Life + Culture

The Heart Of Holiday Season

Nonprofit Works With Disadvantaged Youth To Explore Careers And Spur On The Community's Christmas Spirit Article by Lauren Kelly | Photography by Provided From career exploration to festive community events, Franktown Open Hearts brings joy and support to disadvantaged children across Franklin.  “We are a program that works with impoverished children from kindergarten to senior year after school and all day during the summer," says Chris Barnhill, Franktown Open Hearts' executive director...

Life + Culture

One For You, One For Me

Local Gift Ideas For Everyone, Including Yourself Article by Maria Dinoia What's a December issue without a holiday gift guide? We've curated a list of seasonal hits to inspire gift ideas and get your started on tackling that Christmas list. Is mom unconventional? Is dad thrifty? Is your bestie bougie? Your cousin picky? Doesn't matter who you're shopping for, under the tree or stuffing a stocking, we've got you covered with these local goodies!  Hair Shots heat-activated hair fragrance...

Life + Culture

Where To Ring in 2025

We’re Singing Auld Lang Syne Across Music City Article by Kellie Walton | Photography by Provided It’s almost time to celebrate new beginnings as we bring 2024 to a close. Whether you prefer to ring in the new year with a swanky soiree or reflect on the previous over a special meal, you have plenty of options in Middle Tennessee.  Southall Farm & Inn This Leiper’s Fork destination is hosting a glittering gathering with bites, an open bar, and live music. Up the ante by staying the night in...

Health + Wellness

Hear This (Not Too) Loud And Clear

How Dr. Elizabeth Welch And HearTN Are Leading The Way In Hearing Healthcare Article by Ed Atlas | Photography by Provided If you haven’t paid much attention to your hearing health, Dr. Elizabeth Welch wants to deliver a message that’s (not too) loud and clear: make an appointment and get an exam. “In many cases, hearing loss is so gradual that people don’t even notice until it has progressed,” she says. “I highly recommend getting tested so that you know your baseline. Then if subsequent...

Arts + Culture

Our Perfect Little Town Hits The Big Screen

The Unexpected Star Of The Film, A Little Women’s Christmas Is Franklin Itself Article by Kellie Walton | Photography by Gabriel Wren If you’re reading this, you know all-too-well how sweet of a town Franklin is. We’ve watched fictional places like Stars Hollow and Mayberry captivate viewers for years, instilling daydreams of moving to a small town riddled with friendly faces and beautiful places.  Well, folks, Franklin may be far from fictional, but it shines brighter than the Christmas tree...

Arts + Culture

Sharing The Power Of Music

Chris Kirkpatrick Is Giving Back With Notes For Notes Article by Maria Dinoia | Photography by Joseph Llanes Chris Kirkpatrick grew up an underprivileged kid. Cheap motels, trailer parks, no electricity or telephone and living in his car when they had one, were all a part of his childhood. So when he was approached about the opportunity to partner with Notes for Notes (N4N), it was a no-brainer for him to jump on board. Notes for Notes is a non-profit organization that provides youth with...

Life + Culture

Lighting Up Franklin

Diwali's Festival Of Lights Article by Kathleen Davis | Photography by Provided by India Association of Nashville Renewal and fresh beginnings, good combatting evil, strengthening bonds with family, friends and the community, and reflecting on personal and spiritual growth - these are just a few of the focuses of Diwali. Diwali, or Dipawali, is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the clay lamps that Indians light outside their homes to...

Entertainment

An Evening With Monty Criswell

Article by Lisa Valentine | Photography by Provided As the hit songwriter behind some of country music’s biggest songs like George Strait’s “I Saw God Today”, Eric Church’s “Hell Of A View”, Trace Adkins’ “Just Fishin’”, Scotty McCreery’s “Five More Minutes”, Parker McCollum’s “Handle On You” and so many more, there’s no denying that Monty Criswell is a gifted storyteller. Surviving stage three colon cancer has inspired him to share both his life lessons and the stories behind his songs in his...

Education

Faith-Based College Prep

For Many Parents, Enrolling Their Children At Columbia Academy Is An Easy Decision Article by Ed Atlas | Photography by Provided Of all the choices parents have to make on behalf of their children, choosing a school is at, or near, the top of the list. Beyond academics, relevant concerns include facilities and technology, social and spiritual development, extracurricular activities, security and transportation. Jenny and Tim Chase of Thompson’s Station share those concerns for their children...

Life + Culture

Artist Danny Gokey Is Leaving The World Better Than He Found It

Article by Lisa Valentine | Photography by Provided While he may be best known for his music career — which was launched as a top three finalist on season eight of American Idol — K-LOVE and Dove Award winning artist, Danny Gokey, is doing acts of kindness across the country to leave the world better than he found it. When he lost his first wife Sophia, he wanted to start an organization in memory of her to help those in need. “We had health benefits through her job,” shares Gokey. “We had...