Mount Juliet, TN July 2023

Summer Fun

REAL ESTATE

LAKE LIFE

LIFE + CULTURE

HOW TO CATCH A LIGHTNING BUG

MAKING A DIFFERENCE, CHRISTINA PUZA JULY

Dr. Zac Berry

Our goal is to provide top-notch care to all of our patients. We pride ourselves on cutting edge technology and training so that we can bring the best care available to you and your family.

DR. BERRY AND HIS TEAM FOCUS ON YOUR COMFORT AND CARE IN A FRIENDLY

We bring the beach to your backyard.

When life gives you summer adventures!

I hope this letter finds you laying by the pool or lake and soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D.

The pages in our Summer Fun issue will help you make the most of this season in Mount Juliet.  We can look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our ultimate Summer bucket list (check the table of contents for ours!) and curling up with a new favorite beach read. (P.S. Teachers, you deserve this much-needed break!)

My family loves the simple things that scream summer, like the glimmer of lightning bugs, road trips to the beach and the mountains, the smell of fireworks, the sound of summer concerts and movies under the stars. I think it's easy to forget about the happiness that can come from just getting outside and soaking in the change of the seasons. One thing I know for sure is that we soak up every Summer absorbing time with friends and family.

Just like this season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s issue will enrich and enliven your experience of Mount Juliet this Summer!

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Kimberly Thomas | kimberly.thomas@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Kim Dickson | kim.dickson@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kourtney McComb | kourtney.mccomb@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Karianne Beasley | karianne.beasley@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Crystal Stephens

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Staci Bishop, Justin Beasley, Cassidy Polman, Courtney Stockton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Relive Studios, Crystal Stephens Photography, Kevin Barnett

Corporate Team

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 Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

KIMBERLY THOMAS, PUBLISHER @MOUNTJULIETLIFESTYLE

B U I L D I N G A C O N C R E T E

L E G A C Y T O U S E O U R

B U S I N E S S A S A M I S S I O N .

S u m m i t C o n c r e t e i s a f a m i l y - o w n e d c o n c r e t e c o m p a n y t h a t p r o v i d e s a w i d e s e l e c t i o n o f r e s i d e n t i a l c o n c r e t e s e r v i c e s , i n c l u d i n g t r a d i t i o n a l a n d d e c o r a t i v e c o n c r e t e O u r c a p a b i l i t i e s i n c l u d e d r i v e w a y s , c o n c r e t e p a t i o s , p o o l d e c k s , w a l k w a y s , d e c o r a t i v e c o n c r e t e , o u t d o o r k i t c h e n s , p e r g o l a s , r e t a i n i n g w a l l s , f i r e p i t s , a n d e v e r y t h i n g i n b e t w e e n .

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

The 39th Annual Phoenix Ball benefiting Cumberland University was held on June 3rd. 1: Taylor & Shauna Bowers 2: David & Jennifer Huffaker 3: Taylor & Shauna Bowers, Brad & Tasha Irby (PB Chairs) Krissa & Ryan Stephens 5: Dr. Luke & Kristina Richie 7: Justin & Andrea Wiater

The 39th Annual Phoenix Ball benefiting Cumberland University was held on June 3rd. 9: The Polzel Group and friends 10: Amanda Polzel & Tasha Irby

Photo credit: Soph Davison

Photo

Waverly Grand Opening - Beazer Homes

Join the Mount Juliet Chamber of Commerce and Beazer Homes for the Waverly community grand opening celebration! It’ll be fun for everyone with catering by local food trucks, music, and kid’s entertainment from face painting to bounce houses. Explore the four exquisitely decorated Waverly model homes and take a tour of the new state-of-theart amenity center. For directions: please type "Beazer Homes Waverly" into your GPS app.   Saturday Jul 15, 2023

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Want

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

Photography Beazer Homes

IMS, Mount Juliet

INSURANCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, Your Trusted Insurance Professionals celebrated its Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting held by the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce, on June 2nd. IMS specializes in Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans. Located at 258 W. Division Street, Suite 100, Mount Juliet.

Journey's Opens at Providence Marketplace

The City of Mt. Juliet proudly announced the addition of Journeys to its business community. Located in Providence next to Kroger at 401 S. Mt. Juliet Road Suite #205, Journeys is a teen retail leader offering the most popular footwear brands such as Converse, Vans, Adidas, New Balance, UGG, Birkenstock and Dr. Martens. Journeys is a division of Genesco, a Nashville-based specialty retailer and branded company selling footwear and accessories in nearly 1,400 retail stores across North America and the U.K.

