AT CHEEKWOOD | NOVEMBER 23 - JANUARY 5
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LOWER SCHOOL (Kindergarten - 4th grade)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23
8:30 - 10:30 A.M.
MIDDLE & UPPER
SCHOOL (5th - 12th grade)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 2:00 - 4:00 P.M.
"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."
- L.A. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
Dear Reader,
The fall is finally upon us. I can feel the chill in the air and the leaves have begun to change and fall. Autumn’s glory is here and what a glorious season it is, especially here in Williamson County. Whether you head to Pumpkinfest or visit Gentry’s Farm for the first time; cook up your own Halloween treats (see plenty of ideas in this issue) or mix up a tasty hot “cider” (also plenty of recipes inside); go on a hayride, wear a spooky mask and trick-or-treat; enjoy a football game and a warm bonfire – whatever your favorite fall activity is, take a moment to enjoy the colors and smells of a rich October.
I hope you enjoy reading about our six Charitable Heroes in this issue. Always one of my favorite issues; when we recognize the people who truly make our community one of giving and giving back. That philosophy is all around us and Williamson County is unique in its ability to always care for and give back to those in need. I was inspired so much by our six generous heroes and their stories.
It has always been my earnest belief that this magazine’s real purpose and what inspires us to do what we do every issue, is ensure that the community as a whole, is made aware of the many inspiring individuals, groups and organizations who serve the greater good. If in some small way, we can fill that role, then hopefully we are doing some good here too. Thank you to all the incredible events and causes that fill our pages every month and especially thank you to all those givers out there who never waiver in their commitment in giving back.
Shelly Robertson Birdsong Publisher shelly@robertsonmediagroup.com
OCT 12
OCT 25
Celebration of Nations
Here are a few events to add to your Social Calendar this month. Visit yourwilliamson.com for more events.
Did you #MakeThePilgrimage this year?
OCT 26
Bicentennial Park Franklin | 10am-9pm | sistercitiestn.org
The 10th Anniversary of Celebration of Nations Cultural Festival will have fun for the whole family from 10am-6pm, with craft vendors, immersive art activities, global food and beverage vendors, stages featuring music and dance from around the globe. From 5pm-9pm, Rubiks Groove will entertain adults and there will be a Lipman Brothers V.I.P. International Beer and Wine Tasting tent with dozens of international beers and wine. Tastings and a souvenir glass will be included in the V.I.P admission price!
The Factory at Franklin | 7pm-10pm franklinwinefestival.com
One of the Nashville area’s premier wine and food experiences is celebrating its 15th year, benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee! Join top restaurants, sommeliers, winemakers and distillers’ whiskey collections from across the nation and Nashville’s own acclaimed gourmet scene for the culinary experience of a lifetime. Tastings, libations, music and so much more...all in one festival! The 2019 headline performer is recording singer and songwriter, Erin Kinsey with special guest, The Winnie Blues!
Downtown Franklin | 10am-7pm | williamsonheritage.org
The Heritage Foundation’s 36th Annual Pumpkinfest is middle Tennessee’s largest family fall festival, with over 65,000 people in attendance! The festival stretches along Main Street and its side avenues in downtown Franklin and offers tons of festive fun for people of all ages! Guests can experience new activities such as Williamson County High School Battle of the Bands, revamped costume parade and Leiper’s Fork Distillery Whiskey Lounge and activities at Franklin Grove Estate and Gardens, including a Heritage Classroom pop-up, pumpkin patch, photo opportunity, book talks and more.
In love with our September cover! #YourWilliamson
The November issue of Your Williamson will celebrate business in our community! Look for our annual feature from Williamson Inc. We will also kickoff the holiday season with plenty of Thanksgiving and Christmas decor, food and gift planning! Sign up for our weekly e-blasts for news and updates at yourwilliamson.com.
Harpeth Conservancy’s 16th Annual River Swing was hosted at River Circle Farm, home of Co-Chairs Agneta and Brownlee Currey and Kathryn and Christian Currey. The heron, a bird local to the area, was featured throughout the event from the invitations, backdrop, gold herons on the stage and bar to a 5’ heron cake. Guests enjoyed a silent auction, dinner provided by Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant and performances by John (JoJo) Hermann of Widespread Panic and The Bluff Band. During the evening, they were joined by national recording artists Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show and JoJo, as well as JB Strauss, Quincey Meeks, Tom Landstreet and more! Over 700 people attended raising a record $230,000 to support Harpeth Conservancy’s mission to restore and protect clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee. To learn more, visit harpethconservancy.org
Macy’s introduces new fall fashion and styles for the season - with bold prints, fall colors and looks that will be sure to turn heads this autumn. Here is just a sampling of their fall clothing and accessory options that will posh up your wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to go bold and make your mark!
The time of year for football and tailgating is here! It’s also the time of year - whether the temps agree or not - to start changing out your wardrobe to welcome the soon-to-arrive autumn.
Draper James’ new arrivals are perfect for fall and will have you stylish for your tailgating parties. Here are some of Reese Witherspoon’s favorites, as well as some of ours, from the Draper James collection.
Every season, we love to bring a few pieces to our line that have a retro-chic feel. This dress is a comfy shift style but has a few surprising details like an all-over swiss dot print, smocked sleeves and a smocked neck. We suggest wearing it with heeled boots and maybe even a pair of hoop earrings!
Team spirit and southern roots, that’s what we’re all about at Draper James. Carry all of your essentials, your tablet, a change of clothes and more in this football-happy tote. And, carry your love for your team, too!
Life is about family and football season! Lift each other up with fun phrases this season and show your love for your team on your tote. Big enough to hold all of your essentials, a book, an extra sweater and more. We’ll be cheering for you. Go, y’all!
Want to travel light? This leather crossbody is designed to be sleek yet big enough to hold your phone, ID and a few basics. Adjust the straps to be just right and start your day!
Your favorite jeans called and they said this effortless gingham popover would be the perfect match. Bracelet sleeves and a tasteful v-neck only add charm to this fanfavorite gingham plaid print.
Get ready for jaws to drop. This maxi dress is bound to be a hit at any event you may attend this season, and might even be a good reason to host an event yourself! The full-length skirt is ethereal and gorgeous; we added flouncy ruffled hem to bring it to life. You’ll see the flutter detail in the skirt matches the lovely flutter detail at the capped sleeves, and buttons run down the front of the dress.
We gave the ideal work-week blouse a little “oomph” with playful puff sleeves and a gathered detail at the shoulders. It’s a popover style (no zippers), and you can tuck this into your favorite skirt or pair with dark skinny jeans. Plus, it’s cotton! That means it’s easy to style and care for.
The warm tones of fall make us long for a hot drink and a fun adventure. This wool coat is the perfect travel companion, pairs perfectly over denim or leggings and it’s made to keep you warm but stylish. The scalloped detail at the front is altogether precious and the gold button at the collar completes the look.
This darling sweater is the perfect complement to a set of pearls and a cool afternoon. We’re in love with the rosy hue, the soft weave of the fabric and the elegant puff sleeves. There are endless ways to wear this one, but we think it should take center stage in your closet whether you style it for a casual daytime event or an evening affair!
2608 12th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37204
615.997.3601
draperjames.com
($54, farmaesthetics.com)
This potent, multi-use herbal serum is a perfect addition to your autumn skincare regimen. Can be used as a nighttime reparative moisturizer, a corrective to rebalance skin, an undereye treatment and a brow + lash conditioner! Complexion Conserve is whole, healthy, high-level prevention to restore radiance and vitality to the skin.
Use as a nighttime reparative and moisture application, as an under-eye treatment to reduce puffinessm, or any time to heal and rebalance complexion.
Complexion Conserve is Farmaesthetics’ new potent, multi-use herbal serum for firming face and neck. This viscous, vitamin-filled treatment elixir accelerates skin's natural repair process; minimizes pigmentation and inflammation; and restores elasticity to skin in need, whether mature, dehydrated, stressed or sun-damaged.
Applications & Benefits:
• As a nighttime reparative and moisture application with fingertips, apply approximately four drops to entire face and neck. (Best applied when skin is clean and damp).
• As a corrective to rebalance skin that is under-nourished, dull or oily; mature; or skin that is overly dry due to exposure to heat, sun, wind or cold weather.
• As an under-eye treatment to reduce puffiness dab 1-2 drops under eyes and leave on. Wake to skin that is supple, vibrant and firm!
• Use on brows and lashes to condition and encourage thick, healthy growth.
• Massage into tissue around the mouth to provide a deep, penetrating treatment to smooth fine lines, and to plump and moisten the lips.
Farmaesthetics products are 100% natural, contain certified organic ingredients as indicated and are hypo-a’llergenic, non-irritating and dermatological tested, with a certified shelf-life of two years from the date of opening. No animal testing.
Pink Nectar
($45, sigiskin.com)
Your eyes are in for a treat! This eye cream is packed with natural extracts such as peach and propolis, and it features anti-aging powerhouse nutrients such as vitamin E and niacinamide. It contains five different kinds of hyaluronic acid. This helps to ensure the optimal absorption levels and maximum hydration.
This rejuvenating eye cream moisturizes and firms the area under the eye. It will help reduce dark eye circles and puffiness, and it prevents fine lines from forming. It also helps to prevent premature aging by removing free radicals from the skin, and it is suitable for use under makeup. When applied, it’s light, creamy texture will blend perfectly into your skin. Tip: You are able to use this as a lip mask as well!
All Sigi Skin products are cruelty-free and formulated without parabens, dye, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), DMDM Hydantoin, phthalates and polyunsaturated oils (PUFA).
It’s that time of year where we slowly (and sadly!) make the transition from summer to fall – just as those leaves change, so too does out skincare regimen!
To help your complexion seamlessly adapt to crisper temperatures, we have rounded up the best multitasking products to not only keep your skin in check, but also shorten that morning routine.
($89, emerginC.com)
Reach for this active-infused peel to rapidly remove sun damage and renew skin for a glowing complexion! With its blend of vitamin C, retinol and pine bark extract, this wonder-worker improves uneven skin tone and texture. triple threat peel intensive, active peel for to help rapidly renew complexion.
Photography by Amanda Mae Steele
BrightStone’s 20th Anniversary and Groundbreaking took place at their future location, “Land of Dreams.” The scenic property off of Columbia Avenue is an idyllic retreat that spans over 100 acres. Hundreds of BrightStone students, staff, families, friends and the community enjoyed food, live bluegrass music, tours and more. BrightStone hopes to expand its services to be able to provide residential care for special needs adults. For more information about BrightStone, their services and events, visit brightstone.org.
BY: DICK SHIPLEY
Whether it’s the boardroom or the big game, you’re going to want to look the part this season. As a southern gentleman, you are in luck: today’s fabrics are geared towards us, as air-wools and light-weight tweeds are more popular than coaching searches in Knoxville! In the fall, your clothing needs to exude character, and here are some ideas to give it - and you - just that.
As the mercury falls, you don’t want to wear that same suit you had on in July: it doesn’t look right, it feels tired, and it gets wornlooking in a hurry. Fortunately, due to innovative textiles, you can wear pin-stripes and plaids with fulling (flannel) textures without being uncomfortable in our milder fall/winter climates. If you have the suit basics covered - or wear your suits to make a statementbold plaids and window-panes are strong; and great “less serious” shades of blue remain strong again this fall. If you want to give it that sophisticated look, don’t shy from the ever venerable threepiece look, as you power it across the goal-line with a lapel-ed vest. If your offensive coordinator calls the right play, you can even integrate that piece with a sport coat, or shirt and jeans, in another setting. To complete the look, don't fumble on the one yard line: your hosiery and footwear are critical to the discerning dresser. Have some fun and personality - try a brighter than normal pattern with your socks, and look sartorially resplendent wearing brown shoes with blues and grays. A suede lace-up is the perfect addition to the fall wardrobe, regardless of the field position.
The sport coat has become the indispensable garment in the gentleman's wardrobe: not uptight, but appropriate in most settings, it is especially strong here in the south, and particularly in Music City. Again, there are new light-weight tweeds with traditional patterns, coupled with new colorations of earth and strong hues, that are perfect for business and pleasure. For that great casually elegant look, try a fitted three-button jacket with open patch pockets, and feel free to dress it up or down. Carry the play with either light flannel trousers, or jeans, every southern gentleman should have a great pair of corduroys, and a brushed khaki pant. These will stabilize and give balance to your look, particularly if you want to show some real style, and throw a patterned shirt on with your sport coat.
Nothing says fall for a sartorially well-heeled southern gentleman more than the look of layered clothing (well, except maybe football!). There is much more to the art of it, though, than just putting on a bunch of misaligned clothes. What is important in the look is to keep the textures consistent: refrain from year-round fabrics (hard finishes), and incorporate a softer, brushed look of depth and character. Again, the lighter weight tweeds in sport coats and vests will allow you to finish the look without losing your cool. While this is serious stuff, remember to approach it with a little whimsy. And while the patterned shirt together with a patterned jacket is stabilized with a solid (still textured) trouser or jean, you can turn it around with a deep blue chambray shirt and solid camel jacket, with a window-pane vest (an ideal component from a three-piece suit purchase!), along with a pair of 10 oz. flannel wool glen plaid trousers. Make sure you used a draft pick on those brown suede shoes, that ideally have a lugged sole - perfect in good weather, and bad. Together, it’s the perfect play.
If this fashion thing is a game you hate to play, it’s probably because you fielded the wrong players. Invest in a well-fitted, patterned suit; a gun-barrel checked sport coat, along with a vicuña colored camel hair jacket; some hunter green corduroy trousers, and start building a roster! Fit and quality are the winning strategy. Just remember to go bold with patterns and textures, and mix your colors. You’ll look like a pro.
•
Who’s had Halston as a client and Paris Hilton as a guest? You may recognize her from the front row at New York Fashion Week or her fabulous, over-the-top parties or you may have seen her aprons in O, The Oprah Magazine. Contributing writer and life-long fashionista, Elizabeth Scokin succinctly identifies herself as a southern woman, mother of four, 6’1 in heels, 5’9 without and a former couture model who majored in fashion and minored in disco. She has been featured in celebrity photographer Patrick McMullan’s book, Glamour Girls, as well as Women’s Wear Daily, Town and Country, Glamour, Hamptons Magazine, Page Six and Palm Beach Society.
