Fieldstone June/July 2013 by Suzanne Gallent

fieldstone June/July 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ Free

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For Love of

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June/July 2013

We All Answer Some Kind of Call of Duty Whether it’s to our family, our work, a cause or our country, it seems we all answer at least one call to serve others in our lives, and many of us answer a number of them. This special combined issue of Fieldstone focuses on two of the most honored calls of duty that we celebrate in June and July – the call to be a father and the call to serve one’s country.

There are undoubtedly a good number of fathers living in the Fieldstone Farms community, who serve (or have served) in the military, and we’re honored to feature one in this issue’s “Focus on Fieldstone” article. It took some prodding, but we were able to coax Luke Wehby into allowing us to tell a little bit of the story behind how he joined the Army National Guard, why he and his wife moved to Fieldstone Farms, and how he and his Me and my boys, including my two favorite dads. family handle the fact that, at times, he must leave the ones he loves to serve the country he loves. It’s a topic I am familiar with, as my own father served in the military as I was growing up. We extend our gratitude to the many local businesses that advertise in Fieldstone. Please show your pride in our community by patronizing those who make it possible for us to produce and distribute this magazine at no cost to you. We’d also like to thank all the people who donate their time and talents to the creation of the magazine. We couldn’t do it without you. Is there’s something you’d like to contribute to the magazine? If you have an idea for a topic you’d like covered in Fieldstone, please let us know. Send your comments or suggestions to suzanne@fieldstonemagazine.com. And don’t forget to check us out online at fieldstonemagazine.com. You can also “Like” us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on any information or events that arise between issues. In closing, now that school is out, summer is here and my backyard is flooded (literally) with neighborhood kids and water from the Slip N’Slide®, I’d like to wish all the dads out there a happy Father’s Day and all Americans a shining Independence Day. About the Publisher Suzanne Gallent is a native of Chattanooga and a graduate of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. After an 18year career as an account executive and project manager for a number of Nashville’s foremost marketing, advertising and public relations firms, she left it all behind to pursue her most challenging and rewarding job yet, full-time motherhood. She has lived happily ever after in Fieldstone Farms for eight years with her husband, Chip, and her two sons.

On the Cover

Luke Wehby and his dedicated support team: behind him – wife, Jenn, and daughter, Amanda; beside him – son, Austin, and daughter, Anna; and the family guard dog, Jeter, in his lap. Photo by Christi Kline

The neighborhood kids celebrating the beginning of summer break.

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Contents

Credits

Publisher Suzanne Gallent Suzanne@fieldstonemagazine.com

We All Answer Some Kind of Call of Duty............................... 4 A Hometown Hero Called Dad................................................6-7 Dads are............................................................................................8-9 High Hopes Receives Check from Granite City Food & Brewery................................................................................................. 9 Real Estate Facts..............................................................................10

June/July Contributors Peter Alderman Harry Fisk Susan Shifay Cheung Shirley Gouvan Dianne Christian Sara Hamill Maria Dinoia Rachel Norris Scott Fishkind Rhonda June/July Cover Photo Christi Kline (949) 302-5608 Christi@AuthenticCapture.com

The Emotional Impact of Fathers..............................................11 Calendar......................................................................................12-13 Kid’s Klassifieds................................................................................14

Fieldstone Franklin, Tennessee (615) 390-6405 FieldstoneMagazine.com Facebook.com/FieldstoneMagazine

Around the Neighborhood.........................................................14 Neighborhood Watch Update & Captains Needed..........15 The Perfect Pour..............................................................................15 Three Local Scouts Win Arrow of Light Award....................16 All the Flap About Flag Day........................................................17 HOA Canoe Trip...............................................................................18 Weatherman Now Painting Up a Storm.................................19 Wetdown Ceremony at Fire Station 4.....................................20 Are You Ready for Swim Suit Season?....................................21 The Fieldstone View.......................................................................22

Additional copies available at the Fieldstone Clubhouse, The Good Cup, Walgreens & Publix. Fieldstone Magazine is a privately owned company and is not affiliated with the Fieldstone Farms Home Owners Association, Community Management Associates, Inc. or any advertisers within. All content is ©2013, Fieldstone Magazine. All rights reserved. b r in g in a d to r ece ive our ‘m ove - in ’ speci al!

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615.646.0411 June/July 2013

Focus on Fieldstone Luke Wehby, Dalton Park

A Hometown Hero Called Dad Superman, Batman and Spider-Man may have the upper hand when it comes to fighting human penguins and looking good in spandex tights, but if you ask most people who their hero was when they were growing up, many would name their dad.

A hero is defined as: “a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities; e.g. a war hero.” In honor of Father’s Day and the upcoming Independence Day holiday, our feature this month focuses on one of our Fieldstone Farm’s neighbors, who happens to be a dad, a deputy with the U.S. Marshals Service AND a parttime soldier in the Army National Guard. If that doesn’t qualify a person for hero status, we don’t know what does. Luke Wehby grew up in Nashville, graduated from Father Ryan High School, and then Auburn University in Alabama, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon completion of the university’s Army ROTC program in 1988. The following year, he joined the Tennessee Army National Guard, where he continues to answer the call of duty as a part-time soldier. When he’s not performing his full-time-job duties as a deputy for the U.S. Marshals Service, Wehby is a lieutenant colonel in the HHC 230th Sustainment Brigade, which

is a logistics unit made up of four battalions that specialize in the areas of transportation, maintenance, quartermaster and personnel, and is headquartered in Chattanooga. Wehby also added, “If you’re looking for the band, we have that, too.” Even though Wehby’s career choices often put him in dangerous situations, it’s clear that he has a good sense of humor. And that’s important when you’ve been asked to leave your family and idyllic home in the suburbs of Franklin, TN, to go serve overseas, as Wehby has been asked to do – twice. From July 2005 – July 2006, he was sent to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. From February 2011 – December 2011, he was posted with his current unit in Kuwait as part of both Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom. Wehby mentioned that this tour also included “a couple short trips” into Iraq as part of the drawdown and closeout there. Most recently, though, in March of this year,

