Williamson Medical Center is consistently named one of America’s best hospitals for obstetrics by the Women’s Choice Awards. We take pride in our family-centered approach and a tradition of excellence in caring for women and their babies.
WilliamsonHealth.org
Welcome to the latest edition of Thompson’s Station Lifestyle, filled with captivating stories and features as we turn our attention to a topic that warms our hearts and brings smiles to our faces: kids and pets.
Within these pages, we shine a spotlight on the wonders of hosting exchange students. Their fresh outlook will undoubtedly leave you with a renewed appreciation for our wonderful community.
We also speak with author Steve Hines, who provides insight into his new book, Salt, Light & Kids: Parenting Well in Today’s Culture.
For all the pet lovers out there, we introduce you to the mother/daughter team at Wagging Tails, where caring for your pet is their first priority. And of course, we couldn't resist sharing some great tricks to teach your dog.
As you dive into the pages of our August issue, we hope it sparks a renewed appreciation for the joys that both children and pets bring. May these stories and features remind you of the endless wonders that exist within the hearts of our children and the animals that enrich our lives.
Happy reading!
Warmly, Thompson’s Station Lifestyle is available for pickup at the following locations:
• RE/MAX Encore (100 W. 6th Street, Columbia)
• The Fainting Goat (Spring Hill)
• Spring Hill Public Library
• Sweet CeCe’s (The Crossings at Spring Hill)
• Parkway Wine and Spirits (Spring Hill)
• Vintage 615 Boutique Clothing & Decor
• Living615
• Local doctors and professional offices around the area
PUBLISHER
Athena West | athena.west@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Maria Dinoia | maria.dinoia@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Emily Smith | emily.smith@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Karen Creason | karen.creason@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Lisa Valentine, Judy Beaudin, Karen Creason
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 Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
To optimize your chances of selling real estate during the dog days of summer, consider these tips:
Price competitively: Your RE/MAX Encore agent will research local market conditions and set a realistic price for your property based on comparable sales in your area.
Stage appropriately: Your RE/MAX Encore agent will help to highlight the best features of your property and create a welcoming atmosphere by staging it appropriately for the season. Consider using bright and light decor to enhance the summer vibe.
Market effectively: Your RE/MAX Encore agent will utilize both traditional and digital marketing strategies to reach potential buyers. They will leverage multiple listing services, social media, and professional photography to showcase your property's best aspects.
Be flexible with showings: Understand that buyers may have limited availability due to vacations and other summer activities. Try to accommodate their schedules as much as possible.
Keep your property cool and well-maintained: Ensure your property is comfortable and inviting by keeping it cool during showings. Maintain the landscaping and address any necessary repairs to create a positive impression.
Ultimately, with a RE/MAX Encore agent, proper preparation and our strategic marketing plan, we can successfully sell your property during the summer months, even during the dog days of summer.
Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @thompsonsstationlifestyle
Williamson Health has been included in Newsweek’s list of 2023 World’s Best Hospitals. This list compiles hospitals that provide first-class care, research and innovation while consistently attracting the best people and providing the best outcomes for patients. This recognition is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry provider.
The list ranks the top 2,300 hospitals worldwide with 420 U.S. hospitals recognized. Williamson Health is one of only two Tennessee hospitals to be included on the list. WilliamsonHealth.org
Ogden Editions Fine Art Printing And Custom Picture Framing, has relocated from Brentwood to the up and coming Neapolis area of Columbia. Located at 2504 Hospitality Drive, the family-owned business invites you to visit their new showroom and meet their family, including Boone, their mascot. Ogden Editions opened in early 2020 when owners/partners Greg & Kathy Ogden and Bobby Kranc brought their combined 62 years of experience in the fine art market from Southern California to Tennessee. OgdenEditions.com
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum will explore the life and career of Country Music Hall of Fame member-elect Patty Loveless in a new exhibition, Patty Loveless: No Trouble with the Truth . The exhibit will trace Loveless’ story, from a musical prodigy to a Grammy award-winning country music star who carries forward the sounds of her Appalachian roots. The exhibit, which will be open from Aug. 23 through October 2024, is included with museum admission. CountryMusicHallOfFame.org
The beginning of the school year is always filled with anticipation and excitement for students as a new year of possibilities is laid out before them. For high school exchange students coming to America, the nerves of a new school year are taken to the next level, being accompanied by the unknowns of a new country, school, culture, and host family.
