Home Sales Statistics

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Home values are up as evidenced by the $412,000 median sales price of Williamson County homes in November 2015. This represents a 6.25% increase over last November’s median price, according to data from the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® (WCAR).

“As 2015 comes to a close what we’ve experienced in Williamson County real estate is a market that has seen highest sales volume since 2006 and the highest sales prices ever’, said David Logan, WCAR President. “The increase in inventory over last year bodes well for buyers looking to find a home before year end.”

The November median price marks 11 months of the past 12 months where median prices exceeded $400,000.

The 321 closings in the month of November were 10.5% lower than the 359 closings in the prior year. However, overall closings year-to-date in 2015 are 2.5% higher than in the first 11 months of 2014.

“New federal regulations in October coupled with normal seasonality of the market most likely contributed to the reduction in the number of closings”, said Logan. “Both buyers and sellers should be encouraged by the continued stability and appeal of the local real estate market.”

Breakfast with the Mayors

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Mark your calendars now for Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, the date of the first Franklin Tomorrow Breakfast With the Mayors, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, in 2016.

Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson and Franklin Mayor Ken Moore have invited the mayors of Williamson County’s other cities to join them that day for a mayoral summit.
Reservations for the event will be accepted in early January for the event, which will be held at Rolling Hills Community Church, 1810 Columbia Ave., in Franklin. Breakfast from Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant and Royal Cup Coffee will be served starting at 7 a.m. and guests will be able to network until the start of the program at 7:45 a.m.
Invited have been Brentwood Mayor Regina Smithson, Fairview Mayor Patti Carroll, Nolensville Mayor Jimmy Alexander, Spring Hill Mayor Rick Graham, and Thompson’s Station Mayor Corey Napier.
The remaining Breakfasts With the Mayors will be held April 26, July 26, and Oct. 25.
Additional information and sponsors for Breakfast With the Mayors will be announced in January. Sponsorships are available for the series or individual Breakfasts. For more information, contact Mindy Tate at (615) 794-0998.

Williamson County Master Gardener Program

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The Williamson County Extension office conducts Master Gardener training on an annual basis  beginning in January and ending in April. The 2016 class begins January 26th and ends April 19th.  Classes are each Tuesday morning from 10 am until 1 pm in even years and Tuesday evenings from 6 pm until 9 pm in odd years. Call Amy Dismukes at 615-790-5721 ext. 13 or via email adismuke@utk.edu for more information.  You may also download the TEMG Application PDF below and follow the instructions to enroll. 


temg_application.pdf

Download File


Classes will be held at the Williamson County AG Expo Park at 4215 Long Lane in Franklin

Detailed Class Schedule is available on the link below:
https://extension.tennessee.edu/Williamson/Horticulture/Consumer%20Horticulture/2016%20MG%20class%20schedule%20revised_SRHUDY_1.pdf

There will be  “three-hour” sessions offered on a variety of horticultural topics for the homeowner, landscape professionals or horticultural enthusiast. Classes covered include but, are not limited to:

  • Soils and Fertility
  • Insect and Disease Control
  • In the Home Landscape
  • Gardening with Native Plants
  • Basic Botany
  • Fruit Trees and Small Fruit
  • Vegetable Gardening
  • Gardening with Herbs
  • Lawn and Turf Management
  • Herbaceous Ornamentals
  • Urban Tree Management
  • Woody Ornamentals
  • Weed Control in the Landscape
  • Garden Design

We also offer a couple of optional out of class educational activities.

Becoming a Williamson County Master Gardener requires the completion of at least 40 hours of training, followed by volunteer work with the University of Tennessee Extension Service and the Williamson County Master Gardener’s Association for an equal amount of time.

Enrollment will be limited to approximately one hundred participants.

Fossil Q

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Introducing Fossil Q: a line of fashionable connected accessories that showcase the design excellence, expert craftsmanship and bit of whimsy that defines Fossil – one of the world’s leading accessory brands. Comprised of two types of connected watches (both display and non-display) and two styles of connected bracelets (one for men and one for women), there’s something for everyone.

