Here's To The Ladies
    
    
    
    
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              “She’s got style, she’s got grace, she’s a winner. She’s a lady.”
- Paul AnkaMay marks the midpoint of spring, and it is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Middle Tennessee. It is a time to savor the aroma of blooming flowers under sunny blue skies before the long, hot days of summer arrive.
May is also a time of reflection.
As the month in which Mother’s Day falls, it is fitting that we take time to reflect upon the ladies in our lives. Wives, daughters, mothers, grandmothers, sisters – they have all helped to nurture and guide us into becoming the best that we can be.
In recognition of the importance of the women in our lives, we at Hendersonville Lifestyle devote our May issue to bringing you stories about some of the ladies who are making a difference every day. Through their efforts, Hendersonville has become known as one of the best places in America in which live, work and play.
We begin our May sojourn by sitting down with three local ladies who touch all of our lives through their compassion and dedication.
Next, we visit with a local woman who is the latest in a family of insurers who have been taking care of their neighbors for generations.
Continuing, we move to the grounds of historic Rock Castle, where we get to experience the joys of childhood through the annual Wonderland celebration.
Finally, we take a look at a couple of brunch recipes that are sure to put a smile on every lady’s face on Mother’s Day.
Okay, Hendersonville, that’s enough talk – it’s time to get started.
We’ll see you around town soon.
LYNN BOWLES, PUBLISHER @HENDERSONVILLELIFESTYLE
May 2023
PUBLISHER
Lynn Bowles | lynn.bowles@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Rick Murray | rick.murray@citylifestyle.com
    CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
    Rick Murray, Maria Dinois
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rick Murray, Lynn Bowles
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Where neighbors can see and be seen.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Bruster's Real Ice Cream at its 350 East Main Street location on Mar. 24. A huge crowd of well-wishers attended the event to show support for the new business.
    The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for J Street Korean Bar & Grill at its 261 Indian Lake Blvd. Suite 350 location on Mar. 27.
    
