Maury County Living March/April 2022

MARCH | APRIL 2022

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TABLETOP · KITCHEN · ACCESSORIES & GIFTS

(931) 982-4988 | 808 WALKER STREET, COLUMBIA | AMYMONTGOMERYHOME.COM

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TABLE OF

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Contents

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IN PURSUIT OF TRUE BEAUTY

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BETWEEN ONE STAGE AND THE NEXT

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SPRING EGGS AND EASTER MEMORIES

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BUNNY RESCUE

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SPREADING JOY ONE BOX AT A TIME

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LIFE AS A MUSICIAN

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LEVELING WITH HOMEOWNERS

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BERRY BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR HEALTH

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COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS

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THE COOPER MEEK HOUSE

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THERE'S A NEW SCHOOL IN TOWN

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A NEW APPRECIATION FOR NATURE

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PROM KICKOFF 2022

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MULETOWN'S FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN

ON THE COVER: DR. MATTHEW ENDARA AND DR. DWAYNE FULKS OF PERFECTENN PHOTO BY ROSS JAYNES VISUAL MEDIA CO. MARCH – APRIL 2022

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A letter from the Publisher KATHY FOX PUBLISHER | EDITOR IN CHIEF This is the time of year for renewal, when we begin to see the spring blossoms and when the sun shines longer. We can finally rejoice — ­ we made it through the winter, and it was a cold winter! Take this time to reflect on how truly blessed you are with your family, neighbors, and friends. These past couple of years have been trying, but there has been an inner strength and resolve by all of us here in Maury County.

IS S UE 8 MA RCH | A PRIL 202 2

PUBLISHER EDITOR IN CHIEF Kathy Fox

CREATIVE | ART DIRECTOR Shelly Wells

DIGITAL DIRECTOR Christopher Hughes

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Katie Baker

I feel very blessed as Maury County Living celebrated its first anniversary in January, which is a tribute to the residents and businesses all around — from Culleoka to Santa Fe, Mt. Pleasant to Spring Hill, and Columbia. As the magazine continues to grow, I look forward to continuing to serve the community by bringing neighbors together with content and features originating right here in Maury County, including Spring Hill Williamson County too. In the future, as we expand, we will be adding features to keep you abreast of the happenings in Nashville and maybe even abroad. As things start to open up around the world, there are endless possibilities. Remember this magazine was created just for YOU and we would love to hear from you!

Gabrielle Coon Kathy Fox William Harwood Ross Jaynes Amy Montgomery Elizabeth Shane Adam York PHOTOGRAPHERS

Holly Dobbs Photography

This issue is loaded with stories — 14 to be exact — along with many colorful photos I hope you will enjoy. Our mission at Maury County Living is to connect the community with local businesses so that Maury County continues to prosper. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and use #MAURYCOUNTYLIVING when posting. I cannot begin to express my appreciation for those who have contributed to this publication through advertising, photography, or editorial content — I give you my sincerest thanks! The locally-owned businesses that make this magazine possible depend on your support and greatly appreciate your patronage.

Ross Jaynes Visual Media Co. Sam Jensen Media Braden Parsons Rosella Photography ONLINE

maurycountyliving.com SOCIAL MEDIA

Easter is late this year on April 17 and is a time when Christians come together to celebrate the risen Christ. I hope you and yours take the opportunity to reflect and enjoy each other’s company while remembering He is the reason.

@maurycountyliving ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

musiccitypublications@gmail.com

Many spring and Easter blessings, Maury County Living (ISSN 2770-7474) is a bimonthly magazine published

CONNECT WITH US @maurycountyliving

by Music City Publications, Inc., and distributed via the United States Postal Service to some of Maury County’s most affluent homes including a portion of Spring Hill located in Williamson County. Under the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the Tennessee Human Rights Act, it is unlawful to discriminate in housing transactions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or family status. The entire contents of Maury County Living are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without express written consent. Articles and content of Maury County Living do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Music City Publications, Inc. nor does Music City Publications, Inc., assume responsibility for writers’ opinions and content or the products and services advertised herein.

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DECOR & LIFESTYLE

GIFT REGISTRY

HOME STYLING

30 PUBLIC SQUARE, COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE • WWW.SMITHANDYORK.CO 10

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IN PURSUIT OF

TRUE BEAUTY DRS. FULKS AND ENDARA TEAM UP TO SCORE A PERFECTENN

By William Harwood P H OTO S B Y R O S S J AY N E S V I S U A L M E D I A C O.

Aging is nothing to be ashamed about. Those wrinkles mark the accumulation of wisdom from life’s experiences.

However, as one ages, there can be pressure to maintain a youthful look, especially for women. Thankfully, options are available today that can help you revive your younger self.

Whether it is a simple procedure to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, a complete facelift, breast implants to enhance their size and shape, or even male breast reduction, Dr. Dwayne Fulks and Dr. Matthew Endara of PerfecTenn, located in Columbia, offer numerous advanced medical techniques to help achieve the look you will love.

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In 1991 Dr. Fulks established the first and only plastic surgery practice in Columbia, Columbia Plastic Surgery. With the addition of Dr. Endara in 2018, many new and exciting changes occurred at the practice including his vision of an upscale Cosmetic MedSpa which led to the new name PerfecTenn and a stunning office renovation. Both doctors are certified by the Board of Plastic Surgeons. Unlike the American Board of Cosmetic Surgeons, the Board of Plastic Surgeons is fully recognized by the National Board of Medical Examiners. The only way to achieve certification is to pass an extremely rigorous exam.

It’s not easy to do, even for highly trained physicians, but Drs. Fulks and Endara both passed their exams the first time through. This is noteworthy for Maury County for two reasons. First, being board-certified plastic surgeons, Drs. Fulks and Endara can perform complex and advanced reconstructive surgeries at Maury Regional Medical Center as part of the Maury Regional Medical Group. This provides a very reputable local resource of medical expertise which makes a trip to Nashville unnecessary. Second, the fact that both surgeons continue to take on reconstructive challenges more than prepares them to take on anything they encounter in the cosmetic space through their PerfecTenn practice.

When you first meet the doctors, you quickly realize they both have warm and friendly bedside manners and are far from the aloof and gruff doctors in white coats. It’s self-evident the two doctors and their staff genuinely want the best outcome for their patients. This patient-centered view is the beating heart of their thriving practice in reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries.

