Maybe it’s celebrating a major life event like a wedding (congratulations!), escaping for a well-deserved family vacation or because you’ve earned a place at the corporate retreat. The good news is Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the perfect solution for all the right reasons.
Robertson
VICE PRESIDENT MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Anna
Ham
Johnny Birdsong PRESIDENT SALES & DEVELOPMENT
Shelly Robertson Birdsong CEO & PUBLISHER
Jennifer Franks
Ron Cheatham VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
Paige Atwell Writer & Editor
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Dear Reader,
This letter has been written and re-written half a dozen times since our lives were hurled into the seemingly impossible reality of the last three months. I have started letters for two magazines not published – the first in nine years in business. I have started letters espousing hope and determination to weather a storm together, not fully knowing yet what storm that was. I have started letters venting, praying, crying almost, in my desire to see our world come out of a pandemic and economic crisis – only to realize my words rang hollow even to me, as each day passed and there wasn’t much in the way of discernible change to the COVID nightmare.
Then this last week happened. And legitimately, finally, I was in a space where I had to write my letter from the publisher and thankfully, send a new magazine to press. Then this last week happened…. This last week. Words cannot describe the sheer horror, the infinite pain and agony of knowing… yes things can get worse. But dear readers… yes, they can get better too. I have a dream. I have a dream for our world, for our country, for our community, for my family for my children. I have a dream… and it’s not to wake up and realize it was all a nightmare, but to awaken and see, that things have changed. My words are inconsequential in this moment in time … but Dr. King’s, well they hold weight now, all these decades later, and are astutely befitting today’s circumstances in a way that is both humbling and challenging. I was moved to tears in reading his entire speech, and I hope you will be too. Moved to tears and moved to change. Because, ultimately, don’t we all have the same dream?
later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself in exile in his own land. And so, we’ve come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.
In a sense, we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked insufficient funds. But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we’ve come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.
We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.
discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again, and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.
The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny, and they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality.
We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating for whites only. We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote, and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
Martin Luther King Jr on August 28, 1963, delivered the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech in front of over 250,000 supporters gathered at Lincoln Memorial.
I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation. Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves. Who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity. But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. 1963 is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.
But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: in the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and
I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.
I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of
Shelly Robertson Birdsong and all of us here at Your Williamson
Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day down in Alabama, with its vicious racists with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of “interposition” and “nullification” one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed [cheering], and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. This will be the day, this will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with new meaning: “My country, ‘this of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring!”
And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. So, let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania. Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado. Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California. But not only that: Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia. Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee. Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.
And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men, and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
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YOUR SOCIAL SECRETARY
JUN
27
Iroquois Steeplechase -
Here are a few events to add to your Social Calendar this month. Visit yourwilliamson.com for more events.
“Safer
At Home” Party
Iroqouis Steeplechase | iroquoissteeplechase.org
The Iroquois Steeplechase, presented by Bank of America, is launching a “Party In a Box” for a safer-at-home celebration on the event’s canceled race day, June 27th. The Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is the primary beneficiary of the race meet. In making the announcement, Iroquois Steeplechase Chairman Dwight Hall said, “Since boxholders won’t be able to come to their box on our race day, we’re bringing a box to them. This way, families and friends can still gather and celebrate Nashville’s grand tradition in their own homes and backyards while watching highlights from previous years on News Channel 5.”
Organizers are selling a “Party In a Box” at three levels so patrons can choose the style party they want to host along with their boxholder friends. Visit the website to purchase your “Party In a Box” today!
A Vintage Affair Main Event - Rescheduled
The Factory at Franklin | avintageaffair.org
SEP
11
This year will mark A Vintage Affair’s 20th year of supporting Williamson County organizations that dedicate their time and hearts to helping women and children in need - and they are celebrating this milestone in true 20s fashion. Come early and experience the Speakeasy VIP Pre-Party at The Blockhouse. The party will continue with The Main Event. Guests will enjoy food from local vendors, a variety of wine and bourbon tastings, exquisite desserts and a champagne tower. The night will feature wine auctions and The Top Tier Band will keep you on the dance floor until the evening ends. This is a twenty-one and up event. Gatsby/Roaring Twenties style attire is encouraged, but not required
#CheersToNineYears
Nine years ago, the first issue of Your Community Magazine hit stands!
The #BigPayback brought donations totaling $187,000 to BrightStone!
The Summer Issue
This issue will feature lots of cool summer fun for the hottest months of the year! Enjoy our special feature on “Distinguished Gentlemen of Williamson County,” golf, summer vacation planning and all things HOT!
June 25th | sales@yourwilliamson.com
PARTY WITH US... AT HOME!
Since you can’t be with us on June 27, we thought we would bring the party to you! On June 27, enjoy News Channel 5’s “Iroquois Steeplechase - Nashville’s Grand Tradition” featuring highlights throughout the years and the history of the Iroquois Steeplechase, the most exciting races and parties that have taken place. While enjoying the show, party steeplechase style with our Party in a Box or our Cooler at Home Tailgate!
Sponsored Event
SOCIAL Taste of Williamson
Photography by Anna Robertson Ham
The eighteenth annual Taste of Williamson took place in March at CoolSprings Galleria. The all-inclusive food and social gathering featured the region’s best local restaurants, national eateries, caterers and chefs. Guest’s enjoyed this delicious event, strolling from station to station and tasting food and drink samples. Taste of Williamson benefits United Way of Williamson County and their partner agencies. United Way fights for a community where every person has an equal chance at a bright future. Learn more about United Way of Williamson County at uwwc.org.
Amber & Ryan Macgillis
Linda Crocket Jackson, Amanda McBride, Katie Keyser & Shauna Lower
Courtney McNett & Christina Hauger
Stephanie Rilley & Marnie Hendley
Reagan, Sophia & Nechole Jones
Viruna, Chad & River St. John
Rebecca Carter & Leslie Watt
Jason Collins
Julia Moore & Bob Ziemba
Gayland Kelley & Ladoska Holt
Madison Long & Eric Bonnichsen
Becky Brennan, Stephanie Evans & Hannah Brennan
John & Karin Moughler, Monica & Paul Garvey
Allison & Shari Benjamin
Iris Zinni, Sami Zinni & Peter
Jim & Sandy Poag, Larry & Alice Darnell
Ryan Stegner & Chelsea Davis Cody & Maryanne Robertson, Darlene & Greg Upchurch William & Sarah Sons
Sloane Stogner & Kelly Collins
See the latest wedding trends and find inspiration by following us on Instagram
@ distinctivelysouthernwedding and liking Distinctively Southern Wedding on Facebook.
Don’t forget to share your distinctively southern wedding day with us too!
Home Sweet Home Spa
Missing your weekly trip to the spa? French skincare line, Guinot, has launched a lineup of ‹Home Sweet Home› facials for a spa-worthy experience at home. The treatments range from de-stressing to anti-wrinkle, hydrating to firming - including step-by-step instructions from the brand’s expert estheticians. Starting at $178 for a set of products, Guinot can coordinate the delivery so all that’s left to do is pamper. National Training Director Nicole Landon is on-hand to guide clients through the treatment over Zoom, and can even join in for a group Zoom spa party with the girls.
Known all over the world as an industry leader, Guinot has consistently led the charge in everything from game-changing technology and techniques in skincare to maintaining the most stringent standards in product development and manufacturing. Today, Guinot’s meticulously honed collections of treatments and products are carried in over 1,000 spas and salons in the US. Guinot Institut Paris is distributed in the U.S. exclusively by Lachman Imports, which has offices and a full-service Guinot training center on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Visit GuinotUSA.com for more information.
HERE IS A SAMPLING OF HOME FACIAL TREATMENTS FOR PURCHASE:
De-stressing facial ($246)
Products: Gommage Biologic, Anti-Fatigue Face Mask, Bioxygene Serum, Bioxygene Cream
Firming facial $265
Products: Hydra Tendre, Gommage Biologic, Mask Eclat Lifting (box of 4), Lift Summum Cream
Anti-wrinkle facial ($246)
Products: Gommage Biologic, Anti-Wrinkle Mask, Longue Vie Serum, Anti-Wrinkle Cream
Products: Gommage Eclat Parfait, Mask Pure Balance, Acnilogic, Crème Pure Balance
Anti-aging eye facial ($201)
Products: Eye Makeup Remover, Gommage Biologic, Age Logic Eye Mask (Box of 4), Age Logic Eye Cream
Jump into Spring with
Draper James recently launched a brand new swimwear collection with Lands’ End! The collection combines Draper James’ southern style and signature magnolia and gingham motifs with Lands’ End classic design, swim expertise and its most beloved styles and silhouettes. Together, Lands’ End and Draper James are championing body confidence through a women’s swimwear collection that stands for size inclusivity, comfort and femininity. The brands are partnering with Girls Inc. to empower future generations to be body positive and inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold, with a percentage of proceeds donated to the organization.
The Draper James BLands’ End collection is available at DraperJames.com, LandsEnd. com, as well as local Draper James and Lands’ End retail locations.
Draper James xLands’ End V-Neck Embroidered Eyelet One Piece (top left)
Draper James xLands’
End Square Neck Bralette paired with xLands’ End
Retro High Waist Bikini
Bottom (top right)
Draper James xLands’ End Smocked Tie
Shoulder One Piece (middle left)
Draper James xLands’ End Beach Towel (middle right)
Draper James xLands’
End Long Sleeve Swim
Tee Rash Guard (bottom left)
Draper James xLands’ End Classic Canvas Tote (bottom right)
From colorful swimwear and resort styles for summer getaways to Luxletic activewear and elegant-occasion dressing, Lilly Pulitzer has everything you need to ‘be the sunshine’ this season.
Flamenco One-Piece Swimsuit
Calling all sun goddesses!
The Flamenco one-piece swimsuit is a classic bandeau maillot with a twist of Lilly! Adjust or remove the neck strap to make this one-piece the perfect fit for long days spent on the beach!
Nolet One-Piece Swimsuit
You are the fashionista in your group of friends - and that shouldn't stop at just your clothes! The Nolet swimsuit is a chic one-piece that features removable cups, adjustable back straps and center strapping to provide support.
Oh, the places you'll go this spring in the Sandra jumpsuit! Spaghetti straps and a fitted bodice give you the streamlined silhouette and lightweight feel you crave, while the waist sash and cropped legs complete the look with a fab, flowy finish.
Sandra Jumpsuit in Oyster Bay Blue Miss Shell
Macfarlane Stretch Shift
Lilly has several shift dresses, but this one is just gorgeous. As comfy as it is chic, it embellishes the brafriendly and straight fit with an embellished neckline. Just when you think you can't add another shift to your collection, this beauty comes along.
Camille Dress
A sweet-and-sassy mix of relaxed design and look-at-me makes the Camille Dress the perfect staple for spring and summer. An off-theshoulder neckline and pinched waistline makes this dress playful and beautiful.
Chrisella Stretch
Shirtdress Resort
Woven Dress
Sashay into any spring party wearing this fresh, ultra-feminine Chrisella Stretch Shirtdress and you're sure to get your friends talking. The fit-and-flare style starts at the torso with a collar and cut-in armholes and moves down to a separate sash at the waist with a fun flow skirt.
A gorgeous creation, this fit-andflare maxi silhouette flaunts a sweetheart neckline, bodice cups and even side pockets that makes the Melody Maxi Dress a go-to this season. However, it's the tiered skirt that really stands out. The eyelet fabric looks especially lovely cascading down the front.
Melody Maxi Dress
LIFESTYLE Let’s Get Physical
When in doubt... You-Tube.
BY JENNIFER FRANKS
In the midst of the pandemic chaos, how do you stay on your toes and active? With “social distancing,” and for some, complete quarantine protocols in place, the gym or your local pilates class may not be feasible at the moment. So what do you do? Luckily, we live in a world that goes live through digital platforms and that offer many great at-home fitness options! From mommy and me workouts to POPSugar’s dance classes, you can bring you favorite workouts right to your home!
