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!

JX2 Beast of the East Truck Roping

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October 9-11, 2015 Beast of the East/NTRL Truck Roping – Franklin, TN

For information on this event please visit the website or event flyer.

“Light the Way” fundraiser for Team Elliott and Rhizo Kids

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Friends and family have organized ‘Light the Way” a fundraiser for Team Elliott and Rhizo Kids who serve the greater community for Rhizomelic Chondrodisplaysia Punctata (RCDP). The event is set for Sunday, October 11, at the Eastern Flank Event Facility.

Elliott Grace Castro was born on May 30, with a very rare terminal disease, RCDP and this fundraiser is designed to help raise funds for Elliott’s care with a portion going to Rhizo Kids. Elliott is actually the 22nd living child with the disease in the United States. RCDP is a form of dwarfism and presents with what is called skeletal dysplasia and most children don’t ever leave the hospital alive.

Event organizer and Elliott’s grandmother Brandy Blanton said, “The good news is that Elliott has already thwarted many of the normal hurdles for an RCDP baby including heart surgery, being on oxygen and a feeding tube. She is a joy in our world and this community has embraced her with open arms. This event will benefit not only Team Elliott, the name we have chosen for her cause, but the Rhizo Kids non-profit which supports research for the disease. They are actually close to unveiling a clinical trial that replaces the gene that is missing in RCDP children.”

Guests will be treated to live entertainment by local entertainers including the Williamson County Bluegrass Band and The Case Study among others. A special guest or two will step on stage on the back porch of the Eastern Flank Battle Event Facility for a few songs as well.

Families and children will enjoy the kids’ area complete with Touch-A-Truck from the Franklin Fire Department, face painting and a Musical Petting Zoo provided by Shuff’s Music. Team Elliott merchandise will also be available.

The fall event will feature deconstructed food trucks and caterers including Cool Cafe, Catering & Event by Suzette, Tin West and Pueblo Real among other locals.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. However, pets and coolers are not allowed.

Event organizers ask guests to RSVP so they can help plan for food vendors, wine and beer sales as well as Team Elliott merchandise. RSVP through Eventbrite: http://tinyurl.com/LighttheWayevent.

The event opens at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, October 11, and is free and open to the public with a donation suggestion of $20 per person or $50 per family at the gate. Cash and checks are accepted. Donations can be made at FirstBank or mailed to Team Elliott, 406 Vienna Ct., Franklin, 37067.

 

For more information, email Brandy Blanton at brandy@southernexposuremagazine.com or call 615.300.5251.

 

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. –

Rider’s Rally

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The 2015 Rider’s Rally Motorcycle Ride Fundraising Event is Saturday, October 10.

The rain or shine event begins & ends at Deer Run Camps & Retreats and includes breakfast, lunch, live music, several prize drawings and a guided 100-mile ride through curvy, scenic rural Tennesse back roads — many unknown even to local riders. Check-in & breakfast begin at 7:00 a.m. Kick-stands up at 8:30 a.m.The event ends at 2 p.m. The ride is guided by Deer Run founders, David & Liz Gibson.
The phenomenal Grand Prize provided by Colorado Motorcycle Adventures is a 5-day rental of a Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure Bike (or upgrade to a larger adventure bike for a fee), a Butler map of Colorado, a CMA Wolfmann dry bag and a CMA t-shirt.
You can find info & preregister for the event by clicking the button below or call 615.794.2918. Preregistration is not required.
All proceeds from this event go to the MISSION 42:1 Camper Scholarship Fund which provides a week of camp to children in need.
Let your motorcycle friends know about this exciting event where they can join other motorcyce enthusiasts for fellowship and a great ride.
Event Info & Preregistration

SPOOKS & COUPES

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Williamson County Parks and Recreation presents Spooks and Coupes, a community Halloween event, on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. This fun annual event will feature over 30 classic cars (coupes) with trunks full of treats! Families and kids alike are encouraged to wear their costumes as they trick-or-treat along the trail behind the recreation center. Then, visit with favorite Disney villains in the Haunted Forest, or make something ghoulish in the Halloween craft tent. There will be free entertainment throughout the evening, free face painting plus fun inflatables! If you get hungry, delicious food truck concessions will be for sale (additional cost).

