Hendersonville, TN August 2023

Kids, Pets and a New Year for Hendersonville Lifestyle

After a hot, laid-back summer, August has finally arrived.

While we still have several weeks of warm weather ahead, summer is slowly slipping away.

Shorter days, back-to-school sales and a return to daily school routines are once more taking the place of carefree days on the lake and evening cookouts with family and friends.

Along with another school year, August also marks the beginning of a new year of Hendersonville Lifestyle. This month marks the start of our 8th year covering the people, places and events that make our City by the Lake such a wonderful place to call home. In recognition of our anniversary, I would like to express my gratitude to all the special folks who have made Hendersonville Lifestyle so successful – our advertisers, our readers and the best production team around.

This month, our August issue is dedicated to our kids and our pets, and we are delighted to bring you some exciting stories about great things going on in our community.

First, we sit down with the new director of Sumner County Schools to get to know him a little bit better, and to learn about his goals for children and our schools.

Next, we visit with a local hospital employee who is helping patients recover by treating them to visits from his therapy pony.

Continuing, we talk with a local woman who is committed to ensuring that our youth learn the lifelong skills of manners and etiquette.

Last, we look back at two recent events that showcased the special character of Hendersonville.

So hop aboard our Hendersonville Lifestyle cruiser with us as we take one last summertime spin around town. We promise you will have a good time!

Stay cool, Hendersonville…

LYNN BOWLES, PUBLISHER @HENDERSONVILLELIFESTYLE

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Lynn Bowles | lynn.bowles@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Rick Murray | rick.murray@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Rick Murray

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Rick Murray

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Walker Montgomery performs at the Live Love Nashville Hometown Jam on June 20. 2: Julia Cole rocks the stage during the Live Love Nashville Hometown Jam on June 20. 3: The Frontmen were the headliners during the Live Love Nashville Hometown Jam on June 20.

4: Deana Carter sings a hit during the Live Love Nashville Hometown Jam on June 20. 5: Tim Rushlow sings with the Frontmen during the Hometown Jam on June 20. 6: Richie McDonald and his fellow Frontmen perform during the Hometown Jam on June 20. 7: Deana Carter thrills fans during the Live Love Nashville Hometown Jam on June 20. Photography by Rick Murray

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @hendersonvillelifestyle

8: The Hendersonville Farmers & Artisans Market is hopping at the Streets of Indian Lake. 9: Shoppers look for bargains at the Hendersonville Farmers & Artisans Market. 10: For the best in fresh produce and merchandise, visit the Hendersonville Farmers & Artisans Market. 11: Hendersonville Fire Station 7’s construction is moving along on schedule. 12: Mandy Barnett performed the Nashville Songbook at Portland’s Temple Theater on June 10. 13: Grand Ole Opry member Mandy Barnett performs at Portland’s Temple Theater on June 10. 14: Mandy Barnett channels her inner Patsy Cline at Portland’s Temple Theater on June 10. Photography by Rick Murray

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Hendersonville Chamber New Board and Business Awards

The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce introduced members of its 2023-2024 Board of Directors at Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club on June 6. Along with the board introduction, the chamber also announced the 2023 business awards, with Vanderbilt Primary Care Hendersonville winning Large Business of the Year and Safari's Brick Oven & Grill winning Small Business of the Year.

In addition, Hilary Marabeti was named Chamber Volunteer of the Year.

TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center Offers Minimally Invasive Treatment For Prostates

TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center announced it is now offering Aquablation, a new, robotic therapy for the treatment of an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The advanced, minimally invasive technique provides long-lasting symptom improvement without compromising sexual function.

“This innovative procedure is changing the way we treat enlarged prostates,” said Daniel Ramirez, MD, urologist at TriStar Hendersonville.

TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center Donates To Project C.U.R.E.

TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center recently donated several cargo trucks of medical equipment to the Project C.U.R.E. distribution center located in Nashville. Project C.U.R.E. was founded in 1987 to address the staggering shortage of medical resources around the world. The donation included orthopedic traction equipment that has already been sent to Malawi in southeastern Africa.

