Chris Czarka and Glenn McGehee Appointed to TMA Board of Directors

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The TMA Group (Transportation Management Association) is pleased to welcome Chris Czarka, Director of Tax with Nissan North America, Inc., and Glenn McGehee, Principal and President with SouthStar Development.

Patrick G. Emery, TMA Chairman, said: “Throughout the history of the Transportation Management Association (TMA) we have had a very qualified and engaged board. We continue this tradition with the addition of Chris and Glenn to the TMA board. Both Chris and Glenn are active in the Cool Springs area with their respective businesses and their knowledge of the area will be of great benefit to the organization and the implementation of the recent Cool Springs Transportation Study and the future growth of the TMA organization.

Chris Czarka
Director of Tax, Nissan North America.

Regarding his appointment to The TMA Board of Directors, Mr. Czarka states:” “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the TMA board.  As a regional leader in transportation solutions for employers and communities in Middle Tennessee, the organization is ideally suited to be an integral part of transportation challenges we currently face now or will face in the future in Williamson County, especially in  the Cool Springs area. This just seemed like a natural progression to some of the work I have been involved with as chairman of the Williamson Inc. board of directors in 2015.”

With over 30 years of tax experience, Czarka joined Nissan’s Tax group in January 2007. Previously he spent 20 years at Dana Corporation with the last 15 years serving as the Vice President of Global Tax. Czarka originally started with PricewaterhouseCoopers. A native of Detroit, Michigan, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Central Michigan University and is a certified public accountant. Czarka currently serves on the Williamson Inc. Board of Directs and the 2015 Board Chairman. Chris served on the Board of Directors of the Williamson/Franklin Chamber of Commerce and was heavily involved with the creation of Williamson Inc., the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce that was created through the merger of three local chambers. He is a frequent speaker at PwC’s Industrial Products/Automotive Industry Tax Roundtables and the BNA/Bloomberg and Baker & McKenzie U.S. and Canadian Transfer Pricing Symposiums.

Glenn McGehee

Principal and President, SouthStar Development

Regarding his appointment to The TMA Board of Directors, Mr. McGehee states: “I take great pride in being a resident of the Franklin community for over 22 years. As president and partner of SouthStar, we have completed real estate developments throughout the southeastern United States. Having developed in several communities, I am happy to say that our most notable and valuable projects and assets are the land holdings and developments in the Cool Springs area of Franklin. These projects are anchored by Ovation and will incorporate fully integrated mixed use development components that will be dependent on a pedestrian friendly environment while intentionally encouraging and accommodating public transportation. As we are forward thinking in our current development style, I am eager to bring that same creativity to the TMA. As a member of this board, I look forward to addressing the current and future needs of public transportation in Franklin and beyond as we continue to advance transportation connections to our surrounding cities throughout middle Tennessee. It is an honor to be involved in pioneering the future of public transportation in the community that I call home.”

McGehee’s experience in commercial real estate development as an owner and developer dates back to 1994 with commercial property development projects in Nashville. In 2001, he joined The Shopping Center Group, LLC where he was promoted to President of Operations for the Tennessee division and as member of the company’s Board of Directors. In 2004, McGehee was recruited by Centex Homes-Nashville to create and implement a land strategy for acquisition, planning, and entitlement for Centex Homes in Middle Tennessee. In 2008, McGehee joined with Glenn Wilson, the founder of SouthStar, LLC as a co-partner of the real estate development company. At SouthStar, their focus has been the development of medical related assets, mixed-used developments, grocery-anchored developments and single tenant assets. Since then, they have conceived and executed leases, land purchases and developments in excess of $200 million in value. McGehee holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics from Lipscomb University. Currently, he is on the board of the Mt. Dora Children’s Academy and Children’s Home in Mt. Dora, Florida. McGehee is a member of the Lipscomb Academy Leadership Council and Chairman of the Development Committee.

Additional members of The TMA Group Board of Directors include: Mayor Rogers Anderson, Williamson County; Julian Bibb, Stites & Harbison, PLLC; Ken Browning, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; David Burt, EnergyLogic; Ed Cagle, FirstBank; Brad Dunn, Williamson Inc./Pinnacle Bank; Pat Emery, Spectrum | Emery, Inc.; Randy Houston, First Tennessee Bank; Shanna Jackson, Columbia State Community College; Bill Lockwood, Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, Inc.; Julie Miller, Williamson Medical Center; Mayor Dr. Ken Moore, City of Franklin; Bob Murphy, RPM Transportation Consultants, LLC; Dave Pelton, Energy and Environmental Consultant; Jeremiah Pyron, OakPoint Real Estate; Mark Robbins, The Franklin Chop House; Mort Stein, Trace Realty; Cyril Stewart, Cyril Stewart, AIA; and Elizabeth West, Williamson Inc.