You-Tube has great free channels and subscriptions. A majority of them offer videos, playlists, communities and more for FREE!
Well + Good offers workouts, health and beauty tips and recipes to follow. The workout videos range from yoga and pilates, to dance and intervals on the treadmill. My personal favorite has been the “You Versus Food: Nutrition Facts with Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, MS, RD.” She explains the behind the scenes of foods and nutrition that will help with your balanced lifestyle. The nutritional videos cover all areas; “Reading the labels,” “Alternatives to yogurt”…even down to “What makes you poop!” Well + Good covers all the bases for nutritional feed.
Another great find I love is POPSugar Fitness workout videos. These offer dance, Zumba, pilates, yoga and many more classes for
getting your heart rate up. I personally did the Hip-Hop Fit workout and broke a sweat as well as learned some updated dance moves. This mamma bear hasn’t had dancing shoes on for awhile! After that, I jumped over to the thirty minute STRONG by Zumba video and worked those upper cuts and jabs. Nothing like toning those arms for your new summer clothes. The POPSugar Fitness subscription has been great for different ranges in cardio as well as time. Not everyone has thirty minutes or more to devote to your workouts, so an easy fifteen minute activity can help get your day started or winded down. It’s approachable for all ages and stages of life.
For a more stretching and breathing focused workout, Lululemon offers a full channel of workouts, breathing techniques and practice poses for those striving to become more advanced in your yoga and stretch. This is a great channel for your calming yourself down before bed or needing to reconnect after a chaotic day stuck at home with kids.
Speaking of your littles…they should be moving and jumping too! There are a lot of great ways to incorporate your little ones into your exercise with you. The younger ones make for great “weights” and the toddlers or older kids make for great teammates in active movements. This is just another way to be silly and bond while creating movement and teaching them healthy habits. For infants, it’s
a good time for mommy to be taking care of herself while being creative with how you interact. You can have your little one laying on the floor beside you while you plank, hold them while doing lunges for your “weights,” or do baby bench presses with smiling faces looking at you. Doing your calming stretches and pilates can be a fun yet realistic way of keeping a healthy balance of exercise and life.
For the active toddler and up…it’s all fair game! I’ve found that dance cardio workouts tend to be the most fun for my kids and they don’t give up as easy. With them, there is always a lot of music, movement and silly time while I am working my core! You can find a lot of mommy and me workout videos through POPSugar Fitness, Fabletics, Smile and Learn and many more. The best thing to do is find a workout that suits your needs AND your family’s. Jumping, bicycle kicks, bear walks, crab steps, donkey kicks - all are great ways to create teachable moments and movement.
There are literally hundreds of You-Tube channels and Facebook pages that give you the FREE exercise you need during these challenging times. I encourage you to explore them and find which best fits your lifestyle and in-home crowd!
Photography Submitted
High Hopes Development Center hosted Hats Off to High Hopes, its largest fundraiser for the past twenty-two years, at The Factory at Franklin in early spring. Taking a departure from its typical format, this year’s Hats Off was “Turning the Tables Edition,” with celebrity servers and local chefs enhancing the evening. Celebrity servers included actors, professional athletes, local figures and award-winning musicians ranging in genre from Christian to rock. Capping off a challenging week for middle Tennessee, Blanton invited Michael W. Smith to open the evening in prayer. The event raised nearly $150,000 in support of this mission. For more information on High Hopes, go to highhopesforkids.org.
Cortland Finnegan, Vince Neil, JT Hodges, Kevin Griffin, Andy Griggs, Harry Chapman, Jamie O’Neal, Bob Mueller, Rhori Johnston, Seaver Johnston, Rogers Anderson, Mike Keith, Michael W, Smith, Zoe Upkins, Brittni Jessi & Terry Crisp
JT Hodges & Vince Neil
Jeff & Helen Moseley, Pam & Sam Whitson
High Hopes Therapists & Clinic Staff
Kevin Griffin & Tyler Brown
COPING WITH QUARANTINE
BY PAIGE ATWELL
I think we can all agree we are living in times we never thought we’d see. For months, almost everything was closed, we could barely leave the house and it’s as if the whole world hit the pause button. While we’re all living through the same pandemic, we’re all dealing with different ramifications. Maybe you’re a parent who has struggled balancing working from home, homeschooling your kids and trying to stay sane. Perhaps you’ve been stuck in a house with roommates or family you don’t get along with. Or maybe you’ve been alone for weeks just yearning for this to all be over. No matter your situation, a lot of us are struggling. Struggling to cope, to stay healthy, to keep other’s and ourselves safe. But most importantly, we’re all just struggling to do our best. Whatever it is you’re trying to overcome, here are a few ways to help you cope whether you’re able to break free or still find yourself in quarantine.
HAVE SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO
CREATE A SCHEDULE
Working from your couch in PJ’s probably sounds good in theory, but whether we realize it or not, our minds and bodies crave structure and routine. If you find yourself with flexibility in your schedule, play with your routine a little. Maybe plan a morning meditation or an afternoon workout. And if something’s not working, try switching it up! Find what works best for you. Either way, a routine will give you a sense of normalcy in the midst of uncertainty.
TALK TO PEOPLE
We all need our quiet time, especially if you’re someone who rarely gets it - looking at you, parents! But being in quarantine has put us all in some sort of isolation that leaves us craving interaction. For parents, maybe you’re missing talking to other adults; others are missing friends, nieces, nephews, grandkids, coworkers etc. The point is, we all want relationships with others, and this time has made us miss it more than ever. That’s why it’s so crucial to stay in communication with people. Luckily we’re in a time that, despite social distancing, technology makes this easy. If you’re still staying indoors, you can use Facetime, Zoom, Skype or even just pick up the phone! If you’re able to get out and see your friends and family while keeping both you and them safe - do it! Just stay in touch and check on one another.
Normally, we might have vacations, dinners or spring events to look forward to, but some may have been canceled or delayed. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t have things to look forward to, they just may look a little different! There are plenty of fun things you can plan while living in this new norm. If you have to stay home, try scheduling a virtual happy hour with friends, a family movie night or a takeout dinner from your favorite restaurant! If you’re able to go out, try making new plans that better fit your safety plan. Having plans to look forward to give you motivation to get through the day/week.
CUT YOURSELF SOME SLACK
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to cut yourself some slack. This is something that none of us has ever experienced, let alone know how to handle. No one should be expected to do things perfectly. Allow yourself a learning curve to make mistakes while figuring out what works best for you and your family during this time.
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Selling Tennessee one acre at a time
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SQFT / $1,675,000
HOUSING MARKET STILL STRONG DESPITE PANDEMIC
BY CARLEE AMMONS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
Williamson County Association of REALTORS® recently released marketing statistics for the spring months of 2020, continuing to show a thriving housing market. In March, total home closings reached 484. This is a large jump of 135 more closings than reported in February 2020 and seventy-seven more closings than reported in March 2019. The average sell prices also increased to $628,825. This is more than a $17k+ increase from February 2020 and an $11k+ increase from March 2019.
On April 23rd, National Association of REALTORS® reported “Nearly three in four REALTORS® currently working with sellers this week –74% – reported their clients hadn’t reduced listing prices to attract buyers, according to a new survey from the National Association of Realtors®. This suggests interested home sellers are remaining calm and avoiding panic selling during the uncertain economic environment brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.” This is based on an Economic Pulse Survey conducted April 19-20, 2020.
Summer is the peak time to sell your home, and with innovations in virtual showings and REALTORS® commitment to your health, this summer is shaping up to be no different. To keep our clients safe, REALTORS® are providing booties, gloves, hand sanitizer and wipes at every home entrance. And to keep your home appealing, we have provided a few tips and tricks to make your summer open house standout.
Run the A/C. It’s easy for a house to become stuffy and warm during the summer, especially with exterior doors frequently opening and closing, so make sure that you have the air conditioning running whenever you are hosting potential buyers. Have your unit(s) cleaned and serviced. This will make sure the unit is operating properly and ensure there are no surprises when the home is inspected once it is under contract.
Outdoor Living. If your home has a pool, a large deck or an outdoor kitchen, the summer months are the perfect time to highlight them. “Clean the outdoor space and keep the pool crystal clear, make sure the outdoor living space isn’t cluttered and presents as spacious as the indoor living space,” said Jordan Vaughn, president of WCAR. “Remember,
however, that summer means kids are out of school, and they may be joining their parents on open house tours, so make sure that pool gates are kept locked tight for safety.”
Embrace the Season. Potential buyers may be hot and thirsty when they arrive, so be prepared. “Have a cooler with ice-cold bottled water ready and waiting for them the moment they walk in the house, and have refreshing snacks, like watermelon or popsicles, available in the kitchen or on the patio. This will help home buyers picture your home as their oasis in the heat,” says Vaughn. “The showing of your home needs to be a positive experience for the future homeowner, helping them envision the great memories they can make in their future home.”
Despite the current pandemic and economy, a few easy open house tips can help you quickly find the right buyer for your home.
For more information, contact the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® or visit wcartn.org for news and market updates.
CARLEE AMMONS
Director of Communications & Marketing
Your Real Estate | wcartn.org
Driving through downtown Franklin, you may have stopped to look at the new Harpeth Hotel and Harpeth Square, which sit at the end of historic Main Street at the corner of East Main Street and 1st Avenue North. The boutique hotel and luxury apartment homes boast sophistication and beauty for both the traveler and the local alike. The interiors of the residential, condo-grade apartments offer high-end, resort-style amenities for the discerning home owner looking for something new and different. Recently, we were invited inside the home of one of the lucky new home-owners living at Harpeth Square.
Pam Chandler’s choice to move to Harpeth Square was easy. The location is within walking distance of downtown Franklin’s Main Street, with shopping and dining right out the back door. Harpeth Square offers private garage parking, and a completely secure building with private entry for residents. Among the many amenities and facilities included for residents are a private “clubroom” area with kitchen and library, private courtyard with fireplace, fire pit, water fountain, lounge areas, seating areas and gym with state of art equipment.
All resident’s common areas are professionally decorated, again providing the feeling of high-end luxury. Optional services include food from the 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails (the Harpeth Hotels’ restaurant), dry cleaning pickup and delivery, and maid service.
“All of these things were on my check list to have and helped to make the decision to sell my large home and move to Harpeth Square relatively easy,” says Pam.
“It is architecturally designed to maintain the feel of downtown Franklin, yet you get the newness and state of the art elements as well,” explains Pam. “I personally like the fact that it is built with concrete, especially since I am on the fourth floor and we live in a tornado world here.”
Pam says she enjoyed the building process of her new home, working with the modern and sophisticated development and contractors on the build-out. Their process allowed her to design and lay out her own particular features and what she wanted in her new home. “My home has high end finishes and it was
SETTLING INTO NEW DIGS AT HARPETH SQUARE
BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM
important to me to start with an upscale base to work with,” she says.
“My new home is a complete change from the design in my previous custom designed and decorated home. Starting with going from 5,000 square feet to approximately 1,500 square feet! My previous home, in the Henley development in Franklin, is only three miles from my new home at Harpeth Square. But their differences make it seem like a world away! It was very much a culture shock to move from a suburban neighborhood to a more urban, albeit still small-town, environment. And it has been an adjustment. But I am glad not to have any yard upkeep! I am enjoying not having that responsibility that comes with a larger home and full yard. But I haven’t had to give up the luxury living that I had become accustomed to through the years,” she says.
“My favorite rooms in the new apartment, are the kitchen and the terrace. The kitchen is laid out for easy function and the counters are granite and appliances stainless steel. The kitchen offers a stunning breakfast bar opening to the dining room and living room. The open convenience is wonderful for entertaining. It’s almost like everybody gets to hang out in the kitchen! Lots of counter space, allowing for cooking prep, and a bar with space for three stools adds more comfort for those that want to share the space,” Pam says.