Want

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Hendersonville

Photography Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce

Photography TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center

Photography TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY

Introducing Scott Langford

A NEW ERA DAWNS FOR SUMNER COUNTY SCHOOLS

All around us, change is constantly happening. Many times the changes are so subtle that they go unnoticed by most people. However, others have major impacts upon our lives and communities.

Recently, one such change occurred in the Sumner County school system.

After leading students and educators for twelve years, Dr. Del Phillips left his post as director of schools. He left behind a transformative legacy that saw tremendous growth in facilities, curricula and student achievement.

Upon receiving notice of Phillips’ departure, the Sumner County School Board immediately began the process of selecting a new director. Although a comprehensive search was conducted, the selection committee did not have to look very far to find their ideal candidate – veteran educator and Sumner County Schools Chief Academic Officer Dr. Scott Langford.

This month, the Hendersonville Lifestyle team sat down with Dr. Langford to learn more about his background, philosophy and goals for the future of Sumner County Schools.

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?

“I began my post-high school education at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1990, where I majored in Russian language studies. Subsequently, I earned a B.A. in Political Science from MTSU, a M.A.T. in Social Studies

Instruction  from Emory and a M.A. in Theological Studies from Trevecca. I also completed Master

of Divinity coursework at Vanderbilt. Last December, I earned my Doctorate in Education from Lipscomb University, with an emphasis in Learning Organization and Strategic Change.”

WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?

“I taught various social studies courses at Forest Park High School in Georgia from 1999 to 2003. Afterwards, I taught Social Studies and Bible courses at Pioneer Christian Academy in Whites Creek in 2008 – 2009. From 2009 to 2011, I taught AP English Literature and American Literature at White House High School, where I also served as a football and wrestling coach. In 2011, I became Assistant Principal at White House Middle School, where I served until 2014, when I became Principal of White House High School. In 2018, I was named Assistant Director of Instruction for Sumner County Schools, and in 2021, I became the system’s Chief Academic Officer.”

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO PURSUE EDUCATION AS A CAREER?

“Almost everyone in my family was or is a teacher, as my family valued education tremendously. I was born into the Hendersonville High School community, attending my first football game when I was three days old. From there, I grew up in the hallways of Hendersonville, Beech and White House high schools. I remember proms, band competitions, graduations and the constant presence of teachers in my life.  By the time I was

at West Point; the idea of becoming a teacher was already in my mind, however it took a few years before I finally pursued the field.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

“I am not a desk guy – I like to move around and talk to lots of people. Over the past five years, I can count on one hand how many times I was actually in my office. I typically sit at a conference table with people around me. I like to hear ideas and viewpoints before making decisions. Sumner County has phenomenal leaders, and I enjoy hearing all perspectives before making big decisions.”

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING THE SUMNER COUNTY SCHOOLS?

“Sumner County is built around strong communities that give our schools their identity. One of our largest challenges is maintaining a sense of community pride while we experience growth and welcome people from around the United States and the world.”

“Other challenges include:

• Continuing to recruit the best teachers and staff.

• Meeting all the needs of our students.

• Rebuilding person-to-person connections.”

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP GOALS AS DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLS?

“As educators, we must prepare students for a future that is constantly evolving. We also need to develop them into good citizens, critical thinkers, problem solvers and big dreamers.”

“Some of my goals include:

• Ensuring that all students can read at grade level and are improving each year.

• Providing opportunities for students in all grades to receive instruction and opportunities in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.)

• Continuing to expand career and technical education opportunities.

• Continuing to expand our AP and dual enrollment opportunities for our students.

• Encouraging students to develop a deep commitment to giving back to their community.”

WHAT IS THE GREATEST LIFE LESSON THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED?

“The mark of leadership is taking care of people.”