    The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Hendersonville Acupuncture Clinic at its 100 Bluegrass Commons Blvd. Suite 2105 location on Apr. 3.
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    TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center announced that its NICU unit in the Birth Center earned an Honorable Mention in the 2022 HCA Healthcare Unit of Distinction Awards. The Unit of Distinction designation is achieved through measurable, exemplary performance in the strategic areas of advocacy and leadership, consistency in nursing practice and operations and leveraging scale to improve patient care.
“This recognition is well deserved,” said Lisa Hochstetler, Chief Nursing Officer of TriStar Hendersonville.
    Sumner Academy has been awarded a grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority, in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc., a TVA retiree organization, to develop science, technology, engineering, and math education projects to help spark student interest in future careers in STEM-related fields. Teachers across TVA’s seven-state region applied for funding of up to $5,000 for projects, and 238 applications were selected.
    In March, the Birth Center at TriStar Hendersonville hosted Lori Beth Blaney with Rachel’s Gift to train staff in a compassionate bereavement education program to help families navigate the difficult decisions they are faced with during infant loss. Over 92% of the Birth Center staff were trained.
Blaney developed the program after losing her daughter Rachel.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    “My role with United Way keeps me constantly out in the community. I am very active in Hendersonville First United Methodist Church, especially with our youth group. I am also a graduate of Leadership Sumner, and I serve on the board of directors of the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce. I am a member of all of the county chambers, Together Sumner and the Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club. I also love helping and supporting our local YMCA.”
“My biggest source of motivation comes from the calls that we receive daily at United Way. Hearing stories of people in need who are trying to feed their children, heat their homes or take care of loved ones galvanizes me. Every call is a motivation to do, lead and be better.”
“I love the caring nature of our community. I get to work with all kinds of entities across Sumner County, including businesses, churches, nonprofits, schools and government agencies. The underlying spirit of our county
is to love our neighbors. Everyone wants to work together to help out people in need – there is far more collaboration than competition.”
    WHAT IS THE GREATEST LIFE LESSON THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED?
“I lost my mom when I was a teenager. While going through the different stages of life without the advice and support of my mother was difficult, it taught me that every day is a gift. I also learned to lean into joy and love.”
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME AND GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF ANY ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
“You are special with unique gifts that God has given you with a purpose, which means you are fully capable and worthy.”
CONTINUED >
"Find an intentional rhythm in life that drives your next right thing and gives abundant room for joy."
-Erin Birch
“Although my professional position keeps me busy, I love working with nonprofits and community organizations as much as possible. I am currently a member of the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and the Center for Nonprofit Management. Other organizations that I am involved with include Vol State, Forward Sumner, Hendersonville Rotary, Cumberland Region Tomorrow, Dismas House and Girls on the Run. I am also a graduate of Leadership Middle Tennessee and Leadership Richmond (VA).”
“I am motivated by my love of all people, but I am especially passionate about being around strong and smart women. I enjoy helping people make connections with one another to form mutually beneficial relationships.”
“Except for a few years in Virginia, I have spent most of my life in and around Sumner County, from Gallatin to Nashville to Hendersonville. There is a closeness that pervades our entire community. I always know that when I need something, I just have to reach out to my friends and neighbors – they genuinely want to help.”
“My husband and I tragically lost our son. From this loss, I learned just how quickly your whole life can change and that there are no guarantees. I also learned how resilient I am. People should never lose sight of the love of God, family, friends and community. You never know when you will depend on them to help you through the tough times.”
“Be bold and do not fear life. Do not be afraid to take risks.”
Gina Scott SVP and Financial Advisor, Pinnacle Financial Partners Community Activities
    “I am motivated by my love of all people, but I am especially passionate about being around strong and smart women.”
Meteorologist, WTVF NewsChannel 5 Community Activities
    “My job gives me the opportunity to serve in communities across our area. I love doing school visits across Middle Tennessee where I get to help kids of all ages learn about weather. I also get to work with many local nonprofits, such as the Tennessee Kidney Foundation, by serving as emcee at their important fundraising events. Locally, I am a board member of Rock Castle and a proud ‘room mom’ at my 9-year-old’s school.”
“I am motivated by my children. I chose to have them; they didn’t choose me. I want them to see and feel me choosing them over and over again. My job requires me to be away from home quite a bit, so it’s important to me to be there for them when I can. I want them to know that the time away from them matters, and that I used my talents to serve our community.”
WHY HENDERSONVILLE?
“Hendersonville felt like home the first time that my husband and I visited before moving here. It’s down to earth, warm, welcoming and full of little gems. The lake, the parks, the hills, the creeks and the trees are all so beautiful. Hendersonville has that special ‘small-big town’ feel.”
WHAT IS THE GREATEST LIFE LESSON THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED?
“Our power lives within us, so it can never be taken from us. Even when the storms of our lives knock us down, they can’t take our power. It lives in our spirit, and we take that with us through everything.”
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME AND GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF ANY ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
“Trust yourself – what you know to be true and good doesn’t have to make sense to anyone except you. You do not need permission to be your best self. Choose people who choose you.”
    
    
    
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674 East Main St. | Hendersonville, TN 37075 legacyhendersonville.net
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    225 Big Station Camp Blvd Suite 104, Gallatin, TN 37066 23 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/HENDERSONVILLE MAY 2023
    
    
    
    One of the most powerful motivations inherent in each of us is to find our purpose in life. Everyone wants to feel needed, that their contributions are valued and that they are making a difference in the world.
This drive is particularly strong in entrepreneurs, who eschew conventional norms as they pursue their dreams of business ownership. They are the type of people who go through life asking “why not” instead of “why” – the kind who overcome obstacles and who will not accept no for an answer.
Every day, small business owners are helping their communities grow and prosper by providing goods and
services that take care of the needs of their customers. Their passion to succeed is evident in all their undertakings, from business dealings to community service.
In Hendersonville, one of the most passionate entrepreneurs is Lauren Tullos, the owner of Lauren Tullos State Farm Agency. The Shreveport native is a 3rd generation State Farm agent who opened her agency in 2022.
“After I graduated from Ole Miss, I went into medical sales in Dallas before relocating to Nashville several years later. While there, I achieved a lot of sales recognition until Covid shut down my clients,”
    
    
    
