Franklin TN and Williamson County Community website all about Franklin TN Archives - Page 25 of 27 - Franklin, TN - Downtown, Events, Shopping, Restaurants, Antiques, Living and Entertainment

Steak and Burger Dinner

3:16 am | Wednesday, Apr 1st

The Steak & Burger Dinner incorporates an evening of good food, great entertainment and interaction with Boys & Girls Clubs kids at each table. As adults enjoy juicy, mouth-watering hamburgers, Boys & Girls Clubs kids will be treated to a special steak dinner. Each table will consist of six adults and two kids so that event attendees learn about the kids in a unique setting. The event will include a motivational speech by creator and founder of Elijah’s Heart, Papa Joe Bradford. Papa Joe’s life is the inspiration behind the feature-length film, Unconditional. And, this evening will honor the third annual Ed Moody Award of Excellence recipient, Mrs. Peggy Smith

Events Night Details
6:00PM     Pre-event Reception
6:30PM     Dinner
7:00PM     Program begins starring Boys & Girls Clubs kids
– Ed Moody Award of Excellence Recipient
– Guest Speaker
– Live Auction
– Fan-of-a-Kid

The 2015 Steak & Burger Dinner will be held on Thursday, April 23rd at Jamison Hall in the Factory at Franklin, located at 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064.

Get Fit Franklin

2:41 am | Wednesday, Apr 1st

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Gov. Bill Haslam announced that Franklin Tomorrow’s Get Fit Franklin program will represent the City of Franklin as a pilot program of the Governor’s Foundation for a Healthier Tennessee program.

Healthier Tennessee is led by Gov. Bill Haslam and made possible by The Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness, a non-profit corporation dedicated to enabling and encouraging Tennesseans to lead healthier lives.

Eight communities across Tennessee have been selected and Franklin Mayor Ken Moore asked Franklin Tomorrow to represent the city through its Get Fit Franklin program, which Moore has supported since its inception in 2011.

Get Fit Franklin is a program of Franklin Tomorrow, which partners with the City of Franklin, Vanderbilt Health, and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, along with numerous other organizations and health and fitness agencies.

The concept of Get Fit Franklin is to get people to take the first step to fitness by stepping out their front door to just take a walk on pre-measured trails. Currently, quarterly events are held around the city to encourage participation and exposure to health and fitness providers and organizations, with more events to be scheduled this year.

“Through participation in the Healthier Tennessee initiative, Get Fit Franklin also hopes to deepen the discussion with our entire Franklin community about ways to incorporate daily small changes, for example by using the Small Starts program, to make a big difference in their lives,” said Franklin Mayor Ken Moore.

As part of the collaboration with the Healthier Tennessee Initiative, Christa and Michael Gonzales of the Westhaven community have been selected to serve as the Wellness Champions for the Get Fit Franklin/Healthier Tennessee initiative and as chairs of a newly formed Wellness Council.

Michael Gonzales has an inspiring story to tell, losing over 100 pounds in 2006 after reaching 300-plus pounds. Like many people, he graduated college after being an athlete throughout, and gradually gained weight until he weighed more than 300-plus pounds.

“My personal experience reinforced just how hard it is to lose weight and get healthy and just how few concise resources are available to help,” Michael said. At the same time, as Michael’s weight was ballooning, Christa was transitioning from a career in the healthcare industry to becoming a stay-at-home mom with two boys.

“Quickly, our entire household became sedentary and our well-being declined,” Christa said, adding their two young sons developed food allergies early, which led the couple both to appreciate the benefits of good nutrition.

“Watching Michael completely transform his lifestyle, helped positively influence our entire home, allowing us to adopt healthier eating habits and a more active lifestyle,” she said.

Based on their personal experiences, in 2010, the Gonzaleses created ActiveNow.com, a company to help others along in their journey to health and make getting active and healthy easier.

Along with Franklin, other communities selected as pilot communities are Dyer County, Decatur County, Tullahoma, Rhea County, Athens, Loudon and Kingsport.

