Melinda Doolittle KeyNotes GFWC Brentwood Woman's Club Fundraiser

Melinda Doolitte

GFWC Brentwood Woman's Club (BWC) annual Step Up: It's a Charity Affair fundraiser will feature recording artist, Melinda Doolittle, on May 5, 2015. Melinda who became a household name on season six of American Idol continues thrilling audiences with her powerhouse vocals and charm will have dual roles as the club's guest speaker and performer.

In 2013 alone, Melinda was featured on 5 studio albums, including her sophomore release You're The Reason. Her latest album offers listeners a true glimpse into Doolittle as an artist, as she wrote and performed half of the songs on the album. Melinda told the Hollywood Reporter that she approached the album "from the aspect of love. It’s what shapes my life daily. I wanted to be transparent and honest."

BWC's Step Up: It's a Charity Affair fundraiser continues to grow in attendance and has garnered wave reviews throughout Williamson County. The fundraiser supports several endeavors of the club including its educational program. BWC's educational program includes an endowment fund with Columbia State Community College. 

The Club strongly believes the more scholarships it gives, the more the more opportunities others have to make a meaningful contribution to their communities. Education can assist in the goal to end poverty, attain a better job, improve their quality of life and create a better world.

At the annual fundraiser, the community is also introduced to Brentwood's Woman of the Year. Prior honorees have been Linda Lynch, City of Brentwood Community Relations Director; Joyce Keistler, Director of the Martin Center; Susan Leathers, prior Editor and Co-Owner Brentwood Home Page, Franklin Home Page and BrentWord Communications; Linda Jackson, Executive Director of BRIDGES; Nancy Osman, community volunteer and Director of Ty2 Foundation, and  Jennifer Wolcott, community volunteer with the American Red Cross and the Boys Scout.

Step Up: It's a Charity Affair and Brentwood Woman of the Year Luncheon

Tuesday, May 5, 2015.

Silent Auction starts at 10:30. Lunch served at 11:30. 

Brentwood Country Club

5213 Country Club Drive

Brentwood, Tennessee 37207
Tickets $50.00

RSVP: edkathkc1@att.net

More About Brentwood Woman's Club

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a unifying force, bringing together local women’s clubs, with members dedicated to strengthening their communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.  With 100,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members are community leaders who work locally to create global change by supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement, and working toward world peace and understanding.  The Brentwood Woman’s Club has been a chartered member of GFWC for over 40 years.

Dr. Susan H. Edwards to Speak at Brentwood Woman's Club April Meeting

Dr. Susan H. Edwards, Executive Director and CEO of the Frist Center for the Visual Art, will be the Brentwood Woman's Club's guest speaker for their monthly meeting on April 7, 2015. Dr. Edwards will share about leading one of the most dynamic museums in the world and upcoming exhibitions to the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.

The Brentwood Library is located at 8109 Concord Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027. The meeting starts at 11:00am promptly. BWC's general meetings are open to the public.

More About Dr. Susan H. Edwards:

Dr. Susan H. Edwards was decorated as a Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres (Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters) in a ceremony at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in 2011. The medal was presented by the Consul General of France, Pascal Le Deunff.

Susan H. Edwards is Executive Director and CEO of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville, Tennessee.  She also originates exhibitions, publishes, and lectures in the areas of modern and contemporary art and photography.  She is the author of Ben Shahn and the Task of Photography in Thirties America as well as articles that have appeared in The History of Photography, The Print Collectors’ Newsletter, and numerous exhibition catalogues.  She serves on the Bogliasco Foundation Advisory Board, Harvard University Art Museums Collections Committee and is an advisor for the Stephen Taller Archive at Harvard University. She is a member of the Association of Art Museum Directors.


More About the Brentwood Woman's Club:

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a unifying force, bringing together local women’s clubs, with members dedicated to strengthening their communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.  With 100,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members are community leaders who work locally to create global change by supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement, and working toward world peace and understanding.  The Brentwood Woman’s Club has been a chartered member of GFWC for over 40 years.

GFWC Brentwood Woman's Club Seeking Nominations for Woman of the Year

Contact:  Genma Holmes

Tel #:  615-506-7604

Email:  bwctn964@gmail.com

Seeking Nominations for Woman of the Year

For the past 6 years the Brentwood Woman’s Club has selected a Brentwood resident, to honor as their Woman of the Year.  Nominations are due by March 31 and can be submitted to club via email or mailed to the club at PO Box 964, Brentwood, TN. 37024.   A nomination form can be downloaded from club’s web-site: www.bwctn.org or by contacting the club’s email address:  bwctn964@gmail.com.  The selected recipient will be honored at the club’s annual spring fund-raiser, Step Up:  It’s a Charity Affair, at the Brentwood Country Club on May 5 featuring speaker and performer Melinda Doolittle.