Photography Mount Juliet Chamber of Commerce

Photography City of Mount Juliet

CRUISIN’ TIKIS NASHVILLE

Climb Aboard One of Nashville’s Hidden Gems and Discover the Place Where Hometown Meets Paradise

ARTICLE BY CASSIDY POLMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRYSTAL STEPHENS AND RELIVE STUDIOS

If you’re looking for a little piece of paradise this summer, you don’t have to go far. Nashville has the perfect oasis right in its own backyard! It’s time to put the spotlight on Cruisin’ Tikis Nashville and discover this town’s tropical treasure. Visitors can find the popular tiki boats located directly in front Awedaddy’s Bar & Grill on Old Hickory Lake’s Gallatin Marina. Cruisin’ Tikis Nashville immediately sets the tropical tone on every cruise by greeting their passengers with leis, koozies, and a good time! Grab your favorite beverage, bring your favorite people, and let’s cruise!

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Andrea and Justin Wiater brought Cruisin’ Tikis to Nashville in the summer of 2021 after spotting the unique tiki boats while boating in Key West. They knew instantly that they wanted to bring that kind of excitement back home to their favorite watering hole, Old Hickory Lake. Andrea tells us, “We love being able to share our favorite spot with everybody. That’s something that’s special for us and people seem to love it. It’s exciting to see everyone’s reaction.” Luckily for us, Andrea and Justin have turned their love for boating into something that both locals and tourists get to enjoy in Nashville!

Cruisin’ Tikis Nashville offers a variety of cruises to suit everyone’s idea of fun. It all depends on what you like. The biggest part of their cruising season begins in April and goes on through September. Folks are invited to enjoy lake adventures like party cove excursions, morning mimosas, sunset cruises, and even late-night cruises during the summer months. Cruisin’ Tikis also offers public and private charters. Group sizes can be as few as 2 passengers or as many as 18, making this the perfect paradise for friends, couples, and families looking to beat the summer heat.

Passengers are encouraged to bring their favorite foods and beverages on board to enjoy while they take in the beautiful scenery and unbeatable energy that Cruisin’ Tikis Nashville provides. They also have local partnerships that are happy to cater food out to the tikis so folks can continue to enjoy cruising while satisfying their cravings. Cruises are equipped with plenty of cooler space and ice to keep your beverages fresh. Visitors can also connect their favorite playlists to the tiki boats’ Bluetooth speakers and set the tone for an unforgettable summer experience. Most importantly, each tiki boat comes complete

with a Coast Guard Certified Captain. Andrea and Justin’s top priority is the continued safety of their guests. They explain that they simply want their guests to savor their summer cruises and trust that they are in good hands and a safe space.

Cruisin’ Tikis Nashville is quickly becoming a coveted hot spot during the summer holidays. On days like the Fourth of July, passengers aboard Cruisin’ Tikis have the best seat in the house. “It’s the perfect chance to get your family out on the lake, see fireworks and hang out,” Andrea explains. This is the perfect spot to celebrate numerous types of occasions.

Andrea and Justin have become the experts in summertime celebrations. “We see just about everything out there. We see birthdays. We’ve had people propose for engagements out on the tikis. Bachelor and bachelorette parties, a lot of work events and team happy hours. Even the sunset cruises are really popular for a date night.”  Whatever the celebration, Cruisin’ Tikis has proven to be loved equally by local residents and Nashville tourists. Getting out and spending the day on Old Hickory Lake is an ideal way to break away from the downtown scene and discover a totally different side of Nashville. The Cruisin’ slogan says it best, “Why go bar hopping when you can hop on the bar?”

Andrea and Justin are now sailing into their third cruising season and they take a lot of pride in making Cruisin’ Tikis Nashville one of the best summer experiences that Nashville has to offer. Mt. Juliet is home to them and they value the opportunity to share Old Hickory Lake with neighbors, friends, and tourists in a unique and memorable way. We can’t wait to climb aboard Cruisin’ Tikis Nashville this summer and take part in this little piece of paradise.

“We love being able to share our favorite spot with everybody. That’s something that’s special for us and people seem to love it. It’s exciting to see everyone’s reaction.”

“HOW TO CATCH A LIGHTNING BUG”

Sierra Barnett Brings a Southern Rite of Passage to Life in Her Debut Children’s Book

Coming off the heels of her first book tour, Sierra Barnett sits down with us to open up about her debut children’s book, “How to Catch a Lightning Bug.” This is a story where readers are invited to explore one of the South’s most beloved pastimes and lean further into a particularly magical moment that has been enjoyed by many Tennesseans over generations.

