Monday, April 23, 2012

Festival was fantastic!



Thank you so much to our preschool families, church families, neighbors, and community members for attending the 2012 West End UMC Preschool Family Fellowship Festival. Our ticket sales were impressive, and we were able to provide fantastic entertainment for our families while also raising funds for our school and church.

While the Festival is the major fundraiser for West End UMC Preschool, the most important aspect goes far beyond the bottom line--it is our biggest opportunity for community-building within our school and for outreach to the greater population. This year's Festival had a number of new features, and by many accounts it was one of the most enjoyable events the school has hosted. This evening is a wonderful chance to create goodwill among our neighbors--families and local businesses, sponsors and vendors. A deep and heart-felt thank you to everyone who contributed.

To those in our community who were unable to take part this year, please consider participating next year! There are a myriad of opportunities to be involved. Whether you can volunteer to be on a Festival committee, cook for Gourmet Market, help during the Plant Sale, support the Photo Sale, or work a single volunteer shift during the day of the event--we think that you will find the effort to be very worthwhile. Having the chance to socialize and enjoy a shared family outing with your children's friends and teachers is a very special and joyous occasion!

Friday, April 20, 2012

Festival is tonight!


The Family Fellowship Festival is here--the big event is tonight! We hope to see many preschool families, church members, and visitors from the greater Nashville community. See you Down on the Farm--tonight at 5:30-8pm, at West End United Methodist Church!

Many thanks once again to our generous sponsors:

  • Tweed Baby Outfitters

  • Welcome Waggin' Petsitting and Dog Walking Services

  • Smart Sprouts

  • Nashville Holistic Pet

  • Studio BE

  • The Wife Works

  • Family Harmony

  • Radnor Wine & Spirits

  • Jim and Nancy Culver

  • Jean L. Byassee, Esq.

  • Wendell Smith's Corner


    The Family Fellowship Festival blog would also like to give special thanks to Catherine Young, Emily Bigelow, Eric Liu, Denise Johnson, Maggie Kleinheksel, Shelley Kuhlmeyer, Cate Connery Bury, and Susan Sandlin.
  • Thursday, April 19, 2012

    Wendell Smith's Corner

    Wendell Smith's Corner is sponsoring the festival! Wendell Smith's Corner has been a Nashville institution for decades. So much more than a meat-and-three restaurant, Wendell Smith's is where locals go for delicious, hearty Southern comfort food in an atmospheric setting.

    Wendell Smith's Corner
    65 years in business...same location!
    5300 Charlotte Avenue
    Nashville, Tennessee

    Look for the big yellow sign!

    Fresh Vegetables Daily!
    Your choice of:
    6 Meats
    15 Vegetables

    Phone number: 615.383.7114

    Wendell Smith's Corner is owned by Jakie Cook.

    Please support our sponsor! Many thanks to Wendell Smith's Corner for sponsoring West End UMC Preschool and the Family Fellowship Festival!

    Wednesday, April 18, 2012

    Blackbird Heritage Food Truck


    Blackbird Heritage truck will now be attending the festival! Blackbird Heritage is a farmed-owned food truck, putting the concept of farm-to-table on wheels. All meat is humanely raised on its farm in College Grove, Tennessee; dairy, cheese, and vegetables are sourced from neighboring farms.

    Here is Blackbird Heritage's menu for the festival:

    • Blackbird Burger--served with pickled red onion and yogurt-cumin sauce
    • Italian Sausage Sandwich--served with caramelized onion and apple-dijon mustard
    • Meatball Sub
    • Fresh strawberries in a balsamic syrup
    • Marinated asparagus salad topped with bacon
    • Kids' menu--grilled cheese sandwich or cheeseburger

    Welcome to Blackbird Heritage Food Truck!  Thank you for joining us at the Family Fellowship Festival!

    And last (but definitely not least)...


    The final item available in our mini-auction is a one-of-a-kind swing by Tweed Baby Outfitters! If you have had the pleasure of visiting Tweed Baby Outfitters, you may have seen the embellished swing in the back corner (next to the incredible handmade tree bookshelf, another of the store's original creations). Tweed Baby Outfitters has customized a swing just for West End UMC Preschool and the Family Fellowship Festival!