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Wehby participated in Operation Key Resolve, which is an annual training mission in South Korea. Wehby and his wife, Jenn, moved to Fieldstone Farms in 1996, because they believed the neighborhood offered a warm, kid-friendly atmosphere. His children agree. Austin (18) is now graduating from Franklin High School, Amanda (14) is graduating from Grassland Middle School and Anna (12) currently attends Grassland Middle School. When asked what his family thinks about his military service, Wehby responded with the good and the bad of what it means to have a husband or father in the military. “They are all very supportive and proud. They are part of the team and understand that sometimes duty calls, even though it is hard. My wife, Jenn, has endured a lot with my two deployments and all the pre-mobilization train-ups. She has been the anchor on the home front. She keeps the kids and the rest of the family updated on news, and keeps up the patriotism at home with her yellow ribbon and American flag. And this wasn’t easy for Jenn by any means, as the communication we did have could be spotty. When I deploy, the family also deploys. By that I mean there is a sacrifice on everybody’s part. It’s being apart for all the daily activities, not to mention ball games, school functions, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc. Although we had various means of communication (e-mail, phone, Skype or letters), nothing beats being there in person.” So why go into military service in the first place? Wehby says that he had numerous relatives on both sides of his parents’ families, who were in the service. Most notably, he had three uncles who served in World War II, Billy and Frank Burke and Andy Wehby, as well as another uncle, Charlie Wehby, who served in Korea. Even though he only knew two of these uncles personally, he believes the experiences of all of them had some influence on his decision to join the military. For instance, his Great Uncle Billy was a tail gunner on a B-24 that was shot down in the Pacific in 1945, and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. In addition, Wehby carries his Uncle Frank’s book, “Manual of Prayers For Those Serving Our Country” (1943), on every overseas deployment. And it was while attending his Uncle Andy’s funeral that he learned he was going to be deployed to Afghanistan. Wehby reiterated that most of his uncles’ experiences had taken place before he was born or was old enough to remember, but the stories, souvenirs, post cards and photographs shared by his family members definitely made an impression on him. We wondered if Franklin’s Civil War military history

subconsciously drew Wehby to the area. When questioned about this, Wehby mentioned that it was really the familyfriendly environment that drew him here, but that he just so happened to be reading a book written by a Tennessean about the Civil War. He mentioned how unique it is to be able to visit the many Civil War sites around Franklin, and to understand their significance, both historically and militarily. He continued, “It’s hard to think of the United States being divided like it was and at war with each other. The suffering was terrible, but if you look around the world, you can see other countries enduring that same struggle.” In addition to Father’s Day in June, we also have Independence Day fast approaching. We asked Wehby if being in the military had any impact on how he views this holiday. He replied, “I think being in the military, especially the National Guard as a citizen soldier, makes you understand a little better the sacrifices that so many citizens have made when duty called. Even today, the National Guard is made up of local citizens, who are called to duty by their nation. It gives you a sense of pride and patriotism that you are doing something for your country and town.” Just like many of the rest of us, Luke Wehby celebrates the Fourth of July with family, friends and neighbors. If his family isn’t attending a big family reunion, where he enjoys a competitive game (or many) of horseshoes and helping his brothers “man” the grill, then they’re celebrating with their Fieldstone Farms neighbors, cooking out and enjoying the fireworks around the neighborhood and Franklin. When reflecting on Independence Day celebrations past, Wehby added, “Growing up, the Fourth of July was one of my favorite holidays, and the highlight of the summer. However, it also meant that summer was halfway over and that you were that much closer to going back to school. As a kid, I loved going to our family picnic at my uncle Charlie’s, shooting fireworks and even sometimes watching fireworks at Opryland.” Spoken like a true hometown hero, if you ask us.

June/July 2013

Dads are..

by Susan Shifay Cheung - Dalton Park

“Dads are part of the family, nice, fun, play with you, teach you, care about you and tell you off!” – Marcus and Lauren Cheung With Father’s Day right around the corner, my article is dedicated to our Fieldstone Farms’ (FF) dads. How would you finish the sentence: “Dads are…?” I learned soon after I became a mom that my husband, Y-Y, parented differently than I do. He got the job done, whatever the task, but he went about it in his own inimitable way. I know our children love us equally, yet there’s a special dynamic that they have with Y-Y – a special dad thing. I encourage them to do lots of special things together. Recently, Y-Y has started to teach Marcus and Lauren how to play squash (the racquet sport, not the vegetable); it’s one of his passions and he’s been involved with the sport since he was 15.

Lauren’s soccer coaches Jamie Schuer (L) and Brad Bourne (R), both residents of the Northridge section of Fieldstone.

What’s the best thing about living in Fieldstone Farms? Jamie: “Having lived here for eight years, we love the community, in particular, all the great families we’ve met. The feeling of safety in the neighborhood and the wonderful school systems are fantastic.” Brad: “Since we moved here in 2007, we’ve enjoyed the great friends we’ve made in the neighborhood. We also like the convenience for school and shopping.” What’s your background? Jamie: “I was born in Columbus, OH, and went to school and played Division I soccer for the University of Kentucky (UK), 1994 – 1997. I moved to Nashville in 1999 and married Leslie (whom I met at UK) in 2001. Our daughters, Caroline and Emerson, were born in 2005 and 2006. I work as a medical device consultant.”

Marcus and Lauren Cheung playing squash.

I’m sure Y-Y is not alone in being a father who does special “dad things” with his kids. During the past year, I’ve met two great FF dads, who share their energy on the soccer field with 12 enthusiastic girls. While Marcus has been playing soccer for four years, Lauren has never expressed an interest until this past year. She was fortunate to be placed on a team coached by Jamie Schuer and Brad Bourne, both residents of the Northridge section of FF. Lauren couldn’t have been given better coaches for her introduction to soccer. So, I thought I’d shine a spotlight on Jamie and Brad in honor of Father’s Day.

Brad: “I’m originally from Columbia, MS, and graduated from Auburn University where I met my wife, Julie. We’ve been married for 13 years and have two daughters, Anna Claire, 11, and Caroline, 8. I’m the reimbursement manager for TN, KY, IN and NC for a biotech company.” What inspired you to take up coaching? Brad: “I had no previous soccer experience when I started coaching three years ago, but I wanted to spend time with my girls and teach them the importance of teamwork. No matter the sport, teamwork and having fun are keys to success.”

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What’s the best thing about coaching? Jamie: “I absolutely love seeing the excitement and joy on the kids’ faces when they’re out there on the field having fun and working hard together. Seeing improvements when I watch them play lets me know the game is starting to come to them. I also like the fact the every child brings something unique to the team.” How has coaching brought you closer to your girls? Jamie: “I think my girls understand how much I love the game and how much I want to be involved in their lives through coaching. It’s allowed me to provide them with real life experiences about sportsmanship, leadership, being a good friend and teammate, winning versus losing, respect and gaining enjoyment from the game.” What do your girls think about you being their coach? Brad: “In addition to soccer, I also coach my girls’ basketball teams. I feel they enjoy me being their coach; it’s something that we can share on the field and at home. They’re not of the age, yet, where they are embarrassed by my presence. That day will come, so I’m enjoying it while I can!” What would you say to encourage other dads to get involved with their kids’ sporting or other activities? Brad: “Get involved, even if you don’t know much about a particular sport you’re coaching. When your child sees you encouraging other children, it teaches them life lessons.” What’s the best thing about Father’s Day? Jamie: “On Father’s Day, I remember the sacrifices my father made for me and the doors he opened, which allowed me to be successful. Although I don’t recall many words from him, I’ll never forget his presence in my life.” Susan Shifay Cheung has turned her hand to many forms of writing in her various roles, over the years, as corporate trainer, management consultant, journalist and freelance writer. You can contact her at y2s2cheung@yahoo.com.

