Lebanon, TN March 2024

Home is where the heart is

Home. So much contained in that little four letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our safety net. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.

Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” As we thought about home - we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That of course includes pouring love into our families at home with Sunday Supper, the aesthetic and design elements of home, but most importantly - the people behind who make home our hometown.

I came from the tiny hometown of Bethpage. Home to me will always be the house that built me...my parent's log cabin in the woods there. You just know when you are home. Your soul is settled. Calmed. Happy. Our porch was always one of my favorite places. It always felt relaxing and inviting. It was our gathering spot. Home provided comfort foods, sweet sounds and fond memories. Lebanon provides a similar vibe to me and I am blessed to call this community my home.

We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses, events, charities and individuals that comprise this city and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your city, neighborhood and most all of - your home.

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. They share it with friends and co-workers. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

Xoxo,

March 2024

January Alexander | january.alexander@citylifestyle.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Lindsey Hickman | lindsey.hickman@citylifestyle.com PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Scott Coffin | scott.coffin@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rachel Baldwin, Home Project Partner, LLC, Jared Dean

Schowengerdt

Matthew Perry

DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

Burns Bluff

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: The Lit Brand “offers so many cool things”: permanent jewelry, custom trucker and cowboy hats+ 2: Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital recognized by Wilson County Commission for ongoing investments in the hospital. 3: Celebrating 100 years, the Chamber’s flapper style celebration was more than a speakeasy! 4: “The workhorses have arrived”- Vanilla Moose Cafe opens soon at 1050 Hamilton Station Blvd. 5: Brooke and Brice headlined the Wilson Bank & Trust Home and Garden Expo last month. 6: WilCo Restaurant Week runs March 18-22. Check lebanonwilsonchamber.com/restaurant-week and get hungry! 7: Annie White, January Alexander, Megan McDonald at the Chamber 100 year celebration.

JARED DEAN

LEBANON WILSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CELEBRATED 100 YEARS

JANUARY ALEXANDER

VANDERBILT WILSON COUNTY HOSPITAL

@VANILLAMOOSECOFFEE

@ISLAND BREEZE BISTRO, WILCO’S FIRST CARIBBEAN INSPIRED EATERY!

@THETRAVELINGTRENDSETTER

8: Melanie Minter, Chamber President

Henderson’s Florist was honored with the Local Focus Award at the Chamber’s 100-year celebration.

Get your ducks in a row, the 9th annual Ducky Derby is May 4th.

business monthly

The Glasshouse Photo Studio, 2019 W Saulsbury Road

Lebanon’s newest portrait destination is now booking spring sessions with the owner, Erin Smagala Photography! Erin has been a portrait photographer for 14 years, and she specializes in high school seniors as well as families. The Glasshouse is surrounded by tall fields, a tree swing, a rolling-hills scenic view, & seasonal wildflowers. Spring Senior Portrait Event (March-May) Motherhood Portrait Event (April 25-28) Flower Market Portrait Event (May 19-26) Visit www.theglasshousetn.com to find out more!

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Coach Cliff Ellis Honored Feb 1 at Dallas Floyd Arena

Coach Cliff Ellis, former Cumberland University coach and the winningest NCAA coach in history, will be honored with a special recognition ceremony at halftime of the CU men's basketball game against Bethel University. The event will feature a presentation to commemorate Coach Ellis's legacy and retirement. You can learn more about Cliff Ellis and his story at gocumberlandathletics.com

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40th Annual Phoenix Ball June 1, Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena

Over the past four decades, Cumberland University’s Phoenix Ball has become Wilson County’s premier social event of the year, raising millions for deserving students. “More than 97% of students at CU receive some type of financial aid and each year, the Phoenix Ball provides transformational opportunities for a number of students in need,” said this year’s chairs, Greg and Heather Landers, local business owners (Whitt’s BBQ and Hot Yoga Lebanon). Tickets sale now phoenixball.com

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Photography by JLK Photography

Photography by Erin Smagala Photography

Timeless Design Meets Custom Dreams

Dragonfly Cabinetry Designs owner Beverly Dunlap talks budget, timelines, trends for Kitchen and Bath Remodels

Beverly Dunlap may have stumbled into her kitchen and bath design career after earning her degree in interior design at Bowling Green State University, but 28 years of happy clients can attest that it’s definitely where she was meant to be.