Sierra grew up in the small East Tennessee town of Rogersville, located in the valley of the Appalachians just a few hours away from where she and her family now live near Old Hickory Lake. Sierra recounts memories from her childhood that center around the magical moments which seem to continuously fuel the brilliance behind her storytelling. Each June, lightning bugs signaled that summer was in full swing, and Sierra’s connection to these whimsical insects would only grow stronger and stronger. Coincidentally, she and her

Sierra recounts memories from her childhood that center around the magical moments which seem to continuously fuel the brilliance behind her storytelling.

ARTICLE BY CASSIDY POLMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN BARNETT

grandmother, Mamaw Mac, shared June birthdays. Barnett describes, “That was like our time. And anytime her birthday would come around, I would just think about how lightning bugs really bonded us... I always felt this connection with her.”

After achieving a degree from the School of Journalism at MTSU, Barnett lead a successful career in the world of communications and journalism. Still, she found herself at a crossroads after the birth of her first son where she made the decision to fully pour herself into the role of motherhood and step away from her journalistic career. It didn’t take long before Sierra began to reclaim her natural skill for storytelling and let the inspirations throughout her childhood lead her down the path to writing her first children’s book.

The inspiration behind “How to Catch a Lightning Bug” all started after her young son found it difficult to catch lightning bugs. Sierra had the idea to write about catching these magical critters that had, in many ways, shaped her own childhood. She also wanted the book to explain the importance of letting lightning bugs go after they’ve been caught. She notes, “I hope [children] learn how we can make small changes that have a big impact. More literally, letting one lightning bug go, can ensure we see them again next year.” Sierra hopes to continue encouraging children to get outside and be kids as long as possible. They might just find something that looks a little like magic.

“How to Catch a Lightning Bug” is quickly gaining momentum amongst readers across the U.S. Barnett’s book can be found wherever books are soldyou can even stop by our favorite children’s boutique, Magpies Mount Juliet, and grab your copy!

Mount Juliet Injury Attorney

It’s our belief that local people require local expertise. This includes your lawyer. Recognized by the Best Lawyers in America, The Law Offices of Christopher Eads is committed to putting clients first.

The Gaylord Opryland has kicked off its ‘Summer of More,’ and it’s worth ‘checking in’ to (see what we did there)

A VACATION FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY (YES, REALLY)

ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STOCKTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

They often say once you have kids, and you travel with said kids, ‘vacations’ are no longer ‘vacations.’ They’re demoted to ‘trips’ now. Or ‘business trips’ for the cynical ones. You may have even heard them referred to as just ‘parenting at a different location.’ While family vacations aren’t easy, they don’t have to be re-branded in such bleak terms. It is possible to still have a ‘vacation,’ so long as the destination strikes a harmonious balance between the desires of the parents and the children alike.

Nestled in the heart of Nashville, Gaylord Opryland is one such contender for satisfying the needs of the entire family. First, let’s start with the litany of family fun planned at the Gaylord this season. On May 19th, the resort kicked off its Summer of More festivities (which will continue through September 4th); it’s an itinerary busting at the seams with activities and entertainment, sure to excite (and maybe even tire out) your little ones.

First up are the fantasy-filled experiences to ignite and stimulate your mini’s creativity. There are seasonally inspired crafts to be made at the Adventure Kid’s Clubhouse. There are also live, interactive shows

with fun characters such as Bella the Blue Tick Hound, Brody, the Black Bear, and Sophie, everybody’s favorite Adventure Kid, to help your littles discover the wonders of summer. For something to satisfy your budding investigator, the Gaylord hosts a Pirate Treasure Hide and Sea-k Scavenger Hunt where the kids can search the resort for clues and uncover hidden gems. And to give your tykes a dose of Zen in the morning, you can tune into yoga with Sophie (the aforementioned Adventure Kid) from the comfort of your hotel room.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a summer vacation without some water fun. And it would feel a bit like buying the lede if we didn’t mention that the Gaylord has ‘SoundWaves,’ a four-acre water attraction that the resort calls, “overthe-top fun.” SoundWaves features both an indoor and outdoor area with rides, waterslides, a wave pool, both a rapid and lazy river and multi-level play structures. In addition to the plethora of water options, there’s also an arcade (replete with virtual reality games), a rock-climbing wall, and game tables. You’d be hard-pressed to find a type of entertainment that isn’t available here.

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Dinner show at the General Jackson

View from the General Jackson

And if you’re searching for activities for the kids that are as fun as they are edifying, Gaylord hosts Animal Encounters, which the resort describes as, “an educational opportunity where guests can have close-up encounters with incredible creatures.” There’s also Wildlife Rescue which is, “an augmented reality experience presented by Bubly to virtually search the resort for endangered animals.”

