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Williamson County, TN 2009-10
Williamson County is one of Tennessee's most-prosperous and growing counties, home to major corporate headquarters, historic town centers, quiet neighborhoods, an abundance of shopping and retail, high-quality schools and plenty of open spaces. The Cool Springs area of Franklin and the Maryland Farms section of Brentwood include headquarters for major employers including Nissan, Community Health Systems and Healthways. Located just south of Nashville, Williamson County offers schools that routinely achieve some of the top test scores in the state. Franklin, the county's largest city, includes a revitalized historic town square and numerous historic sites, including Carnton Plantation and the Carter House, both of which played major roles in the Civil War's Battle of Franklin.
2009-10 | IMAGESWILLIAMSONCOUNTY.COM COUNTY TENNESSEE WILLIAMSON SAVING GREEN BY GOING GREEN Franklin's sustainability plan takes root SOUND KITCHEN GETS ITS GROOVE BACK What's s e Online McLemore House honors black community View From the Top Franklin, Williamson County make national `best places' lists SPONSORED BY THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY�FRANKLIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The path to home ownership starts with a strong foundation of knowledge. Senior Loan Consultant (615) 579-6910 �2008 Regions Bank, Member FDIC. Regions is a registered service mark or Regions Asset Company and is used under license. Subject to qualification, required documentation and credit approval. Certain exclusions may apply. Loan terms and availability subject to change. The Annual Percentage Rate on all adjustable rate mortgages is subject to change after consummation period. Making mortgages easy every day. Fixed and Adjustable Rate Mortgages Jumbo and Conforming Loans Affordable Housing Products FHA/VA Loans Construction/Permanent Loans Home Refinances Lot Loans Senior Loan Consultant (615) 309-7369 And many more ... Photo by Blair Morgan Photography �2008 This ad paid for by David Bouvier and Lance Dammeyer imageswilliamsoncounty.com THE DEFINITIVE RELOCATION RESOURCE WILLIAMSON COUNTY TENNESSEE SENIOR EDITOR SUSAN CHAPPELL COPY EDITOR JOYCE CARUTHERS ASSOCIATE EDITORS LISA BATTLES, JESSY YANCEY STAFF WRITERS CAROL COWAN, KEVIN LITWIN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SHARON H. FITZGERALD, LAURA HILL, JOE MORRIS, JESSICA MOZO DATA MANAGER CHANDRA BRADSHAW EXECUTIVE INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER MARY ANN STAFFORD SALES SUPPORT MANAGER CINDY HALL SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER BRIAN McCORD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JEFF ADKINS, TODD BENNETT, ANTONY BOSHIER, IAN CURCIO, J. KYLE KEENER PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT MANAGER ANNE WHITLOW CREATIVE DIRECTOR KEITH HARRIS ASSOCIATE PRODUCTION DIRECTOR CHRISTINA CARDEN PRODUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS MELISSA BRACEWELL, KATIE MIDDENDORF, JILL WYATT SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS LAURA GALLAGHER, KRIS SEXTON, CANDICE SWEET, VIKKI WILLIAMS LEAD DESIGNER JESSICA MANNER GRAPHIC DESIGN ERICA HINES, ALISON HUNTER, JANINE MARYLAND, AMY NELSON, MARCUS SNYDER WEB IMPLEMENTATION DIRECTOR ANDY HARTLEY WEB DESIGN DIRECTOR FRANCO SCARAMUZZA WEB PROJECT MANAGER YAMEL RUIZ WEB DESIGN CARL SCHULZ WEB PRODUCTION JENNIFER GRAVES COLOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN TWILA ALLEN AD TRAFFIC MARCIA MILLAR, PATRICIA MOISAN, RAVEN PETTY What's Onl Online n PICTURE PERFECT We've added even more of our prize-winning photography to the online gallery. To see these photos, click on Photo Gallery. CHAIRMAN GREG THURMAN PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BOB SCHWARTZMAN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RAY LANGEN SR. V.P./CLIENT DEVELOPMENT JEFF HEEFNER SR. V.P./SALES CARLA H. THURMAN SR. V.P./OPERATIONS CASEY E. HESTER V.P./SALES HERB HARPER V.P./SALES TODD POTTER V.P./VISUAL CONTENT MARK FORESTER V.P./EDITORIAL DIRECTOR TEREE CARUTHERS V.P./CUSTOM PUBLISHING KIM NEWSOM MANAGING EDITOR/BUSINESS BILL McMEEKIN MANAGING EDITOR/COMMUNITY KIM MADLOM PRODUCTION DIRECTOR NATASHA LORENS PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR JEFFREY S. OTTO CONTROLLER CHRIS DUDLEY ACCOUNTING MORIAH DOMBY, DIANA GUZMAN, MARIA McFARLAND, LISA OWENS RECRUITING/TRAINING DIRECTOR SUZY SIMPSON DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR GARY SMITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR YANCEY TURTURICE IT SERVICE TECHNICIAN RYAN SWEENEY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER PEGGY BLAKE SALES SUPPORT RACHAEL GOLDSBERRY SALES/MARKETING COORDINATOR RACHEL MATHEIS EXECUTIVE SECRETARY/SALES SUPPORT KRISTY DUNCAN OFFICE MANAGER SHELLY GRISSOM RECEPTIONIST LINDA BISHOP RELOCATION Considering a move to this community? We can help. Use our Relocation Tools to discover tips, including how to make your move green, advice about moving pets and help with booking movers. VIDEOS In our Interactive section, watch quick videos by our editors and photographers featuring people, places and events. FACTS & STATS Go online to learn even more about: � Schools � Health care � Utilities � Parks � Taxes CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A LOCAL FLAVOR From the simple to the sublime, the delicious offerings here are guaranteed to satisfy every appetite. Williamson County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Williamson County-Franklin Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at email@example.com. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Williamson County-Franklin Chamber of Commerce 134 Second Ave. N. � Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: (615) 794-1225 � Fax: (615) 790-5337 www.williamson-franklinchamber.com VISIT WILLIAMSON COUNTY ONLINE AT IMAGESWILLIAMSONCOUNTY.COM �Copyright 2009 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member Magazine Publishers of America Custom Publishing Council ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE Williamson County gives readers a taste of what makes the region tick � from business and education to sports, health care and the arts. "Find the good � and praise it." � Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder Member Member Williamson County-Franklin Chamber of Commerce 4 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M WILLIAMSON COUNT Y 2009-10 EDITION | VOLUME 23 WILLIAMSON COUNTY TENNESSEE CO NTE NT S F E AT U R E S 8 VIEW FROM THE TOP Franklin and Williamson County are regulars on national "best places" lists. WILLIAMSON COUNTY BUSINESS 22 Just What the Doctor Ordered Williamson County grows as a regional hub for health care. 24 Biz Briefs 27 Chamber Report 10 FRANKLIN GETS A FACELIFT Renovation projects energize downtown. D E PA R TM E NT S 6 Almanac: a colorful sampling of Williamson County's culture 12 GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES Activities keep seniors on the move. 14 SAVING GREEN BY GOING GREEN Franklin's sustainability plan takes root. 19 Portfolio: people, places and events that define Williamson County 32 Sports & Recreation 33 Health & Wellness 34 Education 37 Community Profile: facts, stats and important numbers to know 16 SMART CHOICES Educational options set the county apart. 35 SOUND KITCHEN GETS ITS GROOVE BACK Legendary recording studio takes innovative approach to music business. 39 Membership Directory 51 Business Guide 64 Photo Finish All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste. PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE ON THE COVER Cool Springs Photo by Jeffrey S. Otto WILLIAMSON COUNT Y I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 5 Room To Roam Franklin has a wellmanicured park to suit any need, whether you're looking for organized sports, walking trails, picnic pavilions � or just a fun place to hang out with the kids. The city is home to 10 parks, including the Jim Warren Skate Plaza � a 16-foot, kidney-shaped skate bowl for in-line skaters and skateboarders. Pinkerton Park on Murfreesboro Road is the most-used passive park, with a one-mile paved pedestrian trail, playground equipment, pavilions and picnic tables. The 85-acre Liberty Park features three tournament-play baseball fields, and upgrades completed in 2009 include walking trails, a playground and a nine-hole disc golf course. Spreading the Word History Worth Revisiting Preserving Franklin's heritage and open space is high on the city's list of priorities, and Franklin's Charge takes an active role. Organized in 2005, the nonprofit organization brought together all preservation groups operating in the county. Its members work to spread the word about Civil War events in Middle Tennessee, while also participating in heritage tourism, Civil War history programs and preservation efforts. Franklin's Charge hosted its third annual Civil War Symposium in June 2009. For more information, visit www.franklinscharge.com. Happy 20th, Thompson Station Church. From just a handful of people in Thompson's Station's community center in 1989, the Southern Baptist-affiliated church has grown to a weekly average of 1,800 worshippers. "The way we grew was by loving the individual," says Executive Pastor Duane Murray. "Our primary key to success over 20 years was working through small groups and focusing on prayer." As the church has grown, so have its outreach efforts. In 2008, 13 church teams went on mission trips from Nicaragua to India, eastern Asia to southern Louisiana. In addition to local efforts, more than 20 national and international trips are planned in 2009. For more information, visit www.thompsonstationchurch.org. Ring It Up CoolSprings Galleria in Franklin is already a premier regional shopping destination, with more than a million square feet anchored by Belk, Dillard's, JC Penney, Macy's and Sears. Now the hub is getting a major new addition � an upscale, open-air shopping, dining and entertainment destination featuring about 200,000 square feet of new retail space, including sit-down restaurants and pedestrian-friendly walkways. The opening of the first phase of The District at CoolSprings Galleria, developed by CBL & Associates Properties Inc., is anticipated in 2011. 6 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M WILLIAMSON COUNT Y Almanac What's Cookin' at Carnton? Carnton Plantation is probably best known as the setting of Robert Hicks' best-selling novel, Widow of the South, but another book out of Carnton is generating some positive press. View From the Porch: A Collection of Recipes From Friends of Carnton cookbook � with a foreword by Hicks � features 150 recipes, including an obscure recipe for Carnton Pickles that was found in a 1945 Louisiana cookbook and traced back to the Carnton Plantation. There are also eight recipes that Carrie McGavock, lady of the house in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, submitted to Nashville's Centennial Celebration in 1897. Each entry shares a story about the plantation, and never-before-published photos fill the pages. Williamson County At A Glance POPULATION (2008 ESTIMATE) Franklin: 56,587 Williamson County: 172,252 Williamson County (2013): 199,801 LOCATION Williamson County is just south of Nashville, in the scenic, rolling hills of Middle Tennessee. BEGINNINGS The city of Franklin was founded in 1799 and named for Benjamin Franklin. The famous American patriot was a good friend of Continental Congress member Dr. Hugh Williamson, for whom the county was named. FOR MORE INFORMATION Williamson County-Franklin Chamber of Commerce 134 Second Ave. N., Franklin, TN 37064 Phone: (615) 794-1225, (800) 356-3445 Fax: (615) 790-5337 E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com www.williamson-franklinchamber.com Fast Facts Williamson County is home to Nissan North America's $100 million headquarters. A fleet of trolleys operated by the Franklin Transit Authority, with clean-burning bio diesel fuel, helps shuttle people around the city. More than 25 national and international companies have their headquarters in Williamson County. The Factory at Franklin is one of the area's most popular places for shopping, dining and entertainment. What's Online e Take a virtual tour of Williamson County, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imageswilliamsoncounty.com. Nash ille l 40 43 431 Brentwood 96 100 24 4 Fairview Leipers Fork 96 Cool Springs 65 