Spring has sprung as May flowers bloom!
From PLA Media client spotlights to important days in history, music trivia, movie facts, recipes and more!
Welcome to our May edition — a month bursting with blooms, birthdays, and big celebrations. May is named after Maia, the Roman goddess of growth and nurturing, who watched over plants and the green earth. How fitting for a month when everything seems to come alive! Throughout this press release, in honor of America250, we have several quotes from founding father Ben Franklin sprinkled in!
DAYS WORTH CELEBRATING / EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED
May 4 – Star Wars Day (“May The 4th be with you”).
May 5 – Cinco de Mayo. Celebrating Mexico’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Often confused with Mexican Independence Day (which is September 16).
May 6 – National Nurses Day. There’s still a big need for nurses ever since the pandemic — hug a nurse today!
May 10 – Mother’s Day. First organized by Anna Jarvis and celebrated at Andrews Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Don’t forget to call your mom!
May 12 – 50th Annual Preservation Awards presented by The Metropolitan Historical Commission: Starts at 4:30pm at the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, Free and Accepted Masons — 100 7th Avenue North, Nashville TN (Friends of Two Rivers founder and President Emeritus, Phil Claiborne, is among the honorees).
May 12 – Third Annual Ladies of Distinction – Iconic Women of Williamson presented by Your Williamson. Luncheon starts at 10:30am at The Factory in Franklin, TN. Tickets can be purchased HERE. (Our own Founder and CEO Pam Lewis is among the ladies being honored!)
May 13 – National Apple Pie Day
May 14 – Dance Like a Chicken Day. Send us your video! And it’s also National Biscuit Day — see our recipe below.
May 16 – Coquilles Saint-Jacques Day & Classic Movie Day. Two excellent excuses for a dinner-and-a-movie night.
May 16 – Armed Forces Day. Honoring all branches of the U.S. military.
May 20 – Quiche Lorraine Day — see our recipe below.
May 28 – 30 – International Country Music Conference at Belmont University, Nashville TN (click here for full details)
May 29 – Belmont Mansion “Spring Soirée” (click HERE for full details.)
May 29 – Coq au Vin Day — see our recipe below.
May 30 – Belmont Mansion “Seeking Eden: Spring Garden Event (click HERE for full details.)
May 30 – Mint Julep Day. Perfectly timed for Derby season memories.
“Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.”
— Benjamin Franklin
THE STARS ABOVE — MAY ASTROLOGY
May is split between two zodiac signs:
♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20) — The Bull — An earth sign ruled by Venus. Tauruses are known for bravery, passion, determination, and reliability. They’re proactive, sensual souls who love beauty and stability — the dependable friend you can always count on.
♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20) — The Twins — An air sign ruled by Mercury. Gemini personalities sparkle with curiosity, intelligence, cleverness, and quick wit. They’re energetic communicators, adaptable thinkers, and surprisingly loyal once you’ve earned their trust.
Birthstone: Emerald — a brilliant green gem associated with rebirth, love, and good fortune. Cleopatra herself was said to be obsessed with them. Some of the best emerald gemstones come from the country of Columbia.
“Well done is better than well said.”
— Benjamin Franklin
The Origins of Mother’s Day in the USA
Mother’s Day is May 10. Mother’s Day has been celebrated in the United States since being established in 1914 by Anna Jarvis who sought to honor her mother’s legacy by celebrating the sacrifices mothers make. President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation declaring the second Monday in May as a national holiday to honor mothers. Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan and the Philippines. Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala celebrate Mother’s Day on May 10 every year. Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal and Spain celebrate Mother’s Day on May 3 (first Sunday of the month). France, Sweden, Dominican Republic, and Morocco all celebrate the fourth Sunday of every May, this year it is May 31.
This Mother’s Day, we have a poignant new song honoring cherished mothers everywhere. Our client Camille Harrison has just released “I Miss You, Mother.” Watch the lyric video below, and stream the song anywhere!
