sylvia Plath and Robert Frost. Show her the beauty of words on a page and let her see you enjoy them. 16. Teach her how to love- with passion and kisses. Love her passionately. Love her father passionately and her siblings passionately. Express your love. Show her how to love with no restraint. 17. Encourage her to dance and sing. Dance and sing with her- even if it sounds or looks horrible. Share the magic of music together, it will bring you closer- or at least create a soundtrack to your life together. 18. Share secrets together. Talk about anything. Listen. Ask questions. Share dreams, hopes, concerns. 19. Teach her manners. The world is a happier place when made up of polite words and smiles. 20. Teach her when to stand up and when to walk away. Make sure she knows how to demand respect —she is worthy of it. Also, make sure she knows which battles are worth fighting. Teach her to be the better person.
21. Let her choose who she loves. If he breaks her heart, be there for her with words of support rather than I-told-you-so. And when she finds the one, tell her. 22. Mother her. Being a mother - to her - is undoubtedly one of your greatest accomplishments. Remind her over and over again with words and kisses that no one will ever love her as you love her. 23. Comfort her. Because sometimes you just need your mommy. When she is sick, rub her back - no matter how old she is. Someday, if she is giving birth to her own child, push her hair out of her face, encourage her, and tell her how beautiful she is. These are the moments she will remember you for. And someday when her husband rubs her back in an attempt to comfort her...she may just whisper, “I need my mommy.” 24. Be home. When she is sick with a cold or broken heart, she will come to you; welcome her. When she is engaged or pregnant, she will run to you to share her news; embrace her. When she is lost or confused, she will search for you; find her. She is your daughter and will always need a safe harbor. 25. Hold her hand. Whether she is three years-old in the parking lot or sixteen years old in the mall, hold on to her always- this will teach her to be confident in herself and proud of her family.
Michelle Arnold
Dr. Michelle Arnold is the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Associate Director of Admissions at Battle Ground Academy (BGA). She is also a Realtor with Parks Downtown Franklin, a member of the Junior League of Nashville where she serves on the Diversity Committee, and she serves on the Race, Justice and Reconciliation Council at Church of the City Franklin. She has always been passionate about education and being a strong advocate for assisting young people. “My role is to challenge, inspire and provide leadership within our community. I like to take that student that doesn’t see themselves as a leader and give them the opportunity to serve in a leadership role.” In high school, Michelle was awarded “Most Likely to Succeed,” and she says that she has lived up to this. “I’ve had to overcome many adversities over the past several years, but I have been able to maintain a positive attitude and remain successful despite difficulties or challenges. I embraced adversity as a chance for opportunity.”
“To be a Lady of Distinction means that you display self-respect, class, appreciation and etiquette. A Lady is someone who isn’t afraid to share her opinions and speak her truth in a respectful manner. She is a good listener, filled with kindness, generosity, compassion, integrity, a willingness to be vulnerable and authenticity. I am true to myself and I speak with confidence. I would consider myself a fighter and no matter what I have been through, I have been able to dust myself off, get back up and fight even harder.” When asked what she would tell her younger self today, Michelle says: “No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up. I do not care how hard life gets, stay strong and be the best you can be. Continue to pray and always keep God first in your life.”
Mary Kate Brown Mary Kate Brown stays very busy in our community, working as a consultant and on various political campaigns, volunteering with numerous local charities, serving on the Williamson Medical Center Foundation board, and previously serving as Director of Development at Columbia State Community College. “I began my work in the political world in 2006. That’s really when I began getting involved in the Franklin and Williamson County community,” Mary Kate says. “I grew up in a family who always talked politics around the kitchen table so they have never been topics I have been shy to discuss. I think one reason we have had so much division nationwide lately is because not enough people were taught how to have discussions about hard topics and still walk away as friends.” Recently, Mary Kate has helped grow a community of those who care deeply for the students in Williamson County. “It’s been so rewarding to meet thousands of parents coming together to work on issues that are important to us and our children,” she says. “A favorite quote of mine is by Betty Ford: ‘Being a lady does not require silence.’ You can be passionate and have strong opinions and still be a lady. I think sometimes people feel like they have to be quiet about issues that are important to them. I don’t subscribe to that way of thinking. Sometimes your willingness to speak up encourages others to join you.” “I think that’s where being a lady of distinction comes in. Some people obviously aren’t always going to like what you say and speaking up is not always the easiest thing to do - in fact, it can be really tough. I think a Lady of Distinction does hard things and will stand up for issues she feels are important for the good of her community. When it’s on behalf of her children, it’s called a Mama Bear. I can be that too.” YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 27
Jeanne Hammontree
Jeanne Hammontree is the owner and operator of Chick-fil-A Berry Farms, FSU and South Franklin locations. She has been with Chick-fil-A for twenty years and there is a good reason why: “Chick-fil-A is a company that puts people first and I love people and community,” says Jeanne. She says her desire as an owner/operator with Chickfil-A, is to have locations that provide a great place to work, a great place to eat and a great place to support our community. “I am not just in the chicken business, I am in the people business so I strive to see my team members succeed in day to day life and in the future,” she says. “I’m inspired to coach and encourage them everyday. Chickfil-A awards Leadership Scholarships to our team members and I am committed to helping them succeed.” Jeanne and her family live in Williamson County and one of her son-in-laws is the Operations Director over both Chick-fil-A locations. When asked how she feels about being nominated as one of our Ladies of Distinction, she says “I feel that I have been blessed to have the opportunity to be an example to young people. I try to uplift and encourage on a daily basis. As I am in the community, I strive to be an example of leadership and encouragement.”
Sally Hughes Sara J. (Sally) Hughes is the Reverend at Trinity Presbyterian Church, and previously was Co-Pastor at Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church for twenty three years. She is involved in her children’s schools Liberty Elementary, Freedom Intermediate, Freedom Middle, Centennial High School, served on the Board of Bridges Domestic Violence Center, and is part of a weekly minister’s group that meets at First Presbyterian Church. “As a pastor, my contribution is to be welcoming and encouraging to all people, from Williamson County to Davidson County,” Sally explains. “I strive to connect God’s word to every person’s life. I have carried what I learned in my years at Historic Franklin into my current position at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Nashville. I learned a lot at HFPC which I am using at Trinity, and I am grateful!” Sally says she is inspired by good friends and long time connections, and is now inspired by connecting with new friends and acquaintances. She feels that a lady or gentleman shows respect to every person they meet, and they treat all people with kindness, love and compassion. “My ‘younger self’ was given some advice by a ninety-year-old Presbyterian minister, Dr. C. H. Patterson, when I graduated from seminary in 1983. I have kept his typewritten letter and I have followed his advice about serving as a Pastor: Be realistic. Get acquainted with your community and fix your sights somewhere halfway between what the Episcopalians are doing and what the Pentecostals are doing. Above all, do not forget the greatest asset which the Lord gave you and that is Sally herself.” 28 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
Ondrea Johnson Ondrea Johnson is the Director at Williamson County Animal Center and has had a love for rescuing animals her entire life. She is a graduate of the 2019 class of Leadership Franklin, serves on the Williamson County CASA Advisory Board, is one of the founding sponsors of Eat the Street which benefits the 21st Drug Court, volunteers for the Franklin Firefighters Charity Toy Drive, A Vintage Affair, the Franklin Special School District, holds a Shelter Operations certification, is an active member in the Middle Tennessee Shelter Director’s Alliance, a member of the Animal Care and Control Alliance and the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement. “I am so fortunate to be an animal welfare professional at this particular time and I bring a unique background of service to humans to the Director role,” explains Andrea. “We cannot help animals without helping the people who own them. I promote an attitude of service, never judgment, among our staff and volunteers. The best thing I can offer our community is service.” “In my life and experience, being a lady means you serve others and put others before yourself. You always remember that you represent something bigger than the moment whether that be your reputation, your church, your career or your family. Webster defines distinction as ‘a difference or contrast between similar things or people.’ I’m not sure that I am that different from other women. I’m fortunate that I have had wonderful mentors and strong women in my life since I was a child. My parents never told me there were things I couldn’t do because I was a girl. I never knew there was a glass ceiling and it never crossed my mind not to try for anything I wanted. If there is anything distinctive in my life, it’s been that I’ve had really wonderful people believe in me and that has made all the difference.”
Mary Damon Akin Rogers
Mary Damon Akin Rogers is a sixth generation Williamson Countian, but left in 1971 for thirty years to follow her career Naval Officer husband, Captain Mark Rogers, from coast to coast and abroad. Damon is currently serving as CEO of Rogers Homeport, two short term vacation rental properties (STVR) in historic Franklin. “I was fortunate to inherit my family home, separate home office and guest home,” she says. Her parents were founding members of the Heritage Foundation and charter members of saving Carnton Mansion. “I continued their legacy, when we retired back to Franklin in 1997, by serving as President of the Heritage Foundation Board and helped create the Next Generation Board for young members of the Heritage Foundation. My nephew and both my children served as officers at the inception of the Next Generation Board and their names can be found at the Franklin Theatre as doing their part in saving this historic building, along with my two granddaughter’s names.” She has also served on Educare and the Citizens Police Academy Boards, among others. What does Damon think about being nominated as a Lady of Distinction? “What I know for sure is a lady should ALWAYS be true to herself! By being true to yourself and not trying to please others or saying what others want to hear, then one can truly find happiness within and radiate that happiness to all who pass her way. It took me a while to live up to the best one liner I ever heard and that is ‘what other people think of me is none of my business!’ I strive for that and today I believe I have achieved to thine own self be true.” YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 29
Marianne Schroer
Marianne Schroer is currently retired from Williamson County CASA where she served as Executive Director for seven years. Prior to that, she was the Coordinator of the 21st Recovery Court. “I am a therapist with a focus on children and how they are impacted by trauma,” Marianne says. “Prior to heading up these two nonprofits, I was a therapist with a private practice. I have also done training on The Attachment Relationship and its Impact on children locally, statewide and nationally.” Marianne is also the handler for Rocklin, a Courthouse/Facility dog who was bred and trained by Canine Companions for Independence. “We work with children in WC Juvenile Court, offering support through difficult and scary times,” she says. “My career path has, I hope, made the lives of children better and a little easier. Parenting is such a hard job and I have also spent much of my time helping parents be the very best that they can be,” explains Marianne. “I have also been on a number of boards and through that experience have been able to take a leadership role in the child welfare system. I have a love for history and historic preservation and have devoted a lot of time to promoting preservation in our community through board and committee work.” Marianne serves on the Battle of Franklin Trust Board, through Carnton’s merger with the Carter House, and now with the African American Heritage Society and Toussaint L’Overture Cemetery Club. When asked how she feels about being nominated as a Lady of Distinction, she says: “I think that what makes one distinct comes from striving everyday to be the very best you can be in whatever you choose to do. I continue to work every day to improve myself in every facet of my life. Wife, mother, daughter, grandmother. friend, Christian and counselor are the things I continue to work on every single day.”
Patti Walton
Patti Walton is the Director of Laboratory Services and Occupational Health at Williamson Medical Center (WMC). She has been at Williamson Medical Center since 1991 and has been in her current role since 2008. She has served on the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Governors, the Clinical Laboratory Management Board of Directors, and the Tennessee Medical Laboratory Board. She enjoys supporting and volunteering for the Williamson Medical Center Foundation which provides scholarships to Williamson County students going into healthcare, A Vintage Affair which benefits the WMC NICU, and the WMC Golf Tournament which funds the many scholarships offered to county students, and the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital at Williamson. During the pandemic this past year, Patti was responsible for securing Covid-19 testing for WMC, the patients and their employees. She has also served as a consultant for the NFL and helped set up their Covid testing program and protocols. “As prevalence increased, the NFL tightened their protocols and developed enhanced precautions which enabled the Super Bowl to be played on time and without any games canceled. Lessons learned through the NFL protocols have been successfully used in other settings and could be modified for a number of different programs and situations.” “My parents instilled in me a great work ethic and I tend to be a self-motivator but what inspires me to work harder and do more is when I can take the knowledge I have acquired along the way, and pass that on to someone just starting out on their chosen path. When I can get someone excited or passionate about helping others, that inspires me,” she says. “I think a lady is filled with generosity, kindness, compassion, integrity and humbleness. She is strong, authentic and vulnerable and always speaks and lives her truth.”