Prior honorees have been Linda Lynch, City of Brentwood Community Relations Director; Joyce Keistler, Director of the Martin Center; Susan Leathers, prior Editor and Co-Owner Brentwood Home Page, Franklin Home Page and BrentWord Communications; Linda Jackson, Executive Director of BRIDGES; Nancy Osman, community volunteer and Director of Ty2 Foundation, and  Jennifer Wolcott, community volunteer with the American Red Cross and the Boys Scout.

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About the General Federation of Women’s Clubs

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a unifying force, bringing together local women’s clubs, with members dedicated to strengthening their communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.  With 100,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members are community leaders who work locally to create global change by supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement, and working toward world peace and understanding.  The Brentwood Woman’s Club has been a chartered member of GFWC for over 40 years.

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Red Cross Volunteer Named BWC's 2014 Woman of the Year

Jennifer Wolcott has been named the 2014 Brentwood Woman’s Club Woman of the Year.
Jennifer Wolcott was nominated by several members from the non-profit community for her altruistic and generous contributions of time and talents, specifically on behalf of the American Red Cross Natchez Trace Chapter and the Oasis Center.

For five years, the Brentwood Woman’s Club has selected a Brentwood resident, non-member of the club, to honor as their Woman of the Year. Prior honorees have been Linda Lynch, City of Brentwood Community Relations Director; Joyce Keistler, director of the Martin Center; Susan Leathers, editor and co-owner of BrentWord Communications; Linda Jackson, executive director of BRIDGES; and Nancy Osman, community volunteer and Director of Ty2 Foundation.

Joyce Espy Searcy, Director of Community Relations at Belmont University and former CEO of Bethlehem Centers of Nashville, was among those nominating Wolcott for this year’s honor.

"I have watched Jennifer Wolcott from afar give of herself and of her resources to many organizations in Nashville area. I have seen many people volunteer for recognition or to have their names linked with a large organization, but Jennifer volunteers because she is interested in meeting the needs of others and helping to change their quality of life," Searcy said.

Another nominator who spoke highly of Wolcott's volunteer spirit and sees her hands on work in the community up close was John Mitchell, Executive Director of the Red Cross Natchez Trace Chapter.

Natchez Trace Chapter of the Red Cross Board of Directors

Mitchell stated, "Jennifer provides leadership to our chapter through personal giving and also challenges others to give as well. Jennifer has served as our annual breakfast chair for two years. In 2012, our breakfast speaker was Trace Adkins. Due to the success of our breakfast, Trace was elevated to the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet. Trace later raised over 1 million dollars for the American Red Cross on a national level." During the last two years, the Natchez Trace Chapter Red Cross Breakfast attendance has increased to nearly 400 and the giving has increased to over $100,000.

Trace Adkins 2012 Keynote

Coach Franklin 2013 Keynote

Wocott is not limited to fundraising with the Red Cross. She has participated in disaster preparedness drills for the area counties that the Natchez Trace Chapter serves. She recruited her sons', Perry and Parker, Boys Scout Troop and others in the community to participate in the drills. The Middle Tennessee area is becoming more and more aware that the preparedness of a community for a natural or man-made disaster decreases lost of life and property damage.

In addition to her work with the Red Cross, Wolcott is a proud supporter of the Brentwood High School Band where her sons are members, she is very active with the Boy Scouts Troop 86 (Perry is an Eagle Scout), and is a small group host at her church, Harpeth Hills Church of Christ.

Jennifer Wolcott will be honored as part of the Brentwood Woman’s Club’s annual fundraising luncheon, Step Up, It’s a Charity Affair, on May 6, 2014 at Brentwood Country Club. The Brentwood Woman’s Club is celebrating its 40th Anniversary of service to the community this year. 

WSMV's Emmy Award winning meteorologist, Lisa Spencer, will provide musical entertainment.  The  silent auction will begin at 10:30 AM and lunch will be served at 11:30 AM. The club will  recognize it's 40th Anniversary of service by presenting a special gift to Williamson County. This event is open to the public. Seating is limited. Bring a friend and enjoy a “Ladies Day Out”.

Tickets are $50 and can be obtained by contacting Jean Hairston by email, jean.hairston@yahoo.com before deadline date of May 1, 2014.

Brentwood Woman’s Club is a member of the international General Federation of Women’s Clubs that is dedicated to strengthening local communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. GFWC members work locally to create global change by supporting the arts, preserving natural resource, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement, and working toward world peace and understanding.

2014 BWC's Woman of the Year Committee: Genma Holmes (Chair), Liz Martin (Club President), Paula Uhlir, Marilyn Tolk, and Helen Holzen



Photo Credits: Red Cross, Genma Holmes, Jennifer Wolcott , Lisa Spencer

Unique Christmas Ornaments For Sale to Support College Fund

For the past three years, the Brentwood Woman's Club has offered hand painted Christmas Ornaments by local artist, Lori Wegenka, of local scenes in Brentwood, Tennessee. The beautiful keepsake ornaments are depictions of open green spaces, town structures, and homes that so many residents in the Brentwood area love and treasure. These ornaments will make wonderful gifts for families, friends, and neighbors to enjoy now and years to come.  