CHECK OUT GREAT INTERNATIONAL CUISINE THROUGHOUT NASHVILLE
Along with being the “it” city, Nashville has a growing reputation of being a “foodie town.” As such, we welcome our new clients, Huseyin Ustunkaya and Harun Ustunkaya, Turkish-born decades-long residents of Music City who are delighting the city’s denizens with their three restaurants, French food staple Chateau West (3408 West End Avenue), Turkish food favorite Anatolia (48 White Bridge Road, in Lion’s Head complex) and Music Row Bar and Grill (1000 17th Ave S.), which serves American food with a Mediterranean twist. Contact each restaurant for Mother’s Day specials and meal options! (click the name of the restaurant to go to their specific locations).
Chateau West is now taking Mother’s Day reservations for Brunch — Call: (615) 432-2622. $50/person with a special brunch menu which includes soup/salad, entree and dessert options.
“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”
— Benjamin Franklin
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH: BREAKING THE SILENCE
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shattering stigma, opening up vital conversations, and reminding everyone that struggling is part of being human—and reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Throughout the month, individuals, organizations, and communities come together to amplify voices, share resources, and remind those battling silent struggles that they are seen, heard, and never alone.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
CLASSIC MOVIE DAY — Behind the Scenes
May 16 is Classic Movie Day! What is your all-time favorite? A few of ours: Casablanca, The Sound of Music, The Godfather, and the more recent Green Book. Pam swears by these picks, Claire loves Steel Magnolias while Matt loves all the above, plus Marcel The Shell With Shoes On, Thelma and Back To The Future.
DID YOU KNOW? Here are some delicious tidbits about Casablanca:
- Due to the world being at war and the era being a sensitive time for propaganda, the film was largely filmed in the backlot of Warner Bros in California with iconic sets like Rick’s Café filmed on entirely sound stages.
- Humphrey Bogart was actually shorter than Ingrid Bergman, so director Michael Curtiz had Bogart stand on wooden boxes or sit on cushions during their scenes together.
- Dooley Wilson, who played Sam, couldn’t actually play the piano — he was a professional drummer! The piano music you hear was performed by Elliot Carpenter behind a curtain, while Wilson copied his hand movements.
- The famous airport farewell scene was filmed on a soundstage with a cardboard cutout airplane and “little people” in the background to make the plane look life-sized.
- The line, “Play it again, Sam” is never actually spoken in the film! Bogart says, “Play it.” Ilsa says, “Play it once, Sam, for old times sake.”
- Many of the actors playing Nazis in the film were actual European refugees who had fled the real Nazis. During the famous “La Marseillaise” scene, many of them had real tears in their eyes.
“In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.”
— Benjamin Franklin
INTERESTING MUSIC FACTS
- None of The Beatles could read sheet music — not Paul, not John, not George, not Ringo. They wrote songs entirely by ear, humming melodies and committing them to memory.
- The catchiest song ever recorded? According to a study by the Museum of Science and Industry in England, it’s “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls. People recognized it in just 2.3 seconds — well below the 5-second average.
- Cows give more milk when they listen to slow music. A 2001 University of Leicester study found that cows listening to R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” produced 3% more milk than the control group.
- The first album recorded in space was made by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who recorded 11 original songs aboard the International Space Station. The 2015 album was fittingly titled Space Sessions: Songs from a Tin Can.
- Brian May, the lead guitarist of Queen, has a PhD in astrophysics. Talk about a star.
SUPER FAN DIARIES! A PODCAST FOR THE FAN IN ALL OF US
The SuperFan Diaries podcast and host J.R. Greene are on a mission to celebrate the heartbeat of every fan community—shining a spotlight on all forms of fandom, from die-hard sports loyalists and music devotees to film buffs, gamers, comic collectors, and every passionate corner in between. The podcast dives deep into the stories, traditions, and emotional bonds that turn casual interest into lifelong devotion, proving that fandom isn’t just a hobby—it’s an identity, a community, and for many, a lifeline.
Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we wanted to mention here how sports fandom has been increasingly recognized as a positive influence on mental health and overall well-being. Researchers have found that identifying with a team can foster a strong sense of belonging and community, helping to combat loneliness and social isolation. The shared rituals of watching games, celebrating victories, and even commiserating over losses create meaningful social bonds that contribute to emotional resilience. Studies have also linked fandom to increased self-esteem, a stronger sense of identity, and lower rates of depression, as fans often experience the uplifting effects of collective joy and purpose. In this way, cheering for a team is more than entertainment—it can be a genuine source of psychological support and connection.
