The big day is almost here, and it’s time to share more details. I am excited to personally invite you to Project Open House, sponsored by Music City Publications, Inc. So many people have been a part of this journey, working feverishly for the past 10 months, putting the finishing touches on the house, and getting ready for this amazing event benefiting the mission of Folds of Honor Tennessee.

It’s remarkable what can be accomplished when you have a community of small businesses passionate about helping others in need; it brings a very heartwarming feeling. It gives you faith in humanity, knowing people care enough to donate to a worthy cause, and their generosity speaks volumes. These are the types of people and businesses you can trust and prefer to do business with!

As guests approach the house, the red, white, and blue balloon décor by Bespoke Balloons will welcome you at the front door. Home tour attendees will then be greeted with appetizers, drinks served by A Twisted of Lime, swag bags (limited number), and a chance to register to win a FREE AmaWaterways European river cruise*, along with other items to be given away from B.F Myers Furniture, Leslie Curtis Jewelry, Ugly Bagel, Virgin Hotels, Silverbelly Whiskey, and more.

The four-bedroom house built by Carbine & Associates, LLC,  is a beautifully appointed modern European farmhouse that exemplifies Carbine’s quality and the best of contemporary living while embracing the charm of a farmhouse design. Soaring ceilings, expansive windows, custom craftsmanship, and thoughtfully curated finishes selected with the help of designer Dillon Arnold, owner of Haus of Black, create an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting.

Designed for both gathering and everyday living, the home offers roomy bedrooms, open entertaining areas, and timeless appeal that blends rustic character with modern sophistication. Designer Caitlin Newman with B.F. Myers Furniture will stage the house using a mix of colors, textures, and patterns to create a timeless vibe. Amy Montgomery, owner of Amy Montgomery Home, will make the house feel cozy by adding those personal touches.

Custom cabinets from Franklin Kitchen Center were installed throughout. Graham’s Living mounted on-trend lighting and mirrors. Nashville Murphy Beds designed and built a custom Murphy bed with a desk and shelves, turning one of the guestrooms into a multi-purpose space while still having that luxe feel. 

After you have perused the interior, step outside and notice the handiwork of Tennessee Shade Co. They turned the outdoor patio into a four-season extended living area by installing retractable shades. They also hung the beautiful Roman shades and curtains throughout the house and the garage. After looking at the outdoor living area, step out into the backyard to view the pool designed by Atlantic Pools & Spas. It will be August, so you may want to jump in!

Another space where that special finishing touch was added was the garage. OrangeRhino Concrete Coatings finished the floor, giving it that showroom look that is easy to clean and maintain for years. That luxury car you find parked on the driveway is on loan from 111 Motorcars, your destination for luxury cars.    

Mid-afternoon, be sure to join Amy Montgomery at 2:30 p.m. for a flower-arranging demonstration, where she will share her creative process and floral design inspiration. To conclude the event, Music City Publications, Inc. will present Folds of Honor Tennessee with a check representing funds raised through donations and ticket sales profits.

Follow us on social media for updates about the event @maurycountyliving and @williamsoncoliving. The businesses and contractors who helped bring this project to life look forward to welcoming you in August while supporting the mission of Folds of Honor.

The post Community & Giving Come Together Benefiting Folds of Honor Tennessee appeared first on Williamson County Living.

Gallery 48 has become a colorful location in downtown Columbia. Owner and curator Joanna Kinca established the fine art gallery with a vision to connect people through art, showcasing an inspiring collection of works by both local and international artists. As Gallery 48 continues to focus on cultural appreciation, Kinca has embraced a new initiative through a partnership with BrightStone in Franklin, Tennessee.

BrightStone came to fruition in 1999, when Brenda Hauk felt led to start the non-profit. Hauk, a special education teacher in Williamson County, saw a critical need for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) after high school, recognizing that more than 70% of adults with IDD were unemployed, living at home, and had limited opportunities for ongoing education and community engagement.