“PerfecTenn is by no means a kind of factory setup about the volume of procedures, but always about doing what is best for others. We take time

WE TAKE TIME WITH OUR PATIENTS TO EXPLAIN OPTIONS TO HELP FIND THE BEST SOLUTION TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED OUTCOME. WE RESPECT OUR PATIENTS, THIS COMMUNITY, AND ALSO THIS CRAFT.

with our patients to explain options to help find the best solution to achieve the desired outcome. We respect our patients, this community, and also this craft,” said Dr. Endara.

At PerfecTenn, the board-certified doctors have more than 40 years of combined plastic surgery experience. In addition, patients will find state-ofthe-art equipment and cutting-edge procedures in their new fully renovated offices at 1601 Hatcher Lane they recently reoccupied in mid-February 2022.

— DR. ENDARA

Mandy Morgan, with Mandy Morgan Interiors, recently said, “I worked with the doctors to create that medspa feeling, but we wanted to find that perfect combination to still accommodate the medical side of the practice. We used white walls with a lot of gray warm tones, mixed metals, and stone for added texture to create a very clean and timeless look.”

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PHOTO COURTESY OF PERFECTENN

THE COSMETIC SURGERY DR. ENDARA AND I HAVE BEEN OFFERING THIS COMMUNITY FOR YEARS HAS BEEN CUTTING-EDGE, AND WE KEEP ADDING NEW, CUTTING-EDGE PROCEDURES AND TECHNOLOGY WITH FAT GRAFTING, HIGH-QUALITY FILLER PROCEDURES, AND SKINCARE.

Not only do the doctors perform these cuttingedge techniques, but they also research and

— DR. FULKS

publish about them. “One I have been most excited about is fat grafting to the face,” said Dr. Endara. “This is a wonderful option for people who

Although the office has a new look, the high standards their patients have come to expect have not changed. Along with procedures such as breastwork, tummy tucks, liposuction, and fillers, the enhanced, newly renovated space features the latest in cosmetic surgery technologies such as DiamondGlow for non-invasive skin resurfacing and new, medical-grade skincare and peels.

really love how a filler looks. What’s nice about fat grafting is that it’s permanent because it’s your fat.

We take the fat from somewhere you don’t want it, and inject it somewhere you do. As an example, the face has a great take rate of 90%. I also use it in my reconstructive practice because it’s a very powerful tool for breast cancer patients.”

“The cosmetic surgery Dr. Endara and I have been offering this community for years has been cutting-edge, and we keep adding new, cutting-edge procedures and technology with fat grafting, high-quality filler procedures, and skincare,” said Dr. Fulks. “As these services are added, we continue to make sure we as doctors maintain our quality education to provide skillful hands for our patients, to assure they are getting care second to none.”

For this reason, both doctors personally provide their nurse injectors with extensive training. The PerfecTenn doctors expect every patient to receive superior care, and take the extra measures to ensure that they do.

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Both highly skilled plastic surgeons, Drs. Fulks and Endara, are no strangers to serving the needs of others through reconstructive surgery. Dr. Fulks has volunteered his talents in Guatemala dozens of times to provide truly life-changing surgeries repairing children’s cleft lips and palates. Dr. Endara has been to Bolivia, Ecuador, and Nicaragua to do the same, as well as offer free health care to residents in the countryside. To give back locally, the doctors set aside a portion of their earnings each year to donate to community nonprofits.

MEET THE DOCTORS DR. MATTHEW ENDARA Even though Dr. Endara has only practiced in Columbia for four years, he has already become known in the area and loved by his patients for his forward, creative thinking and overall caring approach. Dr. Endara attended medical school at Northwestern University and completed his residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. Dr. Endara is passionate about giving back to the field through his research with over 20 publications, book chapters, and work that continues today. He is a sought-after speaker traveling across the country, teaching advanced surgical skills and approaches.

Dr. Endara is a meticulous surgeon with extraordinary surgical skills, traits that you’ll appreciate as his esteemed patient. His goal is to help you obtain the results you want without compromising your safety or long-term satisfaction.

DR. DWAYNE FULKS A native of Murfreesboro, Dr. Fulks attended medical school at East Tennessee State University College of Medicine and completed his surgical training at the University of Kentucky. After completing a Plastic Surgery Fellowship at the University of

PerfecTenn office staff: Ashton — Front Desk Representative; Kelly — Licensed Practice Nurse; Candace — Surgical Coordinator; Sloane, Registered Nurse/Nurse Injector

For more information or to book a complimentary consultation, visit perfectenn.com or call (931) 381-2802. Follow the doctors on social media at @perfectennplasticsurgery too! n

Tennessee at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Dr. Fulks founded his medical practice as a board-certified plastic surgeon in 1991.

Dr. Fulks is world-renowned for his research in facial trauma, cancer, and vascular surgery. He has published a plethora of studies on various topics in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Praised as a compassionate surgeon, Dr. Fulks will treat you with the personalized care that you deserve.

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WILLIAM HARWOOD, a Peabody-Award-winning, Nashville-based writer, teaches US history for Bethel University and serves as the senior editor for Edible Nashville and SEONow. William is active with Achilles International, a nonprofit that guides athletes with impairments in races.

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HAND-SELECTED DECOR | QUALITY FURNISHINGS | UNIQUE GIFTS | CLOTHING | JEWELRY | BOOKS

(615) 500-1535 | thefadedfarmhouse.com | 113 E 6th Street, Columbia

(931) 548-2101 BSALTYANDSWEET.COM 101 N JAMES CAMPBELL BLVD, COLUMBIA DINE IN ORDER ONLINE CURBSIDE PICKUP AVAILABLE

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BETWEEN ONE STAGE & THE NEXT MEMORIALIZING MAURY COUNTY LANDMARKS

By Ross Jaynes

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSS JAYNES VISUAL MEDIA CO. NELSON HOUSE HOTEL

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LIMINAL SPACE IS WHERE ALL TRANSFORMATION OCCURS IF WE LEARN TO WAIT AND LET IT FORM US. It's the waiting in the wings before you go on stage, the moments sitting in the doctor's office or walking through a hallway. That weird, inbetween time. It's some sort of quasi-suspense, a feeling that we know something is about to happen, but what?