Established in 1988, The TMA Group is a regional leader in customizing environmentally-friendly, multimodal transportation solutions for employers and communities.

For more information contact Debbie Henry, Executive Director at 790-4005.

Oaklands Mansion’s 32nd Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes

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Usher in the holiday season with an enchanting tour of historic homes and landmarks. The annual Oaklands Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes is slated for December 5, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The tour, sponsored by Oaklands Association will feature beautiful and historic private homes, distinctive churches, and the graceful Oaklands Mansion.

 

In the late 1860s, the Maneys subdivided and sold much of their front acreage into lots to create a residential neighborhood, originally called “Maney’s Addition,” thought to be Murfreesboro’s first “subdivision.” It later became North Maney Avenue, which intersects present-day Main Street. Advertisements for lots in Maney’s Addition appeared in local newspapers assuring prospective owners free access to the Maneys’ spring. In the late 1880s, after she left Oaklands, Adaline Maney moved into a home in Maney’s Addition known as “Big Holly.” Today that home is the property of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Bell and will be featured on the tour.

 

Following the old carriage path of the plantation, stops along the holiday tour include the following historic buildings:

  • Oaklands Mansion, 900 North Maney Avenue
  • “Big Holly”, Mr.& Mrs. Gordon Bell, 718 North Maney Avenue
  • Oaklands Park Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 711 North Maney Avenue
  • Mr. & Mrs. Rhea Cole, 619 North Maney Avenue
  • Mr. Cory Williams, 603 North Maney Avenue
  • Mr. Adam Holsted, 343 Jackson Street
  • Dreamingincolor, Ms. Deneen Glidwell, 504 North Maney Avenue
  • Demos’ Restaurant Office, 503 North Maney Avenue
  • Old Dunaway Store, Ms. Linda Stevens, 312 North Maney Avenue
  • Mr. & Mrs. Rick Cottle, 225 North Maney Avenue
  • Mr. & Mrs. Rob Baker, 217 North Maney Avenue
  • Ms. Kathy Yeager, 120 North Maney Avenue
  • Mrs. Nancy Morris, 347 East Main Street
  • Central Christian Church, 404 East Main Street
  • Ransom Historic House & School Museum, 717 North Academy Street

 

These festively adorned historical homes and churches, dressed in holly and evergreen, will transport you to a simpler time. From the veranda of Oaklands Mansion and along the nine block tour, you will hear the music of carolers from local schools. Warm up with a cup of Demos’ famous chicken-n-rice soup or their award-winning banana pudding, on sale at their restaurant office at 503 North Maney Avenue. While at Oaklands, visit Gee-Ma’s food truck for old home cooking and a “meat and three” menu.

 

“This years’ tour will guide visitors along the old carriage path of the plantation and offer an opportunity to visit homes spanning several decades and various architectural styles,” said James Manning, Executive Director of Oaklands. “Visiting the festively appointed homes on our Candlelight Tour is a popular way to begin the celebration of the holidays.”

 

The cornerstone of the tour is the grand Oaklands Mansion. Interpreters in period attire will guide you through the history of this gracious home. At its peak, Oaklands was the center of a 1,500 acre plantation and one of the most elegant homes in Rutherford County.  Since that time, Oaklands has seen dramatic changes. Following the Civil War, it deteriorated from a majestic mansion to virtual ruins and, in the 1950’s, its very existence was threatened. The mansion was brought back from the brink of destruction, saved from the wrecking ball when a group of concerned ladies created Oaklands Association in 1959.   Since that time, the Association has worked tirelessly to restore Oaklands to its original splendor and preserve its unique history.

 

Today, local residents and visitors alike enjoy the mansion that has been lovingly restored and brought back to its former glory. The proceeds of the Candlelight Tour of Homes go toward the continuing preservation of this historic treasure. Purchase advance tickets (either online at www.OaklandsMansion.org or in the museum shop) by 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 3 and receive a special price of $12.50 for adults.  Admission is $15.00 per adult at the door, $5.00 students and children, free for ages 5 and under.  Sponsorships for the Tour are still available. On the night of the tour, tickets can be purchased at any home on the tour or at Oaklands’ Museum Shop. Oaklands Association is a non-profit educational organization. For information on becoming a member or a volunteer, please call (615) 893-0022 or email: info@OaklandsMansion.org.

Coed Volleyball

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The Athletics Division of Williamson County Parks and Recreation announces two Thursday winter coed indoor volleyball leagues at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road. Registration is open for an advanced division (reg. code #5151) and a recreation division (reg. code #5152) through November 19. The season starts December 3. The team registration fee is $200, and on-line registration is available at www.wcparksandrec.com. For additional information, contact Rick Kimmel at (615) 377-6530, ext. 6530.