Franklin Tomorrow was founded in 2001 and has as its mission to engage the community, foster collaboration, and advocate for a shared vision for the future of Franklin. Through community visioning and surveys, the citizens have said that shared vision is a vibrant economy, robust neighborhoods, distinct character, and great people.

For more information regarding today’s announcement, call Mindy Tate, Franklin Tomorrow Executive Director, at (615) 210-9401. Learn more about Franklin Tomorrow at www.franklintomorrow.org or visit Get Fit Franklin’s Website at www.getfitfranklintn.org.

Screenwriting Competition Finalists

2:26 am | Wednesday, Apr 1st

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“The finalists for this year’s Screenwriting Competition represent the best in undiscovered writing talent,” said Ted Crockett, NaFF Executive Director. “They presented everything from hilarious comedies to terrifying horror films, and we are thrilled to be a venue to jumpstart their careers.”

The 65 finalists were selected from nearly 1,300 international entries. The Nashville Film Festival Screenwriting Competition is unique among thousands of screenwriting competitions in the U.S. because it offers a category for young screenwriters as well as more categories for short screenplays than any other competition.

“Placing in a screenwriting competition assists up and coming talent with an important step in their careers,” continued Crockett. “It can help them as they establish themselves and their films, whether that’s gaining financing, exposure or both.”

Top scripts, selected from NaFF winners, will be read by Blossom Films, Nicole Kidman’s Academy-Award nominated production company; noted casting director, Laray Mayfield; Sycamore Pictures CEO, Ben Nearn; Rich Peluso, Senior Vice President of AFFIRM Films; famed limit-breaking director/producer Harmony Korine; Lewis Bogach, Emmy-winning Vice President of CMT-TV; and Abso Lutely Productions, producer of six current comedy TV hits.

FINALISTS, listed alphabetically by title:

DRAMA FEATURE
“Code Blues” – Gary Wallach
“Glen Sherley” – Joe Rassulo, Robert Gibson
“Independence Pass” – Brian MacEvilly
“Oil and Water” – Alfred Thomas Catalfo, Morgan Webster Dudley
“Shadowman” – Mike Miller
“The Acadian” – David Vincent
“The Oracle of Jerald’s Bay” – Sarah Bewley

COMEDY FEATURE
“Alliance” – Charlie Robinson, Carla Robinson
“Canadian Holiday” – David Rocchio
“Miss Loving” – Bernard Smith
“My Bad Day in Hell” – Eric Carlson
“Poe Boys” – David Van Hooser
“The Full Irish” – Brian MacEvilly

MUSIC INSPIRED FEATURE
“Blind Boone” – Moss Hall, Max Morath
“Chris Gaines Saves the World” – Donald Driscoll
“Stride” – Rick Whelan

FAMILY FEATURE
“Darby Petty and the Lost Treasure” – DC Sayre
“Eleven Days” – Jaginder Singh
“The Creepy House” – Shoshana Rosenbaum

INSPIRATIONAL FEATURE
“Heart Stringz” – Barbara Ashdown
“In-Between” – Sandra Webb Smith
“One Small Step” – Patrick Sherman

ANIMATED FEATURE
“My Monster Burrufu” – Alberto Corral
“The Mythfitz” – Nicholas Julius

ACTION/ADVENTURE FEATURE
” D.T.” – Ken Comer
“Guns and Grace” – Odin Ozdil
“The Third Bomb” – Phillip Parker

HISTORICAL FEATURE
“In Spite of It All” – Rebecca Boyd
“Kid Convict” – Julie Umbreit
“Samson: A Savior Will Rise” – Shawn Hoffman, Michael Hoffman

SCIENCE FICTION FEATURE
“Bioterror Conspiracy” – Louis Lio
“Eden” – Jessica Chou
“No Man’s Land” – Michelle Davidson, Jeffrey Field
“Populous” – Michael Quintero

THRILLER/HORROR FEATURE
“A Texas Story” – David Martin-Porras, Julia Fontana
“Bad Blood” – Billie Bates
“Empathy” – Elvis Wilson
“Ginseng” – Josh Barkey
“Lifers” – Phil Burdette
“The Apocalypse Chronicles” – Nathan Ludwig, Charles Hill
“Why the Willow Weeps” – Dwight Jolivette
“Zombie Ward” – Harry Oxnard