30 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
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n this world, the tangible is not always necessarily the valuable. True value lies in moments shared with loved ones, hearing an abundance of laughter spilling across a room, or maybe finding out something new about someone familiar by slowing down and taking the time to pay attention. Yes, these idealistic instances in time can occur anywhere, but why should they?
short-term revenue potential, cost to acquire, and annual appreciation as well as projected changes in asset value.
The second home market is hot here on 30A and “urban flight” has made our area even more desirable! When you can work from home and go to school remotely, why not live at the beach? Whether it’s an investment property or a “Legacy” beach home for your family to start making When deciding to purchase a Legacy Vacation Home, there is no better memories, I can help find the perfect one. As a member of “WHO’S WHO destination than Scenic Highway IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE” and a Board 30A, Northwest Florida. Here along of Regents member, I represent a premier, I was a client of David Votta, he helped me find my home the shimmering turquoise waters of International group of agents that specialize the Gulf Coast of Mexico, there is an in selling those “right” addresses. in Nashville, and when I was ready for that beach house abundance of opportunities to unplug of my dreams, I knew I could count on him for a RE agent I have been the #1 Selling agent on Scenic and reconnect with the entire family recommendation. My trust in David gave me the assurance Hwy 30A since 2015 remaining in the in style. that I would be in good hands. His endorsement of Linda top 1% of Realtors on 30A in listings & Miller, the smile of 30A couldn’t have been a more perfect When you purchase property on 30A, sales. God has blessed me so much! It match. As a team they both possess the traits of integrity, you are not only securing your own was always my dream to live here, now slice of paradise, you are cementing my passion is helping others make that responsibility and ambition. They are dependable and honest years of memories to come. same dream a reality. I have sold over and aim to please. Their attention to detail is of utmost $572,000,000 worth of Real Estate in importance to ensure I was extremely happy with my decision. Business is booming, Real Estate is my career… so far! Together they make a perfect team. moving and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Believe me when I say, “When you own - JACQUELINE QUALLS property on Scenic Hwy 30A, you’ll be Selling Paradise has been my SMILING too!” favorite thing since 1998 and now it seems the world agrees! The LINDA MILLER Florida Panhandle ranked as the Broker at Linda Miller Real Estate, LindaMillerLuxury. #1 Vacation Rental Market in the com US for 2020 according to the After growing up with the happiest National Association of Realtors. memories of family times at the beach, The rankings, based on a threeshe fulfilled her childhood prediction having once said, “one day I’m going to live here”. The sugar white sands bedroom, two-bath stand-alone and crystal clear waters of the Gulf coast were etched in home, compare vacation housing her mind. She knew this was the place she belonged! Little “hot-spots’” cost of homeownership, did she know that not only would she move here, but she
36 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
would help thousands of people make their dreams of living here a reality as well.
YOUR
Beach JUST GOT A LOT CLOSER Connecting your way to
30A THE TIME TO BUY YOUR BEACH HOUSE IS NOW!
DAV I D VOT TA
19 YEARS IN MIDDLE TN
615.330.8638 dv@davidvotta.com www.davidvotta.com 1585 Mallory Lane #103 Brentwood, TN 37027
L I NDA M I L L E R
23 YEARS ON SCENIC HWY 30A
850.974.8885 linda@thesmileof30a.com www.lindamillerluxury.com 5297 E Scenic Hwy 30-A #102 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
FEATURE
Interior Thinking
BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED FOR LOVE for Adopted and Foster Families Helping to Welcome Them Home with Bloom Family Designs
Through her impactful interior designs, Melissa Whitlock’s understanding of the importance of home becomes incredibly evident. Melissa Whitlock, Founder of Bloom Family Designs here in middle Tennessee, is an entrepreneur, wife, mom, adoption advocate, and lover of all things interior design. After watching friends walk through the foster care and adoption process, she noticed a need when it came to preparing their children’s rooms. When personally adopting a child was put on hold, she asked herself the question, “How can I still support families today who are choosing to foster or adopt a child?” She took the initial step and offered to create one room for a foster family in waiting at no cost to them. From that one project, Bloom Family Designs was born and has now impacted over sixty foster and adoptive families, with the help of the community and dedicated volunteers. They are a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to create beautiful rooms for foster and adopted children, at no cost to the families.
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Celebrating 10 Years
Bloom Family Designs recently created a space for a growing adoptive family in Williamson County along with local interior designer Jenny Reimold, who volunteered her time to co-design this space. The homeowners, with three biological children and three adopted children, Lindsey and Ryan Doyle knew they wanted a space for their children to both hangout and study. Recently featured in PEOPLE magazine, the Doyles expressed their gratitude and delight with their newly furnished and rebuilt attic space. The entire project was completed in over a week with a $5,000 budget donated by SoFi, a personal finance company. With the help of both designers, the Doyles transformed the dark, wooden room into a light, modern playroom with a fresh coat of paint, built-in shelves and nooks, and colorful seating. Maximizing the space for their teenagers became a top priority with their functional and sleek designs. The built-in spaces allowed for more seating and storage, and even the couches fold out into beds for sleepovers or watching movies. Bloom Family Designs, Jenny Reimold and several generous partners helped provide the perfect retreat for the Doyles family.
YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 39
Redesigning an entire room can seem daunting, but with the guidance of Jenny and Melissa, small changes lead to a substantial transformation. Obviously, storage is essential. Decorative storage bins offer a functional design to hide toys, crafts and other miscellaneous objects that tend to accumulate around the room. A new paint color or wallpaper can immediately open a room and create a welcoming interior. Another option for updated design is replacing the carpet and lighting. Both elements help set the tone of a room. In addition, plants and pillows add small, yet transformative detail to a space, reflecting character and variety. A makeover doesn’t always require a total redo; sometimes it only takes a creative tweak. For more information and inspiration, visit bloomfamilydesigns.com!
40 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
PARKS On Main 415 Main Street Franklin, TN 615.790.7400
Your Real Estate Professionals of Middle Tennessee
Franklin
Danny Anders 615.790.7400
PARKS On Main | 106 East Main Street | Franklin, TN 615.790.7400 | ParksAtHome.com
Darci Caesar
Danny Anderson 615.790.7400
Christopher Close
615.947.6038 Reid Anderson 615.406.3426
Jeannie Bankins 615.490.2004 310.499.8146
Cindy Garner Greg Fritz 615.587.0366 615.347.1732
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Sandy Melz 615.609.7424
Tammy Fitzpatri
Cindy Denson615.335.0405 615.587.0366
Lauren Sullivan 615.289.8610
Brentwood ParksAtHome.com Brentwood Office 8119 Isabella Lane, Suite 105 Brentwood, TN 37027 615.370.8669 8119 Isabella Lane, Suite 105 | Brentwood, TN
Brentwood
615.370.8669 | ParksAtHome.com
Tanny Crawford 601.506.5211
Marla Richardson 615.397.3403
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Susan Gregory 615. 300.5111 615.300.5111
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615.482.2224
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ARE YOU CONSIDERING SELLING YOUR HOME?
NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME Call Us Today (615) 775-3830
SOLD UNDER CONTRACT IN 1 DAYS
$640,481
2897 AMERICUS DRIVE 4 Beds | 3 Full Baths 3112 Sq Ft | Thompsons Station
42 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
SOLD UNDER CONTRACT IN 1 DAYS
SOLD
$740,000
5007 CAPTAIN FREEMAN PKWY 4 Beds | 3 Full & 1 Half Bath 2707 Sq Ft | Franklin
UNDER CONTRACT IN 3 DAYS
$2,500,000
4553 S. CAROTHERS RD. 4 Beds | 3 Full & 2 Half Baths 3,981 Sq Ft | Franklin
All information deemed correct but is not guaranteed and is subject to change.
LISA CULP TAYLOR
MAILE STOVER
MARABETH POOLE
AMY PAPPAS
MEGAN JONES CAMPBELL
MARGARET FLOWERS ORTON
MEREDITH ZELLER
VICKIE FREAS
#1 PARKS TEAM IN RESIDENTIAL SALES LCTTEAM.COM
106 E. Main St. | Franklin, TN 37064 | (615) 790-7400 | (615) 775-3830 | Lic. #00059191YOURWILLIAMSON.COM
43
BUSINESS
It’s Your Business
WE’RE DESIGNERS & CURATORS
GRAHAM’S LIVING - BUILT ON LEGACY Family-owned and operated since 1957, Graham’s Living opened its first store in Memphis. Founders, Dottie and Jimmy Graham along with their son, Jim Graham, got their start by hand-making exterior lanterns—now an iconic staple for historic Memphis homes. The Graham family branded their handfabricated copper, brass and forged steel fixtures as Fourteenth Colony in 1980. That same year, they began importing high-end, luxury light fixtures from Europe. As their business of sourcing one-of-a-kind, opulent lighting continued to grow, the Graham’s set their sights on expansion into Nashville. In 1997, Grahams’ granddaughter, Ginger Graham Smith and her husband, Randy Smith, relocated to Nashville to open the third location for Graham’s Lighting (Now Graham’s Living). Now a fourth-generation family business, Graham’s has been servicing the greater Nashville area for more than twenty years. In keeping with family tradition, Graham’s Living continues to source high-end European chandeliers – a legacy purchase for any Nashville home. Broadening its collection over the years, Graham’s Living is now home to one of the largest selections of lighting in the Southeast. Seeing an opportunity to meet the growing needs of area residents, Graham’s Living also expanded into outdoor living in 2009, building what has also become one of the leading collections of high-end outdoor furniture in Middle Tennessee. Your Williamson had an opportunity to sit down with Randy and Ginger Smith, owners of Graham’s Living to learn about why they are the premier luxury lighting to living business in Williamson County.
Q. A.
Q. A.
Q.
Fourteenth Colony Lighting offers traditionally crafted lanterns and chandeliers in a variety of historic and contemporary styles. Our light fixtures are entirely handmade by the tinsmiths and blacksmiths who train and work in our shop. No structural component in or on any of our lights is imported. We are one of the last lighting manufacturers to employ traditional metalsmithing techniques in our fabrication process from start to finish. This commitment to craft results in copper, brass, and forged steel lighting fixtures that are of the best possible structural and aesthetic integrity and the finest to be found in the lighting industry today. Whether you need a hall lantern for an estate property or simply a post lamp for a small bungalow, we have a fixture to meet your needs.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO YOU AS A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER?
We begin with our legacy to serve our customers well. We not only serve them but create relationships and foundations to build upon. We believe that consistency from start to finish is key to providing the service our customers and clients deserve and we can provide our customers with quality products and a diverse selection. Building a home can be very stressful. Our relationships with the builder and homeowner are important. That is why we build the relationships, and it is a joy and a privilege because at the end of the day the lighting is a very important part of the feel and personality of the home. GIVE US SOME HISTORY ABOUT HOW YOUR BUSINESS BEGAN IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY AND HOW YOUR BUSINESS HAS EVOLVED?
When Graham’s was first built, it was one of the first buildings A. built on Cool Springs Blvd. Now we are part of a thriving and constantly growing business and commercial district. In the beginning,
everyone was a new customer to us and now we are getting to work with repeat customers for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th time in some instances. But we still act as if our company is a small business. We have not changed our foundational beliefs as far as serving others and each other well. And yet we have grown and evolved. Once just a lighting business we now have transitioned to “Graham’s Living.” Our four main focuses are lighting, outdoor living, hardware, and interior accessories.