 

Spooks & Coupes is one night only, Saturday, October 17 and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This family event is open to the public, and admission is $6 per person (cash, at the gate). Children one year and younger are admitted free. Groups are welcome, and the trail area is wheelchair accessible. For more information, call the Franklin Recreation Complex at (615) 790-5719, ext. 2010.

 

Spooks & Coupes is sponsored by A.B.L.E. Youth, Maury Fence Co., Williams Medical Supply, C&I Design, CO-OP, True Value, Ready Steady Jump, Southern Events, Southern Athletic Fields, Signs First, The Print Authority and Buffalo Wild Wings. Candy sponsors are Appleton Learning Center, Stroud’s BBQ, Target, Franklin Pool and Spa, Walmart and Kroger.

 

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.

National Blue Ribbon Schools

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Two more Williamson County schools are being recognized for overall academic excellence by the U.S. Department of Education.

The DOE announced September 29 that Clovercroft Elementary and Ravenwood High are 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

“This is an incredible accomplishment,” said Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney. “I am proud of the hard work by our students and staff at Clovercroft and Ravenwood. As a district, we now have eight schools to reach this milestone.”

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either high-performing or have improved student achievement to high levels. The program sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement.

Clovercroft Elementary Principal Dr. Laura LaChance says this would not have been possible without the commitment of all the students, staff and parents.

“It is so rewarding and affirming to be selected for an award like this,” said LaChance. “It’s nice to know that the joint effort between all of us has paid off and that other people have noticed just how amazing these kids are and how hard they’ve worked.”

Like LaChance, Ravenwood Principal Dr. Pam Vaden says this accomplishment is an example of what can happen when people work together toward a common goal.

“Ravenwood High School has demonstrated the incredible accomplishments that can be achieved when a school joins in a true partnership with its community,” said Vaden. “In its inaugural year, Ravenwood students and teachers hit the ground running and never stopped. The credit goes to them.”

Clovercroft and Ravenwood will be honored during a recognition ceremony on November 9-10 in Washington, D.C. Approximately 8,000 schools nationwide have received Blue Ribbon Awards in the program’s history.

Grassland Middle was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2004; Brentwood Middle received the award in 2006; Page High won the award in 2011; and Hillsboro, Kenrose and Trinity received the award in 2014.

Pumpkin Bread

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With a chill in the air, it is the perfect time to make some yummy pumpkin bread!  Check out this top notch recipe:

Makes: 2 loaves, 12 slices each
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling time)

What you need:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole-wheat flour, preferably white whole-wheat (see Tip)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 3 cups canned unseasoned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup canola oil

PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat two 9-by-5-inch loaf pans with cooking spray.
Stir all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Whisk eggs, egg whites, brown sugar, pumpkin and oil in another large bowl. Add the pumpkin mixture to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Scrape the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake the loaves until the tops are golden brown and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Turn the loaves out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

NUTRITION
Per serving: 210 calories; 5 g fat (1 g sat, 3 g mono); 16 mg cholesterol; 38 g carbohydrates; 18 g added sugars; 4 g protein; 2 g fiber; 377 mg sodium; 125 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (96% daily value), Iron (15% dv)
Carbohydrate Servings: 2 1/2
Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 other carbohydrate, 1/2 vegetable, 1 fat

Here Comes the Bride

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Engagement Season is upon us.  Check out this fabulous lineup of events for every bride’s needs:
A Fall Bridal Show
Sunday, October 18
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
I-Coordinate Events by Ramonda Presents “A Fall Bridal Show”
Hosted By: I-Coordinate Events by Ramonda
Hilton Garden Inn
2631 Highwood Blvd. Smyrna TN
Smyrna, TN 37167
Price: $10 per personEssense of Australia Trunk Show
Thursday, October 22 – Saturday, October 24
10:00 AM
(3 day event)
Essense of Australia Trunk Show
Hosted By: Essense of Australia
The White Room Too
517D Carson Lane
Murfreesboro, TN 37128Here Come The Brides Bridal Show
Sunday, October 25
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Here Come The Brides Bridal Show – The Factory at Franklin
Hosted By: Here Come The Brides Bridal Show
The Factory at Franklin Tennessee
230 Franklin Road
Franklin , TN 37064
Price: Get your first two tickets free by registering on our website. You can purchase more tickets on our web or the day of the show for $8.00 or $5.00 if you bring a non-expired canned good for the needy