Family fun and entertainment at The Factory on June 7th and July 5th, from 5:30-9. Live music, food trucks and stores will be open late. Visit artisans, paint pottery and grab drinks and munchies. Free admission.

High Hopes Receives Check from Granite City Food & Brewery One of Franklin’s newest restaurants is in the business of making friends. As a part of their grand opening in February, Granite City Food & Brewery selected High Hopes Inclusive Preschool and Pediatric Therapy Clinic to be the recipient of a portion of proceeds from their first week’s sales. High Hopes representatives Gail Powell, Executive Director, and Lori Ogden, Director of Development, were presented a check by Lyle Richardson, Granite City Managing Partner. “High Hopes is honored to receive the support of our new Cool Springs neighbor. We are delighted to partner with this wonderful restaurant to bring awareness of High Hopes’ services and therapies to Middle Tennessee and look forward to more opportunities to work together.” Granite City Food & Brewery is a casual dining restaurant with an on-site brewery and is an experience a thousand words couldn’t fully describe. But one comes close: fresh. Everything at Granite City is fresh. Each carefullycrafted item is made right in the kitchen - from scratch. Located on McEwen Drive at the Drury Inn, this beautiful restaurant features fresh-brewed beer and a menu with over 90 items - something for everyone. High Hopes, Inc. is a non-profit inclusive preschool and pediatric therapy clinic that loves, nurtures, and educates children from infancy through prekindergarten with and without special needs. A team of experienced teachers and pediatric therapists support the individual needs of each child in the classroom, and the outpatient therapy clinic meets the therapeutic challenges of infants to adolescents in the community. High Hopes Inc. is the only non-profit inclusive preschool in Middle Tennessee with a preschool and therapy clinic under one roof. High Hopes is truly unique in the way that children with and without special needs such as Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and other developmental delays play, learn, and grow together every day.

June/July 2013

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The Emotional Impact of Fathers

by Sara Hamill - Belmont

Does having an involved father in your life matter? Today, that conversation has become complicated and sometimes controversial. In many ways, the view of the father’s role in the family has changed, even diminished. The hard work of motherhood is getting much more recognition and appreciation than it once did. But what about dad? Fathers tend to be the silent partners in the family hierarchy these days. From an emotional standpoint, however, there is a lot of research that points to how crucial a father’s role is in a child’s life. And because male and female parenting styles tend to be very different, together they create an interesting balance.

children learn how to regulate their feelings and behavior. Rough-housing with dad, for example, can teach children how to deal with aggressive impulses and physical contact without losing control of their emotions. Generally speaking, fathers also tend to promote independence and an orientation to the outside world. Fathers often push achievement while mothers stress nurturing, both of which are important to healthy development. As a result, children who grow up with involved fathers are more comfortable exploring the world around them and more likely to exhibit self-control and pro-social behavior.”

And while there are many In 2004, authors Steve Rhoades studies that talk about a father’s and Aleta Koman were importance, there is also simply interviewed on NBC’s “Today” the reaction of the heart to show to promote their books having and being a committed on the differences between father. Comedian Chris Rock said, the sexes and on parenting, “When I hear people talk about respectively. They agreed that juggling, or the sacrifices they fathers tend to take a more make for their children, I look at authoritarian tone, yet are them like they’re crazy, because overall more relaxed, playful and ‘sacrifice’ infers that there was detached in their approach to something better to do than parenting. Women, on the other being with your children.” Author hand, are nurturing and focused Clarence Budington Kelland said, on the details of everyday tasks, “My father didn’t tell me how to but are also prone to worry more live; he lived, and let me watch about their children, mostly him do it.” Certainly there are in anticipating emotional or many who have experienced My husband Shane, his brother Seth, their father Ken, and physical dangers. Each parent our two boys, Vaughn and Austin, in Virginia last year. the joy of having and being a plays a very different role in good father, and there are those helping children develop. Fathers who are aware of how important a role it is, not by its help promote healthy risk-taking, as well as physical and presence in their lives, but by its absence. emotional independence. Some healthy detachment on their part allows their children to take some chances and One thing is certain, we should not fail to appreciate the see what happens. role of a committed father and the impact it can have. Happy Father’s Day to all those who have made, and This is also echoed in this excerpt from the website of will continue to make, a difference in the lives of their the US Department of Health and Human Services in an children! article by Jeffrey Rosenburg and Bradford W. Wilcox: “The way fathers play with their children also has an important impact on a child’s emotional and social development. Fathers spend a much higher percentage of their one-on-one interaction with infants and preschoolers in stimulating, playful activity than do mothers. From these interactions,

Sara Hamill, a native Nashvillian, has been a Fieldstone Farm resident since 2003. She currently works as Restore Ministries Program Director, coordinating support groups for the Maryland Farms, Christ Church, and Brentwood YMCAs as well as church partners. She can be reached at shamill@ymcamidtn.org.

June/July 2013

Sunday

June-July 2013

Vacation Bible School (through 6/13) Brentwood Church of the Nazarene

Monday

Neighborhood Watch Meeting Fieldstone Clubhouse - 7pm

Iced Tea Day

Tuesday

Fieldston

First Ford made - 1896

Fieldstone Farms Book Club Fieldstone Clubhouse - 1:30pm

Wedne

5 12

Fieldstone Fa Fieldstone Clubh

Father’s Day

June Carter Cash’s Birthday - 1929

Superman’s Birthday

7 14 21 28

Clean Smile = Longer Life L. H. Animal Hospital - see below

Neighborhood Watch Meeting Fieldstone Clubhouse - 7pm

8 Bastille Day

National Junk Food Day

July

Liberty Bell cracks - 1835

HOA Board Meeting Fieldstone Clubhouse - 6pm

Fieldstone Fa Fieldstone Clubh

Fieldstone Farms Book Club Fieldstone Clubhouse - 1:30pm

Dog Days of S

Fieldstone Fa Fieldstone Clubh

HOA Board Meeting Fieldstone Clubhouse - 6pm

Ice Cream Cone introduced - 1904

National Lasagna Day

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Disneyland o

Fieldstone Fa Fieldstone Clubh

1st Patent is

ne Farms

esday

arms Bridge house - 12:30pm

Summer Begin

arms Bridge house - 12:30pm

opens - 1955

arms Bridge house - 12:30pm

Thursday

National Yo-Yo Day

Friday

Dive-In Movie - “Up” Fieldstone Pool ~ 8:30pm

Flag Day

1st Day of Summer

Dive-In Movie - “Willy Wonka” Fieldstone Pool ~ 8:30pm

Dive-In Movie - “Shark Tale” Fieldstone Pool ~ 8:30pm

“Raise the Roofs” - see WilliamsonCountyArts.com for info

Captain Kangaroo’s Birthday - 1927

Independence Day

11 18 25

Dive-In Movie - “Nim’s Island” Fieldstone Pool ~ 8:30pm

Dive-In Movie - “Finding Nemo” Fieldstone Pool ~ 8:30pm FAM at the Factory - 5:30pm