    In keeping with our Down on the Farm theme, the swing is decorated with adorable animals, a barn, and a weather vane. Aesthetes and design aficionados should not worry that a farm theme will not complement grown-up decor--this farm design is soft and sophisticated, taking its inspiration from Margaret Wise Brown's classic storybook 'The Big Red Barn.' This indoor swing is like a hammock for any room (but takes up less space), and would be wonderful in a nursery, playroom, or family room.



    These images show the swing in progress--come to the festival to see the finished product! Tweed's swings retail for a top-shelf $425, but this one is one-of-a-kind and cannot be purchased, except at our mini-auction! Thank you so much to Tweed Baby Outfitters for this amazing item!

    Tuesday, April 17, 2012

    Pets love presents, too!


    The next item available at our mini-auction will be a gift basket from Nashville Holistic Pet! This basket contains a gift certificate for a dog bath and nail clipping, along with an assortment of all-natural and delicious dog treats (retail value $70). This is the perfect gift for someone with a new puppy or rescue, or a wonderful way to treat your own canine family member. Thank you so much to Nashville Holistic Pet for your generous donation!

    Monday, April 16, 2012

    ***Food trucks update

    We have a special update on the food trucks for the festival. The Grilled Cheeserie will unfortunately not be able to attend due to a truck being in the shop this week--the repairs are not guaranteed to be completed in time for festival. The Grilled Cheeserie will do a special lunch for West End in the near future and donate the proceeds to the school.

    The Dinner Committee is confirming a wonderful replacement truck for the festival--details will be posted here as soon as they are available!

    Jean L. Byassee, Esq.


    Jean L. Byassee is a festival sponsor. Jean L. Byassee is with the law firm of Dobbins, Venick, Kuhn & Byassee, PLLC. located on 25th Avenue North. Her practice is primarily in healthcare contracts, probate and estate planning fields.

    Jean L. Byassee, Esq.
    Dobbins, Venick, Kuhn & Byassee, PLLC.
    (615) 321-5659
    www.dvlawfirm.com

    Many thanks to Jean L. Byassee for supporting West End UMC Preschool and the Family Fellowship Festival!

    Up next for the mini-auction...


    The next items that will be offered at the mini-auction have been generously donated by Studio BE! Studio BE has donated a gift certificate for an art party for up to 6 children (4 years and up). Invite your children and their friends to experience the joy of creating a gorgeous piece of artwork. Everyone will take home a lasting memento of a unique experience--the ultimate party favor! Studio BE art parties are $35 per child, so this party has a retail value of $210.

    Art prints by Cindy Wunsch, Studio BE's owner, will also be available. Cindy's beautiful work is calming and peaceful, equally suited to a child's or grown-up's room.


    Thank you so much to Studio BE for your gracious support of West End Preschool!

    Friday, April 13, 2012

    Ticket Pre-Orders and Photo Orders Due Today!


    Today is the last day to turn in your ticket pre-order form as well as your order form for Helen Burrus photographs. Please turn in forms at the church reception desk.

    Ticket Reminders:

  • Adults do not need tickets (wristbands)
  • Tickets (wristbands) are $10 for the Farmer Jason concert (ages 18 months and older)
  • Tickets (wristbands) are $10 for ages 2 and older for the inflatables in the gym
  • Tickets (wristbands) are $5 for children under 2 years old for the inflatables
  • Tickets will also be available at the door
  • Please bring your wallet for the food trucks, snow cones, the photo booth, and the mini-auction

    Photo Reminders:

  • Payment can be made for photos by submitting checks payable to "West End Preschool" with "photos" in the memo line OR credit card payments may be made in Susan's office on April 11 and 12 between 9-5
  • Mounted photographs will be available for pickup in the lobby on April 16 between 2:00-2:30 and 3:00-5:30 and on April 17 between 2:00-2:30
  • Please allow several weeks for delivery of reprints