TENNESSEE SCREENWRITER FEATURE
“Empathy” – Elvis Wilson
“Sink Swim” – Elvis Wilson
“The Acadian” – David Vincent
“The Last Drop” – A. D. Smith

DRAMA TELEPLAY
“Limbo” – Jessica Chou
“Long Lost” – Deanna Shumaker
“Renegades” – Conway Preston
“Tip & Keeper” – Carol Caldwell

COMEDY TELEPLAY
“It Could Be Worse” – Tracy Reilly
“The Knot” – Adam Rosenbaum
“Star Pupils” – Tom Ruprecht

COMEDY SHORT
“That Other Crazy Thing You Do” – Michelle Leibel
“U Got Tagged” – Andrew Roxby

DRAMA SHORT
“Illuminate” – Robert Pawloski
“Which Spoke of Freedom” – Aria Marrogi, Chris Germiller

FAMILY SHORT
“The Home of Rock” – Brian MacEvilly
“Wiindigoo the Cannibal” – Michael O’Rourke, Winona LaDuke

GENRE SHORT
“Guest” – Charles Dillon Ward
“Lumen 18” – Darren Tibbits

TENNESSEE SCREENWRITER SHORT
“The Ice Road” – Taylor Albertson
“Incident at Broadway and Grand” – Francis Wolff

YOUNG SCREENWRITER SHORT
“The Favor” – Jack Fossett
“The Pride Club” – Kirill Dyshlovoy

Nashville Film Festival (NaFF), April 16 – 25, 2015, presented by Nissan North America, brings the world to Nashville in a 10-day celebration of film. NaFF celebrates the diversity of the human vision by curating diverse program segments. Founded in 1969 by Mary Jane Coleman, it is one of the oldest film festivals in the U.S. As an Academy Award Qualifying Event, NaFF garners notice from the Associated Press, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, MovieMaker Magazine, IndieWire, Variety, Billboard, New York and Script Magazine.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan’s operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the Americas media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.

Online Registration

2:16 am | Wednesday, Apr 1st

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There is no more paper registration for most students in Williamson County.

Starting April 1, online registration updates for students currently in grades K-11 and for Franklin Special School District students moving into grade nine will be available through May 15.

This online system will take place of the packets parents fill out each year. If parents are sending their child(ren) to a Williamson County school in the fall, they should update their registration online through existing Family Access accounts. Contact your child’s school if you have not requested a Family Access account.

“Gone are the thick packets of paper forms of years past if you update registration through Family Access,” said WCS Belinda Moss. “Your child’s school will have the new information immediately so they can prepare for the new school year.”

The primary guardian will be able to update registration information for every child in the family in one place. Only information that has changed since last year will need to be updated.

Please note, registration updates cannot be made through the mobile app. Make certain your browser pop-up blocker is turned off.

A contact person will be available via email if parents have any questions.

Families who do not wish to complete the updates in Family Access may request a paper packet from the school to complete and return by May 15.

Cheekwood in Bloom

2:08 am | Wednesday, Apr 1st

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Every spring, Cheekwood becomes the Southeast’s premier spot for celebrating the new season and enjoying the return of bold, vibrant color to the landscape. Sweeping views, large-scale colorful plantings, budding trees and special programming make Cheekwood a favorite destination for families, groups and nature lovers from across the region.

Cheekwood in Bloom by the Numbers
• 150,141 bulbs planted last fall
• 108,929 are tulips
• 145 tulip cultivars represented
• 30,121 daffodils (with 18,000 behind the Pineapple Room alone!)
• 11,091 hyacinths and 22,165 violas and pansies

SATURDAYS
March 21 – April 25

Family Studio Drop-In ‘ART’ivities
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Join us in the studios each weekend and create an interactive springtime-themed art project – open to all ages!

*New for 2015* Garden Demonstrations
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy garden-themed activities on Saturdays in April in the Color Garden, from investigating bugs and making a fairy gardens to learning to care for trees and more. Open to green thumbs of all ages!