"We are preparing students for careers that don’t exist yet and that we cannot even imagine. We have the opportunity and responsibility to prepare our children for this future while ensuring that it is humane."

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TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center Employee Goes Above And Beyond To Comfort Patients

A group of students from nearby Merroll Hyde school pose with Matt and Little Man.

THERAPY PONY BRINGS HEALING AND HOPE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY

Gentle animals have a way of making people feel wanted and loved. Their innate innocence and unabashed loyalty tend to elicit feelings of joy and comfort, even during times of strife. Remarkably, most animals continue to express warm and caring emotions toward people, even if they have experienced abuse and mistreatment in their lives.

Matt Brown understands this sentiment all too well.

In 2009, Matt learned about a situation in which 84 horses were being mistreated on a nearby farm. A group of volunteers and law enforcement personnel took possession of the horses and brought them to Nashville to begin recovery.

“As soon as I learned about the horses, I knew that I wanted to help,” says Matt. “At the time, I worked for TriStar Skyline, and every day after my shift, I went to help take care the horses.”

After the horses were safely adopted, Matt realized that he wanted to continue to help with other rescue situations. Subsequently, he joined Gallatin-based Volunteer Equine Advocates in order to continue his rescue work.

During a 2015 rescue, Matt  fell in love with one of the horses, a small 20-year-old Falabella pony with a gentle and loving nature.

“I adopted him right away, and I named him Little Man,” says Matt. “There was just something special about him and how he was able to put everyone at ease.”

In 2022, Matt had an idea. Now  working at TriStar Hendersonville, he wanted to bring a horse to the hospital to serve as a therapy pony. He began by bringing a horse to the hospital grounds, but he soon realized that he could do more for patients by taking a horse inside the facility. After all, he just happened to have the perfect horse – Little Man.

“Since we began our visits, the patient response has been tremendous,” says Matt. “Seeing Little Man makes them feel that they have a friend.”

Going forward, Matt plans to continue to bring the pony for patient visits whenever possible.

“Seeing patients open their eyes and smile when Little Man visits makes everything worthwhile,” says Matt. “The joy that he brings to our patients is priceless.”

Little Man is escorted to patient rooms throughout the hospital.

Little Man was the star of TriStar Hendersonville's 2023 Hospital Week Celebration.

A student shows his appreciation for Little Man through sidewalk chalk art.

The Sooner. The Better.

When you have an emergency, you want to be seen as quickly as possible. With wait times frequently under 15 minutes or less, the Emergency Room at Sumner Station is sooner. And as the only ER staffed solely with boardcertified emergency medicine-trained physicians, it’s also a better choice for life-saving care.

The Emergency Room at Sumner Station

 Open 24/7/365

 On-site lab and imaging, including MRI

 Comfortable, clean atmosphere

 Local, experienced physicians and staff

 All insurance plans accepted

Conveniently located at Sumner Station, at the intersection of Big Station Camp Blvd. and Vietnam Veterans (State Highway 386)

To learn more, visit MySumnerMedical.com/ SumnerStationER

How,

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY

Freedom RINGS IN Hendersonville

The 20th annual Freedom Festival was held at Hendersonville’s Drakes Creek Park on July 3 before a record crowd estimated at over 20,000 visitors. This year’s event was sponsored by the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Hendersonville Parks & Recreation Department and Hallmark Hyundai, and it served as a fundraiser for the Hendersonville Chamber Foundation, an organization that provides grants to local teachers and schools.

Throughout the afternoon and evening, an array of vendors was on hand to provide food and drinks to help festivalgoers beat the heat. Adjacent to the vendor area, First Baptist Church of Hendersonville provided a free Kids Zone to keep young revelers entertained.

As in years past, the Freedom Festival featured an evening of music performed by some of Hendersonville’s favorite entertainers. The musical festivities began with performances by the top three contestants in this year’s “Hendersonville Has Talent” competition. Following the acts, a panel of celebrity judges selected Jen Case as the winner and awarded her a $1,000 cash prize.

