🌱 GraceWorks Receives $14K + TN Park App Gets National Recognition

Hey, neighbors! I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Breezy in the morning; cloudy. High: 63 Low: 55.

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Here are the top three stories in Franklin today:

1. GraceWorks Ministries received $14,000 from the Pinnacle Financial Partners Parade of Homes. Marketing director Lisa Underwood explained that GraceWorks was their charity choice due to the incredible work they do for Williamson County. The money will support GraceWorks' food, shelter, and support programs in Franklin, TN that support over 13,000 people each year. (Williamson Source)
2. Tennessee's Healthy Parks Healthy Person program received a national award for its contribution to promoting the health benefits of nature through the use of technology. The app allows users to earn rewards for participating in outdoor activities and enjoying Tennessee's beautiful public lands. Franklin parks are included in the app, so residents can visit and earn points toward backpacks or other rewards. (Williamson Source)
3. It's time to cast your vote for the annual Downtown Franklin Awards presented by Renasant Bank! Votes can be cast here, but be sure to get them in before Jan. 22 when the ballot closes. The Franklin business winners will be announced in February. (Downtown Franklin Association)

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Today in Franklin:

• Extended Tour, At Carnton (11:00 AM)
• Matt Burke Music Performance, At Americana Taphouse (6:00 PM)
• Good As Gold Painting, At Pinot's Palette (6:30 PM)

Special notice:

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile for two new series: Local Heroes and Star Student Athletes. The goal is to highlight heroes and star athletes in Franklin!

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From my notebook:

• Recycle natural Christmas trees with residential curbside services or by dropping them off at one of the Franklin locations. Drop-offs are located at Jim Warren Park, Fieldstone Park, and Liberty Park. Before recycling, please remove any stands, wrapping, nails, ornaments, lights, or tinsel. (City of Franklin, TN - Municipal Government via Facebook)
• David Cook will be performing at The Franklin Theatre on Feb. 11 at 8:00 p.m. for a special Acoustic Duo with a String Quartet. Tickets can be purchased online. (The Franklin Theatre)
• Don't miss your chance to see the Nashville Zoo in a whole new light! Light up your night at the largest lantern festival in the country, Zoolumination, which is taking place through Feb. 4. (Nashville Zoo)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer 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.