For the past 30 years, Fossil has created the most authentic, vintage-inspired, creatively charged, beautiful timepieces. It continues to push the envelope of innovation in order to capture the uniqueness of its consumer. And as consumers demand more information than ever before, it’s only natural that Fossil would evolve the brand to include connected accessories. This line, created in collaboration with Intel, is a delicate balance of fashion and functionality, seamlessly providing consumers only the information they need when they need it.

“Our customers are obsessed with their personal sense of style and staying connected, and we are thrilled to enter into this emerging category with an answer to their needs,” said Jill Elliott-Sones, chief creative officer at Fossil. “Fossil Q is the result of countless hours of meticulous design expressed through a playful curious lens. Our hope is the unique attention to detail in both our connected accessories line and app cue our audience to try new things, be more curious and experience the world around them like never before.”

Acting as your fitness tracker as well as your fun and quirky friend, Fossil Q will cue you to be curious, cue you to be active and cue up notifications from the contacts and apps you care about, without compromising your style.

The entire line of connected accessories is engineered with Intel® Innovation and is compatible with Android™ 4.3 and higher, iPhone 5 and above (running iOS 8.2 and higher), and connects via Bluetooth technology. The app works with top fitness applications Google Fit™, Health, UP by Jawbone® and UA Record™ by Under Armour. They also come with a wireless charging base for stress-free recharging.

Specifically the Fossil Q line includes the following:

Q Reveler: Who says you can’t have fun and look good while doing it? Q Reveler is your trusted friend, keeping track of how far you run, notifying you of only the people and apps you care about and daring you to be bold and explore more around you. Keep track of who’s contacting you with a subtle nudge and color LEDs. Q Reveler will be available on October 25 and cost $125.

Q Dreamer: Finally, a fitness tracker and more that looks like one of your favorite bracelets (and it goes with everything). Choose a leather band for work and a silicone band while working out; there are plenty of options to choose from, and you’ll stay connected at the same time. With gentle vibrating alerts and customized color notifications for key contacts and apps, you’re sure to stay in touch, in style. Q Dreamer will be available on October 25 and cost $125.

Q Grant: Curiously unassuming, it’s more than meets the eye. The Q Grant looks like an ordinary watch, but under its beautiful face, it’s talking to your smartphone, tracking fitness, listening for important messages and then alerting you to only the emails, texts, phone calls and app news you care about. Customize your key contacts with their own color, and when they contact you, you’ll feel a gentle vibration and see that color appear on right, left, or both LED indicators located on either side of the watch. Q Grant will be available on October 25 and cost from $175-$195.

Q Founder: A powerhouse packed into an elegant package. Let your personality free as you customize your favorite watch faces with a simple swipe and tap. The Q Founder is the result of collaboration with Intel and Google, engineered with Intel® Innovation and powered by Android Wear™. Leveraging Intel and Google technology, the Q Founder shows you useful information just when you need it and is compatible with both Android™ phones and iPhones. Q Founder will be available just in time for the holiday shopping season and starts at $275.

The magic that powers all of these devices is thanks to Fossil’s proprietary app. It has three main features:

Q Activity: This built-in fitness tracker lets you know how many calories you burned and also provides results in a curious way to make your activities a bit more fun. No need to ditch your favorite fitness apps; this tracker can connect seamlessly to Google Fit™, Health, UP by Jawbone® and UA Record™ by Under Armour.

Q Notifications: These notifications are your cue that a social media update, important call or meeting awaits. Filter by just the contacts or apps you care about – or get them all. It’s up to you.

Q Curiosity: Cue your curiosity! These notifications alert you that it’s time to break free from routine, look from a different angle or try something new in your community. These activities will ignite a new perspective, open up your creativity and leave your brain feeling refreshed.

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151020/278827

New Balance 3D Printed Performance Running Shoe Midsole

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Through an exclusive collaboration with 3D Systems and their newly developed elastomeric powder, DuraForm® Flex TPU, New Balance has made significant advancements in the performance of printed parts for running shoes. The new midsoles leverage the benefits of 3D printing and breakthroughs in materials science to achieve an optimal balance of flexibility, strength, weight and durability. This limited edition, state-of-the-art running shoe will launch first in Boston in April 2016 and then in select New Balance retail locations around the globe. The shoes will also be on display and in use by employees in the 3D Systems booth at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January.