 

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community. Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. For registration and additional information, visit www.wcparksandrec.com, or call (615) 790-5719, ext. 2010. You may also receive department information by “liking” Williamson County Parks and Recreation on Facebook or following us on Twitter at @wc_parksandrec or on Pinterest.

 

Breakfast with the Mayors

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Franklin Tomorrow is “taking it to the streets” this quarter, with the Nov. 3 Breakfast With the Mayors, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, taking a “Transportation Tuesday” theme with Franklin Mayor Ken Moore and Wiliamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson.

 

As part of the registration process, participants are being asked to complete a brief survey <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G2DCTQW> regarding transportation issues and those results will be revealed during the Nov. 3 Breakfast With the Mayors. The questions asked in the survey are based on a 2013 Transportation Survey conducted by Franklin Tomorrow which drew almost 1,000 responses.

 

Breakfast by Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant and Royal Cup Coffee will begin at 7 a.m. and our program promptly at 7:45 a.m. Franklin Tomorrow would like to thank our additional sponsors, which include Williamson Medical Center, Vanderbilt University — Office of Community and Government Relations, Tennessee Equine Hospital, Western Governors University Tennessee, Williamson County Association of Realtors, Nashville Business Journal, Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant, and Royal Cup Coffee.

 

Later in November, Franklin Tomorrow will work with partners such as the RTA, The Transit Alliance, Cumberland Region Tomorrow, and The TMA Group to host a community conversation to discuss the specific transit and transportation needs of Williamson County as it relates to regional transportation issues and transit service through an update of the RTA Strategic Transit Plan, known as nMotion.

Take the Cake

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Take your pick of tasty treats at the second “Take the Cake” fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, at the historic Williamson County Courthouse in downtown Franklin. The pickings will be especially good this year with Mike Wolfe acting as master of ceremonies. You know Mike as the creator and co-star of “American Pickers” on the History Channel and now as creator of HGTV’s new show “Nashville Flipped.” The New York Times refers to Mike as “the Jack Kerouac of Junk.”

Proceeds from the event support the Williamson County DUI Court. The court serves as a constructive alternative for offenders with alcohol and drug abuse problems and offers treatment, supervision, and support for nonviolent offenders who have a primary diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependency. Williamson County DUI Court is a team concept involving the General Sessions Court, the offices of the Public Defender and District Attorney, and the Defense Bar.

For further information contact Judy Oxford at 615-791-8511, judyoxford@comcast.net, or visit the website at duicourtfoundation.org.

American Girl Fashion Show

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The American Girl Fashion Show is a fun-filled event for girls and their families, friends, and favorite dolls! Celebrate the experience of being a girl, whether yesterday or today, through a colorful presentation of historical and contemporary fashions. Enjoy elegant refreshments, enter to win door prizes, and learn how clothing has changed over the years to reflect history, culture, and girls’ individual styles. The event is hosted by and benefiting Mercy Community Healthcare.

Please Note: Tables can accommodate up to 10 people. We can only guarantee group seating to those who purchase tickets in one online order. Tickets must be for the same show, must all be purchased at the same time, and purchased by one person.

We look forward to another successful event in November to help raise funds to support our mission of providing quality healthcare to ALL, regardless of ability to pay.

campaign_14_536About Mercy Community Healthcare
Formerly Mercy Children’s Clinic, Mercy Community Healthcare reflects the love of Jesus Christ by providing quality and compassionate healthcare to both the insured and uninsured in Williamson and surrounding counties – with a focus on Pediatrics, Adult Primary Care and Integrated Mental & Behavioral Health.

Mercy has a staff of more than eighty full and part–time staff. Each of our physicians is Board Certified. Our patients come from more than thirty counties in Tennessee, and even from different states. Why do they come from so far? Great doctors giving great care! In the for-profit medical communities, it is unprofitable to care for the under-served and uninsured. Consequently, 70% of Mercy’s patients are uninsured or TNCare and that’s why we need your support.

  • Mercy physicians work ONLY at Mercy. Every patient has their doctor.
  • More than 10,000 patients from more than 30 counties call Mercy their healthcare home
  • Mercy experiences more than 26,000 patient visits annually
  • In Mercy’s four county (Williamson, Maury, Hickman, and Marshall) service area, the patient to doctor ratio is more than 4,000 to 1. For Behavioral Healthcare, the ratio is more than 6,000 to 1.
  • There are an estimated 50,000 uninsured persons in our service area

Mercy Community Healthcare is known for it’s accessible, affordable, compassionate, whole-person care as we serve our neighbors in body, mind, and spirit. No one is turned away because of their inability to pay.

