Christmas Program & Reception

Our Annual Christmas Program and Reception was a great success! Over 450 friends from all over middle Tennessee joined us in Jamison Hall to see our adults perform and to enjoy refreshments provided by Jo's Custom Cakes & Catering. Thank you to everyone who came out - our adults have been working on the show all year and were so proud to show off their hard work and talent!

See pictures from the evening here.

Guys Ready for Christmas Parade

And our guys were not to be outdone! Here's Don and Bobby sporting their Christmas sweaters!

Christmas Elves

Jennifer and Catherine were our Christmas elves today!

Franklin Christmas Parade

Several BrightStone adults participated in the Franklin Christmas parade today. What fun!

Star of the Week: Jeff

Jeff has been on top of his game lately! He comes in every morning with a huge smile, ready for the day. He sits on the front row in the Christmas program so be sure and watch his feet; he is a great toe-tapper! While at BrightStone, Jeff's favorite activities are working in consumables, computer activities, eating at Chick-fil-A, and helping cook lunch. Congratulations, Jeff!

Star of the Week: Jennifer

Jennifer will be wearing an elf costume and walking in the Franklin Christmas Parade tomorrow. We guess elves come in all sizes! Jennifer does a great job as an elf. Her BrightStone favorites include working in consumables, bowling, computer activities, and saying the prayer before lunch. Way to go, Jennifer!

BrightStone's Holiday Happenings

Holiday Happenings

Mark your calendar for these upcoming BrightStone events!

November 28
Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A (Columbia Ave.)

5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Join us for all sorts of entertainment, including music, dancing, karaoke, face-painting, and short performances by our BrightStone adults at 5:00, 6:00, & 7:00.

When you purchase your meal, tell the Chick-fil-A staff you are supporting BrightStone's Spirit Night!

December 1-3
BrightStone's Jingle Bell Sale

140 Southeast Parkway Court in Franklin

December 1, 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

(Sneak-A-Peek night, $5 donation at door)

December 2, 10 am to 6 pm

December 3, 10 am to 3 pm

Visit our biggest sale of the year for fabulous gift items hand-crafted by BrightStone's special adults!

December 8
BrightStone's Annual Christmas Program and Reception

"Santa Claus is Back in Town"

Jamison Hall, The Factory at Franklin

6:30 pm

This heart-warming performance, and the reception that follows, are BrightStone's gift to the community!

December 15
Chili's Give Back Night (Columbia Ave.)

Use our flier and eat at Chili's between 11 am and 10 pm on December 15, and Chili's will donate 10% of proceeds from your meal to BrightStone.

Watch for an upcoming email with more information (and the flier), but mark your calendar now!

Star of the Week: Allen

Allen is one of our dancers in the Christmas Program and he's doing a great job. Be sure to come and see him! Allen shows up every morning with a big smile, ready for the day. His BrightStone favorites list includes working in consumables, bowling, computer activities, using the exercise equipment, and helping serve lunch. Way to go, Allen!

Star of the Week: Chase

Chase takes pride in his work and is good at all of our BrightStone jobs. In his leisure time, Chase enjoys doing worksheets; what a great hobby to keep his mind sharp! While at BrightStone, Chase says he enjoys working in consumables, grocery shopping, helping cook lunch, and exercising at the YMCA. Congratulations, Chase!

Star of the Week: Jessica

Star of the Week: Jessica
Jessica's favorite thing about being star of the week is getting to go grocery shopping with Billy and Theresa. She's a great shopper! Jessica's BrightStone favorites are working in consumables, bowling, playing games, and playing ball at the YMCA. In her leisure time, she enjoys the Disney channel, eating at Red Lobster, and playing with her dogs, Max and Daisy. Way to go, Jessica!

Star of the Week: Al

We helped Al celebrate his 26th birthday this week. He took one quick look in the birthday box and picked out a movie! Movie watching is one of his favorite leisure activities. While at BrightStone, Al enjoys working in consumables, computer activities, and playing ball. We know his family would want us to mention that LSU is his favorite football team, too. Congratulations, Al!

