Bozemans receive Anne T. Rutherford Exemplary Volunteer Award for dedicated work with My Friend’s House, other organizations
Jerry and Frances Bozeman of Franklin were honored Wednesday, July 22, by Franklin Tomorrow with the 2015 Anne T. Rutherford Exemplary Community Volunteer Award for their dedicated service to My Friend’s House Family & Children’s Services.
“When Frances visited (My Friend’s House) for the first time 15 years ago and learned that the boys could only have milk at breakfast due to limited funds, she made the decision for herself and Jerry that the residents of My Friend’s House would never go without milk again,” said Mindy Tate, Franklin Tomorrow executive director, in making the presentation. “Weekly, the couple provides milk, orange juice, and apple juice, as well as vegetables from their garden to ensure the boys’ have a healthy diet.”
The couple also participates in Meals on Wheels, sends care packages to soldiers overseas, and responds to needs in the community as they arise.
Receiving Business Legacy Awards were Ralph Drury for A Vintage Affair, and Calvin and Marilyn LeHew for their dedication as community philanthropists.
In the 15 years since Drury started A Vintage Affair, it has raised almost $1.5 million for charities helping women and children in Williamson County. More than just lending his name and funds to the effort, Ralph has worked tirelessly to create first an event, A Vintage Affair, and then transforming an event into an organization.
“Ralph Drury has demonstrated for years, through his tireless effort, his financial commitment and his everyday life, an unwavering love for his community and his generous spirit,” said Kathie Moore, Franklin Tomorrow Board of Directors president. “For his unbelievable effort and commitment, Ralph is truly deserving of recognition for his impact on the quality of life in Franklin and Williamson County.”
In honoring the LeHews, emcee Tom Lawrence pointed to the variety of organizations they couple has supported and the positive impact of their support.
“It is not too much of a simplification to say that without Calvin and Marilyn LeHew, Franklin, Tenn., could be just another town off a busy interstate, with a boarded-up Main Street and a lack of pride in its history,” Lawrence said. “As Calvin likes to say, it could be Anywhere USA instead of the dynamic, unique, and cherished community that it is.
“Tonight we are recognizing the LeHews not only for their business acumen and dedication, but for their giving hearts which have led them to undertake projects big and small. To try and list the nonprofit organizations or projects supported by Calvin and Marilyn would be too difficult, often because they do not seek the spotlight for their philanthropy unless it will encourage others to give,” he said.
Volunteer Spirit Awards were given to Mike Jones for his work in founding First United Methodist Church’s The Giving Garden, which to date this year has produced more than 13,000 pounds of fresh produce and vegetables to families and organizations in need.
Also receiving a Volunteer Spirit Award was Judy Moser, nominated by Graceworks Ministries, used her self-declared talents of interior decorating and shopping to assist in the Boutique of Graceworks. The organization credits the value generated by her volunteer work at more than $500,000 since she began volunteering with the organization.
Youth Initiative Awards were presented to all three nominees in the category — Gracie Pfaff, Harvest 107; Barrett Patton, High Hopes; and Miller Garrett, Franklin’s Charge.
Pfaff was nominated by Cathy Montgomery of the Williamson County Health Department. At age 12, Pfaff believed she could make a difference not just in her community, but in the world. She founded Harvest 107, a nonprofit organization creating fresh and sustainable food sources to low-income communities in the United States and developing countries around the globe. Her first micro-garden was at New Hope Academy and feeds 24 needy families on a continual basis.
Patton, nominated by Gail Powell of High Hopes Inc., has dedicated his youth to assisting the High Hopes Development Center with his time and efforts. Barrett has spoken at engagements and in videos for the program and his words have helped the organization in many priceless ways.
Garrett, nominated by Stacey Watson of Franklin’s Charge, is a young man who has spent most of his life in Scouting, recently earning the rank of Eagle Scout. His time with Boy Scouts has been used to help improve the quality of local areas, including his Eagle Scout project to clear brush from the future site of Carter Hill Park on Columbia Avenue.