When BrightStone opened its doors, there were four students in donated space at The People’s Church in Franklin. Today, it has grown into a thriving organization with an enrollment of 60 adults. It is supported by 30 full-time employees, including a registered nurse and five teachers with master’s degrees in special education. Additionally, BrightStone’s 23,000-square-foot Center for Learning, Art, and Enterprise provides vocational training, academics, computer instruction, health and wellness programs, art, music, and recreational activities that empower participants to lead fulfilling, enriched lives.

Kinca first met BrightStone representatives Susan Sistrunk, Director of Programs, and Missy Naff, Senior Development Manager, in February 2026 at a business event in Spring Hill. When Kinca learned about BrightStone’s art classes, she immediately wanted to visit and see the art the students were making. “After listening to the story about BrightStone, I knew I would love to meet their students and see their pottery pieces,” Kinca said. “I visited BrightStone twice and fell in love with their pottery and the story behind it.”

While Kinca toured the facility, she met students in the ceramics program. She learned about a special project led by Emma Fletcher, BrightStone’s lead ceramics teacher, and vocational coordinator Lindsay Wommer. Together, the two have been helping longtime student Justin launch his own pottery business, fittingly named Pottery by Justin. “BrightStone’s day program offers a ceramics class that provides students with meaningful, hands-on work that promotes creativity, independence, teamwork, and confidence,” Fletcher said. “Each student participates in the process, from rolling and shaping clay to glazing and barcoding finished pieces. Students create unique ceramic pieces all year round.”

Kinca was so impressed, she wanted to showcase the students’ art at Columbia’s First Fridays in May. As the partnership began, Wommer, Fletcher, and Kerri Bryant, Marketing and Communications Manager, were instrumental in coordinating with Kinca to feature BrightStone artists as Gallery 48’s artists of the month and helped plan the opening reception at the gallery.

“[They] have been given the opportunity to showcase their artwork at Gallery 48. Through this partnership, students gain valuable vocational skills, pride in their accomplishments, and opportunities for personal growth,” Fletcher said. “Community partnerships help expand these opportunities by increasing product visibility, supporting sales, encouraging inclusion, and creating real-world experiences that strengthen student confidence and connection to the community.” 

The opening reception in May was a great success. Gallery 48 highlighted the handmade pieces by the group from BrightStone’s ceramics class, and several students, including Justin, were happy to attend the opening reception and talk to customers about their ceramics. Kinca also featured individual pieces made by Justin for his business, Pottery by Justin, as well as ceramics made by Nina, another student in the ceramics class. “This is the first time that their artwork has been displayed and sold in a fine arts gallery!  It was very exciting,” said Wommer. “It was an honor that Joanna chose them as her artist of the month!”

What began as a one-month exhibition has now evolved into an ongoing partnership. Kinca has committed to regularly carrying a selection of BrightStone ceramics and Pottery by Justin pieces at Gallery 48. “This partnership is a perfect example of how our vision is being fulfilled,” Wommer said. “Joanna has recognized the talent of BrightStone artists. She is respecting them and valuing them as the fine artists that they are.”

As the partnership continues to grow, BrightStone artists are enthusiastically working on their contributions for Gallery 48’s celebration of the United States of America’s 250th Anniversary Art Show on July 3 during First Fridays in Columbia. “It is a fabulous opportunity for their work to be included as fine art and recognized for the beautiful pieces that they are,” concluded Wommer. Kinca has invited each gallery artist to create commemorative pieces inspired by the historic milestone, with all pieces on display throughout July.

Kinca’s partnership with BrightStone has created a new opportunity for its students to support creativity and share their artistic talents with the public. The collaboration not only provides a meaningful creative outlet for BrightStone’s artists but also supports the organization’s mission to empower individuals, celebrate their abilities, and enrich lives through opportunity, inclusion, and connection.

For additional information about the gallery’s curated art collection, visit gallery48.art or learn more about the BrightStone mission at brightstone.org. Follow them both on social media @gallery48.art and @brightstonetn.

The post BrightStone Artists Shine at Gallery 48 appeared first on Williamson County Living.

