KIDS & PETS
Goodbye, July... Hello, August!
Whew, wasn’t July a scorcher? Welcome, August, we are glad to see you.
While we realize that there is still plenty of warm weather to come, we are finally beginning to see a few signs that summer is fading, meaning that fall is not very far away.
As we wind down our summer barbecues, lake days and last minute vacations, it’s time to start thinking about one of the biggest events each year – the start of a new school year. For many folks, it represents one of the best times of the year. While our kids may not embrace their return as eagerly as their parents, they still are filled with excitement about what the new year will bring.
In addition to the traditional end of summer events, August also marks the beginning of a new year of Hendersonville Lifestyle. This month marks the start of our 10th year covering the people, places and events that make our city 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 year, our August issue is dedicated to some of life’s greatest pleasures – our kids and pets. Every day, they make our lives fun, exciting, and always interesting. This month we are delighted to bring you several stories about good things happening for our kids and pets in our City by the Lake.
First, check out a community concert that raised thousands of dollars to help purchase school supplies for kids.
Next, we visit with a local dog grooming salon that is dedicated to making our four-footed friends look and feel their very best.
Continuing, we take a cool down pause to check out some of our favorite places to go for ice cream and frozen treats.
Finally, we visit with a local dentist who recently brought his oral expertise to help patients in Jamaica.
As always, we bring you the latest in some of the community and business happenings that make our city such a wonderful place in which to live, work and play.
So, take a few minutes and come along with us as we cruise through August 2025.
Stay cool, Hendersonville!
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Lynn Bowles | lynn.bowles@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Rick Murray | rick.murray@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Debbie Murray | debbiemurray1989@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Rick Murray
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rick Murray, Lynn Bowles
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
LYNN BOWLES, PUBLISHER @HENDERSONVILLELIFESTYLE
Wence,
Candace Gallowitz & Team
BARABARA CORCORAN, SHARK TANK
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: TriStar Skyline broke ground for a new inpatient expansion on June 18. 2: A competitor cools off by a sprinkler during the Old Hickory Lake Triathlon. 3: Triathletes gather together to prepare for the start of the Old Hickory Lake Triathlon. 4: Volunteers assist the swimmers during the Old Hickory Lake Triathlon on June 28. 5: A swimmer tackles Old Hickory Lake during the triathlon on June 28. 6: Goodlettsville native Jason Chatham finishes the bike leg of the Old Hickory Lake Triathlon. 7: Fireworks shine brightly over Drakes Creek Park during the July 3rd Hendersonville Freedom Festival.
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Puckett’s Launches Summer Feeding Program
Puckett’s Restaurant conducted Puckett’s Love: Feed the Community, a program for nonprofit organizations providing nearly 4,000 free meals this summer. With locations in Nashville, Chattanooga, Columbia, Franklin, Hendersonville, Murfreesboro and Pigeon Forge, as well as Cullman, Ala., Puckett’s provided breakfast or lunch for children at organizations near each respective Puckett’s location during the months of June and July.
Photography by A. Marshall Hospitality
Fast Pace Health Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Fast Pace Health Urgent Care at their new location at 255 East main Street in Hendersonville on July 1.
Bowles
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Highpoint HealthSumner Publishes Community Annual Benefit Report
Highpoint Health – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas published its community benefit report for the 2024 calendar year during June. This annual report outlines the various ways the hospital is working to support the health and economic vitality of Sumner County as part of its mission of making communities healthier.
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Photography by Lynn
Photography by Highpoint Health-Sumner
HAPPY TAILS WAG AT BARK AVENUE
There is nothing quite as enjoyable and refreshing as a day at the spa. From shampoos and styles to mani-pedis to luxury baths, a visit to a salon provides the special pampering that we need to relieve the stress in our busy lives.
While we routinely take the time to treat ourselves to a day of relaxation, we need to remember that our dogs also need stress relief. Our pups experience daily stressors just as we do, and they also need a way to unwind.
Fortunately, Hendersonville has the perfect place for indulging our furry friends – Bark Avenue Grooming.
Located in the Hazel Path Commons shopping center, Bark Avenue offers everything that pet owners need to provide their four-legged companions with a fun and healthy grooming experience. Recently Hendersonville Lifestyle sat down with owner Laura Thompson to find out about how Bark Avenue can keep dogs looking and feeling their best.
HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO GET INTO THE DOG GROOMING BUSINESS?
“I have always loved dogs. Whenever I see a dog, it always makes me happy, no matter the breed. I have always wanted to work with dogs, and I started out with a mobile grooming unit with one groomer as a side business. However, I eventually realized that I wanted to pursue a brick and mortar location for my business. So, after teaching school for 18 years, I finally took a leap of faith and bought Bark Avenue in January 2022.”