Committed to quality and integrity, Beverly says aesthetic movements come and go, but her team has found success rooted in a blend of timeless designs while creating a space that reflects the client's tastes and dreams.

“I love the mixing of paints and wood stains, going as far as using different mediums for wall cabinetry versus base cabinetry in the same kitchen,” she says, “I am really not too concerned with trends as they come and go, explaining that door styles are an example of that. “Door styles are changing a bit from the Shaker door that has been the staple in the industry for several years.”

“I am able to fit anyone's budget with access to four cabinetry lines that range from import to a full custom line,” she explained, continuing that it’s the personal touch that is the most important. “Adding accessories to your cabinetry is the most important thing to customize a kitchen to my client's personal needs.”

Landing a space in The Mill, Beverly opened Dragonfly Cabinetry Designs in September 2021, and says it was a perfect fit for her dream showroom.

“I live in Lebanon, and love it here. People are friendly, welcoming and seem to embrace small business owners,” she says, “plus I work with some of the best, top notch installers here.”

Whether you’re looking for a simple upgrade with a quick turnaround, or a full custom remodel visit dragonflycabinetrydesigns.com for inspiration and execution.

“

kitchen

to my clients’ personal needs is the most important thing.

ARTICLE BY LINDSEY HICKMAN

FROM HIGH SCHOOL JOB TO FRANCHISE OWNER, JOHN MIDGETT CONTINUES TO GROW HIS BUSINESS WITH HIS GENUINE HEART FOR PEOPLE.

HOME TOWN HAMS

Many people think of honey-baked hams are just for the holidays, but did you know The Honey Baked Ham Co. here in Lebanon has been serving up a full cafe operation since 2009?

John Midgett took over as the owner/ operator of the former business,

Being born and raised in Lebanon, John says his favorite thing about our community is how it maintains a small town feel, allowing relationship growth.

“I get to see people I know pretty much anytime I go anywhere,” he says, “In my world, those person to person

“LEBANON’S CONTINUED SUPPORT EVERY YEAR MEANS SO MUCH TO ME.”

HoneyBaked Ham, in 2013 from the previous owners Ron and Mary Flesch.

Imagine getting a high school job, and becoming the owner just a few years later, because that is John’s story. In 2008 he began working for the Fleschs, and his path began.

“I worked in this location as an associate from when I was hired until taking over in 2013 after graduating from The University of Tennessee,” he explained, “I really enjoyed the business model and felt I had a good grasp of what was needed to run it. I thought we had plenty of untapped potential, especially in the lunch market! The goal was to expand into the surrounding areas with different locations.”

relationships are still the foundation of our day to day business. I appreciate the support the community has given us along the way. I am not the most well known business owner and not known for my marketing skills. But I am in the store every day and many people probably don't realize I am the owner but I see the continued support every year and it does mean so much to me.”

The Honey Baked Ham Co is a family-owned chain selling ready-to-serve smoked hams, plus turkeys, roasts, side dishes and desserts, offering lunch, catering and more. Visit www.honeybaked.com/stores/1914 for their full menu.

Annual Historic Granville Mayberry Lucy Days

APRIL 11TH, 12TH AND 13TH: TENNESSEE’S MAYBERRY TOWN

Join in the fourth annual film festival celebrating two of the most popular comedies of the 1960s, The Andy Griffith Show and I Love Lucy. Three days of tribute artists, plays, look alike contests, stories and stand up, dinner theatre, music Mayberry Cruise-In at the Car Show and more.

Explore Granville as it transforms into 1950-60s Mayberry. Plays are dedicated to Allan Newsome, Floyd the Barber tribute artist and leader for the Andy Griffith memories across the United States. Dinner served at the 1880s Sutton General Store and plays to follow at  Granville Event Center.