March 21
Friendly Bugs and Big, Bad Pests with Dr. Steve Murphree

March 28
Friendly Bugs and Big, Bad Pests with Dr. Steve Murphree

April 11
Backyard Beekeeping, presented by Warner Parks Nature Center

April 18
Creating Fairy Gardens

April 25
“Who Speaks for the Trees?”

Live Music: Jazz in the Herb Garden
with the Nashville Jazz Workshop Ensemble
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Take a seat in the garden and enjoy the soothing sounds of our talented friends from Nashville Jazz Workshop.

Garden Tales
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy songs, dance and interactive reading as we bring your favorite nature-themed children’s books to life in the Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden.

Live Music: Piano in the Museum Drawing Room
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Local pianist Gunther Knaup will create a beautiful soundtrack for the perfect Saturday stroll through the galleries and historic mansion.

FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT

Saturday, March 21
Nashville Public Library Puppet Truck presents The Little Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings
12:00 p.m., Frist Learning Center courtyard
Join us as the Nashville Public Library Puppet Truck presents an original Tom Tichenor marionette play about a little rabbit who learns a valuable lesson when his wish comes true. Running time: 30 minutes

Saturday, March 28
Nashville Ballet presents Ferdinand the Bull
12:00 p.m., Massey Hall
This Picasso-inspired interpretation of Ferdinand the Bull will be a perfect spring outing. Bright costumes, music and graceful choreography tell the beloved tale of the bull that preferred flowers to fighting.

Saturday, April 4
SPRING ART HOP
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate spring in style with egg hunts, crafts, performances, music and more at the 23rd annual Spring Art Hop. A favorite tradition in Nashville, this special event is packed full of activities and excitement for families and kids of all ages. We’ll be hiding over 30,000 eggs, so don’t forget your basket!

Special Event Pricing:
Member Adults $5, Member Kids FREE
Non-member adults $17; Seniors $15; Children 3-17 $10; Children 2 and under are FREE
Free passes are not valid for special events

‘Egg’cellent Magic Show
12:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Our favorite magician is at it again with tricks and riddles to make everyone giggle, and he’s bringing some of his furriest, big-eared friends!

Musical Petting Zoo, presented by the Country Music Hall of Fame
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Stop by to look at, learn about and PLAY guitars, banjos, fiddles and more. Instructors from the Country Music Hall of Fame will be on-site to offer guidance – and applause!

Landscaping for Birds and Wildlife
presented by Warner Park Nature Center
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Warner Park Nature Center will be on hand to give tips and demonstrations on landscaping with wildlife in mind. Get inspired and learn how to welcome beautiful birds, playful bunnies and other wonderful springtime creatures to your backyard!

Saturday, April 11
Mr. Steve, The Music Man
11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m., Frist Learning Center Courtyard
Come on down for a fun mix of classic tunes and original songs that will have you singing, dancing, laughing, and learning. It’s socially conscious music for kids that actually ROCKS!

Saturday, April 18
Fairytale Day
Enjoy an enchanted day at Cheekwood! Our weekly Garden Demonstration, Garden Tales storytime and Studio ‘Art’ivities will all take on a fun fairytale theme for the day.

Franklin School of Performing Arts
11:00 a.m., Howe Garden
Join us in the Howe Garden for an enchanting presentation of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

Cremona Strings Ensemble
1:00 p.m., Howe Garden
Join us in the Howe Garden for a string performance that will fill the garden with lovely springtime melodies.

Saturday, April 25
Celebration of Trees
Join us as we observe National Arbor Day with fun, tree-themed activities all day! Stop by our Tree Transplanting Station and take home a tree seedling to transplant in your own backyard, learn everything about tree care at our Garden Demonstration or make time for one of our regularly scheduled Guided Arboretum Tours.

“Canopy Climb” Experience
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Arboretum Lawn
See Cheekwood like never before! This 20-minute tree-climbing experience includes a safety lesson and expert instruction, plus incredible views! First-come, first-served; open to adults and children ages 5 and over.