Many families in Middle Tennessee have been opening their homes to exchange students for years, showing them Southern hospitality and introducing them to the culture of the United States.
Ryan and Dawn Gustin of Spring Hill have been welcoming international students into their home since 2016. After hearing about foreign exchange programs through a former co-worker, the Gustin's jumped headfirst into the experience and have been helping international students become immersed into life in Tennessee ever since.
“We don’t have biological children of our own and so being somewhat new to Tennessee when we started the program, [we] thought it might be a good and fun, exciting way to open our home to other cultures," says Ryan. “But at the same time, the exchange program was allowing us to assimilate deeper into the local community with other families that have children and learn more about the high school.”
The Gustin's have hosted five full-time exchange students in their home and have also had multiple temporary placements. They’ve consistently hosted students in their home, starting out as a host family through the exchange program with Education First (EF), before eventually
becoming International Exchange Coordinators (IECs) for the local area.
"As an IEC, in essence, you just support local families. We act as a local resource. EF has headquarters in Denver and Boston—here in North America—even though it’s a Swedishbased company, but we act as a local resource,” explains Ryan. “We always would like to think things will go swimmingly well and create nothing but fun and exciting experiences but there are times when there are inherent challenges, so it was always comforting for us to know that we had a local resource in our IEC. Now the families we supervise have a resource in Dawn and me. There are IECs spread throughout Tennessee and throughout the country.”
Ryan and Dawn have spent years working with exchange students and have now grown to be the Regional Coordinators [RC] for the entire state of Tennessee. “So instead of supervising families, we’ll supervise IECs to provide another layer of local support,” says Ryan. “We’re just one example of many families in Middle Tennessee and throughout Tennessee, while EF is one of also several programs that brings students into these schools.”
In addition to serving in this role supporting other host families, they are also continuing to open their home to hosting exchange students.
During the 2022-2023 school year, they hosted Justin Behr from Berlin as he participated in his exchange year during his junior year of high school in Spring Hill. Justin had a friend in middle school in Germany who was passionate about doing an exchange program and as he continued to hear more about it, he was inspired to do an
exchange program himself. Growing up watching American movies where he was fascinated with events like American high school proms, so he was interested in coming to the U.S. for his exchange program and allowed EF to choose the city for his placement.
“I feel like in the United States, especially in Tennessee, people are more friendly and more welcoming than in Germany,” Justin shares of the cultural differences he experienced between the United States and his home country. “The whole school was totally different because we don’t have school sports in Germany or any school spirit, so that was definitely something different. The patriotism here, like all the American flags everywhere because we don’t even have a single German flag in our school. It was definitely different the first time everyone stood up for the pledge of allegiance and I was like ‘Oh, what’s going on?’”
During his school year, in addition to making friends with American students, he also had other exchange students in his school from Germany, as well as Spain, Taiwan, and China.
And in addition to getting the full American high school experience, Justin was able to travel with the Gustins and experience other parts of the country. His adventures included visiting seven theme parks, becoming scuba certified in Palm Beach, Florida, going on a road trip through Michigan and traveling to several other states. He also had the opportunity to attend concerts including Lizzo, Post Malone, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Based on his experience, Justin encourages other high school students to explore doing an exchange program too. “Definitely do an exchange year because it changes you as a person for the better,” he says. “Sometimes it seems like a challenge because you’re in a different country and different language, but it just
gives you more self-confidence. At least it gave me more self-confidence. You step out of your comfort area because you’re not living where you lived your whole life. It comes with a challenge, but it also comes with so many memories and exciting events. It’s just awesome.”