Tune in to the SuperFans Diaries podcast and discover why being a fan might just be one of the best things you can do for your mind, your heart, and your community. For more information, visit the SuperFans Diaries website.
HISTORICAL PRESERVATION MONTH
As we celebrate historical preservation month, we wanted to draw attention to a few things going on. In addition to the great things happening at Two Rivers Mansion in Nashville, and Nashville Sites, Pam recently talked with Lillian Stewart about all of her historical-focus initiatives through the years along with a spotlight on Pam’s own two books about Franklin namesake Benjamin Franklin, the city’s great new statue on him, and, finally, a spotlight on Belmont Mansion’s annual Spring Soirée!
TWO RIVERS MANSION & STONE HALL
Check out the two historical properties managed by Friends Of Two Rivers. Two Rivers Mansion has a full calendar of events in the upcoming months. Both of these beautiful Nashville landmark properties can be rented for weddings and events both public and private. You can schedule your events at Two Rivers Mansion (HERE) or Stone Hall (HERE).
Nashville Sites
Hit the streets of Music City on your own time — Nashville Sites delivers self-guided audio tours that bring the city’s landmarks to life, right from your phone. Click HERE to visit their interactive platform!
This month is a time to celebrate the people and places that anchor our communities — and there’s no better way to honor it than with our recent episode of ApPLAudable Perspectives, where host Pam Lewis sat down with Lillian Stewart, a sixth-generation Franklin native and the first and only woman (so far) to serve as Mayor of Franklin, Tennessee.
After a term as Alderman, Lillian was elected Mayor from 1987 to 1989, where she became an early champion of comprehensive land use planning, helped launch Franklin’s first Main Street Streetscape initiative, and advocated for the historic overlay districts that still protect the character of downtown today.
Her decades of service through the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, Save the Franklin Battlefield, the Land Trust for Tennessee, and the Old Glory Chapter DAR’s Historic Preservation Committee have helped shape the Franklin we know and love.
Her conversation with Pam is a heartfelt reminder that every Main Street, storefront, and sense of place is worth fighting for. Applaudable Perspectives is available wherever you listen to podcasts. (Listen on Spotify!)
Don’t You Wanna Be A Rockstar?
Two Books Dedicated to American Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, Authored by Pam Lewis!
In celebration of Historical Preservation Month this May and building on the renewed focus on Benjamin Franklin’s legacy and the city of Franklin, PLA Media’s Founder and CEO, Pamela Lewis, has released a pair of books about the iconic Founding Father.
The first book, Benjamin Franklin: America’s First Rockstar, is packed full of interesting facts and anecdotes from Benjamin Franklin himself, interspersed with quotes from other historical figures from the USA and world at large, with an emphasis on fun.
The second book, Ben Franklin Visits Franklin for a Day, is a warm, engaging story filled with 60 original illustrations from local artist Isabella McAskill, who grew up in Franklin and now lives in nearby Spring Hill.
Both books are now available, published by Robbie Grayson III’s Traitmarker Media, and can be purchased online at Amazon (buy Benjamin Franklin: America’s First Rockstar HERE, and Ben Franklin Visits Franklin for a day HERE) or your other favorite online retailer.
Autographed copies also can be purchased locally in Franklin at Landmark Booksellers (114 E. Main St., Franklin, TN) , Twine Graphics (304 Public Square, Franklin, TN), Carnton (1345 Eastern Flank Circle, Franklin, TN), Carter House (125 W Fowlkes Street Franklin, TN) and Crown Jewelry and Gifts (1113 Murfreesboro Rd, Suite 116, Franklin, TN).
“(Benjamin Franklin: America’s First Rockstar) is an informative and invigorating book, which is food for thought thanks to its insightful quotes.”
— Markos Papadadates on truehollywoodtalk.com
Don’t forget to visit “Ben on the Bench,” Franklin Tennessee’s newly-installed statue of Ben Franklin just outside the Williamson County Archives and Museum with free exhibits inside (611 West Main). Take a seat with Ben. #BenOnTheBench
BELMONT MANSION’S SPRING SOIRÉE
As part of Belmont Mansion’s two day annual spring event, there is their annual Spring Soirée on Friday, May 29, 2026, and Seeking Eden: A Collection of Georgia’s Historic Gardens. Both events serve as a two day benefit for the Belmont Mansion Association. Click HERE for all of the details!