    Lauren Tullos and her team celebrated their grand opening in May 2022.
          Lauren Tullos' is hard at work helping her customers.
          says Lauren. “Since hospital access was limited during the pandemic, I spent a lot of time just sitting at home twiddling my thumbs, and I began to feel that my life had no sense of purpose.”
During the shutdown, Lauren’s inner entrepreneur began to surface, prompting her to reevaluate her career, her goals and what path she wanted to follow next. Soon, she began to hear the siren’s call to join her family in the insurance world.
    “At first, I rejected becoming an agent because I wanted to be my own person. I didn’t want to just be known as my father’s daughter,” says Lauren. “However, after thinking things over, I realized that I had already made a name for myself in sales, and I had proven that I could be successful on my own. All of a sudden, joining my family in State Farm seemed like the perfect option.”
Subsequently, Lauren began scouring the State Farm corporate portal for possible agency territories. As fortune would have it, there was an opening in Hendersonville.
“As soon as I saw that Hendersonville was open, I was immediately interested,” says Lauren. “I talked it over the other State Farm agents in my family, including my father, my brother, my uncle and my cousin, and everyone encouraged me to pursue the opportunity.”
With her mind resolute, Lauren acquired the territory and began her insurance licensing process. She served as an agent intern during 2021, learning the ins and outs of owning and operating an insurance agency. During 2022, she secured her Indian Lake office location, and opened
for business on May 1, offering a full range of insurance services for both individual and business clients.
Since then, Lauren’s agency has experienced phenomenal growth. She has added five additional team members, and her customer base continues to grow rapidly.
“I have been blown away by the support that customers in Hendersonville and surrounding areas have shown me during my 1st year of agency,” says Lauren. “Being a transplant, I was afraid that it was going to be hard to build relationships and to start a business from scratch. However, Hendersonville accepted me and my team with open arms. I love being an agent in Hendersonville and it’s an honor to serve my community."
Lauren’s first year success is impressive, particularly given her competition in Hendersonville, which includes eight additional State Farm agents. However, she believes in her team, and she is up to the challenge.
“I built my agency to be proactive, not reactive,” says Lauren. “My personable, high-energy teammates and I are charged with delivering the best possible service to all of our customers. We get to know and understand our customer needs, and all of our business processes are designed to be relational, not transactional.”
Lauren Tullos – State Farm Agent 206 Indian Lake Blvd., Suite 11, Hendersonville, TN 37075
    615.348.4196
LaurenTullos.com
"I can say with 100% certainty that the pride I feel from being a business owner and a State Farm agent is worth all of the hard work that it takes to succeed."
Lauren Tullos
    
    
    The Lauren Tullos State Farm Agency team is ready to serve.
          
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    100 Cinema Drive · 615.808.5000
    
    
    
    
    
    
    The 12th annual Wonderland Tea Party and Egg Hunt was held at Rock Castle State Historic Site on April 2. As one of Middle Tennessee’s largest spring celebrations, Wonderland attracted over 1,000 children and their parents who enjoyed the food, fun and festivities on the mild Sunday afternoon.
During the event, there were two hunts featuring over 120,000 plastic eggs spread across the grounds of Rock Castle. Children eagerly filled their baskets with eggs containing candy, and occasionally finding special eggs that contained prize tokens.
To prepare for the hunts, Rock Castle Executive Director Sam Gilbert recruited over 100 students from area schools, including Hendersonville, Beech, Station
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TOP: The Wonderland Tea Party gets underway.
RIGHT: The Mad Hatter, Alice and the Queen of Hearts pose during a tea party.
BOTTOM: The Wonderland Egg Hunt is afoot.
TOP: Rock Castle Director of Events & Education Jess Gilbert shares a tea party with Character Visits 4 U founder Elizabeth Golden Curtis via Facetime.
    RIGHT: Young hunters and their parents are seeking candy and prizes during the Wonderland egg hunt.
    BOTTOM: Alice from Wonderland speaks to a young fan.
    Camp and Liberty Creek high schools, Pope John Paul II Preparatory School and Ellis Middle School.
While the egg hunts drew the most participants, the most unique aspects of Wonderland were the two VIP tea parties held in the Rock Castle woodlands. Each party was a limited attendance event, in which children enjoyed treats and drinks while being entertained by beloved Wonderland characters Alice, the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter.
“The tea parties have grown in popularity since their inception, and we fill up our available slots quickly every year,” says Rock Castle Director Education & Events Jess Gilbert. “I am grateful for all of our sponsors and volunteers that help make this event possible. I also want to thank the actors from Character Visits 4 U who help ensure that every child and their parents enjoy a memorable day together.”
    