Star of the Week: Tara "the Bug"

Tara was so cute on Monday at the Halloween party - she was dressed up like Raggedy Anne, and she looked great in her costume! Tara, like Kelly M., is a die hard BrightStone girl, and she treasures each of her BrightStone friends. Tara's favorite BrightStone activities include music with Judy, grocery shopping, cooking with Theresa, and working in mixes. Way to go, Tara!

Star of the Week: Kelly M.

Kelly is a BrightStone girl; she is never ready to go home because she enjoys her friends and all of our activities! Her favorites list includes working in mixes, shopping, computer activities, cooking, and playing basketball at the YMCA. Congratulations, Miss Kelly!

STAR OF THE WEEK--MIKE

"Gentle as a lamb" are the words that best describe Mike. He tries his hardest to do whatever he is asked, but he never takes his mind off his favorite people. It could be someone at BrightStone, but is most likely one of his favorite entertainers. While at BrightStone Mike says he enjoys painting, bowling, computer activities and saying the prayer before lunch. Carrie Underwood is his favorite singer. He also enjoys eating at Poncho's.

STAR OF THE WEEK-MICHAEL

It is heart warming to see how emotional Michael gets as his name is called to be "Star of the Week!" He is thrilled at the honor! Michael has been coming to BrightStone from the very beginning. He enjoys working in consumables, bowling, computer activities, and helping cook lunch. In his leisure time, he says he listens to Michael Jackson music, rides horses, and enjoys eating at O'Charley's.

Star of the Week: Ali

Ali has been very social lately wanting to visit with all his friends. It is so wonderful to see him feeling so well and enthusiastic. His favorite BrightStone activities are working in consumables, computer activities, bowling, and using the exercise equipment. In his leisure time, he enjoys watching the Disney Channel and eating at Olive Garden. Way to go, Ali!

Star of the Week: Kelly U.

Kelly had a special twinkle in her eye when her name was called as star of the week. She has had a good week and proudly answered the questions about her favorite activities. During her leisure time, she enjoys listening to oldies and eating at Red Lobster. Her favorite TV show is the Joy Behar show, and her favorite BrightStone job is painting. Kelly also enjoys shopping, computer activities, and helping serve lunch. Good Job, Miss Urban!

Christmas Cards are in!

Our 2011 BrightStone Christmas Cards are in!

View and order cards here.

Each of our cards was designed by our special adults, and this year's cards are too precious to pass up!

Also, if you order online, we'll throw in 2 of our BrightStone classic Christmas cards for free.

Order yours today!

Holiday Hullabaloo

Check out pictures from Holiday Hullabaloo here!

This event was hosted by Helping Hands - Caring Hearts, a charitable organization within Polk Place, and it benefited BrightStone. Thank you to our wonderful neighbors for hosting this FUNdraiser for us!

Star of the Week: Brian

Star of the Week: Brian
Brian doesn't bowl with us often because he doesn't come to BrightStone on Fridays, but he did bowl with us this week at Special Olympics, and he really got into his game! He's a man of few words, but the smiles of satisfaction when he knocked lots of pins down was priceless! Brian's BrightStone favorites are painting, playing basketball, and playing computer games. Good job, Brian!

Star of the Week: Elissa

Star of the Week: Elissa
Elissa started coming to BrightStone in January and seems to enjoy every minute of her time here. In fact, she wasn't too thrilled to go on a family trip this weekend because it meant missing Sloppy Joes for lunch today! She says she enjoys using our exercise equipment, working in consumables, bowling, and computer activities. Congratulations, Elissa!

Star of the Week (last week!): Jenny

Star of the Week (last week!): Jenny
Jenny is always tidying up around BrightStone. She wants to make sure all the chairs are pushed under the tables in the multi-purpose room, and when we're loading the bus, she says in a loud voice, "Come on, let's go!" and gets tickled at herself and laughs. (Jenny's got a great sense of humor!) Jenny's BrightStone favorites are grocery shopping, working puzzles, working in the consumables room, and doing stretching exercises. Good job, Jenny Ann!

