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...

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...

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...

Life + Culture

How To Host A Fabulous Friendsgiving

Article by Kellie Walton | Photography by Provided The holiday season is synonymous with traditions: things like unearthing a time-honored turkey recipe, strategically placing meaningful decorations, and attending festive community events come to mind. But a new tradition has popped up in recent years rooted in gratitude for your chosen family.  Friendsgiving is, typically, a festive holiday meal shared amongst friends during the weeks leading up to Turkey Day itself. This has rapidly become a...

Life + Culture

Supportive Spaces

Organization Seeks To Foster Connections And Community For Families Of Diverse Abilities Article by Lauren Kelly | Photography by Provided One mother’s commitment to inclusivity has blossomed into a vital community resource in Spring Hill, Tennessee, Walnut Creek, California, and nationwide online. Noralyn Giles, co-founder and chair of Friday Night Out, created the 501(c)3 non-profit not only to foster meaningful connections for those with diverse abilities but also to support parents in...

Life + Culture

Brewing Community

Coffee Shop Stirs Up Local Impact Through Purposeful Commitment To The Community Article by Lauren Kelly | Photography by Provided From mission trips in Honduras to a simple cup of joe in the morning, owners of Spring Hill’s Just Love Coffee Cafe, Frank and Cathy Snodgrass have discovered the unique influence of coffee in the community. “Our family used to go on mission trips each year and one of the places we would go was a small, coffee-growing village in Honduras. During our first trip we...

Food + Beverage

The Bongiovi's And Hampton Water Wine Are So Good Together

The Father Son Duo Are Taking Over Rosé Article by Maria Dinoia | Photography by Provided Jesse and Jon Bon Jovi shared a vision to shake up the wine category with a wine brand that is unlike any other. The two, along with friend Ali Thomas, created the full concept of Hampton Water and brought on famed French winemaker, Gérard Bertrand. The impressive team made a rosé that perfectly blends the best French wine and the Hamptons laidback style–Hampton Water rosé. "Most of my youth, my summers...

Food + Beverage

Un-wine At Reunion Wine Bar

Spring Hill's Destination For Community Article by Kellie Walton | Photography by Provided In a world defined by media and technology, sometimes you need a place to gather among friends or simply just be (and bonus points if that place has wine). Dan Shawgo and Trey Gunner seized an opportunity to create just that in Spring Hill—a destination for the community to come together and connect over good conversation and good vino.  Reunion Wine Bar is tucked in a nearly century-old home in the...