12 Cow Appreciation Day

Fire Truck Wetdown see p.20 for details

FAM at the Factory - 5:30pm

13 Bald Eagle Day

Saturday June

Dive-In Movie - “Enchanted” Fieldstone Pool ~ 8:30pm

Dive-In Movie - “Despicable Me” Fieldstone Pool ~ 8:30pm

Dive-In Movie - “Snow Dogs” Fieldstone Pool ~ 8:30pm

National Fried Chicken Day

National French Fries Day

Moon Day

Bugs Bunny’s Birthday - 1940

ssued - 1790

June/July 2013

Kid’s Klassifieds

Are you looking for a certified & reliable babysitter?

Do you babysit, mow lawns, wash cars, pet sit, etc. in our neighborhood? Then send us your information and we will post it in our classified section. 18 and younger only please – Thank you! Need an Experienced Cat Sitter? Contact Melissa McElroy at 615-779-6657. I am a cat lover with 18 years of cat experience. Lifelong Fieldstone Farms resident and senior at Franklin High School. Do you need a part-time babysitter or just a night out? My name is Samantha Sheridan. I am 18 and a senior at Franklin High School. I am a straight A student and have taken Early Child Care classes for two years. I have my license and can provide my own transportation. I live in Fieldstone Farms and I am available during the summer anytime. You can contact me, Sam, at 615.916.1712 or by email samanthamarie213@gmail.com. Morgan Polston - Babysitting, Pet Sitting, House Sitting MTSU student available on weekends, local neighbor Contact morganlpolston@gmail.com. Need care for your pet, but don’t want to pay for boarding? Contact Vaughn Hamill at fieldstonepetsitting@gmail.com or 556-5996. Availability:

May-August: All day Williamson County School Holidays: All day

Rates: 1-2 visits per day: $10/day; 3-4 visits per day: $12/day. References available upon request.

Need help studying to improve grades, ACT/SAT scores, or standardized test performance? Call Caleb Gaddes - 438-6596 or email caleb.gaddes@ gmail.com. 18-year-old senior at Franklin High School. AP student with honors. References available upon request.

Around the Neighborhood.. Wednesdays, June 12th & 26th and July 10th & 24th, 12:30 p.m. - Fieldstone Bridge Group The group meets at the Clubhouse from 12:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Contact Mike Hartland to participate 472-8114.

Meredith Wilken - 521-6449 or mkwilken@hotmail.com 12 years old, honor student, Red Cross Certified, 7th grader at Grassland Middle School! Need a reliable nanny, baby, house or pet sitter for the summer? I am 18 years old and will be off to college in the fall. I have five years experience, American Red Cross trained and I love kids and animals. Give me a call at 615-5576365. Have a blessed day. Courtney Cook. Need a babysitter you can trust? Call Kayla Turner at 866-7921 or 791-9311. I am a 16 year old junior at Christ Presbyterian Academy. I live in Wexford and love kids. 4 years experience. Rent–A–Teen - For all your technological issues Solve tech problems with computers, cell phones, Ipods, TVs, cameras, video players, etc. Answer any and all questions – help shop for the ideal product to fit your needs. I am a Franklin High School student and have been passionate about technology since I was very young. Ben Bergman: 595-5573 or rentateen42@ gmail.com. Call or email for a free quote. Hourly rates available weekends only. Beginner Guitar Lessons - I am a 15-year-old Fieldstone Farms resident and have been teaching beginner guitar lessons in my home for three years. I have openings for a limited number of new students. $10 per half-hour lesson for ages 10-18. Contact Arin at: brewbeat@comcast.net Summer Babysitting - My name is Rachel Harrison and I am a rising junior at Franklin High School. I am an honors student and CPR certified. I have my license and can provide my own transportation. I have four years of experience and love watching kids of all ages. I live in Fieldstone Farms and am available any day of the week and on weekends during the summer. You can contact me at (615) 522-1876 or by email rachel.harrison59@ gmail.com.

June 11th & July 9th, 1:30 p.m. – Fieldstone Book Club The club meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse. Contact Shirley Fette at Shirley3799@att.net for more information. Everyone is welcome! June 18th & July 16th, 6:00 p.m. - HOA Board Meeting Join us at the Clubhouse for the monthly meeting.

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Neighborhood Watch The Perfect Pour Update & Captains Needed The Fieldstone Farms Neighborhood Watch held a meeting on Monday, May 6, at the Fieldstone Farms Clubhouse. Members of Franklin’s Police “Flex Team” were there to talk about crime and drugs. It was an informative and interesting meeting. The Flex Team shared their experiences and answered every question from the homeowners in attendance.

Woo-hoo! School’s out, summer’s in and you know what that means – extra trips to the adult-beverage store to try all the new and fantastic old stand-by bottles of liquid refreshment that help you wind down after a long, hot and humid, Middle Tennessee summer day. You can find all of these “perfect pours” at The Corner Wine & Spirits in the Harpeth Village Shopping Center on Hillsboro Road and at Del Rio Wine & Spirits at 111 Del Rio Pike.