Receiving the Corporate Volunteer Achievement Award was Stacey S. Watson of Stites & Harbison. Over the course of nearly 15 years as Director of Community Development for Stites & Harbison, PLLC, Stacey Suzanne Watson has assisted dozens of non-profit organizations from start up through major initiatives that have had a major impact on the quality of life in Franklin and Williamson County.
More than $20 million has been raised through public-private partnerships, 30 new non-profits have been developed, and many others have been cultivated and enhanced with Stacey’s involvement. Notable examples include Mercy Children’s Clinic, the Land Trust for Tennessee, the 21st Judicial Drug Court, the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County, Williamson County CASA, New Hope Academy, Franklin’s Charge, Franklin Tomorrow, Hard Bargain/Mount Hope Redevelopment, the African-American Heritage Society and the Education Foundation of Williamson County.
Jackson National Life’s Internet Technology Team received the Corporate Team Award for using the combined skills and talents in helping promote female roles in career paths related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, also known as STEM. The department helps interact with local youth and connects interested girls with women in the career field through the annual Tennessee Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Research, or TWISTER, conference. The company also interacts weekly with students at Woodland Middle School in the Creative Coding Club.
The Civic Group Award was presented to Brentwood Photography Club, which was nominated by BrightStone. The group of photography volunteers has provided photography services for several events and occasions and has helped enormously by relaying important, heartening messages in professional quality photographs.
The late Tommy Murdic and the late Clint Callicott were remembered for their lives of service with Ned Lea Lifetime Achievement Awards. Family members of both men were present to receive the awards. Murdic, nominated by Robert Hicks, was honored for his lifetime of overcoming barriers and helping in creating Franklin’s Charge, but also for his service on the Williamson County Board of Commissioners, African American Heritage Society, Franklin Planning Commission and numerous other groups.
Callicott, who died in June of this year, was for many Williamson Countians and Tennesseans, a legend in leadership and in setting an example of staying true to one’s community roots. Whether on the Williamson County Quarterly Court or County Commission or in the state House of Representatives, Callicott was known as a man of the people. Callicott was instrumental in setting the foundation for the formation of the Williamson County Parks and Recreation department as well as bringing the Ag Expo Park to the county.
Underwriting the 2015 Franklin Tomorrow Community Volunteer Awards were Patterson Intellectual Property Law, Middle Tennessee Electric, PARKS Realty and Lipman Bros.
Additional partners include Buerger Moseley Carson, First State Bank, Pam Lewis of PLA Media, Benchmark Realty, and Vanderbilt University’s office of Community, Neighborhood, and Government Relations,
Thank you to Ernie & Nell Bacon for being patrons of tonight’s event.
Supporters include Sen. Jack Johnson, State Rep. Charles Sargent, The TMA Group, The BBB Integrity Foundation, Cordia Harrington, State Rep. Glen Casada, and the Williamson Herald.
Nominations for the annual awards were received from more than 30 nonprofits and individuals recognizing the “stars of our community.” Local Realtors J. Edward and Brenda Tuck Campbell were co-chairs for the event, which is open to the public.
In 2007, Franklin Tomorrow established the Exemplary Community Volunteer Awards to honor the decades of service and tremendous impact of Anne T. Rutherford, a founding member of Franklin Tomorrow and an active volunteer for many community organizations. Additional awards have been added as the awards continued.
In each category, Franklin Tomorrow makes a donation in each award recipient’s name to the nonprofit of their choice.
More than a dozen restaurants, an acclaimed local songwriter, one-of-a-kind artwork and plenty of equestrian-themed entertainment will greet attendees at the Fourth Annual “Raise the Roofs” on Saturday, August 15th at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm.
The event, presented by Farm Credit Mid-America as a fundraiser for the non-profit Friends of Franklin Parks, takes on special significance in its fourth year as the community celebrates the new multi-purpose equestrian arena at Harlinsdale. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., attendees will be treated to a taste of Williamson County courtesy of 14 local providers, music by Nathan Picard, a handful of exquisite auction items and more.