WHAT TYPES OF SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT BARK AVENUE?
“In our salon, we offer full service dog grooming. We can do baths and brush outs, nail trimming, deshedding and and haircuts. Our full groom service consists of a bath, haircut, nail trim and teeth brushing (if requested). We work hard to do whatever the owners want for their pups.”
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OFFER?
“We offer grooming services, unique gifts and healthy treats. We always buy high-end shampoo for our pups, including hypoallergenic, oatmeal, aloe and more.”
WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN PET GROOMING, E.G. FUR DYES?
“We have done dye on a few dogs, but most people just prefer specific breed cuts or a shorter cuts with a teddy bear head trim.”
WHAT IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT THING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED SINCE YOU OPENED YOUR BUSINESS?
“I have learned that while we can’t please everyone, we will always work hard to ensure that we are accommodating all dogs’ needs. For example, there are times when pet owners arrive for a cut, and the dog’s coat is too matted for that. In those cases, we will do
CONTINUED >
resets instead of the cute cuts that the owners originally wanted. We have also learned that we won’t do dematting on large dogs, as it is incredibly painful for them. Our approach has enabled us to have a base of extremely loyal customers, with more coming in every day.”
“IN OUR SALON, WE OFFER FULL SERVICE DOG GROOMING. WE CAN DO BATHS AND BRUSH OUTS, NAIL TRIMMING, DESHEDDING AND HAIRCUTS. WE WORK HARD TO DO WHATEVER THE OWNERS WANT FOR THEIR PUPS.”
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PET/CUSTOMER STORY?
“We are fortunate to hear many stories daily about many of our pups. For example, we have one dog that comes monthly, and the owner has her very well trained. She sits right next to him and as soon as he opens the door, she takes off running to greet us and see everyone. She loves sitting on the grooming table and looking around.”
WHAT MAKES BARK AVENUE SPECIAL?
“Our main goal at Bark Avenue is for dogs to feel safe and loved while they are with us. We make sure to shower them with lots of kisses and hugs during each visit. We want them to always come running in and be happy to see us.”
Bark Avenue Grooming 393 East Main Street, Suite 7, Hendersonville, TN 615.991.7272
Entertainers Raise Money For Kids
LOCAL COMMUNITY HELPS RAISE MONEY FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES THROUGH MUSIC
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY
Kylie Morgan
A young girl presents Ryan Bam with a donation during the Hometown Jam.
Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry
Everyone knows that getting a good education is a key component for preparing children for their future adult lives. As such, every child deserves to have the resources that they need to succeed during each school year.
Since 2020, children in Sumner County have benefitted from a federal program that has provided funds to pay for all required school supplies. Known as the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund, this program has helped ensure that every child could start off the school year on an equal footing, regardless of their economic status.
However, the ESSER program recently ended, eliminating the ability of Sumner County and many other school systems across the country to fund critical school supply purchases. While most families will be able to afford to purchase supplies for their own children, the elimination of the funding will place an undue burden on children from lower income families.
Fortunately, Hendersonville is a caring community.
Citizens from across the city and county are quick to rally together to support worthy causes, particularly those that involve
children. For proof, one needs to look no further than the Live Love Nashville/Hendersonville Hometown Jam concert that took place at the Premier Center on June 30. That evening, hundreds of music lovers from across the county attended the event, raising funds that will provide much needed school supplies for children in need.
“Every child deserves the tools they need to succeed in school. Unfortunately, many students in our community start the school year without the basic supplies that help them learn, stay organized and feel confident,” said Live Love Nashville Executive Director Taylor Reed. “Because of the generosity and support from this event, over 1,500 students in Sumner County will have the supplies they need to start the school year off strong.
The concert kicked off at 6 p.m. with a brief introduction by concert emcee and Hendersonville Parks & Recreation Director Andy Gilley. Following his remarks, Andy introduced the opening act, Hendersonville native Ryan Bam and his band Clyde and the Barrows. After Bam concluded his set, Julia Cole and her band performed, exciting the crowd with her powerful voice and stage presence.
Emcee Andy Gilley poses with Taylor Reed and her Live Love Nashville team during the Hometown Jam concert for kids.
Following Cole’s performance, Kylie Morgan and her band gave a stirring performance, setting the stage for an electrifying performance by headliner and Grand Ole Opry member Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry.
After the concert ended, Andy expressed his gratitude for the success of the concert.
“To be able to partner once again with Live Love Nashville to help raise money for kids in our community is always something we’re proud to do,” said Andy. “I can’t say enough about the performers, sponsors, parks staff and volunteers that worked together to make this a night in Hendersonville we won’t soon forget.”