WHAT DOYOUTELL CLIENTS WHEN HELPING THEM MAKE LIGHTING PURCHASES?
Lighting is like the jewelry of the home; it makes up the personality and is the perfect finishing touch to pull the whole space together. It is supposed to make you feel good. Lighting is also easily changeable so it can adapt over time to different styles and trends. You can select lighting at any point. But we are unique in that we also have a family-owned manufacturing plant.
Q. A.
WHAT IS THE NEXT PHASE IN YOUR BUSINESS?
We will continue to try and improve in all our divisions and product lines offered through our service and operations and continue to serve Williamson County and the Nashville area.
Q. A.
WHAT MAKESYOU UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT FROM THE COMPETITION?
We are a family owned (4th generation), business. The Graham’s Living family is made up of a great group of employees. Our company attitude that every single person makes up the team and plays a major role in the success of our company is key to our success. We also believe that if we make a mistake or something isn’t right - we will make it right. This is how we have gained and kept the trust of so many longtime clients and customers. GRAHAM’S LIVING | 244 COOL SPRINGS BOULEVARD | FRANKLIN, TN | 615.771.3400 | GRAHAMSLIVING.COM YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 45
LIFESTYLE
A Little Something Extra
Voice-activated Technology Enhances Aging at Home with Jane Kelley at Blakeford at Green Hills According to recent studies by AARP, three out of four adults age fifty and older want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. Nearly one in six own a home assistant device (i.e., Amazon Alexa or Google Home). Are there new ways to live at home and avoid a move? How is voice-activated technology making it easier and safer to do so? A New Way to Age In Place One option for aging in place is joining a Continuing Care at Home (CCAH) program, which is a membership plan for healthy adults who want to continue living at home and includes wellness benefits and future long-term care benefits. More importantly, CCAH programs provide a sense of community while aging at home. As many seniors are becoming members of CCAH programs, they are also adopting voice-activated technology to solve some of the health and security risks that were previously related to living at home. From medication reminders to online shopping and ambient music, voice-activated technology helps address seniors’ everyday concerns and enhance their independence, at home. Smart Home Automation Smart home automation can make living independently at home convenient and help with the everyday tasks of home management. From smart thermostats to light switches, many modern home appliances respond to the sound of your voice. This means a safer home: regulated temperature levels throughout each season and instant lights for a night trip to the bathroom. You can even manage your grocery list and refrigerator through this technology by using voice commands to check what you currently have in stock at home, add to your list, and place grocery delivery orders. Seniors can choose to update individual appliances with voiceactivated technology or purchase a smart home hub that connects all the devices and appliances in your home and responds to voice commands. Entertainment Harold and Alice Smith, a Nashville couple who are members of LiveWell By Blakeford, a local Continuing Care at Home program, utilize voice-activated technology in multiple areas of their life at least three times per day, but their favorite is for entertainment. Alice frequently asks their Amazon Alexa to tell the “Joke of the Day,” and 46 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
Harold uses voice commands on their television to find his team’s basketball game and set reminders for when it’s about to start. Many people also use their home assistant devices to play music, perform internet searches, place online shopping orders, or listen to the news. Communication with Family and Friends Most adults use their home assistant device or mobile phone to voice call, video call or text message loved ones without having to pick up a phone. For hands-free texting, you can ask the device to text message a person and dictate the message out loud. This is useful when driving in the car, when your hands are messy while cooking or cleaning, or in case of an emergency when you cannot get to your phone. Scheduling and Time Management Home assistant devices are the perfect vessels to set reminders of tasks, events or appointments, and the devices can read those items back to you each day. Using your voice, you can also set timers for cooking or exercise or make a to-do list.
you more options and security in the future. If you choose to age in place, voice-activated technology can be part of the plan to make that happen, resulting in more independence for a longer time. Security
They even help you stay on time throughout the day by sharing the updated weather forecast on your command, so you never get caught without a raincoat and have to go back to your house to get one. Health and Medication Monitoring Voice-activated technology’s place in our personal lives reaches beyond communicating with family and checking your news feed. It is quickly becoming an invaluable tool for seniors to manage their health at home. You can place an order for a prescription refill, set reminders to take daily medication, or pay medical bills using voice commands. Automatic voice-activated medication dispensers can ensure all of your medications are taken on schedule and according to the doctor’s orders. Voice-activated technology can also be a lifesaver, literally. Using your voice, you can place a call to emergency services without having to get up, and you can communicate with medical personnel as you wait for help. If you are planning to age at home, consider researching a Continuing Care at Home program to see how it can enhance your life and give
Technology that keeps your home safe by simply hearing a voice command can give you peace of mind as you age. A smart security system allows you and your family to monitor entrance activity to your home, and the system enables you to speak from a remote location to anyone at your door or in your home. Smart door locks let you lock your door no matter where you are by using a voice command. You can also use voice commands on your mobile phone or your home security system to monitor for deliveries and make sure they stay where they are dropped until you can retrieve them. For those who live alone, this could be particularly meaningful in ensuring personal security. New technology can be overwhelming or might seem difficult at first, but voice-activated technology is proving to be essential to living at home while aging. Ordering and learning how to use these devices now can keep you happy and healthy in your home for longer and can add some entertainment to your life. Most devices are user-friendly to set up and are backed by excellent customer service teams.
JANE KELLEY Blakeford Senior Life
Jane Kelley is the executive director of home and community services for Blakeford Senior Life, which offers a full continuum of care on its Blakeford at Green Hills campus along with at-home care options through its LiveWell program for seniors in the Nashville area.
EXPERIENCE THE
WARMTH of HOME AT T H E F O U N TA I N S . . .
WHERE FRIENDSHIPS FLOURISH AND LIFE IS FULFILLING.
Independent Villas . Assisted Living . Memory Care. 615.567.3717
300 Celebration Circle Franklin, TN
W W W. F O U N TA I N S F R A N K L I N . C O M
YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 47
LIFESTYLE
In Your Backyard
BACKYARDING WITH A PURPOSE WITH TURFMUTT.COM
backyarding [‘bak-’yärd-ing] (verb): the trend to use the backyard for everything from tele-working and working out to relaxing and recreating – has a different purpose for each of us. Identifying your backyard’s role in your family’s health and happiness is the key to cultivating a purposeful outdoor space that is customized to your needs.
"How do you create a more purposeful outdoor space? First, you need to identify what type of 'backyarder' you are," explains Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and the TurfMutt Foundation. "Then, you can get to work in your yard with that idea in mind." Here are just a few of the backyarding personality types. Which one(s) are you? EXPERT LANDSCAPER Your yard makes neighbors green with envy. You know how to maintain a healthy living landscape, and you have the latest outdoor power equipment to make even big jobs easier. Your idea of a good time? Spending the weekend doing yardwork. You love the sense of accomplishment that comes from working in your yard, and friends can count on you for advice. ENVIRONMENTALIST You know that nature starts in your own backyard and that taking small steps in your yard can make a big impact on climate change. As the proverbial Robin to your yard's Batman, you embrace your role in supporting the superhero powers of your living landscape (capturing and filtering rainwater, producing oxygen, and absorbing carbon just to name a few). 48 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
NATURE LOVER No binging Netflix for you. You spend your free time watching the birds, bats, butterflies and other wildlife that count on your yard for food and shelter. You cultivate a landscape that supports rich biodiversity with butterfly bushes, flowering plants, water sources, and trees and shrubs with nooks for nesting and food.
PET PAMPERER Your focus is on Fido. You've planted sturdy turfgrass that can stand pet play and used soft foliage to create a natural barricade between "off limits" areas and the rest of the lawn. Trees and shrubs are strategically planted for shade, and you've even set up a water feature to help your pup cool off.
HORTICULTURIST The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is bookmarked on your browser because putting the right plant in the right place is the Golden Rule you live by. You consider location, maintenance, sunlight, and watering requirements, as well as your climate zone, before you even think about sticking your shovel in the dirt.
ENTERTAINER EXTRAORDINAIRE Your backyard was the neighborhood hot spot long before the pandemic made that trend posh. Birthdays, graduations, reunions, socially distanced BBQs – your yard is *the* place to gather. It’s got patio furniture, a fire pit, yard games, string lights, and an outdoor kitchen.
KID ZONE CREATOR You know the safest place for your kids to be is in your own backyard and work hard to create an outdoor fun zone. A flat area of sturdy turfgrass to play sports and pitch a tent? Check. Treehouse? Check. Zipline strung safely between backyard trees? Check. An elevated garden for veggies? Check. Natural playscapes, like a patch of sand bordered by rocks and log stump seating? Check.
ZEN MASTER You enjoy your morning coffee on the balcony as songbirds serenade. Meditating in the shade and de-stressing in a hammock is your jam. Your backyard is your sacred space for relaxation and rejuvenation. You know spending time outside is good for your health and well-being. To learn more, visit TurfMutt.com. Sign up for Mutt Mail, TurfMutt's monthly e-newsletter with TurfMutt Foundation news and backyarding tips, at:eepurl.com/he0XzD
(615) 794-7415 • TENNESSEEVALLEYHOMES.COM
LIFESTYLE | A Southern Gentleman Is...2016 Celebrating 10 Years with a Special Feature Worth Sharing Again
Get Your Silver Cups Ready BY DANNY ANDERSON
It’s time, once again, for me to pull out my silver julep cups and get ready for one of my favorite events - the Iroquois Steeplechase. Honestly, I think Steeplechase is my favorite day of the year – the setting is awesome, the horses beautiful, the people spectacular and the cause so worthy. I am a mint julep enthusiast, to say the least. Love them! My wife started me a collection of julep cups years ago, and friends have added to the collection that I so treasure. Traditionally, mint juleps were often served in silver or pewter cups and held only by the bottom and top edges of the cup allowing frost to form on the outside of the cup. In early days, Virginians would sip on mint juleps, served in silver goblets, over breakfast. It has been said that the drink, traditionally made with sugar syrup and mint, was once cherished for its medicinal properties and was used by farmers for a jolt akin to coffee. During this time, they were made with brandy or rum. Some say bourbon, which was readily available, was introduced to the julep by poor Southerners who could not afford fine liquor. To this day, many enthusiasts insist that a proper julep should be made only with bourbon whiskey. Bourbon whiskey is named after Bourbon County in Kentucky, which was established in 1786. Different from other whiskeys, bourbon must contain at least 51 percent corn, made with soft water and aged in highly chard oak barrels to give it its dark color. The bourbon based Mint Julep evolved probably because of the passionate people who loved it, one of the most notable being Henry Clay who made the mint julep famous at the world renowned Willard Hotel’s Round Robin Bar in Washington D.C. - securing it as one of the most iconic drinks in the bourbon world. Chris Morris, from Woodford Reserve Bourbon, says, “Centuries ago, there was an Arabic drink called julab, made with water and rose petals. The beverage had a delicate and refreshing scent that people thought would instantly enhance the quality of their lives.” When the julab was introduced to the Mediterranean region, the native population replaced the rose petals with mint – thus, resulting in the Mint Julep. Did you know that the Mint Julep has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938? Nearly 120,000 juleps will be sold at Churchill Downs over the two-day weekend, in Kentucky Derby collectible glasses. 50 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
In 1937, Lt. Gen. S.B. Buckner Jr. wrote a letter to Gen. William D. Connor, who had asked Gen. Buckner, a Kentuckian, for instruction on how to prepare a Mint Julep. Here is a portion of that letter: My Dear General Connor, A Mint Julep is not a product of a formula. It is a ceremony and must be performed by a gentleman possessing a true sense of the artistic, a deep reverence for the ingredients and a proper appreciation of the occasion. It is a rite that must not be entrusted to a novice… It is a heritage of the Old South, an emblem of hospitality, and a vehicle in which noble minds can travel together upon the flower-strewn paths of a happy and congenial thought. So far as the mere mechanics of the operation are concerned, the procedure, stripped of its ceremonial embellishment, can be described as follows: Go to a spring where cool, crystal clear water bubbles from under a bank of dew-washed ferns. In a consecrated vessel, dip up a little water at the source. Follow the stream thru its banks of green moss and wild flowers until it broadens and trickles thru beds of mint growing in aromatic profusion and waving softly in the summer breeze. Gather the sweetest and tenderest shoots and gently carry them home. Go to the sideboard and select a decanter of Kentucky Bourbon distilled by a master hand, mellowed with age, yet still vigorous and inspiring. An ancestral sugar bowl, a row of silver cups, some spoons and some ice and you are ready to start. Into a canvas bag pound twice as much ice as you think you will need. Make it fine as snow, keep it dry and do not allow it to degenerate into slush. Into each cup put a slightly heaping teaspoonful of granulated sugar, barely cover this with spring water and slightly bruise one mint leaf into this, leaving the spoon in the cup. Then pour elixir from the decanter until the cups are about onefourth full. Fill the cups with snowy ice, sprinkling in a small amount of sugar as you fill. Wipe of outside of the cups dry, and embellish copiously with mint. Then comes the delicate and important operation of frosting. By proper manipulation of the spoon the ingredients are circulated and blended until nature, wishing to take a further hand and add another of its beautiful phenomena, encrusts the whole in a glistening coat of white frost. Thus harmoniously blended by the deft touches of a skilled hand, you have a beverage eminently appropriate for honorable men and beautiful women. When all is ready, assemble your guest on the porch
or in the garden where the aroma of the juleps will rise heavenward and make the birds sign. Propose a worthy toast, raise the cups to your lips, bury your nose in the mint, inhale a deep breath of its fragrance and sip the nectar of the gods. Being overcome with thirst, I can write no further Sincerely, Lt. Gen. S. B. Buckner Jr. If you don’t have all day to make yourself a Mint Julep, you might try one of these: Make a simple syrup by boiling two cups of sugar and two cups of water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of bourbon whiskey. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup (remember to hold the cup at the top or bottom). Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Even easier – do it like they do it at the Kentucky Derby: Buy a bottle of Old Forester Mint Julep Readyto-serve Cocktail, pour over crushed ice and add mint. Come rain or shine, I will be at Steeplechase – julep cups and all. Hope to see you there. Cheers! Danny
IMAGINE A 1959 INDUSTRIAL FACTORY CONVERTED TO A STATE OF THE ART “INDOOR” RETAIL EXPERIENCE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF COLUMBIA, TN. JUST A QUICK TWENTY MINUTE DRIVE FROM FRANKLIN.