Franklin W IL LIAM SO N Spring Hill 31 Nolensville e 31A A H ar Arrington Triune pe th R iv Thompson's Station er College Grove Williamson County WILLIAMSON COUNT Y I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 7 View From the FRANKLIN AND WILLIAMSON COUNTY ARE REGULARS ON `BEST PLACES' LISTS Top WILLIAMSON COUNT Y What's Online e Hear the story of Civil War Capt. Tod Carter in our quick video. Visit imageswilliamsoncounty.com. 8 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M STORY BY JESSICA MOZO he secret's out: Williamson County is one of the best places to live in the country. When Southern Living readers voted Franklin the fifth Best Small Town in America in the magazine's January 2009 issue, people across the nation learned something Williamson County residents have known all along � this is a place where the good life isn't just a pipe dream. It's a reality. "Franklin and Williamson County have a lot going for them � a great location, beautiful landscapes, outstanding educational opportunities, a vibrant economy and a preservation ethic," says Julian Bibb, an attorney with Stites & Harbison PLLC and a Williamson County resident since 1974. "But the most important attribute is the people in our community. They're friendly and they have an entrepreneurial spirit. They have a great work ethic, and many are involved in community building. They're compassionate and reach out to the underserved. And they care deeply about the well-being of the community at large." Southern Living isn't the only national publication to take notice of Franklin and Williamson County lately. The accolades just keep coming. In 2008, Money Magazine named Franklin among the top 50 on its annual list of Best Places to Live, while Forbes.com ranked Williamson County No. 10 on its list of the Best Places to Get Ahead. Money Magazine called Franklin "a rare blend of history and progress" and saluted the town's thriving historic downtown, numerous corporate headquarters, affordable housing and charming history. Forbes.com cited Williamson County's growing economy, hospitable business environment, and a median income boost of 18 percent since 2000. "The business climate in Williamson County is strong," Bibb says. "Our county hasn't been immune to the national market downturn, but our area isn't suffering to the same degree as across the nation. We continue to have new businesses move into our area. People support each other's efforts. There's a great referral system among businesses in Williamson County." The strong business climate is a good indication of why BusinessWeek, in March 2009, named Franklin one of the top 50 U.S. small cities in which to launch a business. The magazine used 11 factors such as affordability, quality of life and available talent pool to examine cities across the nation, and Franklin is the only city in Tennessee that made the cut. But there's more. Franklin was also named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation's annual Dozen Distinctive Destinations vacation list in 2009. The coveted Distinctive Destination title is presented to cities and towns across the country that combine dynamic downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture, WILLIAMSON COUNT Y T cultural landscapes and a strong commitment to historic preservation and revitalization. The honor did not surprise Mark Shore, executive director of the Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Franklin is a place that engages the mind and warms the heart," Shore says. "Our people value our strong sense of place and love to share it. It's an honor for Franklin to make this distinguished list. Those who have visited will understand why Franklin was chosen. Those who have yet to stop in should consider this their invitation." In 2008, Franklin also had the distinction of being the first city in the state to receive a Civil War marker as part of the Civil War Trails program, which lists sites in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia and Tennessee in driving tours of Civil War sites. The marker is located in the center of Franklin's town square and highlights the 1864 Battle of Franklin. The Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau expects it to bring even more visitors to the area. Shoppers in downtown Franklin enjoy the sunny weather. Left: The Carter House in Franklin PHOTO BY BRIAN McCORD JEFF ADKINS I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 9 RENOVATIONS ENERGIZE AND BEAUTIFY DOWNTOWN Facelift Franklin Gets a What's Online e Take a tour of historic downtown Franklin in our quick video. Visit imageswilliamsoncounty.com. 10 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M WILLIAMSON COUNT Y STORY BY LAURA HILL PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS D ramatic changes are taking place in downtown Franklin, with four major building and renovation projects underway that will change the city's face. Perhaps most visually arresting is the city's ambitious Streetscape project, a continuation of the major facelift Franklin underwent in the 1980s. That effort gave the city its attractive, historically inspired downtown streets and fostered the downtown area's economic rebirth. The Gateway Corridors and Connector Streets Project, with a price tag of $4.3 million, extends that earlier work to Fifth Avenue from Main Street to Highway 96 West and along Third Avenue from the town square to the future site of the Bicentennial Park on Bridge Street. The project placed utilities underground, dressed up sidewalks with brick pavers at crosswalks, installed new "period" streetlights and planted new landscaping. Beyond Beauty But the renovation is not just aesthetic in nature. Eighty percent of the budget went for sewer improvements, underground utilities and other essential infrastructure items. "Streetscape is a long-term investment in Franklin's economic viability," says city of Franklin Administrator Eric Stuckey. "We compete every day for jobs, investments, families moving here. What makes us competitive is Franklin's uniqueness as a community � which things like Streetscape have made happen." The Columbia Avenue corridor is the next Streetscape project. This is a complement, Stuckey says, to another major downtown project � construction of the city's massive new police headquarters. Expected to be completed by the end of 2009, the new $26 million-plus facility will house all police functions, except a firing range and an emergency-vehicle training center. The 92,281-square-foot facility was designed to grow with the community. "The decision was made to build a facility that would last 50 years out, but I think that we're looking at 100 years out," says Franklin Police Chief Jackie Moore. He is perhaps most proud of his new headquarters' status as the first LEED-certified green public building in Williamson County. As the city's newest public building goes up, its oldest public building is getting a new lease on life. The 1858 Williamson County Courthouse on the square has seen more than 150 years of life's triumphs and tragedies, and it has been a vital part of the history of the community. So when the county built its new courthouse nearby, officials wanted to preserve the venerable building. "The commissioners and the community felt so strongly about preserving and protecting and reusing that facility," says Rogers Anderson, Williamson County mayor. "It's the right thing to do." Improvements include the complete restoration of the historic courtroom on the third floor, which will continue to be used as a courtroom. The $7 million project also includes an elevated walkway to the new courthouse. The pride of Main Street, the old Franklin Theatre, is on its way to a new beginning, thanks to an ambitious project undertaken by the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County. The foundation bought the 1937 theater building in October 2007 for $1,275,000. Now it will spend $3 million it has raised to renovate and expand the facility. The foundation hopes to reopen the theater in 2010 as a venue for live performances, films and events. "The theater opened in 1937 at the height of the Great Depression and is being redone in these very challenged economic times," says Heritage Foundation Executive Director Mary Pearce. "Hopefully it will be a place to escape everyday troubles and be entertained by a film or live music." Historic buildings in downtown Franklin WILLIAMSON COUNT Y I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 11 Opportunities FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS KEEP SENIORS ON THE MOVE STORY BY CAROL COWAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS Golden W hile young people these days keep in touch via social networking sites on the Internet, the 50-plus crowd in Williamson County has plenty of options for getting in on their own social networking scene. Through local entities FiftyForward, Williamson County Parks and Recreation centers, and the J.L. Clay Senior Citizens Center, seniors can get together with longtime friends and meet new ones while participating in interesting, fun, healthpromoting activities such as day trips, potluck dinners, personal enrichment and fitness classes, writers groups, bowling, and even Nintendo Wii video games. Annual fund-raisers, community support and partnerships with organizations such as United Way of Williamson County allow FiftyForward centers to keep membership rates affordable. Healthy Choices Williamson County Parks and Recreation likewise provides a wide variety of programs for mature adults at recreation centers in Franklin and Spring Hill. "We do a little bit of everything," says Traci Hamby, senior coordinator for Williamson County Parks and Recreation. "We have day trips, aerobics, potluck and bingo nights, and we have two different exercise classes." Aquamotion is a low-impact water exercise class that improves flexibility and eases arthritis pain. The Power Tools class focuses on strength training. The semiweekly classes meet at both centers and require no registration. Aquamotion costs $1 per session, and Power Tools costs $2 per session. Drop-in bowling at the Franklin Family Entertainment Center, a Nintendo Wii bowling league and the new Senior Lifestyle Enrichment Series of health education lectures provide additional outlets and resources for active senior living, Hamby says. The J.L. Clay Senior Citizens Center in Franklin also offers an array of enrichment programs. In addition to activities, Williamson County boasts numerous options for retirement housing, including The Heritage at Brentwood, Brighton Gardens of Brentwood, Legacy Crossing and The Manor at Steeplechase. And more are on the way, including luxury community The Club at Pleasant Creek, which comes to Thompson's Station in 2010. Educational Options The opportunities available for vibrant mature living make Williamson County a great place for senior citizens. "We offer all kinds of educational programming," says Gayle Bradley, center director for FiftyForward College Grove, one of two Williamson County centers affiliated with Nashvillebased private nonprofit organization FiftyForward. "We have an outstanding visual arts program in partnership with the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists. We have computer and financial planning classes, as well as history, genealogy and writers groups. "We are housed in a Williamson County Parks and Recreation facility that the department keeps in tip-top shape. The county really puts a lot of effort into providing services for College Grove," Bradley continues. Facility amenities include a branch of the Williamson County Public Library and a health and wellness center that features a gymnasium and a workout room with weight machines and exercise equipment. Aerobics and yoga classes also are available. FiftyForward Martin Center is located on Heritage Way in Brentwood. The stunning wood and stone facility sits on five wooded acres and features fitness activities such as tai chi, yoga, pilates and line dancing, as well as games and a variety of enrichment classes. 