Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage will host a limited number of after-hours holiday tours this December, giving visitors the opportunity to experience an authentic Jackson family Christmas and celebrate the season at the top-rated presidential home. A more personal look at The Hermitage, these exclusive, 90-minute tours discuss the origins and meanings behind some of the Jackson family’s favorite holiday traditions, such as why the family never had a Christmas tree and why they hung stockings on the sofa. The mansion after-hours is a much more intimate setting, making holiday tours the perfect way for guests to spend time with family and …

When preparing to host holiday gatherings, you may not immediately think to add ‘properly store medication’ to your to-do list. However, with prescription drug abuse and overdose increasing, it’s important to take appropriate measures to secure your medicines before visitors arrive. “Many people don’t realize how common prescription drug misuse and abuse issues are,” said Kristina Clark, co-developer of the national Count It! Lock It! Drop It!™ prescription drug abuse prevention program. “There are many reasons someone might get into your medicines, and a number of negative consequences when they do.” By keeping your medications properly locked and out of …

The state’s 31 District Attorneys have recognized Assistant District Attorney General John C. Zimmermann (16th District serving Cannon and Rutherford counties) with the McCutchen Award, which was established 16 years ago in memory of Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference Director Pat McCutchen. “This year’s recipient knew Pat and was called on many times to assist the Conference,” said Conference President General Jimmy Dunn (4th District serving Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson and Sevier counties). “John has been an instrumental part of the Conference’s work and has shown his dedication to justice for many years.” This award is given annually to a prosecutor …

Metro Nashville Public Works, Waste Management and the Tennessee Department of Transportation partnered with all Davidson County Kroger stores to celebrate America Recycles Day today. The first 250 customers at each store received a free, reusable grocery bag at the checkout counter. The purpose of the partnership was to educate Kroger shoppers about items that can and cannot be recycled curbside, with a focus on plastic bags. “We’re so thankful that Kroger has helped us raise awareness about the importance of correctly recycling items at home,” said Sharon Smith, director of the Metro Beautification and Environment Commission. “Recycling is an …

The Tennessee Public Relations Alliance celebrated its fifth anniversary this fall, and plans are underway to continue its growth and reach in the state. “The alliance concept has been very successful, and I think it is fair to say that it has exceeded the expectations of all of the partners,” said McNeely Pigott & Fox (MP&F) Public Relations managing partner David Fox. “Since we announced the alliance in October 2011, TPRA members have been engaged in more than a dozen projects that allowed them to utilize their singular knowledge and expertise in the state’s major markets.” Among the projects were …

The Progressive® Insurance Nashville Boat & Sportshow®, Tennessee’s premier boating event, is bringing a taste of summer to Nashville’s Music City Center with four days of nautical fun Jan. 19–22, 2017. This year’s show has over 90,000 square feet of boats, accessories, educational opportunities and fun for all ages and experience levels! View and board hundreds of boats from the region’s top dealers, plus take advantage of show specials on the latest marine accessories and electronics. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will be on hand with everything you need to know about the outdoors, boating and fishing. They will also …

Civil rights pioneer, statesman and author U.S. Rep. John Lewis will be honored with the Nashville Public Library Literary Award on Saturday, Nov. 19. Lewis will discuss his New York Times best-selling graphic novel trilogy “March” during a free public lecture and book signing that same day at 10 a.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Magnet High School (613 17th Ave. N). “Through the ‘March’ trilogy, Congressman Lewis is engaging a new generation of readers in civil rights history,” said Tari Hughes, president of the Nashville Public Library Foundation. “His story is inspiring and educational, and it holds …

PR life can be busy, hectic and challenging. But we love it. Now that mobile is the new desktop, apps have become our best friends. So I took an internal poll: What are your favorite apps that lessen your stress? Facebook and Instagram, we love you. But you were omitted since almost all of us use you. One thing I learned is that MP&Fers are hardworking, multitasking and multifaceted. We love to track our fitness goals, navigate around the infamous Nashville traffic, check social media, manage personal finances, be entertained and manage to-do lists. Below is a list of the …

On Thursday, Nov. 17, business and community leaders from across Nashville get the special opportunity to see what it’s like to run a public school as they shadow a Metro Nashville Public Schools principal as part of PENCIL’s Principal for a Day event. Principal for a Day gives participants a behind-the-scenes look at how our public schools operate, witnessing the hard work done by Metro Schools faculty to ensure quality education in Nashville. They take part in a series of activities unique to each school and end the day by coming together at a luncheon to share their experiences. Mayor …

Veteran banker Mary Lankford has been promoted to Franklin City President for FirstBank, Middle Tennessee President Allen Oakley has announced. Lankford previously was Vice President and Manager of FirstBank’s downtown Franklin financial center, which opened in the historic Five Points U.S. Post Office building on Columbia Avenue. In her new role, Lankford will take on additional responsibilities for business and relationship development, as well as enhancing community partnerships in Williamson County. “Mary is a tremendous banker and one of the city’s biggest boosters,” said FirstBank Middle Tennessee Chairman Gordon Inman, whose office is at the Downtown Franklin location just off …