The latest designs of the 3D printed midsole are based on underfoot pressure data from heel strikers with more cushioning elements in areas of higher average pressure. This data to design formula follows the path that New Balance designers used to create the award winning Fresh Foam collection. For midsole production, New Balance uses selective laser sintering (SLS), a process which converts new powder materials into solid cross-sections, layer by layer, using a laser. DuraForm® Flex TPU powder gives the resulting parts a previously unavailable combination of strength and elasticity that is ideal for performance running shoes.

“This project represents an unprecedented technical collaboration in footwear”, says Sean Murphy New Balance Senior Manager of Innovation and Engineering. “To deliver this level of performance with a 3D printed component, we paired experts in running and biomechanics with leaders in plastics engineering, material development and generative design. These are the types of collaborations that will drive footwear design and manufacturing in the future.”

In 2013 New Balance was the first athletic brand to have a track athlete, middle distance runner Jack Bolas, compete with data-customized, 3D printed spike plates. Since then Team New Balance athletes have continued to compete in custom, printed spikes including US Olympic Athlete Kim Conley at the 2014 USATF Outdoor National Championships where she came in first in the 10,000m. Beyond Track & Field New Balance has also created customized soccer cleats and baseball spikes for its elite athletes. New Balance soccer star Aaron Ramsey wore a bespoke boot with printed plates in the FA Cup Final on May 30, 2015. New Balance continues to expand data customization with elite athletes and expects more athletes to test out customized products in practice and games in the near future.

“In 2013 we said this was the future of footwear manufacturing and today we are proud to bring the future to consumers with a fully 3D printed midsole,” says New Balance President and CEO Robert DeMartini. “With 3D printing we are able to pursue performance customization at a whole new level. The New Balance Innovation Team is showcasing the latest in performance running and these advancements signify an important step forward to becoming one of the world’s top athletic brands.”

For more information please visit www.newbalance.com.

About New Balance

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. New Balance is the only major company to make or assemble more than 4 million pairs of athletic footwear per year in the USA, which represents a limited portion of our US sales. Where the domestic value is at least 70%, we label our shoes Made in the USA. New Balance owns five factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance employs more than 5,000 associates around the globe, and in 2014 reported worldwide sales of $3.3 billion. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com.

Introducing the Calm Repairing Serum and Calm 1% BHA Lotion Exfoliant

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Applying a dime-sized amount of the Calm Redness Relief 1% BHA Exfoliant over the entire face after cleansing and toning will help to gradually reduce redness while unclogging and shrinking pores. Featuring a lightweight lotion texture, this exfoliant contains salicylic acid (BHA) to soften rough, bumpy skin while reducing redness with its anti-inflammatory properties.

Follow with a few drops of the Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum to immediately soothe irritated skin and calm redness with gentle, yet highly effective ingredients. Formulated to reduce persistent redness and sensitivity, this serum works wonders for anyone with extra-sensitive skin desiring the benefits of an antioxidant-rich, anti-aging serum without the irritation.

Suitable for those with normal to dry and normal to oily skin types, the NEW Calm Redness Relief products from Paula’s Choice Skincare will transform extra-sensitive, reddened skin into a more unified, healthy appearance.

Directions: Use as the last step of your nightly skincare routine. Remove the cap from the applicator. Gently depress the button at the bottom of the component once to dispense product. Gently massage into targeted areas where wrinkles or expression lines are present.

Price: Calm Redness Relief 1% BHA Exfoliant- $26; Calm Redness Relief Repairing Serum -$32, beginning December 2015 at www.paulaschoice.com

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Paula’s Choice was founded in 1995 by internationally renowned beauty and skin care expert, Paula Begoun, author of Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal, The Beauty Bible and Don’t Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me, which have sold more than 2.5 million copies. Using her knowledge and expertise, Paula has developed state-of-the-art formulations for her own line based on reliable, published skin-care research. Products include skin care, makeup, body and hair care, beauty tools, and accessories. All products are fragrance-free, cruelty-free, environmentally-friendly and perform beautifully without false promises. For more information visit: www.paulaschoice.com. Like us on Facebook, “Paula’s Choice, Inc.” and follow us on Twitter, @PaulasChoice.