Wildlife on Wheels
12:00 p.m., Massey Hall
The Nashville Zoo is coming to Cheekwood! Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn interesting and fun facts from expert animal educators and see our honorary animal guests as they venture to our grounds. You’ll be wild about this show!

SUNDAYS
March 22 – April 26

Drawing Room Concert Series featuring Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music
2:00 p.m.
We are honored to partner with Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music to host some of Nashville’s finest musicians in the Museum of Art’s intimate Drawing Room.

March 22
John Johns and Nolan Harvel, classical guitar

March 29
Blair chamber ensembles

April 5 (Easter)
Blair voice majors in concert

April 12
“Fiddle Frenzy,” directed by Crystal Plohman

April 19
Piano students in concert, presented by instructor Craig Nies

April 26
Lauren Coplan, piano

ANNOTATIONS
3:30 p.m.
Attention all readers and book lovers: Cheekwood has a special series of literary programs just for you! Join us in the Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden to listen as celebrated local authors share their stories, describe their processes and offer ‘behind-the-text’ accounts of their work.
Offered in partnership with Parnassus Books. Space is limited; first-come, first-seated.

March 22
Ariel Lawhon, author of The Wife, the Maid and the Mistress

March 29
Young adult novelist Kristin Tubb presents The 13th Sign

April 5
Carson Morton, author of Stealing Mona Lisa

April 12
Children’s author Jessica Young presents her new book Original
Recipe

April 19
Jeff High, author of Each Shining Hour: A Novel of Watervalley

April 26
An Afternoon in Italy with Alana White & Kim Teter

EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
March 21 – April 26

Guided Tours
Tours are free and no reservations are required.

Guided Arboretum Tour
11:30 a.m.
A walk among Cheekwood’s magnificent dogwoods is one of
Nashville’s favorite spring rituals! Join one of our expert garden
guides to explore over 14 species and 23 cultivated varieties of
dogwoods as well as many other flowering trees.

House & History Tour
12:30 p.m.
Learn about the early 20th Century design and construction of our
Mansion and grounds, and explore Cheekwood’s place in the
American Country Place Estate Era.

Collection & Exhibition Tour
1:30 p.m.
Learn about the Museum’s collections and current exhibition by
noted landscape artist Charles Brindley, Trees of Myth and Legend,
on view until April 19.

Retired K9

1:54 am | Wednesday, Apr 1st

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Leadership Franklin Class of 2015 partners with Williamson County Sheriff’s Department to honor K9 unit

(Franklin, TN) Leadership Franklin’s class of 2015 will soon graduate from the 9-month program, but not before finalizing a project that impacts the whole community.

Five active members of the 2014-2015 Leadership Franklin class developed a program, “Gunner’s Guardians,” to raise funds for the purchase of body armor vests for the K-9 officers of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department and to raise awareness, support, resources and funds for K-9 veteran’s, including retirement medical and feeding costs.

K-9 Gunner, a long-haired German Shepherd, imported to the United States in 2007 formally retired November 14, 2014 from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department. Gunner was just 13 months old when he joined the force in 2008 at the accompaniment of Corporal Debbie Rogers, who help lay the foundation for the K9 unit in Williamson County.

K-9 Gunner was publicly honored by the group along with his handler Corporal Debbie Rogers in a ceremony and a K-9 Demonstration held on March 12, 2015 at the Sheriff’s Office. Group members Chaz Corzine, Kerri Hudson, Corey Napier, Jose Rodriguez and Laura Beth Stubblefield were very pleased to see the citizens of Franklin and Williamson County show up for such an important cause.

Group leader Corey Napier, said of the event, “Today was a salute to a true public servant. The bond between Debbie and K-9 Gunner was something special to witness and their effectiveness in performing their duties was readily acknowledged by law enforcement peers and many from the public in attendance. K-9 Gunner leaves a big legacy and big paws for his successors to fill. We are grateful for the community support and for the unique services the K-9 unit provides day in and day out, helping to improve our quality of life in Williamson County.”

At the time of this report, all 3 vests have been funded for the K-9 unit and a retirement fund has been started for K-9 Gunner and future K-9 officers.

