NEWS / MEDIA LINKS
Franklin Rotary clubs raise over $20,000 through Pedal for Polio
November 08, 2024
It was not your normal “after-school” day at Battle Ground Academy recently. Parents and students witnessed grown-ups dressed in costumes, riding around the BGA campus on big wheels. The event created looks, stares and even traffic jams, but the goal of raising money for polio was achieved, with some laughs along the way and some confused parents and faculty.
What has become an annual tradition for past presidents of the Franklin Noon Rotary Club for the past several years has now become a new tradition for all three of the Franklin clubs — Breakfast, Noon and the Downtown club.
“Our club has raced against each other for the past five years or so,” said Barb Izzo, who chaired the event. “This year we invited the other Franklin clubs to a friendly competition, all in the spirit of service above self,” said Izzo...
All 3 Franklin Rotary Clubs to compete in Pedal for Polio
October 10, 2024
This year on International Polio Day, Oct. 24, past presidents of the three Franklin Rotary Clubs will compete in a big wheel tricycle race to raise money for the eradication of polio.
Pedal for Polio was originally started by the Franklin Noon Rotary around five years ago as a unique way to raise money for Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign. Now, the club has invited its other Franklin counterparts to participate in a bit of silly, friendly competition toward the same goal…
Downtown Franklin Rotary Club Announces Annual Christmas Parade
October 08, 2024
The Downtown Franklin Rotary Club is delighted to announce the return of the highly anticipated Christmas Parade, themed “Miracle on Main St.”, proudly presented by Medical House Calls. The festive event will take place in downtown Franklin on Saturday, December 7th, with a new start time of 1:00 PM, one hour earlier than last year.
Christina McClary, President of The Downtown Franklin Rotary Club, shared her excitement about this beloved tradition, stating, “The Christmas Parade is a cherished tradition that unites our community in the spirit of joy and service. This year’s theme, ‘Miracle on Main St.,’ captures the magic and wonder of the holiday season here in Franklin. We look forward to seeing families and friends come together to celebrate and support one another.” …
Women of Rotary event highlights local female leadership
October 01, 2024
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, women from all five Williamson County Rotary Clubs and their guests gathered at The Sapphire Suite to celebrate the 35 years since women joined their male counterparts in Rotary Club International. Franklin’s three women Rotary presidents spoke about their clubs and welcomed a special guest from across the world.
“This is the first year we’ve had three women Franklin presidents at the same time,” said Michelle Watkins, a member of the Franklin Noon Rotary.
These leaders — Phyllis Molyneux of the Franklin Breakfast Club, Christina McClary of the Downtown Franklin Club and Meghan Guffee of the Franklin Noon Club — follow in the footsteps of many women who came before them to create a space for themselves in Rotaries across the world…
Women leaders find empowerment at chamber conference
September 03, 2024
Williamson, Inc. hosted a Women’s Leadership Conference last Thursday to inspire and inform over 200 women in business with networking opportunities, panel discussions, and empowering messages from experienced leaders.
The event is one of many that Williamson, Inc.’s Women in Business steering committee holds each year. In line with the theme of this year’s conference, “Empower Her,” speakers focused on how to uplift others and yourself in professional and personal endeavors.
After networking with local businesses and sitting down for a hearty breakfast, attendees heard an inspiring message from Miranda McDonald, the director of community programs for the Tennessee Titans…
Blackberry Jam shakes things up for 21st anniversary
June 27, 2024
The Blackberry Jam festival returns this year for its 21st anniversary at a new location: The Park at Harlinsdale Farm at the historic Hayes House, on Saturday. A star-studded music lineup, food, drinks and family fun are sure to make this year’s festival unforgettable.
When Blackberry Jam founders Carol Warren and Dale Whitehead announced last year that they would be stepping back from organizing the event to be with family, the Hard Bargain Association stepped in to keep the fun going.
“We merged the remaining Blackberry Jam committee along with our board and our committee and we all wanted to scale and get closer to home,” said Derrick Solomon, executive director of HBA…
Downtown Franklin Rotary painted the town red, white and blue
May 28, 2024
Franklin resident and Navy veteran Bob Ravener was riding in the Franklin Veterans Parade in 2019 and noticed how patriotic the crowd was with many residents waving American flags. However, one thing stood out: Not many of the businesses were decorated with patriotic banners.
“My thought was why not try to paint the town red, white and blue as a way to celebrate our veterans and better connect with our downtown businesses,” Ravener said.
Ravener, who is a member of the Downtown Franklin Rotary, took his idea of “Painting the Town Red, White and Blue” to the board, and the club immediately took up the charge…
Downtown Franklin Rotary Club’s Jockeys and Juleps a hit despite rain
May 08, 2024
Even with a little rain dropping in as a guest, the Downtown Franklin Rotary Club announced the resounding success of its annual Jockeys and Juleps Kentucky Derby Party for Charity presented by Raymond James, held last Saturday.
The event drew a sold out crowd of attendees, showcasing the unwavering support and commitment of the Franklin community to the Rotary Club’s initiatives. From the lively atmosphere to the enthusiastic participants, the spirit of the Kentucky Derby was alive and well in Franklin...
Alzheimer’s Association takes home 2nd annual Rollick & Roll trophy
February 28, 2024
The Downtown Franklin Rotary Club (DFRC) brought some good old-fashioned fun to the county this weekend at the second annual Rollick & Roll community field day. Teams of local officials, nonprofit leaders, public servants and friends spent the day playing games and competing for the champion’s cup and a year of bragging rights.
“We wanted to bring the community together, have a lot of fun for every age group and be able to give back to the community,” Tony Hunnicutt, chair of the event, said. Fees and sponsorships for the event support the DFRC local charity fund...