Prior to hosting Justin in their home, the Gustins hosted another German exchange student, Larissa Petricevic, who is from a town in Germany south of Stuttgart. Larissa chose to study in the United States because she wanted to improve her English skills so that she could focus her future studies on “economy of business in English.” While she could’ve gone to England for her exchange year, she thought that the U.S. looked fun and was more of an experience since it was farther away from her home country. “I just wanted to do something completely different,” she explains. “You can pick if you want to go to the West Coast or East Coast or if you have any preference, but I didn’t do it because I thought ‘I just want the perfect family for me and not live in a special region.’ I think it’s more fun if you don’t know where you’re going and just to experience it, because that’s like literally the American life, Tennessee or just the normal areas.”
She says the school experience was challenging at first because a lot of students knew each other since kindergarten or elementary school, so it was a bit intimidating to get to know people initially, but it got easier as the school year progressed.
Attending school in the U.S. was very different than what she was used to, noting that the high school was huge compared to her German school. Back in Germany, it was common for her to walk to places easily in her town and utilize public transportation, which she says gave teenagers more flexibility; therefore,
she was surprised by the lack of sidewalks in the area and how many people utilized cars instead. Being in the South, she also says she immediately noticed the students wearing cowboy boots and hats.
The added safety measures in school were also something that was a key difference for her. “Our school system [in Germany] is completely different and we just go to school and it's never locked and we don’t have police officers,” she explains. “Our school schedule is completely different, and we don’t have football teams and all that, so that was a really crazy change, especially to see police officers walk around school with guns.”
Larissa’s 2019-2020 exchange year was cut short due to the pandemic, but she was able to experience most of the school year. She took time to participate in programs like the Best Buddies club as well as being the team manager for one of the basketball teams at the high school.
Among her favorite memories was attending an Alabama vs. Auburn football game. “I loved to travel with my host parents,” she says. “We went to Georgia, Alabama, Florida, just doing really fun trips.”
When it comes to hosting students there are many opportunities for families in Middle Tennessee. “I would echo what EF would say, in that they just want families that are open and welcoming, to kind of as we say, ‘Open their doors to another culture and create a loving and supportive environment for these kids to thrive for their school year.’ I look at it as being kind of mutually beneficial,” says Ryan of being a host family. “We very much learn and grow ourselves, from opening our homes not only just to the teenage experience with not having children of our own, but the various cultures. We very much take away a lot of the shared experiences that we do with the students, whether that’s traveling, learning about their cultures, or learning about their food. At the end of the day, we really feel like we’ve built a family.”
For Ryan, parting ways at the end of the school year is hard, but he says it’s not really a goodbye but more of “until we see each other again.”
“You’re creating lifelong experiences, and obviously I think that more often than not, these are also lifelong relationships that you have,” he says of host families and exchange students. He can tell stories of people who have been hosting for 30 years that have hosted a student and then years later, host that student’s kids. “They do very much feel like an extension of your family and so I would definitely express to the Middle Tennessee/Williamson County area for families that are considering this to really give it a chance.”
For more information about volunteering to host an exchange student contact: efexchangeyear.org/ iec/ryan-gustin
Founded in 2020 in Spring Hill, the business offers a range of pet sitting services, from morning and midday home visits to evening and vacation visits. “We’ll take the dogs for a walk and playtime, make sure they have water and food, and are happy and feel loved,” says Ashley.
When Debbie Butman retired in 2019 after 45 years of teaching, she wasn’t sure what she was going to do with all her free time. When her daughter, Ashley, mentioned opening her own pet care business, mom couldn’t have been more excited.
“What better way to live out this next stage of my life than to invest in Ashley’s dream?” she says. “Now, I feel like I’m living my own dream. This has been such a fun venture.”