“My terrace is expansive and has room for a full living space including couch, chair and ottoman, two end tables, cart and large colorful floor urn… I enjoy the feel of an indoor space but with an outdoor view of the courtyard. It’s a great space to enjoy drinks with friends. I love sitting out on the terrace and listening to the rain too,” she says.
When it comes to the style of Pam’s home, she says she has a mixture of both modern and antiques. “I enjoy having antiques but its’ not the style I totally want my home to represent. So I mixed both elements into my furniture as well as my décor. My favorite piece of antique furniture is a large drop down piece with desk and slots as well as double door storage from 1845,” she says.
“This time, I personally decorated my home. I selected colors, furniture and the décor. It was my desire to have a lighter, open space and to use accessories, furniture and décor to bring in the color to each space. I also enjoyed selecting 90% new furniture, rugs and décor from what I had at my previous home. I chose to install complete build out closets and laundry room to help provide an efficient and functional use,” she says.
“I have collected some interesting pieces over the years and have incorporated them and their stories into my home. One of my favorites are two watercolor paintings of Pirate’s Alley in New Orleans. On the back of the paintings is a handwritten
“My goal and decision was based on my desire to down size and still have the life style that I wanted.”
“It is architecturally designed to maintain the feel of downtown Franklin, yet you get the newness and state of the art elements as well.”
note that says ‘Charlie and me in New Orleans 1955.’ I purchased them from an estate sale for just a few dollars! Both paintings were glued to a piece of board and I had them framed and remembered to keep and paste the note to the back of them. I so wonder where the people were from and the story of their lives,” says Pam.
“I am also in love with my new piece of artwork, specially commissioned for my new home by Kelly Harwood, who owns Gallery 202. It is breathtaking and is the center piece of my design concept.”
Pam was fortunate enough to have had the privilege of being the first person to move into Harpeth Square on January 16, 2020. “I was also the second person to sign making the commitment for relocating into the development over three years ago and when this beautiful place was nothing more than land. That was the beginning of making my dream come true. My goal and decision was based on my desire to down size and still have the life style that I wanted. I achieved it and I am enjoying no maintenance and responsibility and the ability to spend my time doing all the things I enjoy,” she says.
Pam shares her beautiful home with her fourlegged baby, Darby, who also loves living at Harpeth Square and taking walks in downtown Franklin.
DOING YOUR PART
BY PAIGE ATWELL
While quarantine and social distancing guidelines are calling for us to be a part, it’s also a great time to, figuratively speaking, come together. Doctors, nurses, retail and front-line workers are crucial to fighting COVID-19, but we are all essential parts of flattening the curve. Whether you’re yearning to be proactive or you just have some extra time on your hands, here are a few ways you can safely and effectively help do your part.
DONATE
With the rise and unemployment and lack of income for families, food banks and nonprofit organizations are working around the clock to ensure they can meet the rising demand to feed local families. While you may be limited in opportunities to volunteer in person, they are desperately in need of donations. Whether you give money, gift cards, food or toiletry items, every little bit helps!
MAKE MASKS
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now recommending that anyone going out in public should wear a face covering. While surgical masks are available for purchase, you can help preserve those for our front line heroes and essential workers by making your own! If you have time to spare during quarantine, you can also make extra to donate to friends and family, hospitals or other essential businesses. You can find instructions on making a proper face covering at cdc.gov.
BE A PEN PAL
customers safe, all businesses deemed non-essential have had to close or change protocols. This has not only hurt businesses financially, but it’s also directly affected the job security of employees. Although most have now opened back up, a great way to contribute to them is to directly support their business. If they don’t have something you want or need now, try purchasing a gift card to use later!
HELP THOSE AT HIGHER RISK
Our Stay at Home order has now expired, but those at higher risk are still encouraged to stay home. While some live with family or roommates, others are left in total isolation. Whether it’s a friend that lives alone, an elder at a nursing home or a hospital patient, reach out to see how you can become a pen pal! Keeping in touch, especially with those who are used to having visitors, is a simple way to brighten someone’s day!
SUPPORT LOCAL
As a result of Stay at Home Orders and to keep their employees and
While we are all at risk for contracting COVID-19 and should all take the necessary steps in preventing it, some are more at risk than others. Individuals at higher risk include the elderly, people with chronic lung disease or severe asthma, people who are immuno-compromised and people with serious heart conditions. If you know someone who falls into one of these categories and you yourself are not at an enhanced risk, reach out to them and see what they might need help with. Picking up prescriptions, bringing them dinner or doing their grocery shopping are all ways you can help.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Social distancing might not make you feel very productive, but in reality, simply keeping a safe distance can make a huge difference. By avoiding large crowds and coming into contact with mass amounts of people, you severely lower your chances of contracting the virus and the risk of passing it on to someone else. Keeping yourself healthy is a simple yet huge part in flattening the curve and stopping the spread of COVID-19.
VOLUNTEERING
While it’s not recommended if you are considered higher-risk or if you’re sick, some nonprofit organizations and food banks are now allowing in-person. If you do volunteer, be sure to wear a CDC approved face covering and follow proper social distancing and sanitizing protocols.
46.16± ACRES
ACRES
1312 STATE BLVD.
BEDS / 5 FULL & 1 HALF BATH
812 CARSTEN ST.
BEDS / 4 FULL & 1 HALF BATH $864,900 / 3,588 SQ FT
SOLUTIONS FOR A NON-TOXIC GARDEN
BY KRISTA EHRET
Spring is prime yard work/gardening season for two reasons: The emergence of some warmer, sunny days and the lock down that has us all clamoring just to get outside of the house. I've recently moved from a townhome with a postage stamp-sized back yard to a free standing home with an actual opportunity to try out (errr, attempt to acquire), my green thumb. Although I have no plans to grow anything edible, keeping my outdoor space as chemical-free as possible is very important. While bugs are not my most favorite companions (looking at you, mosquitoes), we love having birds and bunnies to view out of the windows. Instead of donning a hazmat suit and spraying everything in sight with “weed/bug/everything in nature killer” - I'm going to be trying out some natural approaches first. Here's what I've found.
MOSQUITO RELIEF. I am a mosquito magnet. Come summer time, enjoying a nice cup of coffee or glass of wine on the patio instantly becomes an infuriating game of slapping myself relentlessly. Most mainstream bug sprays are almost not even worth it to me. You smell awful and remain oil slick for the rest of the day. Not to mention the fact that you're creating a haze of chemicals for you and your family. Essential oils are a great option to create a DIY natural spray option. Try oils like peppermint, cedarwood, ylang ylang, arborvitae, lavender and lemongrass. You should also make sure there is no stagnant water in your yard as this turns into a breeding ground for the suckers.
PLANT PROTECTION. Whether a house plant or your prized peony bushes, tiny chompers can take the whole thing down. Essential oils to the rescue again! Try combining fifteen to twenty ounces of peppermint oil with water in a sixteen ounce spray bottle.
Spray each plant, making sure to cover the stems and undersides of the leaves as well. Use after each rainfall. Planting garlic, parsley or basil among your flowers will also deter bugs. Marigolds also work well. Just plant them as an edging around the garden.
WEED KILLER. Our new home's flower beds were basically weed beds, so we purchased our first hoe and basically started from scratch. Basic maintenance requires pulling whatever pops up by hand. For a natural weed-killing spray, here's what I found: Combine one gallon white vinegar, one cup salt, and one tablespoon natural dish soap in a spray bottle and treat weeds at the sunniest time of day for best results. You may have to apply multiple treatments to keep weeds at bay, but it's harmless and inexpensive, so it's worth a shot!
FERTILIZER. While compost bins are not something I plan to dive into anytime soon, there are tons of ways to use your organic food waste in your gardening. Examples include egg shells, coffee grounds and even pasta water! If store bought is what you're after, at least get an organic option.
TALK TO YOUR LANDSCAPER. If you're fortunate enough to have someone that takes care of your lawn for you, take the time to educate yourself on what's being sprayed or scattered on your yard. While we all want that “yard of the month” sign from the HOA, this is the space where we gather with friends, let the kids roll around and where our four-legged friends like to romp. Ask what they can provide or suggest as natural alternatives to the chemical-laden norm and maybe be okay with a weed or two popping up in lieu of perfection.
The 79th Iroquois Steeplechase is Selling a Safer-At-Home Alternative
BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM
The Iroquois Steeplechase is an iconic sporting event that has been Nashville's rite of spring since 1941. Held the second Saturday of May at Percy Warner Park, the annual event attracts more than 25,000 spectators and is Music City's celebration of time-honored traditions, Tennessee hospitality and southern fashions. The event also supports several philanthropic causes and has donated more than $10 million to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt since 1981.
The Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is one of the nation's leading children's hospitals, treating and helping to prevent a full range of pediatric health issues from colds and broken bones to complex heart diseases and cancer. The Department of Pediatrics within the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine is currently ranked fourth in the nation in the total receipt of research funding from the National Institutes of Health. Children’s Hospital’s physicians are nationally recognized innovators in their fields who are discovering new ways to cure and prevent a host of childhood diseases. Their work is preventing and finding new treatments for diseases such as premature birth, cancer, heart disease, spina bifida, trauma and many other conditions, and is an investment in the future. Achieving ten out of ten nationally ranked pediatric specialties in 2018, Children’s Hospital was again named among the nation’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” for the twelfth consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. The Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, a nonprofit organization, opened in 2004, expanded its physical space in 2012, and is currently adding four new floors and 160,000 total sq. ft. The new expansion will help advance the size and scope of the hospital's mission. To learn more, visit childrenshospitalvanderbilt.org.
This, year, with safer at home precautions in place on the normal race day in May, the event had been re-scheduled to the end of June. Despite best hopes, even that date to gather with thousands of revelers proved impossible for planners to allow. In light of COVID-19 and the safety of all participants involved in the seventy-ninth running of the Iroquois Steeplechase, presented by Bank of America, the organization is launching a “Party In A Box” and “Cooler At Home Tailgate” for a safer-at-home celebration on the event’s canceled race day - June 27th. In making the announcement, Iroquois Steeplechase Chairman Dwight Hall said, “Since box-holders won’t be able to come to their box on our race day, we’re bringing a box to them. This way, families and friends can still gather and celebrate Nashville’s grand tradition in their own homes and backyards while watching highlights from previous years on News Channel 5.”
WTVF News Channel 5 is producing and broadcasting an Iroquois Steeplechase special to be broadcast on Saturday, June 27th from 6 to 7 p.m. The broadcast will share highlights of the races from previous years, explore the history of Nashville’s grand tradition and recognize and honor the primary event beneficiary The Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Chairman Dwight Hall added, “We can’t stress enough the importance of raising funds in 2020 to ensure the future of the Iroquois Steeplechase for
years to come. We must secure funds to continue operations and to handle expenses which range from course maintenance to fencing, barn upkeep, party decks, irrigation for eleven acres of the course plus all operational expenses such as staffing, insurance, rent and ordinary business expenses. We want our patrons to enjoy the spirit of the Iroquois Steeplechase as they help ensure our future. We hope this helps keep us alive as we jump this hurdle together.”
To learn more about the Iroquois Steeplechase and to purchase your “Party In A Box” or “Cooler At Home Tailgate” for Steeplechase day, visit iroquoissteeplechase.org.
“The Ultimate Iroquois Steeplechase Box Party” - $10,000
Organizers are selling a “Party In A Box” at three levels so patrons can choose the style party they want to host along with their boxholder friends, along with a “Cooler At Home Tailgate” option:
Party Box Contents & Personal Service
• Wooden box hand crafted by local artisan Doug Regen with the Iroquois Steeplechase branding • Your personal bartender!