Elizabeth is the president of Elizabeth Scokin Productions: A luxury fashion and special events firm known for both small and large, high-end charity and corporate events in New York City, Miami, Palm Beach and Nashville. While guests and clients recognize her stamp on an event, Glamour Magazine says, “The Haute Hostess puts the P in Party.” She has thrown soirées for Candace Bushnell of Sex and the City, Georgette Mosbacher, ambassador to Poland and CEO of Borghese Cosmetics and country singer Lee Anne Womack. Founder and designer of Haute Hostess, Elizabeth combined her love
for entertaining and eye for fashion into a fabulous line of bejeweled aprons, highly coveted by celebrities and fashionistas worldwide. They have been featured as number one on Oprah’s O List and are sold in retail locations across the country and on hautehostesshome.com but are made right here in Tennessee.
The philanthropist, party planner and designer lets us in on her newest creation, Tales From The Powder Room, a monthly Q&A fashion and style column for our Your Williamson readers. During September and October, Elizabeth has collaborated with Williams Sonoma’s across the south with her Haute Hostess Collegiate Collection Pop Up Shops . She is donating a portion of her proceeds to William Sonoma’s NO KID HUNGRY campaign . No Kid Hungry ensures that every child in the United States has access to healthy food where they live, where they learn, and where they play.
Her sparkly guests for this debut column are local ladies Shaun Inman, Cordia Harrington and Jennifer Brown who are the epitome of style and elegance in the workplace and philanthropy in Williamson County. Join us as we follow Elizabeth each month to walk the pink carpet and paint the town glam!
Founder/CEO the Bakery Cos., formerly Tennessee Bun Company. Happy wife, proud mom, ecstatic “Lovie” to the grandkids, sister, business woman, advocate and mentor.
Giving Back: InterVarsity College Ministry-This special ministry works with college students, shares the scripture and life of Jesus. It creates community and comrades! I have loved watching my daughter in law, Kristen, breath love and faith into the students...at Belmont and Vanderbilt, as InterVarsity’s Regional staff. She and my son Tyler met through IV at College of Charleston!
Style choice so wrong it’s right: White jeans... summer, winter, spring and fall. I love white jeans!
Most expensive thing in your closet: A gown custom designed by Raou Jaou, Portugal. It is a stunning magenta with dyed pearls to match on the bodice and skirt...It was designed for my son’s wedding in Lisbon.
Tragic style moment from your past: Three weeks ago, I was in Paris on a lady’s trip. The new Bruno Cucillini outfit I had on got a “see through” run in the back side of the slacks...and I didn’t know until the end of the day. I was so embarrassed!
Have a few too many: Handbags...and too many “sizes” of clothes...haha!
Celebrity closet you would like to raid: Allison DeMarcus... I would like to swap figures with her also!
Favorite concert: Andrea Bocelli at Madison Square Garden.
Your lipstick: Strawberry Hill by Chanel.
Ultimate getaway: The Maldives; Conrad for relaxing; New Zealand Kauri Cliffs for action and adventure; Paris Bristol for shopping; anywhere in the Orient for an exotic getaway.
Must-have heels: Dior sling back pump with a bow on side.
Cook or cater: Love to cook, hate how it tastes... so catering, for sure.
High octane, local philanthropist. Wife, mother, grandmother, revered hostess, and lifelong fashionista. Door opener, board member of Cheekwood Gardens and Estates. Loves Belmont, Nashville Symphony, Cheekwood and Brentwood Baptist!
Giving Back: So difficult to select only one cause or one charity! There are so many and are all worthy to be favorites! The Philanthropy that grabs my mind and heart is healthcare and education. My husband, Gordon and I are involved with helping to educate young adults through our giving and involvement at Belmont University Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences and Nursing. To help educate these young minds in a Christian community that in turn will help others in need. In addition to Belmont ,I love The Shalom Foundation, which raises money for The Moore Pediatric Surgery Center in Guatemala City. Since its inception has provided healing and hope for over 6,000 children.
Fashion influence: Coco Chanel; the epitome of timeless, classic style and good taste.
Statement piece you’re known for: White South Sea Pearls. Style choice so wrong it’s right: Wearing my black yoga pants everywhere besides yoga class.
Teenage celebrity crush: John Travolta. I maybe watched Saturday Night Fever and Grease 100 times.
Your wardrobe essentials: Black pants, nude shoes, stretchy black tops, jackets or wraps.
Must-have heels: Jimmy Choo.
An owner of Grogan Jewelers by Lon that specializes in private/concierge jewelry consulting. Has enjoyed living in the Nashville area since 2006 with her husband and three children and loves a good tennis match!
Giving Back: GraceWorks Ministries, Inc. was founded in 1995, when area citizens and faith leaders came together and decided Williamson County needed a central place to send people who needed help with food, clothing and financial assistance. Graceworks today provides assistance with family support, Instructional programs, seasonal needs and hunger prevention. This ministry became important for me as my children went through Franklin Road Academy and I learned just how much is needed right here at home. I love that this ministry provides assistance with basic needs of the people of Williamson county.
Personal style: Contemporary classic for the most part- and I love to add fun shoes to an outfit!
Fashion influencers: I shop online a lot, so Saks and Neiman’s websites are my go-to.
Statement piece you’re known for: My heart shaped ring.
Style choice so wrong it’s right: Animals prints!
Have a few too many: Jeans.
Cause close to your heart: Vanderbilt Children’s’ Hospital and Make-A-Wish foundation.
Lauren Sullivan and Christopher
BY DANI WILLIAMSON MSN, FNP
So much of our identity is wrapped around our community. The people we spend the most time with, socially, work wise, church wise, family wise and more. When I think of community I am reminded of the philosophy of Jean Vanier, the founder of L'Arche. Vanier believes that at the heart of everyone lies in the insatiable need for community and belonging, which in turn validates our sense of worth.
Recent research has shown that we are the loneliest society thus far. Cigna published a survey that revealed nearly half of Americans always or sometimes feel alone (46%) or left out of social circles (47%). 54% revealed they always or sometimes feel no one knows them well. They have no close friends to share with or do life with. A 2015 study from UCLA discovered that when people are socially isolated our body experiences cellular changes that result in systemic chronic inflammation, predisposing the lonely to conditions like heart disease, stroke, metastatic cancer as well as Alzheimer’s disease. A 2015 review of data from seventy studies that followed a total of 3.4 million people over seven years, found that lonely people had a 26% increased risk of dying. The percentage rose to 32% if they lived alone.
Loneliness, living alone and poor social connections are as bad for your health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day (Holt-Lunstad, 2010). Loneliness is worse for you than obesity (Holt-Lunstad, 2010). Lonely people are more likely to suffer from dementia, heart disease and depression (Valtorta et al, 2016, James et al, 2011, Cacioppo et al, 2006). Loneliness is likely to increase your risk of death by 2632% (Holt-Lunstad, 2015).
Our young people are at the center of the loneliness and lack of community epidemic. With the rise in social media, it is more difficult to connect face to face and have in-person community and socialization. Even though the Cigna study did not find a correlation between social media and loneliness, I find that difficult to believe. The Cigna study discovered that the younger generation is struggling with isolation and loneliness. Members of Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and the early 2000s, had a higher overall loneliness score than any other age range.
What are we going to do about this epidemic? This epidemic that has systemic health consequences for those struggling with loneliness. How are we going to cultivate community for these people? Below are a few of my favorite ways to cultivate community. I moved here alone with two small children thirteen years ago and had to make my own community. I realized a few years ago that I was isolated, raising children and working all the time. I had let my closest friends drift apart from me due to being ‘busy’. I made a conscious decision to change that. I started a party at Arrington Vineyards twice a year and invited everyone I know and want to reconnect with. It has been a great way to connect others together and cultivate the friendships we all long for. Plus, you don’t have to clean up at your house when it’s over. Make it easy for youself, and get started reconnecting or connecting with those you know or want to know.
• Get involved with community organizations and activities for which you are passionate.
• Find a church that has community groups and join one.
• Hold a neighborhood drive or yard sale.
• Reach out to others in need. Giving back is one way to cultivate community.
• Celebrate the good times with anyone you choose. Make the time to celebrate life.
• Get involved in school organizations if you are a student.
• Volunteer anywhere that interests you.
• Join a Meetup Group, we have so many great ones here in Williamson County.
• Start a support group for whatever it is you are interested in.
Put the phone down, close the laptop, and get outside and find an organization or group that interests you and start cultivating the community we all long to be a part of. You got this!
FNP
Photography by Paige Atwell
FrankTown Open Hearts held their Annual Dinner in September at the Marriott in Cool Springs. Upon arrival, guests were able to browse and bid on a large selection of silent auction items. Shortly after, everyone enjoyed a sit-down dinner, entertainment and a live auction. FrankTown Open Hearts is a non-profit organization committed to the success of Franklin’s inner-city youth. Funds raised help them continue to provide Christcentered mentoring through weekly vocational education and experiences. To learn more about FrankTown Open Hearts, visit franktwonopenhearts.com.
BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. It is an opportunity to spread awareness and educate those that are not familiar with Down Syndrome. It is an opportunity to CELEBRATE those with Down Syndrome, because they should be celebrated.
Down Syndrome is the condition in which a person has an extra chromosome, involving chromosome 21, and is medically referred to as Trisomy 21. It originated in the 1960s and was named after John L. H. Down, the English physician who first described it. To me, this definition is lacking in so many ways. Yes, it is the medical definition. Giving reason or scientific logic to something from what many see as different - but how is it different?
I think that having something extra… Well, that just means you are EXTRA! You are extra special. You are extra beautiful. You are extra kind and loving. You are extra funny and captivating. We should all celebrate “the extra” that approximately 6,000 babies are born with each year in the United States.
That is exactly what photographer Stephanie Mullowney does. Stephanie is the owner of Paperdolls Photography, where capturing incredible shots is easy to do with her special “Doll” models. You see, all of Stephanie’s models are of varying abilities. Her passion for her business platform stems from her own lifw as her daughter, Hannah, was born with special needs. “My daughter was born with Down Syndrome, three holes in her heart, along with possible leukemia,” explains Stephanie.
daughter was no mistake. God did not say ‘oops, how did that extra chromosome get there?’ No, He said ‘you are fearfully and wonderfully made.’ She was made on purpose for a purpose and proves the naysayers wrong on a daily basis.”
Stephanie has met many families on her new journey. “I have absolutely been blessed by my daughter with Down Syndrome and all those I've met on this journey who are differently abled,” she says. One of those families is Kristen, Josh and Claire Davis. Claire is the daughter of Kristen and Josh and was photographed by Stephanie. “She first photographed Claire when she was much younger as a part of her ‘Ribbons’ collection,” explains Kristen. “Stephanie made Claire a beautiful tulle skirt that featured all of the medical awareness ribbon colors that go with all of Claire's various diagnosis. It was stunning and was a truly beautiful session that highlighted the many obstacles Claire has overcome.”
CLAIRE DAVIS
Claire’s photos definitely show off her bright personality! “For this session with Paperdolls, I chose the colorful background because I thought it would match Claire's outgoing and fun personality. I see so much brightness in Claire now and for her future. It only seemed fitting to capture her with so much color,” says Kristen. “Claire is a TOTAL ham! She loves the attention of a photo shoot and attention in general! Now that she is getting older, she is enjoying photo sessions a lot more.”
Eight months after Hannah’s birth, Stephanie began working with a pro-videographer. “My employer had seen some images I had taken of Hannah with my iPhone and told me that I had a gift,” Stephanie explains. She saved up, as a single mother due to Hannah’s father leaving them shortly after her birth, and eventually did buy herself a real camera. “I taught myself to use it and prayed and prayed and one late night (and two pots of coffee later), Paperdolls Photography was born...and God had answered my prayer for that platform.”
“A few days after posting my first collection online, media from all over the globe was contacting me wanting to know why I photographed children with special needs, so I happily obliged them and told our story,” Stephanie says. “The images of my beautiful subjects continue to be published on an international scale showing the world faces that are defying the odds. Faces that the world once looked at and said, ‘you can’t, you won’t, you’re not worth it’ but my God said ‘before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee…’ My
Claire, who turns six this month, experienced a myriad of major health concerns in her first few years of life. “She was also born with a congenital heart defect called an AVSD. This heart condition was severe and meant that Claire started experiencing heart failure symptoms within days of being born,” says Kristen. At only three months, Claire had to undergo open heart surgery - which was a success. Two months later, Claire was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a form of blood cancer. “We caught the cancer early which gave Claire about six months to continue healing from her open heart surgery before beginning an eight-month long series of chemotherapy treatments. In total, Claire spent almost 300 nights at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital before her second birthday. Claire is now four years out of treatment, free of cancer and very healthy!”
The Davis family wants to encourage people to embrace everyone, regardless of their abilities. “We encourage our community to talk to each other and especially speak with children about disabilities
and challenges that other people experience,” says Kristen. “This open conversation is the only way to bridge the gap between a typical child and their peers who experience physical or intellectual delays. Teach them to ask questions and to not be afraid of those who are different. We all have gifts to offer the world! One of the most important aspects of life, for a family like ours, is our desire for Claire to be welcomed into her community and to enjoy meaningful friendships with her peers. Don't all parents want that for their children? See...we aren't so different after all.”
Claire is one of the many “Dolls” that Stephanie has photographed and captured the personalities of. “I have so many stories I could tell you about - parents and I just all having a good cry as they see their set for the first time,” says Stephanie. “Seeing their child do what they were told they would likely NEVER do, just does something to that parents’ heart that is indescribable and those are my very favorite kinds of sessions...the hope giving kind. I love their child before I ever meet them. Why? Because I was once being told all the negative stuff too, and have been there myself, and so I love to show them a very different picture than the one someone else already painted for them before they came. They just don't come for pictures, they come for hope and reassurance, and that's exactly what I give them.”
