YOUR Williamson Winter 2022

FRANKLIN KIWANIS CHRISTMAS PARADE

DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS

LEIPER’S FORK CHRISTMAS PARADE

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE WINTER 2022

CUPID IS IN THE HOUSE The Real History of Cupid with YOUR Southern Gentleman

IN YOUR BACKYARD Home Is Where Your Story Begins: The Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville Returns

YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNER The African American Heritage Society

Paw Prints & Purrfect Pairs FIND YOUR MATCH AT WILLIAMSON COUNTY ANIMAL CENTER

Williamson Medical Center is proud to be recognized by the 2022 Women’s Choice Award® as one of America’s Best Hospitals for Women’s Services, Comprehensive Breast Health, Obstetrics, Heart Care, Patient Safety and Mammography Imaging.

615.309.8200 castlehomes.com

YOUR JOURNEY HOME BEGINS HERE. CUSTOM HOMES ■ REMODELING ■ INTERIOR DESIGN

Custom Homes with Guaranteed Pricing

YOUR WILLIAMSON | WINTER 2022 VOLUME XI – ISSUE 107

F E AT U R E S

28

YOUR COMMUNITY PARTNER The African American Heritage Society: Preserving Williamson County History

36

FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS Finding our Franklin Dream Home

46

IN YOUR BACKYARD Antiques & Garden Show: Home Is Where Your Story Begins

50

A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN IS Cupid Is In the House

54

PAW PRINTS & PURRFECT PAIRS Find Your Match at WCAC

ON THE COVER: Handsome Diesel and beautiful Mrs. Nesbit are adoptable pups from Williamson County Animal Center and could be your perfect match!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PENNY ADAMS 4 WINTER 2022

54

2022

CORVETTE

Corvette’s first hardtop retractable roof seamlessly flows into the body design, creating an open-air curtain around passengers. Whether you’re on the road with the top down or on the track with the top up, performance stays high with the most track-capable Corvette convertible in history.

Check out our inventory at: walkerchevrolet.com

WALKER CHEVROLET

|

3940 C A R O T H E R S PA R K WAY

|

FRANKLIN, TN 37067

CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE COMMUNITY 21 YOUR Education Williamson County Library Winter Reading Program 30 I Am Williamson County Alma McLemore 44 Southern Is YOUR Lifestyle with Naomi Bannister 56 YOUR Kids Satisfying Children’s Curiosity

SOCIAL 14 Franklin Kiwanis Christmas Parade 15 Williamson County Association of Realtors Installation Banquet 31 Cocktails & Candy Canes 38 PARKS Christmas Party 58 Dickens of a Christmas 60 Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade

57 News From the Schools 60 YOUR Charitable Self Rock ALS Auction & Benefit Concert

BUSINESS 20 It’s YOUR Business Dr. Kousouli Chiropractic

LIFESTYLE 16 Beautiful YOU Love at First Sight: You and Your Perfect Valentine’s Lipstick 18 YOUR Health & Wellness with Williamson Medical Center 22 Keeping Score Meet the 2022 U.S. Figure Skating Team 24 From Our Table to YOURS Lightening Up Southern Comfort Food 40 Styling YOUR Everyday with Jenny Reimold 59 Read Between the Lines Besties With Jesus 62 Arts & Culture

39 YOUR Real Estate with Williamson County Association of Realtors

MONTHLY 10 Letter from the Publisher 12 Social Secretary 52 Bone Vivant 66 Did YOU Know?

TOWNHOMES STARTING IN THE $600s

VILLAGE HOMES STARTING IN THE $800s

W W W. S O U T H B R O O K E T N . C O M

BUILT BY

SALES BY

Office: 615-503-9727 Sales: 615-224-9598

Y O U R S TA F F Shelly Robertson Birdsong PUBLISHER EDITOR IN CHIEF

Johnny Birdsong PUBLISHER

Anna Robertson Ham Christian Dian Headden MANAGING PUBLISHER

Megan Zinger

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Emma Chennault

MANAGING EDITOR

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Claire Anne Page

Allie Caldwell

CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Ron Cheatham

Lawson Ryan

OPERATIONS

DISTRIBUTION

with tableware, linens, rentals, & styling expertise for your big day!

YOUR Williamson and Distinctively Southern Wedding are publications of: Robertson Media Group, LLC 404 Bridge Street | Franklin, TN | 37064 Office: 615.465.6046 yourwilliamson.com distinctivelysouthernwedding.com

SOL D

NEW YEAR, NEW HOUSE

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE

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

START 2022 OFF RIGHT WITH FINDING YOUR FOREVER HOME!

LANDing you Home in

Middle Tennessee

fcpt

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Lauren Sullivan

106 East Main Street Suite 200 Franklin, Tennessee Cell: 615.289.8610

Your Williamson & Distinctively Southern Wedding are publications of Robertson Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

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

Reserve Your All-New 2022 INFINITI QX60

LUXURY THAT SPEAKS TO YOU The all-new 2022 INFINITI QX60 is designed to connect you with what matters. Reserve yours today at INFINITI of Cool Springs.

Starting at $46,850*

211 Comtide Ct., Franklin, TN 37067 INFINITIofCoolSprings.com “An exceptional owner experience.”

*Price is Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), MSRP excludes tax, tag, title, and additional options. Actual price may vary based on inventory and trim level.

MONTHLY

Publisher’s Letter

Dear Readers, As the year begins, so do all the plans, goals and lists of do better’s and do this... Ahhh it’s all so satisfying when you make those heartfelt and truly intended lists and goals (let’s not use that word resolution). And then…

BOOM! As is usual, in life, it turns upside down, throws you a curveball and makes all those lists seem so irrelevant because hey, you are just trying to get through a day!

As I pen this issue’s letter, my family and I are all quarantined together with Covid. An unplanned and unwelcome distraction that WAS NOT on the list! One might think that since it is almost Valentine’s Day, I might muse on the sweetness and loving feelings of getting to spend all this quality time together…but no.

That is not where I am headed, sweet readers.

Takeaways from this would be how you react and respond to situations will define you. So far, I am not freaking out or falling apart; what happens next will be what makes or breaks you. Johnny and I fully intend to disinfect, get it together, be back running uphill on Monday and get these kids back to their normal as well. Because, let’s face it, people, normal is pretty okay.

S U N D AY, F E B R U A R Y 2 0

TH

| 1PM - 4PM

THE HARPETH HOTEL

You’re Invited!

The DSW Experience features an amazing selection of wedding professionals ready to help you find the perfect gown, reception venue, invitations, photographer, music, menu, honeymoon destination and much more!

Don’t miss the bridal fashion shows, champagne and hors d’oeuvres, plus giveaways!

D I S T I N C T I V E LY S O U T H E R N W E D D I N G . C O M

On the love side of things, I will throw out my own homage to those furry Valentines we all love - Talulllah and Eliza Doolittle - we adore you. Our issue features animals you can take home with you and love this year – courtesy of our friends at WCAC. You know the saying, “you can tell a lot about a person by how they treat an animal.” Well, if this community’s support of the new shelter for WCAC is any indication – we have a lot of really good people in this community. But then, we knew that!

Happy New Year, Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Normal to you! Break those resolutions, throw away the lists and breathe. Life will throw you curveballs. So, be ready, dust off and get back to normal. It really IS the sunny side of the street.

Shelly Robertson Birdsong Publisher shelly@robertsonmediagroup.com

BUILDING A LUXURY HOME SHOULD BE A LUXURY EXPERIENCE I would classify working with the Legend Homes team, from our initial concept meeting to completion, as my most seamless build. This is my seventh luxury home build experience and my favorite home to date. When dealing with hurdles brought on by the pandemic, the Legend group of professionals were always prepared to shift to ensure my dream home would be to my specifications — quite the feat when dealing with a noted perfectionist like myself who has high standards and discerning taste. Since my first visit to a Legend Parade home years ago, I knew we would work together in the future. I don’t believe there is much that could top this well-thoughtout concept of a one-level living home and my great experience with Legend Homes.

Gaven Smith Realtor, Hinge Real Estate and Development Owner, Studio Gaven hair colour

Prices beginning at $1+ Million Voted Best Builder

For more information visit:

livealegend.com

Voted Best Builder

Social Secretary

FEB

MONTHLY

JANUARY 29 TASTE OF FRANKLIN Franklin High School facebook.com/FHSTaste Taste of Franklin is a community event featuring local restaurant tastings, live music and silent auction to raise money for the Franklin High School class of 2022.

More than twenty local restaurants, chefs and catering establishments come together for one night as they sample their finest cuisine!

FEBRUARY 11 - 13 ANTIQUES & GARDEN SHOW OF NASHVILLE Music City Center antiquesandgardenshow.com

The Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville is now the longest-running, largest and most respected event of its kind in the country. The show will showcase over 150 12 WINTER 2022

antiques, art and horticultural exhibitors, magnificent gardens, a cocktail party or two, and some of the most renowned design, landscape and architectural speakers in the world. The 2022 Show promises a speaker lineup of outstanding designers, architects and gardeners from around the world including Martha Stewart, Bunny Williams, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin and many more.

FEBRUARY 12 MARDI GRAS BALL Cool Springs Embassy Suites myfriendshousetn.org Mardi Gras Ball is My Friend’s House signature fundraiser. The evening commences with a lively, Mardi-Gras-like-parade entrance and includes topnotch entertainment, firstclass cuisine, an informative program, the revealing of the Mardi Gras Ball King and Queen, and culminates with dancing throughout the night.

Mardi Gras Ball is an event not to be missed with all proceeds benefiting My Friend’s House.

FEBRUARY 12 SHINE GALA The Factory at Franklin springhillwell.org Gather for an elegant evening of dinner and dancing, plus a silent auction, to support the Well Outreach operating budget. This formal attire event is during Valentine’s weekend and will be a beautiful and celebratory time together!

FEBRUARY 15 DANCING WITH THE NASHVILLE STARS The Factory at Franklin feedamericafirst.com Dancing With The Nashville Stars returns for the 10th anniversary year, with a BIG twist! Top two champions Cherie Hammond (2017) and David Kemp (2019) are returning to the dance floor for the Battle Royale, going head-to-head for the ultimate dance-off to end hunger!

FEBRUARY 20 DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING EXPERIENCE The Harpeth Hotel distinctivelysouthernwedding.com

information and ideas for planning your distinctively southern wedding. Attending is free, but registration is required for this exclusive and limited guest list event.

Register by February 10th to be on the guest list.

FEBRUARY 22 ROCK ALS The Franklin Theatre rockals.com Join for a wonderful evening at The Franklin Theater for an evening to bring awareness, hope, empowerment and relief to those navigating living with ALS. The evening will include an auction and benefit concert, which will be inspiring, moving and a lot of fun!

MARCH 2 - 5

You’re invited! Be a part of the 2022 Distinctively Southern Wedding Experience and Bridal Show for local and regional brides! This exclusive and elegant affair will be held at The Harpeth Hotel, in historic Franklin. Enjoy an afternoon of elegance and sophistication as you learn more about your local Preferred Wedding Experience Experts and gather

LITTLE SPROUTS UPSCALE CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT SALE 1735 Galleria Blvd | Franklin littlesproutssale.com Little Sprouts Consignment Sale is the largest upscale children’s consignment sale the south. Find clothing from infant sizes through size 16, baby gear, children’s furniture, shoes, toys and much more.

Learn more about consigning, presales, and get your tickets now on the website!

SCAN ME! Stay in the know with all the happenings in and around Williamson county!

March 2nd - 3rd : Ticketed Presales March4th : Open to General Public March 5th : 1/2 Price Day

1735 Galleria Blvd Franklin, TN 37067 Next to Electronic Express

GET CONNECTED

Visit LittleSproutsSale.com for Tickets, Dates/Times and more info!

Follow @littlesproutstn on Facebook and Instagram

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter @yourwilliamson

334 3RD AVENUE SOUTH

Franklin, Tennessee

HAPPY SNOW DAY! Show us YOUR snow day pictures! #YourWilliamson #SnowDay

$1,750,000 | 3BR | 2 FB/ 1 HB | 2,806 SQ. FT. ADDITIONAL 860 SQ. FT. APARTMENT ABOVE A 3-CAR DETACHED GARAGE

Like

Comment

Share

SUBSCRIBE TO OU R E - NE W SL E TTE R SCAN Q R COD E

OR V I SI T yourwill ia m so n . co m AND STAY I N THE K NOW

MATT DANIEL

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

MANAGING BROKER, ABR o: 615.790.6107

c: 615.498.6129 Matt@Daniel-Christian.com

DIANNE CHRISTIAN

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

BROKER, ABR, CRS, GRI, PNM o: 615.790.6107 c: 615.260.3313

Dianne@Daniel-Christian.com

Sponsored Event SOCIAL

Franklin Kiwanis Christmas Parade

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LORENZO HUERTA

The Kiwanis Christmas Parade was held in December with more than 10,000 spectators lining the streets of downtown Franklin. After having no parade last year, this year, the parade partnered with the Williamson County Fine Arts programs to showcase marching bands, choirs and artists. Proceeds from sponsorship dollars will be used to award scholarships to local high school seniors, the Williamson County Fine Arts programs and various organizations that provide services to children in Williamson County. To learn more, visit franklintnkiwanischristmasparade.org.