Columbia’s premier antique marketplace
Modern tea house, cafe and tea bar
Boutique high-end resale shop
An artisan bakery and cafe
Quintessential southern coastal sandals
National European antique importer to the trade
National antique book supplier to the trade
Exquisitely designed furniture
Hand painted oil portraits
FACTORY AT COLUMBIA | 101 NORTH CAMPBELL BOULEVARD, COLUMBIA, TN | 615.499.1292
FEATURE
Pours & Palates
Pours & Palates An Experience at 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM
Many have raved about the dining at 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails…and for good reason. 1799 is the restaurant that sits on the lower left level as you enter The Harpeth, in downtown Franklin. Situated just off the lobby with an incredible bar that greets you, the eatery has an inviting feel for all that walk through the main entrance to the hotel. Once you enter 1799, you experience Franklin’s historic beauty through the artwork. The walls are covered in a scenic Franklin landscape display, by local artist Kelly Harwood. In the middle of the restaurant, you are pulled in by an amazing and artistic whiskey barrel design. The ceiling is reminiscent of the whiskey mash inside the barrel, along with planked walls surrounding the interior dining area…a nod to the thoughtfully curated whiskey and bourbon selections offered at the bar. On the exterior of the restaurant more tables and private booths, with curtains that can be drawn for private parties, are offered. 52 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
The atmosphere is perfect for a romantic date, night on the town, or even a casual drink. All are welcome to enjoy the eatery, as it is not just for the hotel guests. Live music is available on select nights and can be heard either in the lobby or the courtyard, depending on performer setup. When I visited 1799 for a tasting, Executive Chef Devin Walline described the dining perfectly: It’s an experience. From the starters to the desserts - and the cocktails - the menu is perfectly curated to show appreciation for local vendors, southern fare and relatability. Chef Devin has a passion for creating food that brings people together. He grew up enjoying family meals with his father doing the cooking and grilling, all while Devin learned from him and began his appreciation for the dynamic of family togetherness. He says that his goal is to “bring people together and create moments,” and “doing that through food is very rewarding.” After talking with Chef Devin, I knew that everything he was going to bring to the menu was going to be an exceptional blend of options that met all tastes and palates. And, I was not disappointed. The first dish I tasted was the Buttermilk Fried Quail with Johnny Cakes, Pickled Sweet Pepper and Bourbon Maple. Quail is not the typical go-to for many, however, this dish is THE dish to order and try. You will be surprisingly and deliciously satisfied with the flavorful creation. Beautifully presented, this appetizer can be a meal on its own and gives those savory and sweet cravings their satisfaction. Next, I tried the Grilled Pork Chop with Red Beans, Apple, Frisee and Maple Dijon Glaze. Warning - this dish is huge! It can feed two if you want a hearty meal to split. Chef Devin created this six-hour brined, bone-in pork chop as an “approachable, simple and relatable,” meal. Paired with the red beans, this dish has true southern inspiration and the flavor to meet all expectations.
Executive Chef Devin Walline
Another main course I had the opportunity to try was the Scallops, served with Farro, Charred Box Choy, Carrot, Mushroom Dashi, Miso Butter and Sunchoke Chips. This was my favorite dish of the tasting! I am a scallop fan and this take on the seafood dish made it a rich, delectable and filling plate to enjoy. The scallops dish is changed up for the seasons, but I hope this one sticks around for a while...otherwise, I might have to make a special request. The dessert I got to taste was the Gluten Free Shortcake with Chantilly Whipped Cream, Strawberries and Crystallized Mint. WOW! This is the dessert to order, even if you are not looking for gluten free. The sweet, tart mix with the lightness of it all was a perfect way to complete a meal. It is not over the top, but a perfect balance of taste and ingredients. I also enjoyed a signature cocktail - the 1799 Cobbler. Made with Cream Sherry, Goslings Rum, Lemon, Simple Syrup, Angostura, Raspberries, Blackberries and Mint - this drink was flavorful and refreshing. You do not taste the spirits, but more so the refreshing and sweet flavors of the berries and citrus. It is a wonderful cocktail to order for a warm day! 54 MAY 2021
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I encourage you to visit 1799 if you have not had the opportunity to do so, or go back and try out one of the dishes here. The menu changes up for what is in season, so one must enjoy them while they can. Along with 1799, the hotel also has McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions which is a European-style café with gourmet sandwiches and salads, handcrafted cocktails, premium wines and local craft beer. The Harpeth itself is a beautiful and inviting space for guests. With 119 elegant guest rooms and various accommodations, including timeless decor and modern comforts, local artists, balconies and views of downtown Franklin or the courtyard, private VIP entrance, bus and valet parking, room service from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. and pet friendly - it is a perfect place for celebrations, wedding parties and business. The lobby is a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy, along with the library of books, and the courtyard that has a grand staircase, surrounded by balconies. There is so much thought and creativity put into the The Harpeth, its accommodations and dining options. It is a wonderful addition to historic downtown Franklin, that has not missed the mark on reflecting the beauty of our city. The appreciation for the community and its history is everywhere throughout the building and rooms. Visit The Harpeth and 1799 soon - and enjoy THE experience.
The Harpeth | 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails 130 2nd Avenue North | Franklin, TN 37064 harpethhotel.com/1799-kitchen
LIFESTYLE
women WHISKEY A Spirited Conversation
WHO
WITH CHRISTY BURKHALTER AND GINO DESALVATORE OF FRANKLIN WINE AND SPIRITS
For the ladies this month – are you ready to venture into the world of whiskey? While many may consider this a purely gentlemanly libation – we beg to differ. Here are a few bits of information you might find helpful when ordering at a bar or making a purchase at our store. I’ll start with a few very basic notes: Whiskey is a grain spirit, distilled and aged in barrels for a specified period. In essence, it is a beer that has been distilled to high proof and then aged in oak barrels. Whiskey is made all over the world and the time required in barrel for a grain spirit to earn the title of “whiskey” varies from country to country. Both bourbon and Tennessee whiskeys require the producer use only brand-new charred oak barrels for aging. Both utilize corn as the dominant grain in the mash bill (51% or greater), along with barley and either wheat or rye. While Kentucky is the state most identified with bourbon, bourbon can legally come from any state in America. Tennessee whiskey must be produced in the state and requires only that the spirit be filtered through sugar maple charcoal prior to aging. Rules for rye whiskey are the same as for bourbon and Tennessee whiskeys, except that the mash bill requires a minimum of fifty-one percent rye with corn and barley making up the remainder. Cocktails made with rye whiskey can seem crisper and more peppery than those made with corn.
Let 's start sampling! The best way to find flavor and identify your favorite spirit is to taste several side by side. You can visit Franklin Wine and Spirits anytime for samples! Tasting Scotch next to a bourbon, or a bourbon next to Canadian whiskey, or an Irish whiskey next to Scotch, makes it easier to identify how they differ. A higher-proof single-barrel bourbon tasted alongside a more common whiskey will dramatically reveal the differences in the two products. Do you enjoy baking? Notes you might pick up from a bourbon tasting are vanilla, all-spice, caramel, maple, molasses, butterscotch, toffee, butter, cinnamon. A rye might give you more herbaceous notes such as sage, rosemary, mint or fresh cut grass. So, ladies, do not be afraid to get your whiskey on. Impress with your newly gained knowledge of this classic favorite and enjoy mixing up your cocktail options for something more aged and interesting!
Suggested
TASTING FLIGHTS
Nelson's Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey
Chattanooga Straight Bourbon Whiskey
mash bill: Corn, Wheat and Malted Barley
mash bill: Yellow Corn, Malted Rye, Caramel Malted Barley and Honey Malted Barley
Tennessee Sour Mash - 91 Proof
tasting notes: Crème Brule, long finish with lingering flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar.
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Tennessee High Malt - 91 proof
tasting notes: Medium body and lingering, malty-sweet finish.
Maker's Mark Bourbon
Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 90 Proof mash bill: Red Winter Wheat, Corn and Malted Barley tasting notes: Sweet and balanced with caramel, vanilla and fruity essences. Smooth and subtle finish.
Bulleit Bourbon
Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 90 Proof mash bill: Corn, Rye and Malted Barley tasting notes: Medium amber in color, with gentle spiciness and sweet oak aromas. Mid-palate is smooth, with tones of maple, oak and nutmeg.
FRANKLIN WINE & SPIRITS franklinwineandspirits.com Locally owned and operated, YOUR expert in all things wine and spirits - will treat you to “A Spirited Conversation” every issue!