Star of the Week (last week!): Don

Star of the Week (last week!): Don
Don is very pleasant and always cooperative. He has impaired vision and had to learn the routine at BrightStone; now that he's comfortable here, he enjoys being with the BrightStone family and doing all of our activities. Don says his favorite activities are painting pots, bowling, computer activities, helping cook lunch and doing stretching exercises. In his leisure time, he enjoys listening to country music and eating at McDonald's. Way to go, Don!

Thanks to our Ensworth volunteers!

A big thank you to the Ensworth volunteers who came to spend the day with our adults. What a great group of young men and women!

Star of the Week (last week!): Barbara D.

Barbara is a talented lady who enjoys drawing and playing the piano in her spare time. She gives her best to all of our BrightStone jobs and says consumables is her favorite. She also enjoys computer activities, bowling, helping cook lunch and walking for exercise. Way to go, Barbara!

Star of the Week (last week!): Jon

Jon is our all around sports guy. He likes and plays many different sports; he's great at basketball and golf! He played in the BrightStone golf tournament on Tuesday and did a great job. When he's at BrightStone, Jon enjoys painting, bowling, helping serve lunch, stretching exercises and sudoku puzzles. Good job, Jon!

STAR OF THE WEEK: KIM

Kim is just a friendly southern lady. She quickly tells everyone she meets, "Hi, I'm Kim. How are you doing?" Kim's BrightStone favorites list includes painting pots, doing worksheets, helping serve lunch, using the exercise equipment, and going to Chick-fil-A. In her leisure time, she enjoys playing with her dog, Little Boy.

STAR OF THE WEEK: JEFF

Jeff keeps himself busy with Facebook and listening to gospel and country music. He also enjoys playing the piano. During his BrightStone time, his favorite activities are working in consumables, computer activities, helping cook lunch, going to Chick-fil-A for a Friday treat, and stretching exercises.

Star of the Week: Kate

Star of the Week: Kate
Kate is a wonderful lady who is quick to help whenever she can. She told us that her BrightStone favorites include mixes, shopping, computer activities, cooking lunch with Theresa and stretching at the YMCA. Away from BrightStone, she also enjoys dining at TGIFriday's and cheering for the Titans. Good job, Kate!

Star of the Week: Stephanie

Star of the Week: Stephanie
Stephanie is a lovely lady who always has a smile on her face. Her favorite BrightStone activities include mixes, shopping, computer activities, saying her prayer before lunch and riding the exercise bike. In her leisure time she likes to listen to the Beach Boys and play with her dogs, Max and Daisy. Congratulations, Stephanie!

Meet our intern, Carol

Meet Carol, an intern from Nashville State who's helping our adults make the most beautiful products you've ever seen. You won't want to miss the gorgeous pieces that will be for sale this fall and winter!

Star of the Week

Star of the Week: Barbra C.
You can't find a more pleasant, easy-going lady than Barbra. She is always ready for whatever comes at BrightStone! Barbra is a great bowler and a very good helper in the BrightStone kitchen. Her BrightStone favorites include painting, bowling, computer activities, and playing ball. Good job, Barbra C.!

Star of the Week

Star of the Week: Catherine
Catherine is one of our newest students, but it's almost like she's been here since day 1! She's already made some great friends, and like Barbra, she's always smiling. The BrightStone activities she enjoys the most are painting, going to the library, playing games and helping cook lunch. We are proud of you, Catherine!

Star of the Week: Jennifer

Star of the Week: Jennifer
Jennifer is a people person, and her favorite thing about BrightStone is all the friends she's made here. Every day she's here, she gives everyone a personal greeting when they come in the door. Jennifer was thrilled to be selected as Star of the Week and get to go grocery shopping with Theresa and Billy. Her BrightStone favorites are stretching exercises, working in consumables, computer activities and helping cook lunch. Good job, Jennifer!

Star of the Week: Cathy

Star of the Week: Cathy
Cathy just had a birthday and is pushing the big 6-0. She is a feisty lady with a great spirit and sparkle in her eyes. She takes pride in her work and is always willing to show everyone the good job she does. Her BrightStone favorites include using the exercise machines, working in consumables, grocery shopping and helping cook lunch. Way to go, Cathy!