12 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M What's Online e Check out the Williamson County Indoor Sports Complex in our quick video. Visit imageswilliamsoncounty.com. WILLIAMSON COUNT Y Clockwise from top left: An exercise class at Williamson County Recreation Complex; a card game at FiftyForward College Grove; an Aquamotion class at Longview Recreation Center; an art class at FiftyForward College Grove WILLIAMSON COUNT Y I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 13 Going Green by FRANKLIN'S PROGRESSIVE SUSTAINABILITY PLAN TAKES ROOT 14 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M WILLIAMSON COUNT Y Saving Green STORY BY JOE MORRIS G oing green is going strong in Williamson County. Businesses and residents have long participated in recycling and other eco-friendly programs, and now the public sector is joining in. Building on its previous successes in energyuse reduction and similar policies, the city of Franklin is adopting a full-scale plan that will implement a wide range of energy-saving efforts throughout the community. The Alternative Fuel & Energy Action Plan got its start when city officials established a sustainability task force in 2008. The task force was charged with coming up with ways Franklin could become a national top 25 "green city," or at the very least a regional sustainability powerhouse. Each suggestion had to have a fiscal note attached so that the financial costs � and savings � could be readily identified. "Even though we have a lot of green practices in place, we're not doing enough," says Dr. Ken Moore, alderman for the city of Franklin and one of the initiative's major proponents. "While we've been working on this plan, the city has written guidelines to make its facilities green also, so the city has become a leader in this process." The plan includes eight main areas: energy, office recycling/waste reduction; education; transportation/planning; water; air quality; open space and natural habitats; and economic development. Action items are listed for each category. The financial considerations and other factors are being studied, and some preliminary timelines are being drafted. Helping in all this is Johnson Controls, a national leader whose services include providing energy solutions for buildings. The Johnson team was brought in to craft the various directives and benchmarks for the plan's components. The company received very clear marching orders from the city and the task force early on, says Helen Wu, director of innovation services for Johnson's Building Efficiency division. "They want very much to be recognized on a `Top 25 Sustainable Cities' list," Wu says. "The community support was astounding from citizens, students and business leaders. The city leaders practice community engagement and truly listen to the voice of the community to shape the vision for Franklin." PHOTO BY JEFFREY S. OTTO Strong and vocal community input continues to be one of the most pleasant surprises of the whole process, Moore says. "I had more than 2,000 Post-it notes with citizen comments," he says. "The consultants held five sessions, and we had almost 250 people show up overall. They have such vigor and enthusiasm, and out of those sessions came 10 sustainability needs and 10 sustainability practices identified by the community." People were then asked to serve on one of nine committees for the various parts of the plan. Each committee is asked to draft at least three action items � summing up the issue, describing what action has been taken, what action needs to be taken, and the cost. Then each committee must come up with a recommendation for meeting the goal. All the information will be folded into a revised version of the master plan. In the meantime, the city has approved funding for a sustainability/grants coordinator position, so now there's a go-to person at city hall to help shepherd the process and seek funding. "We think this position will pay for itself through the improved energy efficiencies and fuel efficiencies just within the city," Moore says. "There are a lot of grants out there, as well as money within the federal stimulus package, for green initiatives. We're really moving ahead on this, and it's going to make a very big difference to the community." A Closer Look SPECIFIC ACTION ITEMS IN THE ACTION PLAN: Increase the use of renewable energy to meet 10 percent of the city's peak electrical load within seven years. Decrease waste to the landfill. Implement activities for public education. Add a variety of alternative fuel vehicles within the city's fleet. Develop policies for the implementation of aggressive waterconservation efforts. Source: City of Franklin For more information, visit www.franklintn.gov Left: Leiper's Fork WILLIAMSON COUNT Y I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 15 Smart TOP-NOTCH EDUCATIONAL OPTIONS SET THE COUNTY APART STORY BY JOE MORRIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS Ravenwood High School is part of the Williamson County Schools system. illiamson County is widely known for its excellent schools, which routinely boast some of the top test scores in the state. It's not unusual for families to move to the county just for the public and private schools, including the Franklin Special School District, Williamson County Schools and private facilities such as Battle Ground Academy. And the schools are a big draw for new corporate residents. "The quality of K-12 education is at the top of the list of important factors in attracting and retaining economic growth and stability in a community," says Dr. David Snowden, director of schools for FSSD. "In the FSSD we believe that it is our innovation that continues the district's excellent reputation and provides the best educational environment possible to promote the continued economic growth in our community." The emphasis on quality is the same at Williamson County Schools, which works to maintain its high standards while preparing students for postgraduate life through a combination of early-college work, mentorships and jobshadowing programs. "Williamson County students have dual-enrolled with institutions such as Columbia State Community College, Nashville State Community College, Middle Tennessee State University, Vanderbilt University and the Tennessee WILLIAMSON COUNT Y W 16 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M Technology Centers," says Jackie Baggett, career and technical education coordinator. "While these are our major players, Lipscomb, Belmont, O'More College of Design, Trevecca and others could become options for dual-enrollment programs in the future." "Williamson County is very fortunate to have such willing partners within the higher-education options," adds Dan Hampton, high schools director for Williamson County Schools. "The students of Williamson County are the recipients of these tremendous opportunities � opportunities that we believe are continuing to grow." Student achievement in and out of the classroom has been the goal at private schools such as Battle Ground Academy for more than a century. A K-12 school, Battle Ground Academy takes its mission and its community roots seriously, says Dr. John Griffith, headmaster. "One of Williamson County's strengths is the diversity of education and educational institutions," Griffith says. "We have private schools, universities, specialized schools, the strong public system ... and although we compete for students, we are all also the beneficiaries of the strength of the overall system." With a wealth of universities in the region, many students choose to stay in the area to pursue their college degrees and professional careers. They're often joined by adults who wish to further their studies and workers being trained in new fields or techniques at Columbia State Community College. The community college, founded in 1966, offers more than 50 programs of study in online, classroom, credit and noncredit formats. By offering early-college courses for high school students, as well as classes for adults, Columbia State fills a unique and growing niche in the community's education spectrum. "We see ourselves in partnership with Franklin and Williamson County," says President Dr. Janet Smith. "The role of the community college is growing nationwide, and it's growing in Tennessee. You have people coming in for educational, personal and citizenship development, which gives you a strong triad for building the community." WILLIAMSON COUNT Y Celebrating 32 Years of Soccer Fun! Learning the game of soccer has never been so exciting! Recreational Leagues for Ages 4 to 19 Fall & Spring Outdoor Soccer Indoor Arena Soccer Leagues Hot Shots & Little Kickers Summer Camp (615) 791-0590 email@example.com www.williamsoncountysoccer.com I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 17 Portfolio Now That's Courage FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT SAVES HER GRANDMOTHER'S LIFE ome quick thinking by a Franklin grade school girl saved the life of her grandmother � thanks to a maneuver that the little girl learned earlier that day from a TV show. In March 2009, 10-year-old Madeline "Maddie" Grayson Adams was presented with the inaugural Roderick Award of Courage at the historic Roderick Farm in Thompson's Station. When Maddie was 9 years old, she miraculously saved her choking grandmother's life by performing the Heimlich maneuver. Maddie had seen the technique earlier that day on an episode of the Disney Channel television show, The Suite Life of Zach & Cody. "For a 9-year-old to keep her wits about her and pull this off � it's amazing," said Thompson's Station Mayor Leon Heron when he handed Maddie a crystal trophy and a check for $1,000. The Roderick Award of Courage is named for Roderick, a courageous Civil War horse that died at the 1863 Battle of Thompson's Station. Despite having suffered three gunshot wounds, the horse bravely jumped a fence and galloped to his owner's side. Today, the horse is buried at Roderick Farm. "I can't think of a better recipient for this inaugural recognition of courage than Maddie Adams," Heron said. In September 2008, Maddie's grandmother, Jan Adams, was preparing dinner and talking on the phone to Maddie's mother, Deanna. Jan took a bite of chicken that became lodged in her windpipe, making it impossible for her to breathe or speak. Deanna immediately realized something was wrong and called a neighbor for help before dialing 911. Meanwhile, Jan began to black out. Realizing she had to act quickly, Maddie came up behind Jan, put her arms around her grandmother's midsection, and with her back against the kitchen counter for leverage, she delivered a few quick thrusts to Jan's diaphragm. The chicken became dislodged and Jan was able to breathe again. WILLIAMSON COUNT Y S Madeline "Maddie" Adams and her 2009 Roderick Award of Courage I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 19 Relax and Stay Awhile portion of Williamson County along Interstate 65 near Cool Springs Boulevard is now home to three new hotels that opened in 2009. The Aloft Nashville-Cool Springs hotel is located on the west side of I-65 on South Springs Drive, adjacent to the CoolSprings Galleria. The Courtyard by Marriott Franklin and the Residence Inn by Marriott have both opened in the Meridian Cool Springs corporate center, on the east side of I-65. "All three of these beautiful hotels A are visible to motorists traveling along the interstate, and they really add to the skyline of Franklin and Cool Springs," says Mark Shore, executive director of the Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau. "They are ideal spots to serve the corporate-based travelers who visit the Cool Springs Corporate Center, which has boomed over the past five years. In addition, the hotels are perfect for recreational travelers whose destination is Middle Tennessee." This is the first Aloft hotel that has been constructed in Tennessee, and its target occupancy market is primarily younger professionals who enjoy living an active urban lifestyle. "Aloft has a younger feel to it," Shore says. "Many people think of Franklin as a historic city, which it is, but there is also an urban-attitude culture with a hip-ness added in." The other two hotels are part of the Marriott family of worldwide hotels, and they're situated in arguably the fastest-growing corporate complex in all of Williamson County. "The Meridian Cool Springs area is ideal for these two Marriotts because the Meridian is almost a city in itself, with restaurants, coffee shops, spas and a number of unique businesses that are flourishing," Shore says. JEFF ADKINS Aloft Nashville-Cool Springs 20 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M WILLIAMSON COUNT Y Portfolio Pumping Iron, and Now Recycling It t's true that iron has played a big role in Bubba Miller's entire adult life. Stephen "Bubba" Miller, born and raised in Franklin, was a star football