    
    
    
    
    “I realized when you look at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know.”
—Mitch AlbomThe role of mothers in shaping their daughters’ and sons’ lives is unsurpassed. Mothers teach us to love, be strong, be confident, persist, live life to its fullest, and be the best we can be. So this Mother’s Day give her a gift from your heart - your undivided time to make it an extra special day she’ll treasure. Kick it off with these heavenly ideas for a mouthwatering brunch!
    • Recipe courtesy of the American Egg Board and “Joy the Baker”
• Total time: 34-36 minutes
• Yield: 6 cups
• 12 pieces thinly sliced prosciutto
• 6 slices tomato
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 large eggs
• fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup finely chopped chives
1. Place rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 350 F.
2. Line muffin pan with six cupcake liners. Drape two slices prosciutto in each cup over liner, ensuring there are no holes for egg to sneak through.
3. Place one tomato slice in each cup. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon Parmesan atop each tomato. Crack one egg into each cup. Sprinkle each with fresh cracked black pepper, to taste.
4. Bake 14-16 minutes, or until eggs are cooked as desired. Top with chives.
5. Cool 5 minutes before serving warm.
    • Servings: 12
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 package (20 ounces) French bread, cubed, divided
• 1 can (20 ounces) apple pie filling
• 9 eggs
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar, plus additional (optional)
• 2 tablespoons milk, plus additional (optional)
1. Spray 8-by-8-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In baking dish, add 10 ounces cubed French bread in bottom of dish. Pour apple filling over bread. Top with remaining cubed French bread. Set aside.
3. In medium bowl, whisk eggs, half-andhalf and cinnamon. Pour evenly over bread.
4. Cover with aluminum foil and chill overnight.
5. Heat oven to 325 F.
6. Remove foil and bake 50-60 minutes.
7. Let cool 10-15 minutes.
8. In small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and milk. Add additional, if needed, until pourable glaze is reached. Drizzle over casserole before serving.
The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.
This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!
Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.
Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.
    If Mom likes strategizing, challenge her to a friendly board game competition. (And, no, you don’t have to let her win just because it’s Mother’s Day.)
This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)
There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.
Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling.
Go to a play or a musical — lots of towns even host outdoor theater events.
    Whether you make the brews and treats yourself or head out to an official tea house, Mom will love sipping her beverage out of fancy china and snacking on tea sandwiches.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
Middle TN Magnolia Market
THE STREETS AT INDIAN LAKE | 10:00 AM
The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce, Sumner County's largest Chamber of Commerce, proudly presents the 3rd annual Middle TN Magnolia Market. This is a free event that is held from 10 - 3 on May 6 at the Streets of Indian Lake.
At Middle TN Magnolia Market, you will find everything from accessories, fashions home décor and more.
Plain Sewing in the Parlor at Wynnewood: Plain and Simple
WYNNEWOOD STATE HISTORIC SITE, CASTALIAN SPRINGS | 10:00 AM
Join your neighbors for a sewing circle at Wynnewood and learn historical skills to create a sustainable future. Beginners are welcome and encouraged.
In this workshop, Plain & Simple, we will learn the basic stitches of plain sewing, what needles and thread to use, and the fundamentals of hand stitching. Supplies will be provided.
Annual Portland Strawberry Festival
DOWNTOWN PORTLAND, TN | 10:00 AM
The 82nd annual Strawberry Festival returns to downtown Portland, TN on Friday and Saturday, May 12-13. The event will feature food, fun, music and a parade. Hundreds of merchandise vendors will be on hand offering a variety of goods and services.
2023 Gallatin Food Truck Festival
GALLATIN CIVIC CENTER | 10:00 AM
Join the Gallatin Parks & Recreation department in celebrating the inaugural Food Truck Festival of Gallatin! Come out to the Civic Center and enjoy various food trucks and vendors, fun activities, live music and fellowship.
VETERANS PARK | 3:00 PM
Multifaceted award-winning group The Isaacs will be performing a free concert at Hendersonville Veterans Park on Memorial Day, May 29, as part of the Hendersonville Hometown Jam series. Special guests will include the French Family.
All guests are invited to bring their own seating, and refreshments will be available. Admission is free, and tickets are available at Eventbrite.
DRAKES CREEK PARK | 6:30 AM
The 17th annual Memorial Day Classic 10K, 5K & 1-mile family fun-run/walk will be held on May 29, 2023 at Drakes Creek Park in Hendersonville. Opening ceremonies will commence at 6:30 a.m., followed by the individual races.
    
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