“The pictures from sessions like that are not just pretty little things you hang on your wall, but have the power to completely change the hearts and minds of those who see them - giving a voice to those who can't speak for themselves. That’s why I do this,” she says.
“I have learned that we are all more alike than different,” says Stephanie. “We are all HUMAN and ALL different in our own ways, with various strengths and weaknesses. Not one person alive is perfect...not one. So how can anyone think themselves to be better than another based on a diagnosis looking down at someone as if they are somehow inferior because of it? Having my own daughter who has Down Syndrome and meeting so many beautiful children of varying abilities, I can honestly tell you that it's an eye opener to the person that I am. Seeing the hearts of these individuals has caused me to examine my own, and to be a voice for them. Having a medical diagnosis of Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy or of the like does not make you less than human, if anything, it makes you more of one. People with disabilities, a lot of times, have to work so much harder to accomplish various things than the typical person and are the hardest working adults and children I've ever met. They ARE important to society, they ARE loved, they ARE wanted, they ARE significant, and it’s our job as advocates to never stop fighting for them.”
Learn more about Stephanie’s work and see more of the “Dolls” with Paperdolls Photography by visiting her website at paperdollsphotography.com.
Photography by Paige Atwell
Heritage Foundation staff, board members and supporters gathered to honor the sponsors of the 2019 Heritage Ball. Hosted at the home of Tom and Cordia Harrington, guests enjoyed food, wine and spirits courtesy of sponsors G Catering and Lipman Brothers. There was a special presentation of the Your Williamson September cover and feature story to Heritage Ball chairs, Senator Bill and Tracy Frist along with recognition of sponsors, and the awarding of this year’s Patrons Award to longtime supporter and volunteer, Pam Chandler. To learn more about the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, visit williamsonheritage.org.
BY JENNIFER PARKER
before
One of my favorite rooms to decorate is a dining room. I just love them for all they represent. Dining rooms should be used as they are where we celebrate special occasions, holidays and create memories with family and friends. This one was especially fun as we were able to start from scratch and design a room that was both traditional with modern touches. My fabulous clients Robert and Cackie Walker allowed me to take on this project for them. You know I love a good “before and after” and this one room was a wonderful challenge as we started with a clean slate.
I wanted to take both the love of traditional style that Robert has and marry it with some modern touches that Cackie loves. Starting with the walls I did a soothing cream tone to marry the fabric of the custom drapes with a beautiful custom-made cream trim. These colors together can make a room feel larger but still bring an elegant feel. The other big change in the room was a custom designed wall length china cabinet and breakfront. Working with Steve Shalibo, world’s greatest contractor, and our amazing custom cabinet maker I was able to design a functional and beautiful piece that anchors the room beautifully.
The table is a custom oval made in North Carolina, and I added some flat gold accenting for contrast. The upholstered chairs were designed to bring a touch
of modern to the room, with dual fabrics on the side chairs and solid luxury royal blue on the end chairs. I love doing two fabrics on a chair as it truly brings a sophisticated touch and allows for a unique pattern play without overwhelming the room. The rug is multi-colored patterned with tones that engage the blues in the room and strategically anchors the space. The crystal chandelier brings a dynamic aesthetic for light play in the room. Please don’t forget to put dimmers on your lighting friends so you are able to control the level of light for different occasions. It truly does complete the room!
Luckily for me, the Walkers picked out a stunning Herend China pattern from the fabulous store, The Registry in downtown Franklin. Using the blues in this pattern I filled out the table for them with the candlesticks, placemats, napkins, and accessories all from The Registry. Don’t forget a low-profile fresh arrangement for your table when entertaining. Nothing too fragrant, and I love using monochromatic tones like this one from Always in Bloom.
The result is a curated graceful room with traditional elegance and notes of modern touches. It’s a place where I hope this wonderful family will make memories and enjoy for years to come and, hopefully, invite me for dinner too (wink)! As always, let me know if I can help you transform your spaces thru function, style and form. I love working with clients to bring their vision to life.
BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM
The 4th Annual Franklin Witches Ride takes place this month on October 27th at the Westhaven Residents’ Center. This festive fundraiser will bring out the brooms, capes and witch hats for a great cause - benefiting the American Cancer Society which is dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives and leading the fight for a world without cancer.
Women of all ages can participate in the witches parade, which is about a half mile long, by dressing like a witch and decorating their “broomcycles” (bicycles) or “monster machines” (golf carts) and FLY through the streets of the Westhaven community. During the route, the participants can throw candy in the “candy zones” throughout the route.
We spoke to Dawn Gardin, Community Development Manager of the American Cancer Society, to learn more about this family fun event. Dawn works with local communities to plan fundraising events for the American Cancer Society, like the Franklin Witches Ride which actually started in the Westhaven neighborhood in 2016. Since then, it has grown to become a beloved Halloween event in the community and Williamson County, with nearly 100 participating last year and over 150 already signed up for this year’s event. “Franklin Witches Ride continues to grow each year with more women participating, or ‘flying for a cure’ as we like to say! In 2018 we doubled the number of witches who participated and the amount of money we raised. This year, we would love to continue to grow the event with witches from other neighborhoods joining in the fun. So far this year we’ve expanded to have three ‘covens’ of witches,” Dawn Says.
“Funds raised through events like Franklin Witches Ride help fund cancer research, including grants for scientists at Vanderbilt University and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” explains Dawn. “Your support helps us provide a free home away from home for cancer patients and caregivers at our Hope Lodge while they’re in town for treatment. Donations allow us to coordinate programs like Road To Recovery and our 24/7 information line at 1.800.227.2345.”
“The generosity of our community partners is critical to realizing our vision of a world free from the pain and suffering of cancer. You help fund our mission, spread our message and are the backbone of what we do. For example, and because of your support, the American Cancer Society was able to provide eightyseven free nights at our Hope Lodge and coordinate 138 free rides to cancer treatment for Williamson County residents last year,” says Dawn.
If you cannot participate in events like the Witches Ride, then you can still help. “Volunteers are urgently needed to help drive cancer patients to and from treatment or help coordinate transportation for cancer patients,” she says. “Volunteers can help us advocate for laws and policies that will fight cancer. Volunteer groups can also help cancer patients feel at home at our local Hope Lodge, or by helping out at our Greater Nashville office. We have several other events year-round including our Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.”
There is still plenty of time to be part of Franklin Witches Rid and this event isn’t just for the ladies! Fellas are encouraged to join in the fun and dress like warlocks to watch over the children along the path, as the witches pass by and sprinkle the streets with candy in the posted candy zones. The parade ends with a fall festival including food and fun. The Franklin Witches ride celebrates the beautiful spirits of those we love affected by cancer… The fighters, survivors and angels.
To learn more and to sign up for the Franklin Witches Ride, visit franklinwitchesride.org or go to Facebook.com/FranklinWitchesRide. Participants can choose from several registration options, ranging from $25-$120. You can also register the day of at 4pm. The line-up for the Witches Ride takes place along the sidewalks near the Westhaven Residents’ Center at 4:35pm and the broomsticks will launch at 4:45pm.
To learn more about the American Cancer Society, their events or to make a donation, visit cancer.org.
Martha Stewart’s Apple-Pie Spiced Cider Courtesy of marthastewart.com
1 1/4 quarts apple cider • 3 tablespoons firmly packed light-brown sugar
7 whole cinnamon sticks, (6 sticks for garnish) • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger • Ground cloves • Freshly grated nutmeg • Salt 1/2 cup Calvados, or other brandy (optional)
In a medium saucepan, whisk together cider, sugar, spices, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Remove from heat; pour in brandy, if desired. Strain into a pitcher; discard solids. Serve in mugs, garnished with cinnamon sticks.
Rachael Ray’s Spiked Apple Cider Courtesy of rachelraymag.com
2 quarts apple cider • 1 cup apple brandy • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cardamom • 1 teaspoon curry powder
In a large pot, combine all the ingredients over high heat and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and keep warm. To serve, strain through a fine mesh sieve into a heatproof pitcher and pour into mugs.
Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Apple Cider Autumn Sangria Courtesy of sallysbakingaddiction.com
2 cinnamon sticks, plus more for serving • 2 medium apples, thinly sliced
1 medium pear, thinly sliced • 1 medium orange, thinly sliced • ⅔ cup pomegranate seeds
1 (750 ml) bottle white wine • 2 cups apple cider • ½ cup brandy • ¼ cup orange juice
2 Tablespoons lemon juice • club soda, for serving
Instructions
1. Place the cinnamon sticks and fruit into a large pitcher. Add wine, apple cider, brandy, orange juice, and lemon juice. Allow to sit in the refrigerator for 3 – 24 hours (6-8 hours is best!).
2. Pour the sangria and fruit into glasses. Add a splash of club soda. Garnish with a cinnamon stick, if desired.
Julie Blanner’s Easy Spiked Apple Cider with Bourbon Courtesy of julieblanner.com
1/2 gallon apple cider • 2-3 c bourbon • 1 apple sliced • 1 pear sliced
6 cinnamon sticks • star of anise
1. In a large pot, combine cider, bourbon, apple, pear, cinnamon sticks and star of anise over medium-low for 10 minutes.
2. Reduce to low and serve warm.
From cooler temperatures and pumpkin patches, to spooky decorations and colorful foliage, it’s hard to imagine that the fall season could get any better. But take it from us, we think it just did.
While there are plenty of things that are sure to get you into an autumn mood, there is just something about cider that really does the trick. Cold or hot, tangy or sweet, apple cider is a staple of this festive season. Not only does it taste good, but fresh cider, being made from fermented apples, is high in Vitamin C and antioxidants.
But what is truly the best part of this seasonal favorite is that there is virtually no liquor it doesn’t pair well with. Literally. From Brandy and Sangria, to Bourbon and Apple and Pie, here are a few of our favorite Spiked Cider recipes to get you into the fall “spirit.”
Guests gathered to celebrate Williamson County’s rich history of bootlegging at the ninth annual Bootlegger’s Bash, hosted by chairs Tim and Bess Kearns, on behalf of the Battle of Franklin Trust. It was a perfect fall evening at Carnton as more than 350 attendees sipped whiskey in the garden from a variety of local distillers and vendors. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Dueling Pianos stole the show after guests mingled and were served a southern dinner. All proceeds from the event will fund the Battle of Franklin Trust, supporting the daily preservation and education efforts of Carnton and Carter House. To learn more, visit boft.org.
The inspiring pages of House Beautiful come to life at the year’s top home tour, the Whole Home Concept House powered by LG. Built by Castle Homes in partnership with the national magazine, designers from across the United States including Vern Yip, Barclay Butera and Matthew Quinn are providing their design expertise creating a home that is beautiful with the intention to promote happier, healthier, and smarter living in collaboration with Wellness Within Your Walls.
House Beautiful’s line-up of interior designers includes Amy Berry, Barclay Butera, Joy Huber and Rachel Haag of Castle Homes, Chenault James, Dani Arps, Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters of Forbes+Masters, Kristine Paige Kamenstein of Jackson Paige Interiors, Matthew Quinn and Richard Anuszkiewicz of Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio, Lauren Moore, Evan Millard, and Betsy Trabue of Modern Remains, and Vern Yip. Each will each provide their design expertise to create a home that is beautiful and with the intention to promote happier, healthier, and smarter living. The Whole Home Concept House will debut in Nashville in tandem with the brand’s November 2019 issue, which hits newsstands on October 17, 2019. The nearly 6,000 sq. ft. home will be constructed in the English Arts and Crafts style and created in partnership with Castle Homes.
“At House Beautiful, we believe your home should work for you – bringing you joy, helping you reconnect with family and recover from external stresses,” said Carisha Swanson, Senior Editor and Market Director. “This house will illustrate these concepts through layout, product, and inspiration, providing actionable ideas that readers and visitors can implement in their own homes. I look forward to seeing this exceptional group of designers bring these ideas to life and transform these spaces into more than just beautiful rooms.”
House Beautiful will take their audience inside the home with an exclusive web series launching on HouseBeautiful.com when the issue hits newsstands. Each episode will focus on a single designer and showcase the before, during, and after of their design process, including decision-making, design plans and shopping for the home. The web series will also offer viewers a chance to hear first-hand how designers solve problems, including repurposing rooms that are rarely used, and how to create a private home office to maximize work productivity.
“The House Beautiful editorial experience is always about beautiful rooms,” said Jennifer Levene Bruno, VP, Group Publishing Director/Chief Revenue Officer. “What makes this project special is that we are producing beautiful rooms with
purpose. The concept of this house is to create a magnificent home that contributes to your wellness, your peace of mind, and your sense of place. This is why we are so proud to unveil the designers who are contributing to the 2019 Whole Home Concept House.”
House Beautiful’s 2019 Whole Home Concept House, powered by LG, welcomes returning partners Signature Kitchen Suite, Benjamin Moore, Circa Lighting, Architectural Grille, Rocky Mountain Hardware, and Stressless, along with new partners Caesarstone, Castelle, Grothouse, Kohler, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, TempurSealy and The Tile Shop.
The event proceeds will benefit the Nashville Symphony, and is located in historic Belle Meade. The home will be open for tour daily, October 18th through November 3rd, from noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and on Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., with free shuttle service provided. Tickets are $20 per person and available at EventBrite.com.
According to Alan Valentine, President/CEO, Nashville Symphony, “The first Nashville Symphony show house project proved an
overwhelming success, and we are excited to be embarking on another unique initiative that will support all of the Symphony’s ongoing work throughout middle Tennessee. I am proud to call Castle Homes and House Beautiful partners in our efforts to enrich and inspire individuals throughout the community.”
Celebrating twenty-five years of building excellence, Castle Homes first launched the Nashville Symphony Show House in 2015, a contemporary folk style home. The team previously earned the coveted 2012 Southern Living Custom Builder-of-the-Year for exceptional home building. As a top Nashville based design-build company, Castle Homes pioneered producing impeccable custom homes with a guaranteed price. Using super attention-to-detail, green building and proven craftsmanship, the talented staff includes construction degreed project managers and an experienced interior design staff who created a stunning spectrum of homes throughout the Middle Tennessee area from low-maintenance farmhouses in Leiper’s Fork to historically inspired English Country style homes. For more information and to purchase tour tickets go to: CastleHomes. com. Follow house progress and learn more about the designers at HouseBeautiful.com and on Instagram and Twitter @HouseBeautiful.
