NEXT Awards. Sponsored by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, the NEXT Awards recognize entrepreneurial-minded companies in Middle Tennessee, as well as the entrepreneurs who make a significant impact on our local economy. The awards were designed to celebrate and honor these people and organizations. All stages of businesses, from emerging startups to growth companies to well-established market movers, will be celebrated. Winners will be revealed in five industries that are vital to the Nashville-area economy. The evening starts at 5 p.m. with registration and the pre-event reception. Awards presentation begins at 6:30, followed by an after party until 9:30 p.m. Information: www.nashvillechamber.com/docs/default-source/pdfs/2014-next-finalists.pdf?sfvrsn=2the. Categories include:
- Digital Media & Entertainment
- Social Enterprise & Sustainability
In addition, individual awards for outstanding entrepreneurs will be given in the following categories:
- Entrepreneurial Partner of the Year
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- Legacy Entrepreneur of the Year
THURSDAY, NOV. 20
People’s Law School
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands is hosting a free program that provides an overview of common civil legal issues that a person might face. Taught by Legal Aid Society attorneys and volunteer attorneys. 6 to 7 p.m., Cohn Learning Center, 4805 Park Avenue. Registration: 298-8050, www.nashville.gov/Nashville-Community-Education.aspx. This session: U.S. Immigration: Understanding How it Works. (See Nov. 17 listing for details)
NashvilleNext Neighborhoods Meetings
NashvilleNext is bringing together members of the community to discuss how the 25-year master plan for Nashville will affect their neighborhoods. The last of the meetings will be held at Southeast Library Complex (at the Global Mall), 2325 Hickory Highlands Drive, at 6 p.m. In the most recent phase of the planning process, Nashvillians were asked to pick between three “Futures” that would guide decisions on zone changes, subdivisions and important infrastructure needs across the county. The leading choice, Centers with Infill, emphasizes increased transit to highly developed activity centers and the facilities to support them. At the neighborhood meetings, NashvilleNext planners are explaining how this choice relates to each neighborhood, and participants will provide feedback on how they would like to see the citywide plan adopted into each of the existing 14 community plans. NashvilleNext will be implemented primarily through the community plans, and additional details about these plans have been discussed since Oct. 30. Information: 862-NEXT (6398), [email protected].
Real Estate Investors Network
Williamson County Lunch Group. Rehabbers, builders, commercial, mini-storage, wholesalers, private lenders, transaction funders, hard-money lenders, bankers, title attorneys, realtors, and vendors discuss deals, the state of the market, and how they can help each other prosper. Thursday, November 20th, 11:15 a.m. Information: www.reintn.org.
Nov. 21-23
Midstate Holiday Art Festival
The Mud Puddle Pottery Studio & Art Gallery hosts its annual Tennessee Craft - Midstate Holiday Art Festival all weekend. Holiday shoppers can purchase handmade items for the gift-giving season. An artist reception kicks off the weekend at 6 p.m. on Friday. Artwork will be on display and available for purchase on Saturday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sunday (noon-5 p.m.). Information: www.mudpuddlepottery.com
Sunday, Nov. 30
Battle of Franklin Illumination Ceremony
The Battle of Franklin Trust will once again light 10,000 luminaries at dusk to honor the casualties inflicted during the Battle of Franklin. This year’s event, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the battle, will begin at 4 p.m. and will include brief programs at both The Carter House and Carnton Plantation. Information: www.battleoffranklintrust.org.
DEC. 5-7
Homes for the Holidays” Estate Tour
The Literacy Council of Williamson County’s “Homes for the Holidays,” a tour of four estate homes featuring holiday décor from some of Nashville’s top designers. Each estate will feature entertainment such as live music, as well as wine and spirits tastings, and one home will host a festive chocolate sculpture by gold-medal chocolatier Paul Burnash of Paul’s Chocolate Gallery in Franklin. Additionally, a gift shop featuring vendors including Small Town Charm, Ashley Woodcock Designs, Stella and Dot, Gaye Condurelis Decorative Trees, Stacye Clark Designs and Hugh and Me Jewelry will be open at the Princeton Hills (Kim and Ryan Foster) estate for visitors seeking that perfect holiday gift. Tickets can be purchased online at Homes4Holidays.org for $20, or for $25 at the door.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Oaklands’ 31st annual Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes
Explore historic homes decorated for the holidays at the 31st annual Oaklands Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes. 4-8 p.m. in Murfreesboro. The tour, sponsored by Franklin Synergy Bank, will feature private historic homes, a distinctive church and Oaklands Mansion. Admission is $12.50 per adult in advance; $15 per adult at the door, $5 per child ages 6-17 in advance or at the door, ages 5 and under are admitted free. Information: www.oaklandsmuseum.org.