For Ashley, a certified dog trainer who is also working on her service dog training certification, having her mother partner with her just felt right. “Growing up, we had bunnies, mice, a dog, fish, lizards, and I took horseback riding lessons for years. I was obsessed with animals,” says Ashley. “I believe having pets as a child was just magical. It gave me purpose and such joy. I feel like God placed humans here to care for the earth and to care for all the animals, and that’s just what we do at Wagging Tails.”
For vacation care, while they don’t stay overnight, they’ll go first thing in the morning, at midday and before bedtime. “We make sure pets are comfortable at home,” she says. “This works well since not every dog enjoys going for boarding. Many dogs are just happier in their familiar surroundings.”
Although some people like bringing their dogs with them on vacation, there are a few things to keep in mind. “Many hotels don’t accept dogs, and even if they do, they don’t want you to leave the dog in the room when you go out during the day,” says Ashley. “You might also not be able to go everywhere you want, especially to restaurants. You know your vacation plans, and you know your dog and what’s best for your dog. We live in an area where there are so many great options for dog care from daily visits to boarding and in-home sitting. We are grateful for all of our clients and value the trust they give us, knowing the choices they have.”
While Wagging Tails Pet Care focuses mainly on dogs, the mother and daughter team and their staff also care for any other pets in the house such as cats, gerbils, lizards and fish. They’ll bring in the mail and water plants too. Adds Debbie, “We’re not only taking care of the pets, but we’re taking care of the owners too. Communication with the owners is a priority and one of our strengths.”
Ashley also offers private dog training. “I come to the house and work on whatever issues the dog is having,” she says. “For a puppy, it may be teaching all the basic commands like sit and come. Everything is done in the comfort and familiarity of your home, which makes sense because that’s the space that you occupy with your dog. I think it’s easier for the dog and owner to learn and retain information if they’re in their own space.
Debbie and Ashley, who also live in Spring Hill, are both passionate about the services they’re providing. “We wake up in the morning ready to go and excited about what we’re doing,” says Debbie.
Wagging Tails is always looking for loving and caring people to join their team.
WaggingTails SpringHill.com
Ashley and Debbie with staff member Tina Wuflestad
“I FEEL LIKE I'M LIVING MY OWN DREAM. THIS HAS BEEN SUCH A FUN VENTURE.”
-- DEBBIE BUTMAN
- Susan
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PROVIDED
Steve Hines of Thompson’s Station has always had a need to express himself creatively, and for many years, he did that musically. But last fall, he had a sudden inspiration to write a book. “It was September of 2022 and I was sitting in total silence when the Lord told me to write a book on parenting. It had never even crossed my mind before, but I knew that was what I was supposed to do.”
He went home and started writing, and about 15 hours later, he had the first draft of Salt, Light & Kids: Parenting Well in Today’s Culture. “It’s about 200 pages and it just poured out of me,” says Steve. “I have a lot of frustration with society today. There are just so many voices, so much noise, so much clutter, and a lot of that feeds into self-centered tendencies with us and our kids. I really wanted to call parents back to teaching their kids how to be the salt of the earth - how to be responsible, hardworking, honest, humble, and how to have a servant heart and respect others.”
Steve also wants parents to examine their own behaviors. “One of the biggest problems is social media and technology, and I challenge parents in both their own consumption and their children’s consumption. It not only leads to a cluttered mind, but a huge increase in mental health issues.”
There are many tips for parents throughout the book. One is that kids don’t have to be entertained all the time. “Kids can have a day off and not have to go to every activity or do everything their schoolmates are doing,” he says. “Let them just play and entertain themselves.”
The book, which was published this year, can be found everywhere books, e-books and audiobooks are sold.