BY KRISTA EHRET
1. Invitations: I personally love physical paper invitations, especially when it's a holiday party. Make sure it's obvious that this is a come and go event, but also invite your friends to come over and make a night of it. A group trick or treating outing will make it even more fun for the kids and parents. Either plan to have one adult stay at the house in case any guests arrive during the trick or treating or note on the invite that you plan to be out during a certain time, but the party will be on before and after.
2. Decor: Reason #107 why holiday parties are awesome: you don't have to do any additional decorating! Your house is already in full on festive mode, so do a bit of cleaning and sprucing up (festive hand towels in half bath and scented candles or essential oils), and you're good to go!
Halloween is the official kick-off to the holiday season and has become such a fun evening for my family. However, we've realized that while having a two-year-old definitely makes it 100 times more fun, it also makes things slightly more hectic. Our schedule goes something like this: Get home from work, gather the fifteen pieces to the coveted costume, shove said outfit onto a wiggling child, eat dinner, start the journey down the sidewalk (literally at a toddler's pace), admire each decoration individually for at least two minutes, teeter up each stoop and porch (very...very...slowly), be shy for about a minute before finally accepting the candy, teeter back down the steps, repeat for about thirty more houses, “hurry” home to investigate acceptable treats, eat two treats, cry when we can't have more, intermittently hand out candy to neighborhood kids, spend an hour getting your sugar-hyped kid(s) to sleep, slap a note on the front door asking someone...anyone to take all of this candy, and eventually switch off the porch light and tightly close the drapes before anyone else rings the bell. However chaotic, it is still such a fun evening made even more so by celebrating with friends and family. Since everyone often has their traditions, I feel it's best to plan an open house style gathering where families can pop-in before or after trick or treating. Here are some ideas you can incorporate:
3. Menu: Our personal tradition is to make chili on Halloween day to enjoy that evening. I recommend using a slow cooker so that the work is done early on and it's easy to self-serve for a group. Accompaniments can include corn chips, cheddar cheese, sour cream, crumbled bacon, scallions, and whatever else you enjoy as a topping. Cornbread rounds out the meal wonderfully as well. A domestic and seasonal beer, white and red wine, and possibly a warm cider is ideal for drink options. Since this is a come and go, you may consider having some disposable Tupperware so quick drop-ins can take some home.
Most importantly, have fun! The memories you make while they are young with last a lifetime and something they and you will always remember! Happy Halloween!
KRISTA EHRET
The Lady Entertains
BY JENNY REIMOLD
Although the upcoming season is synonymous with pumpkins, this year it’s all about CANTALOUPE! With the popularity of farmhouse design and the trend of a more muted color palette, I’m styling homes with the softer colors of fall. Ivories, grays, soft greens and cantaloupe, a more usable and flexible tone of orange, offer a more natural and organic look for autumn. Mixing copper metallic accents with various wood grains is the perfect combination for a fabulous fall home!
Copper chargers mixed with classic, white hobnail dishes from HomeGoods, create a bold place setting with a modern twist in my dining room. As an alternative to a traditional vase, I used copper kitchen canisters and arranged various florals and eucalyptus stems from Import Flowers in Nashville. White washed gourds and cantaloupe colored pumpkins were paired with driftwood toned candlesticks to offset the copper accents. Fresh baked pumpkin loaves, by Scrumptious Catering, and a gorgeous naked cake, baked by Meesh’s Bakery Franklin, topped off the dining room look as heavenly desserts designed to complete the tablescape.
Using the same soft colors of fall, I styled my built in book cases to compliment the colors seen in my formal dining room. White and ivory colored books, stacked horizontally and vertically, were used as risers for photos and fall décor while offering much needed white space in a common area that can often look cluttered. White lanterns, corbel bookends and small pots of faux greenery are year round styling staples that I combine with fall décor to refresh the space. Local artist, Jill Harper, painted a beautiful barn that I purchased from Mercantile 1858 in Franklin, that became a focal point and family favorite in our main living area. Aluminum barns and candlesticks from The Faded Farmhouse in Columbia were paired with signs from Adams and Co.’s Autumn Harvest collection for a more neutral fall style.
As an alternative to a traditional strand of garland on my fireplace, I tucked individual faux stems of seeded eucalyptus behind ceramic pumpkins. This technique allows for more flexibility in placement of décor and design. A textured basket with a fringed throw and pillow flanks one side of the fireplace while hurricane candles from Riverside Franklin were styled amongst pumpkins to frame the other side. A bronze, single panel fireplace screen transformed the look of our older hearth by adding warmth and a much needed upgrade.
While our front porch used a more traditional fall color palette, I still mixed in some cantaloupe colored pumpkins and mums from William’s Produce Market near downtown Franklin. Both real and fake pumpkins were styled on my front porch steps, along with corn stalks from Wilson Family Farm tied with ribbon, to create a cohesive look that welcomes family and guests into our home.
For more home styling tips and to “fall-ow along” with my decorating tutorials, visit my Instagram @jennyreimold or visit my website at jennyreimold.com.
MODERN LUXURY IN TIMELESS NOSTALGIA FOR A BYGONE ERA OF SEASIDE
Standing proudly on a sprawling beachfront property since 1928, the historic AAA Five Diamond Ponte Vedra Inn & Club remains a storied refuge for outdoor recreation, family vacations, corporate retreats, weddings and social events alike. With world-class amenities including championship golf, an award-winning 30,000 square-foot Spa, legendary tennis courts and nearly a dozen unique dining experiences, the Inn promises a refined stay with limitless opportunities for leisure pursuits. Offering 262 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club features charming coastal-inspired décor and a variety of unique room types across ten Florida-style low-rise buildings. Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, together with its sister property, The Lodge & Club, comprise the oceanfront luxury experience known as Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts; delivering distinct accommodations in a year-round sunny oasis. Located in the picturesque seaside community of Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club sits neatly along Florida’s northeast shore overlooking the pristine sands and glimmering waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Spanning more than 300 seaside acres, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club provides access to miles of Atlantic Beaches for seemingly endless exploration and recreation. Conveniently situated just twenty miles southeast of Jacksonville and a thirtyfive-minute drive from Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is an easily accessible destination for oceanfront luxury, boundless activities and personal service.
Before becoming a nationally-recognized seaside community, Ponte Vedra Beach began as a humble mining town in the early 20th century—attracting miners to its mineral-rich lands and pristine sands. In the midst of World War I, the valuable ore found deep beneath Ponte Vedra’s sand dunes was mined in support of the U.S. war effort. After mining operations eventually ceased in 1918, the stately, elegant community seen today began rising out of the sand as local land planners developed the area with the goal of preserving its natural beauty. Upon the celebrated opening of Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in 1928, affluent families caught word of the charming oceanfront resort, traveling from across the nation to experience Florida’s finest offerings and inspiring cross-generational family traditions that continue to live on. Today, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s heritage is contrasted by modern amenities and contemporary stylings, while still evoking a unique nostalgia for its bygone era.
Recognized as the region’s largest Spa, the 30,000 square-foot Spa at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club seamlessly blends ultra-modern facilities with tranquil surroundings and offers more than 100 beauty and pampering services. Upon entering the Spa, guests are greeted by a vast relaxation room accented by elegant marble, grand pillars, crisp white draperies, soothing music and trickling water sculptures to encourage peace of mind and full-body blissfulness.
Offering stunning oceanfront views and challenging play 365 days a year, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club features two distinct 18-hole championship golf
courses designed by celebrated professional golfers, Herbert Bertram Strong, Joe Lee, Robert Trent Jones and Bobby Weed. Equipped with two practice areas, three putting greens, driving range, complete Pro Shop, and a highly-trained team of PGA Golf Pros to help golfers hone their game, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s golf courses and facilities are a sportsman’s paradise. Learn more online about the Ocean and Lagoon courses unique attributes for the golf enthusiast.
Offering nearly a dozen dining establishments and a variety of culinary themes, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is a destination for foodies. From casual oceanfront dining and grab-and-go coastal cuisines to signature chef creations at the Seahorse Grille, the Inn, along with its sister property, The Lodge, provides guests with a wide range of delectable dining options sure to please every palate.
Occupying more than 300 acres along Florida’s pristine coastline, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is an ideal playground for children and a peaceful sanctuary for adults. Enjoying year-round sunshine and pleasant climate, the Inn offers a refuge for shell-hunters, sunrise joggers, ocean swimmers, sailors and surfers alike. In addition to championship golf, world-class tennis and serene spa facilities, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club offers ocean kayaking, fat-tire beach bicycling, boogie boarding, stand-up paddle boarding and beach games—making the Inn a perfect destination for family vacations, couple’s retreats, girls’ and guys’ get aways, weddings, and other special events. For vacationers traveling with children, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club ensures even the youngest guests enjoy endless activities, including dinner clubs, movies, storytelling, arts and crafts, etiquette classes, organized games and pizza parties along with a large family-friendly pool featuring youth-friendly water depth and water slide, and a zero-entry children’s wading pool. In addition to year-round events for kids, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club hosts a comprehensive summer youth camp for children ages 4-12. With the guidance of experienced and professional camp counselors, kids enjoy beach explorations, games, painting, mini golf and meet-and-greets with superhero characters to create an unforgettable family vacation.
THE LODGE & CLUB
Nestled between rolling sand dunes and swaying palms along Ponte Vedra Beach’s crisp coastline, The Lodge & Club exhibits a distinct Mediterranean character and Old-World grandeur. The boutique resort, covering ten seaside acres, has charmed guests with panoramic vistas, world-class amenities and sophisticated accommodations since 1989. The ideal destination for a romantic retreat, all of
PRESTIGIOUS
PORTRAIT
The Lodge & Club’s luxurious guest rooms and suites face the ocean and feature private oceanfront balconies or terraces, cozy fireplaces, marble-accented bathrooms and award-winning interior design themes. Since its celebrated debut in 1989, The Lodge & Club has earned a reputation as a premier site for breathtaking weddings, memorable business meetings, sophisticated conferences and other social events. The Lodge’s distinctive character and Mediterranean-influenced architecture is found throughout 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Seven versatile rooms, in addition to striking outdoor spaces, are able to accommodate 10-150 guests for a variety of occasions. Whether planning a dazzling wedding or hosting a high-tech business presentation, guests will be delighted by The Lodge’s selection of unique event spaces, including the Oceanfront Courtyard, Conservatory, Ocean Room and Trellis.
covering ten seaside acres, has panoramic vistas, world-class amenities and sophisticated accommodations since 1989. The ideal destination all of The Lodge & Club’s 66 luxurious guest rooms ocean and feature private oceanfront balconies fireplaces, marble-accented bathrooms and award design themes. The Lodge & Club, together with Vedra Inn & Club, comprise the oceanfront luxury Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts, delivering distinct accommodations round sunny oasis.
LUXURIOUS
LOCATION Located in the picturesque seaside community Lodge & Club spans ten pristine seaside acres along white-sand beaches. Conveniently situated just Jacksonville and a 35-minute drive from Jacksonville (JAX), The Lodge & Club is an easily accessible destination oceanfront excursions, breathtaking weddings limitless recreational pursuits
ALLURING
As of late, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club’s historic Ocean Course is currently undergoing a massive $8 million renovation, which will address all aspects of the golf course and welcome the course into a new era. This renovation is part of a much larger plan to modernize and enhance the resort as it approaches its centennial anniversary (coming up in 2028), including a complete rebuild of its historic Ocean House building. Both the Ocean Course renovation and Ocean House rebuild are slated for completion in 2020.
ACCOMMODATIONS Featuring magnificent ocean views, luxurious amenities winning interior designs, The Lodge’s dreamy accommodations complement Ponte Vedra Beach’s natural beauty. guest rooms and suites inspire romance and bliss, pastel color schemes, cozy ocean-view window bathrooms and private terraces. Smartly-decorated accented by custom artwork, elaborate window fabrics, reinforcing a European-inspired theme. appointed Ocean Suites feature spacious parlors, custom furnishings, marble-accented bathrooms
PONTE VEDRA INN & CLUB
200 Ponte Vedra Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Phone: 888.839.9145
Email: reservations@pvresorts.com pontevedra.com
Williamson County Association of REALTORS® (WCAR) is pleased to welcome one of its newest staff members Jasmine Sanderfer, Director of Government Affairs.
Jasmine began working at Williamson County Association of REALTORS® in July of this year. Before joining the WCAR family, Jasmine served REALTORS® at the Birmingham Association of REALTORS® and the Greater Alabama Multiple Listing Service. She served in multiple roles for five years, leaving the company in June of 2019 as the Director of Community Affairs.
As the Government Affairs Director at WCAR, Jasmine will work with elected officials, community stakeholders and other business alliances. She will coordinate local and state legislative efforts while advocating for the real estate industry and private property owners. With her expertise in Community Affairs, Jasmine will continue her work with community outreach serving as the Staff Liaison to WCAR Community Outreach Committee and REALTOR® Good Works Foundation.
The REALTOR® Good Works Foundation was founded in 2007 as the nonprofit foundation arm of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS®. The Foundation is funded through REALTORS®
and members of the community during fundraising efforts throughout the county. The purpose of the REALTOR® Good Works Foundation is to assist WCAR members who have encountered severe financial hardship through illness, death, catastrophe or another similar event.
The REALTOR® Good Works Foundation exists to foster education, research, and community building activities in Williamson County and the surrounding geographic areas as it relates to real estate and its allied industries. To date, over $120,000 have been raised and awarded - scholarships to seniors who attend public high school. The Foundation will continue to work and support the advancement of education and social responsibility as it relates to the real estate industry and the more significant Williamson County communities. The real estate industry has always been looked at as one of the most potent avenues of wealth. Together, we can provide caring and compassion to our community and members in need.