Serenity and Rose Quartz

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Pantone, an X-Rite company and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE 15-3919 Serenity and PANTONE 13-1520 Rose Quartz, as the PANTONE® Color of the Year selection for 2016; a harmonious pairing of inviting shades that embody a mindset of tranquility and inner peace.

As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to the stress of modern day lives, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill the yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, Serenity comforts with a calming effect, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times. Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure.

“With the whole greater than its individual parts, joined together Serenity and Rose Quartz demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

The prevalent combination of Serenity and Rose Quartz also challenges some more traditional perceptions around color association.

“In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design,” said Eiseman. “This more unilateral approach to color is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumers’ increased comfort with using color as a form of expression which includes a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged, and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage.”

Serenity and Rose Quartz for Fashion
The combination of Serenity and Rose Quartz was featured on the runways for both men and women and highlighted in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2016 with Emilio Pucci, Leanne Marshall, BCBG and Richard James, among others who incorporated this harmonious color pairing into their recent collections. Playful yet sophisticated, this color duo makes a striking statement on its own, though it works equally well as an accent when joined with other shades.

With playful escapism as a theme for many, the pairing of shades can be expressed through patterning, plaids, floral prints, striping and color blocking. Variations of this hue will be seen in a variety of textures that make it wearable throughout the year, from warming and comforting plush wools and faux furs to more ethereal feeling, lightweight linens and cottons.

Serenity and Rose Quartz are also a popular choice for jewelry and fashion accessories, including handbags, hats, footwear and wearable technology.

This engaging combination also works easily with other mid-tones, including cooler greens and purples. Pair with Lime Popsicle and Silver for some splash and sparkle, Old Rose for some tender nostalgia, or the velvety Fondue Fudge, which makes for a rich background.

Serenity and Rose Quartz for Beauty
The pairing offers a variety of lip, cheek and eye palette options, as well as hues for nail color. Flattering against many skin tones, beauty looks pairing the lighthearted, healthy glow of Rose Quartz, with the cool, refreshing tone of Serenity, create a soft and natural statement.

Done with a natural, light touch, the flattering pink that enhances the lip, cheek and eye, can be blended with a hint of the cool blue tone that contributes to a beautiful, neutral-based eye shadow palette, accented by classic solid nails or creative nail art that incorporates both shades in the design. Juxtapose with neons for a bold and interesting contrast. Appealing in all finishes, matte, metallic and glossy, a layer of silver sparkle creates added drama.

Serenity and Rose Quartz for Interiors
Whether on their own or combined with other shades, the pairing of Serenity and Rose Quartz bring a feeling of calm and relaxation into the home environment. Like a serene sunset, Rose Quartz encourages reflection on one’s surroundings while Serenity, a transcendent blue, provides a naturally connected sense of space.

An ideal choice for rugs and upholstery, Serenity and Rose Quartz also work well in paint and for decorative accessories. Coupling solid and patterned fabrics, throws, pillows and bedding in these shades provides a comforting respite and feeling of well-being in the home. Incorporating texture enhances the duality and kinship of these hues.

Serenity and Rose Quartz colored kitchen items and tableware, as well as home accessories like candles, decorative bowls, vases and florals, add subtle color accents while contributing to a welcoming and peaceful space. Translucent, glazing, matte and metallic shine are key finishes.

Serenity and Rose Quartz for Graphic Design
Strong, yet calming, romantic yet subtle, consumers are immediately drawn to this combination, making it an enticing shade for a variety of products from food and beverage to cosmetics and accessories. With packaging becoming increasingly more tied into lifestyle color trends, the combination of Serenity and Rose Quartz is a natural fit for many kinds of packaging materials.

About the PANTONE Color of the Year

The Color of the Year selection process requires thoughtful consideration and trend analysis. To arrive at the selection each year, Pantone’s color experts at the Pantone Color Institute comb the world looking for new color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films in production, traveling art collections and new artists, fashion, all areas of design, popular travel destinations, as well as new lifestyles, playstyles and socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from new technologies, materials, textures and effects that impact color, relevant social media platforms and even up-coming sporting events that capture worldwide attention. For 16 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home furnishings and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design. Past selections for Color of the Year include:

  • PANTONE 18-1438 Marsala (2015)
  • PANTONE 18-3224 Radiant Orchid (2014)
  • PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald (2013)
  • PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
  • PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
  • PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)
  • PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)
  • PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)
  • PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)
  • PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)
  • PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)
  • PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)
  • PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)
  • PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)
  • PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)
  • PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)

The colors selected as our Pantone Color of the Year 2016 were taken from the PANTONE FASHION, HOME + INTERIORS Color System, the most widely used and recognized color standards system for fashion, textile, home and interior design. This August, PANTONE released 210 new colors to the system. PANTONE 15-3919 Serenity and PANTONE 13-1520 Rose Quartz are included in this collection of 210 new shades.