This year marks our nation’s 250th anniversary. Americans across the country are celebrating the courage, vision, and resilience that shaped the United States into what it is today and the freedoms we enjoy. Small towns and counties across Tennessee continue to preserve historic homes, battlefields, and architecture that tell the story of Tennessee’s past. This holds for both Williamson and Maury Counties, each having rich and robust histories.

Pamela Lewis, a Franklin resident, preservationist, and historian, wanted to find the answer to a question she had pondered for years: Why wasn’t there a meaningful tribute in Franklin fully connecting the city to its namesake, Benjamin Franklin? With the 250thanniversary approaching and so much history in Middle Tennessee, there was a unique opportunity on the horizon that Lewis would soon embrace that would connect the dots.

It may come as a surprise to some, but the city of Franklin was indeed named after Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers, and the story goes like this. Early settler Abram Poindexter Maury, namesake for Maury County, initially proposed the name Marthasville in honor of his wife, Martha. Rather than naming the town after herself, Martha suggested honoring Benjamin Franklin, noting his close connection to Dr. Hugh Williamson, a friend and fellow signer of the U.S. Constitution and namesake for Williamson County. The connection made Franklin a fitting name choice for the city and created a historical link that still ties the neighboring counties together today.

The spark that set Lewis in motion and would fully connect the city to its namesake occurred in early 2025. Lewis learned from her friend, historian Mary Pearce, that the city and the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) were discussing plans for America’s 250th anniversary, including the possibility of erecting a statue honoring Benjamin Franklin. She quickly joined the effort, brainstorming ideas and urging them to seek a sculptor capable of creating a detailed statue that would properly honor Franklin and reflect the community.

“This is not a novel concept to honor Ben Franklin. Moreover, everyone knows what Ben Franklin looks like. After all, we all have seen a dollar bill, so the artistry must represent a detailed likeness.” Lewis said. “There must be someone out there who has created a world-class Ben Franklin sculpture. Let’s find him, and I’ll pay for it.”

A fortunate twist of fate accompanied the city’s search for a statue when Buffie Baril, Lovely Franklin founder, discovered acclaimed sculptor George Lundeen. “It was learned that a private collector had recently passed away who owned the Ben on the Bench statue, and the family did not want to keep it, so Lundeen had bought his statue of Ben back,” Lewis said. “When Buffie reached out to George, he said he could have the statue ready in time for the unveiling in January 2026.”

The county agreed to accept Lewis’s generous gift, and meetings began to coordinate the unveiling scheduled for January 17, 2026, Ben Franklin’s 320th Birthday. Ben on the Bench was intentionally placed outside the Williamson County Archives and Museum, located Downtown Franklin on West Main Street, near the city’s historic post office, a nod recognizing Franklin’s role as the first Postmaster General of the United States. Adding to the significance of the unveiling, a joint proclamation from the city and county declared January 17 Ben Franklin Day.

To coincide with the statue unveiling, Lewis released two new books published by Traitmarker Media, about Benjamin Franklin. A full-color commemorative guidebook for all ages, Benjamin Franklin: America’s First Rockstar is a hip, engaging collection of facts and anecdotes about Franklin, interspersed with quotes from other famed and historic figures, emphasizing fun. The children’s book, Ben Franklin Visits Franklin for a Day, is a warm and whimsical story featuring 60 original sepia-toned illustrations by Isabella McKaskill, who grew up in Franklin after being adopted from India by her parents. McKaskill now lives in Spring Hill, Tennessee, with her husband and two children.

“I have fond memories as a youth ambassador to Japan during our country’s bicentennial celebration,” said Lewis. “The whole world was tapped into the excitement. I wanted to spur that same enthusiasm for America’s 250th — and show my love for my adopted hometown.”

The books purposely take a fresh and playful approach to Franklin’s life and legacy. America’s First Rockstar weaves in quotes from luminaries across the ages — from Eleanor Roosevelt and Shakespeare to Frida Kahlo and Rumi — painting Franklin as a timeless Renaissance man and cultural icon. Ben Franklin Visits Franklin for a Day imagines the Founding Father dropping in on his Tennessee namesake city with its sepia-toned renderings leading the way for young readers.