If you wish to donate to the REALTOR® Good Works Foundation, please contact Jasmine at 615.732.5171 or jasmine@wcartn.org.
In our annual Philanthropy Issue, we recognize those individuals that are what we - and YOU as a community that nominated them - consider Charitable Heroes. They go above and beyond giving back daily to their community. They strive to make a difference every single day. And they deserve to be recognized, no matter how humble they all are in their endeavors. We thank them for exuding the definition of charitable hero.
Katie Creighton created the program for Erika’s Safe Place (ESP). “In October 2015, we opened the doors and became the only multi-focused/after-school program in Williamson County that offers a prevention/ intervention curriculum to at-risk youth whom struggle with addiction, self-harm, anger, education, depression, peer-pressure and so forth,” explains Katie. “I founded Erika’s Safe Place after my best friend, Erika, died from suicide. At that time, I had been in social services for six years and I knew we lacked a prevention/ intervention program in our county. I met with Juvenile Court, CASA, and local schools to determine what type of program would be most beneficial to our youth and, from there, I decided to take the leap of faith.”
Katie is also a member of the Spring Station General Federation of Women Clubs, Tennessee International Pageantry System as Miss Tennessee International 2018 and Ms Tennessee Ambassador 2019, Secretary of Tennessee Mid-Cumberland Council Children and Youth, a member of MTSU Social Work Advisory Board, Young Leaders Williamson County Inc. 2019 class, a member of Women in Charge-Spring Hill, a finalist for Woman of the Year, and President of 100 People Who Care South Williamson/Maury County.
“Each of these organizations are important to me, because they are directly involved with working with children, families and students in our community. They provide resources and services to those in need, in hopes of, bridging the gap of inequality and injustice. They also instill hope into our community and advocate for those, whom cannot advocate for themselves,” she says. “I believe giving back is important, because without the support of our neighbors, too many people will have to withstand hardships on their own and therefore, lack basic help/necessitieswhen they don’t have to. If we are able and capable of extending love, support, and resources to those in need, then we have the opportunity to be a blessing to others and ultimately, make our community a better place.”
Jennifer Morrison the Director of Strategic Operations for Americas Indirect Tax at Ernst & Young and outside of her paid job, she is the Executive Director of the N.O.O.K (Needs of Our Kids). “Since 2017, the N.O.O.K has been partnering with our schools to eliminate barriers to education for kids in crisis. We empower school staff to immediately respond to a crisis with basic essentials so that the child can focus as much energy as possible on achieving in the classroom. Our intent is to mitigate the pressure that crisis places on both the child and the classroom by serving as a short-term bridge for kids and their families until they are able to connect with broader, longer-term social services.”
“Our volunteers on call, at the request of a school’s counselor, social worker or nurse, will deliver new essentials - coats, shoes, socks, underwear, shirts, pants, basic hygiene items and feminine hygiene - for the child, as well as gas money or food for the family. Our partner, One Generation Away provides us with warehouse space at no cost and all of the food we deliver,” she says. “Both One Generation Away and the N.O.O.K. show love to our community in a very practical way – food for anyone that is hungry and basic clothing and hygiene items to school children. We often say, shoes and socks may seem like little things, but to the child served, they give normalcy and stability. And they enable that child's teacher to help keep that child focused on learning. Both One Generation Away and the N.O.O.K. serve the community by meeting basic needs and both One Generation Away and the N.O.O.K. focus on connecting our community's needs with local resources - people helping people in their own community.”
“Working in our community along-side so many incredibly talented people that are focused on making sure that we meet the needs of everyone that lives here has brought me so much joy. Thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the servant spirit that is so strong here in Williamson County.”
Leading By Example
Dr. Kevin Riggs has lived in Williamson County since 189 and has served as the Senior Pastor of Franklin Community Church for the past twenty-seven years. He is also the Founder and Director of Franklin Community Development and in addition to pastoring, taught Sociology at Nashville State Community College for fourteen years. He serves and has been involved with important community organizations such as the Community Housing Partnership of Williamson County, 21st Recovery Court, GraceWorks Ministries, Franklin Rotary at Breakfast, founder of the Williamson County Homeless Alliance, Unite Williamson, is a Volunteer Chaplain at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, Christian Community Development Association and an alumnus of Leadership Franklin.
“I believe, as a pastor, a big part of my role is getting involved in the community,” explains Kevin. “I believe our church is called to be a conscience for the community. It’s not about programs. It’s about people. I feel strongly in giving people a voice who feel like they have no voice. I am especially passionate about housing issues. I feel strongly that the health and success of a city is that all of her citizens have a safe and secure place to live. I work closely with people experiencing homelessness and people struggling with addiction issues, as well as mental health issues. I am also passionate about prison ministry and am outspoken against capital punishment. Simply put, we have been blessed to be a blessing and to those who have been given much, much is expected. I also feel that my faith compels me to love others as I love myself. I like to say ‘The way you serve a God you cannot see is by serving those you can see. The way you love a God you cannot see is by loving those you can see.’ To me, giving back is what it means to be human. Giving back gives my life meaning and purpose,” says Kevin. “I receive far more than I ever give. My life has been changed and enriched beyond measure because of what I do. It is not a program: It is a lifestyle. When you live in close proximity to those struggling it transforms who you are and who you would like to be.”
Kevin would love to help build a permanent homeless shelter in Williamson County with the goal of helping the county reach “functional zero” when it comes to homelessness. “I would also like to have more resources so I could house people experiencing homelessness quicker,” he says. “I believe encouraging others to get involved is part of discipleship. I encourage everyone to get more involved and to do more,” he says.
Laurie Kush serves as the Executive Director of Saddle Up!, a year-round Therapeutic Riding Facility serving over 200 children and youth, ages two through twenty-four. “Our children hail from eleven middle Tennessee counties and many of our 500-plus trained dedicated volunteers travel over an hour to serve our mission,” Laurie says. “We are a depth program, and our children attend for many years of progress.”
“Children with other abilities thrive in our unique environment, where we provide six Equine Animal Assisted Activities, including Adaptive Riding and Therapy Services (PT, OT, Speech Therapy), using the horse as a therapy tool,” explains Laurie. “Embedded in the horseback riding skills that build core strength, breath control and balance, are lesson goals that reinforce attention, sequencing of information, language development, behavior management, emotional control and socialization. Saddle Up! is a place of acceptance (human and horse) in a world that often discounts the whole human because of the label ‘learning difference’ or ‘diagnosed disability.’ The human/animal bond heals. Everyone belongs and has value.”
Laurie’s passion cannot only be seen when you meet her but can be felt as well. She truly exudes love, compassion and inclusion when you are with her. “My training is in organizational development and conflict mediation, and as a community we strive for diversity, inclusion and emotional intelligence to improve our organizations,” she says.
“The horse gets it best! I have personally and professionally observed the remarkable bond between humans and animals. Animals facilitate human connections across diverse populations. Animals propel inclusion,” Laurie says. “Horses, in particular, as prey animals, mirror our state of being and adjust and respond to provide instant feedback about how our body language, tone and speech patterns are affecting them. If we pay attention, horses can coach us to be better humansall humans of all abilities benefit from equine emotional intelligence and the three-dimensional movement that they provide when we ride.”
When it comes to Laurie’s WHY… She says, “The pride, confidence, friendships and competence that our children achieve after years of Saddle Up! riding.”
Philip Peters, his wife and their son now reside in Williamson County, after moving to the area to pursue a job in the music industry seventeen years ago. He works with True Artist Management, managing artists like Tobymac, Mandisa and DC Talk. Philip started the organization Restore Haiti in 2005, after a group of young adults from the area went to Haiti and felt the need to help the people there. “We have rented out a room at the Factory and hosted dance/formal gatherings to raise funds to help provide funds to dig a well, provide food for the communities and healthcare for those in need,” says Philip.
“It became important to me, as a trip to this Caribbean island opened up my eyes that there are people in great need,” he explains. “As I began to take members from the local young adult group and church from here in Franklin, it was amazing to see the lives of people around me begin to shift their focus. Sacrificing a meal, a coffee to help send an amount to sponsor a child per monthly. Take the time and vacation hours to go spend a week in Haiti. And when they weren’t in Haiti they would then work with youth, homeless and many have gotten involved in adoption and fostering children.” Philip understands the impact of the simple act of giving. “Giving back really does impact every aspect of your life. It is a good example and it really makes the world a better place to give a helping hand to someone in need.”
“Ten years ago, when we registered as an organization we officially named ourselves Hope Restored. Therefore, we are set up to take on projects that are able to help restore hope to those in need, even outside of Haiti. We are waiting for the right opportunity and team to start working on other projects. We recently held a small fundraiser at the Franklin Mercantile, we had many new faces to enjoy a great dinner and hear about our story and our work in Haiti,” says Philip. “Online is huge for us and word of mouth continues to be the strongest for our organization. These allow people to hear about and then can give, sponsor a child or take a trip with us.”
“The word hero is for sure a word I would never see my name next to. There are 1,000 kids in Haiti eating every week because of a lot of heroes, many of which are here in Williamson County.”
Savannah Clark is our youngest Charitable Hero to date. She is a student at Heritage Middle School, a Girl Scout and an avid community volunteer involved in a number of organizations, including Meals on Wheels, Backpacks for America, Youth Villages and Room In The Inn. She also does work with her aunt Robbie Wilhoite, who was one of our featured 2018 Nonprofit Heroes, fostering and rescuing difficult cases from the local animal shelters. Her love for animals is undeniable. “One of my favorite places I have found, in my twelve years on this earth, is a wonderful place called Creekside,” says Savannah. “My aunt signed me up for a horseback riding camp over the summer. I loved being able to learn about the horse’s behavior, the care of their feet and mane, and learning how to ride them... Then I found I wanted more. Since then, every Saturday, I volunteer myself as an advocate for the horses. I help clean, feed and water them.”
Savannah has also organized her Girl Scout Troop (113) to volunteer at Creekside painting fences, trim back trails, clean stalls and more. “I spent a very incredible camping trip teaching my troop how to play the ukulele. I am a true believer in the power of music! How it can help bring people together. As a troop, we are writing our own songs too... Songs that speak up for animals and the planet that have no voice. Songs to sing to the elderly that may feel forgotten. And for the homeless, to remind them not to give up. I feel giving back is important because you never know whose life you’re going to save, whose day you might make brighter, whose belly you might feed, whose mind you may change for the better, or whose heart you might touch. In a world where so many are in need, animals and humans alike. If we all just did a little each day, together we could all make a difference. Seeing as I’m only twelve years old, I will get there one day... Because I do believe one person can be the change. It can even start from your home today. Take the extra few steps to recycle. If you own a business, set up recycling containers. If you live on a street, walk down it and pick up trash. Encourage family or friends to do the same. If I could do more, I would save the planet... Who wouldn’t?”
It’s the spookiest time of year and it’s time to plan that Halloween Party menu! If you’re tired of the normal chips and dips and want to add a little thrill to your guests’ buffet options, then here is a BOO-full batch of options that will be sure to put the fright into your party!
Ingredients
1 package cream cheese
1 package beef
2 green onions
Dash of Worcestershire Sauce
Sprinkle of garlic powder (to your liking)
2 green olives (eyes)
Candy corn (teeth)
Instructions
Chop onions, beef and combine with cream cheese. Mold into shape (ball, skulls, etc.) and clear wrap, refrigerate and let it sit overnight. Before serving, unwrap and place using the olives for two eyes, candy corn for teeth and using a fork make the indents for the nose. Serve with crackers, chips, etc.
Filling Ingredients
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/8 teaspoon stevia concentrated powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
5 ounces cocoa butter food grade
2/3 cup Swerve Confectioners Powdered Sweetener
1/2 cup unflavored whey protein or collagen powder
Combine pumpkin puree, stevia, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cream, cocoa butter and Swerve in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the cocoa butter begins to melt, stir until well combined. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and protein powder. Place mixture in a bowl and cover the surface with a plastic wrap to prevent a ‘skin’ from forming. Chill in refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours.
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, form pumpkin mixture into even sized balls. These can be shaped into squares, made into egg shapes (for Easter), or any other shape desired. Place shaped filling in freezer while making chocolate coating.
Chocolate Coating Ingredients
4 oz unsweetened baking chocolate
1 oz cocoa butter food grade
3 tablespoons Swerve Confectioners Powdered Sweetener
1/8 teaspoon stevia concentrated powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a chocolate melter or double boiler, melt all chocolate coating ingredients together. Remove the shaped filling from the freezer. Place each on a fork and into melted chocolate until well coated. Wipe excess chocolate off bottom of fork on side of melter and then set on nonstick sheet to harden. Repeat until each is covered in chocolate. Place finished sheets of candy in refrigerator. Let sit at least an hour, then remove and place in covered container. Store in refrigerator.
Ingredients (for 12 servings)
6 hard-boiled eggs
3 tablespoons dijon mustard
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon paprika, plus additional for garnish
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Peel and slice hard boiled eggs lengthwise. Separate yolks into a separate bowl. Add mustard, mayonnaise, paprika, salt, and pepper to the yolks, and mix thoroughly. Fill a piping bag with the yolk mixture, and pipe into the empty egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika and place a piece of chive to make it look like a pumpkin.
Ingredients
12 black olives
6 hard-boiled eggs, halved
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1⁄2 teaspoon ground mustard
1⁄8 teaspoon salt
1⁄8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Slip out yolks and mash. Stir in mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper. Place yolk mixture back in eggs. Cut whole olive in half. Put one half of olive for the spiders body. Thinly slice the other half for the spiders legs. Put four legs on each side.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
1 package (10 oz., about 40) JET-PUFFED Marshmallows -- OR --
4 cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
6 cups Kellogg's® Rice Krispies® cereal
Instructions
In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Add Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool. Cut into 2-inch squares. Best if served the same day.
Finish with Halloween shape cookie cutters and icing to decorate! Using a piping bag or zip lock bag; put icing of choice into the bag, cut the tip and decorate into tombstones, skulls or any other Halloween designs.