Since 2019, the Hendersonville Hometown Jam concert series has been a popular staple in the City by the Lake. Presented by the Hendersonville Parks & Recreation Department, the concerts have featured top tier talents who have performed for thousands of music fans across the community.
For the past four years, the Hendersonville Hometown Jam has partnered with local nonprofit Live Love Nashville to raise funds to help ensure that children across Sumner County have all the basic necessities that they need, including food, clothing, hygiene items and school supplies.
Captions on opposite page, starting from the top left and going left to right: Concert emcee Andy Gilley welcomes the crowd. | The Hendersonville Parks team helped to make the concert a success. | Kylie Morgan performs with her band. | Ryan Bam performs with Clive and the Barrows. | Julia Cole performs during the Hometown Jam. | Eddie Gentry of Montgomery Gentry put on an electrifying performance. | Eddie Montgomery poses with Barry Lee of the Premier Centre. | Y'all 106.7 radio personality Taylor Stanford shares the stage with emcee Andy Gilley.
This page, top: Julia Cole performs during the Hometown Jam. Bottom: Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry
ICE Happy Kids CREAM... 5
ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY AND PROVIDED Best Places for Frozen Treats in Hendersonville
1. BRUSTER’S REAL ICE CREAM
350 East Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075 | 615-537-1114
2. HANDEL'S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
300 Indian Lake Blvd., Hendersonville, TN 37075 | 615-447-3139
3. MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY
200 North Anderson Lane, Suite 108, Hendersonville, TN 37075 | 615-431-0382
4. DAIRY QUEEN GRILL & CHILL
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, 1023 Glenbrook Way, Hendersonville, TN 37075| 615-264-3771
5. CULVER'S
290 Indian Lake Blvd., Hendersonville, TN 37075 | 615-265-8603
LUNCH & DINNER
DRINKS
Fun Tricks To Teach Your Puppy
A list of exciting new tricks to teach your puppy
ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS
We created a list of some fun tricks to teach your puppy! Whether you just welcomed a new furry friend into your home or you’re teaching an old dog new tricks, you and your pet are sure to have a fun time! Spending time playing and training with your pet makes for a great bonding experience! Don’t forget to reward them with some delicious dog treats when they successfully do a trick. My pup’s personal favorite treats are chicken, peanut butter, and carrots. We hope you and your pup have a great time learning the tricks on this list!
SPEAK
Get your dog to bark naturally (try ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door). Once they bark, say ‘speak’ and reward them.
STAY
Have your dog sit and then tell them to stay. Hold your hand out with your palm toward their nose in the stop position. If they hold the position for a second or two, praise them and reward them with a treat. Keep repeating this and gradually having them stay longer.
SHAKE
Hold your hand out in front of your dog. Your dog may do some experimenting trying to figure out what you want. Once they put their paw in your hand, immediately praise and reward them.
DR. PHILIP EZELL’S MISSION TO BRING HEALING SMILES TO JAMAICA
Answering The Call
ARTICLE BY NICOLE BELL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“
“There is always a life you can impact by simply doing what you do best.”
For Gallatin’s Dr. Philip Ezell, the path to dentistry wasn’t just about science and skill—it was about a calling. Growing up fascinated by biology and chemistry, he always knew he would pursue a career rooted in science. Yet it was the influence of a close family friend, a respected dentist in his hometown, that first opened his eyes to the possibilities within dentistry. His early fascination with the profession eventually led him to pursue dental school, and as he waited for his acceptance letter from the University of Tennessee, he made a promise: if given the opportunity, he would use his skills to serve those in need through mission work.
Following dental school, the responsibilities of life—raising a family and building a practice—initially put those mission plans on hold. However, a recent opportunity arose when a colleague invited Dr. Ezell to join a long-running medical mission trip to Jamaica, organized by First Presbyterian Church of Nashville in partnership with Andrews Memorial United Church in Mandeville, Jamaica. For Dr. Ezell, it was a chance to fulfill a long-held promise he made many years ago.
The experience was nothing short of transformative. After flying into Montego Bay, Jamaica, and making the adventurous threehour drive up to Mandeville—a mountain town over 2,000 feet above sea level—the team settled into the humble accommodations of Moorlands Camp, complete with bunk beds and cold showers. Despite the
lack of modern conveniences, Dr. Ezell felt a growing excitement—and nervousness—as the mission work began.