Javier, Auggie, Megan & Dempsey Pere, Elizabeth, Casey & Ellie Potts

Johnathan Lambill, Kyle McMahon & Geoff Maufre Lauren McAllister & Mo Russell

Elli Guavas & Alex Mogdm

Mattie Stark, Alex Steiner, Victoria & Jeremy Landi

Ulises Reyen & Noellia Mendoza

Sydney, Keri, Hanson & Gary Soileau

Michael, Max & Jennifer Wilmer

Dave Kumatz

Mark, Nichole, Elliana, Cadence & Keagan Kerns, David, Chelsea, Benjamin & Bradley Byrne, Gina Elder, Trisha, Joel, Trigg, Jeff & Delaney Barone Kristy Glardinelli & Glend Beckelman

Jackson & Lisa Leuchess 14 WINTER 2022

Cash, Tracy, Josh & Royal Gatlin

Nicole Orgaine, Becky Davis & Tiffany Diquette

Anand & Pouja Parmar

SOCIAL

It’S BACK!

WCAR Installation Banquet

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HALEY ANTHONY

Williamson County Association of Realtors (WCAR) hosted its annual Installation event in December.

The festive event was held at the Factory at Franklin and attended by over 150 members, honorees and dignitaries. The Association was honored to have a live performance by Senator Jack Johnson and the Austin Brothers band. To learn more about WCAR, visit wcartn.org.

Demi Chamberlain & Chris Elrod

Paula Cirulli, Melissa Rodger & Paula Nash

Janise Fell & Mike DeGraaf

Breakfast

Lunch

5:30 am -10 am

11 am - 2:30 pm

Biscuits

Meat & 3

Bacon, Chicken, Country Ham, Sausage, Tenderloin, and more!

Ally Heithcock & Karen Elmore

Stefanie King, Amy Hardee & Whitney Wise

Amy Tarter & Leah Fitzpatrick

Sandwiches Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast Plates

Mon-fri

Burgers Sandwiches

Bologna, Ham, Souse, Turkey, and more!

Chicken Tenders

and more!

Ashley W. Roberts, Matt Daniel & Lisa Culp Taylor

Glen Casada & Sharon Grace

Jennifer Bickerstaff & Tina Majors

Eric Fellows & Michele Hoefle

1419 West Main Street, Franklin

615.708.7726

LIFESTYLE

Beautiful YOU

Love AT F I R ST S I G H T

YOU AND YOUR PERFECT VALENTINES LIPSTICK

BY CLAIRE PAGE

Valentine’s Day is coming and you have your reservations made, your date-night outfit picked out, and your card is signed sealed...and almost delivered. The only thing missing is the perfect lipstick shade to wear on your Valentine’s date night. Whether you want a brick red matte, pink-red gloss or a bright red lipstick, there is a perfect shade for you to complete the perfect date night look. Here are some popular lipsticks for you to wear on Valentine’s Day this year.

2.

1.

1. Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick COLOR: SO RED $34

This lipstick is an iconic bright red with the perfect amount of hydration to make your lips the most kissable lips of the night, hence the name. An extra benefit of this lipstick has tree extracts that will help protect your lips from ultraviolet damage while being vegan friendly and gluten-free! So, if you have sensitive lips, this is the one for you!

2. Christian Louboutin Velvet Matte COLOR: DIVA $90

Christian Louboutins’ luxury products do not end with shoes, rather it continues with their makeup. Their non-drying velvet matte lip has the softest touch while having a rich pigment that will make a statement. This lipstick may be more on the expensive side, but the quality is worth the money and lasts up to four hours of wear!

16 WINTER 2022

4.

3.

6.

5.

3. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Lip Souffle Matte Lip Cream COLOR: TRANSFORM $20

If you are looking for an affordable lipstick designed by a celebrity, this is the one for you!

This lip has a whipped cream formula that feels weightless and has a rich berry pigment to add uniqueness to your look! By adding a botanical blend of lotus, gardenia and white-water lily with vitamin E, this lip cream calms and soothes lips while wearing!

4. Nars Lip Gloss COLOR: SALAMANCA $24

If bright red or matte is not your forte, no worries, Nars has you covered! Their Salamanca Lip Gloss is a sheer strawberry pink tone that is subtle but bold enough to make a statement still.

5. Tom Ford Gloss Luxe COLOR: 01 DISCLOSURE $58

Tom Ford created the best weightless liquid balm that doubles as a high shine gloss! With medium coverage, you can create the perfect

7. lip. In addition, this gloss luxe is infused with oils that creates long-lasting hydrating wear.

The bright red color is perfect for a night out!

6. Rouge Dior Metallic COLOR: 756 PANACHE $38

Rouge Dior is Dior’s most iconic long-wearing lipstick that is available in seventy-five shades and four different finishes. Panache is mainly a pink pigment but has a hint of red undertones and a gold metallic that adds a shimmer element to your look!

7. Revlon ColorStay Satin Ink Liquid Lipstick COLOR: FIRE & ICE $10

Revlon is a drugstore cult classic, do not let the lower price fool you, this is a great lipstick!

A bang for your buck, and who doesn’t love that? The shade Fire & Ice is a rich and creamy color that lasts up to 16 hours! If you love an easy, affordable and satin finish, this one will become your go-to!

Living out your Custom Lifestyle

QUALITY. STYLE. CTGRACE. CTGRACE is a family-owned business whose purpose is to provide a lady's boutique to help you "Live out your Custom Lifestyle" with the latest fashion brand name clothing and accessories.

Note from the Owner I want to wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year in 2022! Thank you for choosing CTGrace for your Ladies Boutique needs and also for supporting my locally owned business— CTGrace in Franklin, TN. I plan to continue serving you in 2022 by bringing you the latest quality fashion brand name clothing and accessories. I have added my new website CTGrace.net for your shopping convenience. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I love hearing from my customers!

CTGRACE | 122 EAST MAIN STREET | FRANKLIN, TN 37064 | Q CTGRACEABOUTIQUE | CTGRACE.COM | 949.933.8802

LIFESTYLE

YOUR Health & Wellness

Matters of the Heart WITH WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER

BY ANDY RUSSELL, MD, MBA

Love is in the air in February, which means it’s the perfect time to think about your heart health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

In addition, more than 800,000 Americans suffer heart attacks each year. For these reasons and more, February is designated as American Heart Month, an annual observance focused on raising awareness about heart disease and prevention. This month, we want to help you take the necessary steps to ensure optimum heart health.

Make Necessary Lifestyle Changes.

Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, proper nutrition, exercise and regular treatment for health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can reduce the risk of heart disease and its associated complications.

Know the Signs.

The CDC estimates that someone in the United States has a heart attack every forty seconds.

Knowing the signs and acting immediately can help save a life. Early signs of a heart attack can

be mild, come and go and may become intense over time. Symptoms can include: • Chest pressure • Pain and numbness in the left arm or chest • Feeling of fullness • Pain traveling down one or both arms • Jaw pain • Excessive fatigue or weakness • Anxiety • Nausea or vomiting • Back pain • Shortness of breath • Chest pressure, squeezing, aching or burning Understand the Differences.

It’s important to recognize that heart attack symptoms can be different for men and women.

Men normally feel pain and numbness in the left arm or side of the chest, but in women, these symptoms may appear on the right side. Women may also feel completely exhausted, drained, dizzy or nauseous and may experience upper back pain that travels to the jaw. In some cases, women may discount stomach pain as the flu, heartburn or an ulcer.

Know What to Do. Most heart damage occurs within the first two hours of a heart attack. Seek help immediately if you are exhibiting heart attack symptoms and act quickly if someone around you collapses or displays warning signs. Three immediate

actions can make the difference between life and death due to a heart attack: • Call 9-1-1 • Perform Hands-Only CPR • Find and deploy an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) With our highly trained team of nurses and board-certified cardiologists, state-of-the-art technologies and gold-standard procedures at Williamson Medical Cardiology Center, we’re able to quickly diagnose and treat heart attack patients, offering interventional cardiology and a cardiac catheterization lab on site.

Most recently, Williamson Medical Center was recognized for Medical Excellence in Heart Attack Treatment by CareChex® — an information service of Quantros, Inc., listed in the top ten percent of hospitals in the nation, region and state for Heart Attack Treatment and first in the market for Interventional Carotid Care.

We’re passionate about helping you live your healthiest life. Understanding the simple changes you can make and being aware of heart attack symptoms and actions to take in the event of a heart attack can save a life— including your own!

For more information about cardiac services at Williamson Medical Center, please visit williamsonmedicalcenter.org.

Williamson Medical Center has been a pillar of our region for over sixty years, with an impressive tradition and commitment to not only providing exceptional healthcare services to hundreds of thousands of patients, but also an overall dedication to the wellbeing of our community. For more information please visit: williamsonmedicalcenter.org

18 WINTER 2022

214 Br i d g e S t re e t F ra n k l in , T N 3 7 0 6 4 615. 3 8 7 . 9 8 7 1 ta yl o rma d e sm i l e s. co m

From Dr. Missy & Taylor Made Smiles Team

ACCEPTING NEW SMILES

BUSINESS

It’s YOUR Business

Imagine the Possibilities with KOUSOULI CHIROPRACTIC

I

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

magine going through a lifealtering event that leaves you injured and in constant pain. Trying to accomplish everyday tasks such as walking, brushing your teeth or combing your hair can result in pain. Whether a patient is rear-ended in a car accident or finding ways to function poststroke, Dr. Theo Kousouli, owner of Kousouli Chiropractic Health and Wellness, can help patients overcome these obstacles.

Dr. Theo uses the latest chiropractic and holistic healing techniques to raise a patient’s quality of life. As a result, patients have experienced improvements in their spinal health through a uniquely-developed technique that blends muscle testing, applied kinesiology, hypnotherapy, and chiropractic evaluations.

Other holistic therapies include K-NER (Kousouli Neural-Emotive Reprogramming), deep tissue work, supplements, herbal medicine and constitutional homeopathy.

Kousouli Chiropractic Health and Wellness goes beyond standard X-ray and surface EMG studies and will test for environmental toxin exposure, hormone balance, food sensitivities, neurotransmitter balance and more. Dr. Theo’s wife, Dr. Christina Kousouli, a naturopathic doctor, herbalist, homeopath and wellness coach, is on staff to round out the comprehensive, holistic wellness program.

The practice offers affordable holistic care for all ages – from newborns to seniors and even family plans.

Most of us have experienced some aches and pain in our lifetime – whether it’s back, joint or muscle pain from an accident, poor posture, stress, overexertion or occupational hazards. These changes may impact the nervous system, organs, tissues, glands, and other body areas. As a result of aging, pain is a common health issue and can happen more often and transfer to different areas of the body intensely without proper maintenance of care.

There is no doubt that taking care of your skeletal and nervous health is vital to mobility and can vastly improve your life when working with a qualified doctor. You may not be hurting now, but improper posture, limping or

a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease may be indicating to you that your neuro-musculoskeletal structure is starting to weaken or be compromised. The good news is you can take a proactive approach to remain healthy and mobile by scheduling a consultation to see where you’re at with your health.

It’s time to live your very best life! Go from pain and immobility to power and imagine the possibilities!

DR. THEO KOUSOULI Chiropractor, Hypnotherpist Theo Kousouli D.C., CHT. is a doctor of chiropractic licensed by the Tennessee Chiropractic Board of Examiners and certified master hypnotherapist by the American Board of Hypnotherapy. With over fifteen years of experience, his approach as a healer is skillful and masterful, aiding patients when their efforts for answers have fallen short elsewhere. Theo has written ten books on health and wellness. He has presented to the National Symposium for Integrated Health on the Harvard campus to other top health experts and specialists on the importance of his methods. He is frequently invited to speak as an expert on television and radio and at symposiums. He mentors and teaches those seeking elite human transformation in their lives. To learn more, visit: drkousouli.com and beamaster. com or call 615.435.3643 to schedule a consultation.

20 WINTER 2022

COMMUNITY

YOUR Education

Williamson County Public Library System’s Offers Incentive to Open a Book WINTER READING CHALLENGE

NEW

year NEW you YOU TOO CAN FEEL BRAND NEW!

BY MEGAN ZINGER

Join Williamson County Public Library System for its second annual Winter Reading Challenge! Residents of all ages are welcome to participate.

There are specific reading challenges available: birth through seventh grade, seventh through 12th grade and adults age eighteen years and older.

For more information about the reading challenge’s different age groups, visit WCPLS’s website on the Winter Reading 2021-2022 page. The challenge started December 1st, 2021 and will run until February 2nd, 2022.

The WCPLS will offer prizes for children and teens. After ten hours of reading is accomplished, all ages get a free book!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE: • Register with Beanstack at williamsoncounty. beanstack.org or log into your existing Beanstack account.

•

•

Choose the age-appropriate winter reading challenge.

You can visit your home library branch to register and pick up a paper reading log to participate.

Download the Beanstack mobile tracker app from the App Store, I-Tunes or Google Play to keep track of your reading log.

Prizes must be picked up in person at your closest library branch. The deadline to pick up prizes is February 19th.

Of course, reading is always encouraged beyond the challenge time frame! Be sure to keep an eye out for other fun events with the WCPLS, such as story times, reading to therapy dog programs, chess, and more. To learn more about the Williamson County Public Library and its events, visit wcpltn.org.

Imagine the possibilities, when you add holistic health care to your life.