Barefoot Refresh – Modesto, CA: $8.99 (all) Just in time for the summer as people are looking for new ways to enjoy wines during hot summer months, Barefoot Refresh has arrived. A perfect fit for tailgating, by the pool, a backyard BBQ, or for any get together. This new lineup features a refreshing way to enjoy a wine inspired cocktail. Best served over ice and garnished with fruit, this new product has a light and vibrant effervescence, and includes: Barefoot Crisp White - a blend of chenin blanc and riesling; vibrant and light-bodied, with aromas of melon an pear, complemented by a lemon-lime finish

(L to R) Jeff Carson, Scott Legieza, Cory Kroeger, Brandon Sandrell and Andrea Clark

What was learned was that marijuana and prescription pills are the two most popular drugs in middle and high school, but heroin is the fastest growing drug, because it can be made at a cheaper cost than other drugs. It was also learned that some of the kids are going to Walgreens and buying Robitussin and Coricidin Cough and Cold medicine. They then take the entire package of Triple C at one time to get high. They have had to rush kids to the hospital to get their stomachs pumped out. It seems that kids get in trouble and involved with drugs due to of a lack of parental supervision and the peer pressure given through social media outlets. There’s not a lot of major crime in Fieldstone Farms, and that’s great. However, the Flex Team did have some advice to homeowners to keep garage doors closed and car doors locked at night, because kids will enter an unlocked car if they see coins, phones, iPads or anything they can sell for money to go buy drugs. The Fieldstone Farms Neighborhood Watch Committee meets the first Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the FF Clubhouse. All homeowners are invited to attend and get involved. It doesn’t require a lot of time. We still need block captains for Bentley Park, Claybourne, Crestfield, Maytime, Northridge, The Reserve, Trent Park and Wheaton Hall. Please contact Joe Street at jstreet@ twfrierson.com and Tom Paden at thomaspaden@ comcast.net if you’re interested.

Barefoot Sweet White - a blend of pinot grigio and moscato; fruity and light-bodied with aromas of peach and tangerine complemented by a juicy and sweet finish Barefoot Summer Red - a blend of pinot noir rosé and moscato; fruity and light bodied with aromas of raspberry and orange, complemented by flavors of freshly picked berries Perfectly Pink - a blend of grenache and moscato; vibrant and light bodied with aromas of mandarin orange and peach, complemented by flavors of raspberry and cherry.

Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay – Sonoma County, CA: $12.99 As the weather begins to warm, this is a great chardonnay to grab, especially at its new low price. The warmth of vanilla and brown spice aromas in this classic Sonoma County chardonnay are lightened with notes of creamy lemon and sweet pear. A palate of soft fruit, including apple and pineapple flavors and notes of toasted hazelnut, finish with a bright acidity, taking the rich mouthfeel to a long, satisfying finish. Food pairings: White flaky fish, grilled shrimp, chicken And now, in honor of all the summer reading that will be going on during the next few months (or at the last possible minute for those with book reports hanging over their heads), we offer this self-deprecating quote from a beloved and clever U.S. author: “My books are like water; those of the great geniuses are wine. (Fortunately, everybody drinks water.)” – Mark Twain

June/July 2013

Three Local Scouts Win Arrow of Light Award

by Harry Fisk - The Parks

Franklin’s Pack 597 recently honored three of its Webelos Scouts, who earned the Arrow of Light Award – Cub Scout’s highest award. The Arrow of Light recipients were Fieldstone Farm’s very own Jacob Malloy, Andrew Marsh and Tommy Smith. These Scouts worked tirelessly over the last two years to earn this prestigious award, and demonstrated that they understand the purpose of scouting. The Arrow of Light is one of only two badges that can be earned in Cub Scouts and carried forward and worn on the Boy Scouts uniform. Here’s a little background on the symbolism in the badge itself. The seven rays in the Arrow of Light badge stand for the seven great virtues of life – virtues that a Webelos Scout must have if he is to succeed and advance in scouting and in life. The seven virtues are Wisdom, Courage, Self-control, Justice, Faith, Hope and Love. The arrow itself is symbolic of everything that is straight and true, just as a Scout should be straight and true in his life and to himself. At the base of the arrow are three feathers. An arrow needs three feathers to fly straight. The three feathers represent the three groups that support and uphold the Scout – his den leaders, his parents and his pack. The shaft of the arrow is long, straight and true – a reminder to the Scout to always be straight with, and true to, himself, and that he must be honest with himself and others, even though this is sometimes a difficult and long journey. At the tip of the arrow is a sharp point, reminding the Scout that he must always remain sharp, alert and aware. The arch is the sun rising at daybreak, the start of a new week in scouting and in life. The arch, in its entirety as a circle, represents the sun, as the Scout is a source of light for those around him, and the full circle is a reminder that the spirit of scouting is never ending.

You will find that if you live your life by these virtues, you will be happy and will make the people around you happy as well. Our three Webelos Scouts – Jacob Malloy, Andrew Marsh and Tommy Smith – have proven that they understand their responsibilities as good sons and good Scouts. With the help of their parents, friends and neighbors like you, they will advance far along the Boy Scout Trail. Join me in congratulating them all. Crossover Pack 597 also said goodbye and best wishes to its Webelos 2 members, who graduated from Cub Scouts and crossed over to Boy Scouts, officially beginning the admission to Boy Scouts. Blake Dreier, Jacob Malloy, Andrew Marsh and Tommy Smith all officially graduated from our pack and joined Franklin Boy Scout Troop 135. The crossover was part of a ceremony where each Webelos 2 was recognized for his many achievements throughout his Cub Scouting career. Each Scout crossed a bridge symbolizing the crossover with his Webelos den leader on one side and their new Scoutmaster on the other. Each Scout received a Troop T-shirt, crossover patch and a warm welcome from their new Scoutmaster. We wish these Scouts continued success on their Scouting trail. Interested in building these same values in your son? Join Pack 597 on one or more of the fun events we have planned this summer: ▪▪

Cub Scout Day Camp – June 3 – 7

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Resident (overnight) Camp – various June/July dates

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Space Camp – June 28 – 30

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Nashville Sounds Scout Night – July 13

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Cave Camping at Cumberland Caverns – July 26 – 27

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Scout Roundup – August 19

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The Crag Rock Climb – August 24

For more information, contact Cub Master Harry Fisk at fiskfam2@yahoo.com or (615) 426-3496.