Jack • Commemorative mint julep cups (10) • Bang Candy Company's exhilarating Lavender Mint Simple Syrup • Flavor Catering to provide hors d'oeuvres for a party of 20 • Christine A. Moore Millinery Iroquois Steeplechase branded face masks
• King Jeweler's "Box of Carats" - Cubic Zirconia (one is diamond!) - visit the store to see if yours is real • Clayton Collection custom bespoke shirt to the hosts or hostesses who purchase the first ten Party in a Box (up to $300 value)
• Andrews Automotive Group to deliver the "Party in a Box" to your home June 27 • Enjoy News Channel 5's "Iroquois Steeplechase - Nashville's Grand Tradition" special which will air June 27, 6-7 p.m.
“Winner’s Circle Iroquois Steeplechase Box Party” - $5,000
• Wooden box hand crafted by local artisan Doug Regen with the Iroquois Steeplechase branding • Your personal bartender!
Jack • Commemorative mint julep cups (10) • Bang Candy Company's exhilarating Lavender Mint Simple Syrup • Flavor Catering to provide hors d'oeuvres for a party of 10 • Christine A. Moore Millinery Iroquois Steeplechase branded face masks
• Share your photos on Iroquois Steeplechase social media platforms • Enjoy News Channel 5's "Iroquois SteeplechaseNashville's Grand Tradition" special which will air June 27, 6-7 p.m. • Your name listed on the Iroquois Steeplechase website as a patron.
“Thank Goodness We Can Party Iroquois Steeplechase Box Party” - $2,500
• Wooden box hand crafted by local artisan Doug Regen with the Iroquois Steeplechase branding • Two (2) Iroquois Steeplechase 2020 750mL Jack Daniel's Black Label • Commemorative mint julep cups (4) • Bang Candy Company's exhilarating Lavender Mint Simple Syrup • Share your photos on Iroquois Steeplechase social media platforms • Enjoy News Channel 5's "Iroquois Steeplechase - Nashville's Grand Tradition" special which will air June 27, 6-7 p.m. • Your name listed on the Iroquois Steeplechase website as a patron.
“Iroquois Steeplechase Cooler At Home Tailgate” - $500
• Orca cooler branded Iroquois Steeplechase • Case of Hap & Harry’s Beer by Lipman Brothers • Commemorative Iroquois Steeplechase 2020 branded cups • Publix appetizers and dessert try for 10 • Lemonade and sweet tea • Vineyard Vines Iroquois Steeplechase branded bow ties • Iroquois Steeplechase branded koozies • Iroquois Steeplechase branded ball caps • Photograph your at-home tailgate and submit to Your Williamson Magazine for a chance to wine a tailgating space for the 80th Anniversary of the Iroquois Steeplechase in 2021 • Photograph your guests in hats and submit to Nashville Lifestyles Magazine for their Hat Contest on social media and in the print magazine • Submit photos and your party will be included on the Iroquois Steeplechase website.
BY PAIGE ATWELL
ETIQUETTE
If 2020 thus far could be summed up in a few words, I think we could all agree that quarantine, pandemic and social distancing are just a few that come to mind. If you’re any sort of introvert, you might already consider yourself an expert on social distancing, but for a lot of us, this is a new normal we could use some help with. While the term social distancing can be used ambiguously, in our current climate, it’s defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as “ keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home.” It seems simple enough, but in order for this to effectively decrease the spread of Covid-19, we all have to participate and do it properly.
SIX FEET APART
The “distance” in social distancing is six feet apart. From what we know so far about the virus, it can travel through particles in the air from person to person. By remaining six feet apart from others, you severely decrease your chances of coming into contact with germs carrying the virus. If you’re in the grocery store, stay six feet behind your fellow shoppers while browsing and while in line for checkout. If you’re going to a park or even for a walk through the neighborhood, spread out and keep a safe distance between you and others. Following this rule will not only help keep you healthy and safe, but others as well.
AVOID LARGE CROWDS WHEN POSSIBLE
Currently, both the CDC and state and local governments are advising families and individuals to avoid mass gatherings. While many large summer festivities have been canceled, the good news is that previous restrictions of gatherings over ten people have been lifted. However, it’s still important to limit prolonged, close interaction that could potentially be harmful, especially if you or someone in your household fall in a higher risk category. If you find yourself in a larger group, six feet between each person is still highly recommended.
LIMIT TRIPS
It’s very exciting that places such as restaurants, parks, malls and outdoor attractions are starting to open back up. We’re all ready to get out of the house for a bit of fresh air! However, the CDC still warns that there are infection risks while being out and about. For that reason, they are recommending that you limit your trips to and time in public places. If you’re going to the mall, know ahead of time what you’re going in for. If you’re dining out, don’t linger for too long after your meal. Supporting local businesses while staying healthy is a win-win!
DON’T GO OUT IF YOU AREN’T FEELING WELL
If you or someone in your household isn’t feeling well, stay home. Now is the time to be abundantly cautious. If you aren’t afraid of getting the virus yourself, at least be gracious enough to those who are to not risk passing it on.
TAKE PROPER PRECAUTIONS
If you do have to be out and about or even if you don’t, always take proper sanitary precautions when coming into contact with others or after being in public places. Try not to touch products you aren’t buying at the store, don’t cough or sneeze into open air and wear a face-mask in public to contain germs. Most importantly, wash your hands well and often! The CDC recommends using soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds, but if that’s not available, hand sanitizer will hold you over.
Flattening the curve of this virus is not an easy task. While our front line medical and essential workers and government officials are doing their part to keep us safe, it’s a wasted effort if we don’t comply. Be smart, stay safe and stay healthy!
S teeplecha S e a ScrumptiouS
WITH MISS DAISY KING
FEATURED IN THE MAY 2016 ISSUE OF YOUR WILLIAMSON
Even though it will not be quite the same this year, it can still be Steeplechase tailgate time in middle Tennessee come June 27th! Enjoy your own home tailgate party to celebrate this local tradition. We thought one of Miss Daisy’s past articles featuring everything you need for the perfect tailgate or even just a picnic in the park this summer, was appropriate. Enjoy!
It’s that time of the year again, when ladies and gentlemen from the middle Tennessee area and beyond, break out their fancy hats, fine silver, seersucker and libations for the annual equestrian soirée that is the Iroquois Steeplechase. Located just across the county line, the Iroquois counts many Williamson County residents as part of it’s tradition, beginning with the Houghland and Sloan families who participated in its founding eighty years ago. As much as Memorial Day denotes the beginning of summer, the date of the Iroquois Steeplechase marks the zenith of spring in middle Tennessee. The occasional spring shower never dampens the spirit of the event, where the lush track - constructed by the WPA as a tribute to Nashville’s Depression era political clout - and the bucolic surroundings of Percy Warner Park, provide a lovely backdrop to the day’s races and festivities.
Locally, there may be no other event with a stronger tradition than the Iroquois. Dwight Hall, Chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase Racing Committee, brought home the crown as a rider with Avaro II in 1977, riding for the Henley family. Likewise, the social aspects of the Iroquois have earned accolades that extend from “Town & Country” to the “National Geographic” magazines. The 1978 National Geographic article about Nashville featured a photo of Jesse and Margaret Currey Henley of Brentwood’s Green Pastures Farm, captioned:
FRIED CHICKEN WITH HONEY MUSTARD DIPPING SAUCE
1 1/2 cups shortening
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 lbs chicken breast cut in strips
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp paprika
Kosher Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Assemble ingredients and utensils. Pour buttermilk into a large bowl. Place half of the chicken strips in the buttermilk. In a large Ziplock bag, shake together flour cayenne, paprika, salt and pepper. Remove chicken from the buttermilk and place in the bag. Shake to coat the chicken with the flour mixture. Repeat this till all the chicken is coated. In a large skillet add shortening over medium heat until it bubbles. Add chicken in batches. Fry 4-5 minutes on each side. Drain. Yield 4-6 servings.
HONEY MUSTARD SAUCE
1/4 cup Dijon-style mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup honey
In a small bowl whisk all of the ingredients together.
“Patrician sports and graces score yet another Nashville tune.” That quote may capture the essence of the Iroquois as well as anything could. On race day - 25,000 people in recent years, come together in hats, suits and dresses bought months in advance of the race. For some, the party is a focal point, and the race is secondary. However, the Iroquois is quite important to the equestrian culture, drawing participants from all over the world, including the British royal family. It’s a day of frolic, frivolity and the occasional friendly wager. Indeed, there is a noble purpose to all this fun, as it has raised over $10 million for a very worthy cause - Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.
Picnicking is a key component of Steeplechase. The challenge is to prepare offerings that are delicious and aesthetically pleasing, ready-made box lunches or the ingredients for your own basket. You can make the following recipes yourself. Tally Ho!
BISCUITS WITH BENTONS BACON AND HOT PEPPER PEACH JAM AVAILABLE IN THE BOX LUNCHES
PECAN CHEESE WAFERS
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1/8 Teaspoon cayenne pepper
Assemble all ingredients and utensils. Grate cheese. Let it soften with butter in a bowl. Mix in remaining ingredients. Roll dough into rolls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place on waxed paper. Chill for several hours. Slice in thin wafers about 1/8 inch thick. Bake in a 350 degree oven about 8 minutes or until browned. Yields: about 75 wafers.
CHILLED BROCCOLI SALAD
8 slices of bacon crisp-fried and crumpled florets and tender stem portions of 1 bunch of broccoli, chopped 1/2 cup each finely chopped red onion and celery
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 to 3/4 cup of cashews or pecans
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Assemble all ingredients and utensils. Combine the bacon with the broccoli, onions, celery, raisins and cashews or pecans in large bowl. Mix the mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar in a small bowl. Add to the broccoli and mix well. Chill, covered, for one hour or longer before serving. Garnish with bacon.
Miss Daisy’s Kitchen 1110 Hillsboro Road, B220 Franklin, Tennessee 37064
615.599.5313
MissDaisyKing.com
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Southern Style
SEASON-LESS EVENT DESIGN & RENTALS
NO MATTER THE SEASON, THESE RENTALS ARE JUST RIGHT!
BY SOUTHERN EVENTS PARTY RENTAL COMPANY
Though we hope every event goes off without a hitch, postponing or rescheduling weddings and events happens. But you don’t have to sacrifice your event style for a shift in seasons with these classic, season-less event design tips and rentals from Southern Events.
NATURAL NOTES
Take a note from nature to plan your event color scheme. Blues, teals and greens are classic colors that can easily transition your event rentals from one season to the next. We love our Saylor Velvet Sofa¹ and Chairs, Ocean Blue Velvet Linens, Coronado Salad Plates and Fern Velvet Linens for the perfect pop of season-less event design color.
FARM-TO-TABLE
Always appropriate, especially in the rolling countryside of middle Tennessee, a farm-to-table style is perfect for any type of event – no matter the season. Go for timeless rustic rentals with our classic Farm Tables, Cross-back or Bentwood Chairs, Kennedy Textured Linens (a polished update to burlap) and Artisan China.
CLASSIC TASTES
These rentals are classics for a reason! Timeless and season-less, mix and match our Athena, Hamlet and Ophelia Gold China with modern Austin Flatware and classic white or soft gray linenscovery to set the tone any time of year.
SHIFT TO NEUTRAL
Keeping your event color palette neutral can avoid a seasonal shift – but it doesn’t have to be boring! Try layering our Grey Goose Linens with Earthen China and glittering Pure Glassware for a modern event table design, or staging your event lounge with our Henley Grey Velvet Sofa, warm wood Adeline Chairs and Echo Silver Mirror Side Tables for a luxe lounge area.
WARM + COOL
Use both warm and cool colors in varying shades in your season-less event design. This way, you avoid seasonally inspired palettes – like spring pastels or rich fall colors. These colors can be mixed in your florals, linens, furniture and even flatware – like mixing our Brushed Copper Flatware and Sea Glass Velvet Linens.
Loving these season-less event design ideas?
Contact our team for more timeless inspiration and rentals for your wedding or event!