TOP LEFT: “I dedicated the book to my wife. We were high school sweethearts and have been married for 35 years. She’s everything to me.” | MIDDLE LEFT: “I went through 30 plus titles and a lot of designs. I’m really proud of where it all ended up.” | BOTTOM LEFT: “This is my tribe. My wife, Leigh Ann, is standing next to me, then my daughter Madeline, son-in-law Zac, daughter-in-law Sloan, son Max and my granddaughters, Sage and Brooklyn | BOTTOM RIGHT: “This is me in my Sunday best, which hardly ever happens anymore. I play with my granddaughters a lot, so I’m usually in t-shirts and shorts.”
If the thought of a trip to the dentist makes you feel anxious, there’s a new practice in Berry Farms that can flip the script. Dental Haven is the kind of place that will have you looking forward to your next trip to the dentist.
ARTICLE PROVIDED
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GIRLS AT FLOURISH
In May, Dr. Megan Girmscheid opened her new dental practice putting the focus on the patient experience, as much as it is on the clinical care that she provides. “After practicing dentistry for a few years, I realized that most people don’t like coming to the dentist. This realization completely transformed how I treat my patients and practice dentistry. At Dental Haven, we believe that a visit to the dentist should be comfortable and stress-free and we do everything that we can to ensure that your appointment feels that way,” says Dr. Girmscheid.
She created Dental Haven to be a sanctuary, of sorts, for dental care. “I want my patients to trust that this is a safe place, a haven, where they won’t feel judged, even if they haven’t been to the dentist in many years,” says Dr. Girmscheid. “Each patient gets an individualized experience based on their needs and goals. For some, that just means coming in for a biannual cleaning, a pat on the back, and a complimentary bag of product samples. For others, that means that extra care is involved in establishing trust, discussing any issues that need to be addressed, and working together to develop a plan at getting their oral health back on track.”
Dental Haven is the manifestation of Dr. Girmscheid’s many years of fine-tuning her craft, and ultimately developing a culture that promotes relaxation and a positive well-being. With calming but cheery colors and décor, chosen intentionally to soften the atmosphere, the vibe is more in line with that of an upscale spa rather than a healthcare facility. The aim is to provide a comfortable space for patients to be able to embrace their oral health as an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.
A Louisville native, Dr. Girmscheid attended the University of Kentucky before returning to the University of Louisville where
she earned her DMD degree. She has been practicing dentistry in Middle Tennessee for nine years, most notably as the primary doctor at Dental Bliss in Franklin. It was here that she discovered her passion for treating patients that have dental anxiety and creating beautiful smiles with cosmetic dentistry. She lives in Franklin with her husband, Derek, their 3-year-old daughter Grace and 6-month-old son, Thomas.
Dental Haven offers everything from routine cleanings to cosmetic services such as veneers and botox. They specialize in sedation dentistry and offer a variety of options for those that need this type of service. Included among the many amenities are sparkling water, healthy snacks, diffusers with essential oils, weighted/non-weighted blankets, and heated massage dental chairs. They even have smart TVs with noise canceling headphones, so that you can get some rest or catch up on your shows while you’re there. Check out the ‘dental haven’ she has created. You won’t be disappointed!
An open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony are scheduled for Monday, August 28 at 4 p.m.
DentalHavenTN.com
Wilma Rudolph left an indelible mark on the world of sports and beyond. Born on June 23, 1940, and raised in Saint Bethlehem, a small community near Clarksville, Tennessee, she would become one of the most inspiring and accomplished athletes of her time, overcoming tremendous odds and breaking barriers in the process. From her humble beginnings to becoming an Olympic champion and
TENNESSEAN TO
advocate for civil rights, Wilma Rudolph’s remarkable journey and strong Tennessee roots are a testament to the strength, resilience, and determination that shaped her into a legendary athlete and a symbol of hope for millions.
Growing up in a large family with 21 siblings, Wilma faced the hardships of poverty and racial discrimination. However, her
struggle with numerous health issues proved to be her greatest challenge. Born prematurely and contracting polio at age four, she was forced to wear a brace due to her paralyzed leg. With her indomitable spirit and the unwavering support of her family, Wilma refused to let adversity define her, often quoted as saying, “My doctors told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother,” and “My mother taught me very early to believe I could achieve any accomplishment I wanted to. The first was to walk without braces.”