Franklin Wine & Spirits is your favorite neighborhood beverage store offering a welcoming neighborly vibe, comprehensive library of beverages to satisfy everyone and a knowledgeable team of associates with a passion for personal service to help you make the best selection for your specific taste. We look forward to seeing you! 1400 Liberty Pike, Suite 300 Franklin, TN 37067 615.794.4242 FranklinWineandSpirits.com
YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 57
Sponsored Event SOCIAL
Wine, Bourbon & Celebrate
Photography by Anna Robertson Ham Real Estate agents and friends of YOUR Williamson were invited to a special tasting at Franklin Wine & Spirits recently, to celebrate the Spring Home & Garden issue . Bourbon, wine, tequila and more were sampled and agents enjoyed a beautiful charcuterie of meats and cheese from Southern Ridge Farm. It was a wonderful evening for agents to see the fabulous gift baskets that Gino DeSalvatore and his team offer at YOUR local wine and spirits store. Learn more about Franklin Wine & Spirits at franklinwineandspirits.com. Marabeth Poole & Lisa Culp Taylor
Matt Daniel & Gino Desalvatore Maile Stover, Amy Pappas & Meredith Zeller
Angela & David Votta
Gino DeSalvatore, Ed & Monica Underwood 58 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
Joy & JR Roper
Hagan Stone & Cindy Stanton
CIRCA
2000
Franklin, TN Premier Vacation Rentals In the Heart of Leiper's Fork® www.PNKcottages.com 615-864-3392
LIFESTYLE
Come Fly with Me
Palm Beach, Florida
THE
o u C r n t a H i l i otel z a r B SOPHISTICATED • ICONIC • TIMELESS • ALLURING
Unlike the typical shiny high-rise found along the southern east coast, the legendary Brazilian Court is tucked away in a residential neighborhood on Palm Beach Island, seductively hidden amongst multi-milliondollar mansions and curtains of cascading bougainvillea. Across the threshold, a serene oasis awaits with lush gardens, intricate courtyards and a beautifully landscaped pool. An air of Old Hollywood glamour permeates the property, from the intimate entry that smells of honeysuckle to the secluded alcoves and tropical nooks concealing a treasure trove of secrets and decades of stories. The eighty-room hotel features an exclusive set of on-site amenities, including the newly renovated Brazilian Court Salon and worldrenowned Chef Daniel Boulud’s Cafe Boulud, and resides just steps from the beach and famed shopping destination Worth Avenue. Established as the epicenter of Palm Beach society and the beloved “home away from home” for locals and visitors alike since its 1926 debut, The Brazilian Court brings together stunning, high-style accommodations and impeccable service for an unforgettable experience – its intimate setting and residential touches granting every guest a sense of belonging. 60 MAY 2021
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As Palm Beach County’s first GBAC STAR accredited hotel, The Brazilian Court is committed to providing a safe environment and the highest standards of cleanliness for guests. Plus, with the ability to access select suites without entering the central lobby or elevators, multiple entrances/discreet exits, and a socially-distanced-friendly layout, in addition to contactless housekeeping and contactless room service, The Brazilian Court Hotel is perfectly suited for these unique times. A LINGERING LOOK: THE BRAZILIAN COURT HOTEL EXPERIENCE This discrete enclave of the rich and famous since the 1920s is most often whispered about as a favored rendezvous promising anonymity for the affluent – all tucked within its lushly cloaked courtyards. Capturing European oldworld charm, The Brazilian Court is redefined for a new generation seeking a retreat within its soft, stuccoed walls. Located in The Palm Beaches, America’s First Resort Destination™, guests are placed just steps away from both the beach and Worth Avenue, showcasing some of the world’s finest shopping and galleries. The resort also features the award-winning Café Boulud and The Brazilian Court Salon, as well as the Paul Fisher Art Gallery.
PICTURESQUE PALM BEACH A playground of the ultra-rich since Henry Flagler founded the city in 1911, Palm Beach beckons visitors down iconic Royal Palm Way to its secluded shores, where mansions are cloaked behind curtains of cascading bougainvillea and the ocean is never more than a few steps away. A Mediterraneanstyle Mecca, Palm Beach plays host to renowned cultural centers and society’s most glittering balls and charity events. PORTRAIT Across the threshold of The Brazilian Court, guests enter a serene oasis, a cloistered world unto itself with lush gardens and a tropical ambiance. Whether dining al fresco in the courtyard or relaxing at the pool under a canopy of palms in chaises lined in crisp white linen the only interruption to be heard is the whispering of lush foliage and palm trees in the balmy Florida breeze. Imaginations drift to the days when Cary Grant danced the night away with a star in his arms and courtyards were filled with some of the world’s greatest minds and leaders whispering political maneuverings and discussing business strategies amidst the tinkling of crystal. HOTEL HISTORY Built in, 1926 and celebrating their 94th anniversary, the hotel boasts a decades old pedigree as a favorite of celebrities, Palm Beach power players, media moguls and socialites from Gary Cooper and Greta
Garbo to Amelia Hearst and Marjorie Merriweather Post. The hotel heralds architecture by Rosario Candela, a famous New York architect who dared to go against the mold of the traditional Palm Beach architect Addison Mizner. Known for being eccentric enough to keep his blueprints hidden behind velvet ropes, Candela set out to create a stylish icon with lush courtyards and classic Spanish- Mediterranean architecture that defied the Hollywood theatricality of other Palm Beach hotels. By the time Maurice Fatio added the south wing of the hotel and the now-famous south courtyard in 1936, The Brazilian Court was established as the epicenter of Palm Beach society. ACCOMMODATIONS After a six-year body lift, the matriarch of Palm Beach society debuted her youthful glow in 2008 with eighty custom redesigned rooms and suites featuring mahogany crown molding, hand-forged, English, oil rubbed bronze fixtures, Provencestyle wood shutters, and plush beds topped with imported linens, while still staying true to Candela’s vision of simple elegance. Today guests can experience their own taste of society with suite names invoking the era such as Bergman, Astaire, Hepburn and Brando. Following a refreshment in 2019 to enhance the feeling of effortlessly sexy and modern Palm Beach style, while maintaining the existing vision of simple elegance and character, a collection of rooms at Brazilian Court now feature a style that embodies a playful take on Palm Beach sophistication. Acting as the main decorative element and inspiration for the design, a custom wisteria
wall panel made of colorful, silk like fabric incorporates a whimsical element that’s feminine and thoughtful juxtaposition to the rich mahogany wood and strong influences of leather, marble and brass accents. Lush green velvet headboards and sofas add a bold nod to the palms just outside, while white linens and pops of lavender brighten the space. Stylish and captivating, each room features a curated collection of black and white photography, by renowned photography Terry O’Neill, that pays homage to some of the most inspiring icons of pop culture. The mix of contemporary style furnishings and art delivers a design package that is both timeless and fresh. The hotel offers studios as well as one, two and threebedroom suites with no detail overlooked from the custom designed furniture and tapestries to flat-screen plasma LCD TVs and ultra-air-jet bathtubs with customized hydro-thermo massage menus. Private terraces featured in select rooms open to secret gardens, offering the perfect respite as the day wanes on the golden shoreline of Palm Beach. HAUTE CUISINE Sophisticated palates indulge in epicurean delights from world renowned Chef Daniel Boulud at Café Boulud Palm Beach, located in the heart of the historic hotel. Since opening in 2003, the restaurant has become one of Palm Beach’s most coveted dining destinations, earning four stars in the Forbes Travel Guide and Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence.”Debuting new renovations in 2015, Café Boulud boasts an elegant, sleek contemporary design – complete with a shimmery ceiling made from seashells and Pecky Cyprus, an expanded and relocated bar with fifteen seats and new cocktail/bar menu, warm wood flooring
YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 61
surrounding the glowing bar, and an exciting new menu. The French American menu balances signature Boulud dishes and French favorites inspired by Boulud’s restaurants around the world, with a spotlight on Palm Beach’s incredible seafood and produce. HAUTE STYLE Palm Beach’s most exclusive salon is nestled inside the legendary Brazilian Court Hotel. Experience relaxation and rejuvenation of mind, body and soul. The Brazilian Court Salon may be a new name to the Palm Beach area but the stylists in this salon are not. The salon’s expert team of stylists is highly skilled and has been pacesetters in the beauty industry. Enjoy unparalleled pampering with the most sought-after hair legends. The talented team specializes in premium hair services including French balayage, precision haircuts, and indulgent nail and spa services. WEDDINGS The scene of hundreds of exclusive storybook weddings over its 90-year history, the Candeladesigned courtyard offers a magical setting amidst a canopy of lush foliage, vibrant Mediterranean colors and the historical Wishing Well. Wedding guests celebrate under the twinkling stars of a breezy Palm Beach evening or inside the Brazilian Ballroom or the Conservatory for an elegant setting.
DISTINCTIONS The Brazilian Court showcases rare design materials not often found in modern hotels. Hailing from the Corton region of France, the stone floors winding throughout the hotel feature burgundy marbling – the result of hundreds of years of grape juices flowing down to the limestone underneath the vineyards. Known to locals as a “home away from home,” the hotel is the preferred place for Palm Beachers to house their guests. The matriarch of the Kennedy family, Rose Kennedy, contacted the hotel each year (after haggling with the manager to secure the previous season’s rates) during the holidays to house her overflow of guests.
The Brazilian Court Hotel 301 Australian Avenue Palm Beach, Florida 33480 (800) 552.0335 thebraziliancourt.com
EXPERIENCE VEGAS-SIZED THRILLS—MINUS THE FLIGHT!
THRILLING GAMES
LUXURIOUS HOTEL
DELICIOUS DINING
Spin and win on over 1,300 Vegas-style games.
It’s always more fun when you play and stay over.
Savor all the finest flavors at our four restaurants.
FOR HOTEL AND DINING RESERVATIONS VISIT OAKGROVEGAMING.COM
EXIT 86
KENTUCKY TENNESSEE
Clarksville
Nashville
WINNING IS JUST A QUICK SPIN AWAY! Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel is conveniently located at 777 Winners Way in Oak Grove, KY, right off I-24, Exit 86, across from Fort Campbell Army Post. For detailed driving directions, visit oakgrovegaming.com. Must be 21. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
So Vegas. So Close.
LIFESTYLE
Up The Road
! s u h t i w y k c u get l
Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel, just a quick spin from Nashville in Oak Grove, Kentucky, is the area’s newest entertainment destination. Featuring over 1,300 state-of-the-art gaming machines, four restaurants, a 128-room luxury hotel, RV park, outdoor amphitheater and Equestrian Center, it’s easy to see why they say it’s “so Vegas, so close.”
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e s o l C o S , s a g e So V O’Dark Thirty Coffee House, Sgt. Pepper’s Burgers & Po’Boys and Lucky Lime Tex Mex. These restaurants feature a variety of delectable dishes and are just steps from all of the gaming action.
Fun and excitement abound at the entertainment complex just off I-24, Exit 86. You can play the latest and greatest gaming machines ranging from a penny to $1 in denomination. The Sports Bar is the place to catch all of the homeruns, slam dunks, touchdowns and more on the 300-square-foot video board surrounded by eight 84-inch televisions. You can also enjoy live music on the Sports Bar Stage on weekends and select holidays.
If you are looking for a culinary adventure, head to Garrison Oak Steakhouse and take a journey through flavors and dishes that are rich to the heritage of the local region and beyond. The atmosphere in the restaurant is fine dining unsurpassed by anything else in the area, featuring décor that is sophisticated and equipped to entertain patrons for special occasions or simply to try something new.
The culinary team has developed a mouth-watering menu offering items from local farms such as Black Hawk and Marksbury Farms, featuring the delectable 48-ounce Tomahawk Ribeye. The Oak Grove Concert Series kicks off at the amphitheater on Saturday, May 8. Gates open at 1pm with the Spring Blues Fest featuring Crystal Shawanda, Johnny Rawls, and Stacy Mitchhart. This free outdoor event will be socially distanced, offering food trucks, a beer garden and more. This is the first of many events offered throughout the seasons leading up to our Harness Racing Events in October. Our 30-spot RV Park is now open, complete with electrical and water hookups and spacious pull-in spots. The road weary traveler will be delighted to benefit from the amenities on-site such as vending and showers, located conveniently across from the gaming entrance.