player and wrestler in high school at Brentwood Academy, and he won two state wrestling titles in 1990 and 1991. He was also an offensive lineman for Brentwood Academy, and he ultimately signed a scholarship to play football for the University of Tennessee. Miller pumped iron and muscled his body to more than 300 pounds, and he started in 47 straight games for the Volunteers from 1992-1996. He was such a good college player that the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles drafted him, and Miller played the center position in Philadelphia for six consecutive seasons. He then finished his football career with the New Orleans Saints for one season. After his football days ended in 2002, Miller returned home to Williamson County. He purchased an interest in Supershear LLC, a Franklin-based company that manufactures a portable hydraulic shear used to extract catalytic converters from vehicles that don't function anymore. After learning more about the recycling of catalytic converters, Miller founded Arrington Metals in 2004 in the Williamson County community of Arrington. The growing company purchases and sells recyclable metal and has estimated sales of nearly $400,000 each year. In 2009, Miller expanded Arrington Metals by opening a new division called B. Miller Recycling, located on Carters Creek Pike in west Franklin. The fullservice scrap metal facility buys and sells metal, and it offers containers and specialized scrap metal service to large commercial and industrial customers. The company accepts metals such as aluminum, copper and iron, and large items such as stoves, refrigerators and car parts, as well as entire cars. � Stories by Kevin Litwin WILLIAMSON COUNT Y I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M I 21 Business Doctor Ordered WILLIAMSON COUNTY GROWS AS A REGIONAL HUB FOR HEALTH CARE STORY BY SHARON H. FITZGERALD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS Just What the Vanderbilt Medical Group Franklin Right: Pam Birkel works with the digital mammography equipment at WMC's new outpatient imaging center. 22 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M WILLIAMSON COUNT Y W ith medical services offered by local providers and some of Nashville's biggest names in the industry, Williamson County is a regional hub for health care. Williamson Medical Center's new $7.3 million outpatient imaging center, located at the northeast corner of the hospital campus on Carothers Parkway in Franklin, offers the latest technological advances, including bone-density scanning and digital mammography. Digital mammography "uses less radiation than film mammography and, for women younger than 50, it's significantly better at finding cancers," explains Laura Bustetter, the medical center's associate administrator for business development. She says the driving force behind the new imaging location, which opened in November 2008, was to separate inpatient and outpatient services, thus improving efficiency and convenience. Patient convenience also was augmented in December 2008 with the opening of a 500-space parking garage for easy access to WMC's six-story tower. Outpatient services are on the tower's ground level, and the first floor is occupied by Williamson Surgery Center. Physician practices are on the other four floors. The tower was part of a massive expansion and renovation, wrapped up in early 2007, which also included additional floors for the existing patient tower and improvements to the emergency department. Recognized nationally in 2008 as a top hospital for surgical procedures, WMC has more than 150 active physicians and more than 500 doctors on its medical staff in 53 specialties and subspecialties. While WMC is countyowned, the hospital doesn't require local tax dollars to operate, Bustetter says. Vanderbilt Medical Center also offers a healthy range of services throughout Williamson County. Denis Gallagher, chief administrative officer for the Vanderbilt Medical Group in Williamson County, says business has increased more than 100 percent in the last five years. Vanderbilt initially entered the market with the acquisition of a few physician practices. "Now it is more the presence of our specialty physicians coming from the campus to spend some time in Williamson County. About 20 different specialties are currently being provided," Gallagher says. "We're open to opportunities as they present themselves to us, but our absolute commitment is to continue to expand our services." The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and the Vanderbilt Eye Institute have Williamson County locations. Near WMC is a Vanderbilt walk-in clinic. Easy access to non-urgent health care is also available at Take Care Clinics in two Franklin Walgreens locations. The Little Clinic also offers walk-in care at the Kroger on Columbia Avenue in Franklin and in nearby Thompson's Station. your DREAMS ... 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C O M 23 Business Biz Briefs BUSINESSES � BOTH LARGE AND SMALL � THAT HELP DEFINE WILLIAMSON COUNTY'S ECONOMIC CLIMATE Scorecard BUSINESS AT A GLANCE $2,416,245 Retail sales ($1,000) $238,798 Accommodation and food services sales ($1,000) $17,674 Retail sales per capita 17,750 Total number of firms Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts THE RED HOUSE Biz: Entertainment venue in downtown Franklin Buzz: The Red House is a vibrant entertainment venue that's available for events of all kinds, including receptions, rehearsal dinners, private parties, corporate events, music showcases, CD release parties, fundraising events and much more. Built in 1877, the beautifully renovated home is decorated with music memorabilia and modern furnishings. www.ourredhouse.com 24 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M WILLIAMSON COUNT Y TENNESSEE EQUINE HOSPITAL Biz: A full-service equine hospital Buzz: The Tennessee Equine Hospital is a multidoctor ambulatory practice with a full-service hospital, 24-hour emergency care and a state-of-theart reproductive facility. Located in Thompson's Station, the hospital includes lameness facilities and a sports medicine department. A new surgical facility is in the works. www.tnequinehospital.com SAFFIRE Biz: Upscale restaurant in The Factory at Franklin Buzz: Saffire uses locally grown produce and indigenous flavors combined with exotic ingredients to create a unique dining experience. This neighborhood restaurant has a big-city feel, featuring creative cuisine, an array of wines, welcoming surroundings and attentive staff. The lunch menu is casual, the dinner menu is elaborate, and an exposed kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs in action. www.saffirerestaurant.com HARPETH TRUE VALUE HOME CENTER Biz: Full-service home and building supply store Buzz: At Harpeth True Value Home Center, customers can find just about anything for their home under one roof. From lawn mowers and plants to paint and building supplies, this locally owned store has it all � including a friendly, knowledgeable staff. Located near downtown Franklin, the store also rents tools and supplies for weddings and parties. www.harpethtruevalue.com BIRDSONG CREATIVE Biz: Graphic design strategy company Buzz: The professionals at Birdsong Creative in downtown Franklin are experts in print, Web and package design, branding, identity development and communications strategy. One of the company's "recently hatched" efforts is the new Tennessee State Fair logo. Services range from consultation on strategy through implementation, including market research, new product development, integrated marketing campaigns and more. www.birdsongcreative.com WILLIAMSON COUNT Y The Golf Experience Reminiscent of a Gentler Age Nashville Golf & Athletic Club Pass the Peas ... Please! Monell's Dining & Catering Nashville � (615) 248-4747 Great Southern Food Served Family Style Serving Lunch, Dinner and Weekend Breakfast � Garden Weddings & Receptions (up to 240) � Bridal Luncheons � Rehearsal Dinners Monell's at Franklin's Historic Lillie Belle's A Restaurant and Wedding Venue 132 3rd Ave. South Franklin � (615) 790-6998 Wedding Tours & Appointments (615) 790-2300 Catering (615) 726-4938 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 25 Business | Chamber Report Helping Businesses Thrive WILLIAMSON COUNTY-FRANKLIN CHAMBER'S STRENGTHS SHINE IN TOUGH TIMES n today's difficult economic climate, businesses need support � the kind of expert support the Williamson County-Franklin Chamber of Commerce readily provides. With a thorough understanding of the local business community and the challenges of tough times, the chamber offers programs and services geared to the changing needs of businesses. This makes membership in the organization even more valuable these days. "This is the time to use your membership investment in the chamber to the fullest," says Pam Von Ehr, the chamber's membership services and marketing chief. "If you haven't attended an after-hours mixer or participated in a sponsorship, you're missing a businessto-business opportunity you're not likely to get in another organization. This is a perfect time to join the chamber." Special initiatives in 2009 included a June seminar on identity theft, a problem chamber President/CEO Nancy Conway describes as "rampant since the downturn in the economy." A major benefit of membership is the chamber's annual Business Expo, scheduled for Sept. 29 in Jamison Hall at the Factory at Franklin. Between 800 and 1,000 attended 2008's free public event, where they learned about local businesses at more than 60 booths and other exhibits. "It's a unique advantage to businesses, a one-on-one marketing concept," Conway says. "You meet people, they meet you. People see your products and services and talk to you about them, ask questions. It's invaluable." The 2009 Business Expo will have a special focus on buying local, and the chamber also spreads a buy-local message through ribbon cuttings and grandopening events organized by Chamber Ambassadors. The chamber's Web site, www. williamson-franklinchamber.com, offers a wealth of information helpful to businesses and individuals alike, with links to numerous resources. The site includes a directory of WILLIAMSON COUNT Y I members, relocation information, demographics, chamber and community events and other information about Williamson County. The chamber helps educate students about the importance of local business through its World of Possibilities career fair. It's also involved in Character Under Construction, a coalition of education and business leaders working to instill in children character traits such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, perseverance, courage, cooperation, caring, fairness and citizenship. The monthly Public Affairs Roundtable, televised and re-televised three times to the community, gives chamber members and others a chance to meet state legislators and follow important issues. Enhanced communications options � including an upgraded Web site, an electronic annual report, and a timely newsletter distributed through The Tennessean newspaper � keep the community abreast of chamber members' achievements and activities. The chamber's staff of seven hardworking professionals is committed to providing the best possible service to the chamber's growing membership, Conway says, as is a dedicated group of 75 regular volunteers who staff events, help in the office and take on other necessary tasks. "We could simply not do all the many things we do without our volunteers," Conway says. �Laura Hill Chamber President and CEO Nancy Conway and Chairman Rodger Klein JEFFREY S. OTTO I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 27 Business | Chamber Report Excitement and Opportunity FAIRVIEW WELCOMES INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS ew developments are in the works for Fairview since the major portion of a statemandated sewer moratorium � put in place due to strains on the system � was lifted in 2008. The Water Authority of Dickson County, which supplies all sewer and water service to Fairview, has been upgrading and adding sewer lines since that time. "That is the best news for Fairview � we are pretty much free to now develop and build," says Beverly Totty, president of the Fairview Area Chamber of Commerce. "There are still some minor restrictions, but The Water Authority is working very favorably with new development. In fact, once the news got out in 2008 that the moratorium would probably be lifted, Fairview received