Now perk up, weary parents, lest you think we’ve forgotten about you. There are plenty of amenities here for you, too. The Gaylord is the home of Relâche, an upscale spa with seasonal specials, such as the Father’s Rejuvenate and Recover package with vanilla bourbon body, face, or nail treatment (available for the entire month of June). And from July 1st through August 31st, Relâche has the Summer of Spa Love package, in which guests are treated to luxurious mojito-infused treatments.

After achieving full relaxation at Relâche, culinary discovery is only a few steps away. The atriums of the Gaylord (which span over nine acres) are lined with a wide variety of dining options – from authentic Italian cuisine at Ravello, gourmet steaks and fine wine at Old Hickory Steakhouse, Mexican fare and signature margaritas at Solario Cantina, fresh sushi, and cocktails at Cascades American Café.

Additional attractions offer fun for the whole family; there’s the General Jackson Showboat cruise (offered midday and evening) which includes first-class entertainment, gourmet meals, and unbeatable views of Nashville. And last but not least, the Gaylord Spring Golf Links is a Scottishlinks style, par-72 layout with 18 holes, surrounded by beautiful limestone bluffs and wetlands, where junior golfers (15 and under) are permitted to play one free round for each adult paid after 3 PM.

In all of this talk about the activities and attractions of the Gaylord, it’s easy to miss that the resort itself is a site to take in. The atriums are brimming with gardens, plants, flowers, and waterfalls. You might even call it relaxing. And with your kids’ hearts filled with summer memories made, and your body and mind at ease from a restorative day at the spa, topped with a gourmet meal, you might even feel like you’re on vacation. opryland.com

The Peaceful nature walk at Gaylord Opryland

LOVING THE LAKE LIFE

Middle Tennessee is home to beautiful Old Hickory Lake which is the oldest man-made body of water in the state. It was formed in the 1950s via a dam as a reservoir of the Cumberland River and continues to be well maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. It spans from Davidson through Wilson and Sumner counties with 440 miles of serene shoreline.

Old Hickory Lake offers residents a wide variety of activities including fishing, water sports, camping, and hiking making it a popular spot for entertainment year-round. There are several marinas located directly on the lake and each has its own unique restaurant fare and flair with great food and lively music. Locals give rave reviews to Sam’s Sports Grill at Blue Turtle Bay Marina as well as The Rudder at Anchor High Marina.

No matter how you prefer to move about the lake, there are several boat and yacht clubs to explore. It’s also not uncommon to see kayaks and paddle boards in addition to pontoon boats and jet skis. Old Hickory Lake offers 40+ access sites so there are ample opportunities to explore its 22,500 acres of surface area.

Realtor, Melissa King, says there was a big push to get out of the city in 2020-2021. Old Hickory Lake’s convenient proximity to the city of Nashville made it an ideal location to

enjoy the outdoors while remaining within 25-30 miles of downtown. Some of her clients are looking to purchase a vacation home but a large majority are putting down roots with their lake home as a primary residence.

There are many types of houses available that come with all the benefits of lake life. You can find iconic homes with a personal boat dock, but there are gated condominium neighborhoods as well. While living on the lake offers convenient activities and entertainment options, many residents find it’s the community aspect they enjoy the most. Boat owners have their favorite coves for hanging out together and some streets plan big block parties with their neighbors. Holiday events also bring homeowners together. The 4th of July fireworks show is always a hit with lots of families gathering for the festivities at various spots around the lake.

Those who have purchased a home on Old Hickory Lake say it’s helpful to have a realtor who specializes in the niche knowledge of these types of properties. The Kowalske family says that Melissa King’s experience helped their purchase go smoothly and saved them time and research. “She walked us down to the lake and explained how the Army Corp of Engineer’s land works and knew what it would take to build a dock.”

ARTICLE BY STACI BISHOP

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRYSTAL STEPHENS

Jim and Kristine Van Vonderen have wanted a home on the lake for a long time as they love the calming effect of the water. They shared how watching the sunset from their deck or boat has replaced TV and their mornings are just as tranquil. They’ve even spotted a bald eagle while sipping coffee. Tonya Keen also says she sees wildlife in her backyard daily. You can find her out on the pontoon boat most every weekend or roaming around the cove with her kayak or paddle board. One thing is for sure. It seems that the perks of lake life are endless and each day offers something new to enjoy.

“I love the wildlife I see just stepping out my back door every day. I also enjoy roaming around the cove with my kayak or paddle board.” – Tonya

Keen

Melissa King, Benchmark Realty: mynashvillerealtors.com

“I love the wildlife I see just stepping out my back door every day.

