Franklin Art Scene Returns November 4

2:50 pm | Friday, Oct 28th

In addition to showcasing an array of talented local artists, the Franklin Art Scene will feature a workshop on the business aspect of art during the free monthly crawl from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4 in Historic Downtown Franklin.

Michael Damico of Damico Frame & Art Gallery will host the workshop, “Q&A Business Sense: How to Develop Collectors of Your Work,” which will address common questions from artists looking to turn their creativity into a career. The free session will take place at O’More College of Design at 7 p.m on the second floor of the Abbey Leix Mansion. Seating is very limited, and attendees are encouraged to register online through Eventbrite or the blog at www.damicogallery.com

Also being highlighted at the community event is an art sale, currently taking place at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, located at 510 West Main Street. The show, which started on October 23, will wrap up on the night of Franklin Art Scene. All proceeds will benefit the Music Ministry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to support its program for the upcoming holiday season. The show will feature work from Janeth Murray McKendrick, Caroline Thompson, Nan Jorgensen, Sarah Webster and many other local artists.

Approximately 30 locations in and around Downtown Franklin will host local artists during the event, which is coordinated by the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA). Many sites will also offer refreshments, drinks and live music. Featured locations and artists include:

The Bagbey House, located at 134 4th Ave N, will showcase floral designs by Kris Bagbey.
Photographer, painter and published writer Tommie Flannery Baskis will be featured at boutique MMM, located at 238 Public Square. She has created many commissioned paintings, wall murals, photographs and exhibited work nationally for businesses, designers and private individuals.
Early’s Honey Stand, at 209 E. Main Street, will feature Three Wishes Photography by Jeanne Drone, the official photographer for Franklin’s Pull-TIght Players Theatre.
Paintings by artist Lizzy Ragsdale will be on display at Finnleys Good Findings, at 435 Main Street. She uses multiple different mediums, and her style varies from landscape, to abstract. Her paintings are raw, with a lot of depth and movement to re-create the experience that it was inspired by.
Gallery 202, located at 202 2nd Ave S, will showcase art from Susan Blair Truex. Most of her paintings, primarily done in oil, feature women, children, animals and their space in our society.
Harlin Meyerhoff at 400 Main Street, Suite 120 will showcase MADE in the deep south jewelry line. These “one-of-a-kind” creations feature vintage and antique pieces that are collected from all over the world, some dating back to the 1800s.
Imaginebox Emporium, located at 311 North Margin Street, will be featuring the original illustrations created by Cory Basil for his young reader novel The Perils of Fishboy. Basil’s creations are painted using multiple mediums, including watercolor, oil, and gauche.
Parks Realty at 415 Main Street will host photographer Linda Arick, whose photos often feature mesmerizing and detailed scenes from nature.
MayLill Tomlin, originally from Norway, will be featured at Shuff’s Music & Piano Showroom at 118 3rd Ave N. She paints in pastel, acrylics and oils, drawing inspiration from having resided in Europe, Africa and now the U.S. She believes that acquiring new languages and new cultures expands the way one sees life and expresses it in her art.
The Registry at 347 Main St, will be hosting two separate trunk shows during Art Scene. One will be a silver trunk show, featuring antique, estate and new patterns of Sterling flatware and Hollow-ware. The other is a Garnier-Thiebaut trunk show, which will showcase beautiful tablecloths, napkins, and tea towels from France.
Images by photographer Jenny Poulos will be featured at Nesbit & Co, located at 145 Second Avenue N. She loves to photograph anything vintage, old signs, architectural elements, doors & old barns.
Self-taught encaustic painter Christopher Green will be featured at the Williamson County Visitor Center, located at 400 Main St. Encaustic painting is a millenia old method of applying heated, pigmented beeswax and hardening resin to produce vivid, impactful art.
Winchester Antiques at 121 2nd Ave N. will feature two artists: Sarah Menkel and Helen Wunderlich.
The Williamson County Archives at 611 W Main St. will host water media artist Vinci Kolodziejski. She is inspired by personal observations of the rhythmical beauty and textures of plants, flowers from her garden, and landscapes. Her goal is to create paintings with a serenity of place, a transcending spirituality, and a joyful response.