Murfreesboro Pink Bridal Show
Sunday, November 8
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Murfreesboro Pink Bridal Show
Hosted By: The Pink Bride
Embassy Suites Murfreesboro
1200 Conference Center Blvd
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Price: $10 online $12 at the door

Start Right – Stay Connected Pre-marital Seminar
Saturday, November 14
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Start Right – Stay Connected Pre-marital Seminar
Hosted By: Start Right – Stay Connected Pre-Marital Seminar
Pastoral Center for Healing
1024 Noelton Ave
Nashville, TN 37204
Price: $100.00, $60 of which will be deducted from cost of wedding license, for a net cost of $40.00 for the workshop.

PINK Bridal Show
Sunday, January 17
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
PINK Bridal Show – Nashville Vendor
Hosted By: The Pick Inn
Music City Center
201 5th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203
Price: 12.00 at the door, 10.00 in advance

Sumner County Bridal Show
Sunday, January 24
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sumner County Bridal Show – Vendor
Hosted By: The Pick Inn
EPIC Event Center
392 West Main Street
Gallatin, TN 37066

Essense of Australia Trunk Show
Saturday, February 13
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Essense of Australia Trunk Show
Hosted By: Essense of Australia
The White Room Too
517D Cason Ln
Murfreesboro, TN 37128

Here Come The Brides Bridal Show
Sunday, February 14
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Here Come The Brides Bridal Show at Embassy Suites Franklin TN
Hosted By: Here Come The Brides Bridal Show
Embassy Suites
820 Crescent Centre Dr
Franklin, TN 37179
Price: Register on our website at herecomethebridesbridalshow.com for two free tickets. If you need more than two, you can purchase them on our website or at the door the day of the show for $8.00. If you bring a canned good for the needy, than your price is only $5.00

Holiday Crafts and Car Show

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Time to celebrate the seasons of Halloween and Christmas at the 25th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Show and Kris Kringle Kar Klassic on October 31 and November 1, 2015 at the Williamson County Ag Expo Arena, 4215 Long Ln. This annual family event is presented by the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department (WCPR) and features an invitational car show along with great holiday shopping, plus on-site trick or treating, visits and photos with Santa, and a community band concert.

On Saturday and Sunday, over 140 vendors will be participating in the arts and crafts show, with unique, handmade gifts, holiday and home décor, jewelry, apparel and other goodies made by local crafters and artists. Select holiday gifts for the whole family! Vintage and repurposed gifts, original art, pet items and more will be for sale at the show, so bring a shopping list.

On Saturday, October 31, the craft and car shows will celebrate the spirit of the Halloween season! Bring the kids in costume and trick or treat from all 140 vendor booths indoors from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

On Sunday, the show will switch gears to December holiday fun with Santa on hand to listen to wish lists and take photos with the kids from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Plus, you can enjoy a concert by the Williamson County Community Band on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Vote for your favorite vehicle in the car show, sponsored by Hyundai of Cool Springs. The craft show is sponsored by NASH FM 103.3.

The Holiday Arts and Crafts Show and Kris Kringle Kar Klassic will be Saturday, October 31, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 1, from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 per person, and includes the car and the craft show, both held indoors at the Williamson County Ag Expo Arena, 4215 Long Lane, (I-65, exit #61) in Franklin. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Parking is free. Concessions will be on sale both days.

For more information about the craft show and booth availability (vendors may still apply), contact Sarah Foster at (615) 790-5719, ext. 2028. For information about the Kris Kringle Kar Klassic, contact Trish Bilbrey at (615) 790-5719, ext. 2044, or visit www.wcparksandrec.com.

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.