Through the help of numerous doctors, therapists, and her own perseverance, Wilma gradually regained strength in her leg, defying the odds and learning to walk again.
Wilma’s community provided her with an environment that celebrated resilience and nurtured her dreams. She attended the allblack Burt High School, where her talent and passion for athletics became evident. There she caught the attention of Ed Temple, the track and field coach at Tennessee State University. Recognizing her potential, Temple offered her a scholarship to join the university’s women’s track team. Under Temple’s guidance, Rudolph flourished, honing her skills and setting her sights on the Olympics.
In 1960, at the Rome Olympics, Wilma Rudolph etched her name in history with unparalleled athleticism and grace. She defied the odds at just 20 years old by becoming the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games. Her victories in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 meters
relay events showcased her extraordinary speed and shattered racial and gender barriers. She was recognized her as “the fastest woman in the world,” and her achievements propelled her to global stardom.
In recognition of her exceptional athletic achievements, Wilma Rudolph was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1974 and the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983. However, Wilma Rudolph’s legacy extends far beyond her athletic accolades. Catapulted into the limelight as a symbol of hope and perseverance for people around the globe, she used her platform to advocate for civil rights and women’s empowerment, becoming a powerful voice for change.
The Wilma Rudolph Foundation, established in 1981, continues to provide opportunities for young athletes and empower them to overcome adversity, carrying on her vision of inclusivity and excellence. Rudolph’s memory is honored through tributes in her hometown. Just outside The Wilma Rudolph Event Center and Amphitheater stands The Wilma Rudolph Memorial Statue, a striking reminder of her extraordinary accomplishments and the values she represented.
Wilma Rudolph’s journey, from her humble beginnings in the heart of Tennessee to her extraordinary accomplishments on and off the track, continues to inspire individuals to overcome obstacles, pursue their dreams, and break down barriers. Her legacy as an Olympic champion, civil rights advocate, and role model demonstrate the extraordinary impact one individual can have on the world. It is a testament to the power of resilience and the indomitable human spirit, reminding us that determination makes anything possible.
“My doctors told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother.”
- Wilma Rudolph
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. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?
First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.
Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple henhouse can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.
Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.
Hens will lay eggs through spring and summer and into the fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.
Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 list of exciting new tricks to teach your puppy
ARTICLE 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!
Get your dog to bark naturally (try ringing the doorbell or knocking on the door). Once they bark, say ‘speak’ and reward them.
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.
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.
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Locally-inspired food & drink recipes.
As summer winds down and packed schedules return, sheet pan dinners are an easy solution for feeding the family quickly. Preparation and clean up are a breeze. Try my one-pan weeknight wonder on days when the drive-through seems like the best option. Your family will love this tasty and healthy alternative.
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 ¼ cup olive oil
• salt & pepper
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded 1” thick
• 1 pound tiny gold potatoes
• 1 pound green beans
• ½ red onion
• 2 apples, sliced
• 6 cloves garlic
• 6 thyme sprigs
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese, optional
1. Preheat oven to 425°.
2. Whisk first 3 ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Slowly add oil and ¼ teaspoon salt, whisking vigorously until blended.
4. Arrange chicken breasts on a sheet pan. Surround with vegetables, apples, garlic, and thyme. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Generously coat chicken and vegetables with honey mixture.
Judy Beaudin is an award-winning competitive cook/baker. Her dessert and pastry work has been featured in national marketing campaigns and on HGTV. She has been featured in local and national lifestyle and industry magazines for her food and catering work. Follow her foodie life on Instagram at @scrumptious_judyb
6. Bake 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender, tossing vegetables once during baking.
7. Sprinkle chicken with cheese and return to oven to melt.
Yield: 4 servings