more commercial inquiries than during the previous 10 years put together." Totty says several parcels of land were purchased in 2008 and 2009, and developers have been appearing before N the Fairview Planning Commission. "We should soon be seeing additional retail and office buildings being constructed, and hopefully some new subdivisions with home prices at $150,000 and up," she says. "In fact, 88 new town homes are currently under construction along Highway 96. And rumor has it that a major grocery store will begin development in late 2009." Totty says existing local businesses are getting more involved in the community, and 125 are now chamber members. A total of 20 new members signed up in 2008 alone. "More and more businesses and community members want a voice in how Fairview will look in the next five or 10 years," she says. � Kevin Litwin Fairview Area Chamber of Commerce President Beverly Totty JEFF ADKINS WILLIAMSON COUNT Y I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 29 Integrity Experience Service VOTED BEST PIZZA IN WILLIAMSON COUNTY! Nashville Pizza Company Dine In or Carry Out Our pizzas are made the old-fashioned way: hand-folded dough made from scratch and made-to-order. All our menu items are made to order, when you order. You get the freshest and best pizza on earth. PIZZAS SANDWICHES SALADS Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. Noon-8 p.m. A Tradition of Excellence for over forty years 3825 Bedford Avenue Nashville, TN 615-327-4800 5200 Maryland Way Brentwood, TN 615-263-4800 1516 16th Avenue South Nashville, TN 615-292-7300 Full Service Relocation Department 866-296-4030 (615) 591-7050 (615) 595-8001 2176 Hillsboro Rd. 152 Watson Glen Franklin, TN nashvillepizzacompany.com GENERAL L AW PRACTICE JUDY OXFORD ATTORNEY AT L AW FRIDRICHANDCLARK.COM 400 SUGARTREE L ANE SUITE 520 F R ANKLIN, TN 37064 (615) 791-8511 WWW.JUDYOXFORDLAW.COM 30 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M WILLIAMSON COUNT Y Business | Chamber Report Green Light for Smart Growth NOLENSVILLE MOVES FORWARD WHILE RETAINING ITS FRIENDLY, SMALL-TOWN FEEL his might not be big news in larger communities, but it's a headline in Nolensville. The small town now has a traffic light, installed in 2009 at the main intersection on Nolensville Road at Clovercroft/Rocky Fork. A key reason for the light: It will help vehicular traffic going to and from the new Nolensville Elementary School. "We have a lot of traffic traveling east to west from Franklin to Murfreesboro that passes through Nolensville, so this will make our main thoroughfare safer," says Chuck Fann, president of the Nolensville Chamber of Commerce. As for overall growth in Nolensville, Fann credits Mayor Beth Lothers along with the board of aldermen and the planning commission for doing a good job ensuring the community of 2,700 residents continues to grow carefully. "The mayor welcomes � in fact, almost insists upon � getting input from residents and business owners regarding how we should grow," Fann says. T Mayor Lothers has introduced a Trees and Trails Committee to get neighborhood trails constructed in various subdivisions, and the town has also implemented a Design & Review Committee to develop building standards. A Town Events Committee organizes community-wide celebrations such as Fourth of July fireworks, and the chamber has launched a brand-new Web site, www.nolensvillechamber.com. "Nolensville still has its quaintness, with Little League fields packed during the summer and organizations such as the Lions Club, Women's Club and the Volunteer Fire Department all adding to our quality of life," Fann says. "Nolensville remains progressive while retaining its friendly, small-town feel." � Kevin Litwin Chuck Fann, president of the Nolensville Chamber of Commerce JEFF ADKINS WILLIAMSON COUNT Y I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 31 Sports & Recreation Rah, Rah, Raucous in 2009 CENTENNIAL CHEERLEADERS WIN NATIONAL SMALL VARSITY DIVISION TITLE T Centennial High School Competitive Cheerleading Squad Dr. Louis J. Laratta & Dr. Amity M. Huskey Laser Treatments Genetic Screening Grafting & Reconstructive Surgery Cryosurgery Electro Diagnostics Ultrasonography Medical & Surgical Treatments for Ocular Problems Including: � Cataracts � Corneal Problems � Glaucoma � Eyelid Abnormalities Nashville Area (Nolensville/Rivergate) � Chattanooga (615) 776-2019 � (615) 776-2018 fax � (800) 524-1910 www.vos-tn.com he Centennial High School Competitive Cheerleading Squad captured first-place honors in February 2009 at the National High School Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Fla. The competition was hosted by the Universal Cheerleading Association, considered the top national sanctioning organization for competitive high school cheerleading. A total of 8,000 cheerleaders in Orlando made up 400 national teams that represented 12 different divisions, and Centennial was crowned the 2009 champion in the Small Varsity Division. "The Small Varsity Division features teams that have 12 girls or less, and we had 12 girls on our squad," says Barbee Morgan, co-coach of the Centennial squad along with Bill and Jay Noffsinger. "One girl on our team actually tore her ACL prior to Orlando, and her spot was filled very well by a 13th girl." The UCA Nationals is the largest annual high school cheerleading event in the United States, and this was the first time that a team from Middle Tennessee won any kind of national division championship. In 2008, Centennial actually finished runner-up in the Small Varsity Division. The 2009 Centennial championship squad was made up of six seniors, six juniors and one freshman. Team members were Izzy Arrendondo, Becca Bedock, Melissa Campbell, Kaitlin Chesak, Ashley Evans, Fallon Fliehser, Faith Hall, Jennifer King, Audrey Love, Jordan Parks, Sheridan Richardson, Becca Silva and Kathryn Traxler. "Tryouts for the Centennial team are in late March, then we practice three times every week from that point forward," Morgan says. As for the UCA competition routines, they must be 2 1/2 minutes in length and feature plenty of tumbling, stunt work, dancing and a cheer. � Kevin Litwin WILLIAMSON COUNT Y 32 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M Health & Wellness NHC Place at Cool Springs Expanding To Meet Demand NHC PLACE AT COOL SPRINGS ADDS SPACE, OFFERS CONTINUUM OF CARE ou know you're doing something right when demand for your services requires an expansion. That's the case with NHC Place at Cool Springs, which opened its senior-care community in June 2004 and has blueprints in hand for new construction. "We'll probably put a shovel in the ground this year [2009]," says Jerry Winton, NHC Place administrator. "We've been so successful that we're about to double the size of our assisted living, and our rehab program is so successful that, while we're not expanding the number of rehab beds, we're adding additional space so we can provide more therapy for the community on an inpatient and outpatient basis." NHC Place was Williamson County's first multispecialty campus for older adults, offering assisted living, long-term care, rehabilitation and other services. The facilities are owned by Murfreesboro-based National HealthCare Corp., which owns and operates a variety of senior-care facilities in 12 states. In addition to NHC Place, the company's Williamson County operations include a 90-bed, long-term care facility along with outpatient and home-care services. NHC Place has 43 assisted-living apartments, and that number will increase to between 90 and 95 units with the expansion, Winton says. The facility resembles an upscale hotel, with community areas that include a full-service dining WILLIAMSON COUNT Y Y room, a casual soda shop, a sunroom and an enclosed courtyard. Residents have a choice of six different floor plans, all with a private bath, kitchenette and emergency-response system. Two levels of care are available, depending on the resident's needs. The Health Center features 117 private and semiprivate rooms in five wings, offering long-term care, secure care for patients with cognitive problems, and palliative care for patients near the end of life. Winton says thinking of The Health Center as a nursing home is a mistake. "We're so much more than that. Practically all of our patients come directly to us from hospitals and orthopedic practices, and right now, of the patients that we do admit, we send 90 percent of them back home," he says. With an emphasis on rehabilitation and discharge, the center has 60 physical, occupational and speech therapists on staff. The Rehab Center is a separate facility, serving 90 to 100 inpatients monthly and another 30 as outpatients. The expansion will add gymnasium space and new equipment. "Everyone knows about Williamson County and its growth," Winton says. "It's a great place to live, and NHC as a company has been in the community since 1979. I think we've taken good care of its citizens." � Sharon H. Fitzgerald I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M JEFF ADKINS 33 Education Character Under Construction BUSINESS-EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP WORKS TO PROMOTE INTEGRITY IN STUDENTS n Williamson County, character certainly counts. That's the idea behind Character Under Construction, a coalition of education and business leaders working to instill positive qualities in students � character traits such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, perseverance, courage, cooperation, caring, fairness and citizenship. I One of those words is the "character word of the month" countywide during the school year. "One goal is that everybody � whether you are at home, in school or in a business � would be emphasizing a particular character word of the month all over Williamson County," explains Annie Sawyers, Character Under Construction chairwoman and HARPETH "Visit Our Newly Expanded GARDEN CENTER!" HARPETH Mixture of Tool, Contractor and Party Items Buy What You Want, Rent What You Need instructional facilitator for student performance with the Franklin Special School District. Sawyers traces the roots of the initiative back more than a decade, when a few Williamson County educators attended a national conference emphasizing character education in K-12 schools. Their training included a strategy called Character Counts. "We had this dream of becoming a community of character," she says. "There were cities that had banners and billboards saying, `A City of Character,' and we were dreaming of doing the same thing." Character Counts was tied to a federaland state-funded program called Education Edge, designed to infuse business principles into education and produce a better-prepared workforce. Funding for the program dried up, but not Williamson County's desire to keep character education. "We got together, recruited other people in the community and had a meeting. Out of that beginning, we became known as Character Under Construction," Sawyers says. Today, school counselors are charged with emphasizing character and including character discussions in disciplinary situations. A priority for Character Under Construction is a survey of schools to find out how businesses and other organizations could help with teaching and modeling character. That's where the board of directors � composed of more than a dozen representatives of private industry, education and organizations such as the University of Tennessee Extension Service, Better Business Bureau and Williamson County-Franklin Chamber of Commerce � comes in. Meanwhile, the Character Under Construction banner and information booth are common sights at events such as the county fair, career days and the Fourth of July celebration in historic downtown Franklin. � Sharon H. Fitzgerald WILLIAMSON COUNT Y 34 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M Arts & Culture Sound Kitchen Grooves Again LEGENDARY RECORDING STUDIO TAKES INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO MUSIC BUSINESS F or years the Sound Kitchen was known as one of the country's premier recording studios, its headquarters on Seaboard Lane in Franklin a creative haven for some of the biggest names in music. But in 2007, it looked as if this legendary studio might shut its doors forever, ending an era that brought such musical supernovas as Bruce Springsteen, Barry Manilow, Earth, Wind & Fire and Jimmy Buffett to town. Enter Ira Blonder, a self-described nonmusician with a passion for music, and a veteran entrepreneur who had negotiated the sales of a dozen or so famous recording studios. He decided to take a chance. "I don't write, I don't play an instrument and I don't sing, but I am an avid supporter of writers and musicians," says Blonder, who runs a successful real estate consulting business. "This was an opportunity to craft a new, progressive entertainment organization." Blonder bought the building in early 2008 and set about expanding the studio's technical strengths � and its vision. Several hundred thousand dollars later, Sound Kitchen still encourages the world to "Eat Music" � its logo is a large fork � but it's approaching the music business in more innovative ways. The emphasis is on creative synergy, collaboration and artistic growth. All seven of Sound Kitchen's recording studios are flourishing, and the Big Boy, its renowned 3,000-square-foot megastudio, can still seat an entire symphony orchestra. The studio now hosts seven artistsin-residence from a variety of musical styles. Sound Kitchen is also home to its own record label, Well Done Music; a publishing company called Eat Music Publishing; and Kitchen Table Distribution. � Laura Hill Rock artist Joshua Adams records a track at the Sound Kitchen in Franklin. JEFF ADKINS WILLIAMSON COUNT Y I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 35 RIDE WITH US AND SAVE BIG MONEY! Put your money in the bank, not in your tank! Join a TMA Group Vanpool today and save money on gas, maintenance and insurance costs! Serving the middle TN area. URS! OU TO YO G E T T IN G Y O U R JO B IS Affordable public transportation service six days a week! Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Ride to work, medical centers, retail areas, the library and more! 36 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M WILLIAMSON COUNT Y Community Profile WILLIAMSON COUNTY SNAPSHOT Williamson County is a vibrant, growing community known for its scenic beauty, quiet neighborhoods and thriving business districts. Home to many community groups, historic sites and an array of activities, the county offers something for the entire family. SALES TAX 7% State Tax HEALTH CARE Williamson Medical Center, a 185-bed full-service community hospital, offers a highly qualified medical staff along with convenient, costeffective, inpatient, outpatient and emergency services. In addition to Williamson Medical Center, there are numerous clinics and healthcare facilities that provide professional medical services. Piedmont Gas (615) 734-0665 Water Franklin Water Dept. (615) 794-4572 2.25% Local Tax COUNTY WHEEL TAX EDUCATION The county is served by two school districts: The Williamson County Schools is a student-centered, academically enriching district that supports the collaborative educational efforts of students, teachers, staff and community. The Franklin Special School District is an innovative, top-ranked K-8 school system with approximately 3,900 students. $25.75 per vehicle annually PERSONAL INCOME TAX None PROPERTY TAXES (25% of assessed value) Williamson County, $2.31 Brentwood, $2.75 Fairview, $2.96 Franklin, $2.63 Franklin/FSSD, $3.60 FSSD (Outside city), $3.28 Nolensville, $2.32 Spring Hill, $2.86 Thompson's Station, $2.36 LOCAL UTILITIES Cable Charter Communications (931) 388-3550 Comcast, (615) 244-5900 Electricity Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corp. (615) 794-3561 Nashville Electric Service (615) 736-6900 Garbage Collection Franklin (city), (615) 794-1516 Natural Gas Atmos Energy Corp. (615) 794-2596 MORE O E ONLINE imageswilliamsoncounty.com More facts, stats and community information, including relocation tools and links to resources. Franklin Special School District Since 1906 "Excellence in Teaching and Learning for All" WILLIAMSON COUNT Y I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 37 Photo Finish BRIAN M C CORD H 38 istory still prevails in Franklin's charming downtown district. Named as a 2009 Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the 15-block area offers interesting architecture, period streetlights, attractive landscaping and beautifully restored historic buildings. People enjoy walking among the district's many hip boutiques, restaurants and entertainment venues. With a history that dates back more than 200 years, it's no wonder that the entire downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places. WILLIAMSON COUNT Y I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M FACTORY WILLIAMSON COUNT Y I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 39 advertisers Aloft www.alofthotels.com/coolspringsoffers Ascend Federal Credit Union www.ascendfcu.org Audio Video Environments www.avenashville.com BancorpSouth www.bancorpsouth.com visit our Family law and mediation services to protect your family Community association services to protect your neighborhood 1650 Murfreesboro Rd. Suite 225 Franklin, TN 37067 (615) 550-7106 t (615) 550-7107 f email@example.com Battle Ground Academy www.battlegroundacademy.org BBE Company Inc. www.bbesolutions.com CharacterEyes www.charactereyespc.com Community First Bank & Trust www.cfbk.com Crye-Leike Relocation www.crye-leike.com Factory at Franklin www.factoryatfranklin.com Franklin Special School District www.fssd.org Fridrich & Clark Realty www.fridrichandclark.com Harpeth True Value Home Center www.harpethtruevalue.com Heritage at Brentwood www.theheritagelcs.com Hyatt Place www.hyattplace.com Judy A. Oxford www.judyoxfordlaw.com Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation www.mtemc.com Monell's Dining & Catering Inc. www.monellstn.com Nashville Golf & Athletic Club www.ngac.net Nashville Pizza Company www.nashvillepizzaco.com NHC Place at Cool Springs www.nhcplace.com Regions Mortgage www.regionsmortgage.com/lancedammeyer Stites & Harbison www.stites.com Tennessee Commerce Bank www.tncommercebank.com TMA Group www.franklintransit.org Tollgate Village www.tollgatevillagetn.com Vanderbilt Legends Club www.vanderbiltlegendsclub.com Vanderbilt Medical Center Williamson www.vanderbiltwilliamson.com Veterinary Ophthalmology Services www.vos-tn.com William E. Miller & Associates www.williamemiller.com Williamson County Franklin Chamber of Commerce www.williamson-franklinchamber.com Williamson County Soccer Association www.williamsoncountysoccer.com Williamson Medical Center www.williamsonmedicalcenter.org Worth Properties www.worthproperties.com Zeitlin & Company, Realtors www.zeitlinrealtors.com www.williamemiller.com 40 I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M WILLIAMSON COUNT Y Now Private! Vanderbilt Legends Club has been the premier destination for golf in Middle Tennessee. As of January 1, Vanderbilt Legends Club is now totally private. WILLIAMSON COUNT Y I M AG E S W I L L I A M S O N C O U N T Y. C O M 41 Ad Index 1 8 A LO F T 1 A S C E N D FE D E R A L C R E D IT U N I O N 2 3 AU D I O V I D EO E N V I R O N M E N TS 39 BA N CO R P S O U T H 17 BAT T LE G RO U N D AC A D EM Y 4 0 B B E CO M PA N Y I N C . 3 6 C H A R AC T E R E Y E S 3 1 CO M M U N IT Y FI R S T BA N K & TR U S T 3 7 C RY E- L EI K E R E LO C ATI O N 39 FAC TO RY AT FR A N K LI N 3 7 FR A N K LI N S P EC IA L SCHOOL DISTRICT 3 0 FR I D R I C H & C L A R K R E A LT Y 2 5 M O N E L L' S D I N I N G & C AT E R I N G I N C . 25 NASHVILLE GOLF & AT H L E TI C C LU B 3 0 N A S H V I L L E P IZ Z A CO M PA N Y 41 N H C P L AC E AT CO O L S P R I N G S 2 R EG I O N S M O RTGAG E 2 9 S TIT E S & H A R B I S O N 3 4 H A R P E T H T R U E VA LU E HOME CENTER 2 8 H E R ITAG E AT B R E N T WO O D C 3 H YAT T P L AC E 3 0 J U DY A . OX FO R D 39 M I D D L E T E N N E S S E E E L EC T R I C M E M B E R S H I P CO R P O R ATI O N Ad Index (cont.) 21 TENNESSEE CO M M E RC E BA N K 3 6 T M A G RO U P 2 6 TO L LG AT E V I L L AG E 41 VA N D E R B I LT L EG E N DS C LU B C 1 A VA N D E R B I LT M E D I C A L CENTER WILLIAMSON 32 V E T E R I N A RY O P H T H A L M O LO GY S E RV I C E S 40 WILLIAM E. MILLER & A S S O C I AT E S 17 W I L L I A M S O N CO U N T Y S O CC E R A S S O C I ATI O N C4 WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER 3 6 WO RT H P RO P E RTI E S 2 0 ZEIT LI N & CO M PA N Y, R E A LTO R S questions answers �2002 American Cancer Society, Inc. 8 0 0 . A C S . 2 3 4 5 / c a n c e r. o r g


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1 Website Templates and counting!
Travel CSS Flash 8 Animated Website Templates
If you've never setup a website as a shrine to the perfect vacation, you ought to try it sometime. If you're setting up a way to show off all of the beautiful photos from your dream vacation, or showcase the photos your clients have sent you from their vacations, booked through you, you need a starting point. You've got better things to do than design a website, such as planning your next vacation! Our CSS Flash 8 animated website templates all contain animation to help make your website stand out and be more impressive. These templates usually have the flash 8 portions in the header or menu areas while the rest of the template uses static images, HTML, and CSS for all of the styling. If you wish to edit the Flash portions you will need to make sure your Flash editor can edit Flash version 8 or greater. All of these templates also include a non-flash version so that you do not have to use any Flash if you do not want to. Our travel CSS Flash 8 animated website templates usually include one to three pages always including the main page, sometimes a sample content page, and sometimes a miscellaneous page such as a privacy policy page.
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Members of our Pet Communities share their Halloween pet photos.
A recent study takes a closer look at how MedHelp and other online communities provide advice and support for ovarian cancer patients.
Like to travel but hate to leave your pooch at home? Dr. Carol Osborne talks tips on how (and where!) to take a trip with your pampered pet
15 signs that it's more than just the blues
Dim the lights and break out the…eggs? These 10 foods will kick your sex drive into high gear.
Rebecca Resnik, PsyD, explains the right time to test your child for behavioral problems.


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Neo-Cold Warriors
Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Though recklessly indifferent to America's vital interests, the September 30 issue of The Weekly Standard made my day. Its scurrilous response to my article "Demonizing Putin Endangers America's Security," posted on thenation.com on September 16, amply illustrates my longstanding argument that the US-Russian cold war is on again—or never ended—especially in the American political-media establishment.
The Weekly Standard's assault on my article—reflexively including The Nation and my patriotism—is a quintessential example of cold-war thinking and debased discourse. On one level, it ignores entirely the matter of America's national security—my point that the wide-spread media denigration of Vladimir Putin may lead Washington to reject, or otherwise subvert, the Russian leader's proposal to avoid war by putting Syria's chemical weapons under international control. Only very bad consequences can result from yet another American war in the Middle East, but in this the missile-ready Weekly Standard, which remains silent about its role in the disastrous US war in Iraq, has no interest whatsoever. Its sole purpose instead is to allege that "defending the peace-loving Russians" is something "in which The Nation has specialized since October 1917." (Today's American cold warriors usually focus on events after 1945, but The Weekly Standard's obsessions are nearly centennial.)
Please support our journalism. Get a digital subscription for just $9.50!
For my thesis, things then get even better, as predictable cold-war era personal slurs follow. It turns out that I have managed "to evolve from a Soviet apologist into a Russian nationalist." And this because I, and The Nation, have always had "contempt for the United States" and "hostility to the land of [our] birth." No need to point out that this kind of political defamation is straight from the McCarthy era, but I will exercise a personal privilege: Having grown up in Kentucky, attended college in Indiana, lived for some time in Florida, taught for thirty years in New Jersey and lived even longer in New York, states for which I retain considerable affection, I hereby testify that The Weekly Standard's cold-war repetitions are both preposterous and, in regard to our national interests, un-American.