Star of the Week: Allen

Star of the Week: Allen

Allen has lived in Franklin for about two years in a supported living home, and he has done great there! He also does a great job at BrightStone and enjoys participating in all of our activities. We are proud of you, Allen! Allen's favorite things include:
Physical activity: exercise bikes
Daily living job: praying before lunch
Music: church choir
Animal: horse

Star of the Week: Jessica

Star of the Week: Jessica

Jessica is a fun girl who is very friendly to everyone. She and our newest student Catherine have become good friends quickly! You can always catch them teasing and laughing, and it's great to see them having such a good time.Good job, Jessica! Jessica's favorite activities include:
BrightStone job: consumables
Recreational activity: library
Music: Beach Boys
Animal: her dogs Max and Daisy

STAR OF THE WEEK

Chase is a great painter and takes pride in his work. No wonder he said that painting was his favorite BrightStone job! Chase is very competitive and is also good at basketball and bowling.

Favorites include: Playing ball at the YMCA, painting, bowling, computer activities, praying before lunch, taco salad, Disney channel, music by Josh Turner, the color blue, puppies, Pancho's, and basketball.

STAR OF THE WEEK

Ali has been so excited to be back at BrightStone this week. He has just returned from a trip to Iran for about 6 weeks. He brought gifts to everyone. We all know there is joy in giving, and Ali has had a wonderful time distributing his gifts.

Favorites: Playing ball, working in consumables, bowling, computer games, praying before lunch, hamburgers, the Disney channel, pop music, the color red, fish, O'Charley's, and the TN Titans.

Spirit Night @ Chick-fil-A

The South Franklin Chick-fil-A (on Columbia Ave.) recently hosted a BrightStone Spirit Night, and 20% of the evening's sales benefited BrightStone! We are so grateful for our wonderful neighbors at Chick-fil-A and for everyone who came out to eat chicken with our adults, their families, and the BrightStone staff. Eating chicken to support BrightStone is definitely a win-win, and we're looking forward to more Spirit Nights at Chick-fil-A in the future!

Click here to see some pictures from the evening.

Star of the Week: Mike

Star of the Week: Mike
Mike enjoys coming to BrightStone and has made great friendships over the years. One interesting thing about Mike is that he impersonates people; listen closely and you'll hear him practicing this skill in a low voice. Whether it's one of the BrightStone staff-members or one of his favorite celebrities, it's great to have him show off some of his impersonations. Way to go, Mike!
Favorite BrightStone job: painting
Favorite learning activity: computer
Favorite daily living job: praying before lunch
Favorite singer: Carrie Underwood

Star of the Week: Michael

Star of the Week: Michael
Michael is overjoyed when his name is called as Star of the Week. It's obvious he appreciates the recognition for the work he does! Michael is a busy guy who enjoys camping, fishing, riding horses and going to antique car shows. We are proud of you, Michael!
Favorite physical activity: playing ball
Favorite BrightStone job: ceramics
Favorite Animal: horses
Favorite sport to watch: hockey

Star of the Week: Kelly M.

Star of the Week: Kelly M.
Kelly is a hard-working, active young lady who is always ready for her BrightStone day. Here are some of her favorite things:
BrightStone job: working in consumables
Learning activity: worksheets and sorting buttons
Daily living job: helping cook lunch
Music group: Selah (gospel)
Animal: her dog Pixie
Sports team: Tennessee Titans

Star of the Week: Brian

Star of the Week: Brian
Brian is a great worker who loves working on his puzzle and word search books. Here are some of his favorite things:
BrightStone job: painting
Recreational activity: bowling
BrightStone lunch: spaghetti
TV show: game shows
Restaurant: McDonalds
Sport: Basketball

Star of the Week: Philip

Star of the Week: Philip

Sometimes Philip is referred to as a gentle giant; this is an accurate description of this tall, gentle man, who has a great sense of humor! You could also call him Mr. Manners - he has a great smile and is always very courteous. Philip's list of BrightStone favorites include working in consumables, going to the library, working puzzles, walking and stretching exercises and praying before lunch. Good job, Philip!