Liminality (from the Latin word līmen meaning a threshold) is the quality of ambiguity or disorientation that occurs in the middle stage of a rite of passage when participants no longer hold their pre-ritual status but have not yet begun the transition to the status they will hold when the ritual is complete. For example, after graduation, many students find themselves in a state of liminality before they are fully established in the workplace. Everyone has felt that feeling before; it's something you wish to forget because it's weird or uncomfortable.

In other words, it can also be a time and/or place you don't think about or even stay in much. They are transitionary, transient, or in some cases, even completely forgotten. They are just left behind, sometimes as a time capsule, others by situation or circumstance. The spatial dimension of liminality can include specific places, larger zones or areas, or entire countries. Liminal places can range from borders and frontiers to no man's lands and disputed territories, to crossroads to temporary spaces like hotels and schools, which people pass through but do not live in.

They are ready to change, and this project captures them before their next transformation.

Columbia and Maury County are growing faster than ever. Nearly two and a half billion dollars of capital investment has been pumped into the community. Our population has increased by more than 20% in just a few short years. Columbia and Maury County is one of the most popular places to move to in all the United States of America. This growth requires change, not just for us, but for our environment and community.

NELSON HOUSE HOTEL

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SHADY BROOK CINEMAS

WOODLAND PARK

LIMINALITY: BETWEEN ONE STAGE AND THE NEXT hopes to capture

these buildings and places before they are gone like they were, are now, forever. Sometimes these buildings need to be transformed due to age and the condition they currently reside in. Other times, their purpose needs to be changed to fit the current time. Some of these could have some sort of personal connection. Maybe you grew up in one of these spaces, or perhaps you have quite a few memories inside them. Hopefully, capturing the last moments before they transmute into whatever is next for their journey helps retain some piece of their memory for people to come. Liminal space is where all transformation occurs if we learn to wait and let it form us.

SHADY BROOK CINEMAS

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MCDOWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

LIMINALITY WHERE WE ARE BETWIXT AND BETWEEN THE FAMILIAR AND THE COMPLETELY UNKNOWN. THERE ALONE IS OUR OLD WORLD LEFT BEHIND, WHILE WE ARE NOT YET SURE OF THE NEW EXISTENCE. THAT'S A GOOD SPACE WHERE GENUINE NEWNESS CAN BEGIN. GET THERE OFTEN AND STAY AS LONG AS YOU CAN BY WHATEVER MEANS POSSIBLE ... THIS IS THE SACRED SPACE WHERE THE OLD WORLD IS ABLE TO FALL APART, AND A BIGGER WORLD IS REVEALED. IF WE DON'T ENCOUNTER LIMINAL SPACE IN OUR LIVES, WE START IDEALIZING NORMALCY.

MCDOWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

ROSS JAYNES is a lifelong resident of Columbia and the founder of Visual Media Co. He is acknowledged as a successful and award-winning multimedia producer, specializing in marketing, cinematography, videography, photography, graphic design, and other visual media. Jaynes also loves to serve the community and has been associated with various nonprofit organizations serving thousands of hours volunteering.

— RICHARD ROHR,

AUTHOR AND FRANCISCAN FRIAR

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PHOTOS BY ALLISON ELEFANTE

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I wanted to set the most wonderful Easter table for friends to gather around, just as my grandmother and mother had set for years. My fond childhood memories of new Easter shoes, a new Sunday dress, and Easter baskets after lunch set me off on a mission to create a memorable table. Casual white china with a mint-colored salad plate was selected, a ticking runner, sea-glass colored napkins, and a nest centerpiece dotted with fresh hydrangea blossoms. As a gift to my guests, I used a fresh hydrangea leaf on the salad plate, and situated in the middle of that leaf was one of Amy Crews’ treasured egg paintings. Truly, the perfect gift for making Easter memories with friends.

Spring Eggs

and Easter

By Amy Montgomery

Memories

Easter is just around the corner and is the most wonderful time of renewal for our souls. Nature begins to unfold everything afresh! During early spring, flowers are just pushing up out of the ground, trees are just beginning to flower with fresh buds, and birds are keeping a safe watch over their nests filled with little eggs waiting for them to hatch. It is this representation of nature and new life that I began a collection of abandoned nests years ago. I use nests throughout my home as a reminder of nature and its beauty. Easter is the

THE TIME GATHERED WITH LOVED ONES IS ALWAYS WONDERFUL, BUT THE MEMORIES ARE THERE TO BE REVISITED FOR YEARS TO COME!

perfect time to fill them with my next favorite object to collect, eggs. So these collections, Spring and Easter are very special to me.

Each year my family goes back and forth from dining out for Easter after church, usually at one of Nashville’s wonderful hotels, to entertaining everyone in my home for Easter lunch. Years ago, friends of mine hosted an Easter dinner party on Good Friday. It was such a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday and a great way to catch up with friends before all the busy hubbub of Easter Saturday and Sunday. So much so a couple of years ago I was inspired to host this same Good Friday dinner myself, but with a very interesting twist on my table.

Some time ago I ran across an artist by the name of Amy Crews. What was not to

Inspiring others to use that vintage china they have stored away, picking up some pretty napkins for their table, and stopping by the grocery store for fresh flowers is something I hope I can do. Whether it be friends or family, they will appreciate being welcomed into your home for Easter or any occasion. The time gathered with loved ones is always wonderful, but the memories are there to be revisited for years to come! n

like? We share the same name, both are Southern ladies, and Crews paints the

AMY MONTGOMERY has 25 years of design experience

most beautiful nests with the most glorious little eggs. When we met in person

and owns Amy Montgomery Home located in Columbia,

at Lipscomb Academy's annual art show, I had to control my fan-girl reaction.

Tennessee. She is a lifestylist focused on home, food,

I remembered Crews slowly stepping back as she entered the art booth with much enthusiasm, and I discovered the sweetest collection of tiny egg paintings.

Yes, tiny hand-painted egg art! The swooning began and thus the twist on Easter eggs at my table setting for the Good Friday dinner party.

and flowers, and delights in working one-on-one with customers. Visit amymontgomeryhome.com for additional information and follow on social media at @amymontgomeryhome.