Chiropractic · Hypnotherapy Homeopathy · Herbalism Wellness Coaching

Kousouli Chiropractic Health & Wellness Inc. 198 East Main Street | Suite 204 | Franklin, TN 615.435.3643 | drkousouli.com QPE@DrKousouli

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

LIFEYSTYLE

Keeping Score

ASHLEY CAIN-GRIBBLE TIMOTHY LEDUC

MEET YOUR

2022 U.S. OLYMPIC FIGURE SKATING TEAM

MARIAH BELL

NATHAN CHEN

22 WINTER 2022

NASHVILLE HOLDS THE U.S FIGURE SKATING CHAMPIONSHIPS

BY BRITTON HEADDEN

It’s early in the year, and Nashville has already enjoyed hosting a major sporting event, the 2022 Toyota U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

In one of the most competitive skating events of the year, athletes from all around the country have tried their best to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. Here are your 2022 U.S. Figure Skating Champions.

ASHLEY CAIN-GRIBBLE TEXAS TIMOTHY LEDUC IOWA PAIRS CHAMPIONSHIP SCORE: 225.23

BELONG

AND BE WELL

Ashley Cain-Gribble was on the verge of her skating retirement in 2016 debating whether to skate, coach or return to school when she got the call to try out for pairs with Timothy LeDuc. She must have made the right decision because the two have become U.S. Champions six years later. They landed the most challenging pair jumps of the short programs, including a side-by-side triple loop in the U.S. Championships. The pair ran away with the free skate finishing over fifteen points away from the next team.

MARIAH BELL COLORADO LADIES CHAMPIONSHIP SCORE: 173.04

Mariah Bell followed her older sister’s footsteps getting into skating, and in time she has exceeded all expectations. Mariah stunned the night of her short program with a graceful skate that included the first triple triple of the week for the ladies and later a triple lutz. In addition, she managed to outscore Karen Chen by just over a single point in total becoming the oldest champion in the class in ninety-five years at twenty-five.

NATHAN CHEN UTAH MEN CHAMPIONSHIP SCORE: 328.01

Since childhood, Nathan Chen has been in the figure skating spotlight, landing triples in national competitions since he was ten years old.

With lots of work and a great team around him, Nathan has grown into one of the greatest figure skaters in the world. Nathan was the first skater to have landed five types of quadruple jumps and holds several skating records. Nathan started his week with a record-breaking short program. He finished with a dominant free skate separating himself from the rest of the skaters. This was Nathan’s sixth national title. He has been referred to as the Michael Jordan of figure skating.

With endless exercise options, the most convenient locations and a beginner-friendly community where you’ll always feel welcome, there’s no better place to achieve your New Year’s resolution than the Y. • Year-round swimming • Unlimited group exercise classes • Family-friendly wellness facilities • Convenient hours and locations • Supervised activities for the kids while you work out

BRITTON HEADDEN Keeping Score Britton Headden is a born-and-raised Franklin local and Broker/ Owner of Headden Home Real Estate. Britton has a lifetime love of basketball and other sports, including playing and coaching experience on all levels elementary through college.

TryTheY.com Our Mission: A worldwide charitable fellowship united by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ for the purpose of helping people grow in spirit, mind and body.

LIFESTYLE

From Our Table to YOURS

LIGHTENING UP

SOUTHERN C O M F O RT FOODS

BY WHITNEY MILLER

The new year means a fresh start and making resolutions to help you achieve your goals. Is one of your goals to prepare more home-cooked meals this year? Eating better? I have some recipes for you that even busy moms like me can easily prepare. Did I mention they are kid-approved?

Quick, easy, light and comforting are all words to describe my mac n’ cheese. Yes, I said light and comforting to describe mac n’ cheese. Aren’t those the words you want to hear when your resolution is to eat better? My Cauliflower “Mac N’ Cheese” is a fun take on the classic, but instead of pasta, roasted cauliflower is the star. The nutty, al dente cauliflower is enrobed in a luscious cheese sauce that won’t hurt your waistline. Your whole family will enjoy this fun take on a classic.

When you think of a salad, you probably think healthy, right?

24 WINTER 2022

That is true unless it is drenched in a mayonnaise-based dressing.

I lightened up the traditional Southern Layered Salad by replacing the mayonnaise dressing with a pea pesto for creaminess and a vinaigrette. The presentation of the layered ingredients will make you want to dive in. Eating healthy never tasted so good!

Lastly, I even lightened up a southern dessert. It doesn’t get any more southern than Banana Pudding. Its sweet, luscious pudding is lightened up by adding naturally sweet pistachio powder and incorporating fat-free milk. I call it A Little “Nutty” Banana Pudding. Small Mason jars are the perfect vessel for serving and portion controlling.

Enjoy these comforting, guilt-free dishes with your family and friends this new year.

Individual Southern Layered Salads with Pea Pesto RECIPE FROM NEW SOUTHERN TABLE COOKBOOK

PEA PESTO INGREDIENTS • 2 cups frozen peas, thawed • 1/2 tsp. fine sea salt • 2 Tbsp. fresh chopped basil • 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil • 2 tsp. fresh chopped dill SALAD INGREDIENTS • Pea pesto (see recipe below) • 3/4 cup fresh corn kernels • 12 grape tomatoes, cut into halves • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS • 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar • 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice • 1/4 tsp. sea salt • 1/4 tsp. cracked black pepper • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• • •

2 large hard-boiled eggs, thinly sliced 1/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 2 cooked bacon slices, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Place the peas, basil, dill, salt and oil in the bowl of a food processor, and process until smooth.

2. Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

3. Divide the pea pesto among four small glass salad bowls or mini trifle dishes.

4. Smooth to coat the bottom of the bowls evenly. Layer the corn, tomatoes,

5. Lettuce, egg, cheese and bacon over the pesto.

6. Combine the vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

Whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.

7. Serve the individual layered salads with the vinaigrette.

Makes 10 to 12 servings.

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 25

Cauliflower “Mac N’ Cheese” RECIPE FROM MODERN HOSPITALITY COOKBOOK

• • • • • • • • • •

8 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 head) 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 11/2 cups fat-free milk 1/2 cup heavy cream 3/8 tsp. table salt 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

3. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened, 2 to 4 minutes. Whisk in the cream and cook 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in all but 2 Tbsp. cheese, the table salt and remaining 1/4 tsp. pepper. Stir until the cheese melts, then cook, stirring often, until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.

4. Place the cauliflower florets in an 8 x 8-inch glass baking dish or four 10-ounce ramekins. Pour the cheese sauce on top. Sprinkle the top of the cauliflower with the remaining 2 Tbsp. cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbling, 20 to 25 minutes. Serve warm.

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F 2. Toss the cauliflower florets in the oil on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with the kosher salt and 1/4 tsp. of the pepper. Roast until forktender and lightly browned in spots, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven but leave the oven on and reduce the temperature to 350° F.

Serves 4.

A Little “Nutty” Banana Pudding RECIPE FROM NEW SOUTHERN TABLE COOKBOOK

• • • • • • • • •

2 Tbsp. raw shelled pistachios 1/3 cup + 4 Tbsp. pure cane sugar, divided 1/3 cup all-purpose flour Dash of salt 3 large eggs, separated 2 1/4 cups skim milk 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 32 vanilla wafers 5 ripe bananas, sliced

1. Preheat an oven to 350°F. 2. Place the pistachios in a spice grinder and process until a powder forms to equal 2 Tbsp. of pistachio powder.

3. Combine 1/3 cup of the sugar, the pistachio powder, flour and salt in the top of a double boiler.

4. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and milk. Whisk the egg mixture into the flour mixture. Add water to the bottom of the double boiler. Do not allow the water to touch the bottom of the top pan. Cook over slightly boiling water, stirring constantly, until the pudding thickens and coats the back of a spoon, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the vanilla.

26 WINTER 2022

5. Place a single layer of vanilla wafers in the bottom of an 8-inch square glass baking dish or in multiple Mason jars. Add a single layer of banana slices over the wafers.

Spoon half of the pudding over the bananas and spread evenly. Repeat layers of wafers, bananas and pudding.

6. In a deep, medium bowl, beat the egg whites using a hand mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Reduce the speed to low, and gradually add the remaining 4 Tbsp. of sugar until incorporated. Increase the speed to high, and beat until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue on top of the pudding layer in the baking dish or Mason jars. Using the back of a spoon, create peaks in the meringue.

7. Bake the banana pudding for 20 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly brown. If using Mason jars, place the jars on a baking sheet and bake 8 to 10 minutes.

Let stand for a few minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.

Makes 10 to 12 servings.

DISCOVER PURE LUXURY NEW HOMES FROM OVER $2 MILLION NEW HOMESITES FOR 2022

615-371-1590 | 1469 WITHERSPOON DRIVE | BRENTWOOD | WITHERSPOONBRENTWOOD.COM

A FORD CLASSIC HOMES AND CPS LAND COMMUNITY

YOUR Community Partner

FEATURE

PRESERVING OUR COMMUNITY’S

African American History WITH THE AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE SOCIETY

BY MEGAN ZINGER

The African American Heritage Society (AAHS) is a nonprofit organization in Williamson County, established in 1997, whose mission is to preserve artifacts about local African American history and educate the community and future generations about the heritage.

The nonprofit was formed after a group of concerned citizens wanted to preserve and protect African American history in Williamson County. African American Heritage founders were Mary Mills, Bazelia Harris, Louise Patton, Thelma Battle (African American historian), Mary Pearce (Former Director of the Heritage Foundation), and Rick Warwick (County historian). These six key people, along with 28 WINTER 2022

many others, formed AAHS. Alma McLemore, a descendant of Harvey McLemore by marriage, is the current president of the nonprofit.

The McLemore House, originally built in 1880, astonishingly, still stands strong despite past efforts of the community. In the early 2000s, the home was condemned after 117 years of Harvey’s descendants living in the house.

Habitat for Humanity purchased it to tear it down and build a Habitat home. Thelma Battle and Mary Pearce were persistent in negotiating with Habitat for Humanity to buy the house and preserve it. The Heritage Foundation at the time gained possession and deeded it to AAHS for one dollar.

The McLemore House was first renovated and opened as a museum in 2003. The most recent renovations started in April 2021 and were completed in December 2021. In addition, $125,000 was raised through grants and donations to install a new roof, 1880s flooring donated by Franklin’s Charge from a home torn down on Columbia Avenue, a period sink and other interior details to reflect Harvey’s era. AAHS celebrated its revamped opening day with a special one-day event. Reenactors gave tours and told the inspiring story of Harvey McLemore, who was formerly enslaved.

Despite the challenges after the Civil War, many African Americans began building new

communities, including churches, schools, and businesses. After experiencing almost thirty years of slavery, Harvey was determined to build a better way of life for himself and future generations. He became a successful, hard-working farmer and purchased four lots in Hard Bargain, the first community development for black middle-class teachers, carpenters, farmers and more. Down the road, Harvey’s granddaughter, Mag Matthews, even ran her beauty business in the home’s foyer decades before it became a museum open to the public. Visitors can still see the salon chair she used sitting in the museum’s front.

Aside from the typical museum tours, the McLemore House also does special educational programs for all ages to generate awareness of the importance of African American history. Youth groups have come for tours where they experienced making homemade butter, soul food cooking, porch talks, quilt shows, African American Doll shows, open houses and other cultural events. In addition, AAHS’s annual Juneteenth event has been held there for the past sixteen years.

The Black Tie Affair, one of AAHS’s most significant events of the year, is the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser whose proceeds go towards continuing preservation of the McLemore House and the new Merrill-Williams House project. This year’s theme is “Keeping Hope Alive.” The sold-out event will take place at the Embassy Suites in Cool Springs on March 12th, and will include a night of celebrations, awards and honors. There will also be music, dancing, prizes and giveaways and a best-dressed contest. The organization asks attending guests to wear a mask and show proof of vaccination. AAHS will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 and the public health guidance regarding large gatherings.

Many exciting things are happening for the AAHS this upcoming year!

AAHS is in the process of preserving

the historic Merrill-Williams Home, located at 246 Natchez Street in the Natchez Street Historic District. The home was originally part of the Carter farm during the Battle of Franklin and was built by Moses Merrill, a formerly enslaved person, in the late 1880s.

Cassandra W. Taylor inherited the home from her father, Fred Douglas Williams, upon his death in 2012. After listing the home and receiving other offers, which could have resulted in the house being torn down, Cassandra accepted AAHS’s offer. The purchase of the Merrill-Williams House was a critical save in preserving African American history in Franklin. Special thanks to donors Emily Magid and Calvin and Marilyn LeHew, plus donations from the community, for contributing to this big save. AAHS is also partnering with the MTSU Center for Historic Preservation to open Franklin’s first Heritage Center.

The Heritage Center will serve as a place for locals and tourists to learn more about the city’s history and bring awareness to the Natchez neighborhood.

Regular hours for the McLemore House museum are expected to resume this spring. AAHS offers oneyear memberships to the organization that gives year-round access to the museum during business hours and inside information on special events happening. For more information on becoming a member or upcoming events and projects, visit AAHS’s website at aahswc.org, or email aahsvolunteer1tn@gmail.com.

