🌱 Community Helps Man After House Fire + Franklin Art Scene Returns

Hey, friends. It's Thursday in Franklin and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 55 Low: 31.

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Here are the top three stories today in Franklin:

1. A high school senior started a GoFundMe to help out a long-time Franklin resident and retired high school janitor when his house burned down on Dec. 29. The GoFundMe raised more than $27,000 before it was closed the next day. The man's family is currently seeking information on where to find affordable housing for him to relocate. (williamsonherald.com)
2. The Franklin Art Scene is set to return to downtown this Friday night. The art crawl takes place on the first Friday of every month in the evening. Attendees can enjoy live music, complimentary refreshments, and a ride on the trolley as they shop and view the art and photography on showcase. (williamsonherald.com)
3. The City of Forest Hills down the road recently filed a lawsuit seeking permission to rename six streets bearing names related to the Confederacy. The lawsuit was filed against the Tennessee Historical Commission agency with the claim that the state's Heritage Protection act doesn't apply to subdivisions. (Patch)

Today in and around Franklin:

• Downtown Nashville Boat Show At Music City Center (2:00 PM)
• Crafter's Night Out At Leiper's Fork Public Library (4:30 PM)
• Board Of Zoning Appeals Special Work Session At Franklin City Hall (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A new series that debuted this year on Nashville Public Television aims to bridge the gap between political viewpoints with food and music. "Ear To The Common Ground" is filmed down the road on Cash Lane in Nashville, and each episode focuses on people with different political viewpoints who get together over food to listen and talk with compassion. (Williamson Source)
• Volunteering is a great way to kick off the new year! The nearby Rotary Club of Brentwood is looking for volunteers to help with its 18th annual Little Harpeth River Cleanup on Saturday, Jan. 28. (williamsonherald.com)
• If you're willing to go for a short drive to nearby Nashville and the Nissan Stadium, then you can do a good deed and try to score two tickets to the Super Bowl. The Tennessee Titans are partnering with the American Red Cross of Tennessee to host a blood drive on Jan. 11. Anyone who donates will have the opportunity to win a Derrick Henry jersey or two tickets to the Super Bowl. (WSMV 4)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.