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PHOTO BY R. GUFFIE PHOTOGRAPHY

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BUNNY

By Elizabeth Shane

LAURIE MONTGOMERY, FOUNDER OF BUNNY RESCUE NASHVILLE PHOTO BY ANNABELLE KOGER — ANNABELLE G. PHOTOGRAPHY

Twenty years ago, Columbia resident Laurie Montgomery was volunteering with

Freedom Farm Dog Rescue in Nashville, when a discarded Easter bunny was brought in. She took the rabbit home to live in her kitchen, not knowing this decision would

impact her life in a big way, with a huge ripple effect. The rabbit’s life she saved that day changed her life, and in turn, helped her save hundreds of other rabbits.

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THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM IS

PHOTO BY LACEY MALOCH / STRAYS TO BAES PHOTOGRAPHY

BREEDERS WHO CREATE THE CRISIS OF

Bunny Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit rabbit rescue, founded in 2001 by Montgomery. Their mission is to rescue injured and abandoned domestic pet rabbits and to educate the public on rabbit care. Domesticated pet rabbits are not equipped to save themselves when compared to other companion animals. They are classified as both pets and

OVERPOPULATION.

Dumping season for rabbits starts the day after Easter and lasts past Thanksgiving. Many people think pet rabbits can be set free to live in the woods, however, this is a crime and also very hard to police, so it happens all year long. The root of the problem is breeders who create the crisis of overpopulation. The numbers of animals needing to be rescued will remain the same until breeders stop breeding. Every dog and cat rescue faces this same dilemma. Rescues and shelters have many wonderful animals available for adoption, including many purebreds. It is a neverending problem and until people stop buying from breeders, this will never go away. Bunny Rescue reminds people to “Adopt, Don’t Shop!"

ADOPT

DON’T SHOP

livestock and are farmed, experimented on, eaten, worn, and made into lucky charms. Sadly, they are also discarded by the thousands every year after Easter. Bunny Rescue teaches people how easy it is to have an indoor, litter box trained bunny that can free range in the home, just like a cat.

Since 2001, Bunny Rescue has saved more than 3,000 rabbits. The rescue’s needs grow every year and because of social media, more people are discovering the rescue, which has led to a significant increase in the volume of monthly calls received. Montgomery says Luke 10:2 sums up life in rescue, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Honestly, volunteers and fosterers are the greatest thing we need to keep everything going.”

Rescue work is most definitely a thankless job. Rescuers are both hero and goat every day — savior or janitor. Of the 15-30 calls the rescue gets daily, most are dump calls where an owner is frustrated and ready to discard the rabbit at a local pound or even outside. The challenge is to quickly

THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL, BUT THE WORKERS ARE FEW. HONESTLY, VOLUNTEERS AND FOSTERERS ARE THE GREATEST THING WE NEED TO KEEP EVERYTHING GOING.

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problem-solve for each person and educate them if they are willing to learn. Bunny Rescue answers every phone call and takes time with each person to help them solve every issue. In the end, knowledge is always power! The goal is to teach the man to fish, not to just hand him a fish.

Bunny Rescue lives out “The Starfish Story” every day of the year. This is the story where thousands of starfish are washed up on the beach and a boy is throwing the starfish back in one at a time. A man walks up and says, “Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean? There PHOTO BY LACEY MALOCH / STRAYS TO BAES PHOTOGRAPHY

are thousands, you can’t possibly make a difference.” The boy listens politely, then bends down and picks up another starfish and throws it back into the ocean and says, “I made a big difference for that one!”

PHOTO BY LACEY MALOCH / STRAYS TO BAES PHOTOGRAPHY

WITH DOMINION COMES RESPONSIBILITY, SO WE STRIVE TO TEACH PEOPLE HOW TO BE RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERS, IN A FUN AND EASY WAY.

What fuels Montgomery is the desire to live by God’s original design, or the “Garden of Eden plan” as she says. She believes Genesis 1:29 is often overlooked. In this verse, God tells us we were designed to live with the animals in harmony, eating only fruits and vegetables. God says, “Eat every seed-bearing plant and every tree that bears fruit, and for the animals I give green plants to eat.” Montgomery explains, "With dominion comes responsibility, so we strive to teach people how to be Montgomery recounts a cruelty case, in 2005, involving more than

responsible pet owners, in a fun and easy way.”

100 rabbits. She explained, “That case almost broke the rescue, but it was also life changing in a good way. It took more than two years to disperse those rescues into good homes, and thousands of dollars for vetting and daily care. The Farm at Natchez Trace, a dog boarding facility in Franklin, became grand central for us for the first two months.

We had Linda Burnsed, the owner, to thank for that, since she loaned us an entire section of her building to operate out of.” Montgomery rescues as a labor of love, and a ministry to honor Christ, by serving the community and saving precious lives at the same time. She believes we should all try our best to leave the world a better place

To volunteer or foster with the Bunny Rescue, call or text (615) 260-3808 and follow the rescue on social media at @bunnyrescuenashville on Instagram or Bunny Rescue-Nashville on Facebook. n

than we found it, always helping the weakest.

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MAREN GROOTERS — CREATOR OF MG’S STYLE BOUTIQUE

This year Teen Mental Health Awareness Day is March 2nd. This date aims to raise greater awareness of mental health issues among teens and educate people about removing stigmas surrounding preventative mental health. One Spring Hill teen is raising awareness for Teen Mental Health through her Give Back Organization, MG’s Style Boutique.

Maren Grooters, creator of MG’s Style Boutique, shares, “I’m just an everyday teen looking to spread a little JOY and positivity to others because we could all use more JOY in our lives!” Maren launched her online Give Back Boutique in November 2021 after brainstorming ways she could use her personal experiences to help other teens who are struggling with mental health issues.

In her online Boutique, you’ll find an array of products from comfy sweatshirts and t-shirts, which Maren helped design, to inspirational jewelry and décor. She also offers a variety of Joy Boxes which can be purchased to

ONE BOX AT A TIME!

spread JOY to others. The “Be Happy Boxes” focus on products that will bring people joy while the “Project Semicolon Box” and “Be Still Box” share inspiring ways to stay in faith and keep moving forward. All profits from

By Gabrielle Coon

MG’s Style Boutique go towards sending these surprise JOY boxes to teens undergoing treatment at in-patient facilities or to those that are healing at home.