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JENNA HENDERSON
PHOTO | JEN & CHRIS CREED PHOTOGRAPHERS
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE
BY PAIGE ATWELL
While our spring edition has always been dedicated to the strong, hardworking and prominent women in our community, this year has brought with it obstacles that none of us could have predicted, It’s certaintly tested our limits not only personally, but professionally as well, as we’ve all struggled to cope with a new normal. That being said, it seemed more critical than ever to highlight all the good the women in our community are still able to do amidst all the uncertainty, obstacles and chaos. From COVID-19 heroes and medical proffesionals, to businesses owners and entrepreneurs, here’s to our 2020 Women of Influence!
Abby Gustavson
Abby Gustavson has always been an entrepreneur at heart. While she’s had her fair share of small businesses from a young age, her most recent venture, Primrose Sewing, began when she was just in tenth grade. She is not only a business owner, but she’s also made it her motto to teach the next generation how to become young entrepreneurs as well. Her students range from ages six to thirteen and can learn how to sew and make creative, practical projects through her small groups, weekly classes, seasonal workshops, summer day camps and individual lessons. Most recently, she’s been using her talent to create masks and distribute fabric in the midst of the pandemic. Since March, she has personally hand-sewn more than 200 masks and donated enough yards of fabric to other seamstresses to make 800 masks for local hospitals and assisted living facilities. Using her talents to help others has always been a priority for Abby, which is why she’s encouraged her students to sew things such as baby blankets for hospitals, hats for the homeless and pillows for children in foster care. “I hope that I’m an inspiration for others to also help meet community needs no matter how old they are and no matter what their circumstances might be,” said Abby. “People often tell me that sewing is a lost art, but through Primrose Sewing, we’ve realized that there is a sewing revolution in the Nashville area because I’ve taught about 220 young students in the past three years!”
Angela Hoover
Julie Walton
Born and raised in Williamson County, Angela Hoover has always been proud to call it home. You may know her as a local attorney, a member of the Legal Aid Society or Franklin Noon Rotary Club, but what you may not know is that she also serves as a motivational speaker and spiritual guide. After spending nine years of her life in an unhealthy relationship, Angela decided to work on her own spiritual development and wellbeing. “After my divorce, I was able to turn back to my old ways of personal development and to my spiritual connection,” explained Angela. “As a result, I was able to heal much faster and I think evolve into a better person. I am grateful for this experience because it propelled me to where I am today.” Since then, Angela has dedicated a large portion of her time to use her experience to help others. “There are SO MANY people who get divorced or stay stuck in horrible relationships because they cannot see what their life could be like if they were out of it,” said Angela. “So I decided to start an online business that has evolved over the last few years. It started by just posting videos on Facebook and doing Facebook lives. It has grown into coaching and motivational speaking.” In the last year and a half, Angela has spoken about personal development on five different continents in front of roughly 1,400 people. Since the pandemic, she’s also been guest speaking on podcasts and online summits and working on a twenty-one day challenge to help women encourage themselves. “If I see an area that I think I could improve personally, I know there are other women thinking the same thing. I don’t mind being the odd one out and doing things differently,” said Angela. “I think women of influence are those that are confident enough to show up as their authentic selves every day. Everybody has adversity, and women of influence have turned that adversity into something amazing.”
Julie Walton comes from a long line of strong women. If the name Walton sounds familiar to you, it’s probably because Julie is the owner of Walton’s Jewelry, a staple on Main Street since 1974. Originally opened and operated by her grandmother, Melba Walton, Julie spent a lot of time in the downtown showroom growing up. “My grandmother – Melba “Maw Maw” Walton – cared deeply about her business, but cared even deeper for her family,” says Julie. “Now that I am running the business and have a family of my own, I have a great appreciation and admiration for her determination and perseverance in both aspects of her life. It takes a strong woman to run a business, it takes a fierce woman to succeed in said business while being the unshakable foundation for her family.” As a downtown Franklin business owner, Julie is a passionate member of the Downtown Franklin Association and even served on the board as promotions chair for six years. She also enjoys partnering with the Williamson County Animal Center and sponsors adoptions during annual events such as Main Street Festival and Pumpkinfest. Over the past eight weeks, Julie has been hard at working ensuring the success and security of her business and employees. Thanks to a solid foundation years in the making, she’s proud to say that she’s successfully done both. “A strong woman is only as strong as those whom she surrounds herself with and who have had a positive impact on their lives,” says Julie. “I’m lucky to have grown up amongst amazing women; my mom, my closest friends, colleagues and my grandmother. They have shown me that you must lead by example, make the difficult decisions when others cannot and always stay true to yourself. “
Katie Rushton
For Katie Rushton, there is no better feeling than that of doing something good for someone else. Lucky for her, that’s exactly what she gets to do for a living. Growing up with a passion for fashion, Katie went on to graduate with a degree in fashion merchandising. After graduation however, she quickly realized that jobs in her field were scarce and hard to come by. After a lot of thought and research, she decided to create the opportunity herself by launching her own personal styling business: Effortless Style! Between her and her team, Effortless Style offers closet audits, personal shopping services and styling sessions. “I'm fortunate enough to get to do what I love every single day, and I wake up every morning being grateful for that,” says Katie. “That gratitude has really helped me stay calm under pressure and be more laid back, which are also qualities that come in handy when you are a business owner.” In addition to their day-to-day operations, the Effortless Style team, along with Holy Family Catholic Church in Brentwood, hosts an annual philanthropic fashion show for a local nonprofit. Due to Covid-19, they were unable to proceed with their 2020 show. Instead, they organized a complete makeover for a family in need, which included several new outfits and hair and make up styling. “I love my job and I love our clients,” says Katie. “They are my ‘why!’ Getting to work with everyday women and men in such a personal way, being able to connect with them and create lasting relationships is what I love most about what we do.” Despite the pandemic, Katie and her team have big plans for 2020. Earlier this year, Effortless Style rolled out an online subscription plan that has given them the option to work with clients all over the country and be more adaptable to the schedules of their current clients. “I have such a passion for connecting with people and helping them feel good in the clothes they wear, and now that we have the ability to do that work beyond middle Tennessee,” says Katie. “I'm so excited for the possibilities!”
Robin Carter
Robin Carter has been a nurse for thirty-eight years, and growing up, she never really thought about being anything else. After experiencing breastfeeding first-hand with her own children, she was inspired to get involved in lactation consulting for new moms. In 1989, she and another nurse started the first outpatient lactation clinic in the Carolinas called The Nursing Mother’s Place. In 2001, she and her husband moved to Franklin, where she now serves as a full-time lactation consultant at Williamson Medical Center. In addition to working full-time, Robin has a passion for serving and “spreading happy” both locally and internationally. As a nurse, she has been able to support The Tennessee Mother’s Milk Bank and travel to Haiti with organizations such as Restore Haiti, Heartline Ministries. Outside of the medical field and in her spare time, she and colleague Tracy Baldridge have started a mobile flower truck business called Lolly’s Garden and Flower Truck. During the pandemic, she’s enjoyed delivering fresh bouquets to neighborhoods while social distancing. “Looking into the future, I am really excited about growing flowers, being out in the community more and meeting new friends while bringing joy through flowers to people,” said Robin. “I love serving people but would maybe like to expand my horizon out of the hospital and into the community. I hope we can do that through Lolly’s Garden and Flower Truck. “
Suzette Lane
Franklin resident Suzette Lane has been catering to the Nashville area for more than twenty-eight years. As the owner of Suzette Catering & Events, she has become one of the most well-known and respected catering and event specialists in middle Tennessee. From intimate parties to large events for over 2,000 people, Suzette loves being a part of the most monumental events for her clients. For those that have experienced it first-hand, they know that her eye for display, décor, cuisine and customer service is what sets her apart. “I do try to run my business with integrity and by example in hopes that it will be an example for other women and girls,” said Suzette. “Remember, you can do anything you set your mind to do. Obstacles only make you stronger. Use your gifts that God has given you to help others and show joy.” When she’s not catering and planning events, she enjoys gardening at home and spending time with her sons and dogs. She also has a passion for serving local organizations such as New Hope Academy, High Hopes Academy, Hard Bargain, Young Lives and Casa and has served as a board member at Bridges Domestic Violence Center and the JDRF Gala Committee. While her current priority is to continue to provide great food, service and jobs to her community, Suzette hopes to eventually take a step back from day-to-day operations to travel and enjoy life.
Sharon Thompson
Sharon Thompson has always enjoyed living an active lifestyle, but little did she know how much that passion would play a role in her life. Not only does Sharon have multiple track accomplishments under her belt, but she’s also a wife, mom of four and most recently, a Franklin business owner. Yearning to open a fitness franchise, Sharon had looked into multiple businesses, but nothing quite seemed to fit. That is until she took her first CycleBar class in Cincinnati, Ohio. “I was hooked and I wanted to bring this company to my hometown of Franklin,” explains Sharon. “There was nothing like CycleBar in middle Tennessee. I could have chosen anywhere to open because I was the first franchisee here. I chose Franklin because I love this town. I love everything about the small town feel and the community we share. I wanted to give back to a community that I have grown to love.” And she certainly has. While CycleBar is obviously a great workout for locals to enjoy, it also hosts CycleGiving Rides, which help raise money for local charities such as the Brett Boyer Foundation. Although CycleBar has been shut down since March 16, Sharon and her team have enjoyed providing their members with bikes to rent and video classes. Luckily, they reopened their doors in May and look forward to continuing to serve their clients and community. “Every milestone you hit, every hardship you overcome, every risk taken, every failed attempt, only molds you to be more intelligent, empathic, and resilient,” says Sharon. “You might not see it at the time, but those early habits you form in life will help you become the best you. I don't know what the Lord has in store for me or my future but I do know it's not finished.”
Stop to Smell Your... Home!
BY KRISTA EHRET
I love candles. They make a home smell great and feel inviting - which are two things high on my check list whether I'm entertaining or simply having a nice evening to myself. As my process of attempting to eliminate harmful chemicals from the household evolves, I realize that my love affair with these potent pretties is coming to an end...or at least becoming more complicated.
In my college days, you could definitely find a slew of cheap, highly fragrant candles adorning basically every room. Nowadays, I tend to be much more picky with my brand, but I still can't say with confidence what it is that makes that flaming wax so fragrant. Also, as my use of essential oils is increasing, I find myself not enjoying the more synthetic smell that's put out by most air fresheners and candles. A trip into Bath and Body Works used to be heavenly, now I often leave fairly quickly with a headache brought on by the
potent melting pot of scents.
The problem is, I still crave the ambiance that a nice candle brings into a room. I can't say that I will give up my habit completely, but I am definitely using them less and less. Luckily, I have some alternatives that are healthier and offer an assortment of scents. Here are a few ideas of chemical free ways to get your home to smell lovely and more spalike than synthetic.
Simmering Potpourri. I daresay that 99% of your store-bought potpourri packs are chemical laden with some nasty ingredients. Fortunately, bowls full of this stuff aren't terribly trendy in home decor right now, so this probably isn't on your regular shopping list. As an alternative, I love having simmering, stove-top versions that are completely natural. There are a million recipes out there, but my favorite is one that's supposedly the scent used at Williams Sonoma stores. It combines two sliced lemons, two sprigs of Rosemary and one tablespoon of vanilla extract. Put it all in a pot, fill it with water and let it simmer. Keep an eye out to see if you need to add more water periodically.
Essential Oil Diffuser. I literally use my diffusers every single day. You can find them online and I have bought several inexpensive
ones before investing in my doTERRA ones. I change my "recipe" of oils depending on my mood. Obviously, I've been using tons of immune boosting and seasonal threat blends as of late. For normal times, blends of citrus oils with peppermint are a go-to for an afternoon pick me up. Bedtime is a blend of lavender and cedarwood.