For more information about the event, please visit www.franklinartscene.com or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FranklinArtScene.com.

Luminaries to be displayed Nov. 30

2:43 pm | Friday, Oct 28th

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On Wednesday, Nov. 30, The Battle of Franklin Trust will once again display luminaries at dusk to honor the casualties inflicted during the Battle of Franklin 152 years ago.

“This event is one of the most solemn ceremonies we perform here at the Trust,” said The Battle of Franklin Trust CEO, Eric A. Jacobson. “It is sometimes difficult to explain the toll of the battle with words alone, and seeing the luminaries glowing at dusk and into the darkness profoundly contributes to our understanding of what happened in Franklin on Nov. 30, 1864.”

The ceremony to commemorate the battle’s anniversary will begin at 4 p.m. at The Carter Hill Battlefield Park. Casualties’ names will be read aloud throughout the ceremony, and visitors are invited to walk throughout the luminaries to experience this somber event. Carnton Plantation and The Carter House will be open to the public for free walk-through tours from 5-7 p.m. This year’s luminaries will be placed on both sides of Columbia Pike along the Federal line, which the Confederates briefly broke through and where so many of the battle’s casualties occurred.

The ceremony is free and open to the public. For more information and volunteer inquiries, please contact Brittany Mayfield at (615) 794-0903 or brittany@boft.org.

About The Battle of Franklin Trust
The Battle of Franklin Trust is a 501(c)3 management corporation acting on behalf of Franklin’s battlefield sites to contribute to a greater understanding and enrich the visitor experience of the November 30, 1864 battle. It is organized for the charitable and educational purposes of preserving, restoring, maintaining and interpreting the properties, artifacts and documents related to the battle so as to preserve an important part of the nation’s history.

Finding Franklin

2:39 pm | Friday, Oct 28th

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A camera, historic downtown Franklin, TN, events, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, family events, kids activities and more!

Offering participants a fun and interactive way to discover Franklin, TN’s historic core while winning prizes from local merchants, the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) is launching the #FindingFranklin social media campaign this month, aimed at engaging both locals and visitors alike.

Taking place each Friday, the DFA will post an obscure photo taken at various businesses in Historic Downtown Franklin to the nonprofit’s Facebook and Instagram pages, along with a clue pertaining to the merchant or its location with the hashtag #FindingFranklin. In order to win a prize from the featured business, valued at $50, participants must guess the correct answer and tag two friends in their social media comment.

A winner is selected at random the following Monday when the correct DFA business is revealed. The contest, which started on October 14, has already featured Heylee B. and Tazikis, and will continue until December 16, allowing followers plenty more opportunities to win gift baskets, prizes and more.

Those interested should follow the Downtown Franklin Association on Instagram at @dwtnfranklintn, and like their Facebook page at facebook.com/downtown.franklin to participate. For more information, visit downtownfranklintn.com.

More About Downtown Franklin Association

Since its founding in 1984, the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) has spearheaded the revitalization of Franklin’s historic downtown core. We’ve done it by following the four-point program of the National Main Street Center of the National Trust for Historic Preservation: Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Vitality.

Working in partnership with the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County–the DFA’s parent organization–and with property owners, preservationists, city and county government, and local businesses in our historic retail district, the DFA has helped create one of the nation’s Main Street success stories. We’ve earned national recognition as an authentic, eclectic place that offers something for everyone in an atmosphere that reminds locals and visitors alike of a simpler time– a place where community matters.

Songwriting Contest

2:35 pm | Friday, Oct 28th

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The Franklin Fire Department has launched a songwriting contest in honor of Fire Prevention Month.

Write and record your original song to help promote this year’s Fire Prevention Month theme: “Don’t wait – Check the date! Replace smoke alarms every 10 years!” The contest is open to those who live and work in Williamson County, ages 13 and older, in all genres. Submissions will be accepted through December 16, 2016.