Stephen F. Cohen writes about why demonizing Russia threatens US national security.


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A jury in the US District Court Eastern District of Virginia on Monday convicted former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent Jeffrey Sterling of violating the Espionage Act. Sterling was found guilty on all nine of his charges, including acting as a CIA mole and supplying a journalist with ...[read more]
US Military Judge Denise Lind on Wednesday sentenced Army Pfc. Bradley Manning to 35 years in prison for his disclosure of classified information to the anti-secrecy organization Wikileaks. Manning was found guilty last month of violating the Espionage Act but was acquitted of the more serious ...[read more]
Military Judge Denise Lind on Tuesday found Army Pfc. Bradley Manning guilty of violations of the Espionage Act for his disclosure of classified information to anti-secrecy organization, Wikileaks. The judge, however, acquitted Manning of the more serious charge of "aiding the enemy." In 2010 ...[read more]
JURIST Guest Columnist Christina Wells of the University of Missouri- Columbia School of Law says that the broad provisions of the Espionage Act raise significant First Amendment concerns, mainly that government officials can control all debates by allowing favorable leaks while punishing ...[read more]
JURIST Guest Columnist Brice Biggins, George Mason University School of Law Class of 2014, discusses the rarity of treason charges in the US and argues that Edward Snowden should be charged with violating the Espionage Act of 1917... After leaking the existence of the National Security Agency's ( ...[read more]
Pfc. Bradley Manning pleaded guilty on Thursday to 10 of the 22 charges against him for providing classified materials to WikiLeaks in what the government says is the largest leak of classified documents in US history. Manning, who is charged with violating the Espionage Act, pleaded not guilty to ...[read more]
On February 18, 2011, a Chinese court of appeals upheld the conviction of US geologist Xue Feng on charges of industrial espionage. Feng's conviction emphasized US concerns over Chinese humanitarian efforts and the independence of China's judiciary. Feng had been originally convicted on July 5, ...[read more]
Army Col. Denise Lind refused Wednesday to dismiss Espionage Act charges against Pfc. Bradley Manning for allegedly transferring vast amounts of classified information to Wikileaks. The ruling will allow the discovery hearing to continue with the official trial scheduled to begin in September. ...[read more]
Pfc. Bradley Manning was formally charged with 22 counts, including aiding the enemy, under the Espionage Act on Thursday. Manning declined to enter a plea at the hearing. The maximum penalty Manning faces is life in prison. The government alleges that Manning transferred more than 700,000 ...[read more]
On March 29, 1951, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were convicted of passing U.S. atomic secrets to the Soviet Union. The couple was sentenced to death on April 3 under the Espionage Act of 1917, 18 U.S.C 794. They were then executed two years later on June 19, 1953 in New York State's Sing Sing ...[read more]


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Friday Night Seitz
What was the best episode of "The Office"?
Slide show: As Steve Carell's exit looms, we count down the most brilliant moments of NBC's workplace comedy
10. "The Duel," Season 5, Episode 12
Written by Jennifer Celotta, directed by Dean Holland
The first "Office" episode to acknowledge the financial crisis that had engulfed the country, this one finds Michael being summoned to New York to discuss the company's health with its chief financial officer, and being informed that his branch has the best sales record in the company and that the executives want to know what his secret is. "Roller coaster. Just goes to show you, you leave Scranton, exciting things can happen." But the episode is mainly about the love triangle between Andy, his reluctant fianc
9. "Performance Review," Season 2, Episode 8
Written by Larry Wilmore, directed by Paul Feig
"When people say something is mutual, it never is. But this was mutual." That's Michael talking about a phone message left by his boss, Jan, at the beginning of this episode, announcing that she's coming in to conduct Michael's performance review not long after an impulsive make-out session with him, and that Michael's job will be "the only topic of discussion." Michael uses his own performance reviews of his employees to ask their advice on how to deal with Jan, who decided their romantic interlude was a mistake. Michael wants to know if Jan still has feelings for him, or ever had feelings for him, and if there might be a way to get something going with her long-term. This is a classic study of power politics, with Michael exploiting his power over his employees to extract ass-kissing reassurances of his charm and sexual magnetism, and the employees in turn manipulating Michael to improve their own reviews. (Stanley listens to Jan's voice-mail message and gravely informs Michael that he needs to listen to the pauses. "Did you learn that on the streets?" Michael asks, enthralled. "On the ghetto, in fact," Stanley replies. He later tells the camera crew, "It's all about the bonus.")
The middle of the episode has a classic set piece: Jan sitting in on a staff meeting about the contents of the company's suggestion box, watching Michael grow increasingly agitated. "'You need to do something about your coffee breath,'" he reads, then snaps, "I don't think you people are grasping the concept of the suggestion box!" It's all just a warm-up to the chilling suggestion that ends the meeting: "Don't sleep with your boss."
"Performance Review" is also a strong Dwight episode, opening with a great bit (Dwight lewdly riding an exercise ball at his desk, followed by Jim puncturing it with his scissors), then building a classic Jim prank (convincing Dwight it's Friday when it's really Thursday) and spotlighting wonderful instances of Dwight's eccentricity. The best is probably Dwight's pre-performance review psych-up routine: He dances and karate-punches to heavy metal in a stairwell, jabbering "inspirational" statements: "You're giving me this raise! I deserve this raise! Yes! Yes! AAAAAH! The least you can do is keep my salary consistent with inflation!"
8. "Goodbye, Toby," Season 4, Episode 18 and 19
Written by Paul Lieberstein and Jennifer Celotta, directed by Paul Feig
This hour-long episode, which ended Season 4, is bittersweet, emphasis on "sweet." Michael has clearly been looking forward to his exit interview with departing human resources manager Toby (Paul Lieberstein, who also co-wrote the episode's script); he has prepared a list of questions that begins with "Who do you think you are?" and has wrapped a present for Toby — a rock with a note taped to it that reads, "Suck on this." But Michael's ire is defused when he instantly falls for Toby's replacement, future fianc
7. "Gay Witch Hunt," Season 3, Episode 1
Written by Greg Daniels, directed by Ken Kwapis
Somewhat of a belated follow-up to Season 1′s "Diversity Day," this one starts with Michael offending Oscar by using the word "faggy," then cluelessly and arrogantly outing him to the entire office. Michael tries to make amends by leading another one of his horrendously misguided seminars in tolerance, this one focused on sensitivity to homosexuals. The episode's signature moment finds Michael attempting to prove his non-homophobia by kissing a horrified Oscar on the mouth. This moment was improvised on the spot by Carell, and you can tell by watching the utterly realistic reactions of the other office co-workers, who are torn between horror, confusion, astonishment and a kind of rubbernecker's excitement. The episode also serves up a bumper crop of incidental pleasures, including Jim's attempts to establish himself at Dunder-Mifflin's Stamford branch (where he works with the goofy Andy, played by Ed Helms) and Jim's gift to Dwight of a "gaydar" device, which beeps when Dwight sweeps it across his own belt buckle.
6. "Niagara, Parts 1 and 2," Season 6, Episodes 4 and 5
Written by Greg Daniels and Mindy Kaling, directed by Paul Feig
Arguably the greatest of the show's "off-campus" episodes, the two-part "Niagara" takes the entire office, plus relatives and friends, to Niagara Falls, where Jim and Pam are getting married. There are great bits by guest stars, especially Peggy Stewart as Pam's battleax grandmother, Meemaw, who's not supposed to know that Pam is pregnant, and Linda Purl as Pam's mother, Helene, who's depressed that her ex-husband William (Rick Overton) has shown up with a 20-something girlfriend. And there are plenty of grand bits of comic business, including Oscar recoiling in horror when Pam's sister assumes that Kevin is his boyfriend; Dwight's seduction of and subsequent rebuff by one of Pam's bridesmaids; and Michael's desperate attempts to crash with other guests when he can't get a room at the hotel. (He sets up a base of operations in the snack room next to the ice machine.)
"Niagara" might also be the best expression of the show's buried romantic streak. Jim and Pam's response to the increasingly disastrous event is ingenious: They disappear for an hour in the run-up to the ceremony, get hitched on the Maid of the Mist, and return to the chapel to reenact their vows and keep everyone else happy, never letting on that they're already married. And Jim's reaction when he finds Pam depressed over her torn bridal veil is one of the finest expressions of marital solidarity in sitcom history: He whips out the trusty scissors he always carries (even to his own wedding!) and cuts off the end of his necktie.
5. "Cafe Disco," Season 5, Episode 27
Written by Warren Lieberstein and Halsted Sullivan, directed by Randall Einhorn
One of the most sheerly pleasurable episodes of "The Office" finds Michael refurbishing the former office of the aborted Michael Scott Paper Co. as a "Cafe Disco" where employees can let off steam. At first the gambit seems doomed to failure — especially when the Cafe Disco's first patron, Phyllis, injures herself while dancing — but over time, it slowly but surely fills up with revelers drawn from all over the regional office. It's an episode composed almost entirely of strange, sweet or surprising moments: an employee of Vance Refrigeration spotting Erin and Kelly dancing, then entreating one of his co-workers to stop loading the truck and party with him because "there are girls there"; Phyllis trying to invite her co-worker husband, Bob Vance, and getting weird vibes from his new secretary, who's physically a ringer for Phyllis; the injured Phyllis getting a massage from Dwight based on the miracle his dad worked on an injured horse; Kelly and Andy's dance-off. Best of all is the Jim and Pam subplot: They arrive at the office planning to run off and get married privately, to avoid the stress and possible embarrassment of an official ceremony, but after stopping at Cafe Disco on the way out, they have such a good time that they decide to have a traditional ceremony and reception after all.
"A lot of people doubted Cafe Disco at first," Michael says. "But it is a magical place. You have to give it a chance. If these walls could talk, they would say, 'This is a magical place. You are safe here. We have talking walls. We're not going to eat you.'"
4. "Diversity Day," Season 1, Episode 2
Written by B.J. Novak, directed by Ken Kwapis
"Let's go around and everybody, everybody, name a race you are attracted to sexually. I will go last." That's no way to start a diversity seminar, but that's how Michael Scott kicks one off in this classic early episode, the first installment of the American "Office" with a script not derived from the British series. American "Office" co-writer Larry Wilmore, the creator and executive producer of Fox's animated series "The PJ's," plays the diversity consultant brought in to enlighten the office staff. When Michael learns that the trainer's name is Mr. Brown, he announces, "I will not call you that." "It's my name, it's not a test," Mr. Brown replies. When Mr. Brown informs Michael that he's there for him and him alone — thanks to Michael's rendition of a notorious Chris Rock routine — the half-embarrassed, half-defiant regional office manager signs the company's diversity pledge "Daffy Duck," then stages his own seminar, "Diversity Tomorrow," so titled "because today is almost over."