I also enjoy roaming around the cove with my kayak or paddle board.”

– Tonya Keen

WELCOME TO MT. JULIET FAMILY VISION

Welcome to Mt. Juliet Family Vision, here we strive to deliver the ultimate customer service experience from the moment you walk in our door. We are devoted to creating high-quality eye wear you will fall in love with and be proud to wear. We take pride in using the latest technology to fully customize your visit. Everything is custom-tailored for you; from scheduling your appointment to designing your lenses!

DIFFERENCE MAKER

ARTICLE BY JUSTIN BEASLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRYSTAL STEPHENS

Veteran and Teacher, Puza brings a wealth of knowledge and toughness to the classroom

The apple did not fall far from the tree for Christina Puza. Puza, a veteran now teaching and coaching at Wilson Central High School, followed her family’s footsteps. “I grew up in a family of Navy guys,” Puza said referring to her grandfather, uncle, and father’s service during World War II and Vietnam. Soon after graduating high school, and unsure of her next move, she met with a Navy recruiter in hopes of enlisting. Puza vividly remembers how rude the recruiter was, so she decided to visit the Marine Corps next door. She learned not only did they have the same aviator jobs she was seeking, but it was also more difficult, which appealed to Puza, who competed in soccer, lacrosse, track, diving, and gymnastic in her Illinois high school. The opportunity and challenge was the perfect fit.

BOOTCAMP

Bootcamp was what Puza expected it to be. “It was the hardest thing I have ever done,” Puza said, recalling her discomfort, and 13 weeks’ worth of sweat in the middle of the South Carolina summer. “It changes you forever, honestly.” She wanted to leave, and of the 70 enlisted women, only 40 graduated. Following graduation, Puza began combat training. But soon after, the real fun began at air cruise school in Pensacola, Fl., where she completed her training in 1998. Puza’s first job landed her as a jet engine mechanic of the CH53 helicopter. “I was the first female ever in Marine Corps history to have that job.” She stayed in that role before she transitioned to training incoming Marines in her last year and a half in the Marine Corps.

Highly competitive, and always looking for a new challenge, Puza’s interest shifted to becoming a military policewoman. However, after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, a job change wasn’t possible for Puza with her reenlistment date approaching. “Because we were about ready to go to war, they wouldn’t let me change my job. … I wanted to stay in but there wasn’t an avenue (of advancement) at that moment.”

CAREER CHANGE

Following her service in the Marine Corps, Puza spent 15 years in the aerospace industry, spending time in sales and marketing for large aerospace companies. A new job title in 2008 led her to Nashville, until 2016 when she quit work to finish her bachelor’s degree online from the University of Phoenix. In 2020, Puza was managing a propane company, but the Covid shutdown brought that to an end. After deep reflection that summer, Puza sought out a high school science job. Wilson Central emailed her to see if she had an interest during a time the school was struggling to staff teachers. Puza jumped at the opportunity. “I want to make a difference in people’s lives,” Puza, a STEM educator, lacrosse head coach, and assistant soccer coach, said. “I’d rather go home with that feeling every day than with a lot of money in my pocket.”

“I WAS THE FIRST FEMALE EVER IN MARINE CORPS HISTORY TO HAVE THAT JOB.”  PUZA, REFERRING TO HER FIRST MILITARY JOB AS A JET ENGINE MECHANIC OF THE CH53 HELICOPTER

A sample of recently sold properties in Mount Juliet.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

4th of July Fireworks

563 MAIN ST, MOUNT JULIET | 4:00 PM

US Community Credit Union 4th of July Celebration at Circle P Ranch! Needham’s Nursery and the City of Mt. Juliet will combine to present the largest fireworks show in Wilson County's history! Food trucks, live music, and inflatables will begin at 4 p.m. Stay tuned for much more information over the coming weeks as we countdown to this huge 4th of July Celebration at Circle P Ranch.

Food & Flick Charlie Daniels Park

CHARLIE DANIELS PARK | 8:40 PM

Shazam!  Fury of the Gods: Friday, July 7th at the park amphitheater, bring your own blanket or chairs, concessions are available.

Celebrate Mount Juliet

1075 CHARLIE DANIELS PKWY, MOUNT JULIET, | 4:00 PM

Presented by Volunteer State Bank on Saturday, July 15th starting at 4 p.m. at Charlie Daniels Park. This event for both children and families will feature the Inaugural Ray Daniel Cruise-In, an amusement swing, giant slides, food trucks, wine tasting, large inflatables, Ava's Splash Pad, face paintings, cake walks, games, and much more. Taking the amphitheater stage late in the evening will be War Hippies, Scooter Brown and Donnie Reis.