The grand prize winner will receive a one-hour mentoring session with hit songwriter Ed Hill, BMI Songwriter of the Year (2006) and dinner courtesy of Scout’s Pub. Hill’s hits include:

“It Matters To Me” recorded by Faith Hill
“Georgia Rain” recorded be Trisha Yearwood
“Find Out Who Your Friends Are” recorded by Tracy Lawrence
“Just Fishin’” recorded by Trace Adkins

For official rules and additional prizes visit www.franklintn.gov/songcontest.

FFD SONG CONTEST PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

Teen Driver Safety

2:32 pm | Friday, Oct 28th

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In 2015, 37% of Williamson County crashes involved a licensed driver between 15 and 24 years old. Because vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., Franklin Police and local businesses have teamed up to offer teens a unique perspective of life behind the wheel.

Bringing Awareness Through Training and Life Experiences (B.A.T.T.L.E.) is a 6.5-hour program that teaches teen drivers safe behind-the-wheel behaviors through an interactive, hands-on experience with officers. BATTLE combines the rules of the road with the dangers of distracted and impaired driving, occupant protection, and dangerous driving behaviors. The class is free and open to Williamson County teens with parental permission, and a valid Tennessee driver’s license or learner’s permit.

To apply, complete this online application or visit FranklinTN.gov/TeenSafeDriving. A member of the FPD Traffic Unit will contact applicants to confirm their acceptance into our November 5, 2016 offering. The class runs from 8:30am-3pm; seating is limited, and registration is required.

BATTLE does not replace, and cannot be substituted for, traditional driver’s education training, and is made possible by Hyundai of Cool Springs, Nissan of Cool Springs, Infiniti of Cool Springs, Jet’s Pizza, and the Franklin Police Department.

Trick or Treating in Downtown Franklin

2:29 pm | Friday, Oct 28th

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Residents in downtown Franklin’s Hincheyville neighborhood are expecting another big turnout this Halloween. Franklin Police will close West Main Street and Fair Street to vehicle traffic between 7th and 11th Avenues from 5pm-9pm for trick-or-treaters Monday, October 31.

The Franklin Police and Fire Departments will have a command post at West Main St. & 7th Ave, and will be handing out candy and glow necklaces to children to make them safer by increasing their visibility.

Trick-or-treat days and times in Franklin
are set by individual neighborhoods and homeowner associations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children are four times more likely to be in a fatal pedestrian accident on Halloween than any other night of the year. There are several reasons why children are more likely to be hurt in pedestrian accidents, including:

◾They often choose to take the shortest route, which may mean darting out between parked cars rather than take the safer route of crossing at corners.
◾They are not good at evaluating potential traffic threats.
◾They are more likely to ignore their peripheral vision, and are generally less attentive of their surroundings.
◾They have a tendency to take more risks.
◾They cannot cross the street as rapidly as adults.
◾They may be distracted by other children’s costumes and actions, and home decorations.

Police encourage parents to trick-or-treat with their kids, and be sure to tell them that some people driving cars may not slow down for them.

Motorists are urged to slow down and use extra caution Monday night, as Franklin streets will be filled with excited children.

Information on registered sex offenders living in proximity to specific geographic locations can be found at
this interactive map by the TBI.

Registered sex offenders being supervised by the Tennessee Department of Corrections must remain in their homes between 6pm and 6am, may not have their porch lights on, are forbidden to decorate their home, dress in costume, open their door for trick-or-treaters, or attend fall festivals or parties.
Click here for a complete list of the restrictions.

Discuss I-65 Traffic Issues with TDOT

2:49 pm | Tuesday, Oct 18th

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Nashville, TN – As the next step in the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s 18-month study of the Interstate 65 corridor, a series of public meetings will be held at several locations in Middle Tennessee in October and November. TDOT invites anyone who travels I-65 on a regular basis to attend and provide feedback.

Meeting Schedule:

Tuesday, October 18 from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Downtown Public Library, 615 Church Street, Nashville 37219
Tuesday, October 25 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Portland High School, 600 College Street, Portland 37148 in the auditorium.
Tuesday, November 15 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Williamson County Public Library, 1314 Columbia Avenue, Franklin 37064.