Ingredients
1 package cream cheese
1 lb. sausage to preference (I also use spicy for extra kick!)
Jalapeno’s (6 to 7 large size will give you 12 to 14 “poppers” for serving)
Mozzarella cheese (string cheese works better for “mummy” look
Pack of candy eyeballs
Instructions
Fry sausage. Slice in half and clean out jalapenos. Combine cooked sausage and pack of cream cheese then spoon fill jalapeno halves with cream cheese mix. Line stuffed jalapenos on cooking sheet and bake at 425 for 10 to 15 minutes (longer you cook, softer peppers get).
Use the string cheese and place on the stuffed peppers AFTER removing from oven. Place back in oven only long enough to melt cheese a little and browns the edges a bit. Apply candy eye-balls for extra touch.
Ingredients
4 large chicken breasts
1 block of cream cheese
Buffalo sauce of choice
Ranch of choice
2 bags of sharp cheddar
Piping bag
Plastic spiders
Instructions
Boil chicken breasts until completely cooked. Once cooled, shred finely. Combine all ingredients minus one bag of cheddar and a little bit of the ranch into a bowl. You can alter the amount of buffalo sauce and ranch to your personal preference, (more hot sauce equals more spice), but do be sure that the mixture is nice and creamy before you bake so it doesn’t come out too dry (the cream cheese should help with this). Once mixed to your preference, pour mixture into a baking dish and spread the other bag of cheddar evenly on top. Bake in the oven on 400 until the cheese on top is melted/bubbled.
Once the cheese has cooled, use a paper towel or napkin to dap any grease or liquid off the top. Then, using the piping bag and ranch, carefully design your web on top. Add the spiders and you’re all set!
VIA STEPPER AND DANIEL
Ingredients
6 bell peppers, any color
1 pound ground beef
1 egg
4 slices whole wheat bread, cubed
1 small onion, chopped
1 small tomato, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chili sauce
1/4 cup prepared yellow mustard
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking dish. Lightly mix together the ground beef, egg, bread cubes, onion, tomato, garlic, chili sauce, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Wash the peppers and cut jack-o'-lantern faces into the peppers with a sharp paring knife, making triangle eyes and noses, and pointy-teeth smiles. Slice off the tops of the peppers and scoop out the seeds and cores. Stuff the peppers lightly with the beef stuffing and place them into the prepared baking dish so they lean against each other. Bake in the preheated oven until the peppers are tender and the stuffing is cooked through and juicy, about 1 hour.
(PERFECT GREEN SMOOTHIE RECIPE FROM BARRE3)
Ingredients
1 banana (the riper the better)
2 pink lady apples
2 cups kale, raw, stems removed
2 Tbs. flaxseeds, ground
4 Tbs. sunflower butter
2 Tbs. pure maple syrup
2 cups almond milk, unsweetened
Instructions
Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
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158 FRONT STREET #100 FRANKLIN, TN 37064
615.472.1853
FRONTSTTAVERN.COM
LIVE MUSIC
WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY
BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM
Williamson County has no shortage of great eateries, and I recently visited a newer one in Franklin. Located in the Westhaven community, Front St. Tavern sits in the Town Center with a view of the beautiful lake. This family-friendly restaurant boasts a great variety of menu offerings as well as a fun vibe, with live music during the week and a back patio. CEO Ty Hauter says that they wanted to bring more dining options, along with entertainment, to the growing community of Westhaven and Franklin residents. “We wanted to create a space that would provide a welcoming vibe for families with younger children during the earlier hours, but also stay open late for those who want to join us after dinner for some live music and great cocktails,” explains Ty. “We are looking forward to expanding across the street next year, with a coal-fired pizza concept and another interactive entertainment and dining experience.”
“Since Franklin/Nashville is the heart of American music, I wanted the decor to touch on present day performers, but also bring past entertainers of varying genres into the fold. I wanted to create some nostalgia for all generations. This is how the old show and concert posters came into play, along with the use of building materials both new age and vintage in nature,” he says.
“When we took over the business, it was a juice shop,” says Director of Nashville Operations, Frank Miller. “It did not have a hood so we did not have access to a fryer or grill. We developed the menu based on using the science of slow cooking and baking as our main vehicle of cooking. We wanted to offer clean and healthy eating options while being able to offer remarkable takes on classic home cooking. Now that we are a few months into this new adventure, we have mastered the art of broiling our hand smashed burgers as well as having the ability to serve great brunch options for all of our Franklin patrons! Chef Chris Cunningham has done a great job taking what most chefs would look at as a major challenge, and has really created a great menu that has been well received by our regulars and Franklin locals.”
Some of their popular menu items are the Lobster Rolls, Lettuce Wraps and Short Rib Pot Roast. They are also rolling out some new fall items this week, which I had the opportunity to try out early! One of these new items is their Deviled Eggs, served with candied black pepper bacon and gherkin relish. I loved the candied bacon flavor and texture with these deviled eggs. It truly set them apart.
Next up, I tried the "Big Blue" Smash Burger - a smashed angus beef patty with blue cheese, pickled red onion, artisan greens and red wine jelly, on a brioche bun and served with kettle chips. This burger is prepared in a broiler, giving it a perfect outer texture and holding together with rich flavors and juices once you take a bite. It was an amazing take on a burger, giving it a great flavor from the traditional grilled version.
After that, I tried the Truffled Lobster Mac & Pesto, which is a mound of creamy truffle mac and cheese with fresh lobster, parmesan breadcrumbs and basil oil. Talk about comfort food kicked up a notch!
I am a big fan of truffle anything, so when you pair it with mac and cheese and lobster - hold the phone! This is a delicious and hearty dish sure to satisfy the mac and cheese fans out there. Prepare to leave full.
Saving the best for last… The last dish I tried was the Spaghetti Squash, served with marinara sauce, parmesan cheese and basil pesto. This happened to be my favorite. Not only is it on the healthier side, the flavor of the house-made marinara and basil pesto was perfection. It completed the dish with simplicity, yet a magnitude of flavors. This can also be served with shrimp or meatballs.
After that, I sampled a few of their new cocktails. The Paloma with Altos Tequila, fresh grapefruit, fresh lime, a splash of lemon and Tajin Rim; the Espresso Martini made with Absolut Vodka, Maggie’s Farm Coffee Liquor, orange bitters and house whipped cream; and the New York Sour with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Rye, Simple Syrup, fresh lemon, Angostura Bitters and a Cabernet float. These were all tasty in their own unique way. The Paloma was refreshing and would definitely
be a loved drink among the margarita fans. The Expresso Martini was delicious - step aside Starbucks - and would be a perfect cocktail to end your meal or start it if you need little pep! My favorite was the New York Sour... Being a whiskey and red wine lover, it was a perfect blend, creating a fabulous fall drink.
I highly recommend you go visit Front St. Tavern for a family night or date night and take in the great food and atmosphere yourself. They are open Monday through Wednesday from 11am to 10pm, Thursdays 11am until 11pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am until midnight, and Sundays from 9am to 10pm. Brunch can be enjoyed on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am until 2pm. They also offer half off bottles of wine on Mondays and do a Taco Tuesday special every week. “Our back patio is also a great place for large groups to celebrate parties or host private engagements,” Ty says. “At our company's core, we are all about hospitality, live music and good times...so we figured, let's bring a little of the fun we create in our downtown Nashville and San Diego restaurants, to Franklin and make it family-friendly.”
BY TIM KEARNS
As I have said before, as a young man, I was pretty much a Neanderthal! I was a grass cutting, ditch digging, truck driving, goofy old redneck guy. It was because of a blind date on August 5th, 1981 that my life would change forever. She was a stunning blonde, attending college to be an Interior Designer, that caught my full attention and everlasting love. She was smart, talented, educated and beautiful inside and out; and as most of my friends would tell me for the next thirty-five years and counting, “was waaay out of my league.”
Unlike my previous dating experience, my goal was to impress her like I have never impressed anyone before. This would require stepping outside my comfort zone to explore a world outside of honky tonks, fishing, jeans and flannel shirts; engaging in something she could relate to and find interesting. One of the first events I attended with her was a fashion show at the American College for the Applied Arts. She was a model in a show from a Hollywood collection designed by William Travilla. She wore Marilyn Monroe’s red dress from the movie “The River of No Return” among various others, and I loved the experience! She enjoyed art galleries and I came to learn that she had an amazing talent for art of her own. She had skills in drawing, painting with oils, making clothes, draperies, and creating design boards for interior design school that had me awestruck. I was introduced to many aspects of a world that I didn’t even know existed! This will sound cliché, but she made me want to be a better man! Yeah, I said it!
Pretty quickly, we found a great harmony in our relationship. One of the things I didn’t mention is that she also represented the state of Georgia in the National Horticulture Competition while in High School...so we also had a love of nature in common! Hikes in the woods and picnics in a field were as commonplace as trips to nice restaurants and art galleries. My taste in music, food, wine, travel and an appreciation in art were all being influenced by a woman I was determined to make my wife. Fast forward thirty-five years; in her talented way, she created a better man out of the Neanderthal she started with. Because of her, I’m much closer to a Southern Gentleman today than that August day in 1981 when we first met.
I have now grown to appreciate finer things. I enjoy traveling to other countries, learning about other cultures, and have a greater appreciation for interior design, furniture and colors. I love the way she sees a color and describes it. To me, it’s just a shade of red or blue, but from an artist’s perspective, she can make it sound so much more interesting. Bess now periodically participates in the Franklin Art Crawl, and I
enjoy the pride she has when someone takes one of her works of art home and visits her at a later show to describe where they displayed it. When she isn’t participating herself, we wander from store to store taking in the other artisans and appreciating the skill they all have. We enjoy dressing up and attending many of the events Williamson County has to offer; A Vintage Affair, the Heritage Ball, Legacy Dinner at Carnton along with others. I enjoy sharing meals paired with a great bottle of wine at many of the quality restaurants we have dined in from Chattanooga to Memphis.
I’m still the guy who cuts his own grass and does his own landscaping. I enjoy smoking a bbq butt or ribs and building a fire on the deck in the fall. But if the opportunity comes up to see a great exhibit at the Frist or Bess wants to see someone perform at the Schermerhorn, I’ll be quick to put on a jacket and tie, pick a pocket square to match and off we go! A Southern Gentleman can come in many forms and have many interests. However, it helps if you appreciate something that is new, unique and outside of your norm. Show your significant other that you are willing to grow and learn. I want to thank my wife for her patience in my development. Don’t be the stubborn, rusty nut stuck on a bolt; appreciate and take advantage of the learning opportunities that Williamson County or beyond has to offer; it’s a big world out there!
The Great Smoky Mountains area has been named the 10th best fall camping destination in the country, according to a new report from the outdoor experts at Hipcamp, the largest resource for camping in the US.
Hipcamp, a unique app that gives campers across the U.S. access to the most remote places to camp, released this the list in honor of the Autumn Equinox fall’s “official” arrival on September 23rd. AND for the first time, local campers and glampers now have a way to find unique fall experiences - from apple picking to fall leaf peeping - with Hipcamp’s new seasonal fall fun app feature now available.
HIPCAMP’S TOP TEN U.S. FALL CAMPING DESTINATIONS:
1. Central / Southeast Texas
2. Virginia (Charlottesville)
3. Southeast Utah (Monument Valley)
4. Pennsylvania
5. Yellowstone & Grand Tetons
6. Rio Grande
7. New Hampshire
8. New York
9. Maine
10. Great Smoky Mountains
Take a trip “Up the Road” with two, within a day’s drive, examples of Great Smoky Mountain Hipcamps that are awesome to enjoy this fall:
Rusty Acorn Farm
Lake , includes twenty acres of open fields and ten acres of woods. They raise pasture poultry on one part of the farm. Probably the best view of any farm in the area of the Smoky Mountains, the farm is thirteen miles from Vonore and forty minutes south of Knoxville.
Butterfly Farm Sanctuary goes way back into the mountain mists of time to being the land of the Cherokee. Once the white man removed the Cherokee Trail of Tears to Oklahoma - the Scotch-Irish moved into the valley and settled up and down along the river.
Rusty Acorn Farm, on over thirty acres with grand views of the Smoky Mountain National Forest and five minutes from a public boat access to the extensive Tellico
The property has been owned by many people over the decades, some old families who have been here for generations and others who decided to buy it as vacation property. It was not well looked after at times and so has been in the process of bringing it in to greater health. The locals named this property Butterfly many years ago. Both pastures fill with butterflies in the summer.
The Battle of Franklin Trust has installed two new interpretive signs at Carnton. The ongoing effort, in collaboration with the Civil War Trails program, works to place these signs throughout the grounds of Carnton and Carter House to continue the Battle of Franklin Trust’s educational undertaking to preserve history. The markers, titled “The Springhouse” and “Beyond the House,” tell the stories of Randal McGavock’s springhouse and Carnton’s farmland and the history it contains. In the future, more interpretive signs will be placed, including markers that relate to stories about Carnton’s origins. Civil War Trails connects visitors with the campaigns and lesser known sites of the Civil War. Civil War Trails is a non-profit, educational organization and is one of the most successful and sustainable heritage tourism programs in the nation. Today, the program guides visitors to more than 1,550 sites in Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and North Carolina. For more information about the Battle of Franklin Trust, please visit boft.org. The Battle of Franklin Trust is a 501(c)3 management corporation acting on behalf of Franklin’s battlefield sites to contribute to a greater understanding and enrich the visitor experience of the November 30, 1864 battle. It is organized for the charitable and educational purposes of preserving, restoring, maintaining and interpreting the properties, artifacts and documents related to the battle so as to preserve an important part of the nation’s history.