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The inspiration for the JOY Boxes came from that love Maren felt and from a very special young woman, Laynee Robinson, who also went through the same issues. Laynee would write letters to Maren and check in on her; Laynee’s mom, Rachell, would also stop by weekly to bring her special gifts to make her feel comfortable and cared for. Laynee reminded Maren it’s okay not to be okay and taking some time to regroup is a necessity for everyone.

That feeling of being cared for and loved is what Maren wants others to experience. “My favorite part of sending JOY Boxes is writing personal notes of encouragement included in the boxes she sends to people. Helping others in this way helps me too,” she said. “The response from the boxes sent so far has created Maren’s desire to give back to others struggling with mental health issues stems from her own battles. At the age of 12, she was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder that

an overwhelming desire from those who receive boxes to pay it forward. Which shows each of us can make a difference, one small JOYful act at a time.”

leads to distorted body image and difficulty maintaining healthy body weight. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, around one out of every 25 females will have anorexia in their lifetime, and girls between the ages of 14 and 25 are most at risk. Although the stereotype for eating disorders is it only occurs in females, in reality about one in three people who struggle with eating disorders are male.

In the fall of 2018, Maren was hospitalized at the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital to restore her nutrition. “I know what it’s like to struggle and feel hopeless. I’ve been through some hard stuff and one of the things that got me through was the supportive notes and kindness from others and oddly enough people I didn’t know but had been through what I was going through,” Maren said. “My amazing care team and support from friends and family were so important to my recovery — I felt very loved and that helped so much.”

In the first 4 months of the venture, MG’s Style Boutique donated

MY DAUGHTER CAME HOME YESTERDAY FROM THE HOSPITAL. LOTS OF TEARFUL MOMENTS. THE BOX OF JOY CAME AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME AND PUT A SMILE ON HER FACE AND BROUGHT HER JOY. THANK YOU SO SO MUCH! PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO TO PAY IT FORWARD AND BRING JOY TO SOMEONE ELSE.

— AMY

$200 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and gifted 20 JOY Boxes to individuals Maren has connected with and who are going through a pause in their lives for healing. If you would like to join the mission to spread JOY, follow Maren on social media at @mgsstyleboutique, message her for collaborations, and spread the word. The more people who get involved, the more JOY that can be spread!

If you know someone who needs a JOY Box sent to them or if you would like to purchase a JOY Box to personally give to someone, visit mgsstyleboutique.myshopify.com. n MAURYCOUNTYLIVING.COM

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Excellence In Christian

EDU

TION

C O LU M BI A AC A DEM Y Two great locations!

Columbia campus: Preschool - 12th grade Spring Hill campus: now offering Preschool - 6th grade

Thank you for RECORD ENROLLMENT for our 9th consecutive year! cabulldogs.org 32

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Making your event special is our specialty.

BOOK YOUR NEXT CATERING EVENT TODAY! VISIT WWW.THEDOTTEDLIME.COM/CATERING.

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Musician

LIFE AS A

By Kathy Fox

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS LOCKWOOD

Faith, Freedom, and Fulfillment

Whether you have been in the Nashville area your entire life or recently moved here, chances are you have met someone who is in the music industry.

Maury County is no exception as quite a few of its residents are musicians, singers, songwriters, or producers.

Chris Lockwood has been a musician his entire life, which started as an early childhood dream. He attended the University of Mobile for music and then doors began to open that led him to Music City and landed him in Spring Hill, Tennessee, 15 years ago.

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It all started in 2005 when Lockwood received a phone however, at that time he had decided to go back to school to continue his education. That all changed when he agreed to go to that meeting and realized it was a serious opportunity which ultimately led to starting a group known as 33Miles. For nearly a decade, Lockwood toured with the band until he and Joy, his wife, realized it was time to come off the road and spend more time with his family.

PHOTO BY ROSS JAYNES VISUAL MEDIA CO.

call to meet in Nashville about potentially starting a group,

The music industry has certainly changed over the years, and many musicians don’t really do one specific thing anymore. Lockwood laughs, “I’m a full-time musician and not even sure how to tell people what I do.” Musically speaking, Lockwood has his hands in everything, from writing, production, teaching, to leading worship at World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro. However, in the PHOTO COURTESY OF WORLD OUTREACH CHURCH

beginning, before the pandemic started, Lockwood struggled with his career which created a lot of anxiety and depression. It was a dark time, but when the pandemic started, a switch was flipped. As Lockwood explains, “Life is what you make of it. Life is what you try for. We can either have analysis paralysis, think about the what-ifs, talk about things, or we can do something.

I love to read, study, and learn, and sometimes it stops there, as I have often been guilty of analysis paralysis, but the real question is, ‘What are you going do with what you know?’”

For Lockwood, he turned his learning into actions and started an online boutique clothing company at the beginning of the pandemic called, EWMI,

I’M A MUSICIAN. IT’S WHAT I DO. IT’S SO SECOND NATURE IT’S LIKE BREATHING, BUT MY ULTIMATE AIM IN LIFE IS TO MOLD, MOTIVATE, AND MOVE PEOPLE TOWARDS FAITH, FREEDOM, AND FULFILLMENT, WHICH, FOR ME, ULTIMATELY BEGINS AND ENDS WITH JESUS CHRIST. IT’S NOT THAT I HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT BECAUSE MY LIFE IS NOTHING BUT UPS AND DOWNS, BUT BE IT MUSIC, FAMILY, A SIMPLE CONVERSATION OVER COFFEE, THAT’S THE HOPE. — CHRIS LOCKWOOD

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which are the initials of his four kids Ella (14), William (10), Mia (8), and Isaac (4). For the past two years, they sold sweatshirts and t-shirts and had fun doing it until about a month ago when he shut it down because it didn't fit the narrative of their life story and felt more like an interruption. He also started Everybody Play Guitar, which is an online guitar course for beginners from kids to adults, that teaches people how to play guitar from the comfort of their own home. Additionally, Lockwood obtained his real estate license, started teaching vocals with his wife for Worship Artistry, and even built his first farmhouse table that sits stately in the family’s dining room. “Life rarely pans out the way in which we anticipate and plan, but forward motion is the key,” said Lockwood.

PHOTO BY ROSS JAYNES VISUAL MEDIA CO.