The I-65 Multimodal Corridor Study is an 18-month study covering a distance of 120.16 miles, from the Alabama state line to the Kentucky state line. The I-65 Multimodal Corridor Study will identify short and long term solutions for improving problem spots along the I-65 corridor. TDOT and its consultant team are investigating a range of multimodal solutions to address future travel demands, congestion, and safety. The team will also examine the potential for freight diversion and the ability to enhance the corridor’s economic benefits. The study is expected to be completed in summer 2017.

To learn more about the I-65 Multimodal Corridor Study and participate in a brief survey, please visit http://www.tn.gov/tdot/article/i65study.

Funds for Children with Special Needs

2:43 pm | Tuesday, Oct 18th

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Matthew Ramsey and Trevor Rosen, members of the ACM and ACCA Breakthrough Duo/Group of the Year, Old Dominion, join Grammy award winning artist Tim Nichols on the stage of the Mother Church of Country Music for the 19^th Annual Hats Off to High Hopes, along with additional Grammy award winners Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, as well as acclaimed artist Matt Jenkins on November 13, 2016 at 7:30pm to raise awareness and funds for High Hopes Development Center which serves children with special needs and their families. Tickets are on sale now for $29.50, $39.50 and $49.50 at Ticketmaster.com, Ryman.com and the Ryman box office.

The intimate Sunday evening acoustic concert, presented by SunTrust, promises to be a fun-filled evening with several of Country Music’s most prestigious songwriters sharing the stories behind some of the industry’s most popular songs. Performing artists include the multi-talented Matthew Ramsey and Trevor Rosen of the distinguished band Old Dominion, currently nominated for CMA Best New Artist and Vocal Group of the Year, along with host and tunesmith Tim Nichols, credited for writing “Live Like You Were Dying” and “Heads Carolina, Tails California”. Also taking the stage will be multiple Grammy, CMA and ACM award winner, Shane McAnally, who has written and produced albums with Kacey Musgraves, Sam Hunt, Old Dominion and more. Grammy award winning songwriter, Josh Osborne, who wrote Kenny Chesney’s #1 “Come Over” as well as acclaimed artist Matt Jenkins which has written two #1 singles and hits like Keith Urban’s “Cop Car”. This special evening is proudly brought to you by Butch & Sonia Hoover, The Speer Foundation, De & Jackie Thompson and Yellow Truck Worldwide with the Ryman Auditorium sponsored by Nissan.

Gail Powell, Executive Director at High Hopes Development Center shares, “The Country Music industry in the Greater Nashville area has truly embraced the mission of High Hopes, which was actually started in Nashville 32 years ago by five local families. We are so thankful for the support and backing of the artists, year-after-year.” Last year, almost 650 children benefited from over 18,000 physical/occupational/speech/feeding therapies provided by the High Hopes Therapy Clinic and over 123,000 instructional hours provided by the High Hopes Inclusive Preschool.

High Hopes Development Center is a 32-year non-profit organization that loves, nurtures, and educates children with two integrated programs helping each child reach their maximum potential. Children ages 6 weeks to Pre-K, with and without special needs, are educated together in inclusive preschool classrooms by a team of experienced teachers supporting the individual needs of each child. High Hopes is the only inclusive preschool in Williamson County with an on-site pediatric therapy clinic, allowing children to receive therapy services during their preschool day. High Hopes is truly unique in the way that children with and without special needs such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other developmental delays play, learn, and grow together every day. The outpatient pediatric therapy clinic provides children from birth to 21 years multiple therapies in one location: occupational, speech, physical, and feeding. High Hopes gives children of all intellectual, physical and mental abilities the equal opportunity to learn and grow together in an environment that provides a strong foundation for lifelong academic and social success.

For more information, visit www.highhopesforkids.org.

Treat Me Like a Customer

2:42 pm | Tuesday, Oct 18th

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Franklin Mayor Ken Moore and Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson will host 2016’s last Franklin Tomorrow Breakfast With the Mayors, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, with guest speaker, Louis Upkins Jr., on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at Rolling Hills Community Church.