fieldstonemagazine.com

All the Flap About Flag Day

by Rachel Norris - Summer Haven

In 1949, President Truman officially declared every June 14 as Flag Day, thanks in large part to a Wisconsin school teacher who spent decades gathering citizens and government officials toward organized celebrations on June 14. The teacher, Bernard Cigrand, desired to honor the Stars and Stripes on the date of its adoption as our national standard – June 14, 1777. On this day, the Second Continental Congress ordered “the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” The colors also hold significance as well: white represents purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice. The red, white and blue captured Mr. Cigrand’s heart, just as she did another obscure history-maker who is laid to rest right here in Nashville. Captain William Driver sailed the seas on his 1820’s vessel the Charles Doggett. In 1824, as he was setting out from his hometown of Salem, Massachusetts, he was presented with a 24-starred U.S. flag hand-sewn by his mother and other women of Salem. The story is told that as the flag was hoisted up the ship’s mast and unfurled in its first ocean breeze, Captain Driver exclaimed, “Old Glory!” After two round-the-world voyages, Captain Driver retired and settled in Nashville at 511 5th Avenue South (one block south of the new convention center; look for an historic marker). He was known in town for his legendary voyages, as well as for his prize possession, his original Old Glory, which was quickly becoming a common moniker of the nation’s standard. It was so well known, in fact, that in 1861, after Tennessee seceded from the Union, Rebels barged into his house more than once looking for the flag to destroy it. Old Glory survived the Civil War hidden inside the captain’s bedspread! The day Union soldiers entered Nashville, Captain Driver unstitched his bedding, carried the flag to the State Capitol, and raised it high. The sailor was laid to rest in Nashville’s Old City Cemetery in 1886, and his Old Glory was kept by the Driver family and given to the Smithsonian in 1922. Of course, Betsy Ross is the historical face of the first American Flag, but her story may be only legend. After scouring over congressional and business records, personal writings and family lore, historians believe the primary designer was most likely New Jersey Congressman and Declaration of Independence signer Francis Hopkinson. While the established Philadelphia seamstress did embroider George Washington’s shirt ruffles, there is no historical evidence that she made the first flag. However her story goes on as an American

Photo by Franklin resident Hugh Tharpe on Memorial Day 2009. Contact hugh.tharpe@gmail.com for your own copy; all proceeds go to soldiers and their families.

favorite (and one this seamstress will pass down to her daughter). If you enjoy flying a flag at your house, or would like to teach your children flag etiquette, look over the flag facts here. Several websites, referenced in writing this article, have more information: usflag.org, vfw.org nationalflagday.com and pbs.org/capitolfourth. Also, remember that each flag of the United States is to be retired with honor in a particular fashion. Boy Scout troops hold such ceremonies from time to time. If you have a flag to be retired, please contact Harry Fisk, Pack 597 Cub Master, at Fiskfam2@yahoo.com or (615) 4263496. Happy Flag Day, everyone! A Few Flag Dos and Don’ts ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪ ▪▪

Never use the flag for decoration; instead, use bunting with blue on top, then white, then red Display the flag between sunrise and sunset; only display at night if directly lit To indicate flying at half-staff, tie a black ribbon to the finial of your house-mounted flag Do not use the flag as clothing Do not let the flag touch the ground Do not fly the flag upside down unless there is an emergency When the flag is raised or lowered in ceremony, and as it passes by in parade or review, everyone, except those in uniform, should face the flag with the right hand over the heart Rachel Norris lives in Summer Haven with her husband Jay and her children Cas, Jake and Molly. She is an active member of Sarah Polk Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (sarahpolkdar.org), which meets on the first Thursday evening of each month in Cool Springs.

June/July 2013

HOA Canoe Trip

by Harry Fisk - The Parks

With approximately 40 attendees suiting up to navigate 15 canoes, there was a great turn out for the inaugural HOA/HBES Canoe Trip on Saturday, May 18. With Mother Nature finally giving the area a break from the rain, the group enjoyed beautiful morning weather for the float down the Duck River. The relaxing, leisurely float trip of five miles took about an hour and a half to complete. For many, it was their first time in a canoe and, for a others, it was just “jumping back in the saddle.” Another success for the event came in the fact that everyone met someone they didn’t already know prior to the float trip. The kids all seemed to enjoy the experience and some

got to go for a swim. Later that evening, the group met again in Lynwood Park to play baseball, basketball, soccer and just hung out. Vince Sparks pulled out his guitar, hot dogs and s’mores were cooked around the fire pit and everyone had a great evening just being together. It was a delightful neighborhood event, and consensus agreed that they all look forward to the 2nd Annual HOA/HBES Canoe Trip, as well as more fun to be had together during the summer.

fieldstonemagazine.com

Weatherman Now Painting Up a Storm There’s a rather well known artist in Fieldstone Farms, but, until now, you may only have known him from local TV and/or radio. For years, Tim Ross was the longtime weather guy on WSMV-TV Channel 4. More recently, you may have heard him on SuperTalk 99.7 WTN as the morning news anchor and fill-in radio talk show host. Tim describes himself as a friendly, easygoing, tall, skinny, picture painting, bicycle riding, ukulele playing, happily married, church going, family man. He met his wife, Sallee, at a church dance. They were engaged four minutes later and married six weeks after that. That’s a true story! Tim says he rushed the romance along because, had Sallee gotten to know him better, she never would have agreed to his marriage proposal. They’re best of friends and have been happily married for more than 35 years. They have three grown children and four grandchildren. Tim and Sallee, moved to Franklin in 1999. Like so many, they LOVE this place! They’ve been in the same Fieldstone Farms home since moving to town. A recent renovation provided an updated look and plenty of space for a rather large art studio. Being empty nesters, Tim now has more time and more room in his home to devote to his artistic interests. He grew up in a family

of successful artists and, apparently, a tube or two of artistic DNA was squeezed out on him at birth. It’s hard to put a finger on Tim’s artistic styles, because he has several. Pop art is his passion and he loves bright colors, but he also delves into the popular world of what he calls, “granny art.” He’s an innovator. Tim creates a lot of pieces on canvas, but prefers to paint his pictures on MDF – a smooth-surface wood product. A technique he developed allows his MDF projects to appear to be free-floating an inch away from the wall on which they are displayed. It’s a very contemporary look with no frames required. Another curiosity worth noting is that Tim now uses house paints for many of his projects, but he’s very picky about his paints. The high quality of the new Valspar Pantone Universe product line makes it possible. Although they haven’t asked him to be a company sponsor yet, he’s pretty sure he’s the only 100% Valspar artist in America. Even though painting is definitely a passion now, Tim is hesitant to describe himself as an artist. In his view, an artist is a person who makes a living solely from selling art. Sallee was recently asked by an acquaintance about what Tim is doing these days, now that he is no longer on TV. She answered, “He’s a painter.” That led to the woman asking if Tim would drop by to give her an estimate on some exterior painting at her home. Sallee had to do some quick ‘splainin’ and let the woman know that Tim paints and sells pictures – a lot of them, but he doesn’t paint houses. Would you like to see more of Tim’s art? Check out his website at timross.com. Once on his site, you’ll note a contact form, which you should feel free to use. He always welcomes comments and suggestions, especially from his fellow Fieldstone Farms neighbors.