    The Family Fellowship Festival is just one week away! Many thanks to our committee members, volunteers, church members, our hard-working preschool families, and the greater community. We are very much looking forward to having you join us Down On the Farm!
  • Thursday, April 12, 2012

    Radnor Wine & Spirits



    Radnor Wine & Spirits is sponsoring the festival! Owned and operated by Walt and Julia Johnson, Radnor Wine & Spirits is a local family business that provides the high-quality experience reflecting the owners' personal involvement in every aspect. The wide-ranging selection is impressive to behold, and Walt and his staff can answer any questions. The most senior employee, Noah Cain, has spent many years learning the business and studying on his own; Noah is very helpful with wine selection for any occasion. One employee is the resident expert in Italian wines, while another's specialty is red wines.

    Radnor Wine & Spirits carries a large selection of affordable everyday wines, along with a good variety of special occasion wines, champagne and other spirits perfect for entertaining or gift-giving. In twelve years, the store's stock has grown from just four wine racks to almost three hundred varieties. There is a large selection of spirits and liquers for entertaining or for cooking. Walt can put together a multi-case order of wine or spirits for parties, weddings and other special events.

    This establishment has very strong ties to West End Preschool and Church. The Johnsons are truly a West End family. Walt and Julia are longtime church members; Walt is a member of the Sanctuary Choir. Both of their children, Maggie (15) and Turner (13), are alums of the Dayschool and are current active members of the church and youth group. Noah is the son of Dayschool Fives teacher Nancy Cain and brother to Stella, Playschool Twos teacher. In patronizing Radnor Wine & Spirits, you will benefit from the excellent selection and service while contributing to a business that is closely connected to our community.


    Please support our sponsor! Radnor Wine & Spirits is located right off I-65 at the corner of Harding Place and Trousdale in the Crieve Hall neighborhood (the perfect spot to pick up a bottle of wine for dinner at Mama Mia's Italian Restaurant--located in the same shopping center). Please call Walt or Noah anytime or come visit them at the store.



    Radnor Wine & Spirits
    4685 Trousdale Drive
    615-833-1005
    walt@radnorliquors.comcastbiz.net
    www.radnorliquors.com
    Open Monday-Thursday 9am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 9am-11pm

    Last day for the Plant Sale!

    The Plant Sale is wrapping up today!
    Pre-ordered plants are available for pickup.  We also have an amazing selection of beautiful annuals, perennials and tropicals.  If you are looking for a bit of spring color, come see us in the WEUMC gym!

    Wednesday, April 11, 2012

    The next item is...


    The next item in our mini-auction is a $60 gift certificate towards petsitting or dog walking from Welcome Waggin' Dogwalking and Petsitting Services. Are you making travel plans for the summer and beyond? Don't forget to make arrangements for your pets! Welcome Waggin' can care for your furry family members in the comfort of their own home. Does your dog get the physical exercise and mental stimulation that only a brisk walk can provide? Welcome Waggin' can take your dog for a walk that will bring him home tired and happy. Please plan to bid and win--you could treat your pet to petsitting visits or dog walks! Thank you so much to Welcome Waggin' for supporting West End Preschool!

    Tuesday, April 10, 2012

    Good things come in small auctions!

    As you know, this year's festival will not include a full silent auction (look for one this fall). We know that families can find it difficult to peruse auction items and monitor their bids, while simultaneously enjoying dinner and spending time with their children.

    However, some of our wonderful sponsors (many of them first-time supporters of West End UMC Preschool) have donated a few things of particular interest to the preschool community, and we could not resist the opportunity to offer them. During this year's festival, we will have a mini-auction with just a handful of family-oriented items. These will be featured on the blog during the next two weeks. See the first items below!


    Our sponsor Smart Sprouts has generously donated two eight-hour childcare packages (retail value $105 each). Childcare at Smart Sprouts is the perfect way to get some hands-free time during the day; childcare packages can be shared among siblings. Smart Sprouts has also donated a birthday party space rental (value $150); up to 20 friends can play and celebrate for 2 hours with the help of a Smart Sprouts staff member.

    Who doesn't need flexible childcare or a birthday party venue? Please plan to bid, and win one of these great items! A big thank-you to Smart Sprouts for its generous support!