Cook a Crock-Pot Dinner. I love my slow cooker. It was great when I worked out of the home, but even now being homebound most days, I still use mine at least once a week. The convenience is unmatched and there is really nothing that makes a home feel cozier than a great smelling meal. Try a potroast, hearty soup or roasting a whole chicken to really bring a punch of nostalgia.
Use Bars of Soap. After years of buying seasonal scented pump soaps, I now use what was good enough for all households for many, many decades...bars of soap. Not only do they last longer and (usually) contain fewer ingredients, they can make your smaller bathrooms smell great just by sitting there! Make sure to still pay attention to ingredients and purchase from natural and responsible companies.
Create a DIY Linen Spray. In 1998, there was no better way to quickly make a room smell nice than a good dousing of
Febreze. Nowadays, I'd sooner spray my couch with the water hose than that "fresh air" in a can. Still, there are moments when a quick spritz comes in handy. Luckily, (thanks, once again, to essential oils) they are so easy and inexpensive to DIY. Try this “Spring Fling” blend that combines twenty drops each of lemon, grapefruit and lime into a small glass spray bottle with distilled water. Shake and spritz. A bedtime blend with lavender and lemon is perfect to spray your pillow with before bed.
Make Homemade Candles. Alas, if all other scented options just can't take the place of a flickering glow, you can make your own. It's like with food - the only way to truly know what's in it is to prepare it yourself. I have not tackled this project yet, but plan to make a day out of it sometime soon and will let you know how it goes. In the meantime, I purchase only soy or beeswax candles and use them sparingly.
Change Your Idea of What Clean Smells Like. I feel like we're brought up to recognize the smell of Lysol and bleach as being "clean." While I appreciate these hardhitters when I'm staying at a hotel or in a public restroom of any kind, you won't find my house smelling like this ever. I use a few store bought natural options, but DIY most things. When all else fails, baking soda and vinegar can do wonders.
JUST MOVED!
Daniel-Christian Real Estate has moved to 203 2nd Avenue South in Downtown Franklin. Dianne Christian and Matt Daniel, a mother and son real estate team with deep roots in Williamson County, had an opportunity to purchase another property in the downtown area and decided to turn that purchase into a warm and inviting office space for clients as well as agents affiliated with their company. Dianne and Matt hope you will stop by sometime when you are in the neighborhood!
DIANNE
...all about the Lawn & Garden
BY TIM KEARNS
April showers bring May flowers...or so we’re told. Springtime means kicking the mower into gear - oil change, sharpen blade, tune-up and getting back out in the yard. By now, the preemergent has been applied on the grass and beds to help keep the weeds at bay for the next six months or so. Depending on the type of grass you have, the work may have already begun (i.e., fescue), or for the warm season turf (Bermuda, Centipede or Zoysia), the grass doesn’t start turning green until the soil temperatures get into the mid fifties.
For those of us who planted tulips last fall, you’ve seen them come and go already. But we have had a tricky spring this year where unexpected frosty mornings required us to cover the flower bed in the evening and uncover again in the mornings...over and over and over! Everyone waits for the magical last frost date. And I think... spring is truly finally here! Now you should have plenty of nice days to get a head start on whatever your plans might be.
Given the current environment and all the things happening that are out of our control, it may be a great time to start that backyard garden you’ve always talked about. Obviously being healthy is critical, not just because of the threat of public illness, but it should be the lifestyle you want for you and your family! Having access to your own vegetables, grown by your own hand, picked fresh for a family meal is a way of life we have enjoyed for a few years. One weekend, I had just taken down some hemlock’s that bit the dust, leaving a large space with full sun right outside our kitchen window. On a whim, Bess and I drove to a local supply store and bought some treated 2 x 6 boards, soil, fertilizer and vegetable plants. After about three hours of work, we were
ready to grow our own food! Our one-year-old grandson Palmer now enjoys going to the garden with his “Nonna and Poppy” to weed, water or pick fresh green vegetables for dinner. I think the process also encourages him to try things he might not have eaten previously. Between the many garden centers, box stores and the local Farmer’s Co-op; you can find a great selection of the fruits, vegetables or herbs you’ll want to see on your dinner plate. If you’ve never had a green thumb or are hesitant about the labor behind building a raised garden or planting your own garden, you have help! I have a great friend, Jeremy Lekich, who owns Nashville Foodscapes; he has a team of designers and installers who are educated, experienced and ready to help you plan/plant a garden. I can share from my own experience, there is great pride in growing your own food and I promise you it just plain tastes better!
Don’t spend all your time in the dirt! There are many farms offering a CSA (Consumer Supported Agricultural) basket on a weekly basis. If you don’t have the space or a green thumb, it’s the perfect way to get your fresh vegetables and help support a local grower. If you can’t find something fun or constructive to do with your extra time at home, creating a raised garden could be an option! I hope you’ll see this southern gentleman and Bess out and about, if you do say hey or maybe give an “elbow bump.” Y’all please stay safe!
COVID-19 has created an unprecedented change in the way we live. Our goal is to make your car shopping and interaction with our staff during this time as safe and as convenient as possible.
We will overcome this pandemic by doing our part to protect each other. Please visit us at AutobahnSouth.com or call (615) 376-3550 for assistance.
Cocktails Across America
BY HEATHER CRAWFORD
It all started with a puzzle I finished at the beginning of the quarantine… A cocktail for each state in the union plus Washington, D.C. I thought it might be fun to make all of the drinks, then I decided to video myself and post on Facebook for all to enjoy. After all, I didn’t have much else to do!
So, on April 1st, I started with Massachusetts and the Cape Codder. I had all the ingredients and, let’s be honest, we’ve all enjoyed a Cape Cod at some point! Since starting the fun cocktail mixing, I have now made thirty-nine total drinks, along with two extras - a “Peep Quarantini” for Easter and a “French 75” for World Cocktail Day. I
currently have fourteen state drinks left to make.
During my videos, I keep it quarantine real. I don’t wear makeup or fix my hair and sometimes I still have my pajama pants on. I do have to clean my kitchen every day before the video, so my friends don’t see the dirty dishes in the sink or the snack remnants on the counter. My daughter is usually my camera man but my son and husband have helped too. I also have a little remote that works on my phone for when I’m alone. The three dogs that live in my house contribute too by growling, barking or shaking the tripod as they run by. If we were more tech-minded, I could edit some things out, but when I forget to
It’s not about the drink - I don’t even finish most of them - it’s about a little happy distraction and a peek into my very imperfect life!
get the jigger out, the lid to the shaker will have to do!
I’ve definately made some stinkers! The Montana Tornado - similar to a Long Island Ice Tea - was not a hit. Like wise, neither were The Black Gold from Ohio or the Blue Hawaiian from Hawaii.
There have been some new favorites too though! Shockingly, the Mexican Martini, from Texas and the Missouri Mud have been added to my regular rotation of go-to cocktails.
My liquor cabinet now contains Galliano, (which is delicious, by the way), sweet and dry vermouth, slow gin, ruby port and more. I can make just about any cocktail at this point!
During this crazy time, I’ve found a little bit of fun each day making a new cocktail and sharing it with my friends and family around the country. It’s not about the drink - I don’t even finish most of them - it’s about a little happy distraction and a peek into my very imperfect life!
0 Lula Lane | Franklin Under Contract Offered at $199,900
Approximately 5 minutes to Downtown Franklin and to the Village of Leiper’s Fork.Rare 2 Acres near Downtown, approved for a 4 bedroom home. Platted and recorded, ready to pull a building permit.
Heather and her husband, Hanley, are local business owners of Clearweater Pools in Brentwood. They call Williamson County their home, residing in Brentwood. They support local nonprofits and enjoy entertaining.
Sullivan
"We were just driving by and had to stop and see what was inside your cute and interesting looking shop! " is a phrase that the Zula & Mac staff hears almost every day!
AN INSIDE LOOK AT FRANKLIN’S “HIDDEN GEM”
Zula & Mac Interiors, located at 301 Lewisburg Pike, next to the railroad tracks, is housed inside two historic buildings, and is home to the prettiest home decor shop in Franklin.
Owner Pam Hood, along with her lovely staff, have transformed their buildings into a spectacular display of home interiors including on-trend furniture, wall art, home decor accessories, down-fill accent pillows, florals and seasonal holiday decor. In addition to its inventory, Zula & Mac also offers full in home design services. The upscale boutique, located in the back of the main building, features women's clothing, shoes and beautiful jewelry.
But what makes Pam’s story unique is the rich heritage not only the property has, but also the entrepreneurial legacy her parents left her.
The Zula & Mac property has such an interesting history, from being located on part of the Civil Wat battlefield from the 1864 Battle of Franklin, to becoming the commercial location it is today. From the 1940s-1980s, the main building housed Henry’s Market. It was a neighborhood grocery store, and Mr. Henry lived in a house next door. The adjacent building, now their “Farmhouse” shop, was once The GilCo, Franklin’s first drive-in where teenagers would hang out
and eat burgers and drink milkshakes. Not many people in Franklin or Williamson County remember The GilCo, but according to some Franklin residents, it had the “best fried pies, desserts and food” in the county during the 1940s and 1950s. Later, the building would be used as a beauty salon, bicycle shop and fish market. Today, Pam calls this building “The Farmhouse.” This adorable shop sells a lot of farmhouse decor, furniture, metal signs, planters and outside metal yard art. It’s the perfect shop to visit when decorating farmhouse and cottage-style homes. Pam’s family originally came from the Hillsboro - Leiper’s Fork community. She and her parents went to Hillsboro School. She was voted “Most Popular” by her classmates at Hillsboro, the same school where Franklin Historian Rick Warwick would later teach history.
It was Pam’s late parents, Toby and Hazel Green, who purchased the property in 1987. For thirty years, Pam’s dear mother Hazel operated the business as Country Charm Antique Mall. Antique dealers would rent out booths and sell their vintage wares for three decades. When Miss Hazel started, she knew very little about the antique business, but she had a love for primitive and vintage pieces. Along the way, she learned about antique glassware and became very knowledgeable. Pam said, “If mother didn’t know something about an item, she had a large
PHOTO COURTESY OF RICK WARWICK
Full design services available!
Zula & Mac proudly offers multiple, fully customizable lines of upholstered and leather furniture, all made in the USA.
collection of books she would refer to often.”
While Pam’s mother was busy with at the antique mall, her father operated Toby’s Chicken Kitchen. It was the local meat-and-three for several years, and known for having the “best fried chicken in town.” Miss Hazel would even join her husband Toby and help out with the cooking.
After the restaurant closed, Toby joined Hazel in the antique business. Pam remembers a funny story about her parents going to auction. There were times when both of them would be bidding on the same item because her mother wanted it more. Toby passed away in 1998. Pam’s hardworking parents and strong family shaped her into the businesswoman she is today. Originally, she was involved in the business as a dealer with one booth while working another full-time job. Miss Hazel worked until she was eighty-six years old, and passed away in 2016. After her mother’s death, Pam wanted to refresh the store. She decided to transition her passion for antiques, into offering new retail home decor. With the help of her cousin, Missie Hanson, they transformed the store into one of Franklin’s most distinguished local businesses, opening in the fall of 2017. Missie has extensive experience in design, merchandising and retail marketing.
So how did the name Zula & Mac come about? With the change in merchandise and services, Pam was looking for a new name. “Zula” was the name of she and Missie’s grandmother. Pam decided to do a Google search to see if there was another “Zula” out there, and the only thing she found was a “Zula & Max” in Australia. Pam has a granddaughter with the nickname of “Mac” so she jokingly said, “Why don’t we name the new store “Zula & Mac.” Everyone loved the idea! They felt the store name was a perfect way to honor all the generations of their family. It’s truly a family affair, Pam’s daughter, Municipal Court Judge Deana Hood, also assists Pam as an adviser for the shop.
The store offers full-service in-home design consultation as well as on-site advice and recommendations for customers with pictures of hard to decorate ‘trouble spots’ in their homes. They even provide the extra touches like arranging florals for customers in their personal vases, pots, pottery, etc.