Current board members of the AAHS are Harvey Chrisman, Mary Mills, Sonya Johnson, Paulette Johnson, Howard Kelton, Carolyn Wall, Tovitha Williams, Juanita Patton, Michael Brown, Matt Brown, Julian Bibb, Kimberly Menifee, Mary Pearce, Sarah Critchlow, Evon Heath and Alma McLemore. Board Emeritus is Thelma Battle, Rick Warwick, Eleanor Bright and Mary Walker.

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 29

A M COMMUNITY

I Am Williamson County

Alma McLemore

HISTORY ADVOCATE & COMMUNITY ACTIVIST

BY MEGAN ZINGER

Alma McLemore is a true Williamson County socialite and is heavily involved in her community. Best known for her role in the African American Heritage Society nonprofit, as well as many other community-centric organizations, she epitomizes who is Williamson! Here are her answers to our questions for a special person in our community: YW: How long have you lived in Williamson County and what makes it feel like home to you?

AM: Born and raised here. Williamson County is home because this is the only place I have lived.

There are so many memories of my childhood and the earlier years of my life. I have been truly blessed in my years of living here thanks to amazing people and a giving and caring community. We definitely are not the small town I grew up in. However, we still possess smalltown values and a sense of caring and support for one another and we maintain community character and the great quality of life that we so enjoy.

YW: Tell us about your family roots in Williamson County.

AM: Believe it or not, despite being a part of the African American Heritage Society and historic preservation, I have not even taken the time to trace my own roots in this community. I do know that my mother was not from here. She was from Hickman County.

My parents lived on the Jesse Short farm on Boyd Mill Pike, with four of their children here in Franklin. I am not biologically related to Harvey McLemore, who built the McLemore House. I married into the McLemore family.

30 WINTER 2022

YW: What do you like to do in your spare time (hobbies, traditions, etc.)?

AM: I love spending time with family and grandkids! I travel but haven’t enjoyed that pleasure for some time now. I love sports, especially football! I love Bible studies, inspirational readings and opportunities to encourage and motivate people to be their best!! I love reading and being a part of my book club. Also, going out with friends and sending cards to people. Pretty boring life to most people, but fulfilling to me!

developments and gentrification. And once it’s gone — it’s gone.

YW: Where is your favorite place to go in Williamson County and why?

AM: I love going to church and seeing everyone on Sunday morning and Wednesday nights.

I am surviving and doing so well because of the spiritual food and my faith, hope, trust and belief in God. I still attend some events and always see people I know, but there is no favorite place. However, I do love going to Franklin Chop House restaurant for lunch where everybody knows your name and you always see someone you know.

YW: Anything else you would like for the readers of YOUR Williamson to know?

AM: Again, I feel so blessed to live in Williamson County and the city of Franklin.

I love the community in which I live. We are not perfect, but our community is rich in more ways than most. The pandemic and so many unprecedented events in our lives today have made me appreciate every moment. Our community has the resources and opportunity to work together to provide an excellent quality of life that all citizens can enjoy here. If we all could give back in some capacity, we can take our city and county to even greater heights. I encourage everyone to strive to make a difference and love God and your community. Give more than you expect to receive. Build relationships and engage with others who are not like you!

YW: Why do you feel it is important to preserve history and encourage others to understand the mission of the organizations you support?

AM: Preserving history is very important. It helps us learn from our past while building and maintaining community character as a healthy community. History helps us celebrate and embrace our diversity and links us to our past while helping us to appreciate all those who came before us and made our community what it is today. So, I encourage the community as a whole to support the missions of historic preservation. Because without them, we could lose our sense of place and lose so much to new

YW: What is your favorite memory from growing up in Williamson County?

AM: I have many wonderful memories. Family gatherings. Going to church, of course.

Childhood friends. Close-knit community.

Classmates. Going downtown shopping with my grandmother on Saturdays was special to me and one of my favorite memories — probably to her as well.

To read the full interview with Alma, visit yourwilliamson.com!

The I Am Williamson County column features individuals in Williamson County who are known and unknown, as staples of our community; doing good, being seen and exuding Williamson County!

If you know of someone who we should ask our questions to let us know at info@yourwilliamson.com.

SOCIAL

Cocktails & Candy Canes

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAIRE PAGE

Williamson, Inc. hosted their annual Cocktails and Candy Canes Women in Business Holiday Party in early December. This event was an opportunity for women in Williamson County to network with other business professionals while shopping at their holiday marketplace.

The holiday marketplace consisted of over seventeen booths of local businesses! The event even had complimentary cocktails and wine made by City Winery Nashville and Franklin Distillery! Learn more about Women In Business and their event at williamsonchamber.com.

M

Donna Bayless, Sharon Winter & Leigh Bawcom

Brittany Stallings, Corissa Wiest & Bridget Wooden

Susannah Medley & Karen Hope

Gabriela Carr, Beth Palk & Tracy Ayers

Kim Muse & Devon Dixon

Ally Prespare, Amber Fleck, Brandy Dyer & Sarah Legan

Erica Hamlet, Renne Shafer & Courtni Beardsley

Brooklyn Hillhouse & Sarah Gromos

Misty Westebbe & Nan Zierden

LARGE SELECTION OF FLOWER AND VEGETABLE SEEDS AVAILABLE. ORGANIC AND NON-GMO

HARPETH TRUE VALUE HOMECENTER

615 . 7 9 4 . 3 6 4 1

LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF COLUMBIA AVENUE AND DOWNS BOULEVARD 203 Downs Boulevard Franklin, TN 37064

|

HOURS: MONDAY - SATURDAY 8am - 5pm SUNDAY Closed

H A R P E T H T R U E VA LU E . C O M

YO U R P R E M I E R LO C A L AG E N TS

Brentwood Annie Saber

Brandon Blair

Candace Revelette

Casey Webber

Dick & Judy Williams

Frank Skaggs

Heidi Stemler

Burnett Hill Home Town Team

Jack Miller

Leann Morello

Leigh Ann Portale

Marion Kincade

Marla Richardson

Mary Ann Palise

Selva Montgomery

Shawnna Simpson

Susan Gregory

Suzie DeYoung

Tanny Crawford

Betsy Turnage

Cindy Garner Denson

Duncan Lowe

Greg Fritz

Kim Lebo

Lauren Sullivan

Lee Ann James Commercial

Lisa Culp Taylor

Lisa Davis

Reid Anderson

Stuart Tutler

Danny Anderson Managing Broker

Franklin

Cortney Reichert

Damon Benet

Derrick Wright

Kati Wooten

Kim Shacklock

Laurie Marks

Molly Kazay

Patricia Park

Rachel Margolis

#1 MAR KE T S HA R E WILLIAMSON COUNTY

BRENTWOOD 615.370.8669

Thomas Tobia

Two Savvy Blondes

Cindy Stanton Managing Broker

8119 Isabella Lane Ste 105 Brentwood, TN 37027

FRANKLIN 615.790.7400 106 E Main St. Franklin, TN 37064

Greg McCollum

Holly Shelton

Jeannie Bankins

Loy Hardcastle

Margaret Flowers Orton

Megan Jones Campbell

parksathome.com

WE ARE WILLIAMSON COUNTY’S

#1 REAL ESTATE TEAM

READY TO BUY OR SELL? CALL US TODAY! (615) 775-3830 | LCTTEAM.COM

LISA CULP TAYLOR

MEGAN JONES CAMPBELL

MEREDITH ZELLER

MARABETH POOLE

AMY PAPPAS

VICKIE FREAS

ASHLEE BAKER

MAILE STOVER

MARGARET FLOWERS ORTON

106 E. Main St. | Franklin, TN 37064 | (615) 790-7400 | (615) 775-3830 | Lic. #00059191 All information deemed correct but is not guaranteed and is subject to change.

F OR SA L E

TO B E B U I LT

246 GOVERNORS WAY BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE

2064 HILLSBORO ROAD FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE

$3,300,000 | 5 BED | 5/2 BATH | 9,698 SQ FT

C O M I N G S OON

HARDEMAN SPRINGS (LOT 216) ARRINGTON, TENNESSEE

$8,125,000 | 7,536 SQ FT | 22.52+ ACRES

SOLD!

1103 NAVAHO DRIVE BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE

5 BED | 4/1 BATH | 4,016 SQ FT

$1,250,123 | 4 BED | 3/1 BATH | 3,730 SQ FT

S OL D!

U N D E R CO NT R ACT

1194 SADDLE SPRINGS DRIVE THOMPSON'S STATION, TENNESSEE

1105 MCDONOUGH CIRCLE THOMPSON'S STATION, TENNESSEE

$3,000,000 | 5 BED | 5 BATH | 6,636 SQ FT

$385,000 | 3 BED | 2 BATH | 1,382 SQ FT

VIEW THE CURRENT LIST OF AVAILABLE HOMES ONLINE AT LCTTEAM.COM

From Our House to YOURS

FEATURE

Finding Our Franklin Dream Home FAMILY OF FIVE AND REAL ESTATE AGENT RECENTLY FEATURED ON HGTV’S HOUSE HUNTERS

BY MEGAN ZINGER

Katie and Jarod Goenner and their three boys, Keegan, Rowan and Liam, along with local real estate agent, Kathy Danner, were recently featured on HGTV’s House Hunters. The Goenners moved from Portsmouth, Virginia in December of 2015 and were renting a house in Williamson County while they worked on getting the home they left in Virginia ready to sell.

Unfortunately, while the Goenners were making updates to their home, a hurricane hit it. It flooded the whole basement, covering it in mold from top to bottom. Thankfully, their insurance company insured the entire home, but it took four years to build it back. They eventually sold the house in Virginia, moved out of the rental home and bought their forever home in Franklin.

36 WINTER 2022

Jarod started looking for jobs in 2015, so he and his wife could find a safer place to raise their family. He was offered a job in the District of Columbia and in Nashville. As soon as Jarod stepped off the plane in Nashville, he knew this was where he wanted to bring his family.

Katie and Jarod immediately began researching Williamson County. They fell in love with the downtown Franklin area, the proximity to Nashville and the community’s friendliness. They were also told the schools were excellent, and having two third-graders and a kindergartner at the time was a huge factor.

The Goenner’s new house is everything they’ve ever wanted. Coming from a three-bedroom, 1700 square foot rental with three teenage boys, the new house has so much space and gives each boy

their own bedroom, along with a bedroom for guests and visiting family.

“I love the curb appeal, the grandeur of the outside, the double staircases and the beautiful backyard with all the unbuildable land behind us that backs up to the Harpeth River,” Katie said.

“Our boys are big into the outdoors — hiking, swimming, birding, even flashlight tag, so having wide open space for them and our new puppy is amazing. We also love that we are walking distance to downtown Franklin.”

Katie’s favorite room is the living room. The sun comes through the floor-to-ceiling windows, so it’s the perfect place to sit on the couch, have a cup of coffee and enjoy the backyard views.

Jarod’s favorite room is the downstairs half

bathroom because of the unique wallpaper the previous owners had put up and the new chandelier the Goenner’s added.

Katie found their real estate agent, Kathy, on the Women of Williamson County Facebook group.

Katie called Kathy and liked her instantly. Kathy was also available immediately, which is crucial in a competitive real estate market.

Kathy Danner is going on her fourth year in the real estate business. She specializes in buyers, sellers and investors in Williamson County with Parks At Home. Formerly, Kathy worked at the Nissan headquarters in Cool Springs and was a part of the Williamson County Commissioner for eight years. She now considers herself a “recovering politician.”

“I had a blast doing this show with Katie and Jarod,” Kathy said. “I would want the readers to know that they are as sweet and lovely a family in person as they were on camera. Their boys are adorable. The whole family enjoys bird watching, but one of the twins has a strong interest in ornithology. He would head to the backyard of a potential house and look to see what kinds of birds there were.”

As the Goenner’s continue to renovate their new home, be sure to keep an eye out for home updates through YOUR Williamson. In addition, you can watch the episode featuring the Goenner’s and Kathy, “Tennessee Time Travelers,” Episode 12, Season 208, on HGTV or Discovery+.

SOCIAL

PARKS Christmas Party

Photography by Haley Anthony PARKS friends and family gathered at the Factory at Franklin, raised their glasses and toasted to another successful year together. With festive decorations, photo opportunities and specialty cocktails, this evening was filled with joy that only the holiday season could provide. To learn more about PARKS Realty, visit parksathome.com.

Bryan & Debby Kretzmeier, Courtney & Chris Chandler

Margaret & Mike Orton

Bard & Nancy Quillman

Bob Parks & Danny Anderson

Christie Cross, Greg & Barbara Sandin

Judy & Ray Baird

Mike & Barbara Leech

Clay & Kelly Watson

Mary Catherine McAnulty & Teresa Anderson Connie Dunlop & Shannon Hickman

Keith & Gina Sefton, Beth Anne Smith 38 WINTER 2022

Judy & Donny Jackson

Susan Hilgendorf & Mary Lankford Harlin

BUSINESS

YOUR Real Estate

Outlook of the New Year WITH THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

Happy New Year! Right now, Williamson County is a trendsetter in the national market, and everyone is itching to know how things will pan out in 2022. While it is impossible to fully predict how the next year will go, we can certainly draw some conclusions from the insight we have gained in 2021.

residence, a situation that is not uncommon in Williamson County.

The federal government also announced interest rate increases that will affect primary home purchases throughout the year. So, what does that do to your buying power?