If you’d like to honor Gunner for his service, or make sure the other dogs in the K-9 unit have the armor they need to work and the funds to provide for their care after retirement, you can be a part of “Gunner’s Guardians.”

Donations can be made to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, 408 Century Court, Franklin, TN 37064, please make sure and label your donation for “Gunner’s Guardians.”

About Leadership Franklin

Leadership Franklin, a non-profit community leadership organization dedicated to educating, informing and empowering leaders to improve the quality of life in Franklin and Williamson County. http://leadershipfranklin.org

Commemorating American History

1:42 am | Wednesday, Apr 1st

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April 9

Robert E. Lee, Confederate General surrenders at Appomattox, VA, to US General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively initiating the end of the American Civil War.

In commemoration– Thursday, April 9, 2015 Tour The Carter House and Carnton Plantation on this anniversary for $9 each. This discounted price applies to adult and senior admission for house tours only.

April 14-15

16th US President, Abraham Lincoln is gravely wounded at Ford’s Theater during evening performance April 14th and dies the morning of April 15th.

In commemoration– Wednesday, April 15, 2015 – Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln – Special Screening followed by Q&A with Eric Jacobson, 6:30 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets at the Franklin Theatre website.

April 26

American Civil War officially ends with Agreement signed at Bennett’s House near Durham Station, North Carolina.

In Commemoration– Battle Scarred Special Exhibition at Carnton’s Fleming Center closes on April 26. The exhibit captures the ultimate cost of war and the importance of the Battle of Franklin as a part of our national heritage with over 100 artifacts on display, some of which have not been viewed together for 150 years. (The only day the exhibit is not open is Easter Sunday, April 5th.)

Steeplechase

4:06 pm | Tuesday, Mar 31st

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For the second consecutive year, the Iroquois Steeplechase is selling Tailgating Singles, or individual tickets, to the infield at the May 9 sporting event.

New last year, Tailgating Singles offer individuals the opportunity to attend the races and enjoy all that the infield has to offer, as well as the Iroquois Shoppes, Family Area and some of Nashville’s tastiest food trucks. In past years, race goers have had to purchase an entire tailgating spot, which start at $600 and include eight armbands, to have access to the infield.

“Because of the great response we got last year, we wanted to bring these tickets back again for those hoping to purchase just one or two tickets to the race,” said Iroquois Steeplechase Chairman Dwight Hall. “This year, we opened the ticketing window almost an entire month earlier to allow more guests to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Priced at $100 each, Tailgating Singles include one armband and access to all tailgating areas, in addition to parking at Highway 100 and a shuttle ride to and from the grounds.

Tailgating Singles are available for purchase online now and will remain on sale through race day. Purchases made after 4 p.m. on April 22 will be available for pickup at will call only.

For those looking to attend the race with a large group of friends, a limited number of tailgating spaces are still available. To reserve a spot, call 1-800-619-4802 or visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org.

About the Iroquois Steeplechase

Held on the second Saturday of every May at Nashville’s Percy Warner Park, the Iroquois Steeplechase is the premier spring race in American steeplechasing and Music City’s traditional rite of spring – typically attracting more than 25,000 spectators. Since being designated in 1981 as the official charity of the Iroquois Steeplechase, the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has received nearly $10 million from the event proceeds. For information on advance ticket purchases, corporate and hospitality tents, and tailgating and RV spaces, visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org or call (615) 591-2991.

Asheville’s Tupelo Honey Cafe to Open in Franklin, Tennessee

3:59 am | Thursday, Mar 26th

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ASHEVILLE, NC (March 25, 2015) – Asheville’s iconic downtown restaurant, Tupelo Honey Cafe, will open a new location in the Meridian Cool Springs community in Franklin, TN, just south of Nashville. Projected opening is fall of 2015.

Tupelo Honey Cafe serves creative, Southern-inspired fare that’s fresh and made-from-scratch. Selecting from 15 fresh vegetable sides, you can customize your meal with the restaurant’s Sunday Supper Plate with such choices as Buttermilk Fried Chicken or Pan-Seared Carolina Mountain Trout.