Even with the ups and downs, there has been a lot of success for Lockwood in the music industry from record deals, touring, having his music played all over the radio, to working with the likes of Lauren Alaina, Michael W. Smith, and many others. “I am so very grateful God, even though there have been dark days, continues to prove His grace and mercy to me. That being said, I want to encourage people to make the most of the moment and shoot for their goals. It's never easy, requires hard work, diligence, and often a good dose of stubbornness because you may want to give up. I know I do, but that's called being human. That doesn’t make you mentally ill or weird. Everybody wants to give up at one point or another, but if it’s what you’ve been created for, if there’s a hunger in your belly and a fire in your heart, then have faith, and I pray

I WANT TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE MOMENT AND SHOOT FOR THEIR GOALS. IT'S NEVER EASY, REQUIRES HARD WORK, DILIGENCE, AND OFTEN A GOOD DOSE OF STUBBORNNESS BECAUSE YOU MAY WANT TO GIVE UP. I KNOW I DO, BUT THAT'S CALLED BEING HUMAN.

you enjoy the freedom and fulfillment that living by that faith can present.”

Currently, Lockwood is working on an LP that is due out this summer. In his spare time, he enjoys life with his family, reading, listening to podcasts, and running.

He’s even completed a couple of ultra-marathons along the way. Follow Lockwood on social media at @iamchrislockwood and #manofGod for daily inspiration and uplifting scripture. n

PHOTO BY ROSS JAYNES VISUAL MEDIA CO.

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The Hidden Gem of Maury County

GOLF | SOCIAL | DINING

You are invited to claim your FREE PREVIEW of

Call or email bryan@graymerecc.com In and out of area memberships available

(931) 388-4455 | GRAYMERECC.COM | 2100 COUNTRY CLUB LANE, COLUMBIA 38

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World Class Care, Small Town Charm Vanderbilt Center for Women’s Health provides compassionate quality care to women at all stages of their lives. Whether you need a wellness check-up, cancer screening, pregnancy care or have a gynecologic concern, you can trust that our providers will listen and care for all your unique needs.

Meet Your Care Team Karen Davis, MD Leann Gordon, MSN, CNM, FNP Gabriele Grossl, MD Bryan Kurtz, MD Kara Leko, MSN, CNM, IBCLC Susanna Maher, MSN, WHNP

Megan Manor, MSN, WHNP Carrie Marchman, MD Lisa Phillips, MD Therese Whitten, MD Hannah Wolfshohl, MSN, CNM

To schedule an appointment, call 931-381-3030.

Vanderbilt Center for Women’s Health Lawrenceburg 726 North Locust Ave., Suite 2C

Vanderbilt Center for Women’s Health Columbia 808 Jenland Drive

Vanderbilt Center for Women’s Health Spring Hill 1003 Reserve Blvd, Suite 320

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LEVELING WITH HOMEOWNERS TO SAVE MONEY AND HEADACHE

PHOTO BY ROSS JAYNES VISUAL MEDIA CO.

By Willim Harwood

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REINOEHL AND HIS A-1 TEAM ARE NOT JUST EXPERTS AT

SOLVING PROBLEMS ONCE THEY HAVE HAPPENED, THEY ARE ALSO EXPERTS AT PREVENTING THEM.

To people, Mother Nature is life-giving and nurturing, but

One of the most recent testimonials comes from Maury County

to floors and foundations, walkways and driveways, crawl

realtor Katie Baker of Re/Max Katie Baker Group: “My clients

spaces and downspouts, Mother Nature is often less than

wanted a historic 1920s home, but the wavy floors told us there

kind. Water, tree roots, ground settling — all are seemingly in

might be foundation issues. During the inspection phase, Josh

constant cahoots to put cracks in your castle. Throw in wild

helped them understand the problem and the expenses for its

cards like hidden septic tanks, misaligned concrete footers,

solution, allowing my clients to make an educated decision. A-1

and ever more extreme weather events and you have the

turned what could’ve been a deal-breaker into a fixable repair that

reason for why things fall apart and centers cannot hold,

will ensure they enjoy their historic home for many years to come.”

housekeeping wise.

But Mother Nature doesn’t have to undermine your house today. Or tomorrow. Or, for that matter, for decades to come. Upkeep experts exist, and some with the successful track record to prove that they are very good at what they do. Nashville native Josh Reinoehl, owner of A-1 Concrete

AN EXISTING PROBLEM IS NOT GOING TO GET BETTER ON ITS OWN. GETTING THE REPAIR DONE SOONER RATHER THAN LATER SAVES MONEY AND HEADACHE.

Leveling, is one such upkeep expert. Since joining an A-1 leveling team in 1994 as a summer job when he was only 15, Reinoehl has built over the decades a mountain of wellearned credibility by keeping customers’ homes level and any unwanted water away. The glowing testimonials that he and his team have garnered over the years from grateful homeowners would be book length.

However, Reinoehl and his A-1 team are not just experts at solving problems once they have happened, they are also experts at preventing them — and their associated expenses — from getting out of hand. “An existing problem is not going to get better on its own,” Reinoehl points out. “Getting the repair done sooner rather than later saves money and headache.”

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF A-1 CONCRETE LEVELING

To address these structural issues, Reinoehl and A-1 provide nearly 40 separate services, from foundation repairs to house framings, from downspout extensions to catch basins, from brick steps to concrete pool decks. The key to remember is that preventative maintenance is to a home what a healthy diet and focused exercise are for a body — an investment well spent. Your home is your castle, but that doesn’t mean you want a moat around it, gouged out by an unaddressed rivulet between a gutter’s drainpipe and the concrete footing. Further, preventative maintenance reduces liability issues, eliminating issues like trip hazards over cracked walkways. The point is that

THE SUCCESS OF OUR COMPANY IS DUE TO OBSERVING A FEW CORE PRINCIPLES: WE PRIDE OURSELVES IN BEING TOTALLY HONEST AND PROVIDING OUR CUSTOMERS DETAILED INFORMATION; WE DON’T JUST WORK HARD, BUT SMART — USING ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND EFFICIENT SCHEDULING; AND, WE PROVIDE SUPERIOR SERVICE AT A PRICE THAT IS FAIR AND REASONABLE.

Mother Nature never sleeps, and addressing inevitable issues keeps all systems running smoothly, sparing you aggravation while saving money in the long run.