“I thought, he is really America’s DaVinci — truly our first rockstar and Renaissance man,” Lewis said. “I wanted to amuse, connect the dots, and bring facts, fun, and quirky humor to a story that deserves to be told again.”

As Founder and CEO of PLA Media, Lewis has spent decades working behind the scenes on high-profile endeavors such as MTV and Garth Brooks, but since the unveiling of the statue and the release of her books, she’s the one in the spotlight. Franklinites and visitors alike have embraced the gifted statue and her two books, and the city’s shared history has sparked renewed excitement as a legacy is being built for future generations.

“Every generation inherits a story, but not every generation connects with it,” said Robbie Grayson III, publisher at Traitmarker Media. “Pamela Lewis has taken one of our most brilliant and complex figures and made Benjamin Franklin accessible, engaging, and alive again — for both adults and children. That is no small achievement.”

Lewis’s books are available at downtown Franklin outlets, Landmark Booksellers, The Carter House, Carnton, Denise Carolyn Boutique, Twine Graphics, Belmont Mansion in Nashville, and via online retailers. To learn more about Ben Franklin and our local history, visit the Williamson County Archives and Museum in person or online at  williamsoncounty-tn.gov/26/Archives-Museum.

The post Celebrating our 250th Bronze, Brilliance & History appeared first on Williamson County Living.

For many visitors, The Factory at Franklin is where it all begins. Before they’ve walked the idyllic Main Street or settled into a dinner reservation, they’ve wandered the halls, coffee in hand, taking it all in. It’s the second most visited destination in Williamson County, but for plenty of people, it feels like the first chapter.

And lately, it’s not just visitors. With its ongoing revitalization by Holladay Properties, The Factory at Franklin has once again become an everyday gathering place for locals. It’s where meetings turn into meals, errands turn into afternoons, and just stopping by rarely stays that simple. The energy there is steady and familiar, built on equal parts routine and discovery.

That’s exactly what makes the Franklin Visitor Center at The Factory feel like such a natural fit. Created in partnership between Visit Franklin and The Factory, the visitor center doesn’t interrupt that rhythm; it joins it. Tucked into the flow and sitting just across from Honest Coffee Roasters in the Factory, it offers something deceptively simple: a place to pause, get your bearings, and maybe see the day a little differently.

Inside, the experience unfolds gently. A Plan Your Trip wall offers a visual starting place, mapping out everything from Franklin and Williamson County’s well-known anchors to the kinds of under-the-radar spots that tend to become favorites. It’s the kind of feature that invites you to linger for a minute, and then somehow keeps you there longer.

But what makes this space particularly interesting is who it’s for. Yes, it’s a gateway for visitors. But just as much, it’s a resource for locals — especially those moments when you’re looking for something just beyond your usual routine.

Maybe it’s a last-minute gift that feels thoughtful, not generic. The shelves here lean local: Franklin and Factory-branded keepsakes, small-batch goods, and pieces that carry a sense of place. It’s the kind of retail that saves you from defaulting to the predictable and instead gives you something with a story attached.

Or maybe it’s that familiar question from a friend in town for the weekend, “What should we do?” Instead of scrambling through mental lists or recent recommendations, you can step into the visitor center and get a clear, curated answer. Not overwhelming. Not overly polished. Just helpful.

There’s also something quietly useful about having a pulse on what’s happening right now. Events, experiences, tickets, it’s all within reach there. What might have been a loosely planned afternoon can quickly turn into something more intentional, whether that’s catching live music, exploring a nearby community, or finally trying that spot you’ve been meaning to visit. In that way, the visitor center becomes less about planning a trip and more about shaping a day.

And then there’s the story element — because in Franklin, there’s always a story. A vintage stove display anchors part of the space, a subtle but meaningful nod to the Factory’s past as a working manufacturing facility. A wall display introduces you to the menagerie of animals that were hand-carved over the last 30 years to make up the nearby Carousel of Dreams. These touches don’t demand attention, but they reward it. It’s a reminder that even in a place that feels current and evolving, history is never far off. It’s layered in, often where you least expect it.