June/July 2013

Wetdown Ceremony at Fire Station 4

by Peter Alderman - Wexford

What costs $750K, has all the bells and whistles, and has wheels? For one thing – Kanye West’s Lamborghini, which was a birthday gift from girlfriend Kim Kardashian, and which was crushed by the front gate of her home. But that’s not the answer I’m looking for in regard to Fieldstone Farms. I’m talking about the new fire engine that will be called into service on June 1 at Franklin Fire Station 4. It is shiny. It is red, silver and white, and has letters that glow in the dark. It has high-intensity LED emergency and scene lighting capabilities. Darth Vader would have loved this vehicle. It also has a computerized pump panel, a tank that holds 500 gallons of water, a computerized tire pressure gauge, a seat belt alarm, a 1,200-foot supply of four-inch diameter hose, which hooks up to the hydrant, which then has a pump with that can flow 1,500 gallons of water per minute. It also has another 750-foot supply of 1-3/4 hose to fight interior structure fires, as well as 400 feet of 2-1/2 diameter hose to combat larger defensive fires outside of the house or at a warehouse fire. This is stuff that agent 007 would drool over. The new truck carries a 75-foot aerial ladder with a programmable nozzle tip that automatically sweeps from side to side. In the past with the older vehicle, this task had to be done manually with exhausting effects on the fireman. The hose within the ladder is an aerial, telescopic, ladder pipe, which expands as the ladder is lengthened. The cab in the new truck is roomier for the safety of the occupants, who wear up to 60 pounds of equipment. It also houses Advanced Life Support medical equipment and climate-controlled medications, as well as a built-in firefighting foam system to battle most fires. Kanye, eat your heart out! (And you thought Kim bought you something special.) A unique event, called the “wetdown ceremony,” will take place at Station 4, where the old Ladder 4 will be symbolically pushed out, and the new Ladder 4 will be pushed into its bay after it has been washed. The dramatic event is open to the public on Saturday, June 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Free hot dogs, bottled water, coffee, juice and doughnuts will be available. Also, station tours, ladder truck tours, as well as coloring books and plastic fire helmets for the children will be available. Don’t let the dads cut in line. OK. What happens to the old truck and why do we need a new truck? After so many years, it is required

that equipment be updated for safety reasons, and that the firemen and the community have the best available equipment to address fire or accident issues. The old truck , a 1997 Sutphen SA 75, will change from Ladder 4 to Ladder 10 and will become the city’s first reserve ladder truck. Staffing Concerns Unfortunately, staffing of the trucks is a concern of the firemen at Station 4. Often times, a man will be called to another station to fill their needs. However, when that occurs, it leaves Station 4 understaffed. This happened 23 days out of April’s 30. Current full members of Station 4 are: A-Shift – Capt. Al Black, Engineer Brian Daughtry, firefighter/paramedic Steve Denny, and firefighters Jeremiah Rogers and Chris Bull; B-Shift – Lt. Wes Oakley, Engineer John Gill, firefighter/paramedic Nick Darnell, and firefighters Tony Moore and Scottie Chambers; and C-Shift – Lt. Rick Cotton, Engineer Shawn Williams, firefighter/paramedic Kirk White, and firefighters Buford Moss and Cory Swenson. How can this be? A rescue truck was put into service at Station 4 in January. It is staffed by one paramedic and one EMT. The fire truck requires three crew members – an officer, driver and a firefighter. Those numbers add up to five firefighters. However, when a man is called to another station, that leaves Station 4 shorthanded. The hope of Station 4 firefighters is that it can, in the near future, be run with proper staffing to provide the total service the community deserves. In the meantime, let’s bask in the glory of our new fire engine and continue to show appreciation for our local heroes. A multi-award-winning educator of nearly 40 years, Peter Alderman has taught more than 2,000 children during his career. He is currently writing several historically themed children’s books, presenting writing workshops to elementary and middle school students.

fieldstonemagazine.com

Are You Ready For Swim Suit Season?

by Scott Fishkind - Clarendon

Swimsuit season is finally here! Along with the warm, sunny days often comes a feeling of panic for many folks if they feel they waited a bit too long to start shedding that winter weight. This can cause them to turn to lessthan-optimum strategies to try to rush the process. I’d like to give some tips that can help you get started in the right direction. To optimize one’s results you really need to focus on a proper balance between the nutritional and exercise component. The Nutritional Component • Nutrition Is Key – There’s no way around it, nutrition is about 85 – 90% percent of the fat loss battle. Please notice I said “fat” and not “weight loss.” This is important because sometimes folks will try to starve themselves thinner and they lose muscle along with fat and that should be avoided at all costs. Also notice that I wrote “nutrition” rather than “diet.” I am simply referring to an overall healthier and sustainable approach to eating. • Keep an Online Food Log – I know I’ve written about this ad nauseam, but it is the single most important recommendation I make to all my clients concerned with fat loss. It is critical to become aware of what you actually eat on a daily basis so you can make appropriate adjustments. Most people tend to eat somewhat unconsciously and have no idea what percentage of protein, carbohydrates and fats they are eating. A free online food log (such as myfitnesspal.com) is a great place to start keeping track of it all. • Make Gradual, Incremental Changes – Deprivation for the purpose of fat loss doesn’t work and, if taken to the extreme, can cause metabolic damage. This is a “recipe for disaster” for both short- and long-term success. Use the feedback you get from the food log and make small changes daily. • Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals/Healthy Snacks – This helps to stabilize blood sugar levels. This can also help keep one from becoming ravenously hungry, which reduces the likelihood of over-eating. The Exercise Component • Exercise Is Also Key – While nutrition is the number one fat loss tool, exercise is essential if you want to change the way your body looks (and feels). It is all too common for folks to diet down to a lesser weight, but still lack a really healthy and fit look due to lack of muscle tone. • Pre-exercise Screening – Before starting an exercise program, if you have any health concerns, please make sure you have medical clearance and/or guidelines. While exercise is certainly beneficial in most cases, it

can exacerbate certain conditions if not approached appropriately. • Proper Progression – Begin with easy to moderate intensity. You should never go from being sedentary to engaging in an aggressive exercise program. By aggressive, I’m referring to working out too hard, too often and for too long. Using proper exercise progression and recovery allows your body to adapt appropriately to the stresses of exercise. • Integration – Use an integrated fitness approach. This includes resistance training, flexibility, cardio and other modalities (including recreational athletic activities). Also, it’s important to always warm-up and cool-down properly. • Proper Form – Faulty body mechanics is a common issue with inexperienced exercisers and can cause musculoskeletal injuries. Try to find someone who has the knowledge to properly evaluate your exercise technique. • Incorporate Variety – Try mixing up the types of exercise you do. Using only a treadmill or the same machine circuit will not only limit positive gains, but can also cause overuse injuries over time, as well as boredom. Try various modalities, such as boot camp, kettlebell, yoga, pilates and/or kickboxing. Cardio can be done outside in the fresh air over various types of terrain. So in a nutshell, for a fitness program to be successful, you need to combine a sound and realistic nutritional strategy with an appropriate exercise program. The exercise plan should progress gradually and utilize proper form. Variety in both nutrition and exercise is also an important key to both short and long term success. Fieldstone Resident Scott Fishkind is a Certified Personal Trainer (ACE), IMPACT instructor (NESTA) and Certified Youth Fitness Specialist (IYCA). He may be reached at 615-804-9396, email: info@impactcoolsprings.com or www.impactcoolsprings.com.