Yes, there is something that doesn’t love your house, but — thanks to A-1 — that something can be kept at bay, day after day

THE KEY TO REMEMBER IS THAT PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE IS TO A HOME WHAT A HEALTHY DIET AND FOCUSED EXERCISE ARE FOR A BODY — AN INVESTMENT WELL SPENT.

after day, allowing you to enjoy your home’s continued good health and maintain its value.

Josh Reinoehl, a Columbia resident, is the owner of A-1 Concrete Leveling & Foundation Repair and has been servicing Middle Tennessee for more than 30 years. For a free quote, contact A-1

“The success of our company,” Reinoehl says, “is due to observing a few core principles: we pride ourselves in being totally honest and providing our customers detailed information; we don’t just work hard, but smart — using advanced technology and efficient scheduling; and, we provide superior service at a price that is fair and reasonable. From our free initial quote to our final invoice, our customers always have a clear understanding of what we are doing and why.”

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at (615) 207-7103 or visit a1concretelevelingnashville.com. n

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1 0 1 N O R T H J A M E S M . C A M P B E L L B O U L E VA R D

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COLUMBIA, TN

factoryatcolumbia

WE DO ...

Private Events • Weddings

Parties • Markets • Meetings and More

CONTACT US AT

events@factoryatcolumbia.com MOVIES AND LIVE MUSIC FREE childrenʼs movies.

(Bring your chairs!)

Awesome lineup of top tier live music on our new stage and 15,000 square foot music venue.

NATIONAL EUROPEAN ANTIQUE IMPORTER TO THE TRADE

(615) 499-1292 | Vintique.com

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Stop by for coffee or cocoa from Jerrico Coffee and enjoy the new 10' fire pit.

MARCH – APRIL 2022

NATIONAL ANTIQUE BOOK SUPPLIER TO THE TRADE

(615) 499-1292 | LeatherBooks.com

imagine ...

More than sixty years ago, the building hummed of sewing machines and production at one of the largest shirt factories in southern Tennessee.

Now fast forward to find this incredible 71,000 square foot industrial facility converted to its present-day grandeur with the original steel windows and doors, an outside deck for music and entertainment, food, gifts, specialty tea, a boutique resale shop, and so much more. There is ample parking, and you can expect the unexpected from music on Saturdays, to rare antiques and treasures of all kinds every day of the week. Plan your day at the Factory at Columbia and experience all these wonderful retail and dining establishments under one roof.

QUINTESSENTIAL SOUTHERN COASTAL SANDALS

(615) 377-4644 | southernpolished.com

COLUMBIA’S PREMIER ANTIQUE MARKETPLACE

(931) 982-6400 columbiaantiquemarketplace.com

AN ARTISAN BAKERY AND CAFÉ

(931) 548-2101 | bsaltyandsweet.com

MODERN TEA HOUSE, CAFÉ, AND TEA BAR

(931) 982-6083 | nashvilletea.com

BOUTIQUE HIGH-END RESALE SHOP

(931) 922-7519 | wearitwellboutique.com MAURYCOUNTYLIVING.COM

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Local Elderberry Ambassadors Share the Fruits of Their Labor

TERESA KUROWSKI — ELDERBERRY LADY OF TENNESSEE

By William Harwood

If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, then a cup of elderberries easily equals a bottle of benefits, at least when lovingly crafted by an expert who knows what she is doing. In our neck of the woods, we are fortunate to have not just one but two such elder ambassadors, each the founder of a thriving business based upon all things elderberry: Teresa Kurowski of the Elderberry Lady of Tennessee and Natalie Hart of Natalie’s Elderberries.

While Teresa and Natalie have their own unique approaches, both are in Spring Hill and both are making elderberry syrup and other sweetly salubrious products from a genus of trees called the Sambucus, commonly known as elders. Done well, the results are flavorful concoctions of vitamin-rich, antioxidant goodness, and both Teresa and Natalie do elderberries well. We asked each to share a bit of her recipe for success.

NATALIE HART — NATALIE’S ELDERBERRIES PHOTOS BY ROSS JAYNES VISUAL MEDIA CO. MAURYCOUNTYLIVING.COM

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What about you, Natalie? Why did you get started, and how long have you been at it?

The whole reason was to help my family. I started this in 2017 when our oldest kiddo was born.

The elderberry is a superfood: a powerful antioxidant, an immune support tool, and a powerhouse tool that can be used by the whole family to help them get well and stay well naturally. I

Teresa, how did you come to be known as The Elderberry Lady of Tennessee?

Good question. It actually started because of my allergies. Near the end of 2019, they hit hard. I thought I had strep throat. I couldn't talk, had a scratchy throat, and sounded like Kermit the Frog. A

started crafting for our family when we had babies, and then it grew larger. Now we are a licensed handcrafter and have a commercial kitchen where we make our syrup.

doctor told me to take Flonase. When I asked him for how long, thinking it would be for a week or two, he said for the rest of my life.

Not the answer I was looking for.

Tell us more about your products, Natalie.

Being a more holistic person, I searched for alternatives. I had

I make elderberry syrup as our main

heard about elderberries and their healing properties but had never really tried them. I went to Whole Foods, thinking they would have the best, and got a bottle of elderberry syrup that was very expensive and, even worse, tasted nasty. But, in a couple of days, I was feeling much better.

of elderberry syrup. My husband Steve and I are Christians, and he laid his hands on the pot of the first batch and began to pray.

I started giving syrup to friends and people at work and they all told me how good it was. Soon they started telling their friends and, within about a week, my husband told me I needed to get a business license and insurance and do it like you are supposed to.

About three months later, COVID hit and everyone wanted my elderberry syrup. People were driving me crazy but in a good way.

Demand just kept getting bigger, and we started doing farmers’ markets and supplying some stores. After five months, it had gotten so big I really couldn’t handle the demand. Although I wanted to continue to make it myself in a commercial kitchen, I decided to work with a co-packer. Our co-packer also does elderberry products for other people in different areas, and he does a wonderful job with my recipe. |

MAURY COUNTY LIVING

with 100% organic herbs and raw honey, there are no fillers or artificial ingredients. It's strictly herbs and raw honey, all of which have medicinal

Because of that experience, I decided to start making small batches

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benefits. I've incorporated other holistic wellness tools like herbal loose-leaf teas, elderberry lemonade, & essential oil roller bottles that people seem to love for additional immune system support.

It’s not just the products that are important, it’s the education.