Participating culinary partners include Catering and Events by Suzette; Ching Asian Bistro; Chuy’s Tex-Mex; Circa; Franklin Chop House; the Franklin Noon Rotary BBQ Team; Granite City Food & Brewery; Juice Bar Franklin; Lyrics in The Factory; Nothing Bundt Cakes; Pearls & Spurs Luxury Trail Rides; Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant; Saffire; Sperry’s; and Whole Foods. Lipman Brothers is providing beer, wine and a specialty cocktail as part of the celebration.
The auction will present a handful of curated items, including an original commissioned oil painting by local artist Rachael McCampbell titled “Ready to Roll,” which commemorates the horse’s return to the pastures of the legendary Harlinsdale Farm.
Once again, Bill Harlin of Harlinsdale Farm in College Grove is donating a horse to the live auction from the line of the grand champion Midnight Sun – the two-year-old sorrel gelding named Rowdy Rapture will make the perfect pleasure horse for one lucky family. Also included in the live auction is a horse or dog photography session from Kathy Ziegler Art & Photography.
As the sun sets, Franklin’s own Nathan Picard, a singer-songwriter whose work has been heard on hit television shows, in feature films and on stages across the nation, will serenade the crowd with a string of acoustic hits.
And then there’s the horses – patrons always look forward to the demonstrations of various equestrian breeds that have played a role in the history of Williamson County, and will be featured when the new multi-purpose arena is completed later this summer. Docents will be on hand to give tours of the facility and historic barns around the arena, and event chairs Lisa McInturff and Theresa Menefee promise more fun surprises.
Other event sponsors include Berry Farms; Country Financial; Suzy Heer; James Parker/Morgan Stanley; Amy Cross Nance, Attorney at Law; Theresa and Albert Menefee; Tennessee Equine Hospital Memphis; and Williamson Medical Center.
Tickets are $75 per person and reserved tables for eight or 10 guests are available. Purchase tickets online at www.2015raisetheroofs.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Mindy Tate at (615) 794-0998 or by email at mindy@franklintomorrow.org.
Friends of Franklin Parks was founded in 2011 with a mission to enhance Franklin’s city parks with private dollars. Over the course of three years, the non-profit has raised more than $1 million from individual, corporate and organizational partners toward the construction of the new arena at Harlinsdale. To learn more, visit www.friendsoffranklinparks.org.
New beginnings are often inspiring, whether they arrive in the form of a fresh change of weather or a trek back to school. And in downtown Franklin, celebrating the start of a new month means the return of the firstFriday art crawl. The community will be bursting with sound and color this Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. during August’sFranklin Art Scene, as dozens of small business owners will be opening their doors and transforming their establishments into art galleries and performance spaces
Gallery locations can be found throughout downtown—including the Second South District and Bridge Street, as well as up and down Columbia Avenue—and will include local artist appearances, fine art exhibitions, live music and more. See below for information on a few of this months featured artists:
Bagbey House Antiques & Interiors on 4th Avenue North will feature the work of Patrick McIntosh,a photographer by trader and experimenter of many artistic mediums such as painting, drawing and crafting. After graduating from Nossi College of Art in 2012 McIntosh utilized artistic expression as a means of coping with skin cancer. Much of McIntosh’s work reflects the joy and satisfaction found in life as well as an embracement of eco-friendly lifestyles.
Bob Parks Realty on Main Street will host artist Lauren C. Hood. Hood’s work explores a variety of mediums such as pen and ink illustrations, photography and mixed-media pieces.
BoutiqueMMM on the Public Square will be welcoming the work of Denise Michelle. Michelle’s passion lies in conveying the energy of life in paintings, and includes traditional and creative approaches to landscapes, portraits and still life pieces.
Heylee B. on East Main Street will lend its space to local Nashvillian Vicky Reddish. When not managing her entrepreneurial endeavors (Reddish is co-owner of Whistle Punk Men’s Grooming Co.) Reddish spends much of her time painting, designing and crafting.
The Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church will feature the work of Paul Heller, a professional mosaic-stained glass artist. Heller specializes in large-scale and illuminated glass music pieces. His glass instruments can be found in the hands of stars such as Miranda Lamberts and as décor in many Nashville venues.