That sense of layering, past and present, visitor and local, spontaneous and planned, is what the visitor center does best. It doesn’t separate those experiences. It blends them for first-time guests, which might look like building an itinerary from scratch. For locals, it might mean rediscovering a place you thought you already knew.

Because the truth is, Franklin doesn’t stay still. New restaurants open. Events rotate with the seasons. Small businesses evolve. Even the familiar starts to feel different when you look at it from a new angle. The Franklin Visitor Center at The Factory simply makes it easier to keep up — and maybe even stay a step ahead.

It’s not about handing you a checklist. It’s about offering just enough direction to spark something. A conversation. A plan. A small detour that turns into the highlight of your day. So the next time you find yourself at the Factory, whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, step inside. You might come in looking for information, but more often than not, you’ll leave with an idea.

For additional information on the Franklin Visitor Center at The Factory, visit their website at visitfranklin.com. Follow them on social media @visitfranklintn.

MATTHEW MAXEY is the Senior Director of Public Relations for Visit Franklin, where he connects the many unique stories in the community with great journalists and storytellers worldwide. Maxey also serves on the Executive Board for the Public Relations Society of America Travel + Tourism section.

The post More Than a First Stop — Inside the Visitor Center at The Factory appeared first on Williamson County Living.

Why Folds of Honor, you may ask? I am passionate about our military and first responders, and I chose Folds of Honor to recognize and honor their sacrifices. Folds of Honor provides life-changing educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. The call is powerful, and the mission is simple: HONOR THEIR SACRIFICE. EDUCATE THEIR LEGACY. UNITE AMERICANS AROUND ALL THOSE WHO SERVE.

It began with Lt. Col. Dan Rooney’s flight home from his second tour of duty in Iraq. As an F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, he became painfully aware of the realities families face when a loved one in uniform has fallen or been disabled while protecting our great country. When the flight landed, he witnessed the remains of an American hero being returned to his family. Lt. Col. Rooney watched as the Corporal’s twin brother walked somberly alongside the flag-draped casket to meet his family on the tarmac. Among them was the deceased Corporal’s young son.

Since that moment, Lt. Col. Rooney has been committed to rallying patriotic Americans and meeting sacrifice with hope through Folds of Honor, ensuring those who protect our freedoms and families will know they are not forgotten. By providing educational scholarships to the spouses and children of those who have fallen or been disabled while serving our country, FOH helps ensure that families facing unimaginable loss are given the opportunity for a brighter future through education without having the financial burdens.

Now you know why I am so passionate about Folds of Honor’s mission and why I wanted to give back to this worthy charity. So what’s in store for the open house? The open house is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026, time TBD. Home tour attendees will be greeted with appetizers, drinks, swag bags (limited number), and a chance to register to win a FREE European river cruise, along with other items to be given away. To conclude the event, Music City Publications, Inc. will present Folds of Honor with a check representing funds raised through donations and ticket sales profits.

During the home preview, guests will be able to tour and explore the house at their leisure, get decorating inspiration, and see firsthand the quality work of Carbine & Associates and other contractors involved. And upon finding the mystery room, attendees can enjoy a special whiskey tasting.

The two-story modern European farmhouse home is currently under construction in Williamson County. Amy Montgomery, our recently appointed lifestyle editor, is working diligently throughout the build process to ensure the house is perfectly appointed and the event runs smoothly. B.F. Myers Furniture is also a major contributor, as they will be staging and decorating the home.  

The objective going forward is for our lifestyle editor to share the building process, from start to finish, and everything in between, for the next 12 months. Sharing tips learned along the way, decorating ideas, and how to make a house a home, while highlighting some of the special projects that played a part in making the house a home. Nashville Murphy Beds, OrangeRhino Concrete Coatings, and Atlantic Pools & Spas are a few that are currently working on special projects. It takes an army to put together an event, no pun intended. Still, the intent is to highlight the amazing businesses in Middle Tennessee that helped bring this home to fruition while also giving back to Folds of Honor to recognize the sacrifices made by our military and first responders. Hope to see you at the open house in August!

The post Opening the Doors for a Cause appeared first on Williamson County Living.