“Lost time is never found again.”
— Benjamin Franklin
MAY CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
May 1 – Tim McGraw (1967)
May 2 – David Beckham (1975), Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (1972)
May 3 – Bing Crosby (1904), Bianca Jagger (1945)
May 4 – Audrey Hepburn (1929)
May 6 – George Clooney (1961), Sigmund Freud (1856)
May 7 – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840), Johannes Brahms (1833)
May 8 – Harry S. Truman (1884)
May 11 – Salvador Dalí (1904)
May 13 – Stevie Wonder (1950), Harvey Keitel (1939)
May 14 – George Lucas (1944), Cate Blanchett (1969)
May 16 – Janet Jackson (1966), Pierce Brosnan (1953)
May 19 – Pete Townshend (1945), Grace Jones (1948)
May 21 – Mr. T (1952), Al Franken (1951)
May 22 – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859), Naomi Campbell (1970)
May 24 – Bob Dylan (1941), Queen Victoria (1819)
May 25 – Mike Myers (1963), Sir Ian McKellen (1939)
May 26 – Stevie Nicks (1948), John Wayne (1907)
May 31 – Clint Eastwood (1930), Brooke Shields (1965)
RECIPIES OF THE MONTH
The Traditional Mint Julep (for May 30)
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 8–10 fresh spearmint leaves
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
In a highball glass or metal julep cup, gently muddle the mint with the simple syrup. Add bourbon, fill halfway with crushed ice, and stir until the cup is frosted. Top with more ice and garnish with a sprig of mint.
Fun fact: The mint julep became popular in the 1800s using brandy, but bourbon eventually took over. It became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1938 — and an estimated 120,000 are served at Churchill Downs every Derby weekend!
The Perfect Biscuit (for May 14 — National Biscuit Day)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ¾ cup buttermilk
Whisk dry ingredients. Cut in butter until pea-sized crumbs form. Stir in buttermilk. Pat to 1-inch thick, cut, and bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes until golden.
Sweet Add-Ins: blueberries, chopped apples, strawberries, honey, cinnamon Savory Add-Ins: chopped chives, fresh herbs, shredded cheese, garlic powder, pureed yams or pumpkin.
A Final Note on Historical Preservation
By Pam Lewis
Multi-generational Franklinite Chuck Isaacs was one of the first folks I met when I moved to town in 1993. I had just purchased the Harrison House, a National Register homestead with a storied past—Confederate General Hood’s command post, a spy headquarters for Annie Briggs Harrison, and one of our 44 field hospitals. This house saw action in 1862 and most notably on November 30, 1864.
Harrison House and the surrounding land had been threatened with development for years. Chuck was working with Save the Franklin Battlefield, a dedicated preservationist who was relieved to learn I had no plans to develop the property. We became friends as I renovated the house and steeped myself in our shared history.
I hadn’t seen Chuck in quite a while when I ran into a bearded, hippie-looking guy strolling through downtown Franklin with his wife. “Hi, Pam,” he said. I’ll admit—I didn’t recognize him at first. I looked closer and… voilà! Chuck Isaacs! I remembered him as a smart, buttoned-up banker. Now he was retired and ‘letting his freak flag fly.’ I love it.
We caught up, and Chuck told me he’d taken up woodworking—he wanted to give me a walking cane he’d made. He was also teaming up with the city and other dedicated folks to clean and repair headstones in our historic cemeteries. He invited me to come help, mentioning he wanted to finish one special stone by Easter. He’d even recruited his four-year-old grandson, who enthusiastically declared that he loved working on the headstones because it was “like cleaning their teeth!”
Chuck had found a broken headstone belonging to a little girl named Alice McLemore, who lived only two months. Her sweetly carved marker—featuring a drooping flower, a symbol of a life cut short—had fallen forward into decades of mud and had broken. Chuck had carefully glued it back together and propped it up. But he had a deadline.
“I noticed her birthday was April 5th, Easter Sunday, and I made little Alice a promise to have her stone ready in time for her birthday,” Chuck explained.
And so, together, on April 4th, we took off the wood braces and gave the stone one last gentle cleaning. Just in time for her heavenly birthday.
Happy Birthday, Alice. One little girl, no longer forgotten.
“Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.”
— Benjamin Franklin