A Vintage Affair Goes Country

6:30 pm | Thursday, Apr 16th

A Vintage Affair Goes Country – Thursday, April 16th

On Thursday, April 16, AVA patrons will gather at Green’s Grocery in Historic Leiper’s Fork for “A Vintage Affair Goes Country.” This event was formerly known as “Vintage Champagne and Vintage Country Music.”
At this boots and blue jeans event, guests will taste wonderful California wines, TN BBQ s and cold beer in an old Tennessee atmosphere. Entertainment will be provided by Brooklyhn Woods. Tickets are $75. Doors open at 6pm. Cowboy/country attire.

Visit website for more information!

A Vintage Affair is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to raising money for Williamson County charities benefiting women and children in need. AVA hosts various events throughout the year which include: wine, spirit & food tastings, live and silent auctions, A Fashion Affair, and The Grape Stomp.

A Vintage Affair – A Vintner Dinner

6:00 pm | Wednesday, Apr 15th

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A Vintner Dinner – Wednesday, April 15th

Sperry’s Restaurant in Cool Springs will be the setting for this 5 course wine maker dinner. Each course will be served with a specially paired wine, with a chance to hear from the wine maker. This is a VIP dinner for our top sponsors. There are very limited tickets available for individual guests who wish to join this very special evening.

Todd Anderson of Anderson’s Conn Valley
William Date of Barnett Vineyards
Dan Cederquist of Cederquist Wines
Pablo Nyarady of Trifecta Wines

$275 per guest. Cocktail hour at 6pm. Dinner at 7pm. Business attire.

Visit website for more information!

Giving on the Green Golf Tournament

6:30 pm | Tuesday, Apr 14th

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High Hopes Development Center in Franklin presents its 12th annual Giving on the Green Golf Tournament on May 11, 2015 at Brentwood Country Club.

Giving on the Green is one of three major fundraisers held each year benefiting the 501(c)3 non-profit inclusive preschool and clinic. This year’s event begins with a noon shotgun start and includes 18 holes of golf, box lunch by Chick-fil-A, and buffet dinner catered by Brentwood Country Club. Event chairs expect this year’s event to not only provide golfers a fun and relaxing day of golf but to also raise money for the quality programs High Hopes offers to children. “A visit to High Hopes will inspire any golfer to join us for this great day of golf. The programs and services that the preschool and clinic offer are life-changing for these children and this is certainly an enjoyable way for golfers to make a contribution,” said Jim Gray, former High Hopes board chair and avid golfer. Foursomes play in honor of a current or former High Hopes child. With team names like “Team Abbott” and “Team Hunt”, who wouldn’t enjoy a round of golf while supporting great kids?

High Hopes Development Center offers a specialized and focused approached to serving children utilizing two programs: The Preschool at High Hopes and The Therapy Clinic at High Hopes. The Preschool provides early childhood education and childcare in an inclusive environment that equips children with the confidence to explore and try new things. The Therapy Clinic provides exceptional Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Feeding Therapy for children from birth to age 21.

About High Hopes, Inc.

High Hopes Development Center offers a specialized approach to serving children with special needs and chronic diseases. We accomplish this unique service through our pediatric therapy clinic and inclusive preschool. High Hopes is the only preschool in Williamson County with an on-site pediatric therapy clinic. In addition, High Hopes is the only child care provider in Williamson County equipped to serve children with a plethora of special needs so that parents can work, and at the same time, ensure their child is receiving the quality therapeutic care, educational enrichment, and emotional support needed. High Hopes’ approach to early intervention is a proactive philosophy of serving children at a younger age, to increase growth potential and reduce the future need for reactive services. High Hopes’ mission is to equip children and youth with the skills necessary to achieve success through education, rehabilitation, and loving support.

For more information about High Hopes or to register to play in Giving on the Green, call Bonnie Richardson at 615-550-1443 or visit www.HighHopesForKids.org

Steak and Burger Dinner

3:16 am | Wednesday, Apr 1st

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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.

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.

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

Franklin, TN Restaurants Downtown | Full Guide

5:18 am | Thursday, Mar 26th

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Franklin TN, Downtown Franklin, Franklin Events, Brentwood TN Events, Franklin Things to do, Restaurants Franklin TN, Franklin Downtown

Bunganut Pig — An olde English pub and eatery, with live music six nights a week. Located 1/2 mile south of downtown Franklin on Columbia Avenue. Lunch and dinner. 1143 Columbia Ave. 615-794-4777

Chapman’s II — Modeled on Chapman’s Pie Wagon, which served lunch while parked on Franklin’s town square from 1922-47, Chapman’s II offers an updated menu including the Universe’s best Reuben, hamburgers, soup, salad and enchilladas. 114 E. Main Street, in the parking lot of Landmark Booksellers. 615-587-5354

The Coffee Shop at Second and Bridge — Independently-owned coffee shop, serving locally roasted 100% Fair Trade & Organic coffees from Bongo Java in Nashville and an extensive crepe menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. 144 2nd Ave., North, 615-465-6362

Cork and Cow — One of the family of renowned Franklin chef Jason McConnell’s restaurants, an intimate steakhouse in the heart of downtown Franklin. 403 Main St. 615-538-6021