The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County’s Franklin Grove Estate & Gardens project has been named a finalist in the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express’s 2020 Partners in Preservation award. The only finalist in the state of Tennessee, Franklin Grove is competing against nineteen other sites across the United States for a share of $2 million in grants to honor the contribution of women in their local communities. In honor of the upcoming 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing women the right to vote, the Partners in Preservation program features twenty sites that each play a role in highlighting and raising awareness for the often-unrecognized contributions of women to American history and society. A five-acre sanctuary just off the historic downtown square, Franklin Grove has long had educational ties, housing institutions such as a girls’ school in the early 1800s, a Freedmen’s School after the Civil War, and the O’More College of Design, founded by Eloise O’More. Through October 29th, anyone can vote once per day for up to five of their favorite Partners in Preservation.To cast your vote for the Franklin Grove project, specifically, please visit VoteYourMainStreet. or/Franklin. For more information about Franklin Grove or the Downtown Franklin Association, please visit williamsonheritage.org.
Please join Williamson, Inc. as we acknowledge Williamson County’s 2019 accomplishments and look forward to 2020’s events and initiatives. The event will be held November 19th from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., making this the first luncheon style celebration in years. In honor of the past years biggest headline, Mitsubishi President and CEO, Fred Diaz, will be the keynote speaker. Mr. Diaz will be speaking on Mitsubishi’s recent headquarter relocation and why they have chosen to call Williamson County home.
The event will be held at McEwen Northside, Cool Spring’s brand new forty-give acre, mixed-use development. Attendees of the Annual Celebration will be receiving a “First Look” experience as the building will still not be fully built-out. The new environment offers fully integrated commercial, retail, residential and green spaces. Newly announced tenants to the development include Tiff’s Treats, Club Pilates, Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille and PROSE Nail Salon. “While we are not able to discuss tenants that haven’t signed a lease yet, we are expecting many more retailers and restaurants, and we look forward to sharing more news soon,” says Kirsten Grenier, spokesperson for McEwen Northside.
The celebratory luncheon will also reveal Williamson Inc.’s newest signature event. While we aren’t letting out too many secrets, we will let you know that attendees of the Annual Celebration will be permitted presale spots to the new event. The new event will have a professional development theme around business excellence, the likes of which, middle Tennessee has yet to see.
For details and registration guidelines, please visit williamsonchamber.com.
Learn more about Williamson, Inc.’s people, events and information about joining by calling 615.771.1912 or by visiting williamsonchamber.com.
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VULCAN MATERIALS COMPANY TO HOST QUARRY CRUSHER RUN IN FRANKLIN TO BENEFIT BRIGHTSTONE
Vulcan Materials Quarry Crusher Run is set to put Nashville-area runners and walkers to the ultimate test on Saturday, November 9th at the Franklin Quarry on Downs Blvd. The high adventure 3.6 mile (single crusher) or 7.2 mile (double crusher) run/walk, will take participants down through the quarry past towering limestone rock features, then back up to the finish line. Vulcan Materials Company is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates that form the building blocks for the nation’s roads, bridges, homes, hospitals, schools, office buildings and places of worship. While running or walking the quarry, participants will gain a better understanding of where these essential materials originate. Event proceeds will benefit BrightStone, a Franklin-based organization that provides adults with intellectual and developments disabilities with year-round vocational training and educational programs. Runners and walkers of all athletic abilities over the age of twelve are encouraged to participate. Awards will be presented to the first, second and thirdplace finishers in thirteen age groups, from a 12-14 age group to a 70+ group. To register, please visit quarrycrusherrun.com/nashville/.
They were on the front lines, and served behind the scenes, of some of the most important social and civic missions of the 20th Century. And when there wasn’t a seat at a power table filled with men, they created one of their own. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee will honor seven trailblazing Women of Wonder with the 26th annual Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award Thursday, October 17th at the Music City Center. Each year this award honors a person or persons who, like the late Joe Kraft, demonstrate a commitment to community, home and hearth, and individuals in need.This year’s honorees are: Clare Armistead, style icon, philanthropist and fundraiser; Janet Ayers, philanthropist and education patron; the late Colleen Conway-Welch, longtime VU School of Nursing Dean; Inez Crutchfield, Tennessee State University educator, political insider and Civil Rights activist; Annette Eskind, champion of adoption, and education and social reformer; Carrie Gentry, TSU educator and Civil Rights activist; and Rosetta Miller-Perry, founder of The Tennessee Tribune and Civil Rights activist. Honorary chair of this year’s event is Martha Ingram, noted philanthropist and business leader, and a prior recipient of the Joe Kraft Humanitarian Award. Reservations for the event can be made online at cfmt.org or by calling 615-321-4939. The person(s) named as the recipient of this annual award receives the opportunity to recommend that grants from this Fund be distributed to charities in which he or she believes.
BY DEE JERNIGAN
Many people don’t realize that giving back, can increase their wealth and happiness. It’s never too late to make a meaningful impact in 2019 and beyond. We’ve compiled several easy-to-implement ways to maximize giving back to those in need.
To give more to your favorite charity, you first must be able to free up funds within your budget - like skipping your daily coffee, or rounding purchases up to the nearest dollar and putting that extra cash in a giving fund.
Try breaking down the gift into smaller payments. Some charities allow for a specified amount to be automatically deducted monthly. This way, your donations will feel less like an “extra” expense.
If you have investments that have taken a favorable turn during the recent bull market, you can donate the appreciated stocks or mutual funds. Larger charities are readily able to accept these gifts.
Charities are always in need of volunteers to help achieve their mission. Many organizations are also looking for clothing or furniture to help people they serve. Beyond helping others, many of these types of donations are tax deductible.
If you’re looking for specific ways to increase your charitable giving, talk to a trusted financial advisor today.
DEE JERNIGAN
We’re in the Money
Dee serves as the Executive Vice President of Franklin Synergy Wealth Management and Financial Executive with Raymond James Financial Services. 722 Columbia Ave., Franklin, TN 37064 | 615.236.8310
Wealth management and trust accounts are: Not FDIC insured; Not Deposits of the Bank; and May Lose Value. Any opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate profession. Any information is not complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for marking an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC and are not insured by bank insurance, the FDIC or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks including the possible loss of principal. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Franklin Synergy Bank and Franklin Synergy Wealth Management are not a registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services.
BY LAURA BETH PETERS AND LAINIE STUBBLEFIELD, STEEL MAGNOLIAS PODCAST
Parental involvement in a child’s life and education is crucial for success. When parents are engaged in their child’s education and activities, there is typically a more positive attitude toward school, and often better behavior and academic success accompanies this too. But, having healthy space and boundaries is also important for children to build relationships with friends, teachers, coaches and school personnel.
Attending your child’s school events such as sporting events, plays and concerts, student exhibitions and awards nights will allow you to meet other parents and families, see the passions of various students and even give you subjects of conversation to discuss with your child and their friends. Participating as a family in school activities also gives you a collective allegiance to something bigger.
Adolescence is a time of new experiences for both the child and parent. Volunteering is a great way to keep your focus on the success of all students rather than micromanaging your child. It will keep you engaged in the activities yet gives some space for your child to have some freedom too.
Participate in as many things as your schedule permits as a parent. Schools often send home lists of ways parents can get involved. There are many creative ways to use your skills to volunteer. Make food for a school event, help in the school library or office or serve on school committees, councils or Parent Teacher Association/Organizations. Any participation will help you know more about your child’s school culture, know more about your child’s friends and the things they are facing. You can even cheer on their friends at school events that your child is not participating in. We are all in this together and children need the support of adults in the community.
Your children need to know that you care about them and that even when you are not together, you are concerned
about what they are doing. Set healthy boundaries to create clarity as you both navigate treading new waters. Boundaries also make children feel safer and help in making sound decisions. Make sure to discuss boundaries/consequences with your spouse first, to ensure you are on the same page. Then, decide when is the right time to discuss these boundaries with your children. These discussions are best when everyone is in a good mood and there has been no recent conflict. Allowing your child to give some input in to the boundary setting process can cause them to adhere to the boundaries better than a simple dictation of rules. Stand firm in your non-negotiables but respond to your child’s concerns too. There is wonderful information on this process in the book, Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend.
If your child is participating in a particular sport or activity, cheer, encourage and support your child but leave the constructive criticism to the coaches/teachers. Let your children know that you love watching them play and participate. Encourage the whole team!
Do not spend the car ride home from an event critiquing what they did right/wrong. Ask your child if they had fun and what did they enjoy about the experience. You will learn important things about your child through these conversations and it will help you be a wonderful support to them.
Lainie Stubblefield and Laura Beth Peters (Co-Hosts of the Steel Magnolias Podcast)
Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Tune In as well as steelmagnoliaspodcast.com
FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION ON OUR LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS - GO TO WCS.ORG, FSSD.ORG AND BATTLEGROUNDACADEMY.ORG
SCHOLARSHIPS TOTALING $715.8K TO 320 STUDENTS FOR 2019-20 SCHOOL YEAR
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, a charitable organization working to improve the quality of life in forty Middle Tennessee and three Kentucky counties, announces it is awarding scholarships to 320 individual students pursuing secondary education at accredited schools throughout the United States. Congratulations to the 2019 scholarship recipients from Williamson County: Lily Anderson - Independence High School; Callie Bruno -McGavock High School; Adrienne Davis - Independence High School; Andrew Dunn - Nolensville High School; Luke Gormsen - Home Life Academy; Caleb Harris -Brentwood Academy; William Henke - Independence High School; Cliff Herring - Ravenwood High School; Grace Kueker - Fred J. Page High School; Kanayochukwu Offodile,- Montgomery Bell Academy; Lauren Sinor -Nolensville High School; Hunter Spivey - Fred J. Page High School; Anika Sutter - Fairview High School and Isaac Way - Brentwood Academy. For more information visit cfmt.org.
Another Williamson County school is joining the nation’s elite. The U.S. Department of Education that Crockett Elementary is one of just 362 National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2019.The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools based on either high performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The school will be recognized during an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. November 14-15. It is the eleventh school in the district to be named a National Blue Ribbon School.
WORKS TO KEEP STUDENTS SAFE ONLINE
Williamson County Schools is working to protect students’ safety online, now and in the future. By using a product named Gaggle, the district is able to teach students about the potential impacts of sharing or sending certain material. Gaggle will monitor for inappropriate words and images used in G Suite for Education programs within the district. This includes Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive and other programs using MyPlace accounts provided to students. If inappropriate material appears in an email or any documents governed by the district, Gaggle will send a notification to school administrators. Administrators will handle situations at the school level. If there is a serious safety concern, Gaggle will alert the school administrators as well as district safety personnel of the situation.
BY MARGIE THESSIN
Over the last few years, as interest in the paranormal has increased, those in the ghost tour business will be contacted regularly by paranormal investigators, also known as ghost hunters. One in particular, the Tennessee Wraith Chasers, did an interesting investigation last year at Lotz House Civil War Museum in Franklin. That’s where I come in. My company Franklin on Foot has partnered with Lotz House for several years to offer weekly Friday evening ghost tours at the museum.
Airing on The Travel Channel, Haunted Live is just like what it sounds like, an investigation airing live. The team carries out the investigation while inviting viewer input and participation as they tweet and post on Travel Channel’s social media platforms.
The whole process took about two months, from the first call of inquiry to the one-hour episode on October 5, 2018. A month earlier, the channel sent a technical team to plan the show and take b rollsupplemental and additional footage including interviews with some of us connected with the house. It was a relatively long process for these type shows. And on the day of the actual show, the team arrived at 9am and did not wrap up until 11pm although the show itself aired only from 8pm - 9pm.
The show itself did not appear to uncover any evidence of hauntings, although they really tried, going so far as to have one member of the team pretend to be on the operating table about to have his leg amputated. They also focused on areas of the house that those who work and visit there did not suggest, such as the stairs, the daughter’s bedroom and the Red Room, or family parlor. And we did make suggestions, based on what visitors and staff have experienced and recounted over the years. Personally, I think it was a bust. But that’s not to say there’s not something there. I just don’t think these things can be “investigated.” In fact, the spirits of the Lotz House made it very clear that they did not want to be investigated.
It all started Saturday, August 11, 2018. The night prior, as usual, I had a tour. Everything was fine. The next morning, at 9:15am, I got a call from Thomas Cartwright, museum manager. He said when he opened up, he was surprised to find a number of items out of place. A bowl of minie balls and another of shell fragments had somehow migrated from their usual spots on the ticket counter to the floor. Upstairs, both whiskey bottles from the parlor had decamped, one out to the hall and the other onto the sofa. A pipe had jumped tables. Of course, everything had
been in its proper place the night before when we locked up.
This was odd. It was not unusual for things to move around. It happened, inexplicably, every several months, but typically it was just one item or several of the same items. This was a lot of stuff to mess with. We figured they just got it all out of their system and we wouldn’t hear from them for awhile.
Not. The next day, Sunday, the site opened at 1pm. Thomas called at 1:15pm. “It’s happened again. More items moved.” This time a sign moved rooms, a basket of candy relocated to the floor, a GooGoo Cluster dropped from its perch, and upstairs, a very heavy tea set was ready for serving - from the floor, not its usual table.
Over the next eight weeks, there were six more days where the staff opened up to find the place in minor disarray. Once, they found t-shirts strewn around the floor. Brochures dumped on the floor, GooGoos on the stairs. But the one that really got everybody’s attention was the minie balls that seemed to spell a word: NO.
Then, on October 6, 2018, it ended. No more throwing and scattering things, no more big heavy tea sets or whiskey bottles traipsing about the house. The activity returned to very simple (but still unexplained), activity. So we figured it out. The heightened activity began right about the time the first call came in about the investigation. A lot of internal discussion about it ensued over the next two months, a partial day of filming took place in September and a full day on October 5th by a nosy bunch of investigators. “They” didn’t like it and they made their displeasure very clear, by throwing and moving things around and finally spelling out a big fat NO. Message received!
Margie Thessin owns Franklin on Foot, which offers guided walking tours of Franklin, including ghosts, crime, Civil War, city, cemetery and food tours. Ghosts of the Battlefield at Lotz House is most Friday evenings at 6:30pm. On October 26th and 27th, costumed reenactors will tell their stories at City and Rest Haven cemeteries in downtown Franklin. Book tours at franklinonfoot.com.