The ornaments sold this holiday season will feature two Brentwood icons, The Clock Tower and The Turner Barn. The cost for each ornament is $30 of which $18 is tax-deductible. Money raised from the sale of Lori Wegenka's Christmas Ornaments will support the GFWC Brentwood Woman's Club educational fund for Williamson County residents at Columbia State Community College. For more information or to purchase, contact Mary Phillips at map10@bellsouth.net

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The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a unifying force, bringing together local women’s clubs, with members dedicated to strengthening their communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. With 100,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members are community leaders who work locally to create global change by supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement, and working toward world peace and understanding.

The Brentwood Woman’s Club is celebrating 40 years as a 501(c)3 organization in Williamson County.

Nancy Osman named BWC's Woman of the Year

Williamson County's Nancy Osman has been named "Woman of the Year" by Brentwood Woman's Club. Unbeknownst to her, several close friends of Nancy Osman gathered to share stories from their lifelong friendships. 

Nancy has worked tirelessly with the Ty2 Foundation throughout the past year while volunteering in the community with several other organizations. Nancy is also well known for her servant leadership and generosity with her church family.

 

The Osman Family (May 2011)

In March 2012, Nancy Osman and her husband Ty, Sr. lost their son, Ty Osman II, in a tragic car accident. A 2011 graduate of Brentwood High School, Ty was a freshman at Harding University headed to a spring break. Ty was hit while helping others on the side of the road. He was always a very service oriented young man, going on mission trips with his family and church. A few months after Ty, II's death, Nancy and her husband decided to do a service project in their son’s memory. 

Nancy and Ty approached the Hard Bargain Association (HBA) in May 2012 about doing a service project in honor of their son. HBA serves Hard Bargain, a historic African American neighborhood in downtown Franklin, TN. The mission of Hard Bargain Association is to impact lives and preserve the Hard Bargain neighborhood by rehabbing existing homes, building quality affordable housing, and enriching the lives of our neighbors.

The only project available was a big undertaking, not a simple one day project. HBA was in the initial stages of needing to renovate the former Mt. Hope Cemetery caretaker’s house into a new community center for the Hard Bargain neighborhood.

 When Ty first saw the former cemetery caretaker’s house, he was overwhelmed by the amount of work needed to be done before anyone could come volunteer. However, when Nancy saw the house the next day, she saw possibility the moment she walked into the house. Instead of seeing a dilapidated house in need of major repairs, she had a vision of how this house would serve the residents of Hard Bargain. When she was made aware that the residents of the neighborhood had been dreaming of having a community center in their neighborhood for years, she began to visualize what an impact this community center would have. She knew it was a perfect fit for a project to honor her son, because he cared so much about giving back and helping others.

While the renovation of the house was a team effort (friends, family, her husband’s construction company, volunteer subcontractors, and the Ty2 Foundation), Nancy was the first one to have the vision of how great this could be. Her friends rallied around her to help organize volunteers for the “Ty Us 2gether @ Mt. Hope” service day on August 11, 2012. Over 400 hundred volunteered that faithful day! Instead of getting stuck in a mire of grief, she took action and channeled her energy into this project. She used her grief in a positive way and blessed an entire community in the process. 

During the “Ty Us 2gether @ Mt. Hope” service day, in addition to the work on the new community center, additional projects were done in the Hard Bargain community. More than a dozen residents received help with much needed repairs on their homes, landscaping, and yard work, as well as simple house repairs. Other projects included the demolition of a mobile home that was in terrible condition and a playground was established in the neighborhood, complete with a large Jungle Gym, horseshoe pit, and picnic tables.

Additionally, the McLemore House Museum of African American History was painted inside and out. Lastly, volunteers help landscape and do repairs on the Franklin Primitive Baptist Church, the oldest African American church in Williamson County.

The McLemore House

The new Hard Bargain community center opened in October 2012 and was named Ty’s House, in memory of Nancy’s son. Ty’s House is a tremendous contribution, not only to the Hard Bargain, but to Williamson County. The former caretaker’s house is a beautiful, historic building that was preserved. This building is one of the few remaining examples of Second Empire architecture, sometimes called the General Grant style, in Williamson County. If not for the renovation, Williamson County would have lost not only a rare architectural treasure, but also a piece of the historic cemetery’s and the neighborhood’s history.

The Hard Bargain build was not the only project spear headed by the Nancy and the Ty 2 Foundation during the past year, but it was it largest undertaking to date. 

 

Nancy and the Osman family are humble about the many lives they have impacted in the communities of Middle Tennessee, across the country, and around the globe. Nancy would be the last person to want recognition for doing what she loves to do, serving others to glorify God. That is what makes her such a wonderful "Woman of the Year".

(I want to thank HBA and the world's greatest girlfriends for your help. )

Other posts about the Ty 2 Foundation

http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/2013/02/hard-bargain-association-discuss-tys.html
http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-ty2-foundation-on-living-your-best.html