Jack Yacoubian Jewelers will host work from Susan Goshgarian McGrew’s new series “Wildlife and Waterfalls of the South Cumberland.”
Jamba Juice on West Main Street will feature live music with Graceman. Graceman is a band whose style of music incorporates elements of folk, soul and rock. Their original melodies are complemented by the soulful smoky tone of Anna Graceman’s voice and her skilled acoustic piano accompaniment. Allie Graceman on rhythm guitar and Landon Graceman on drums.
Landmark Bank will be hosting Rachel. McCampbell’s work, which often reflects the play between motion and stillness. Much of her work conveys a narrative through movement which each viewer is free to interpret for themselves.
Shuff’s Music on 3rd Avenue North is featuring the contemporary impressionist work of Franklin native Mike Moyers, who explores life and faith through his palette knife technique.
And many more! These are just a few of the Franklin Art Scene’s August artists; organizers recommend referencing www.franklinartscene.com to be certain a favorite isn’t missed.
Many sites host live entertainment and offer complimentary refreshments to those perusing the work of their featured artist. Local musicians are welcomed with open arms at this monthly celebration of creative expression. Free trolley rides, provided by the Williamson Source, will circulate around all stops and patrons will be free to ride as they please between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. In addition to an online map and QR code, a Franklin Art Scene smartphone application is now available on Google Play. The download gives users up-to-date information on locations and upcoming events. The Franklin Art Crawl began in 2011 when a core group of local artistic influencers gathered to discuss the launch of an art crawl in downtown Franklin. Since then, hundreds of artists have been featured, and organizers say that they believe thousands of patrons turn out for the event each month–indicating steady growth for the Art Scene. Franklin Art Scene is a free event occurs on the first Friday of each month. For more information on the event or to download maps and applications, go to www.franklinartscene.com.
A VINTAGE AFFAIR HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL A FASHION AFFAIR
AVA to add a splash of fun to Franklin’s Main Street
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – A Vintage Affair (AVA) is proud to present its 8th Annual runway show, “A Fashion Affair 2015: Swimsuit Edition” to be held at the Franklin Theatre on Main Street in downtown Franklin on July 25th at 8:00pm.
This year promises to be splash filled with summertime fun and fashion including various swimsuit designs, ranging from resort wear to bohemian style, modeled by female and male models from DAN Talent Group, with hair and make-up provided by the Aveda Institute. The “Bikini Martini VIP Pre-Party” will be held for VIP ticket holders from 6:30pm-7:30pm on Main Street at Ecco Salon with food by The Daily Dish. Wine and cocktails provided by Robledo Family Winery and Patron Tequila.
A Vintage Affair was founded in 2001 as a means by which to raise funds for Williamson County non-profits serving women and children in need. Today, through a series of community events and other fund-raising efforts, the 501(c)3 organization has identified 15 worthy beneficiaries to support in the 2015 fiscal year in honor of the organizations 15th anniversary in the community.
For more information on A Vintage Affair, including tickets, events, financials, details on how to sponsor events and more, visit www.avintageaffair.org.
AVA beneficiaries for 2015 include:
Bluegrass Along the Harpeth Fiddlers Jamboree Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, 2015 on the Historic Square in Downtown Franklin TN.
FREE ADMISSION!
For more information please visit Bluegrass Along The Harpeth Fiddlers Jamboree
July 23rd through the 26th – City Farmhouse is super excited to announce The Fling — a City Farmhouse Monthly Pop-up STORE in downtown Franklin, Tennessee!
For dates, times and more information please visit THE FLING.
Studio Tenn’s ONE NIGHT ONLY has quickly become one of the most highly anticipated, knock your socks off entertainment events of the season! Experience an unbelievable night of live music and entertainment to help raise money for the 6th season of this world class professional theatre company!
American Idol stars Melinda Doolittle and Diana DeGarmo will join Studio Tenn company members and other special guests performing at this year’s One Night Only fundraising gala on Saturday, July 18!
For more information and to purchase tickets please visit Studio Tenn One Night Only.