For more information on the PANTONE Color of the Year for 2016, please visit www.Pantone.com.

About Pantone and the Pantone Color Institute

Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, is the global color authority and provider of professional color standards for the design industries. Pantone products have encouraged colorful exploration and expressions of creativity from inspiration to implementation for more than 50 years. Through the Pantone Color Institute, Pantone continues to chart future color direction and study how color influences human thought processes, emotions and physical reactions. Pantone furthers its commitment to providing professionals with a greater understanding of color and to help them utilize color more effectively. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers designer-inspired products and services for consumers. More information is available at www.pantone.com. For the latest news, trends, information and conversations, connect with Pantone on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

About X-Rite

X-Rite, Incorporated, is the global leader in color science and technology. The company, which now includes color industry leader Pantone, develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative color solutions through measurement systems, software, color standards and services. X-Rite’s expertise in inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching color helps users get color right the first time and every time, which translates to better quality and reduced costs. X-Rite serves a range of industries, including printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical. For further information, please visit www.xrite.com.

Meal & Memories with Mom

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It’s time for a girls’ day out—just you and your daughter! You’ll enjoy a delicious meal, giggle over fun dice games that you can play over and over—like Story Switch-off, Roll-of-the-Dice Charades, and more—and make a colorful keepsake picture frame craft together.

Tickets are $38 per person. Please note this is a pre-paid event  and reservations are non-exchangeable and non-refundable. Reservations are required. This event is for girls ages 8 and older. Call 877-247-5223 to learn more.

Drive Away Hunger Winners Named

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The results are in from the 4th Annual Drive Away Hunger Challenge! Franklin High School won the prize for highest total number of pounds and Fairview High School won the award the most pounds of food per student.

Between the nine high schools, thousands of students participated by collecting 23,670 pounds of food for the pantry at GraceWorks. Over the past four years, the drive has collected over 100,000 pounds of food, all which has been used to support the efforts of GraceWorks.

“It has been a privilege for our schools to participate in the Drive Away Hunger Challenge for the fourth consecutive year,” said WCS Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools Dr. Charles Farmer. “My hope is that our ability to provide 12 tons of food items will in some small way impact a growing need in the great Williamson County community.”

The Drive Away Hunger Challenge grew from Darrell Waltrip Automotive Group’s desire to create an event that would support the efforts of GraceWorks’ pantry and their work to make sure no child in Williamson County goes hungry. Each year students at both a middle school and high school level in Williamson County’s public schools compete for cash prizes, bragging rights and trophies that will stay with the winning schools until the next year.

“Once again the generosity of Williamson County High Schools has amazed me,” said GraceWorks Food Pantry Manager Stephanie Wracher. “Congratulations to Franklin High and Fairview High on their big win again this year. Ravenwood High was a strong second followed by Centennial High. Independence more than doubled their contributions over last year. Thank you to all the high schools for your commitment to helping our Williamson County neighbors in need.”

For their wins, both Franklin and Fairview high schools received a check for $1,250 in prize money to put towards school initiatives.

Taste of Williamson

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Taste of Williamson, presented by Nissan, is an annual favorite of the local and regional community, featuring the area’s best food and beverages.  All proceeds benefit United Way of Williamson County and its partner agencies.

CoolSprings Galleria hosts this sampling event, where ticket holders meet chefs, sip a favorite beverage, taste local restaurant offerings and enjoy musical entertainment as they stroll from station to station. Proceeds from Taste of Williamson support programs that are creating opportunities for a better life for all in Williamson County. We all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable and when people have good health.

For additional information, please contact United Way of Williamson County at 615/771-2312 or email cstewart@uwwc.org to let us know you’d like to buy tickets, participate as a restaurant or volunteer.