Dad is the foundation. The steady presence. The one everyone counts on. He shows up for grandkids’ games, helps with home repairs, plans family vacations, and is always there when someone needs him. But here’s what often gets overlooked: Dad rarely prioritizes himself.

While he’s busy taking care of everyone else, his own health might quietly slip down the priority list. And the irony is this — when Dad is strong, energized, and healthy, everyone benefits. He’s more present, more engaged, and able to show up fully for the people he loves. The good news? It’s never too late for Dad to reclaim his strength and vitality.

Why Men Don’t Prioritize Their Health

Men are great at taking care of responsibilities — jobs, families, and homes, but when it comes to their own health, not so much. They ignore the aching knee. They skip the annual checkup. They say “I’m fine” even when they’re exhausted, stiff, and running on fumes. It’s not that they don’t care — they’re just wired to push through and keep going no matter what.

After 60, the body plays by different rules.

Men lose 3-8% of their muscle mass per decade if they’re not actively working to maintain it. Testosterone declines. Recovery time slows. Chronic inflammation quietly builds, driving fatigue, joint pain, weight gain, and brain fog.

Men who were strong and active in their 60s can find themselves struggling in their 70s — not because decline is inevitable, but because they didn’t know what their bodies needed.

What Healthy Aging Really Looks Like

Aging well isn’t about slowing down or accepting limitations. It’s about staying strong and capable so Dad can keep doing the things he loves — traveling, playing with grandkids, working on projects, and feeling good in his own body. That means getting up from the floor without help, climbing stairs without getting winded, carrying groceries with ease, sleeping well, waking with energy, and staying sharp and engaged. This kind of vitality requires a proactive approach.

A Practical Plan for Men Over 60

Research shows men in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s can rebuild strength, reduce inflammation, and dramatically improve how they feel. Here’s what works:

Build functional strength. Resistance training 2-3 times per week — using bodyweight, resistance bands, or weights — rebuilds muscle, strengthens bones, and protects independence. Focus on basic moves like squats, lunges, push-ups, rows, and planks that build real-world strength.

Eat to support the body. Men over 60 need more protein than younger men. Aim for 30-35 grams per meal, along with healthy fats, fiber, and whole foods. Cut back on processed foods and sugar.

Prioritize recovery. Sleep is when the body repairs itself. Poor sleep disrupts hormones and increases inflammation. Dim the lights an hour before bed, turn off the TV, and put down the phone — screens interfere with the body’s natural sleep signals. Make sleep a non-negotiable.

Manage stress proactively. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which drives muscle loss and fatigue. Walking, breathing exercises, or time outdoors help keep stress in check.

Support gut health. The gut drives immunity, energy, and mood. Eating fiber-rich foods—vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains—reducing processed ingredients, and staying hydrated keep the body functioning well.

Move consistently. Daily movement—walking, stretching, light activity—keeps joints healthy, circulation strong, and energy stable. Dad’s body is still capable of incredible things. It just needs the right fuel, movement, and recovery.

How Families Can Support Dad.

Supporting Dad doesn’t mean nagging. It means making healthy choices easy and enjoyable. Partner with him. “Let’s take a walk together” beats “You should exercise more.” Make it about what he gains. Frame it as “staying strong for the grandkids” or “having energy to travel.” Celebrate small wins. Acknowledge every workout, every healthy meal, every good choice. Create the environment. Stock the fridge with whole foods. Make movement part of family time.

Dad has spent years being the foundation for everyone else. Now it’s time to make sure that foundation stays strong. Decline isn’t inevitable. With the right approach, Dad can stay strong, energized, and fully engaged in life for decades to come.

Strong fathers build strong families. And it’s never too late to start!

LORI ZABKA is the founder of Hearth & Health, a wellness practice serving adults 60+ in Middle Tennessee. Her book, The Inflammaging Fix: Six Steps to Reverse Chronic Inflammation and Age with Power, launched in April 2026. For more information, visit hearthandhealth.org or book a free connection call at (434) 227-8141.

The post STRONG FATHERS, STRONG FAMILIES appeared first on Williamson County Living.