Don’t forget to save room for the in-house crafted desserts that bring local richness and traditions for all dietary levels. Enjoy something a little sweet and romantic such as the Flourless Chocolate Cakes, Apple Bourbon Crisp, or the White Chocolate Mango Cheesecake. This culinary journey is offered year-round. Visit www. oakgrovegaming.com or call 270-984-4200 for entertainment schedules, hours of operation, and to make reservations for Garrison Oak, the Hotel, or RV Park. Reservations for Garrison Oak Steak House can also be made via Open Table.
If it’s great dining options that you are looking for, Oak Grove has you covered. Quick-serve options include 777 Winners Way | Oak Grove, KY 42262 | 270.984.4200 | oakgrovegaming.com YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 65
BUSINESS
Distinctively Williamson Business
Jenny Cruger established her photography brand where motherhood meets simple luxury, creating the idea of organic and simple portraits for maternity, newborn, baby, and family sessions in the Nashville area. Beginning her business in 2010 with a vision of what she wanted for her own baby’s portraits at the time, but could not find in Nashville, she has been a downtown Franklin studio artist since 2011, photographing a steady stream of mainly repeat clients as well as new babies each year in her natural light studio and nearby field for outdoor sessions; where the absence of loudness in her work allows for the tender emotion to be heard instead.
JENNY PHOTOGRAPHY Celebrating 10 Years | FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE | JENNYCRUGERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM | e JENNYCRUGERPHOTOGRAPHY 66 MAY CRUGER 2021
Clients and the community have grown to know her emotional portraits filled with light tones and so much love between parents and their babies that she is often the first to know about new babies on the way, with clients getting on the calendar before announcing to the world. With a focus on mothers, clients know that they will be photographed in only the most flattering clothing, light, and angles as Jenny’s mission is to make mamas feel as amazing as everyone else sees them, when sometimes (herself included), they do not feel that way in the early days and years of motherhood. Creating an easy experience for her clients from the beginning with welcoming new clients with amazing welcome boxes to their home, studio wardrobes for the entire family (no need to shop and wonder what will look great in photos), coordinating hair and makeup in the studio for mamas who would like it, photographing intimate moments between moms, dads, and their tiniest loves, to ending with luxury, heirloom artwork in their homes. Keeping her palette one of beautiful natural light, simple items, neutral and calming tones, and filled with layers of texture and emotion all help to create the imagery for her client’s that deserves more than just a share on social media, though she knows that’s important and fun, too!
paper framed prints ready to hang on her clients’ walls, and stunning linen and velvet albums that clients hold in their hands and instantly fall in love with the beauty and meaning of having their story to look through in the years to come and pass down to their children. While most clients choose a membership to have multiple sessions over their children’s first few years, Jenny also offers one session at a time for maternity, newborn, or family sessions with little ones, taking on a limited number of clients each month so she can dedicate the time and attention need for each mama and family.
Jenny can be found at 235 3rd Ave North, Franklin, Tennessee by appointment and online at jennycrugerphotography.com and @jennycrugerphotography on Instagram.
Jenny is meticulous about products offered; providing highest quality heirloom pieces to last generations, which include fine art watercolor YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 67
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BUSINESS
IF YOUR COMPANY HAS COMMUNITY OR BUSINESS NEWS TO SHARE, SEND TO INFO@YOURWILLIAMSON.COM
BRENTWOOD CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF NEW POLICE HEADQUARTERS BUILDING Brentwood Mayor Rhea Little and members of the City Commission along with City Manager Kirk Bednar and other past and present leaders of the Brentwood Police Department recently cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the new Brentwood Police Department Headquarters building located at 910 Heritage Way. The new facility will allow the Brentwood Police Department to exist in its own dedicated and secured facility located more centrally to all of Brentwood. The building will accommodate all police divisions under one roof including, patrol administration, criminal investigations, training and the city’s dispatch center for fire and police. Citizens will be able to easily access police records and a community room, which doubles as a municipal courtroom, from the public lobby facing Heritage Way. At the back of the building and near the employee entrance stands a memorial wall to honor those like fallen Officer Destin Legieza, who was killed while on duty by a drunk driver in June 2020. Other names of department retirees who have served more than twenty years are also chiseled onto the monument. A bronze lion sculpture sits on granite base that overlooks the memorial wall to symbolize the protective role of law enforcement officers and convey the strength, courage and valor that are hallmarks of those who serve and protect. In less than two weeks, the community raised the $45,000 for the statue, through private donations
and a large donation from Kimbro Oil and Tri-Star Energy. Former Chief of Police Ricky Watson, who served with the Brentwood Police Department for twenty-five years. HANNAH GARRETT JOINS THE ANDREWS AGENCY The Andrews Agency is thrilled to announce a new addition to the team, Hannah Garrett, who has joined the agency as Account Executive. Her client work includes public relations, event planning, social media and marketing initiatives in the food and beverage, tourism, music, and nonprofit industries. Garrett is a Samford University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication, with concentrations in public relations and print journalism and a minor in marketing. She has a robust background in public relations working with the food and beverage industry, planning nonprofit events like the 50th Anniversary Birmingham Heart Ball, social media work for sports programs like PGA’s Jr. League, assisting startup companies, plugging in the local Nashville music scene and much more. Garrett is working on multiple accounts including Battle of Franklin Trust, The Heritage Foundation, Jackson Downs Wine and Spirits, John A’s Restaurant, The Jones Company, Chukkers for Charity and Saint Henry School. The Andrews Agency is a full-service public relations, marketing, and event management firm, founded in 1990. For further information about The Andrews Agency, visit andrewspr.com.
Sponsored Event SOCIAL
Williamson, Inc. Golf Classic
Photography by Jena Potter, Williamson Inc. Williamson, Inc.’s Golf Classic was held at The Little Course in Franklin. This par-3 course allowed members to select a tee time, move through the event quickly and also offered group golf lessons, including a Women in Business Group Lesson, Young Professionals Group Lesson and Long Drive Group Lesson. Members connected on the green with hole sponsors and prizes were awarded for first, second, third and a putting contest. It was the perfect golf outing for both experienced and novice golfers! Learn more about Williamson, Inc. and their events at williamsonchamber.com.
Women in Business Group Lesson
Christina McClary Lynn Tucker & Jena Potter
Matt Largen
Brendan Chasteen 68 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
Ed Walsh & Julie Mikel
Elizabeth McCreary, Anna Lisa Roberts, Tara Blue & Victoria Hood
Cortni Beardsley with Instructor
BUSINESS
Ribbon Cuttings
Advertise with Your Williamson! A DISTINC
TIVELY SOUTH
ERN PLACE
SUMME R
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Congratulations to these new Williamson County businesses and Chamber members!
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Tyler York Real Estate Brokers 3401 Mallory Lane, Suite 100 Franklin, TN 37067
Hattie Jane’s Creamery 3078 Maddux Way Franklin, TN 37069
1 0 2 2 W E S T M A I N ST R E E T Franklin, Tennessee
$1,597,000 | 3BR | 2 FB/ 2 HB | 3,802 SQ. FT. | BUILT 1920 (APPROX.)
AMG Ketamine and Wellness 1909 Mallory Lane, Suite 300 Franklin, TN 37067
Spring Hill Suites Franklin 5011 Aspen Grove Drive Franklin, TN 37067
MATT DANIEL
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist MANAGING BROKER, ABR c: 615.498.6129 Matt@Daniel-Christian.com
o: 615.790.6107
DIANNE CHRISTIAN
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist BROKER, ABR, CRS, GRI, PNM o: 615.790.6107 c: 615.260.3313 Dianne@Daniel-Christian.com
BUSINESS
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WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER NAMED AMONG 2021 BEST MATERNITY HOSPITALS Williamson Medical Center (WMC) has been named to Newsweek’s 2021 list of Best Maternity Care Hospitals. The distinction recognizes facilities that have provided excellent care to mothers, newborns, and their families, as verified by the 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Survey. WMC was one of only four Tennessee hospitals to receive the distinction. Nationally, only 217 hospitals across thirty-six states were designated as 2021 Best Maternity Hospitals. Newsweek’s 2021 Best Maternity Hospitals list is powered by data gathered by the Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit that reports on the safety and quality performance of U.S. health care facilities. For additional information on WMC’s award winning obstetric and maternity services, visit williamsonmedicalcenter.org/OB.
Family owned and operated For three generations. Full service Funeral and cremation provider. cemetery and crematory on site.
3009 Columbia Ave. Franklin,TN 37064 www.williamsonmemorial.com
615-794-2289
5239 Main St. Spring Hill,TN 37174 www.springhill-memorial.com
931-486-0059
plan ahead by calling our oFFice or visiting www.preplanning.com/williamsonmemorial www.preplannning.com/springhillmemorial
LEADERSHIP FRANKLIN AWARDS COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP Leadership Franklin has awarded a $1,500 college scholarship to Williamson County student M.J. Brown. This scholarship is awarded annually to high school seniors or current college students who display their commitment to Williamson County through service and demonstrated community leadership. Applicants are selected based on grade point average, quality of essay, and scholarship application points. Brown will graduate in May from Brentwood High School where he is a Class Representative on the Student Council and is Treasurer of this student organization. . He frequently volunteers with Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church, the Boy Scouts of America, and Nashville Rescue Mission. Brown recently received recognition from the National African American Recognition Program, was selected as an AP Scholar of Distinction, and is an Eagle Scout. Leadership Franklin is a nonprofit organization focused on developing leadership and community engagement and furthering a vision for Franklin and Williamson County. More information can be found at leadershipfranklin.org.
We’re in the Money
BUSINESS
PLANNING FOR VACATION WITH MANDY GARLAND, FIRSTBANK
IMPROVE MORE. ENJOY MORE. WITH A FIRSTBANK HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT
April showers bring May flowers…and the beginning of summer vacation! One of my jobs in our family is planning the annual summer vacation trip. It can be a lot of pressure, but something I personally enjoy as well. When planning for trips, the first thing I’ll do is get input from everyone else. How long do we want to stay? Where do we want to go this year – tried and true or somewhere new? Of course, this year begs for the familiar since there are still travel restrictions in place. Make sure you check your destination’s requirements before you leave. This year will probably be a Florida Panhandle vacation for us, but I do want to prepare for a “big” trip possibly next year. Both of my kids will be in middle school in the fall, so I’m realizing that my family vacation time might be limited. I want to make sure I get in as many memories as I still can! To help me do that, I opened an additional FirstBank account that I’ve titled, “vacation” on my online banking dashboard. When I get paid in my primary checking account, money is automatically transferred out to this vacation account. I do this with other various savings accounts as well. I have read advice online from several money saving gurus that it’s best to put your money in various buckets to help track it. Famous for organization and budgeting, Jordan Page of funcheaporfree.com suggests each family consider opening seven checking accounts to better manage your finances. While I’m not quite up to that number, I do see the benefit of having separate accounts for savings, vacation money, and for each of my children. My vacation account helps me plan well in advance for our “big” trip which takes out some of the stress.
Whether you need cash for a new home project or to fund your vacation plans, ask about our Home Equity program that can give new meaning to dream home.
Contact your banker to open a separate vacation account if that is something that appeals to you. I can’t believe summer is finally here. Here’s to lots of warm weather and Happy Memorial Day!