* Open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres included in ticket price
As part of the ninth annual Franklin Tomorrow Exemplary Community Volunteer Awards and Volunteer Spirit Awards, set for July 22, two Ned Lea Lifetime Achievement Awards will be presented posthumously to the late Tom Murdic and the late Clint Callicott.
The awards will be presented at the Franklin Theatre as part of the ninth annual Exemplary Community Volunteer Awards and Volunteer Spirit Awards. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception provided by Lipman Brothers.
The awards presentation will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are available through the Franklin Theatre at www.franklintheatre.com. Making the event possible as partners are Patterson Intellectual Property Law, Middle Tennessee Electric, and PARKS Realty.
The Ned Lea Lifetime Achievement Award is presented posthumously to recognize individuals who have had a significant impact for one organization or on their community through their life. They exemplify a heart of service and a dedication to the community at large.
Murdic, who died unexpectedly in March 2015, will be recognized for his years of service to the community as a whole, but also as a strong representative of the African American community and the preservation of its history. His participation as a founding member of Franklin’s Charge was integral to the success of that organization, according to a nomination by local author and preservationist Robert Hicks.
Callicott, who died early last month at his farm in Only, Tenn., had a long record as a public servant, starting as a county commissioner, time as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, and as county mayor. But he is also remembered as a strong advocate of youth sports and as his influence grew, he is credited as a founder of Williamson County’s public recreation department.
The top award of the evening is the Anne T. Rutherford Exemplary Community Volunteer Award, chosen from nominations submitted by more than 30 local nonprofit organizations or charities.
Awards also to be presented will recognize Civic Groups, Corporate Volunteer Teams, as well as Individual Corporate volunteers. Also being presented will be the Volunteer Spirit, Youth Initiative, and Lifetime Achievement Awards.
For the second year, Franklin Tomorrow will present the Legacy Award, a continuation of the Business Legends Award previously presented by the Williamson County-Franklin Chamber of Commerce. This award will recognize an individual or individuals who have made significant impact in the areas of business, quality of life, and leadership.
Serving as chairmen for the event are local Realtors, J. Edward & Brenda Tuck Campbell of Synergy Realty Network, LLC.
Additional sponsors include Buerger Moseley Carson, First State Bank, Pam Lewis, Benchmark Realty, and Vanderbilt University Office of Community, Neighborhood, and Government Relations. Serving as supporters are Ernie & Nell Bacon, The Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee and The Integrity Foundation, State Sen. Jack Johnson, Lipman Brothers, Williamson Herald, State Rep. Charles Sargent, The TMA Group, Cordia Harrington, and State Rep. Glen Casada.
Franklin Tomorrow is the community visioning nonprofit which seeks to engage the community, foster collaboration, and advocate for a shared vision for the future of Franklin. That shared vision includes a vibrant economy, distinct character, robust neighborhoods, and great people. Visit their Web site at www.franklintomorrow.org.
A complete list of nominees in each category is attached.
After nearly a year of renovation, A. Marshall Family Foods Inc.—the hospitality group that operates the award-winning Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant—has announced the opening of Harvest at Homestead Manor, a Tuscan-inspired restaurant in Thompson’s Station that cultivates its on-site organic farm for menus reflecting the season’s bounty.
Located in a ca. 1819 National Register home, Harvest draws parallels between Italian and Southern cultures, pairing time-honored European recipes with traditional Southern foodways.
To commemorate the occasion, Homestead is hosting a grand opening celebration Sunday, July 12th, from 4 to 6 p.m. with tours, tastes and live music throughout the 50-acre property. More details can be found at Facebook.com/HomesteadManor.
“Throughout this process we have looked to the manor’s 200-year-old roots, and how we can carry that heritage to offer something unique to middle Tennessee,” said Andy Marshall, president of A. Marshall Foods. “We are serving a community that places value on preserving its culture, and I think they’ll see our commitment to that, too, through the restaurant’s mission and the property’s renovation.”
Leading culinary operations is Executive Chef Carlos Garcia, who is charged with creating the vision for the fine-dining restaurant and crafting dishes that best highlight the mission to provide diners with the freshest flavors.