Entrepreneur, leadership consultant, author and speaker, Upkins works to move people from idea creation to innovation and manifestation – living intentionally in a nutshell. His life’s mission is to help all people find the purpose that is so instrumental in making individuals and companies successful, and then put that purpose into a tangible plan of action. He’s committed to this mission because he knows the joy and harmony that purposeful living can bring – in business, personal life, education and sports.

He’s confident intentional life planning has the potential to create not just any smile, but a confident one: a smile that speaks of a life lived completely.

Upkins is a leader to leaders, and author of “Treat Me Like A Customer,” which will be the theme of his Oct. 25 appearance.

Breakfast will begin at 7 a.m., with the program start at 7:45 a.m. To RSVP, go to http://www.planetreg.com/Oct26BreakfastWithMayors

There is no cost to attend Breakfast With the Mayors, thanks to our generous partners, which include Williamson Medical Center; Williamson County Association of REALTORS: Tennessee Equine Hospital; Patterson Hardee & Ballentine, CPAs; Andrews Cadillac; Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant; Royal Cup Coffee; and the Williamson Herald.

More about Louis Upkins Jr.

Committed to bringing ideas to life, Upkins has worked with some of the largest names in a variety of industries, across the board, from professional sports and entertainment outlets and personalities to Fortune 500 companies and celebrities. To name a few: Oprah, Starbucks, Product (RED), The Olympic Games, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, The Kings of Comedy Tour (Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer and Bernie Mac), Luther Vandross, UPS, Cracker Barrel, Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, O’Charley’s, Burger King, McDonalds, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Fleetguard.

His products have been featured in many prominent, influential national publications such as Time, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and People.

Today he is a strategic advisor to many and utilizes his gifts through coaching companies, executives and their families to live completely.

Upkins is the founder of Leadership Sports, which marries the worlds of the professional athletes to the corporate space, is on the NASBA, Friends of Warner Parks Board, Best Buddies and YMCA Executive Board, Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation and has served on the advisory boards of the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, Leadership Middle Tennessee, New Hope Academy and the Nashville Chamber Public Benefit Foundation.

In May 2007, Upkins served as Co-Chairman of the highly successful Luis Palau Nashville Cityfest, which was attended by over 100,000 people at Nashville’s riverfront.

Franklin Tomorrow has as its mission to engage the community, foster collaboration, and advocate for a shared vision for the future of Franklin. Through citizen interaction, surveys and events, the citizens have said they want Franklin to be a city with a vibrant economy, distinct character, great people, and robust neighborhoods. Learn more about the organization at www.franklintomorrow.org.

For more information, contact Franklin Tomorrow Executive Director Mindy Tate at (615) 794-0998 or by email at mindy@franklintomorrow.org.

Haunted Franklin Tour

5:58 am | Monday, Oct 17th

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Lives cut short…. Sudden, violent death…. Unfinished business. All reasons spirits remain behind. But sometimes it’s an entirely different reason: folks get so attached to their homes that they just can’t bear to leave…even after they die.

Franklin seems to be full of both kinds. We’ve got departed socialites, spies, businessmen, Confederate soldiers, and at least one dog, all roaming downtown, and we spend an interesting hour and a half with them on this tour. One is helpful, several appear lonely, and one seems to be afraid of the dark.

Cost: $18 adults; $10 teens, $5 children. This tour covers about six city blocks. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Most of this tour is wheelchair accessible.

The Haunted Franklin tour is offered almost every evening at 8:00 p.m., weather permitting. Please call 615-400-3808 to make your reservation.

Payment is by cash, check or credit card, either online or at the time of the tour.

The Haunted Franklin tour meets at 305 Public Square, which is in front of the old courthouse on the public square at Main Street and 3rd Avenue, next to Mellow Mushroom. Please plan to arrive ten minutes before the start of your tour time.

Here’s a Tripadvisor.com review: “My girlfriends and I wanted to do something different on a Saturday night. We took the Franklin on Foot Ghost Tour. Anna was wonderful! She knows so much about the area and grew up in Franklin. This tour is full of historical facts that make the information come to life. I wish all history was this interesting with the personal stories. I plan on taking all my future visitors (family and friends) on this tour when they come to visit us. I am ready to take more tours of Franklin on Foot.”