Without X-rays, drills or suctions, the dental team had to rely on traditional methods, using dental elevators and mallets to perform extractions. Folding lawn chairs balanced on construction blocks replaced dental chairs. Each morning by 8:00 AM, lines of patients wrapped around the church grounds, many having endured months of dental pain without access to care. Over four days, Dr. Ezell and his team saw around 500 patients, extracting nearly 700 teeth and providing countless smiles, hugs and encouragement.
Despite the challenges, what stayed with Dr. Ezell was the gratitude of every patient. No matter how difficult the procedure or how scared the individuals were, each one left with a smile and heartfelt thanks. “We were able to put all of our daily stress from our busy lives back home to the side,” Dr. Ezell reflected, “to help people who were truly in need.”
Even when the formal mission ended, the team’s work didn’t. Back at the camp, kitchen staff approached Dr. Ezell with their own dental needs. This time, using picnic tables as makeshift treatment stations, the team continued serving until everyone they could possibly help was cared for at their camp.
The mission wasn’t without its difficulties. Losing two dentists who had to leave earlier than planned midway through the trip stretched the team thin, but the collective
spirit of service and teamwork kept them moving forward. “Whether you are in construction, healthcare or education,” Dr. Ezell shared, “there is always a life you can impact by simply doing what you do best.”
The trip also sparked a renewed sense of purpose back home. Dr. Ezell plans to get more involved in local free dental clinics, recognizing that even here in the U.S., many individuals still struggle to access basic care. He encourages other professionals, no matter their expertise, to use their God-given talents to make a difference, no matter how big or small.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Ezell emphasized how easily we can take our everyday comforts for granted— things like clean water and access to healthcare. His time in Jamaica offered more than just a chance to serve; it offered
a powerful reminder of the deep fulfillment that comes from answering a higher call to help others.
As he looks forward to returning to Jamaica next year, Dr. Ezell hopes his story will inspire others in our community and his profession to take a step toward service, whether across the world or right in their own backyard.
“We’re all called to serve in some way,” he says. “And sometimes, just showing up can change a life—maybe even your own.”
Dr. Philip Ezell
Smile Connections Family Dental 1650 Nashville Pike, #300, Gallatin 615.265.0330
SmileConnectionsLLC.com
mor e With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only Expir es 8/30/25. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
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WHISKING UP CONFIDENCE
Why Cooking with Kids is More Than Just Making Meals
ANIMAL Crackers
Ingredients:
• 1 cup and 2 tbsp white flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
Steps:
BY JANIE JONES
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
• 4 tbsp buttermilk
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 tsp nutmeg or cinnamon
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tbsp of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.
ARTICLE BY BETH DEL VILLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY QIANA KELSCH
Birthday in a Box
AN EASY AND HEARTWARMING WAY TO GIVE BACK WITH YOUR KIDS WHILE HELPING TO BRIGHTEN SOMEONE’S SPECIAL DAY
Looking for a fun, easy and creative way to help those in need celebrate their special day? Put together a Birthday in a Box! The main element is a birthday cake, and the best part is that no perishable items are needed; all you need is one can of lemon-lime soda to take the place of the oil, water and eggs.
PREP:
Collect all materials. Makes one Birthday in a Box.
• 1 Box of cake mix
• 1 Container of frosting
• 1 Can of lemon-lime soda
• 1 Disposable 9x13 aluminum baking pan with lid
• Cardstock or heavy paper, for baking directions and note (printed or handwritten)
• Party decorations of choice, including candles
STEP ONE:
Gather cake mix, container of frosting, can of lemon-lime soda, aluminum baking pan with lid and party decorations. Carefully place each item in the bottom of the baking pan, ensuring everything fits snugly.
STEP TWO:
Print or handwrite the instructions on cardstock, letting the recipient know to replace the oil, eggs and water with the can of lemon-lime soda, following the directions on the back of the cake mix box. You can also include a birthday wish.
STEP THREE:
Once all the items are in the pan, secure the lid and tie the package with a ribbon for an added festive touch. Deliver to your favorite food pantry.
And what is a birthday celebration without decorations? Get the kids to help decide what fun party decorations to include –think candles, banners, confetti, ribbon and more.
These are great to make in batches when items are on sale at the grocery store. Stock up and make someone’s day!
1. THE ELEMENTS
Collect your essentials and special decorations
2. PUTTING IT TOGETHER
Place each element in the baking pan, including directions, and cover with the lid
3. TIME TO DELIVER
Collect your birthday cake boxes together and drop it at your favorite food pantry
ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO CONSIDER: Include candles; balloons; a birthday banner; noisemakers; a blank card for friends and family to sign; a small, gender-neutral gift or a gift card; birthday-themed paper plates and napkins. You don’t have to make each box the same – choose a different cake mix and frosting flavor for each box!