Current lunch offerings at Harvest include a baked cannelloni with house-ground pork, rossa sauce, garden herbs, kale and spinach; a peach and pecan pizza topped with goat cheese, blackberries and balsamic drizzle; a citrus salad with orange, grapefruit, fennel, spiced pecans and red and yellow beets; a caprese salad with scratch-made burrata, green and red tomatoes, basil and balsamic; and for dessert, a cottage cheesecake with gingersnap crust and a blueberry and rosemary compote.
The season’s dinner menu includes butter-roasted mushrooms with porcini, morel and chanterelle; a wood-fired brook trout with tagliatelle pasta, garlic, shallots and sautéed kale; pasta primavera with pappardelle, ratatouille, garlic, fennel, zucchini, squash, mushrooms and sage; tre carne risotto with parmigiano-reggiano; a morel pizza with sourdough crust, chanterelle, porcini, confit garlic spread and parmesan; and for dessert, house-made seasonal gelatos and a fried ravioli cannoli.
The restaurant will also offer a brunch each Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. through 2 p.m., with drink specials and a revolving menu according to the farm’s yield.
“Both Tuscan and Southern cultures gravitate toward hearty cuisine made with simple ingredients that bring out its natural flavors. That’s what we want to do,” said Claire Marshall Crowell, director of operations for A. Marshall Foods. “Each day we pick naturally grown ingredients that make these dishes come alive. If we we can’t get something from our property, we use regional farms—like Bear Creek, a mile and a half down the road.
“It’s exciting to us that our guests can be entrenched in the experience: they can walk in our herb garden or take a tour of our farm, and then see their meal being prepared.”
Inside Harvest’s newly built conservatory bar, diners will find seasonal artisanal cocktails, an extensive Italian wine list and an impressive spirits selection to be sipped in the dedicated space located directly behind the restaurant. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer guests a front-row view of the herb garden, where ingredients are picked for the tippler’s glass.
Harvest will be open Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m to 9 p.m. To see complete lunch, dinner, brunch and bar menus, or to learn more about Harvest, go to www.homesteadmanor.com.
The Farm at Homestead Manor—which is a vital part of property operations and Harvest’s vision—encompasses 10-plus acres of land overseen by Property Director J.T. Ward and Agricultural Curators Joni and Casey McCarty.
Ward and the McCartys oversee the organic production of more than 75 types of vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits, under strict accordance with USDA Organic Certification Regulations, and ensure that the business can supply the restaurant on a sustainable basis.
In addition, an orchard—originally part of the manor property—has been groomed to provide fruits used at Harvest and in the bar.
“This is a working farm that supplies our chefs with naturals for every dish in the kitchen, and for most concoctions. It’s not a hobby or a side project—it’s the center of the business,” said J.T. Ward, Homestead property director. “The farm helps better connect our Southern heritage to the Tuscany region’s love for simple and seasonal food prepared for family.”
Flanking the manor is The Barn, an equestrian-style event space built into the pastoral surroundings, that lends another dimension to Homestead’s offerings. The rustic-style structure, which is nearing completion, will elevate wedding celebrations and community gatherings.
On the heels of earning a spot on the 2014 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest growing companies, A. Marshall Foods announced the purchase of the historic manor last year, with a vision to build a multi-layer hospitality concept around the 19th-century building.
Soon, Marshall says, there will also be regular educational and entertainment opportunities surrounding the farm and orchard, open to the public. The property already hosts the weekly Thompson’s Station Farmer’s Market, held each Wednesday.
“We hope to eventually offer elements of agri-tourism. Once we get our footing, the orchard will be open to guests to pick from, and the farm used in a variety of community-driven purposes,” Marshall said. “Walking trails with historic markers will tell of the Battle of Thompson’s Station and its significance to Tennessee and American history. Homestead wants to tell a bigger story moving forward.”
To learn more about Homestead Manor and Harvest, or A. Marshall Family Foods Inc., go to www.homesteadmanor.com or facebook.com/homesteadmanor.