Photography by Jennifer Franks
The 5th Annual Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival returned to the Park at Harlinsdale Farm in September for two days of live music, arts and culture vendors, great food and beverages and of course, a unique community gathering. The lineup did not disappoint, including headliners Keith Urban, The Killers and Foo Fighters, just to name a few. The event supports an ongoing community initiative with the Pilgrimage Foundation, the non-profit entity of the Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival. Through this foundation, funds are raised from donors, ticket sales and other activities benefiting Franklin parks, including Harlinsdale Farm, education, musicians and artists. This year, Pilgrimage added Graceworks, BrightStone, High Hopes Development and Mercy Community Healthcare – joining previous years’ ongoing charitable partners: MusiCares, Friends of Franklin Parks, Dark Horse Institute and Heritage Foundation of Williamson County. To learn more, visit pilgrimagefestival.com.
Nashville Sound: An Illustrated Timeline, by noted author and songwriter Don Cusic, has been released this month. The Nashville Sound is a sound heard all around the world. It is not just the sound of country music; music from Nashville includes Big Band, rhythm and blues, gospel, Christian, jazz and classical. Nashville music goes back a long way and embraces artists and songs that have no borders. “Music City U.S.A.” isn’t just a catchy slogan, it is an accurate description of the sounds of Nashville from Davy Crockett’s fiddle to the Fisk Jubilee Singers to rock classics from Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers to the Nashville Sound of Jim Reeves and Eddy Arnold and beyond. The Nashville Sound is a rainbow of music.
Nashville Sound: An Illustrated Timeline explores Nashville’s rich history in music that encompasses not only country music but also gospel music, contemporary Christian music, rhythm and blues, rock’n’roll and classical music. Nashville is a musical gold mine and this book follows the development of music and the music industry in Nashville from the nineteenth century until today.
Don Cusic is Curb Professor of Music Industry History at Belmont University. He is the author of a history of country music (Discovering Country Music), biographies of Roger Miller, Eddy Arnold, Hank Williams and others; The Beatles and Country Music, Elvis and Nashville, Saved by Song: A History of Gospel and Christian Music and others. As a songwriter he has had songs recorded by Bobby Bare, Peter Noone, Jim Ed Brown, Ray Stevens, Lynn Morris and others. Nashville Sound: An Illustrated Timeline is available wherever books are sold.
• In 1945, at the end of World War II, Nashville did not have a recording studio or a record label; five years later it became known as “Music City U.S.A.”
• For over fifty musical years, Nashville was better known for “Negro Spirituals” than for country music.
• Some of the most famous Christmas songs were recorded in Nashville.
• Elvis recorded over 260 songs at RCA Studio B in Nashville.
• Nashville is the business and creative center for Contemporary Christian Music—which employs more people than country music.
• The Country Music Association’s Board of Directors was against holding an awards show until 1967 when the first CMA Awards Show was held.
• In 1969 country music came on television in a big way—with the “CMA Awards Show,” “The Johnny Cash Show” and “Hee Haw” all taped in Nashville. That same year, “The Glen Campbell Goodtime
Hour” premiered, which also featured country music.
• The first radio station in Nashville was constructed by a Boy Scout on the roof of Belmont College.
• The Grand Ole Opry was owned by an insurance company, which used the Opry’s popularity to sell insurance.
• Major record labels began to regularly record in Nashville after Ernest Tubb, a top selling country artist, insisted on recording here.
• The first record label in Nashville was Bullet, an independent label, that began in 1946 and recorded country, pop, white gospel, black gospel and blues performers.
• Mike Curb, with Curb Records, purchased 10 buildings on Music Row to save Music Row from developers.
Hello pup lovers,
Did you know that October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month? Sponsored by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), this event promotes the adoption of dogs from local shelters and bring awareness to the huge need for adoptable dogs to find homes.
If you cannot adopt a dog, then the ASPCA also encourages you to join in on the fundraising efforts with their 31 Days of Rescue Dogs on social media. To participate, just post your favorite rescue dog for 31 days on Facebook. Instagram and/or Twitter, using the hashtag #31DaysOfRescueDogs and simply ask followers to donate $1 a day to your Team ASPCA fundraiser page. A little goes a long way as $31 can help provide food, shelter and the chance at a loving home for a dog in need.
According to ASPCA, anyone who donates to your campaign in the month of October will receive a dedicated Adopt a Shelter Dog
Month temporary tattoo and Team ASPCA tote bag when you raise $250 or more! Plus, your dog’s photo can be featured on Animal Planet!
Visit aspca.org to learn more about submitting your dog’s photo, donating and to set up your Team ASPCA fundraiser page. Help all of the pups out there what are waiting for their chance at a loving family.
Wiggle bottom and slobbery smooches to you and yours!
Ollie Pup
See more of Ollie and his adventures at facebook.com/OlliePupBoxer, on Twitter @OlliePupBoxer and follow @OlliePupBoxer on Instagram.
BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM
If you have never experienced this illuminating event, then we suggest you check out Jack’s Pumpkin Glow this year at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage! This enchanting Halloween experience features a pumpkin wonderland with over 5,000 hand-carved jack o’lanterns. From single pumpkin carvings to larger than life displays, Jack’s master carvers bring the Halloween spirit to life. There is also a pumpkin patch, live carving demonstrations and tasty fall food and beverages. There is something everyone will enjoy at this truly magnificent fall spectacular.
Rachel Silva is the Marketing Associate for Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group and says that Jacks’ Pumpkin Glow began in New Jersey four years ago with very talented artists who wanted to utilize pumpkins as the medium to create beautiful art installations. “We loved the idea of creating a Halloween event that was familyfriendly, rather than one that was scary,” explains Rachel.
“Jack's Pumpkin Glow's team consists of five core team members who start designing and building infrastructure in January,” Rachel says. “As we head into the pumpkin season, the team grows to about forty to fifty people at each location.”
“Jack's Pumpkin Glow is perfect for families of all ages, couples and young adults alike. Featuring larger than life displays - such as dinosaurs, motorcycles and your favorite characters - Jack's Pumpkin Glow brings the Halloween spirit to life,” she says. “This year our event will be better than ever before featuring Nashville sports teams and celebrities, along with a few new surprise scenes!”
The fun doesn’t stop at Jack’s Pumpkin Glow though… For the adults who want something a bit on the scarier side - then Nashville Nightmare, which began in 2011, may be up their alley! Nashville Nightmare features six haunted houses that are all in one location. It does not have an age limit however, due to its graphic nature, it is not recommended for younger children.
“Due to Nashville Nightmare's reputation of having phenomenal show year after year, discussions began with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group to have Nashville Nightmare become part of its live-entertainment family,” says Rachel. “Nashville Nightmare officially joined Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group beginning in 2018.”
“The idea was to bring Nashville a large, over the top Halloween experience that would become a tradition for people to attend every year. The idea consisted of highquality set design, acting and costumes to bring Nashville Nightmare to life,” she says.
Between Jack’s Pumpkin Glow and Nashville Nightmare, there is definitely some spooky fun for the entire family on various levels. Get your tickets now to experience these Halloween events! Learn more and purchase tickets for Jack’s Pumpkin Glow at glowpumpkin.com/nashville. For more information on Nashville Nightmare and to purchase tickets, visit nashvillenightmare.com.
Each month, The Friends of the Brentwood Library (FOBL)host the work of local artists at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library. The exhibits remain up for the entire month, and the public is invited to view the artists’ work during library hours, free of charge. Exhibits are displayed in two areas: hanging work is displayed on the Gallery Wall, while the Showcase Display is for more three-dimensional work. The October Gallery will feature the paintings of Lisa Stewart, while the October Showcases will display pieces by Roula Kowatli.
October Gallery Artist: Lisa Stewart
Lisa Stewart is our gallery artist for the month of October. She studied in nearly every medium before settling primarily on acrylic and mixed medium. Lisa studied painting and sculpture in Barcelona and Florence before moving to Brentwood where she has continued to explore her talent and exhibit her work. She has more recently volunteered at Room in the Inn’s Campus for Human Development teaching art to the homeless.
October Showcase Artist: Roula Kowatli
Roula Kowatli is our showcase artist for October. Roula paints in acrylic and watercolor in the impressionist style. Her work combines the emotions, memories and nostalgia she feels for her home country, Syria. When she paints, she looks for inspiration both in nature and in family spaces. She received a Bachelor of Art in Interior Design from Damascus University, and attended postgraduate classes in children’s book illustration at Heron School of Arts in Indiana after coming to the United States.
If you are an artist interested in exhibiting at The John P. Holt Brentwood Library, please contact the Friends of Brentwood Library Art Chair, Jeannine Owens, at brentwoodfriends@gmail.com. The John P. Holt Brentwood Library is located at 8109 Concord Road.
Winner of the 2018 Best Revival of a Musical, Once on This Island will begin its national tour in Nashville with a week-long engagement October 15-20 at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Jackson Hall. Written by the Tony Award-winning team Lynn Ahrens (book and lyrics) and Stephen Flaherty (music), Once on This Island is based on the novel “My Love, My Love” by Rosa Guy. This production features new orchestrations by original orchestrator Michael Starobin, who is joined by AnnMarie Milazzo. Once on This Island is the sweeping, universal tale of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl in search of her place in the world and ready to risk it all for love. Guided by the mighty island gods, Ti Moune sets out on a remarkable journey to reunite with the man who has captured her heart. This new production is led by two-time Tony Award-nominated director Michael Arden (“Spring Awakening” revival) and acclaimed choreographer Camille A. Brown (NBC’s “Jesus Christ Superstar Live”). The creative team also includes Dane Laffrey (scenic designer), Clint Ramos (costume designer), Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer (lighting designers), Peter Hylenski (sound designer), John Bertles/Bash the Trash (unusual instruments), Cookie Jordan (hair/wig and makeup designer), Chris Fenwick (music supervisor), Alvin Hough, Jr. (music director), David Perlow (associate director), Nikki M. James (assistant director), Rickey Tripp(associate choreographer) and Telsey + Co / Craig Burns, CSA (casting agent).
Once on This Island premiered at Playwrights Horizons in May 1990. The Broadway production opened in October of that year garnering eight Tony nominations including Best Featured Actress (LaChanze), Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical and Best Musical. The 1994 West End production won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. The revival opened in December 2017 at Circle in the Square Theatre and would go on to earn nine Tony nominations, winning Best Revival of a Musical. The touring production of the Tony-winning revival was built, developed and launched at The Carson Center in Paducah, Kentucky.
Arden received his first Tony nomination for his revival of “Spring Awakening.” The acclaimed Deaf West production premiered in Los Angeles and transferred to Broadway. He also won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Director of a Musical and was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for the production. Michael made his Broadway debut in Deaf West Theatre and the Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of “Big River.” Other directing credits include “My Fair Lady” at Bay Street Theater, “Merrily We Roll Along” at the Wallis Annenberg Center in Los Angeles (where he is currently the Artist in Residence), “LA Ronde” for his company, The Forest of Arden and “For the Record: John Hughes” in LA and NYC. His production of “The Pride” opened at the Wallis Annenberg Center in June 2017.
There never seems to be a shortage of arts and culture events to attend in middle Tennessee! Here are just a handful of upcoming art exhibits, music events, plays and more that we can’t wait to see!
October 4th-19th | Pull-Tight Theatre | pull-tight.com
Set in the golden age of Hollywood, Moonlight and Magnolias is a riotous, behind-thescenes peek at the making of what many consider the greatest movie ever made…that almost wasn’t! Can a producer with a lot to prove, his serene secretary, a hot director with an even hotter temper and a screenwriter set for success (once he gets around to reading the book), create movie magic, or will their chance be “gone with the wind?” Frankly, my dear, you won’t want to miss this one!
October 15th-20th | Andrew Jackson Hall | tpac.org
Winner of the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, Once on This Island is the sweeping, universal tale of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl in search of her place in the world, and ready to risk it all for love. Guided by the mighty island gods, Ti Moune sets out on a remarkable journey to reunite with the man who has captured her heart. With a score that bursts with life, Once on This Island is a timeless testament to theater’s unlimited possibilities. You can experience it for yourself this month at Tennessee Performing Arts Center!
October 18th | Liberty Hall | studiotenn.com
Studio Tenn’s annual One Night Only returns to Liberty Hall in the Factory at Franklin on October 18th with an all-new twist! This year’s event will be an “Evening with Friends,” featuring One Night Only’s signature all-star entertainment, including crowd favorites William Hall, Jamiee Paul, Laura Matula and more! Join Studio Tenn for an evening of pitch-perfect music in the round, top-tier food, specialty cocktails that celebrate legendary artists and an unparalleled live auction to support the tenth season of Middle Tennessee’s own world-class professional theatre company!
October 22nd | Schermerhorn Symphony Center nashvillesymphony.org
Enjoy an evening with some of the GREATEST musicians of all time! The Musicians Hall of Fame (MHOF) 2019 Concert & Induction Ceremony is a night of music celebration, and MHOF is thrilled to honor this year’s well-deserving inductees. The evening will be hosted by GRAMMY® award winning musician, Paul Shaffer. Special guest performers include: Garth Brooks, Kix Brooks, Zac Brown, Ronnie Dunn, Vince Gill, Paul Shaffer, Paul Simon, Trisha Yearwood and MORE! This is an evening that music lovers will not want to miss!
November 1st-November 3rd | Tennessee Performing Arts Center | nashvilleballet.com
Nashville Ballet brings an award-winning production stateside in A Street Car Named Desire! Sumptuous and sultry, the balletic adaptation of this Tennessee Williams classic brings aging southern belle Blanche DuBois’s devastating demise centerstage in a beguiling performance meant to mesmerize. Matched with the magical ambience of the Nashville Ballet, this adaptation is sure to be a hit!
The Mona Lisa is a fairly small paintingmeasuring only twenty-one by thirty inches.
The girl in Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring is said to be his oldest daughter, Maria.
Some people believe that the eleven stars in Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night is an ode to Genesis 37:9: “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun the moon and the eleven stars bowed down to me.”
No part of Grant Wood’s American Gothic was painted at the same time. Each element was posed and painted separately.
Edvard Much’s The Scream inspired the Scream movie franchise, as well as the aliens in Doctor Who.
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