"Abraham Lincoln once said that 'If you're a racist, I will attack you with the North,'" Michael explains, "and these are the principles I carry with me in the workplace."
"Diversity Day" shows that the U.S. sitcom could be as mortifying as its predecessor, but in a different way. Michael is an ignorant, preening racist, but where Ricky Gervais' David Brent was aware of his own insensitivity but tried to redefine it as honesty or rude wit, Michael is convinced (like so many Americans) that he's a deeply sensitive person. He believes this even while he's repeating the Rock routine during the diversity seminar in a screechy "Chris Rock" voice ("Watchoo want, a cookie?"), then having his employees tape notecards scrawled with the names of ethnic groups to their foreheads and try to guess who they are based on other people's recitation of stereotypical traits.
Pam to Dwight, who's got an "Asian" card: "Based on stereotypes that are totally untrue and I do not agree with, you would maybe not be a very good driver."
Dwight: "Oh, man — Am I a woman?"
3. "Stress Relief, Parts 1 & 2," Season 5, Episodes 14 and 15
Written by Paul Lieberstein, directed by Jeffrey Blitz
My pick for the most riotously funny episode of "The Office," "Stress Relief" starts with a tour-de-force slapstick sequence that shows Dwight, the designated fire safety officer, avenging himself on his co-workers by staging an elaborate fake fire to punish them for not listening to his instructions; he even sets a fire in a wastebasket to produce smoke and heats doorknobs with a blowtorch to simulate fires on the other sides of the doors. Full-scale panic ensues, capped by a gag involving a shrieking (obviously fake) cat and Stanley Hudson suffering a heart attack.
The madness continues from there. Dwight butchers a Red Cross safety dummy and uses its sliced-office face to do a Hannibal Lecter impersonation; he also refuses to properly apologize for the fire drill disaster and uses underhanded measures to get signatures on his non-apology apology letter. Michael leads an uncomfortable office "meditation" session and causes Stanley's stress detector to beep faster the closer he gets to him. There's a priceless running gag with Andy watching a bootleg of a nonexistent May-December romance starring Jack Black and Cloris Leachman, and weeping uncontrollably during the finale. (The fake movie illuminates a subplot about Pam's dad separating from Pam's mom because of a stray comment made by Jim; Pam fears it was negative or hurtful, but it turns out to be a typically irresistible declaration of love by a man who specializes in them.)
The episode's second half is equally strong, though far less manic. Michael accepts that he's personally responsible for most of the stress at the office and stages a roast of himself in the branch's warehouse. Problem is, Michael isn't good at taking criticism of any kind, and sits through the whole ceremony with a constipated and sometimes horrified expression, cutting off speakers, trying to declare certain types of humor off-limits, and ultimately fleeing the event. His final counter-roast of the other employees — a succession of rushed-through, monotone insults, each capped with "Boom roasted" — is comedy gold.
2. "Fun Run," Season 4, Episode 1 & 2
Written and directed by Greg Daniels
"I have flaws," Michael tells us. "What are they? I sing in the shower. Sometimes I spend too much time volunteering. Occasionally I'll hit somebody with my car. So sue me. No, don't sue me … That's the opposite of the point I was trying to make."
Another epic two-parter, "Fun Run" is so sprawling, and so thorough in its depiction of a diverse cross section of humanity, that it's almost panoramic. It starts with one of the show's funniest cold openings — Michael in a car telling us how good life is, then running over one of his employees, Meredith. Then it slowly morphs into one of Michael's more bizarre attempts at self-justification. Michael at first insists that the accident is part of an office "curse," but when Meredith is diagnosed with rabies while hospitalized, he interprets it as divine providence and anoints himself a crusader charged with eradicating the scourge of rabies from the world. There's also a creepy subplot wherein Angela entrusts Dwight with looking in on her terminally ill cat, and Dwight decides to perform a mercy killing. "Cat heaven is a beautiful place," Angela says, "but you don't get there if you're euthanized." And we incidentally learn that Creed is an expert on painkillers and has plenty of experience with cults: "I've been involved in a number of cults as both a leader and a follower. You have more fun as a follower, but you make more money as a leader."
The "Fun Run for Rabies" occupies most of the episode's second half. It's a keeper, not just for its spot-on psychological observations (such as Michael subconsciously punishing himself for his misdeed by loading up on fettuccine alfredo beforehand and refusing all water) but for its marvelous small touches: Dwight using a .44 Magnum as a starter's pistol; Jim and Pam turning the race into a laid-back lovers' stroll; Andy taping over his sensitive nipples to prevent chafing; and Oscar, Stanley and Creed sneaking off to a bar for a few hours, then piling out of a cab at the finish line. "I'm like Forrest Gump," Michael proclaims, "except I am not an idiot."
1. "Dinner Party," Season 4, Episode 13
Written by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupintsky, directed by Paul Feig
Perfect in its horrifying way, "Dinner Party" is a textbook illustration of the Comedy of Discomfort. It perfectly captures the feeling of being forced to bear witness to other people's misery and feeling unable to look away, much less escape. The plot is simple: Michael and his girlfriend Jan throw a dinner party. Guests include Andy and Angela, Jim and Pam, and Dwight, who crashes the party with a "date," a former childhood baby sitter. "Purely carnal," Dwight says. "That's all you need to know."
As the guests spend time in Michael and Jan's house, they get much more information about Michael and Jan's troubled relationship than they ever needed or wanted. Among other things, they learn that Jan completely controls almost every aspect of the couple's life together, including the d
Every Friday, Salon writer Matt Zoller Seitz sifts through beloved classics and obscure indies for a slide show that sheds light on the hidden connections and most fascinating moments in film and TV history.


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Chef Christopher Lee offers this first course of chilled corn soup topped with a crisp crab cake and a drizzle of vibrant cayenne oil.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, sliced thin
4 cups water
3 cups fresh corn kernels
1 leaf McCormick Gourmet™ Bay Leaves, Turkish
1 whole star anise
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup grapeseed oil
2 teaspoons McCormick Gourmet™ Cayenne Pepper
1 pound lump crabmeat, drained and flaked
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons minced celery
3 tablespoons minced shallots
1 tablespoon snipped chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Grated peel and juice from 1 lemon
1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet™ Cumin, Ground
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet™ Black Pepper, Coarse Ground
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
For the Corn Soup, heat oil in large saucepan on medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir 2 minutes or until translucent. Add water, corn, bay leaf, star anise and salt. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 25 minutes. Add heavy cream; simmer 5 minutes. Remove bay leaf and star anise.
With center part of cover removed to let steam escape, puree soup in batches in blender on high speed until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
For the Cayenne Oil, heat oil and cayenne pepper in small saucepan on low heat 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. Place oil mixture in blender container; cover. Blend on high speed 3 minutes. Strain oil through coffee filter. Oil can be stored in refrigerator up to 1 month. (Recipe for Cayenne Oil may be halved.
For the Crab Cakes, mix crabmeat, mayonnaise, shallots, celery, chives, parsley, 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel and 1 tablespoon lemon juice, cumin, salt and pepper in large bowl until well mixed. Refrigerate 30 minutes to blend flavors.
Form crabmeat mixture into 8 crab cakes. Place flour, eggs and panko bread crumbs in separate shallow dishes. Dip each crab cake on both sides first into flour, then egg and finally panko bread crumbs. Remove any excess coating by gently patting each crab cake. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add crab cakes in batches; pan fry 2 to 3 minutes on each side until crisp and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
To serve, place a crab cake in each wide, shallow soup bowl. Ladle chilled Corn Soup around crab cake. (Soup can also be served hot.) Drizzle soup with about 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Oil. Garnish with fresh chervil, if desired.
Test Kitchen Tips:
•Star anise and panko are available in the Asian section of the supermarket, or in gourmet or Asian markets.
•Canola, vegetable or soybean oil can be substituted for the grapeseed oil.
This recipe was created by Christopher Lee, Executive Chef at New York's Aureole restaurant.
(Amount per serving)


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I'm following IBM's tutorial on CouchDB and ran into a problem viewing my docs. When I visit http://127.0.0.1:5984/_utils/database.html?contacts/_design/contacts/_view/byname#, I can see my docs in the view just fine.
However, when I visit http://127.0.0.1:5984/contacts/_design/contacts/_view/byname (and subsequently try to view the same data in my app via
db.view("contacts/byname", {...), I only see
null results for my key/value pairs.
I don't think it's a security issue; I'm able to see the view in *_utils* whether I'm logged in or not.
Here is the source code for my view:
function(doc) {
if (doc.name) {
emit(doc.name, doc);
Why can I see it in one place but not the other?


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safe drinks while expecting
Her, Me, ODD (12) DS (10) YDD (7)
Our Miracle born 10/31/13-6 wks early after 17 wks of pPROM
Personally, I'm avoiding artificial sweeteners wherever possible and I believe Crystal Light has apartame. I'm also limiting my caffeine so I'm sticking pretty much to water these days. I have a small cup of coffee in the morning though. Juice is good too, and decaf tea with real sugar.
Me - 27 & DH-34
TTC #1 since 11/11 -Clomid #1-BFN, Clomid #2-BFN, Unmedicated cycle-BFP!!!
What about some Smoothies or Mango Juice for V8 Juice? Also a glass a milk everyday is really good for you too.
CDing, ERFing, NON Circing, Vaxing, Crunchy Humble Snark Mama
How evil do you believe Balloon Man to be? - MissH
Winter Baby #5 due 12/19
**early jet**


text: Dearborn police Lawsuit accuses Dearborn Police of assaulting mentally handicapped man By Sarah Cwiek • May 8, 2014 A mentally handicapped Dearborn man plans to sue the city for alleged police brutality. 28-year-old Ali Beydoun was stopped by police while riding his bike home from his job as a dishwasher in December. A dashcam video shows that an officer approaches him, and asks a few questions. But when the officer tries to pat him down for weapons, Beydoun resists. He's then wrestled to the ground and kicked by officers. Beydoun's lawyers say that same video shows officers used excessive force. Attorney Amir Makled says it also should have been obvious to officers that his client is mentally disabled. Makled says the situation was complicated by the fact that Beydoun only speaks limited English. His family emigrated to the U.S. from Lebanon six years ago.