After the judging, the entertainment continued with music by Nashville party band the Remedies followed by headliner Morgan Myles, who was a finalist during the 2022 season of NBC’s “The Voice.”

After dark, the celebration concluded with one of Middle Tennessee’s largest fireworks displays set to a medley of patriotic music.

CONTINUED >

Annual Freedom Festival Celebrates America With Music And Fireworks

Ainsley Costello performs in the "Hendersonville Has Talent" competition.

The Remedies perform a set of crowd favorites.

Magnolia Willams takes the stage at the Freedom Festival.

The 2023 "Hendersonville Has Talent" winner, Jen Case, performs for the crowd.

A record crowd makes its way into Drakes Creek Park for the 2023 Freedom Festival.

Morgan Myles kept the crowd entertained throughout the night.

Young festivalgoers had a great time in the Kids Zone.

Morgan Myles was the headliner for the evening.

Symphony

By The Lake

Orchestral Treasures Ring Out At Historic Rock Castle

Historic Rock Castle hosted the Nashville Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday evening, June 7, 2023. The appearance was part of a community concert series during which the symphony provided a series of free classical music performances at various venues across Middle Tennessee during the month of June.

Despite the heat and humidity, a large and enthusiastic crowd of approximately 3,500 guests were in attendance across the grounds of Rock Castle. Many more visitors opted to experience the concert from boats and watercraft moored on Old Hickory.

News Channel 5 Meteorologist Bree Smith served as emcee for the event. After offering a welcome and opening remarks, she introduced the first two performers for the evening, Rock Castle favorites the Magi and Striking Matches.

Following the opening acts, Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary and

Rock Castle Executive Director Sam Gilbert addressed the crowd briefly before turning the program over to the symphony. Leading the orchestra for the evening was Associate Conductor Nathan Aspinall, who began the concert with a stirring performance of the “Star Spangled Banner”, which featured a presentation of the colors by Hendersonville High School Marine Corps JROTC students. Subsequently, the symphony transitioned into the main portion of the program, which included a blend of popular and classical selections that spanned the catalogs of several popular composers, including Aaron Copeland, Antonin Dvorák and John Williams.

At the end of the evening, the symphony closed out the concert with a patriotic set featuring an armed forces medley, along with rousing performances of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and Strauss’ “Stars and Stripes Forever”.

Associate Conductor Nathan Aspinall leads the symphony.

Rock Castle favorites Striking Matches fire up the crowd.

The Nashville Symphony performs at twilight.

The Nashville Symphony performs a patriotic medley.

The Magi performed a set of high energy music.

Backyard Chickens

Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.

Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Oh and bonus – they make you breakfast.

The eggs from backyard chickens are the best—tastier and fresher than any store-bought eggs. Much of the day, the birds entertain themselves, picking at grass, worms, beetles, and all of the good things that go into making those delicious farm eggs. Plus, with their keen eye for insect pests, chickens make for great gardening companions.

Chickens can provide family companionship, fun, entertainment, sustainable fresh food, and plenty of poop that gardeners prize as a natural fertilizer/composting material. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?

Backyard Chicken Q&A:

HOW MANY CHICKENS SHOULD I KEEP?

Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.

HOW MUCH DOES KEEPING CHICKENS COST?

All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor.

Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.

WHAT KIND OF SHELTER DO THEY NEED?

Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.

Want to go the fancy route?

Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com

WHEN DO CHICKENS START LAYING EGGS?

Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.

A sample of recently sold properties in Hendersonville.

MASTERING ETIQUETTE THROUGH JUNIOR COTILLION

Fortunately, all is not lost.

Thanks to individuals such as Kari Knowlton, the future of courtesy and character remains bright.

Students Learn The Importance Of Life Skills At An Early Age

In this age of social media and celebrity influencers, manners and decorum often seem to lose out as people pursue the latest TikTok fads. Boorish behavior seems to have replaced the refined art of etiquette. People raised in more genteel times worry that young boys and girls are no longer becoming gentlemen and ladies as they mature. They often stop and fret, “Are the days of politeness and manners lost forever?”