June/July 2013

The Fieldstone View with Maria Dinoia - Wheaton Hall

What’s the best gift you ever gave your Dad for Father’s Day?

Taking him to a Detroit Tigers game when we lived back home in Michigan. – Aidan S., 4th grade

I would definitely say a mini Ipad! – Bethany D., Preschool

The best gift I ever gave my dad was a lava lamp. Wait, no. That was for Christmas. I think I will get him a vitamixer or something for his road bike! – Logan J., 1st grade

A trophy that says ‘World Class Dad.’ It has golf clubs on it and says ‘The proof is in the putting.’ Maria Dinoia is a freelance writer who currently writes for Country Weekly magazine and whose word eloquence has appeared in dozens of newspapers, magazines and websites. She happily resides in Fieldstone Farms with her hard-working husband and three adoring children.

– Luke B., 2nd grade

Happy Endings and New Beginnings

by Shirley Gouvan - Windsor Park

Even though these things happen here in May, in Massachusetts, where I spent the first 76 years of my life, June is possibly the most anticipated month of the year. Pre-schoolers in their handmade graduation caps step up to kindergarten. Fifth graders have finished with staying in one classroom all day and look forward to the exciting, and a little scary, entry into middle school, where they change teachers and classes every hour or so. When I was twelve, we went to junior high in the seventh grade. In those days, I remember dreaming that I was alone in a hallway with doors as far as I could see with no one to help me choose the right one. How scary was that? Suddenly, these children are high school seniors. Class rings have been purchased, and some girls are wearing rings from special boys. Most of these rings have lots of adhesive wrapped around the backs of their rings to fit their smaller fingers. The prom is here with beautiful dresses for the girls, and the boys decked out in tuxes. The next time they will wear them, they’ll be standing before an altar. Suddenly,

it seems all that is over. Graduation is upon them with caps and gowns, a few tears and lot of good-byes. Now it is time to put away childish things (someone already said that) and start a new life adventure. Some will enter trades, get jobs and possibly stay close to familiar families and places. Others will step away from friends and families and go far away to begin college. This is the time of new beginnings. Mom will not be there to get them up, check their homework and nag, nag, nag, which moms do pretty consistently and well. (I was really great at that!) Now is the time for new beginnings. The school has been chosen and preparations are under way. Lists are everywhere, as well as new clothes, bedding, dorm-sized refrigerators and, it seems, a truckload of other stuff. (Do you really need a microwave?) As the day draws closer, and time grows closer and the day finally arrives, it is time. It is time to step from childhood into the future and take the first step into the exciting, new world of adulthood. What a wonderful life with happy endings and new beginnings!

fieldstonemagazine.com

Help Me, Rhonda!!! An Advice Column for Fieldstone Farms

Dear Rhonda,

I need a healthy Independence Day dessert that is outdoor friendly.

- Patriotically Puzzled Dear Patriotically Puzzled,

I found a bunch of great recipes on Pinterest. Here’s one that is simple and looks beautiful! Ingredients: • 2 cups strawberries or raspberries • 2 cups blueberries • 1 cup sour cream • 2 TBSP brown sugar • 1/2 tsp vanilla In a medium bowl, stir together sour cream, brown sugar and vanilla. Using plastic tumblers, alternate fruit and sour cream mix. The top layer should be fruit with a dollop of the sour cream mixture for garnish. Enjoy!

Dear Rhonda,

I work with a “noisemaker.” Constantly, he is either whistling, humming, tapping, drumming or otherwise creating a distraction. I have tried to gently tell him that it is annoying, but he continues to make noise. I truly think he does it unconsciously. Unconscious or not, it’s driving me batty. Help!

- Eve of Distraction Dear Eve of Distraction,

Clearly telling him gently is not working. I would take a more straightforward approach. Let him know that his noisemaking is affecting your work performance. If he still can’t seem to control his noisy habits, I would start bringing your iPod and headphones to work. If that is frowned upon, I would invest in some ear plugs. You can pick them up at any drugstore. Good luck!

Dear Rhonda,

I’m new to the neighborhood and I’m wondering where the best fireworks display is to celebrate the 4th of July?

- Sparkler Dear Sparkler,

The festival will include music, crafts, a large Kid’s Zone, petting zoo, and a “Battle of the Bands” competition. The event is from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. You can get more information at tneventinfo. com. Crockett Park in Brentwood also has a fireworks celebration and concert series beginning at 7:00 p.m. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Dear Rhonda,

We are having family come to visit us in Tennessee for the first time at the end of July. I have a list of the typical “must-dos” in the area, but do you have any thoughts on something unique?

- Tour Guide Challenged Dear Tour Guide Challenged,

One of our favorite things to do is Carnton Plantation’s Summer Concert Series and the Crockett Park Summer Concert Series. The Carnton concerts are the last Sunday of June, July and August. It’s bring-your-own picnic and wine (although they do have brats and snow cones available to purchase). It is great entertainment from 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. You can purchase advance tickets or purchase them at the door. The Crockett Park Summer Concerts are various Sundays throughout the summer and feature free admission. You can find more information at battleoffranklintrust.org and brentwoodtn.org. Happy guiding!

Publisher’s note:

If you want a really unique experience, try Music City Bites & Sites. Whether you’re a visitor to our lovely city or a native Nashvillian, this 2.5-hour walking, food and cultural tour engages all of your senses - including your sense of humor - as you walk and taste your way through the Historic District of downtown Nashville. I enjoyed this appetite adventure myself, and from the food and history to the architecture and entertainment, I found this local business’ motto to be true – Music City Bites & Sites will show you one lip-smackin’ good time! See page 3 for a discount on tickets. (800) 979-3370 or musiccitybitesandsites.com.

There are two fireworks display options close to Franklin. Downtown Nashville at Riverfront Park or the “Franklin on the 4th Festival.” We always enjoy the city of Franklin fireworks display. This year, they are moving the celebration back to Main Street in Downtown Franklin, and the theme is “Students Rock/Battle of the Bands.”

June/July 2013

Got a question? Contact Rhonda at askrhonda@live.com or to submit a question anonymously visit: askrhonda.us.

D L SO

Call us . . . 790-6107 We have SOLD over 600 homes in Fieldstone . . . more than any other REALTOR !