We are outperforming the national market considerably, and one of the driving forces is our inventory level. From January 2021 to December 2021, the average days on the market for homes in Williamson County decreased by 56 percent, which means we are at less than half a month’s supply of inventory in our entire region. Another factor that we consistently measure to evaluate the real estate market is the median sales price.

Williamson County is once again outperforming the national averages. Over the course of 2021, the median sales price in Williamson County increased by 32.7 percent, almost tripling the national average. While the market can be unpredictable, we are seeing a few outside factors that are feeding our projections for 2022. One factor we are noting is the federal government has just announced an interest rate increase on second home purchases. These are homes that people have as a secondary

flow of new residents moving to Williamson County. As Williamson County maintains its appeal and desirability, it will continue to attract new residents to the area. Additionally, in the aftermath of the pandemic in 2020, we have seen an increase in self-employment and remote workplace options nationally.

People have the freedom to choose where they live, and Williamson County is at the top of the list. These factors, plus the stability of the economy in our area, makes Williamson County a pretty secure area to live. Even if there is a national downturn with the trends we have seen, it would most likely not have an overwhelming effect in this area.

According to WCAR 2022 Board President Misty Woodford, “A percentage increase in the interest rate affects your monthly payment… people don’t shop a sales price, they shop a monthly payment, so when your interest rate increases, that will affect your buying power and your ability to enter the market or to upgrade in the market.”

Another factor that we are keeping a close eye on in 2022 is the increase in jobs and the steady

All in all, for the time being, your investment in Williamson County is safe, and we expect the numbers to continue to affirm that reality in 2022.

Established in 1962, WCAR’s vision is to serve REALTORS® and enhance the communities in which we interact and engage. WCAR is located in Brentwood, TN and currently has over 2500 members.

Family. Fun. Friendship.

E X P E R I E N C E T H E F O U N TA I N S

Independent Villas . Assisted Living . Memory Care.

615.567.3717

300 Celebration Circle Franklin, TN

W W W. F O U N TA I N S F R A N K L I N . C O M

LIFESTYLE

Styling YOUR Everyday

mess MASTER YOUR

THE HOME EDIT’S PRACTICAL TIPS FOR ORGANIZING YOUR HOME

BY JENNY REIMOLD

After “editing” and organizing the It is this witty approach to life, homes of celebrity clients Gwyneth design and organization that Paltrow, Mandy Moore, Christina launched Clea Shearer and Joanna Applegate and Thomas Rhett, Teplin, founders of The Home Edit, Nashville resident and Oscar into celebrity stardom. Although winner Reese Witherspoon reached The Home Edit started as a out with an offer to collaborate. business, Clea and Joanna have Her network, Hello Sunshine, turned their passion for organizing now produces The Home Edit’s and order into a successful brand. entertaining television With their “mullet” show, “Master the Mess,” “Balance social media strategy, while their first book, “The featuring a “business is all about Home Edit: A Guide to in the front, party in the setting the Organizing and Realizing back” approach, these bar just low Your House Goals,” will be savvy ladies have built enough that released on March 19th. an empire by posting you can beautiful photos of In addition to building an accomplish organized spaces on organizational empire, their Instagram feed while all sorts of Clea and Joanna also bite-sized uploading hilarious videos manage home and family of their real-life onto their victories. life as working mothers, Instagram stories.

Life is too entrepreneurs and volunteers with St. Jude’s short to The Home Edit catapulted feel residual and Baby2Baby. Their into fame after they “surviving not thriving” reinvented traditional guilt about comical approach to life is organizing concepts. Their not wearing one that we all can relate real pants signature rainbow-themed to. It is this practical and approach to stylish and or making it humorous life strategy functional organization to the gym that has made such a became a social media lasting impression upon sensation. Meticulously every day.” me both as a mother and styled pantries, playrooms a designer. I’m humbled to and closets, aesthetically designed have been able to interview them in a ROYGBIV fashion, became on everything from label makers an Instagram phenomenon. Their to the Kardashians and to have color-coded level of organizational been offered a glimpse into Clea’s wizardry not only became popular Nashville home. in middle Tennessee but caught the eye of some of Hollywood’s biggest names.

40 WINTER 2022

Did your mutual passion for organization and style bring you together, or did you know each other as “mom friends” first?

Not exactly. We met in 2015 through a mutual friend who suggested we go to lunch due to the fact we were both recent California transplants who moved to Nashville for their husband’s job, had kids the same age and had independently planned on having their own organizing business upon moving. We went to lunch, and four hours later, we were business partners. That same night, we came up with our company name, designed our logo, bought our domain and registered our LLC. Organizers are nothing if not efficient. Looking back, it’s probably illadvised to essentially get married after a matter of hours, but when it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.

What areas of people’s homes do you consistently see in need of the most help?

Closets and pantries. Any area that typically lacks space and stores numerous categories.

What areas in your own homes, if any, do you struggle to maintain?

If we are struggling to maintain an area, that means we need to create a new system. Laundry can be tough when we’ve been traveling. In order to keep up with it, we like to use rolling canvas hampers for each family member. We sell them on our website, and it’s made laundry day a breeze!

If readers recognize that an area of their home needs help, what are the first steps to take to begin an “edit?”

1. Remove everything: The space should be completely empty when you are done. It might look messy at first but, trust us, this is where the magic happens.

2. Create groupings: Start by arranging ALL of the items in front of you into categories. You may be tempted to skip this step, but IT’S IMPORTANT. Categorizing makes editing visually easier when deciding what you keep, toss or re-purpose, especially if you have any duplicates.

To pare down, ask yourself these questions: 1. Do you NEED it?

2. Do you ever USE it?

3. Do you ever WANT to use it?

If the answer is “no” to any of the above, it’s time to ditch or donate.

Keep two labeled bins or trash bags close by to keep everything in order.

3. Pare down: Take a look at the grouped items in front of you. The harsh truth is that you do not need everything that was in that space.

What are your top five must-have organizing essentials?

1. Large wicker baskets: We generally keep at least one in each living space. They allow you to easily store blankets and pillows in the living room or bulky toys in a playroom. By adding them throughout the house, you can quickly clean up any mess your family members leave behind, and they have the added benefit of making a room look polished and well-designed.

2. Divided turntables: A perfect storage solution for any room in the house. You can use it on your desk for pens, pencils and scissors, in the bathroom with cotton balls, Q-tips, and hairbrushes - or on an entryway table to hold keys, wallets and change.

3. Acrylic storage containers: We use these in all shapes and sizes in almost every room in the home. They allow you to keep items categorized, contained and easy to spot.

4. Over-the-door Elfa system: Allows you to take advantage of vertical space and clear clutter off counter tops, shelves and inside hidden cabinets.

5. Drawer inserts: These inserts provide a way to create a functional system in an otherwise forgotten space. When every item is categorized and has a home, you’ll always know where to find it.

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 41

What organizing mistakes do you see people often make?

Skipping the editing process. If you can’t make any edits, you’re just shuffling things back and forth as contained clutter.

I love the ROYGBIV organizational concept.

How does a parent maintain that level of organizational mastery with children?

Bribes. Just kidding! Believe it or not, the ROYGBIV concept works well with children, oftentimes more than designated bins. It’s more visual and offers a simple way of knowing where to look for an item and where to put it away.

Playrooms can be a different beast in the organizational world. What tips do you have for parents who want to create a stylish playroom like Clea’s?

1. Instead of separating out smaller Legos from larger Duplos, consider allowing for more interpretation in where things belong. Creating broad categories that kids intuitively understand — blocks, dolls, dress-up and so on — will help with longterm maintenance and keep your home neat.

2. Organizing according to the rainbow helps create a playful and creative space for kids and a stylized space for adults. Arrange the

42 WINTER 2022

books, art supplies, toys and pretend food by color , and you’ll not only have a pretty playroom, but your kids will automatically know where everything is stored.

3. Use large baskets to accommodate bulky categories like stuffed animals, blocks and train sets. For the smaller and more specific categories, use stackable shoe boxes and a paint pen to identify each item. The paint pen easily wipes clean with rubbing alcohol for future updating.

4. Try creating zones so every space has a purpose and every item has a home.

If you have a lot of trucks, for instance, create a ‘parking lot’ so that there’s a designated spot for them. The zone will hold you accountable and keep the room from descending into toy chaos.

What can readers expect from The Home Edit book? Will there be a shopping list for rookies?

New tips for Type A veterans?

YES! Our advice appeals to the newbie organizer as well as the type A person who has a system in place. Everyone can glean something valuable from the book, no matter where you are on the organizing spectrum! We bring our tried-and-true decluttering methods straight from our celeb clients’ closets and into your home. Anyone can totally do this. We think

that people will really love our step-by-step tips to help build and ultimately achieve your organization goals. Bring on the ROYGIBIV! What celebrity clients of yours would be your organizational protégés? Who is skilled enough, on their own, to have their own organizing show? Any dream clients you’d like to work with?

Khloe Kardashian. Hands down. We were just over at her house helping her organize and couldn’t understand why she needed us. Not only is she extremely organized, but she lives by a ROYGBIV label system too! As for our dream client? The entire cast of Schitt’s Creek.

A new year offers a fresh opportunity to reevaluate what organizational strategies are working in your life and what could use an edit.

Be sure to pick up a copy of their new book and use The Home Edit’s practical tips in this article to improve the order in your own home!

JENNY REIMOLD

Styling Your Everyday Jenny is your new Styling Your Everyday contributor. She will bring to you design and entertainment tips from her years of experience. Connect with @jennyreimold on Instagram or at jennyreimold.com.

movingwithkelly.com ERealtorKellyDougherty QA@movingwithkelly Kelly Dougherty REALTOR® c: 615.804.6940 | o: 615. 790.3400 | Kellyd@VillageTN.com

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

209 2nd Avenue South Franklin Historic Franklin

3005 Auld Tatty Drive Spring Hill Highlands at Campbell Station

501 Bonaire Lane Franklin Westhaven

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

1439 Westhaven Boulevard Franklin Westhaven

226 Prospect Avenue Franklin Westhaven

3286 Vinemont Dr Thompsons Station Tollgate

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

319 S Margin St Franklin Historic Downtown

1818 Eliot Rd Franklin Westhaven

5970 Milton Fox Rd Franklin Leipers Fork

1315 Eliot Rd Franklin Westhaven

COMMUNITY

Southern Is YOUR Lifestyle

A Multi-Million Dollar Record Deal NAOMI BANNISTER’S UNIQUE JOURNEY TO MIDDLE TENNESSEE

In 2012 my husband, Jordan, and I moved to Franklin. It came after a long-time friend of mine had messaged me on Facebook to say he was living in the best small town in America, and we HAD to come out see it for ourselves.

It took one visit. Suddenly we were listing our house back in Canada and heading this way.

I wish I could say this was a unique story, but today I hear a similar story almost every day!

Prior to my journey of falling in love with Franklin, I had grown up in Canada, lived in Orlando, Florida, worked in New York City as a young aspiring singer - having signed a mighty five million dollar recording contract with Sony Records; I had traveled Europe making a record for two years, then moved to Los Angeles. There, my world - and first record deal - crumbled (along with the Twin Towers in the early 2000s).

Some could say I had nine lives when I rebounded and signed an indie deal that had me in the studio with the legendary guitarist Carlos Santana cutting what was intended to be my first single. A few major Billboard

articles and rave reviews later, I found myself once again, with a failed ,never released attempt, seemingly at the end.

But if you know anything about the entertainment industry, it’s all about a good story! And my story wasn’t finished just yet. I wound up back in NYC in a recording studio with Mario Winans (BeBe Winans nephew), at Sean ‘Puff Daddy’ Combs studio, tossing around ideas. Then, I ultimately had the moment that would change my life and path forever when a chauffeur approached me with a dream, saying that I’d been chasing all the wrong things. My life had to be God-centered and God-focused if I was ever to find happiness and have all of my dreams fulfilled. It was several months later it all clicked, back in Los Angeles, in a studio with American Idol’s original judge, Randy Jackson, telling him I really needed to find what God had in store for my life and leave the dream I’d been chasing behind.

I met my husband months later, followed by the launch of my Christian music ministry, finally

leading us to Franklin. In 2015 I had my eldest son, and like so many parents can say, my life changed forever, and the rest is history! I left music behind and began a career in real estate.

The perfect next step and progression to my story. After years of negotiation, contracts, marketing and advertising in music, real estate made perfect sense.

Now, I run a successful real estate career in Williamson County, have two sons, and my husband owns Buy The Square Foot, a professional home measurement company.

My story has many twists and turns, as I believe every story does! If you would like to discuss the next steps of your story and life, whether it’s buying, selling or investing. I would be honored to speak with you! I provide luxury service at every price point.

NAOMI BANNISTER | KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY Luxury Real Estate Professional Awarded Best Real Estate Agent in Franklin, Naomi’s standard of excellence is apparent and one reason why she has negotiated, closed, and become one of the top agents in the Southeast Region at Keller Williams Realty. Her skill of innovative and cutting edge marketing, advertising, strong negotiation, attention to detail, communication and a real and genuine heart for people, combined with her desire to fulfill clients goals, this is the reason for you to choose Naomi as your real estate professional in Middle Tennessee, whether you are buying, selling, investing, relocating in residential or commercial real estate Naomi is the agent for you. Contact Naomi today (c) 615.707,0597 (o) 615.788.1818 or at NaomiBannister@kw.com.