For the full schedule and to purchase tickets to individual event tickets visit www.granvilletn.com

Event Schedule includes these and more

• Mayberry Dinner Theater- Floyd the Deceiver  and Alcohol & Ole Lace

• Stories & Memories of Andy Griffith presented by Dixie Griffith, daughter of Andy Griffith

• Stories and Standup with Karen Knotts, daughter of Don Knotts

• Under the Lights with Little Ricky, children who performed on Lucy and Andy Griffith

not just about living

it’s about living

best

SHERRY’ S LEGACYOF

HELPING NEIGHBORS WITH CANCER IN MEMORY OF SHARON PATTERSON WHITAKER

ARTICLE BY SHERRY’S HOPE

“March

is

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.”

Sherry's Hope is the story of unshakeable faith and the courage to smile in the face of an uncertain future, with an ongoing desire to serve, comfort and help. These are some of the qualities that caused a 44-year-old wife and mother of two to touch the lives of people in her community, and they continue to motivate others to finish a race that she began.

In February 2003, Sharon “Sherry” Patterson Whitaker began to experience discomfort in her side.  With no real sense of urgency, she visited a nurse practitioner several weeks later, at the encouragement of a friend.  She was hospitalized immediately, and a few days later, was diagnosed with a terminal form of colon cancer known as adenocarcinoma.

Sherry and her husband, Gary, discussed their options with physicians, and she began an aggressive treatment plan that included surgery and three rounds of chemotherapy. Despite valiant efforts and a

positive outlook, Sherry Whitaker lost her battle on May 12, 2004.

There was an outpouring of love and appreciation by those who knew Sherry, and a few weeks later a close friend approached Gary with an idea about honoring her friend, a 5k run/walk to raise awareness and support others in her honor. Sherry’s Run was born.

Over the years that one-time, grassroots 5K event grew into a Christ centered, nonprofit organization called Sherry’s Hope; operating year-round to offer financial assistance to families in Wilson County (TN) and the surrounding communities who are fighting cancer.

What started as a love for one woman has turned into an explosion of grace for this community. No one who gathered together on that Saturday in September 2004 could have ever imagined that one 5K event called Sherry’s Run would grow into a Christ-centered, grassroots, non-profit

Sharon “Sherry” Patterson Whitaker

“One event grew to a Christ-centered, grassroots, non-profit working year-round serving community members battling cancer.”

organization called Sherry’s Hope that works year-round to serve our neighbors in Wilson County (TN) and the surrounding communities who are battling cancer.

The love and support for Sherry and her family is not only a testament to who she was as a Christian, wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend but also of the amazing generosity of our wonderful community! It is also evidence of the lasting impression that one person can make in this life. While Sherry’s battle in the flesh was lost in 2004, the spirit she showed throughout her life continues as a legacy that endures touching more and more lives every day.

The funds that were raised from those first few 5K events went to cancer research in the hopes that a cure for cancer, colon cancer in particular would be found. It was in 2008 that an idea to use the funds that were raised to provide hope to those battling cancer in our community by offering financial assistance with everyday needs was presented. That idea began the transition from a fundraising event to a full-fledged 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Since that point in 2008, we have been blessed with outstanding support from our community and as a result, we have been able to help thousands of families in their battles with cancer. Healing begins with hope and our community provides hope to so many of our neighbors.

During that time of growth, the foundation members wanted to reach more people in order to help families who are hurting and struggling financially because of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. As the board and staff prayed and began to talk about how to get that message out, it became clear that a name change was the best way forward.

So, on January 1, 2021, Sherry’s Run began operating under the name,

Sherry’s Hope. The change to Sherry’s Hope was seen as a simple way to better share the mission of offering the hope of Christ to families who are hurting because of a cancer diagnosis. The 5K event our community has come to cherish will continue on as the Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk Event to benefit Sherry’s Hope and will always be an important fundraiser for the work carried out by the organization.

Sherry’s Hope is passionate about cancer prevention and education, especially colon cancer screenings. Each year, they distribute hundreds of colon cancer screening kits for free, in partnership with Ascension Medical Group Lebanon Gastroenterology.

Although Colorectal cancer is one of the most deadly, it’s also one of the most treatable when found early, this is why Sherry’s Hope encourages everyone to take the at home screening test yearly. It can be completed in just a few minutes and because the kits are available for free, you have nothing to lose!