55 South — Named for the interstate that runs between Memphis and New Orleans, with the Cajun cuisine to prove it. 403 Main St., 615-538-6001

Franklin Chop House — Located halfway between town and I-65 on Highway 96. You’ll enjoy American classics such as pot roast, meatloaf and pork chops, along with unique and interesting recipes for seafood and chicken entrees. 1101 Murfreesbor Rd. (Hwy 96), 615-591-7666

GRAYS on Main — Eclectic and traditional, GRAY’S menu reflects the best of the South in food, with a focus on locally and regionally sourced ingredients. 332 Main St., Franklin, TN 37064 615-435-3603

Franklin Mercantile Deli — Breakfast and lunch everyday except Sunday; dinner Thursday-Saturday. Our favorite deli in downtown Franklin. 100 4th Avenue N. 615-790-9730

Frothy Monkey –Just the recipe for the ideal dining experience: creative folks using local ingredients to prepare original dishes served in a cozy and approachable atmosphere. 125 5th ave south, 615-465-6279

IveyCake — You’ve never tasted a cupcake until you’ve tried an IveyCake. (Pssst…Carrie Underwood’s wedding cake was an IveyCake) 100 4th Avenue, N. 615-595-4353

JJ’s Wine Bar–Franklin’s first wine bar plus tapas such as seared scallops, antipasto plate and something called olive poke. After 4 p.m. over 21 only. 214 E. Main St., 615-942-5033

Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor — If you enjoy live music, friendly folks, exceptional service, fine food and outdoor or patio seating you will always have a good time at Kimbro’s. 214 S. Margin St., 615-599-2946

McCreary’s Irish Pub — A wide variety of menu items to tempt both Irish and Irish-American taste buds, as well as a unique selection of beers. Famous for 3 pour Guinness Imperial Pints, Fish and Chips and Guinness Stew. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. 414 Main St., 591-3197

Mellow Mushroom — Great pizza, sandwiches, salads and a soup or two, beer and a full-service bar. Groovy vibe. Lunch and dinner. 317 Main St., 615-628-0181

Merridee’s Breadbasket — Bakery items to die for; soups, sandwiches, quiche, bakery goods for lunch. Breakfast and lunch every day except Sunday, dinner Thursday through Saturday. 110 4th Avenue S., 615-790-3755

Papa Boudreaux’s — Amazing Cajun comes to Franklin from Santa Fe (that’s Tennessee, not New Mexico) and before that, New Orleans. Po’ boys, crawfish ettoufee, gumbo, red beans, rice and sausage… bring a big appetite, you’ll need it. 328 Main St., 931-682-0040.

Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant — Where the main ingredients are Real Food, Real People and Real Atmosphere: more than just a place to enjoy a good meal. Live music. Salads, hamburgers, meat ‘n three, and the best dang prime rib anywhere! Breakfast and lunch daily, dinner Tuesday through Saturday. 120 4th Avenue S., 615-794-5527

Puckett’s Boathouse — In the former location of the Boat Locker, and overlooking the scenic Harpeth River, part of the Puckett’s family of restaurants. Oysters are the main event with butterflied shrimp, spicy hamburgers and zesty salads. A full-service bar is in the old Gulf gas station. 94 E. Main Street.

Red Pony — Fine dining has come to Main Street. Edgy, innovative and worth every penny. Dinner only, reservations suggested. 408 Main St., 615-595-7669

Zolo’s — Contemporary Italian cuisine in a charming atmosphere. Dinner daily, lunch on weekends. 119 5th Avenue, N., 615-599-2901

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

WCAR offers Scholarships

5:25 pm | Monday, Mar 2nd

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The Williamson County Association of REALTORS® Good Works Foundation invites graduating seniors from Williamson County’s public high schools to apply for college scholarships in the amount of $5000. We ask that you share this scholarship information with a senior that you may know and encourage them to apply. Applications are available at any Williamson County public high school, on our website and at the WCAR office located at 1646 Westgate Circle, Suite 104, Brentwood, TN 37027. Click here to learn more.

The Cash Legacy

5:11 pm | Monday, Mar 2nd

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The Cash Legacy: A Musical Tribute to the Man in Black

Blurring the lines between musical theatre and concert experience, Studio Tenn’s all-new original production “The Cash Legacy: A Musical Salute to the Man in Black” presents the catalog of Johnny Cash like you’ve never heard it before. Following a musical revue format similar to Smokey Joe’s Café and Studio Tenn’s debut original, “The Hank Legacy,” this innovative production comprises an ensemble cast of singer-musicians re-imagining Cash’s hits through inventive arrangements that tap various musical genres. The stylistic diversity showcases the music’s remarkable—perhaps unexpected—relevance and versatility, making “The Cash Legacy” not merely a look back at what has been, but rather a look around at re-incarnations of a musical inheritance both reverent and rogue.

Venue Name: Studio Tenn

230 Franklin Rd
Franklin TN 37064

Date: March 5, 2015 – March 6, 2015

Time: Thu, Mar 5 7PM; Fri, Mar 6 7PM

Admission: Adult Level 1 $57.50, Adult Level 2 $42.75

Recurrence: Daily