44 WINTER 2022

(615) 794-7415 • TENNESSEEVALLEYHOMES.COM

FEATURE

In YOUR Backyard

THE ANTIQUES & GARDEN SHOW OF NASHVILLE RETURNS 46 WINTER 2022

JESSICA AMERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Home is Where Your Story Begins

Chairs Ashley Smith and Julia Spickard have selected the 2022 Show’s theme to be “Home is where your story begins,” and are thrilled to announce an exceptional lineup of featured speakers and moderators that bridge the entertaining, gardening and design worlds. The keynote lecture will be given

by Martha Stewart, followed

by Bunny Williams, who is returning for her second year. Also included are Clea Shearer, Joanna Teplin and Alexa Hampton.

“We’re proud to present the amazing talent speaking at the 2022 Show on the common sentiment that home is where your story begins,” Julia said. “We’re also honored to have Gracie Studios providing the design inspiration for this year’s theme, which has been translated into an exclusive design created just for the Show.” The 2022 Show also promises three outstanding garden displays presented by accomplished landscape designers that attendees can interactively experience.

This year’s garden designers are Anne Daigh and Wade Rick of Daigh Rick. They will present the East Garden with a beautiful garden structure built by one of Nashville’s top builders West Cook Builders, and Joseph Hillenmeyer of Lexington, KY, whose showcase design will feature a spectacular Hartley Botanic Greenhouse in the West Garden. In addition, the design for Cheekwood’s botanical Entry Exhibition will again be led by Cheekwood VP of Gardens and Facilities Peter Grimaldi.

PEYTON HOGUE PHOTOGRAPHY

The Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville, one of the country’s largest antiques and horticultural events, is an annual charitable event whose purpose is to raise funds for Cheekwood and Economic Club of Nashville (ECON) Charities. This event makes its highly anticipated return February 11th through 13th, at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville.

Keynoting the event is entrepreneur, bestselling author and Emmy Awardwinning television show host Martha Stewart. The Show draws more than 15,000 attendees annually to experience its impressive showcase of antiques from more than 150 dealers, world-class landscaped gardens and opportunities to engage with some of the nation’s top names in design and horticulture through educational lectures, panel discussions and book signings.

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 47

LECTURE SERIES Martha Stewart

KEYNOTE LECTURE Martha Stewart is the Founder of the first multichannel lifestyle company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, an entrepreneur, bestselling author of ninety-nine to date, lifestyle books and an Emmy Award-winning television show host. Reaching more than 100 million devoted fans on a monthly basis through her magazines, television shows, books, and products for the home, sold at multiple retail and online outlets, Martha is the “go-to” source for the homemaker.

She and her talented staff provide trusted, timely, and useful information on all aspects of everyday living: cooking, entertaining, gardening, home renovating, collecting, organizing, crafting, healthy living, holidays, weddings and pet care, both in print and social media.

Bunny Williams

GARDEN AND LANDSCAPE DESIGN LECTURE: THE MAKING OF A GARDEN OVER 30 YEARS Bunny will walk through the various gardens

48 WINTER 2022

she has developed surrounding her house in Falls Village, Connecticut, over the course of more than thirty years. Illustrating early versions of her sunken parterre, vegetable and woodland gardens, along with the spaces that connect each of them, she’ll lead us through how they’ve evolved and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of The Home Edit

LIFESTYLE LECTURE: - IN CONVERSATION WITH GEN SOHR OF PENCIL & PAPER CO. Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of The Home Edit started their organizing business the day they met six years ago with a singular dream— combine organizing with aesthetics and share it with the world. Their hope to marry form and function proved fruitful. The duo is now operating organizing branches in cities across the U.S., are the authors of two New York Times number one best-selling books, the stars of the Emmy-nominated Netflix series “Get Organized with The Home Edit” and creators of multiple

product lines sold in stores across the globe. Join Clea and Joanna for a casual, in-depth chat with design-maven Gen Sohr, as the two share their secrets for conquering your clutter with their unique brand of interior styling, practicality and humor.

Alexa Hampton

DESIGN PANEL: LEXTALKS LIVE & INPERSON WITH ALEXA HAMPTON - AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE CAREERS AND STORIES BEHIND DESIGN’S TOP TALENT World-renowned designer Alexa Hampton takes her popular “52 Weeks of Design” interview series on the road for the first-ever in-person LexTalks Live, during which she’ll interview design panelists Jenn and Mike Gracie, Christopher Spitzmiller and Ashley Whittaker. Take an inside look into the careers of the industry’s top designers and taste-makers as Alexa leads the conversation spanning the topics of design, gardening and lifestyle. Enjoy behind-the-scenes stories and a celebration of the design world accompanied by a slideshow presentation with vivid and insightful imagery.

THIS IS HOME “Living in Shelton Square feels like an experience. All of the development pulls the community into the center.

We love that it is intentionally thought-out. It gives us a real homey and warm feeling.”

– Anthony and Sherry Febles

NEW HOMES FROM THE $400s - $900s

www.sheltonsquareliving.com

Cupid

FEATURE

A Southern Gentleman Is...

IS IN THE HOUSE THE REAL STORY OF CUPID WITH YOUR SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

Now that we have brought in the New Year, it’s time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day. And, of course, when you do — Cupid always pops up. You know, the guy in a diaper with the wings and bow and arrow? Synonymous with hearts and chocolate and love…this mythical figure agreed to sit down and talk amore, and I jumped at the chance to learn more about this mysterious iconic figure.

SG: Thank you so much for sharing some time with me. I am so excited to meet you. I have seen photos on cards and boxes of candy with your likeness all my life. Let’s talk more about you and try to separate fact from fiction. As with most legends, there are many unknown and not exactly accurate depictions of you.

Cupid: Haha. I am happy to chat. First, as you can see, I am a grown man — not a chubby baby in a diaper. That was an image created

several years ago by the clever marketing people selling cards and candy for this holiday of love.

As you mentioned….inaccurate information abounds!

My life story is a long one. SO, let’s start with Mom and Dad. My parents are Greek gods.

My mother, Venus, is the Goddess of Love , and my father, Mars, is known as the God of War. They gave me the name Cupid which means “to desire.”

I was given the conventional attributes of the Olympian gods, such as superhuman strength, endurance and longevity. However, I was also given extensive archery skills with powers to shoot loving, gold and magical tipped arrows to cause affection for the first thing my victims see after getting hit.

I am not bragging or complaining. I am just telling it like it is. Being the son of Greek gods is no easy task. There are some big carbatines (ancient Greek sandals) to

fill and a lot of expectations. I am sure a lot of your readers know exactly what I mean.

SG:

So, you mentioned your family. Tell me more about your childhood and what it is like being raised by Greek gods.

Cupid: I was always under the very close

eye of my parents, like most kids, full of mischief and curiosity. When you are young and have superpowers, it can be dangerous. At times I was a little callous and careless. Sometimes, just as a harmless troublemaker having fun, shooting my arrow at the oddest couples, just to see how it would go. One time, I had a conflict with another young male. I felt that he was making fun of me. So, I struck him with an arrow to make him fall for a beautiful young lady — who I then made fall in love with someone else.

I believe that was the worst thing I ever did. For, it inflicted terrible pain. I mean, have you ever loved someone who loved someone else?

No doubt, I got this mischief and sometimes poor behavior from my mother. However, this all changed when I fell in love.

My mother, Venus, had trouble dealing with women whose beauty rivaled her own. She once bribed a Trojan prince named Paris

50 WINTER 2022

"as you can see, I am a grown man, not a chubby baby in a diaper"

to choose her over two other goddesses in a beauty pageant. His reward was a Greek beauty named Helen. Unfortunately, Helen was already married to Menelaus, King of Sparta, as we all know from the story. When Paris took Helen to Troy, a thousand ships were launched to bring her back, resulting in the Trojan War. A tale of jealousy all my own is where my life changed.

There was a young lady named Psyche. Though a mortal, she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Men would travel from far away lands to get a glimpse of her. This infuriated my mother because Psyche was getting so much attention. So she sent me to make Psyche’s life miserable by using one of my arrows to make her fall in love with the ugliest monster-like man I could find. Being an obedient son, I went on my mission. When I had Psyche in my sights, preparing to shoot as she caught eyes with the ugliest man in the crowd outside her house...

I then saw her face. That was it. I literally shot myself in the foot. I was in love.

Now, what to do. I couldn’t marry her - I am a God, and she a mortal. Not to mention what mother would say or do. So, in secret at night, I started having her meet me so she could not see my face. Yes, we were falling in love. I took her to live in a luxurious palace and visited every night. I had servants cater to all her needs each day. But I insisted she could never see my face.

If she did, I would leave her.

One day she had her sisters come to visit. They became extremely jealous of her new home, the servants and all she was given. They told her that I must be a monster if I wouldn’t let her see my face and suggested that she shine my face with light while I was sleeping. That night she did, and she saw who I was a god,

not a monster. The light woke me, and I felt betrayed and left.

As Psyche did not have wings, she could not follow me. She searched everywhere for me while I was trying to figure out what to do. Unable to find me, Psyche ended up coming to my mother for help. My mother told her that she would tell her where I was if she completed a specific task which she willingly agreed to do. The task took her to the Underworld, where she was to bring back a beautiful box but was told not to open the box, no matter what. But again, curiosity got the best of her, and she opened to look inside.

It contained the sleep of darkness, which swiftly put her into an eternal sleep.

Knowing my mother had something to do with her disappearance, I searched and found Psyche. Crushed with grief and sadness, I gave her a kiss, and she awoke. I knew then that I could never again be without her. I went to Jupiter, the King of Gods, told him my story, and he agreed to help me. He granted Psyche immortality so she could live with me as my wife in Olympus among the gods, where she became the Goddess of the Soul. We had a daughter named Hedone, the Goddess of Pleasure. Yes, ours is a true love story.

The lesson we learned from all this is that there can be no love without trust. Or, as Elvis put it… “we can’t go on together with suspicious minds.”

SG:

Wow! What a story. So, does it always work when you shoot your arrow in someone?

Does it last?

Cupid: Johnny, nothing is perfect. Heck, I know you’re a Kentucky Wildcat basketball fan. Even they only win ninety percent of their home games at Rupp Arena. With love or

whatever you want to call it, you just never know sometimes. Obviously, love can be fleeting. But then, was that really TRUE love? Sometimes people think they were shot with one of my arrows but end up realizing it wasn’t love at all. It may have been something…something that had a hold, but was it love or something dang near like it?

Others just find a way to mess things up. You know, they find that love is grand, and divorce is 200 grand.

The phrase “love is blind” comes from people falling in love with an image of what they want that person to be or what they hope they will become. As a result, they only see the good early on and overlook the bad, the shortcomings.

But, for that to last, it will take some work from both sides.

Mostly, I just want to impart happiness to both mortal and immortal couples. I can only light the spark, so to speak. It’s up to the lovers to see it through.

SG: Thank you, Cupid.

Love. It has caused wars, costs lives, broken up homes, families and friendships. Oh, yeah and broken many a heart. Maybe that is why over sixty percent of all recorded hit songs are about love, and don’t we all have a favorite love story on the big screen we watch over and over (cry over is more like it). Art imitates life, as they say – and in no greater way than a romantic movie with a happy ending.

Not a man (or woman) or god, in Heaven or on Earth, really knows the secret to love. But let me know if you figure it out. In the meantime, Happy Valentine’s Day. Here’s to love and all that goes with it. Fortunately for us mortals, matters of the heart don’t usually involve a jealous goddess. So, celebrate this Valentine’s Day with the one you love, and may Cupid’s arrow work its magic!

“Love is something sent from heaven to worry the hell out of you.”

— Dolly Parton YOUR SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN Johnny Birdsong Johnny Birdsong, Publisher at YOUR Williamson Magazine, is a Kentucky native and Williamson County convert but above all, a Southern Gentleman. In upcoming issues, this column will feature Johnny to offer time-honored advice in the area of manners, hospitality, and what being a gentleman means as he chats and visits with such gentlemen from all over our county. You never know who he may be sitting down with next!

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 51

MONTHLY

Bone Vivant

WILLIAMSON COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER Opening New Doors and Bringing New Light to Adoptable Animals

BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM PHOTOGRAPHY BY PENNY ADAMS

The Williamson County Animal Center (WCAC) has called its location on Claude Yates Drive, in Franklin, home for many years. As the county has grown in population, the amount of animals in need of adoption has grown as well, thus bringing the need for a larger center to the forefront of needs that WCAC has…and a new Center will be opening its doors soon to serve the county.

Many have been involved with the planning and execution of the new WCAC location.

“Friends of WCAC was involved from the very beginning and provided a large amount of funding for specific areas of the building that will serve the public,” says WCAC Director Ondrea Johnson. Private donors have funded several areas that will enhance the offerings of the Center, including dog exercise yards, public education area, indoor dog training facility, and a community spay neuter clinic.”

The beautiful new building, which will offer 35,000 square feet (a huge jump from the current 13,000 square foot facility), was designed by 906 Studio Architects in consult with Shelter Planners of America. Ondrea has had input in every square inch of the building along with the help of Shelter Planners of America, who had data and research behind every single suggestion. “I followed their lead. The process to design this building was very detailed and specialized,” Ondrea says.