Test kits do not take the place of a colonoscopy, so if you have a family or personal history of polyps, a family or personal history of colon cancer, or if you have been experiencing any changes in your digestion or bowel habits, you need to make an appointment to see a gastroenterologist.

If you would like to learn more about Sherry’s Hope or for patient assistance, call 615-925-9932 or email help@sherryshope.org. For general information, event information, or event sponsorship information, please call 615-925-2592 or email info@sherryshope.org.

If you would like to support the mission donate online at sherryshope.com or mail to Sherry’s Hope, P.O. Box 8, Lebanon, TN 37088. Sherry’s Hope is a 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible under section 170 of the code.

ZONE BLUE

What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.

“GET YOUR HANDS ON A PLANT-BASED COOKBOOK, PICK A DOZEN RECIPES, AND COOK THOSE WITH YOUR FAMILY ON SUNDAYS.”

For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.

If you haven’t subscribed to watching “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” streaming on Netflix, do yourself a favor and soak up the well-documented views into how Ikaria, Greece, Loma Linda, California, Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, and Nicoya, Costa Rica exemplify the basis behind the Blue Zones truth and have since inspired Dan and his team to further extrapolate how we can manufacture healthy blue zone lifestyles in virtually any city and within our homes by way of intentional adaptation.

Most of us are well aware of the “American way of life” we reside in, that being one of convenience in all shapes and forms. We excel in offering the most fast food options in any country. We rank at the top of the most cars per household. We embrace a sedentary at-home lifestyle. And, for many of us, it stems from our childhood to no-fault of our own; comfort foods and Friday night pizza deliveries, complacent recliners and cushy car commutes. In short, however, now more than ever we categorically live in a country where processed foods and ultra-convenience, unfortunately, translate to life-threatening health diseases and a lack of organic joy.

What is the best news of all? All of these characteristics are wildly easy to overcome with effortless, yet conscious pivots to making better decisions with our time, our food, and our focus. Ask yourself: Are you driving or walking? Are you connecting socially? Set your sights on avoiding the majority of processed foods and start eating a largely whole-food and plant-based diet that will (statistically) give you another 10-12 years on your life.

In place of your toaster, keep a fruit bowl on the counter. Create a low-level junk food drawer. Stop buying processed meat, potato chips, sweetened snacks like cookies and candies, and worst of all, sugar-sweet beverages, and start buying more beans, nuts, grains, and tea.

“Am I going to tell you to never have these? No, people deserve to treat themselves. But you’ll do yourself an enormous favor if you just don’t bring those into your home. If you want to go out for those treats, go ahead,” Dan says.

“Simply just don’t bring them home, and you’ll cut out 70-80% of consumption right there.”

Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.

Who do you hang out with? Happiness is contagious. “The Blue Zone approach is to go through your contact base and think of some friends whose recreation is pickleball, biking, or gardening. Who will care about you on a bad day and have a meaningful conversation? Identify one or two friends who are vegan or vegetarian and show you how and where to eat whole foods. Actively invite them out for lunch, and bring them into your social circle: this will have a bigger, long-term impact on your behavior than any new diet or exercise, and it costs you zero. Plus, there is a ton of data that shows it works, and it’s long-term.”

“We are marketed the idea that if we change our behavior by exercising more, taking the right supplements, trying this longevity or that anti-aging hack, that we will lose weight and get healthy, yet it never works for the longterm,” says Dan. The Blue Zones approach is not trying to change your behaviors, it is asking you to change your surroundings…your eco-system.

Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”

And, we would be remiss not to attend to the travelers at heart who would love to indulge in a luxurious resort paired with the facets of an actual Blue Zones destination. Dan highly recommends seeking out Silvestre in Nosara, Costa Rica where the experience offers wellness programming, fully-equipped kitchens, and outdoor activities that will fuel your inspiration for a healthier life.

Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!

Follow @DanBuettner and @BlueZones for full insights and visit BlueZones.com to shop exclusive products.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

VARIOUS DATES

Mark Your Calendar For Granville Festival Fun

Granville, TN

Visit Granvilletn.com for more information and tickets

• April 12 -13 Mayberry Lucy Days

• May 4 Cornbread & Moonshine Festival

• May 25- 26 Annual Granville Heritage Day

VARIOUS DATES

Upcoming Business Events with Lebanon Wilson Chamber of Commerce

Visit lebanonwilsonchamber.com for more information and to join!