Complimenting primary healthcare, Mercy provides comprehensive mental and behavioral health services to our clients. Mercy Behavioral Health, begun in 2006, currently has a full-time Psychiatrist, a full-time Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and four full-time therapists providing state certified mental health counseling for our patients and their families. Additionally, our staff works in collaboration with other agencies in our community to provide food, clothing, and shelter.

Mercy has two primary revenues streams; reimbursement for services from TennCare and commercial insurances
(Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, etc) and tax deductible donations ($1 million annually) that allow us to care for the uninsured.

For more information about Mercy please visit our website: www.MercyTN.org

Mercy must raise over $1 million a year to cover the costs to serve our uninsured patients. Please add a donation to your registration or click to the DONATE NOW button below to make a tax deductible donation today!

Franklin Wine Festival

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There are several ways to participate in the Franklin Wine Festival.  Check them out:

GRAND TASTING
A truly Grand experience for both foodies and wine connoisseurs, pairing extensive offerings by Middle Tennessee’s finest chefs with selected wines from around the world. Nowhere else will you have the opportunity to sample more than 300 wines and outstanding food!The Grand Tasting is held Friday, October 16, 2015 throughout The Factory at Franklin. Ticket prices for the Grand Tasting are $89 in advance, $100 if you elect to purchase at the door, provided such is available.SILENT AUCTION
At the Franklin Wine Festival Auction you will find a diverse selection ranging from hard-to-find wines, gift certificates, artwork and more. The auction is designed to appeal to every taste at every price range. Make sure to check the web site – www.franklinwinefestival.com – for an ongoing update of this year’s auction items.

ONE DAY ONLY WINE SALE AT COOL SPRINGS WINES & SPIRITS
On Saturday, October 17, all the wines featured at the Franklin Wine Festival will be available at Cool Springs Wines & Spirits on sale! That includes allotted, hard-to-find and collectible wines. The Franklin Wine Festival is one of the only events in the country that is able to offer this special sale to its attendees afterwards. Cool Springs Wines & Spirits is the largest wine and spirits store in Tennessee, located at 1935 Mallory Lane in Franklin.


 

Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of the most exciting wine and food tasting in Middle Tennessee. Come learn why everyone is talking about the Franklin Wine Festival!

For more information, contact Sarah Beatty at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, 615.522-5659 or sarah.beatty@mentorakid.org. –

Volkswalk

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On October 10, 2015, the Citizens for Brentwood Green Space will host Brentwood’s first-ever official “Volkswalk’’event created through a partnership between The Citizens for Brentwood Green Space and the local chapter of American Volkssport Association (AVA).

The term “Volkswalk” refers to a non-competitive walk. It’s not a pledge walk, it’s not a race, it is a fun activity you do with a club, with your family, with your pet, or all by yourself! The name has its origins in Europe.  This non-competitive walk is open to any individual, family, or team.  One can start the walk anytime between 7:30 am and 9:30 am.

Register as an individual (also add family members under individual)  OR as a team.

All proceeds minus the cost of the event will go towards amenities and improvements at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park.  The walk will bring our community together while supporting a terrific cause!   You can also register during the day of the event to receive AVA credit for an additional and separate $3 ($5 for new AVA members) fee.

 

 

 

Scholarship Program

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Each spring, based on availability of funds, Leadership Franklin awards scholarships to Franklin/Williamson County college student applicants based on academic achievement, community involvement, and a written essay. The scholarships are awarded at the graduation ceremony of the Leadership Franklin class in the spring each year. To support the continuing efforts of the Scholarship Program, the 2014-2015 class of Leadership Franklin is working to endow the Scholarship Fund to create a lasting impact on future generations of leaders as they embark on their journey to receive a college degree and hopefully, one day, return to our community to work, raise a family, and to continue to lead Franklin towards a bright future. If you would like to support this great cause, please donate by going to http://leadershipfranklin.org/about-us/scholarship-program/.

“As a founder of Leadership Franklin, I encourage you to consider a gift of any amount towards the Leadership Franklin Scholarship Fund. Thank you for your continued support.” -Mrs. Caroline J. Cross

Cool Springs Multimodal Transportation Study

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The TMA Group presented TranSystems’ Cool Springs Multimodal Transportation Study to the City of Franklin Board of Mayor & Aldermen during their work session on Aug. 25.

TMA City of Frankin-Cool Sprinesentation 8-25-15-TranSystems 4Between 2004 and 2013,Cool Springs average daily traffic increased 13%. Traffic east of I-65 increased 26%! Job growth is expected to continue in the near future as well, according to this graph from the report.

This study proposed short-, mid- and long-term options and solutions involving transit to and from the area, but also a free lunchtime circulator route, pedestrian enhancements, and fully exploring the proposed bike share program.

Recommendations include evening hours, free lunchtime circulator, and routes geared to bring employees from different areas of Nashville.

TMA City of Frankin-Cool Springs Presentation 8-25-15-TranSystems