Darrell Waltrip Automotive Kicks Off Hometown Heroes Program

February 15, 2011 marked the start of Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s Hometown Heroes program.  Each month, Darrell Waltrip Automotive will recognize one hero and make a $500 donation to a charity of their choice. Additionally, all heroes will also receive a special prize package as recognition of their own hero status.

We kicked off our new program with the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce after-hours mixer, which included hearty h'or duerves and beverages from local vendors, including Franklin’s Bunganot Pig, Constant Craving Caterers, & Moon Wine & Spirits.  Shuff’s Music & Piano showroom donated a baby grand piano for the event.  Additionally, coffee was provided by Beve Mobile Coffee.  We would like to thank all of our vendors, including VIP Williamson County Magazine and Williamson Herald for their participation!

If you would like to nominate your local Middle Tennessee hero, please visit Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s Hometown Heroes website and submit your nomination!

Thank you again to all of our vendors and attendees- what a great event!

Rainy Days

What a beautiful morning! My commute to work was alright, despite the rain; but as I got closer to Franklin, I could feel my car hydroplaning as I exited 65-South to Murfreesboro Road. Luckily, it was around 6:30am, and there were no other cars on the road- but what to do if you are in particularly heavy traffic?

In case you, or someone you might know, would be interested in some helpful driving-in-rain tidbits, I wanted to point you in an excellent direction for guidance.

Edmunds published these Tips and Techniques for Driving in Rain, and after reading them, I must say they do come in handy.

Allow more time for travel. I think this is extremely important- with the buildup of oil and grease on the road, trying to get anywhere in a hurry is risky business. Add a couple inches of water, and it can mean disaster quickly. Plus, we all know how Nashville traffic can get, and traffic will be backed up somewhere- so go a little slower.
Break earlier and with less force. This follows the ‘allow more time for travel’ (and go a little slower) part. Making sure that you allow enough room between you and the car in front of you helps when traffic stops to a stand-still. Additionally, it allows time for the driver behind you to brake as well.
Avoid Puddles. Water typically runs to the side of the road, so making sure you remain as close to the middle as possible helps prevent running into deep standing water. “Water splashing up into your car’s engine compartment could damage its internal electrical systems”, and masks problems on the surface. Is there a pothole under the water? Trouble.
Don’t Use Cruise Control. In bad weather reaction time is of the utmost importance- cruise control allows you “to be less vigilant”, so try not to use it in rainy weather.
Turn on your headlights. With visibility an issue, it allows other drivers to see you, and allows you to see the road.
Defog your windows.

If you do start to hydroplane, don’t brake suddenly or turn the wheel. Like I did this morning, release the gas pedal slowly and steer straight until the car regains traction. If you must brake, Edmunds offers, “tap the brake pedal”- unless you have anti-lock brakes, then you can put your foot down.

Make sure you stay on top of your car’s condition- if you have any questions about your tires (pressure and tread depth), brakes, front/rear wiper blades, or defroster, call your local shop to get it checked out!
For service call 615-791-1101 and ask the receptionist to connect you with Honda, Volvo, or Subaru Service.

Read the full Edmunds article here: http://beta.edmunds.com/car-safety/tips-and-techniques-for-driving-in-rain.html?articleid=45401

Happy holiday driving!

Franklin Veterans Day Parade

November 11, 2010 marked the 9th Annual Franklin Veterans Day Parade. The Veterans parade prior to September 11th 2001 had only been held once before in 1946, after the end of the Second World War.

The parade boasted 612 Veterans from the area, and represented World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, as well as Iraq and Afghanistan. WAKM Radio worked in conjunction with Franklin Special School District, Williamson County Veteran Affairs Office, the City of Franklin, and Williamson County Archives.

This year was the first year for the parade to host a reception for the Veterans, which was a phenomenal success and allowed the Veterans and civilians to browse through the extensive archives documenting the military and societal history of Williamson County.

2010 Jack and Back MS Bike Ride Fund Raiser

Darrell Waltrip Team Riders.

Beth Schaller, Mark Smallwood, Jamie Putman, Dick Wilson, Andy Giordano, John Gallagher, Jean "Coach" Rollins.

Darrell Waltrip Automotive Donates $500 to Battle Ground Academy

Front Row L-R: Kim Bauer, Camille Caldwell, Jacklyn Abernathy, Brenna Kirkpatrick, Mary Nowland Sessions, Catherine Raymond, Brandon Jackson, Clara Wempe, Tanner Welch, Katie Baier, & Mack Roberts
Back Row L-R: Stokes Dunavan, Evan Derry, General Manager John Gallagher, Darrell Waltrip, Mercy Clinic’s Event Director Jessica Perry, Andy Zhu, Austin Bond, Olivia Lewis, Matthew Minor, & Matthew Klett

Earlier this week, Darrell Waltrip Automotive Owner Darrell Waltrip, General Manager John Gallagher and Mercy Clinic’s Event Director Jessica Perry presented Battle Ground Academy’s (BGA) Head of Middle School Kenneth Wempe with a check for $500. The check was donated by Darrell Waltrip Automotive for the BGA cross-country track team members, the largest team raised by a school for the Franklin Classic.

The Franklin Classic was hosted earlier in September and raised money for Mercy Children’s Clinic in Franklin, TN.

Battle Ground Academy was established in 1889 and was named “due to its original location on the battle ground of the Civil War Battle of Franklin”, according to their website.

Dr. John Griffith, Head of BGA, states, “from formative kindergarten activities to rigorous college preparatory courses, students at BGA receive the individualized attention that allows them to thrive both in school and life”.

BGA is an independent college preparatory academy and currently serves over 300 students in their middle school, grades 5-8. Head of School Kenneth Wempe said no decision has been made on how to spend the funds, but they will likely be used for something tangible that benefits the school.