Small plates include such items as Tennessee Country Ham Wontons, Macaroni and Cheese with Blackened Shrimp and Herbed Lamb Meat Balls with a Tomato Curry Sauce. The restaurant’s signature Sweet Potato Pancake with Peach Butter is available all the time.

In addition to classic Southern entrees – such as Chef Brian’s Shrimp and Goat Cheese Grits and Nutty Fried Chicken with Milk Gravy — Tupelo Honey offers a signature brunch on Saturday and Sunday featuring their famous Queen Mary Bloody Mary and Fresh Orange Mimosas.

The restaurant has a full bar featuring 40 craft beer taps including local favorites from Yazoo Brewing, Tennessee Brew Works and Black Abbey Brewing Company. Local distillers – the restaurant’s signature cocktail will spotlight Prichard’s Distillery – will also be featured. All cocktails are made-from-scratch, using house-made mixers and syrups developed using only fresh ingredients.

The 7,000 square foot restaurant will seat approximately 150 inside with an additional 50 seats on the patio. The outside area will feature soft seating conducive to all sorts of gatherings – from intimate to convivial. The interior space includes an open kitchen and a full bar.

“We’ve been looking in Middle Tennessee for some time,” said Tupelo Honey Cafe CEO Steve Frabitore. “The Meridian Cool Springs development is the perfect spot for us.”

Meridian Cool Springs is a 60-acre mixed-use community including over 70,000 square feet of retail space as well as offices, restaurants and two hotels. The focus of the development is pedestrian friendly activity within its lush landscaping, offering sidewalks and public bocce courts as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tupelo Honey to Meridian Cool Springs” said Kristin Cales, marketing director for Boyle Investment Company which developed and manages Meridian Cool Springs. “Tupelo Honey’s presence will no doubt be met with great enthusiasm not only among our Meridian tenants and customers but all of Nashville as well, with their reputation for Southern comfort cuisine.”

Tupelo Honey Cafe opened in downtown Asheville, NC, in 2000. The restaurant now has a second Asheville location as well as locations in Knoxville, Chattanooga and Johnson City, TN; Greenville and Myrtle Beach, SC; and Charlotte and Raleigh, NC. New restaurants will open in Arlington and Virginia Beach, VA, also in 2015.

Individuals interested in employment at the Cool Springs location can apply on-line at www.tupelohoneycafe.com/careers The restaurant will employ approximately 140 people.

For more information, visit www.tupelohoneycafe.com

Celebrity Barn Dance

7:41 pm | Friday, Mar 20th

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Don’t miss this fun and elegantly casual barn dance and benefit concert. Wear your boots and bling for a night of good ole fashion fun and dance to music with the Celebrity Band featuring Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill and Cory Chisel. MusiCares, Music Health Alliance, Bonaparte’s Retreat and New Beginnings of Lake Charles are all beneficiaries of this concert!

6:00 – 7:30pm – VIP Reception includes: Meet and Greet Celebrities, Wine Tasting , Buffet Dinner prepared by Sterling Ball and the American Royal Invitational Champion BBQ Team, the Warren County Pork Choppers.
7:30pm – Doors open for general admission tickets
8:00pm – Concert and Barn Dance begins

VIP TABLE PRICING:

All VIP Tables include (1)Table and (8)VIP Tickets for Reception at 6PM,

*One (1) Goodie Bag per VIP * Premier Parking * Wine Tasting * Buffet Dinner * Meet & Greet with Celebrities*

FRONT OF HOUSE: VIP Table of 8 (located directly behind sponsors) – $3,500

MIDDLE OF HOUSE: VIP Table of 8: – $2,500

BACK OF HOUSE VIP Table of 8: – $1,500

TICKET PRICING:

VIP Couple Tickets (2 Seats at VIP Table, Back of House w/ Reception at 6PM) – $500

General Admission Couple Tickets – (this purchase is for 2 tickets) – $125

General Admission – $75

Buy your Tickets and/or VIP Tables at www.thebarndance.com.