Pam’s greatest joy is bringing beautiful home decor to the people of Franklin. She loves the friendships made and meeting new people at her store. She loves Franklin’s beautiful landscapes and charming downtown. Franklin’s hometown girl looks forward to continuing a legacy of lovely! Come in and visit Zula & Mac today!
Nine Properties Added to the National Register of Historic Places
The Tennessee Historical Commission (THC), the state agency that is designated as the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), announced the addition of nine properties to the National Register of Historic Places recently. They include school buildings, a fire lookout tower, a water tower, houses, an archaeological site and an update to a historic district.
Mound Bottom State Archaeological Area
In 1971, the Mound Bottom State Archaeological Area was listed in the National Register for its statewide importance as a prehistoric Native American site. Managed as part of the Harpeth River State Park, the Mid Cumberland Mississippian site consists of several earthen mounds, residential footprints, cemetery areas, a petroglyph site and secondary mounds. Mound Bottom was one of the first mound centers in the Central Basin and that it was a political center of the region.
Sitka School
Gibson County’s Sitka School was completed in 1942 for African American students in the Milan area. Just as the Milan Army Ammunition Plant was being built, the African American community, Gibson County School Board and Public Works Administration worked to construct the tworoom school building for grades 1st through 8th. Sitka School operated until circa 1966.
Crescent School
Constructed between 1923 and 1925, the Crescent School served elementary school students in Greeneville until it closed in 1981. Kingsport architect Allen N. Dryden, Sr. designed the school and additions that were built in 1955 and 1961. After the school closed, a Save Crescent School movement resulted in a former student buying the property in 1999 and adapting the building for office use, a purpose it still serves today.
Stanton School
The Stanton School was constructed in 1948 for African American students in the rural community of Stanton. Grades first through eighth were taught in the four-room school building until 1969, when schools were required to desegregate. In form and design, the school resembles the Rosenwald School plans, a program that funded schools for African American students in the south from circa 1917-1932, but it post-dates the Rosenwald program. The school building is owned and maintained by the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
Ripley Fire Lookout Tower
The Ripley Fire Lookout Tower is a circa 1970, eighty-foot tall steel structure with a cab for observation of the surrounding area. Also on the property are a circa 1970 cabin for the lookout operator and a circa 1970
service building for vehicles. The lookout tower was built by the Aeromotor Company of Chicago, Illinois for use by the Tennessee Division of Forestry. It provided a panoramic view of the surroundings, allowing an operator in the cab to spot any fires. The Ripley tower is one of the last built for the Tennessee Division of Forestry.
Englewood Water Tower
The Englewood Water Tower is an iconic feature of the community. Situated prominently just outside of the business district, the town of Englewood showcases the tower on its web page. When the Depression-era Public Works Administration program offered funding to build a public water system for the town, 97% of the community approved. The water tower was erected in 1937, using the most advanced design available, which combined an elliptical bottom with a conical top. The water tower is no longer used by the town and a local preservation group has been established to preserve the structure.
Gladys “MaDear” Bennett House
The Gladys “MaDear” Bennett House was moved to this location in north Memphis circa 1955, the same year Gladys and Harvey Bennett purchased the house. The Bennett’s were a family of successful African American entrepreneurs during a time of segregation and
GLADYS “MADEAR” BENNETT HOUSE CRESCENT SCHOOL
MOUND BOTTOM STATE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AREA
HINCHEYVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT
the
Webb Hotel
“Gladys’
Crab Orchard stone and cedar shingles distinguish two-story Craftsman style at the Webb Hotel. Built in 1909, other architectural features of building are the wide eaves, large front porch with Crab Orchard columns and an abundance of large windows. The Webb family moved their hotel enterprise to Rock Island shortly before there was a boom in tourism due to the construction of the Great Falls dam, and resulting lake, in 1915. The hotel was sold out of the Webb family in the 1930s and continued to operate as a boarding house and hotel until the mid-twentieth century.
Hincheyville Historic District
The Hincheyville Historic District was listed in the National Register in 1982 due to its importance as Franklin’s first suburb and for the quality and variety of architecture in the district. The subdivision was platted in 1819 as a residential neighborhood adjacent to the city’s commercial downtown. With the passage of thirty-eight years since the listing, the city of Franklin was awarded a matching Historic Preservation Fund grant to update the nomination. Most houses in the district date from circa 1830 to circa 1950; styles range from nineteenth-century Greek Revival to twentieth-century bungalows.
The National Register of Historic Places is the nation’s official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. It is part of a nationwide program that coordinates and supports efforts to identify, evaluate and protect historic resources. The SHPO administers the program in Tennessee. For more information, visit tnhistoricalcommission.org.
Jim Crow in
south. Gladys started
School of Domestic Arts” in the 1940s and continued to run the school at this location. The house is still owned by the family.
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KAT MCELROY JOINS TENNESSEE BANK & TRUST COMMERCIAL TEAM
Kat McElroy has joined Tennessee Bank and Trust as senior vice president, commercial banking, announced Brian Heinrichs, president and chief banking officer. Specializing in construction financing, McElroy works directly with local builders in the area. She will be tasked with establishing and maintaining a ‘trusted advisor’ relationship with new and existing clients based on knowledgeable advice that is aligned to the clients’ business objectives. In addition, she will develop and grow new business and relationships with prospects, driving the bank’s financial performance through profitable revenue and growth and quality credit. She was previously senior vice president of commercial banking at Triumph Bank. A Franklin native, Kat holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and is a graduate of LSU Graduate School of Banking. She currently resides in the East Nashville neighborhood. For more information, please visit tennbank.com.
CENTENNIAL HIGH GRAD ALEX BRENT NAMED OUTSTANDING GRADUATE BY UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE COLLEGE OF LAW
Alex Brent, a 2013 graduate of Centennial High School, was named the 2020 Outstanding Graduate by the University of Tennessee College of Law after finishing number one in the class of 120 members. Brent graduated with his Juris Doctor degree with highest honors in May 2020. In addition to being named Outstanding Graduate, he also received several other College of Law honors including Top Collegiate Scholar, Chancellor’s Citation for Extraordinary Academic Achievement and the Herbert L. Davis Memorial Trust Fund Award for the Highest 2L Grade Point Average. Following his graduation from Centennial, Brent attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. Brent is currently studying for the bar exam and, in September, he will join the Nashville firm of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP. He is the son of Franklin residents Craig and Susan Brent.
FIFTYFORWARD ANNOUNCES NEW STAFF ADDITIONS TO ITS CENTERS IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY
FiftyForward recently announced the addition of new staff members to its two centers in Williamson County. Barbara Hunt, a resident of Franklin, was named center director for FiftyForward Martin Center. Hunt has worked with FiftyForward since November 2016
supporting the FiftyForward All of Us Research Program and FiftyForward Care Team. Hunt is a physical therapist with years of experience in hospital and rehabilitation settings working with people of all ages and backgrounds. Tonia Pyburn assumed the role of office manager at FiftyForward Martin Center in late 2019. Pyburn is a Brentwood resident with a heart for serving. She has worked in real estate marketing and relocation services, but most recently worked with older adults as part of the staff at a senior living community in Franklin. Lorie Owen joined FiftyForward in late February where she will serve as program coordinator supporting FiftyForward Martin Center and FiftyForward College Grove. Learn more about FiftyForward resources and volunteer opportunities by visiting fiftyforward.org
BUSINESS We’re in the Money
5 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S VALUE
BY JENNIE BUTLER
With many of us spending more time at home, our home project list keep growing. If you’re looking for your project to add value though, not all projects have the same ROI. Here are five ways you can upgrade your home while also adding value.
INCREASE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF YOUR HOME
Making your dream kitchen or bathroom reality doesn’t necessarily mean a full gut and starting fresh. New faucets, fresh neutral paint and upgraded light fixtures can be an easy place to begin. And don’t forget about curb appeal. What better time to get outside to add landscaping, touch up exterior paint and maybe even upgrade exterior doors.
ADD LIVING SPACE
Adding more square footage to your home doesn’t always mean expanding your kitchen, master suite or adding a second story. Think about outdoor living space like installing a deck. Most experts say you will see an 80% ROI of a deck’s cost when you go to sell.
UPGRADE MAINTENANCE HASSLES
Would you rather purchase a home with an old HVAC, or one that has recently been replaced? Investing in upgrading your roof, water heater, or HVAC can all provide value to your home. Enjoy avoiding maintenance hassles now and see a ROI in the future.
IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Energy efficient upgrades can lower your utility bill while also increasing the value of your home. Properly insulating your home has a high ROI and can save on heating and cooling costs. Upgrading your appliances or HVAC systems are another great option. Windows replacements can also save energy, but may not be worth the cost.
DE-CLUTTER/CLEAN
We probably have all been doing more of this during stay-at-home, but who knew it could help increase the value of our homes? This inexpensive project (if you can find cleaning supplies) is an easy way to add value to your home. Start with decluttering, which can make your home appear bigger, and then make your home sparkle.
As you work to increase your home’s value, it’s important to make a plan and then tackle one project at a time. If you need more cash flow for your projects, personal loans are great for mid-size projects. A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is also a popular way to finance home improvements, as well as home equity loan or refinancing your mortgage. Contact your bank to see what option may be best for you.
JENNIE BUTLER Mortgage Lender
Jennie will help you explore all financing options and choose the mortgage product that’s right for you. Securing a mortgage is more complicated today but she can smooth the process and make it less stressful.
Working from home. Teaching our kids. Visiting family and friends through a screen. Even though life looks a little different right now, we will continue to do our best to support our amazing customers and communities because we’re all in this together.
A Century of ImpACt
Published by Grandin hood
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), the nonprofit guardians of “America’s best idea,” and Franklin, Tennessee-based Grandin Hood Publishers released “A Century of Impact,” a commemorative and collectible book that celebrates the vital role NPCA has played in promoting and protecting the National Park System.
Founded and chaired by Pulitzer Prizewinning photographer Robin Hood, Grandin Hood Publishers commemorates the histories and ongoing stories of historic sites, conservancies and non-profit foundations for the purposes of fundraising and promotion. In founding Grandin Hood, he partnered with Alex Haley to create publications celebrating the spirit of American communities. Grandin Hood books have included numerous works for National Preservation Trust partners Historic Hotels of America, Tennessee Preservation Trust, and historic communities and sites throughout America.
“A Century of Impact” was directed and produced by Robin Hood, a native
Tennessean who was award the Pulitzer Prize for Photography for his work at the Chattanooga News-Free Press. The book’s text was written by Thompson Station author Whit Stiles and edited by Franklin’s Lauren Hood and Farrar Hood Cusomato. The book’s design was created by Jeff Carroll and John Robertson of Franklin.
The 192-page hardback volume features more than 150 stunning images of the National Park System and is an essential addition to the bookshelf or coffee table of every person who loves nature, American history or photography.
The National Park Service was founded in 1916 by industrialist Stephen Mather and journalist Robert Yard as a federal agency to manage America’s growing number of national parks. With the creation of the NPS, the founders foresaw the need for an independent, nonpartisan organization to promote and protect the national parks from the cyclical interests of partisanship or commercial exploitation, and in 1919, the organization known today as the National Parks Conservation Association was born.
Since its founding, NPCA has fought and won countless victories on behalf of the American people—often without public acclaim and recognition. From saving the elk herds of Yellowstone National Park and blocking ground water contamination in Grand Canyon National Park to helping establish and protect the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NPCA’s staff and supporters have raised funds, rallied public support, petitioned and lobbied lawmakers and confronted industrial, commercial and public utility giants to protect our national treasures.
For 100 years, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. Its 1.3 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information on NPCA, visit npca.org. To learn mroe about Grandin Hood Publishers, visit grandinhood.com.
Bone Vi v a nt
COVID-19 & Pets
Until more is learned about how this virus affects animals, treat pets as you would other human family members to protect them from a possible infection.