• March 1st Two Bronze Dogs Ribbon Cutting

• March 18-22 Wilson County Restaurant Week

• March 19 Business Owners Book Club (First Meeting)

VARIOUS DATES

Showings this Month at Capital Theatre

Capital Theatre, 110 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087

Visit capitoltheatretn.com for tickets and more information

• March 8 Concert: The Sternwheelers

• March 10 Nashville Irish Step Dancers

• March 15 Concert: Domine Pink Floyd Tribute

• March 28 Movie: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

MARCH 7TH

Sounds in the Round

Tucker's Gap Event Center | 6:00 PM

Music City Supports T2T will host their second annual benefit night in Lebanon, supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This writer's rounds will feature 2-3 songwriters where artists will share stories of how their hit songs came about on a big round center stage. Contact nancy@tuckersgap.com for more info.

MARCH 16TH

Smoky Mountain Market

Wilson County Fairgrounds | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Shop from 100+ Local Vendors and small Businesses and Food Trucks. Plus giveaways, live music and more.Free Admission and parking.

MARCH 21ST

Everyone's Wilson 3rd annual St. Patrick’s Gala on March 21

Capital Theatre, 110 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087 | 6:00 PM

"We will look around the room filled with friends and co-laborers who believe there is still a better story to write—a story that carries the light of the Gospel into every corner of our community, a story that invites everyone to live the life they were created to live, where the next generation has every opportunity to flourish." www.everyoneswilson.org

Olives, Red Onions, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Chicken, Feta, Dill

Carrots, Cucumber, Avocado, Ground Turkey, GF Hoisin Sauce, GF Soy Sauce, Siracha

Black Beans, Tomatoes, Street Corn, Avocado, Jalapenos, Chicken, Lime Crema Sauce, Cilantro Garnish, Cojita

Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, Spinach, Avocado, Chicken, Chipotle Mayo

MARCH 23RD

Mother-Daughter Fashion Show

events

CONTINUED

Capital Theatre, 110 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087 | 11:00 AM

The annual Lebanon Square, Mother-Daughter Fashion Show at the Capitol for the non-profit Joseph's Storehouse, a community supplier of good wholesome food when families are in need, will be March 23 at 11:00 a.m. Call or text 615-417-3566, or  sthubb@bellsouth.net for tickets. $40 includes styles of the stores on the square, a chef prepared lunch, door prizes and more.

APRIL 5TH

The Bill Sattler Memorial Foundation for Aerospace Education Fundraiser Weekend

Lebanon Municipal Airport

Join April 5-6 as they roll two events into one fun weekend. First, join us for a steak dinner, drinks, and entertainment beginning on Friday, includes beer, wine and mixers and entertainment by the Music City Dueling Pianos. Visit thesattlerfoundation.org Second, a Triple Steak Cookoff competition on both Friday and Saturday. Compete for over $6,600 in cash and more. Visit steakcookoffs.com.

APRIL 27TH

2024 Wilson County Heart Walk

Nashville Superspeedway, 4847-F McCrary Road, Lebanon, TN 37090

Register for the Wilson County Heart Walk by emailing Lauren.Carr@heart.org As they also celebrate their 100th anniversary, the American Heart Association wants to connect and share the reasons why it is imperative that we eliminate heart disease and stroke. 1 in 3 people suffer from heart disease, which is also the number one cause of death and disability among Americans.

World Class Care Right Where You Live

Where a patient starts their cancer journey matters. And here, that means Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Wilson County, where you will find the same world-renowned expertise and care of our Nashville campus without the drive. From screening and diagnosis, to treatment and recovery, patients receive all the care they need at one convenient location, close to home and family.

What’s more, we are the only cancer provider in the area that offers a full array of multi-disciplinary services, and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for both adults and children in Tennessee. So having the best care team and most advanced treatments is now closer than ever. Visit VanderbiltIngramCancerCenter.com or call 615-936-8422.

Making Personal Cancer Care