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LIFESTYLE
The Lady Entertains
WITH SOUTHERN EVENTS PARTY RENTAL COMPANY
Photography by Erin Lee Allender Southern Events Party Rental has tons of themes for every event imaginable, including Aloha Island, Space Jam, and the County Fair which is showcased here. With this theme, you bring the fun of the county fair home! Bright and primary, this backyard party theme has an Americana twist. Serve fresh lemonade with our Classic Beverage Jar and Mason Jar Glassware. Designate space for party games and activities with our children’s tables and area rugs, and set up prizes and treats on our Whiskey Barrel Bar! Learn more about our party rentals and themes at southerneventsonline.com. 72 MAY 2021
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Photography by Erin Lee Allender Southern Events Party Rental has tons of themes for every event imaginable, including Aloha Island, Space Jam, and the County Fair which is showcased here. With this theme, you bring the fun of the county fair home! Bright and primary, this backyard party theme has an Americana twist. Serve fresh lemonade with our Classic Beverage Jar and Mason Jar Glassware. Designate space for party games and activities with our children’s tables and area rugs, and set up prizes and treats on our Whiskey Barrel Bar! Learn more about our party rentals and themes at southerneventsonline.com.
YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 73
FEATURE
Eat, Drink & Be Merry
SWEETNESS IS IN FULL
BLOOM BLOOMING KUPCAKES Have you ever seen a cupcake so stunning? That is exactly what the creations of Katherine Halbeck, Founder & CEO of Blooming Kupcakes, look like. Prior to moving to Nashville three years ago, Katherine worked in the medical and legal field for nearly thirty years in various roles, including legal assistant, administrator of a large medical practice and marketing director for numerous imaging centers. While working as a legal assistant at a law firm last year, the pandemic and ensuing shutdown resulted in the firm placing several employees on a thirty day furlough to help offset the company’s overhead. “During this time, as with most of us, I was restless in the evenings and couldn’t fall asleep worried about the pandemic and what kind of impact this was going to have on my family,” says Katherine. “One evening, I turned to Instagram to distract my mind and started watching cupcake decorating videos. One-click after another, I found myself mesmerized. The following day, I ordered a set of Russian piping tools on Amazon. I figured I had thirty days to keep myself occupied with these tools. Within two weeks of playing with them, friends started encouraging me to sell my decorated cupcakes. I realized I had an opportunity to be creative, have fun and start a small home-based business on the side…and that’s how Blooming Kupcakes was born.”
market and with so many bakeries around, I figured if I focused on one thing, I could do it well and stand out from the rest. Some flowers have taken longer to learn. It took me almost three months to perfect the chrysanthemum. The right amount of pressure versus texture of the buttercream is key. Some flowers like a zinnia came easier and some like a pansy was a bit more challenging. Discovering and trying different piping tools became essential to strengthening my craft.” Her favorite cupcakes are the ones that come with a story behind it. “That certain flower that brings back a cherished memory or when my cupcakes are purchased to lift someone’s spirit,” she says. “When those stories are shared with me, it lifts me up and gets me even more excited for the next box I create. If you were to ask me what my favorite flower is to pipe, I would have to say roses. Their petals are so delicate and so pretty to look at.” Katherine returned to work in June just as her business started gaining traction, which meant she was now working two full-time jobs. “I worked at the law firm by day and rushed home to bake and pipe in the evenings,” she explains. “Some days, I worked sixteen to eighteen hour days. My husband, Andy, has joined the business and has taken over all of the baking and frosting preparation so now when I get home from work, I just have to mix my colors and focus on the piping.”
“Failure is not an option; success is just a process.”
Katherine says she has always enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friend, but does not recall baking cupcakes before she started Blooming Kupcakes. “Once I started experimenting with various piping tools, I realized I needed to perfect a recipe that was delicious and unique to our brand. Our cupcakes are dense and truly have a distinctive flavor to them due to the flour blend we use (our proprietary secret),” she says. “I wanted to find a niche in the 74 MAY 2021
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Luckily for all of her cupcake fans, Blooming Kupcakes has become her full-time job as of May 15th. With a mindset of “failure is not an option; success is just a process,” Katherine continues to pursue her newfound love for cupcakes and the art that goes into making them. Her goal is to grow the business and establish a great customer base and she hopes in the near future she can open up a storefront, and even offer piping lessons for aspiring bakers. She encourages others to find something they might have a passion in and pursue it. “Think outside the box, have fun and see where the road takes you. Believe in yourself and don’t give up. Find support groups on Facebook and Instagram. I found so much support, guidance and tips from women all over the world who shared their valuable lessons on things that worked and didn’t work. In turn, when it’s your time, give of yourself to others too so they can grow and inspire others.”
Land & Lots, First Time Home Buyers, Design & Custom Homes... Just plain Real Estate... It’s what I do!
American Buttercream Recipe Views of Olde Franklin - Own A Slice of Paradise
American Buttercream Ingredients •
4 sticks (1 lb, 454 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
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8 cups (2 lb, 907 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
•
large pinch of salt*
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1-3 tablespoons whole milk as needed
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extracts and flavorings as desired
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*Note: Should you decide to use salted butter, don’t add the large pinch of salt.
Instructions 1.
Whip the butter and salt for about a minute using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. You can use a hand mixer instead if needed but it will put more air in your buttercream (if that is the consistency you desire).
2. Sift in the confectioner’s sugar in several batches beating on low. Scrape the bowl down and repeat the process till both butter and sugar looked crumbled. 3. Add a tablespoon of the cream while mixing on low then add the vanilla. Beat until you have an even, fluffy consistency. You can add more cream or milk if desired for a thinner consistency.
Buttercream Flavor Options •
Vanilla American Buttercream: Add in 2 tsp vanilla extract
•
Chocolate American Buttercream: Add 1 cup of sifted unsweetened cocoa powder
•
“Wedding Cake” American Buttercream: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp almond extract
•
Lemon American Buttercream: Add 3 TBSP lemon zest and ¼ cup lemon juice. Remove the milk and increase the confectioner’s sugar to 9 cups.
Come to the beautiful Williamson County countryside and claim your estate lots ranging from five to twenty three acres. Currently, three lots are available, ranging from sixteen to twenty three acres, and priced from $998K to $1,449,000. These lots are approved and recorded, and most sites will accommodate two dwellings. Gorgeous views abound! One of the highest elevations in Williamson County! Come find your little corner of paradise with all the conveniences needed within minutes of your country oasis.
Lauren Sullivan
Cell: 615.289.8610 PARKS Realty
106 East Main Street, Suite 200 Franklin, Tennessee
LIFESTYLE | Your Education 2018 Celebrating 10 Years with a Special Feature Worth Sharing Again
and finance, to tips on health and self-care, we teach students those practical skills for life on their own. We also help our parents with their experience of the transition. Recently, we held an event for our seniors and their parents where they heard from local therapist Jim Schleicher about the process of letting go. Throughout the year, we have many individual conversations with parents and students addressing specific concerns about the future. Here are a few recommendations I share with parents as they prepare for this next chapter: • Expect mixed emotions. From sadness one moment as you recall those sweet grade-school years to complete frustration as your graduate continues to test your parenting limits, the roller-coaster of emotions will take you for a ride. Anticipate this ride, knowing that strong emotions accompany significant life events. This fluctuation also prepares you for your graduate’s departure. • Plan time with your graduate. Whether it be a family vacation, hikes in the park, or dinner at a favorite restaurant, be intentional about it. Put it on the calendar. You do not want the summer to pass without enjoying quality time with your son or daughter. The time does not need to include lectures about life. Rather, focus your time on just being together. The spontaneity of conversation and your full presence will make your time together most meaningful.
LETTING GO BY LAYNE PICKETT
This time of year is filled with anticipation as the end of school approaches and summer draws near. Most of us look forward to the relaxed pace of summer as a time to recharge for the next school year. For high school seniors and their parents, though, their anticipation is entirely different. Certainly, graduation brings excitement for the occasion and pride in the accomplishment. After years of hard work, these feelings are expected and should be relished. It is the unanticipated feelings of sadness about our children growing up and fear of them being on their own that can make this time challenging. While students and parents are usually ready for the next phase, the reality of what “ready” means can leave some parents overwhelmed by the transition. At Battle Ground Academy (BGA), we work with our seniors to ensure they are ready for life after high school. From learning the basics of budgeting 76 MAY 2021
Celebrating 10 Years
• Impart basic life skills. Make sure they know how to change their sheets and do their laundry. Discuss things like credit cards and car maintenance. Having a few basic recipes under their belt is helpful, too. Make a list and teach the practical skills you think might be missing from your graduate’s tool box. • Make plans for yourself next fall. Whether you are facing an empty nest or just one less teenager at home, you have a new chapter to explore as well. Embrace it with a new hobby, a trip, or simply an optimistic outlook. Plus, your graduate will have one less thing to worry about just by knowing that you will be okay after they leave. Enjoy this time and have confidence in the path you have paved for your son or daughter. Rest easy, knowing that all these years of loving, guiding and supporting your child will pay off. And remember, this is your graduation, too! LAYNE PICKETT Your Education
Layne Pickett is a Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselor at Battle Ground Academy in Franklin. She received her bachelor’s degree and her master’s degree in counseling from Vanderbilt University. In addition to being BGA’s Upper School Counselor, Mrs. Pickett teaches a freshman life-preparedness class, oversees the Upper School Advisory Program, and sponsors the Peer Leadership Program. Mrs. Pickett is also a mother to two teenage sons.
COMMUNITY
News From Schools
FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION ON OUR LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS - GO TO WCS.ORG & FSSD.ORG
FOUR WILLIAMSON COUNTY SCHOOLS HIGHEST RANKED IN TENNESSEE Four WCS high schools are the highest-ranked, non-magnet schools in Tennessee according to US News and World Report’s annual Best High Schools list which was released April 27. In Tennessee, Brentwood High is ranked fifth, Ravenwood High is ranked sixth, Franklin High is ranked seventh and Page High is ranked eighth. This is the first time that four high schools from the district have been ranked in the top 10. Both Brentwood and Ravenwood high schools are also within the top 250 of 17,860 schools in the nation. Page High entered the top 10 this year after moving up from 13 All 10 WCS high schools are ranked within the top 65 of 385 Tennessee schools. As a newer school, this is Nolensville High’s first appearance on the list. The US News and World Report ranks the majority of public high schools in the country. The rankings are decided using six factors that are summed together and then transformed into a percentile number between zero and 100. The six factors considered are college readiness, college curriculum breadth, math and reading proficiency, math and reading performance, underserved student performance and graduation rate. The complete rankings of WCS high schools are listed below: Brentwood High - 5th (ranked 200 nationally) Ravenwood High - 6th (ranked 247 nationally) Franklin High - 7th (ranked 353 nationally) Page High - 8th (ranked 590 nationally) Nolensville High - 14th (ranked 950 nationally) Independence High - 16th (ranked 1,081 nationally) Summit High - 17th (ranked 1,084 nationally) Centennial High - 18th (ranked 1,132 nationally) Fairview High - 54th (ranked 4,003 nationally) Renaissance High - 64th (ranked 4,730 nationally).
WILLIAMSON COUNTY CHEER WELL-REPRESENTED AT THE 2021 UCA NATIONAL CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP The recently concluded 2021 UCA National Cheerleading Championship, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida, featured twentyfour different Williamson County cheer teams. For the first time in the event’s history, teams were allowed to choose whether they wanted to participate on site at Disney’s ESPN or virtually because of Covid-19 concerns. Most local teams were in Orlando while some submitted their routines virtually. Scoring and awards were done separately, so the in-person and virtual divisions did not compete against each other. Nearly 7,000 athletes across 430 teams were at the in-person events and virtually, over 7,500 athletes from 450 teams competed. Fourteen Williamson County teams finished in the top three places of their respective divisions with nine of those teams winning coveted white satin “National Champions” jackets: Centennial High School Junior Varsity, Centennial High School Large Varsity, Franklin High School Game Day Large Varsity, Grassland Middle School Large Junior High Game , Independence High School Varsity Game Day Live, Poplar Grove School Junior High Non-Tumbling Game Day, Spring Station Middle School Junior Game Day Live, Spring Station Middle School Junior High Non-Tumbling, Woodland Middle School Small Junior High YOUNG SCHOLARS INSTITUTE REGISTRATION OPEN Franklin Special School District is excited to open online registration for their Young Scholars Institute this summer. The Young Scholars Institute, sponsored by the Franklin Special School District, offers challenging, exploratory classes which are designed for independent and highly motivated learners. The courses are academically and artistically challenging and a lot of fun! YSI is designed for a mature, independent student who is ready to change classes. Capacity will be limited this year due to COVID protocols. This summer, the Young Scholars Institute will occur June 7-11 and June 14-18 at Freedom Intermediate School. For more information go online to fssd.org.