Recipients announced for Franklin Tomorrow’s 17th Annual Exemplary Community Volunteer Awards
February 08, 2024
It was a packed house at the Franklin Theatre on Wednesday to honor the recipients in the 17th annual Franklin Tomorrow Exemplary Community Volunteer Awards.
Franklin Special School District Board Chair Robert Blair was given the Charles M. Sargent Legacy Award, which recognizes an individual who has made significant impact in the areas of business, quality of life and leadership. It is named for the late 61st District Tennessee Rep. Charles Sargent, who received the award before his death in 2018…
Get ready to Rollick & Roll at the Downtown Franklin Rotary Club’s Community Field Day
January 25, 2024
The Downtown Franklin Rotary Club recently announced the return of Rollick & Roll, Franklin’s Community Field Day — a one-of-a-kind, team-building extravaganza set to take place on Feb. 17 at the Williamson County Ag Expo.
Get ready for a day filled with outrageous fun, laughter and memorable moments that will bring families, colleagues and the entire community together while supporting local charities.
“Remember when we had field days when we were in elementary school? This is like that for adults,” said Tony Hunnicutt, chair of the event. “It’s a blast.”…
Downtown Franklin Rotary Club assumes mantle to produce annual Franklin Christmas Parade
October 9, 2023
The Downtown Franklin Rotary Club (DFRC), with the support of the Kiwanis Club of Franklin, will serve as the host of the 2023 Franklin Christmas Parade to be held on Saturday, Dec. 2.
For decades, the Franklin Christmas Parade has been a holiday tradition bringing together families, friends and community members to celebrate the spirit of the season. The Kiwanis Club had produced the parade for over 30 years and approached the DFRC about assuming the reins starting this year.
“The Christmas Parade is an institution and the Kiwanis Club has been proud to present it for so many years,” said Marta Eynnatten, a Kiwanis Club member who has personally kept the parade going. “We recognized it was time to pass the event along to another group…
Downtown Franklin Rotary excels at presenting Christmas Parade
December 05, 2023
A parade tends to give joy to so many. That was evident Saturday when the predicted all-day rain didn’t stop thousands of people from lining the streets of Franklin from Highway 96 to Third Avenue and several blocks of Main Street. In many areas people filled the sidewalks. Miraculously, less than 30 minutes before the parade began, the on-and-off drizzle stopped and the parade went on without another drop.
“When I woke up [to rain] I thought no one would come,” said co-chair Kathy Meadows. “Then at 12:30 I looked at the square and thought, ‘Holy cow!’ Even at staging there was a vibe of excitement. It felt like the minute the parade started the rain stopped.” …
Rollick & Roll Community Field Day to benefit Ellie G’s Dream World
August 12, 2022
The Downtown Franklin Rotary Club (DFRC) is seeking teams for its new Rollick & Roll Community Field Day, to be held on Saturday, Sept. 17, at Fieldstone Park.
Proceeds from the event will go toward the construction of Franklin’s first inclusive playground, Ellie G’s Dream World.
“We wanted to create a fun, team-building event that would allow families, friends, co-workers and others to play and compete together, all for a great cause,” said Kathy Reynolds, DFRC president…
Downtown Franklin Rotary Club to host new field day event to raise funds for inclusive playground
August 11, 2022
The Downtown Franklin Rotary Club (DFRC) is seeking teams for its new Rollick & Roll Community Field Day to be held on Saturday, Sept. 17, at Fieldstone Park.
Proceeds from the event will go toward the construction of Franklin’s first inclusive playground, Ellie G’s Dream World.
“We wanted to create a fun, team-building event that would allow families, friends, co-workers and others to play and compete together, all for a great cause,” said Kathy Reynolds, DFRC president…
Downtown Franklin Rotary Club inducts new leadership
The Downtown Franklin Rotary Club (DFRC) inducted new leadership at its bi-weekly meeting on June 20.
Kathy Reynolds was elected president, CJ Monte president elect, Billy Kreager past president and Eddie Moon president nominee.
Steve Bacon and Candida Bannister will continue in their roles as treasurer and secretary, respectively…
Music comes back to the vines for 19th Blackberry Jam
May 31, 2022
As live music continues to return to life after a few years of shutdown, the Blackberry Jam is back as strong as ever.
Celebrating the festival’s 19th year, Blackberry Jam founders Carol Warren and Dale Whitehead will once again welcome musicians to the front porch stage of their 100-year-old farmhouse off Franklin’s Blazer Road, Boyd Mill Farm, to continue raising money for the Hard Bargain Association of Franklin…
Cause & Effect: Jockeys and Juleps
Jockeys & Juleps
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Williamson County’s premier Kentucky Derby party is back. Presented by the Downtown Franklin Rotary Club, the popular Jockeys & Juleps will be held in May…
Downtown Franklin Rotary paints Main Street red, white and blue
May 21, 2021
As storm clouds parted to reveal blue skies on Thursday night, volunteers of the Downtown Franklin Rotary Club worked to paint Main Street red, white and blue for Memorial Day.
The Rotary Club is partnering with 27 downtown businesses in the inaugural fundraiser to honor veterans…
CLUB INNOVATION: Social network
For decades, the Rotary clubs of Franklin, Franklin At Breakfast, and Cool Springs have been a vital part of the fabric of the city. But many people who wanted to serve their community couldn’t make those clubs’ noon or morning meetings…
Rotary Projects Around the Globe
February , 2022
While jogging on Memorial Day weekend in 2020, Patrick Shairs discovered a holiday-appropriate spot for a break: the old City Cemetery in his hometown of Franklin, Tennessee. Shairs, a member of the Rotary Club of Downtown Franklin, was dismayed by the multitude of badly stained and unreadable headstones…
Story from Williamson Herald.
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