    Monday, April 9, 2012

    Family Harmony


    Family Harmony is sponsoring the Festival! Family Harmony is an organization with a simple goal: to help children and their families find peace and harmony in their homes and lives. Founded by West End Preschool teacher Mister Omid, Family Harmony offers a one-on-one personalized approach to helping your family at home, in school, or wherever it's needed.

    Please support our sponsor! Family Harmony offers individualized services as well as parenting workshops. Please see the website for more information.

    Family Harmony
    Omid Yamini, MS. Ed.
    Phone: 615-543-6643
    Email: harmonynashville@gmail.com
    www.familyharmonynashville.com

    Friday, April 6, 2012

    The Big Red Door


    What's behind the big red door?* To find out, order your tickets and come to the Family Fellowship Festival!

    Remember:
  • Festival is Friday, April 20th, 5:30-8pm at West End United Methodist Church (2200 West End Avenue in Nashville)
  • Ticket pre-orders are due Friday, April 13th; tickets will also be available at the door
  • Ticket prices: Farmer Jason concert--$10 (18 months and older), Inflatables--$10 (3 and older), $5 (2 and younger)
  • Please note that adults do not need tickets, and there is a maximum total ticket price of $50 per family
  • Don't forget to bring cash for dinner, snow cones, and the photo booth


    *Yet another masterpiece courtesy of members of the Decorations Committee: the lovely and amazing Alex Blau, Kristi Graham, Michelle Lewis, Alison Vehorn, and Catherine Young.
  • Thursday, April 5, 2012

    The Wife Works


    The Wife Works is sponsoring the festival! The Wife Works is a service that can help with most any type of errand, shopping, or small task. Like a concierge, The Wife Works can assist with many categories of projects, including:

  • Shopping (grocery store trips, returning items)
  • Errands (taking packages to the post office, returning library books, picking up dry cleaning)
  • Parties (addressing cards, buying gifts)
  • Housesitting (watering plants, collecting mail)
  • Car and home repairs (taking car in for maintenance or emissions test, waiting for repair people to arrive)

    The company's motto is "We get your stuff done. You get your time back." The president, Terri, is a parent and understands the many elements of keeping a busy household running. Use The Wife Works to take care of tasks that are simple but potentially burdensome (particularly with small children in tow); delegating these chores will free you for the jobs that most require your personal attention, or even allow you to dedicate some time to yourself. The service is also perfect for situations where a spouse is out of town, or when work commitments conflict with a household emergency.

    As a specialist in the small but necessary aspects of life 'maintenance,' Terri has developed expertise in completing assignments in the most rapid and efficient manner possible. She also has a broad knowledge base in topics of special interest to parents. Do you need to research summer camps or schools? Terri can customize a search to your specifications.

    Please support our sponsor! The Wife Works has offered West End Preschool its generous support not just this year, but in previous years as well. Contact The Wife Works and get your time back! The initial rate for services is $25 per hour, with a reduction for regular bookings. Gift certificates are available--these would make the perfect gift to celebrate Mother's or Father's Day, birthdays, or a new baby.

    The Wife Works
    Terri S. Bond, President
    73 White Bridge Road, Suite 103-113
    615-419-1484
    terri@thewifeworks.com
    www.thewifeworks.com
    The Wife Works Facebook page
  • Wednesday, April 4, 2012

    Food Trucks! It's What's for Dinner (and Dessert).

    Dinner for the Family Fellowship Festival will be provided by some of Nashville's own food trucks. We're excited about this year's menu offerings!