Cotillion supplements

Kari is the Director of the Greater Sumner Chapter of the National League of Junior Cotillions (NLJC). The NLJC is a nationwide organization dedicated to teaching young people courtesy and character in order to help them grow into confident and responsible members of their community.

Recently, Hendersonville Lifestyle sat down with Kari to learn more about the NLJC, and the importance of cotillion education.

WHAT IS COTILLION?

“Cotillion is about learning to feel confident and comfortable in every social situation, while making others around you feel the same way.  Junior cotillion gives middle school age boys and girls training and practice in social skills that build confidence and self-assurance. All instruction takes place in a group setting, providing ample opportunities for practice and reinforcement in a safe, fun and social environment.”

parental teaching by encouraging students to act and treat others with honor, dignity and respect. It helps them build better relationships with their family, friends and associates as they go through life.

ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Cotillion helps young people build character through courtesy and manners.

WHY DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED WITH COTILLION?

“When my son was in middle school, he participated in Cotillion. After he completed both years, he went on to become a teaching assistant in high school.  His teachers often commented on his gentlemanly behavior, noting how his poise and manners stood out from others. After seeing how Cotillion influenced him,  I realized that I wanted to become more involved with the program. I have always had a deep appreciation for good manners, and I knew that I wanted to help teach students positive social skills.”

WHAT TYPES OF SKILLS DO STUDENTS LEARN IN COTILLION?

“In Cotillion, students learn many social skills, including:

• The importance of using polite terms and phrases such as ‘Please,’ ‘Thank You,’ ‘Yes Ma’am’ and “No Sir.’

• How to go through a receiving line.

• How to RSVP.

• How to set a table, and what utensils to use for each course.

• How to serve and be served.

• How to help with coats, doors, seating, introductions and proper escort decorum.

• Social media etiquette.

• Ballroom dancing skills.”

“Our program is nationally accredited and recognized by many institutions across the country, including the Citadel, which uses it to teach manners and etiquette to its cadets.”

WHO TEACHES THE CLASSES?

“I teach all of the classes in Hendersonville. Before I began teaching, I went through an extensive training regimen at in Charlotte, North Carolina, the home of NLJC. Each year, I am helped by my husband Todd, as well as several teaching assistants who have completed at least two years of Cotillion.”

NLJC Greater Sumner Chapter Kari Knowlton and her husband Todd attend a Cotillion event.

HOW ARE THE CLASSES STRUCTURED?

“Junior Cotillion classes consist of Cotillion 1 and Cotillion 2 and cover the middle school years. Each Cotillion year consists of five classes and two balls. We also offer two years of Pre-Cotillion classes covering the first and second grades and the third and fourth grades.”

“All classes are evenly balanced between boys and girls and are limited in size. Due to high demand, we always end up with a waiting list of prospective students.

“Classes are held on Sunday afternoons at Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club.”

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

“Junior Cotillion 1 fees are $395 and Cotillion 2 fees are $445 (includes five course instructional meal). PreCotillion fees are $225.”

HOW DO YOU OVERCOME PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS ABOUT COTILLION AMONG STUDENTS?

“We work hard to make sure that our classes make manners fun.  We play games and do lots of group activities.  Many times, students come in apprehensive about our program, but then they quickly change their attitudes once they begin the classes. After Cotillion 1, they can’t wait to return for Cotillion 2.”

HOW DO COTILLION SKILLS IMPACT STUDENTS AS THEY GO FORTH IN LIFE?

“It is important that students leave our classes with confidence in social situations. Good behavior is timeless, and manners never go out of style.  Our training can help students stand out when interviewing for college scholarships, jobs or even promotions.”

National League of Junior Cotillions

Greater Sumner Chapter

Kari Knowlton

615.585.9958

Kari.knowlton@nljc.com

NLJC.com

Cotillion students learn proper escorting skills.

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