• Do not let pets interact with people or other animals outside the household.
• Keep cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other animals or people.
• Walk dogs on a leash, maintaining at least six feet (two meters) from other people and animals.
• Avoid dog parks or public places where a large number of people and dogs gather.
Stay healthy around animals:
• Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste or supplies.
• Practice good pet hygiene and clean up after pets properly.
• Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health.
• Be aware that children five years of age and younger, people with weakened immune systems and people sixty-five years of age and older are more likely to get sick from germs some animals can carry.
For more information, visit the CDC website at cdc.gov or call your veterinarian.
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.
FIND HOPE FRANKLIN
The City of Franklin’s Mayor Ken Moore recently announced the launch of Find Hope Franklin. This initiative is a byproduct of the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force, which was formed in 2019 to address mental health and substance use issues in Franklin and Williamson County.
“Many in our community have become increasingly concerned about the rise in suicide attempts, substance use and other issues related to the mental health in our area,” said Mayor Ken Moore. “We formed a task force in August consisting of experts in their respective fields ranging from counselors to health care to schools to create both short-term and longerterm programs to provide resources for those in need.”
One action was the development of a website, FindHopeFranklin.com, to serve as a resource that breaks through the clutter for those seeking immediate assistance or those wanting to easily understand the options and information available to them.
“As our group met, it became increasingly apparent that there is an abundance of resources in our community, as well as nationally. However, they were not condensed in one place and it was difficult to navigate to find what you needed,” said Ken. “Our goal was to create a site that would be an easy place to start. This includes listing many of the expert resources we have in our community, many of which offer services on a sliding scale, while also providing quick references to crisis lines, websites and other resources categorized by topic.”
On the website, users will find a link at the very top of the home page to “find help now” for those who are in immediate crisis. This will take them to a variety of 24/7 crisis phone and text lines. The website also has a link to an evaluation tool allowing users to answer a series of questions to determine whether or not they need help. Other resource links include Medical Centers, Community Counseling, Substance Use, Psychiatric Hospitals and Prescription Discounts.
“The website is a great start and I want to commend our task force for their dedication to getting this done in such short order as, given recent circumstances with COVID-19, the need has never been greater in our community,” said Ken.
Coming next from this group will be QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) training for members of the community.
“Too many times we are taking people to the ER or to jail who need counseling. We have a need in our community for a place to fill this gap.”
The City of Franklin’s
Mayor Ken Moore
QPR gatekeeper training for suicide prevention education is designed to teach lay and professional “gatekeepers” the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond.
“QPR is a known and proven strategy to train people to recognize the signs of crisis and help direct those in need to get assistance from professionals,” Ken said. “Our goal is to create an army of QPR-trained residents in our community. We are working on our plan to initiate this training soon.”
Another objective coming from the task force was the development of a short-term care facility where those in crisis can go for professional care. “Too many times we are taking people to the ER or to jail who need counseling. We have a need in our community for a place to fill this gap,” said Ken. “We have a sub-group working on what this might look like and how we can get it done.”
Mayor Ken Moore created the Blue Ribbon Task Force in August 2019. The Vision Statement of the group is: The Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force has been created to maximize the collective expertise of professionals and other leaders in Franklin and Williamson County to improve the overall emotional wellness of our community with the intent to become known as a community that cares not only for the economic and physical health but also the mental wellbeing of our citizens.
The group has held multiple meetings facilitated by Franklin resident Gary Minor. Locomotion Creative, a branding firm with Franklin ties, created the Find Hope Franklin name, logo and website.
FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION ON OUR LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS – GO TO WCS.ORG, FSSD.ORG AND BATTLEGROUNDACADEMY.ORG
FRANKLIN HIGH PRINCIPAL ANNOUNCED
Superintendent Jason Golden has selected a Franklin High School graduate and former Franklin teacher and assistant principal to return and lead the school. Page High Principal Dr. Shane Pantall has been named principal of Franklin High replacing Willie Dickerson who was recently named an Executive Director of Secondary Schools. Pantall, a 1990 graduate of Franklin, began his career in education as a teacher at Fairview Middle School followed by Fairview High School. He then taught at Franklin High for seven years before being named an assistant principal at Heritage Middle School. He served as an assistant principal at Heritage for three years before moving to Franklin High where he was an assistant principal for five years. He has been the principal of Page High for the past five years. Pantall earned his Bachelor’s in Health Education from Middle Tennessee State University and his Master’s and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. He will begin his new role on July 1, 2020.
FSSD CONTINUES FREE MEAL PROGRAM THROUGH SUMMER
The Franklin Special School District will continue to provide free meals for children ages eighteen and under throughout the summer. Using the USDA’s COVID-19 Emergency Feeding program, they will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch from May 28 – July 27 on Monday and Thursday. The drive-through sites of Poplar Grove and Liberty Elementary will continue to provide “grab and go” bags filled with multiple days of food on Mondays and Thursdays between 11:00 and 12:30. These food bags will also be handed out at the same select bus stops and times that were used during the school closure. You can find these bus stops online at fssd.org/covid19. The only exception to this schedule will be the week of July 6 -10 when the district is closed. The FSSD understands that unique needs exist during these difficult times and our goal is to reduce barriers for families to feed children over the summer. Please remember that there are no eligibility requirements and no questions asked at our drive-through or drop-off sites. Children do not have to attend an FSSD school or live in the district to receive free meals.
BATTLE GROUND ACADEMY LOWER SCHOOL HOSTS ANNUAL
SPIRIT PARADE
Battle Ground Academy Lower School hosted their annual End of Year Spirit Parade to celebrate the end of the year for Lower School students grades kindergarten through fourth. While observing recommended health and safety protocols for COVID-19, kids and parents were able to parade through the Lower School campus in decorated vehicles waving to teachers and administrators. After which, they then drove through downtown Franklin, per tradition, honking and waving. Having ended the year with virtual classrooms and not having been on campus since mid-March, it was a joyous occasion marking this unusual school year.
ARTS
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!
& CULTURE
STUDIO TENN TALKS
SUNDAYS AT 7PM | STUDIO TENN | STUDIOTENN.COM
Studio Tenn is premiering a virtual talk show hosted by Artistic Director Patrick Cassidy and featuring exclusive interviews with acclaimed performing artists from Broadway, film and music.
“We are thrilled to give back to the community by offering these insightful interviews with true legends in the performing arts world,” Cassidy said. “I am personal friends with each of these guests, and I know our audience will enjoy getting to know them as I have through the years.” Upcoming guests include Rex Smith, Susan Egan, Adam Pascal and more! “Studio Tenn Talks: Conversations with Patrick Cassidy” will run every Sunday at 7pm and can be viewed at studiotenntalks.com or on the Studio Tenn Facebook Page. The show is free for all viewers, and voluntary donations will be accepted.
BEETHOVEN EXPLAINED
NASHVILLE SYMPHONY | NASHVILLESYMPHONY.ORG
In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth, Nashville Symphony Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero returns to Facebook Live every Wednesday at 6pm to present a series of weekly lectures and Q&A sessions on Beethoven’s nine symphonies, as well as “Missa Solemnis.” You won’t want to miss these informative lectures available now through June 24!
ARTIST RELIEF FUND
ARTS + BUSINESS COUNCIL OF GREATER NASHVILLE
ABCNASHVILLE.ORG
The Arts & Business Council announces the Greater Nashville Artist Relief Fund, a fund designed to help sustain local artists during times of difficulty, uncertainty, and loss. The Fund will be open to all artists at all levels of their careers, in a broad variety of disciplines, including visual art, dance, design, literature, theater, music, and more. The Fund will help these artists recover from lost income due to the cancellation of scheduled gigs or opportunities (such as a commission, performance, contract, etc.), layoff or furlough due to the March 3 tornados and/ or COVID-19 precautionary measures. This funding is made available with an allocation from the Arts & Business Council’s operating account plus the founding support of Ingram Charities, Concord, NCA Alarms, WC Dillon and Go West Creative. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and are subject to approval and available funds. To learn more and apply, visit abcnashville.org.
TPAC LAUNCHES FORWARD! RECOVERY FUND
TENNESSEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | TPAC.ORG
The unprecedented closure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted both TPAC’s loyal community of arts lovers as well as its committed and talented workforce, who are essential for TPAC to provide high-quality arts experiences to people of all ages through live performances and life-changing education programs. In response, the nonprofit is launching the TPAC Forward! Recovery Fund, a strategic fundraising campaign to mitigate the financial impact of the COVID-19 shutdown and help TPAC to meet the challenges of an extended recovery in the year ahead. “We recognize this is a challenging time for many,” says Jennifer Turner, TPAC President and CEO. “We hope those committed to the arts and TPAC’s future will consider donating to the TPAC Forward! Recovery Fund and help us return to providing essential arts access, supporting our resident companies, and enriching our community through transformational education and community engagement programs.” To donate or learn more, visit tpac.org.
FATHER OF NASHVILLE ROCK RELEASES NEW ALBUM BUZZCASON.COM
The Father of Nashville Rock, Buzz Cason, recently released his new album “Buzz Cason and Sons: 2020.” The eleven-song collaboration features the legend’s two musical sons, Taylor and Parker Cason. A mix of new works and familiar tunes, the project brings the listener into the lives of the Cason’s upbringing and lifestyle and examines the changing community they call home. Listeners will enjoy the nostalgic anthems and reinterpretations of one of Cason’s biggest hits, recorded by The Beatles and Pearl Jam, “Soldier Of Love.” All songs were written and produced by Buzz Cason. For more information, visit buzzcason.com.
VIRTUAL CLASSES WITH THE NASHVILLE BALLET NASHVILLE BALLET | NASHVILLEBALLET.COM
Based on the recommendation of Governor Lee and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the School of Nashville Ballet made the decision to remain closed to the public through May 3. However, the show must go on! The Nashville Ballet released two online portals for classes that will be offered virtually: one for the children’s division, community youth division and young men’s scholarship program and one for community adults. Both portals included live classes via zoom, previously recorded class On-Demand and Instagram Live classes Monday through Sunday. To learn more about their virtual classes, visit nashvilleballet.com.
Though our timeline is unknown due to socialdistancing guidelines currently in place, we are reviewing options for our 2020-2021 season. We remain committed to bringing you quality, live theatre and look forward to seeing you back at Pull-Tight as soon as is safely and responsibly possible. Please visit our website and social media platforms for additional content and updates.
Father’s Day
June brings with it a lot of things to look forward to. From sunshine and blooming flowers, to vacations and summer break, we can all agree that it’s a much-needed change from the past three months. If you’re already filling up your calendar with plans, don’t forget to block out the third Sunday of the month to celebrate the ultimate day for dads: Father’s Day! From husbands and dads, to grandfathers and uncles, here’s to all the father figures that make our life great!
Father’s Day is an American-founded holiday, however it’s celebrated in several other countries around the world. Some of them even celebrate on the same day!
Neck ties are one of the most purchased Father’s Day gifts every year.
ROSES ARE THE OFFICIAL FLOWER OF FATHER’S DAY.
According to Hallmark, Father’s Day is one of the top-five cardgiving holidays with about 72 million cards purchased each year.
Dear Nashville,
I want to take a moment to personally thank you for all of your love and support throughout this season of change for us all. For years, we have worked thoughtfully and diligently to bring this city the true luxury shopping experience that it deserves—to aggregate the world’s finest luxury brands into one experiential retail environment.
If we’ve learned anything during this season, it’s that plans may change but special occasions are as resolute as the memories they commemorate. Though it has always been our hope to throw a party to commemorate the store’s opening and ushering in of new, exciting brands—we realize that the show must go on.
I am happy to announce that we will be opening our doors to anyone who would like to visit us, and we will continue to offer complimentary jewelry inspections and cleanings to all. We look forward to working with you to commemorate life’s most precious moments, and we couldn’t be more excited to share with you the Diamond Cellar difference.