THE BGA CLASS OF 2021
7% 9 ACCEPTED
TO AT LEAST ONE OF THEIR TOP THREE COLLEGE CHOICES, INCLUDING American University Auburn University Belmont University Case Western Reserve University Centre College Clemson University College of Charleston Columbia University Florida State University Fordham University Georgetown University High Point University Jonkoping University Lipscomb University Northeastern University Purdue University Rhodes College Rice University Sewanee: The University of the South Syracuse University Texas Christian University Tufts University Tulane University of Louisiana University of California, San Diego University of Georgia University of Kentucky University of Miami University of Mississippi University of Oregon University of South Carolina University of Southern California University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of Wisconsin Vanderbilt University Washington University in St. Louis
EDUCATION ELEVATED
LIFESTYLE | Your Kids 2014
Celebrating 10 Years with a Special Feature Worth Sharing Again
HOW TO KEEP YOUR KIDS HAPPY AND KEEP YOUR SANITY For many families, summer time means traveling at least once. If you are someone that values routine, the process of planning for and going on a vacation can seem like work. At times it may seem more like a circus than a vacation...hello chaos and madness! Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be all mayhem, all the time. Here are some helpful tips for traveling with children: Be realistic. More than likely something will go wrong. A flight will be delayed or a room reservation will be wrong. Just roll with the punches and remember to keep calm. Before you leave, make a list of things you CANNOT leave home without. These are things that cannot be purchased if you were to forget them: a special blanket, glasses, medications, or your ipad. Pack snacks and treats for long car rides and flights. Suckers are a great way to make sure you get a small break from “Are we there yet?” Remember that a vacation is not the time to do something big like drop a nap or pacifier or potty train. Save those kinds of feats for when you are back to normal. Plan outings on a trip around your child’s normal routine. The younger a child, the more important to stick to their routine. If possible, keep mealtimes, naps, and bedtime as close to normal as you can. Make sure to understand the difference between a road trip and a vacation when planning. For a road trip the getting there is part of the vacation, so you need to make sure to plan stops and fun activities in the car. For a vacation, the destination is the vacation. Make sure to prepare your children for whichever one you will be going on. Relax, breathe, and have fun. Things will go back to normal and in the meantime, you have memories to make with your family! GINGER JONES
jonestherapyservices.com Ginger Jones 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. Her column shares helpful tips and knowledge that she has learned in her career of working with children and families as well as being a mother herself.
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LIFESTYLE
Read Between the Lines
THE HORSES OF SECOND WIND FARM THEIR LIVES | OUR LESSONS
In her first book releasing this month, author and horsewoman Diane Moschera, has written a love story, but it’s not a romance novel. For Moschera, the ongoing love story is about experiencing God’s love and wisdom, with lessons delivered through a majestic part of God’s creation – her horses. Throughout her lifetime of loving and caring for horses, she says God’s most clear ways of communicating with her has been her relationship with horses. In their gentle spirits, she has learned lessons God has for her and used to help her grow into the person God intends her to become. “Every horse I encounter has taught me something,” she writes. “They may be without speech, but they are not without a voice. There are many great messengers at Second Wind Farm.”
Live Music Wednesday - Sunday
She shares some of those personal but universal lessons in her new book, The Horses of Second Wind Farm: Their Lives, Our Lessons. In a recent trade review, the book was described as “inspired and inspiring” by the Midwest Book Review. The review added that it also considered it “a ‘must’ for anyone who has ever had an equine companion.” Moschera and her husband own and operate Second Wind Farm in Thompson’s Station. It’s a boarding and training facility, as well as being their home and respite. In the book, she profiles eleven of the more than fifty horses she has known in her lifetime so far, describing the unique personalities of each horse and noting an attribute that became a life lesson for her. “I am most grateful for the messages from Heaven shared through my horses. Every horse I encountered has taught me something. They have brought focus and direction. They have brought God’s wisdom, strength, hope, and love into my circumstances. Their soft, simple language often speaks louder than words,” Moschera writes. The book includes photos of the horses, and the stories reveal Diane’s expertise with horses and her great compassion and love for these animals, as well as her strong faith. “These are love stories of our life together,” she explains. “They also provide a perfect reflection of how my God loves me and cares for me.” Moschera sees that in addition to horses, God also uses other parts of creation, including other people, to gently communicate His love and wisdom. She offers this advice. “Learn to listen carefully to the teachers who surround you and the lessons they teach. They come in all shapes and sizes. Look intently into your world for who they may be. It may surprise you.” The Horses of Second Wind Farm, from Carpenter’s Son Publishing and is available from selected bookstores and online retailers. To learn more about Diane and her horses, visit dianemoschera. com. or follow her on Facebook at DianeMoscheraAuthor.
HOURS Closed Monday & Tuesday Open Wednesday - Saturday 11 am - 9 pm Sunday 10 am - 7:30 pm (brunch served) Visit izzysfranklin.com or call 615.716.2861 to make a reservation (recommended) or place an order. 901 Columbia Avenue | Franklin, TN 615.716.2861
izzysfranklin.com
LIFESTYLE
Arts & Culture
F
ranklin local Erin Williams has been dancing for as long as she can remember. In fact, when she wasn’t hanging out on Main Street or strolling in Pinkerton Park, you could find her staging performances in front of her fireplace for family and friends. That might explain why at the age of six, Erin’s parents enrolled her in the School of Nashville Ballet’s children’s classes. Little did they know, this would be the start of her extraordinary dance career. Even at a young age, Erin’s talent and determination were apparent and she was invited to join the School of Nashville Ballet’s Academy, where she used every opportunity to learn and grow her artistry and technique. This earned her roles in several mainstage productions with Nashville Ballet’s company artists as a member of the youth cast, including the highly-coveted role of Clara in Nashville’s Nutcracker in 2012.
“Since I’ve always known that I wanted dance to be a part of my life forever, doing it professionally seemed to be the clear choice, and my heart just told me I needed to do it here in Nashville,” explained Erin.
A CAREER POINTE
FROM MAIN STREET TO MAIN STAGE
Nashville Ballet company dancers have performed with local talents like Maren Morris, Ben Folds, Sugar and the HiLows, and Louis York. While these “pinch me” moments occur regularly for Erin and her fellow company artists, they know that opportunities like these can be found only in Music City.
“It’s a feeling you get when you’re here,” shared Erin. “I’ve always felt like it was a safe space where I can grow artistically but still be challenged. You have to be flexible, versatile, Fortunately for Erin, she was offered a and always willing to absorb more information contract to dance full time with NB2, Nashville because [dance] is ever changing. Every young Ballet’s official second company, at the age dancer should start practicing that of seventeen. Two short years so you can learn to adapt.” later, she was promoted into the “I’ve always felt That versatility has certainly main company as a company like it was a safe paid off over the past year, when apprentice. space where I can performing live became impossible In her professional career, Erin grow artistically due to the pandemic. Company has performed in well-known dancers, used to feeding off the but still be classical ballets like Romeo and energy of the audience, were challenged.” Juliet, in addition to uniquely challenged to express their passion Nashville works created by world-renowned through the digital lens in virtual performances. choreographers and set to music performed by Thankfully, Nashville Ballet makes their return Nashville musicians. In just the last three years, 80 MAY 2021
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to live performances this May at Ascend Amphitheater and Erin and her fellow company artists can’t wait. “We are so ready to perform live,” shared Erin. “I love knowing that this will be our audience’s first live performance in a while too. We will all be feeling that adrenaline of being back, and it’s going to be a really special moment that everyone can enjoy.” While company members and patrons alike are certainly looking forward to these monumental events on May 14th and 15th, it will be extra special for Erin, who never loses the excitement of performing for her hometown community. To learn more about School of Nashville Ballet or to purchase tickets to Nashville Ballet LIVE at Ascend Amphitheater, visit nashvilleballet. com.
Arts & Culture
ARTS
& CULTURE
ANNUAL SUNSET CONCERT SERIES RETURNS TO CARNTON The Battle of Franklin Trust has announced the dates and lineup for its annual Sunset Concert Series, a familyfriendly, summer tradition providing outdoor concerts on the east lawn of Carnton. This year’s schedule includes: • Sunday, June 27: Rubiks Groove: 80s and 90s Tribute Band • Sunday, July 25: Resurrection: A Journey Tribute Event gates open at 4 p.m., and concerts take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests may bring chairs, blankets, and picnics. Food and beverage, including alcohol, is permitted. Food trucks and drink tents with beer, wine and cocktails will also be onsite. Pets, tents, grills, and anything with an open flame are not allowed. Parking is free and available on site. There will be volunteers on site to direct guests to loading and unloading zones. Advance tickets for June 27 are $10.50 for adults and $5.50 for children ages 6-15, and $15.00 at the gate. Advance tickets for July 25 are $15.50 for adults and $5.50 for children, and $20.00 at the gate. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Carnton or Carter House, as well as online at www.boft.org. In the event of inclement weather, every effort will be made to reschedule the concert. Tickets are nonrefundable. For more information, contact Hannah Jacobs at hannah@boft.org or call (615) 905-0687. LIVE MUSIC IS BACK:
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival makes in-demand return to Franklin, Tennessee September 25 & 26 Dave Matthews Band, the Black Keys, Maren Morris, and Cage the Elephant Power a must-see lineup. Two-day GA and VIP Passes on sale! BROADWAY AT TPAC IS BACK! Let’s raise the curtain on a spectacular new season. Intermission is about to end. We are ready to bring the best of Broadway ROARING BACK to Nashville. Our 2021-22 HCA Healthcare/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC season and special presentations lineup features seven Nashville premieres, the highly anticipated return of two Broadway blockbusters, and the World Premiere of a new Country musical before it launches its first National Tour. Through our partnership with HCA Healthcare/ TriStar Health we are helping to ensure you can safely return to the incomparable excitement of live performances. Please find your seats. A spectacular new season of Broadway in Nashville is about to begin. For more information go to: TPAC.org.
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LIFESTYLE
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MONTHLY
Did You Know?
DID YOU KNOW?
Women
In honor of this being our issue for the Ladies – Here are a few Unusual Facts About Women That Are Totally True
THE FEMALE BODY HAS LESS RESISTANCE TO ALCOHOL
WOMEN SEE MORE COLORS Have you ever talked to your friend about those white curtains that she said were eggshell or cream? Well, this is because women see on average 20% more differences in colors and shapes.
READING FACES From the beginning of their lives, women are better at reading faces, gestures and tones of voice, making them superior in conversations and social leaders. Even in a group of people, all social interactions would likely be directed by an alpha female than an alpha male.
Believe it or not, alcohol is even more dangerous for women, as they are more prone to liver diseases like hepatitis (an inflammation of the liver) and more likely to die of liver cirrhosis (a chronic disease). Women are also more likely to suffer brain damage caused by alcohol, such as loss of mental function and reduced brain size.
THE AVERAGE WOMAN EATS Four Pounds of Lipstick in Her Life When you take the average number of lipsticks purchased over a lifetime and their average usability, it all comes down to women licking or eating about four pounds of lipstick in a lifetime. This translates to 533.76 lipsticks.
WOMEN LIVE LONGER Sometimes life differences between men and women can be up to a decade, but on average they are at least two-three years worldwide.
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A FORD CLASSIC HOMES AND CPS LAND COMMUNITY
