15 Williamson County Fair will be held August 7th through the 15th at the Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park. Join us for a 9 days of fun, full of live entertainment, fair rides, food and much more!15 Williamson County Fair will be held August 7th through the 15th at the Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park. Join us for a 9 days of fun, full of live entertainment, fair rides, food and much more!
The 2015 Williamson County Fair will be held August 7th through the 15th at the Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park. Join us for a 9 days of fun, full of live entertainment, fair rides, food and much more!
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.
Williamson County Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the second annual Fins & Feet Aquathlon, a youth swim and run competition on Sunday, August 30, 2015 at the Indoor Sports Complex, 920 Heritage Way in Brentwood. Fins & Feet is for boys and girls ages 6 to 14. Athletes will race according to their age on 8/30/15, and will be divided into three levels: ages 6 to 8, swim 50 meters/run .5 miles; ages 9 to 11, swim 200 meters/run one mile; ages 12 to 14, swim 300 meters/run 1.4 miles. Registration is now open at www.wcprathletics.org, and the entry fee is $25.
Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, designed to benefit the community. Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. “Like” us on Facebook for more information on activities and classes. Follow us on Twitter at @wc_parksandrec or on Pinterest.
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.
Music was provided by Vinyl Radio, a band whose music is a tribute to the hits of the 70’s. Food and libations were provided by Bradley’s Curbside Creamery and Music City Pie Co. A fun time was had by all on this warm summer evening!
Check out the party pics!
Fairview Parks Department is happy to announce that The Howlin’ Brothers will be headlining the Starlight Jam on July 24th. The Howlin’ Brothers are a Nashville based string band composed of Ian Craft, Jared Green, and JT Huskey. Anchored in a bed of old-time blues and bluegrass, their upbeat shows are heavy with original and traditional music, featuring the sounds of slide banjo, harmonica and old-time fiddle. Sounding like what would happen if a bunch of Appalachian punk rockers formed a jug-band, The Howlin’ Brothers play with a ferocious energy that drags you in and finds you boogieing along in spite of yourself. Rolling Stone – included The Howlin’ Brothers album TROUBLE in “The 26 Albums of 2014 You Probably Didn’t But Really Should Hear”.
The Starlight Jam is a concert series at Bowie Park that include picking parties that started in April and will run through October. Each month will include live Americana music on the main stage. Pickers are encouraged to bring their instruments and find a spot under the trees to jam. The goal is to provide a place for musicians to get together and play and for music lovers to have a place to go and enjoy great music in a laid back, family friendly environment under the stars.
Starlight Jam is located outside under the stars in Bowie Nature Park from 7-10PM, with gates opening up at 6:30PM. Opening for The Howlin’ Brothers at 7pm will be a very talented student from Fairview Guitar and Repair: Julia Evaskis.