    The Grilled Cheeserie is Nashville's gourmet grilled cheese food truck. The ever-changing menu currently offers seven different kinds of cheese, including buttermilk cheddar and brie. You can make your own melt or choose one of the specialty melts (the Croque Madame has gruyère, rosemary ham, and a fried egg on rosemary garlic bread--yes please). You may have seen The Grilled Cheeserie parked around the corner from West End UMC at 24th and West End Avenue (one of its regular spots); on April 20th it will be in our parking lot!
    thegrilledcheeserietruck.com
    The Grilled Cheeserie Facebook page



    Smoke Et Al is the food truck for barbecue and beyond, using real wood smoke and other flavoring techniques to bring you mobile Memphis-style ribs and Southern fare. Locally sourced whenever possible and varying with the season, the authentic menu includes amazing entrees like Smoked Chix 'n' Biscuits (sour cream-sage biscuits, shredded smoked chicken, Tennessee wildflower honey, fried capers). Veggie and gluten-free options are available (just ask!).
    www.smokeetal.com
    Smoke Et Al Facebook page



    Hoss' Loaded Burgers is your local gourmet stuffed burger food truck! A burger begins with 1/3 lb of 100% organic, grass-fed, local beef, which is then stuffed with cheese, vegetables, homemade sauces, herbs, and spices. Try the 'Jack'alope--stuffed with pepper jack and topped with thick hickory smoke bacon, avocado, and jalapeño honey mustard; don't forget to add a side of rosemary parmesan or sweet potato fries. No one is left out; there is a vegan variation for every burger on the menu!
    www.hossburgers.com
    Hoss' Loaded Burgers Facebook page



    The Cupcake Collection is a family business, and all customers are welcomed like guests. The seven 'Every Day' flavors include sweet potato (just like sweet potato pie, in a cake) and wedding cake (vanilla butter cake with their signature vanilla buttercream). Caramel apple (apple streusel cake with chunks of granny smith apples, topped with caramel) and strawberry lemonade (strawberry and lemon swirl cake topped with strawberry and lemon buttercream) are in the eleven-flavor 'Occasional' rotation. Don't forget to save room for a sweet treat from the 'Cupcake Bus' after dinner!
    www.thecupcakecollection.com
    The Cupcake Collection Facebook page


    Many thanks to Stephanie Bowman and the Dinner Committee for getting this group together! We can hardly wait to see this fabulous fleet of food trucks at our own front door!

    Tuesday, April 3, 2012

    Studio BE



    Studio BE is sponsoring the festival! Studio BE is a beautiful art studio and gallery space, offering art instruction as well as special events. Cindy Wunsch is the lovely artist-owner; she creates her own art at Studio BE, including paintings, prints, ceramics, and her signature mixed media pieces. The artwork, which is sold in the studio, is serene and inspiring, reflecting Cindy's incredibly uplifting and positive personality. Cindy's work is also shown and sold in galleries throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia.

    Studio BE offers painting parties for children and adults, private and semi-private art classes, summer and holiday camps, and artist shows. The studio hosts wedding showers, birthday parties, and corporate team-building events. In addition, check the calendar for 'Wine Wednesdays'--for $20 you can bring a new project or work-in-progress (canvases are sold there if you need one) and Studio BE will provide paint, brushes, stamps, stencils, and other supplies, including the company of other creative and interesting people.

    Cindy also teaches inspirational workshops for adults, enabling people to step outside their left-brain lives and create meaningful art. Her ability to guide students is apparent in the amazing student art on display. Whether you create a piece at Studio BE for a special occasion or as part of an ongoing series of classes, you will leave with a lasting memento. Students describe taking classes at Studio BE as an 'addictive' and energizing experience.


    Please support our sponsor! Studio BE is located on Charlotte Ave near 49th Ave, across from Richland Park. Parking is available on the street or in the gravel lot adjacent to the building (enter lot from the alley behind the building).

    Studio BE
    4908 B Charlotte Ave
    (615) 818-0886
    cwunsch@comcast.net
    www.cindywunsch.com
    Studio BE Facebook page

    Monday, April 2, 2012

    Capturing the Moment



    A Family Fellowship Festival tradition, the Helen Burrus portraits are back again this year! Beautiful black-and-white photographs of our children will soon transform the church lobby into a stunning gallery. These mounted photographs will be available for purchase; the order form for reprints will be in your child's box or bag in the coming days.

    Helen Burrus captures the spirit of each child in a casual, natural setting-- a truly special photograph of your child!  She has been working with WEUMC Preschool children for years, creating lovely portraits for their families at a fraction of her studio rate.

    www.helenburrusphotography.com