52 WINTER 2022

“We have achieved and maintained a very high save rate for the past several years. But we can’t rest there. We know that the indicator of a healthy pet community is the census of its shelter.”

community has the opportunity to model best practices for partnering with the community to keep pets in homes, help control pet populations, educate the public on pet-related issues and offer adoption services for families looking to add a pet to their home… I strongly “The new building has room for staff which believe that the way to improve life for animals ultimately equates to programming that helps is to partner with the people who care for save animals’ lives,” she says. “We believe them. The future possibilities are unlimited. that the best way to serve animals in our We will host monthly foster orientations to community is by serving the people who care increase our lifesaving capacity. We will have for them. Our future is focused on the citizens more volunteer opportunities. We have plans of Williamson County and what to partner with Parks and Rec they need through all stages of for a summer camp for youth “The new pet ownership. Of course, we are and so much more. We are building has planning group dog training also tasked with the enforcement room for of County rules and regulations classes for the community to try staff which pertaining to dogs and cats. We to help people and pets live more will continue to advocate, cohesively together. All of this ultimately educate, and enforce animal will be possible due to the spaces equates to welfare in our community.” provided by the new building.” programming

that helps save The new facility will house twenty Want to help? WCAC has a constant need for volunteers percent more animals than the animals’ lives” and foster families. They put current building, and every animal area has access to natural light. The over 900 animals into foster homes in 2021, ventilation system is also designed to reduce including more than 700 cats and kittens. If disease, cross-contamination and control odor. you can’t volunteer in the shelter, they also need The capacity of the new space is designed with community trapping experts to help with feral twenty years of growth in mind. and community cat colonies. Local businesses

can host adoption events and you can always With the current facility so limited in how the make item and monetary donations.

WCAC staff can interact with the public, Ondrea is very eager to have the community WCAC’s ’s new facility grand opening is education space and wants it to be a resource planned for March 25th. Learn more at for our community, not a last resort. “Our adoptwcac.org.

VA C AT I O N

I N Y O U R O W N B A C K YA R D

With over 35 years of experience in swimming pool construction and operation, Clearwater Pools is ready and able to provide you with the swimming pool of your dreams.

•

Construction

•

Wa t e r A n a l y s i s

•

Remodel

•

Vinyl Liner Replacement

•

Repairs

•

Leak Detection

•

Chemical Sales

•

Weekly Maintenance

Visit our store or make an appointment today to assess your pool for upcoming spring and summer use:

330 FRANKLIN ROAD, SUITE 242 | BRENTWOOD, TN | 615.370.9811 | CLEARWATERPOOLSNASHVILLE.COM

FEATURE

Valentine’s Day

PAW Prints & PURRfect Pairs FIND YOUR MATCH AT WCAC!

Welcome to PAW Prints & PURRfect Pairs - the matchmaking game where we want you to find your FURever friend! We have a batch of great adoptable matches today and they are here to steal your heart - with the pitter pat of little paws.

DESTINY I am Destiny and I am five month olds! I have some leash training, I am extremely friendly and enjoy being held! I would love to hop into your heart!

Do you see your perfect match?

Contact Williamson County Animal Center today and meet your FURever friend!

BUNNY

DARMA

DIOR

Meow! My name is Bunny and I am a senior calico and I am lap loving, curious, active and playful. I would love to spend my days in a nice quiet home with you!

I am Darma and I am in my prime - lively, healthy and I am a talkative girl who loves to get my snuggle on.

I love grown-ups, older kids, even dogs and birds!

Hello, I am Dior and I am six months old, friendly, fun and active. I love playing with toys and love other dogs! I am a smart girl and ready to learn more!

WILLIAMSON COUNTY ANIMAL CENTER | 106 CLAUDE YATES DRIVE | FRANKLIN, TN 37064 | 615.790.5590 | ADOPTWCAC.ORG 54 WINTER 2022

DICE

HIPPO

LUCY

Ruff! I am Dice and I am a friendly, happy, playful boy!

I like kids, car rides and love water! I also love playing with other dogs. I am ready for adventures with you!

Hi, I’m Hippo and I am the CUTEST low-rider! I am a great boy, gentle, friendly, sweet and an easy fella. I would love to be a part of your family!

I am Lucy and I am a beautiful, full-figured girl who loves playing catch with a ping pong ball and looking out of the window. I love to keep you company!

SKYE

TIMBER

TULLY

Hi, I’m Skye and I LOVE to LOVE! I am a happy girl who loves to give kisses and play. I would love to be a part of your family. I am a smart and fun girl!

I am Timber! I am an active and curious senior that enjoys exploring outdoors, other pets, toys as well as quiet time. I am a very affectionate kitty!

I’m Tully and I am the life of the party! I love people, toys and other dogs.

My absolute favorite is swimming! I am a beautiful girl with a big personality!

WILLIAMSON COUNTY ANIMAL CENTER | 106 CLAUDE YATES DRIVE | FRANKLIN, TN 37064 | 615.790.5590 | ADOPTWCAC.ORG YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 55

COMMUNITY

YOUR Kids

SATISFYING CHILDREN’S

Curiosity WITH DORENA WILLIAMSON

Twenty-eight years ago, our whole world changed with the birth of our son. As new parents, we went to great lengths to prepare his nursery, select toys, board books, and even the mobile above his crib, with the intention of developing an intelligent child. When our bright-eyed brown baby became more active, we ensured that our home was safe for crawling and first steps. As we learned that curiosity confirms healthy development, we enjoyed watching our son and later, our three daughters, explore their surroundings.

Give them language

Young children bring such joy as they take in the world around them. Little fingers constantly reach out to touch and explore. A toddler grimaces after sampling a lemon’s tartness. The taste of a first birthday cupcake evokes a whole-body response of delight!

Multicultural crayons and markers turn coloring into an opportunity to reinforce racial beauty. Books, TV, museums, and community resources offer representation that educates and inspires, sowing seeds of understanding and wisdom.

Adults play different roles in nurturing children’s early years. Grandparents sprinkle wisdom, coaches encourage ability, teachers dispense knowledge, and faith leaders guide spiritual formation.

Here are a few ways we can plant good seeds in their hearts:

Lead by example

Children are little sponges, soaking up what they hear and observing how we interact with others. Demonstrate what it means to be a good neighbor to the marginalized in our community.

Replace colorblind rhetoric with celebratory awareness

From a young age, children are taught to love colors, and they notice that people don’t look like them. Use books like ColorFull to guide children in celebrating the beautiful and different shades of our skin.

In conversing with friends of other cultures, author Michelle Reyes suggests replacing questions like “What are you?” or “Where are you from?” with questions such as: “What are some of the special celebrations and traditions in your family?” and, “What are your ethnic roots?” Teach children that differences are good and should be approached with curiosity and respect.

Give them tools

One night as I helped wrap my daughter Charis’ braids in a silk headwrap, I thought of the varied hairstyles in our home, from my short curls to another daughter’s trendy weave. I knew that black hair was not always celebrated in mainstream culture, with athletes, school children, even professional women being discriminated against because of their natural styles. Those seeds of thought eventually sprouted into my new book Crowned With Glory, a celebration of self-love and uniqueness that will give representation to children of color and inspiration to people of all ethnicities.

As a mother and an author, I know that books are a powerful tool for affirmation and learning. In our growing multicultural world, children are so blessed to interact with people from all walks of life. May we look for opportunities to nurture young hearts by planting good seeds, growing humans who live and love well in their journey of life.

DORENA WILLIAMSON Author Dorena Williamson writes children’s books that adults need too. She is the best-selling author of ColorFull, The Celebration Place, and Crowned With Glory. She is a stylist with Evereve, a longtime bridge-builder, and co-planter of Strong Tower Bible Church, a multicultural faith community in Nashville. She is married to Dr. Chris Williamson and they have four teenage and adult children.

56 WINTER 2022

COMMUNITY

News From the Schools

FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION ON OUR LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS - GO TO WCS.ORG, FSSD.ORG AND BATTLEGROUND.ORG

WCS’S TEACHERS AND CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR This year’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year is Edmondson’s, Elaina Gallas. The Elementary School Classified Employee of the Year is Fairview’s Rita Binkley. The Middle School Teacher of the Year is Hillsboro School’s Landon Hardison. Mill Creek’s Holly Pring was named the Middle School Classified Employee of the Year. Fairview’s Stephanie McGaha is the High School Teacher of the Year. The High School Classified Employee of the Year is Ravenwood’s Dave Burnham. Every year, each school selects a teacher and classified employee to honor. A teacher at the elementary, middle and high school level is then selected to be a district Teacher of the Year, qualifying them to compete for State and National honors. A system-wide Classified Employee of the Year is also chosen at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

MID, ALL-STATE CHOIRS ANNOUNCED More than eighty WCS high school students are now part of the Tennessee Mid-State and All-State Choirs. In addition to being part of the Mid-State Choirs, thirty-eight WCS students were also selected for the Tennessee Music Education Association’s All-State Choirs. To earn their place on the choirs, students were

required to learn pieces of acapella music from the Renaissance period, upload a cut of each piece and submit it for adjudication.

The judges, made up of teachers and Middle Tennessee Voice Association (MTVA) members, followed a rubric to select students for the choirs. The All-State weekend event will take place April 27-30 at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville. Congratulations to the students listed: Kate Smith - Mid-State SATB, All-State SSAA; Olivia Webber - MidState SATB, All-State SSAA; Alexander Wilson - Mid-State SATB, All-State TTBB; Andrew Stanworth - Mid-State SATB, All-State TTBB; Adeline Spears - Mid-State SSAA, All-State SSAA; Sam Holt - Mid-State TTBB, All-State TTBB; Brooks Wheeler - Mid-State SATB; Sydney Loyd - Mid-State SSAA; Adele Smith - Mid-State SSAA and Javkhaa Altansukh Mid-State SSAA.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FSSD TEACHERS OF THE YEAR Franklin Elementary first grade teacher Lauren Simpson was selected as FSSD Elementary Teacher of the Year. Freedom Intermediate sixth grade science teacher Brittany Martin was selected as FSSD Middle School Teacher of the Year. They were both surprised in class recently

by Director of Schools Dr. David Snowden and Associate Director of Schools for Teaching and Learning Dr. Mary Decker, as well as their students!

SUMMER CAMPS

40+ half- and full-day camps available in

ART ATHLETICS CANNONBALL DAY CAMP CHEER CODING CULINARY ARTS DANCE PERFORMING ARTS ROBOTICS ...AND MORE! Learn more and register at battlegroundacademy.org/ camps

Sponsored Event SOCIAL Dickens of a Christmas PHOTOGRAPHY BY LORENZO HUERTA

The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County held its 36th Annual Dickens of a Christmas, despite having to cancel the first day of festivities for the two-day event. An estimated crowd of more than 70,000 locals and visitors took to the streets in downtown Franklin to enjoy the Victorian-inspired festival. Learn more about the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County and their events at williamsonheritage. org.

Denise & Johnny Willis

Nancy Whittley & Marie Lloyd

Family owned and operated For three generations.

Full service Funeral and cremation provider. cemetery and crematory on site.

Jaclyn & Jeff Ledbetter

3009 Columbia Ave. Franklin, TN 37064 www.williamsonmemorial.com 615-794-2289

5239 Main St. Spring Hill, TN 37174 www.springhill-memorial.com 931-486-0059

Christina & Theo Kousouli

plan ahead by calling our office or visiting www.preplanning.com/williamsonmemorial

www.preplannning.com/springhillmemorial

Jim Sebastian

LIFESTYLE

Read Between the Lines

JESUS IS NOT ONLY YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR,

He Can Be Your Best Friend

MARIACHI DIVAS DE CINDY SHEA

BLACK VIOLIN

GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO

HOT TUNA

POPOVICH COMEDY PET THEATER

LOS VIVANCOS: THE FLAMENCO KINGS

Feb. 27

Mar. 4-5

RICHARD MARX

LOS ANGELES GUITAR QUARTET

Jan. 21-22

Feb. 5-6

mother-daughter duos to learn more about the Best Friend that they share. With an original design and captivating questions, girls, teens and women will deepen the relationship they value in Jesus.

Every characteristic you long for in a friend is found in Him and emphasized beyond human understanding. What are you waiting for?

Besties w/ Jesus, from Christian influencer and “Jesus and Jo” ministry founder Jorja Gust, introduces her Lord and Savior as not only the way to heaven but the One who you can call the best friend in thirty life-changing ways.

Each of us longs for relationship and companionship. One where we feel completely known, seen and wanted. What better way to find a friend in the One who loved you so much He knew you were someone to die for.

The One who created you in the most beautiful and unique way. The One who chose you before you chose Him. You are the one He wants to be friends with, and His name is Jesus.

Besties w/ Jesus is the perfect devotional for Christian women of all ages. It is a great way for small groups, bible study coffee dates, and even

" You have a Best Friend that will make you better than before, He will never leave your side, His is a Friendship that will never fade and will always feel wanted because you are chosen, and in Him, you are always at home. "

Feb. 11-12

Feb. 18

Become Besties with Jesus!

Besties with Jesus is available for purchase through Amazon.

Jorja Gust was born and raised in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee. At the age of twenty-one, she became the founder and creator of “Jesus and Jo” ministries, whose mission is to reveal to women of all ages the joy and confidence that can be found through their relationship with Christ. You may know her as “Jo” from her Tiktok platform, @jesusandjo, where she has over 55,000 friends that watch her smiling and inspiring every day as she talks about her best friend, Jesus. She recently graduated college is taking on the world, in faith, to see where God will lead her.

Mar. 30 - Apr. 1

Apr. 8-9

FT Live and Great Performances Sponsored by

615.538.2076 | FranklinTheatre.com 419 Main St., Franklin, TN 37064

CELEBRATE OUR 10 TH ANNIVERSARY, WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY!

FranklinTheatre.com/Documentary

SOCIAL

Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HALEY ANTHONY

Kicking off the holiday season, Leiper’s Fork held their annual Christmas parade in the Leiper’s Fork Village. Families and furry friends came decked out in festive attire and full of holiday cheer. Known for its quirky, spirited and unapologetically country presence, the Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade is one of a kind. One never knows what they will see in this parade! Horses, pigs, goats and other livestock, tractors and Grand Marshal Chris Janson. For many, the parade marks a tradition of Christmas spirit and fun that is looked forward to every year. To learn more about Leiper’s Fork and upcoming events, visit them at visitleipersfork.com.

Michelle Barrick & Codi Howard

Macey Meyer & Owen Meyer

COMMUNITY

Chris & Colette Peters

Jamie Phillips, Hannah Sanderson, & Veydah Meyers

Tracy Fulmer, Miranda & Chris Todd, Savannah Fulmer

Lauren, Hayden, Josh & George Henry Griffith

Noah Torich & Courtney Torich, Linda Person, Sydnie Dooley & Zailyr Dooley

Cindy & Glenn Hampton

Susan, Randy & Evelyn Sadler

Andrew Barton, Sarah, Chris & Jack Hartland

YOUR Charitable Self

BRINGING

Hope, Empowerment, Respite and Relief

TO THOSE LIVING WITH ALS

ROCK ALS AUCTION & BENEFIT CONCERT

Rock ALS, hosted by Traveling Caregivers Ministries, is a group of Nashville-based musicians, songwriters and caregivers who have collectively provided over $20,000 to ALS of TN and TEAM GLEASON from their past fundraiser events.

60 WINTER 2022

These efforts have resulted in empowerment to live again with the aid of technology, equipment and care services for people living with ALS. Rock ALS organization’s overarching mission is to bring HOPE, EMPOWERMENT, RESPITE and RELIEF to those living with ALS. Their efforts bring awareness, resources, support, relief and a new mindset towards caring for those who care for others.

This organization is hosting an auction and benefit concert on February 22nd at the Franklin Theater from 6:00 pm to

9:00 pm. This event will be a wonderful evening filled with inspiration, movement and a lot of fun to raise money to benefit the ALS Tennessee Chapter and chosen families and caregivers in need of hope and empowerment.

To learn more about this event and how to buy tickets, visit ROCKALS.com.

Tentative Event Lineup & Schedule:

6 PM: Doors open & silent auction is live.

7 PM: Host Jason Marsden gives a summary of the night’s events.

7:15 PM: Anthony Adams 8 PM: Jason Marsden & Joel Meeks 8:15 PM: Dawn Loves Nash - a husband and wife duo and founders of Traveling Caregivers. They have spent the past nine years crafting their hippie-gypsy-pop styleconscious lyrics, uplifting melodies and amazing harmonies.

9:00 PM: Silent auction ends

coming soon

diSCO FEVER

Brahms, Birds & ‘blue cathedral’

CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS

February 5 at 11 am

PAT METHENY SIDE-EYE W/ JAMES FRANCIES & JOE DYSON

Featuring Symphony soloists Jun Iwasaki & Kevin Bate

GET DOWN TONIGHT with the Nashville Symphony SERIES PARTNER

Family Concert

February 3 to 5

SERIES PARTNER

February 7*

February 11 to 12

JOYCE YANG PLAYS GRIEG

February 24 to 26

CELTIC THUNDER: IRELAND February 27*

THE DOO WOP PROJECT March 11

IN CONCERT

WITH THE

NASHVILLE SYMPHONY

with the Nashville S ymphony

February 17 & 18

KOOL & THE GANG March 13*

February 19

AN EVENING OF FIRSTS March 17 to 19

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS

GREGORY PORTER

March 22*

STEWART COPELAND: POLICE DERANGED

orchestral greatest hits with The

Presented without the Nashville Symphony.

February 28

Nashville Symphony

SERIES PARTNER

March 3 to 6

March 24 to 26

*Presented without the Nashville Symphony.

EXPLORE OUR CONCERT CALENDAR AND BUY TICKETS

NashvilleSymphony.org/Tickets | 615.687.6400

WITH SUPPORT FROM

Arts & Culture

LIFESTYLE

ARTS & CULTURE 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!

Joanne Shaw Taylor

January 20 | Franklin Theatre franklintheatre.com

this naive newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies, led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.

Rocketman in Concert with the Nashville Symphony February 17 & 18 Schermerhorn Symphony Center nashvillesymphony.org

Popovich Pet Comedy Theatre

Attitude Joanne Shaw Taylor was discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics at the age of 1sixteen who, having watched her play, immediately invited her on the road with his supergroup D.U.P. - a career in music was born and in the proceeding years, her incredible guitar playing saw her build an army of plaudits including Jimmy Cliff, Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Wonder and Annie Lennox. Still only in her 30’s, she has become one of the most sought-after guitarists in the world of blues-rock.

Mean Girls

February 8-13 | TPAC tpac.org

Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, 62 WINTER 2022

February 11 – 20 | TPAC nashvilleballet.com

Known for its game changing choreographers and uniquely Nashville musical collaborations, this season’s Attitude production offers a one-of-a-kind immersive dance experience. Staged on site at The Martin Center for Nashville Ballet, audiences will enjoy iconic contemporary works like internationally-renowned choreographer Val Caniparoli’s effervescent Tutto Eccetto il Lavandino (everything but the kitchen sink), and modern master Twyla Tharp’s 20th century classic Nine Sinatra Songs.

York Times declares it “makes you believe in musical comedy again!” The Prom is a new musical comedy about big Broadway stars on a mission to change the world and the love they discover that unites them all.

February 27 Franklin Theatre franklintheatre.com

Experience Taron Egerton’s standout performance as Elton John in a whole new way, as this Oscar- and Golden Globewinning film is screened in HD while your Nashville Symphony and a rock band perform the score live.

The Prom

February 22-27 | TPAC tpac.org

Everyone’s invited to the joyous Broadway hit that New York Magazine hails as “smart and big-hearted” while The New

The Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is entertainment for the whole family, featuring the unique blend of comedy and juggling skills of former Moscow Circus veteran Gregory Popovich and the extraordinary talents of his performing pets. His entourage consists of world-class jugglers, Diamond the Shetland Pony and over 30 performing pets including house cats and dogs (all rescued from animal shelters!), geese, white doves and parrots. The Popovich Comedy Pet Theater has a rich performance history, presenting thousands of shows in more than 20 countries.

LIFESTYLE

Arts & Culture

Nashville Symphony Welcomes Music Legends This spring at the Nashville Symphony promises an exciting classical program with world-class soloists and composers along with special performances from iconic artists.

After an autumn of social distancing on stage to help protect musicians and audiences, the spring performances were chosen to showcase the musical power and virtuosity of the reunited Grammy® Awardwinning orchestra. Master composers such as Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and Mendellsohn are highlights along with American composers Brad Warnaar and Nashville’s own C.F. “Kip” Winger, who is premiering his first symphony in March. Closing out the 2021/22 classical season – and the Symphony’s season-long celebration of their 75th anniversary – is June’s performance of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.

Also, a part of that concert’s repertoire is a commissioned work from Nashville Symphony violist and composer Christopher Farrell to commemorate the anniversary.

This year also sees the Symphony welcoming musical legends such as The Police’s Stewart Copeland, Broadway’s Leslie Odom, Jr. and Bernadette Peters, Ronnie Milsap, Wynton Marsalis and Ben Folds.

Their popular movie series returns, where audiences can experience beloved films while hearing the scores live. Upcoming movies include Rocketman, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince, Back to the Future and Toy Story.

In addition to being home to the Symphony, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center is easily one of the country’s most beautiful and acoustically impressive venues. This year’s presentations without the orchestra include Brian McKnight, Chaka Khan, Tower of Power, The Righteous Brothers, Gregory Porter, Grand Funk Railroad and Little River Band.

For dates, tickets, and other information, visit their concert calendar at nashvillesymphony.org.

LIFESTYLE

Arts & Culture

WHERE BONDS WITH CREATION

WITH KEN MEANS CAROUSEL

BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM

If you have walked into The Factory at Franklin, you have been greeted by a magical array of carousel animals on display in a space near the front entrance. These beautiful pieces are part of Ken Means Carousel and are stopping people in their tracks. You cannot help but marvel at

64 WINTER 2022

the intricate designs and mythical mastering that are truly a sight to see.

Ken Means and his wife, Betty, moved to Williamson County in 2019. “Our daughter, Tsianina, felt Franklin needed a carousel,” explains Ken. “She acquired the space at the Factory to promote the Ken Means Carousel.”

Ken’s interest in carousels was acquired as a young boy when he visited the Lincoln Park Carousel in Los Angeles, California. Ken, who started his career as an easel painter, is a creative sculptor and works in wood, clay and bronze. He has been teaching art for over forty years and had a carousel carving school, where students came from many states and several

countries to learn to carve carousel animals.

The first piece he created was a rocking horse for his daughter Julia, and he has spent the last twenty-five years creating the animals on display at The Factory at Franklin. “I haven’t created an entire carousel, except for the one I am creating now. However, I have done restoration work on numerous carousels,” he says. “Many of my creations can take up to a year to design, build, carve and do the final painting and finish.”

“I am especially motivated and inspired by the joy my creations bring to all children and the young at heart…and that can include any age.”

Ken and Betty often go back to Oregon, where they still have a home and most of the tools for building the carousel. They hope to move everything to their home in Franklin, where they also want to find the perfect location for the complete carousel.

“My goal right now is to find a permanent home for my menagerie carousel. Our dreams are that my carousel will be enjoyed by the young and old for decades to come. Making memories for families in its permanent location.”

The carousel showroom is by appointment only at the time. You can learn more about Ken and set up your appointment at kenmeanscarousel.com.

“The challenge…each and every animal is a challenge of its own,” Ken says. “I have created what is called - in the carousel world - a menagerie carousel. There are many different animals, not just horses. I have created giraffes, donkeys, lions, tigers, bears - oh my! - chickens, wolves, goats, rabbits and Puff the magic dragon chariot. We have different projects in progress. I design, build, carve and paint each of my menagerie pieces. Each of my pieces I finish in oil paints and, at times, they may have gold leaf and jewels.”

“Our dreams are that my carousel will be enjoyed by the young and old for decades to come...

Making memories for families in its permanent location.”

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 65

MONTHLY

Did YOU Know?

Super Bowl Trivia

With the Super Bowl coming up, it is time to test your NFL knowledge!

How many Super Bowls have the Green Bay Packers won?

How heavy is the Lombardi Trophy? It’s time to find out!

DOWN 2. Which team has forced the most turnovers in the Super Bowl?

3. The Green Bay Packers won the _____ Super Bowl?

7. New Orleans hosted the _______ Super Bowl ever.

9. What team has only ever won one Super Bowl?

10. Which Super Bowl halftime show preceded a stadium blackout?

14. The most expensive Super Bowl ad was for company?

16. The Lombardi Trophy weighs ____ pounds.

17. The Grammy Award nominated ‘Super Bowl Shuffle’ was recorded by which Super Bowl champion?

ACROSS 1. The coin that was flipped before Super Bowl XLIV was unusual compared to others because it was from?

4. Doug ________ was the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl.

5. How many teams have never gone to the Super Bowl?

6. Chuck ______ is the only player from a losing team to be awarded MVP. 8. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England ________ have tied for most Super Bowl wins.

11. _____ McGee scored the first ever point in Super Bowl I. 12. Which traditional component was missing from Super Bowl XLV? 13. Which famous jeweler makes the Lombardi Trophy?

15. What team has played in four Super Bowls but has never held a lead?

17. Tom ______ has the most Super Bowl rings in history?

Express your love this Valentine’s Day

From romantic roses to impressive modern bouquets, we can help you select beautiful and affordable flowers for Valentine’s Day and deliver them. For a day filled with love and romance, look no further than Always In Bloom!

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

An intelligent evolution. Intentional design that evokes sanctuary.

Reserve yours today.

The new 2022 Navigator.

1129 Murfreesboro Rd., Franklin, TN 37064 888-792-1682 LincolnOfFranklin.com

The new 2022 Navigator large luxury SUV combines refined craftsmanship, intuitive technology and powerful performance to deliver rich, organic experiences.

Inspired by the harmony and flow of the natural world, the Navigator empowers you and your loved ones to find sanctuary through an elegant composition of details and features that connect you on your journey.

JUST A 45 MIN FLIGHT FROM BNA

J O H N S I S T Y, R E A LT O R

23 YEARS OF SELLING SCENIC HWY 30A, NORTHWEST FLORIDA

EXPERIENCE OVER HALF A BILLION IN SALES

KNOWLEDGE HUNDREDS OF HAPPY CUSTOMERS

WISDOM

Who needs a smile today?

CALL ME!

(850) 974-8885 L I N D A @T H E S M I L E O F 3 0 A .C O M L I N D A M I L L E R L U X U R Y.C O M