We’re hosting a class at my home teaching people how to make tinctures and learn about herbs. We see this from an entire health standpoint, not just products. We want people to see how everything we do, eat and drink affects our overall health. We want to provide tools such as elderberry syrup as one of the ways to get healthy.

Anything to add, Teresa?

The berries and flowers of the elderberry are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins and are most commonly used to treat colds and flu. It has been beneficial for things like neuropathy, migraines, asthma, allergies, Crohn’s, IBS, respiratory health, boosting the immune system, suppressing inflammation, and helping protect your heart.

At the Nashville Farmers’ Market, we have had so many people tell us how our elderberry syrup has helped their asthma or allergies.

We have had people with neuropathy share how much it has helped them, saying they either don't take pain pills any longer or not as many. I even had a woman with Crohn’s disease who said it helped her eat a little bit during

What about you, Teresa? What are some of your products and the exciting things happening in 2022?

the holidays. People have stopped by almost in tears to tell us how they do not have to use inhalers anymore.

We carry a lot more products than when we first started. We

Another family told me the elderberry

have expanded to elderberry honey, lip balms, vinegar, teas,

tea helped with their migraines. These

jams, dog treats, bath bombs, body butter, and face mist with

natural medicines can be amazing,

elderflower all wild-crafted. We even made elderberry fudge that

and people tell us that all the time. As

people went crazy over. In fact, there are other products we are

always we recommend people speak

working on that are patent pending, and will reveal once they

with their doctors before changing any

are ready. Shark Tank has even contacted us and hopefully, we

medications or treatments.

will be fortunate enough to be on the show. We are also hoping 2022 will be the year big box stores carry our products.

Where can your products be found, Natalie?

Natalie, could you speak about the health benefits of elderberries?

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, referred to elderberries as “the plant of God that heals everything it touches.”

Natalie’s Elderberries can be found locally in Columbia at the RX Compound Pharmacy and Columbia Health Foods. For additional information or to order, folks can visit natalieselderberries.com or follow on us social media at @natalieselderberries.

My elderberry syrup is a proprietary blend of berries and organic herbs, handcrafted in small batches to ensure the utmost purity. If you are seeking an all-natural option to support your immune system along with respiratory, digestion, and cardiovascular wellness, you've come to the right place!

For me, it's more a focus on the

And Theresa?

Along with places like the Nashville Farmers’ Market, you can currently find us at Vintage 615 in Spring Hill, Accent and Antiques and Nashville Tea Company in Columbia. For additional information, you can visit elderberryladyoftn.com or follow on us social media at @elderberryladyoftn.

holistic natural wellness side and about how I can assess where your need is to help get you better so that you can live your life to the fullest and enjoy and be happy and healthy. I think that differentiates me from some of the others.

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WOMEN'S & MEN'S APPAREL | SHOES | JEWELRY GIFTS | UNIQUE HOME DECOR

(931) 223-8880 | PINKPORCHBOUTIQUE.COM | 1323 TROTWOOD AVE, COLUMBIA 50

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EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS

Williamson Medical Group gastroenterologists are passionate about patient education and cancer prevention. When Elizabeth Lindsey, M.D., began preparing for her first screening colonoscopy last year, she decided to document the process through her Instagram stories. Lindsey, one of Williamson Medical Group’s gastroenterologists, is very familiar with the procedure. As board-certified specialists with advanced training in diagnosing, managing, and healing the gastrointestinal system, Lindsey and her colleagues, Eric Sumner, M.D., and Claire Davis, MSN, CFNP, have guided many patients through the process.

Lindsey’s Instagram stories were a way to calm patient fears and educate about colorectal cancer, now the third leading cause of ELIZABETH LINDSEY, M.D

ERIC SUMNER, M.D.

cancer-related deaths in men and women. “There has been a 50% increase in colon cancer in patients under the age of 50,” Lindsey said. “And, unfortunately, in these patients there has been an 11% increase in death from colon cancer.”

Sumner agreed, underscoring the importance of early detection and treatment. “Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world,” he said. “We think it can be prevented with early screening.”

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SCHEDULE ROUTINE SCREENINGS Colonoscopies help lower the incidence of colorectal cancer by allowing doctors to remove polyps before they become cancerous. People of average risk should start regular colorectal cancer screenings at age 45, a practice the ACS, American College of Gastroenterology, the U.S. Preventative Task Force, and others all recommend. Always contact your insurer to confirm coverage.

MARCH

is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

For screening, people are considered to be at average risk if they do not have: n A personal history of colorectal cancer or

certain types of polyps

n A family history of colorectal cancer

The month of March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Lindsey and Sumner want to make sure community members understand the facts about colorectal cancer and why screenings are so important.

SIMPLE CHANGES COULD LOWER YOUR RISK Eat a healthy diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. Alcohol use has been linked with a higher risk of colorectal cancer, so if you do choose to consume alcohol, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women.

KNOW THE SIGNS Most colorectal cancers start as a growth, called a polyp, on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Symptoms that may suggest colon cancer include: n A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of

the stool, that lasts for more than a few days

n A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that's not relieved by

having one

n Rectal bleeding with bright red blood

n A personal history of inflammatory bowel

disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)

n A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal

cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)

n A personal history of getting radiation to the

abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer

Williamson Medical Group’s gastroenterology practice recently moved to a renovated suite inside Williamson Medical Center’s main tower (4323 Carothers Pkwy, Suite 600, Franklin, TN).

Appointments can be made online by visiting www.williamsonmedicalcenter.org/gi/ or by calling (615) 435-7979.

For more information about colonoscopies and their importance, visit WMC’s YouTube page to view a Q&A video about colon screenings, featuring Dr. Lindsey and Dr. Sumner. n

n Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black n Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain n Weakness and fatigue n Unintended weight loss

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Is anyone else missing the

BEACH ?

We can get your hair and skin BEACH READY in no time!

HAIR | FACE | BODY | WAX | LASHES

(931) 548-2007 | 1100 South Garden Street, Columbia (615) 302-1179 | 2009 Wall Street, Spring Hill 54

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Book online at www.salonblondetn.com

JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2022

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THE

COOPER MEEK HOUSE

By Katie Baker

Standing tall, roughly two blocks from the Columbia town square, the Cooper Meek House is a lesson in historic preservation. From 1912 until the present day, the home has been a single-family residence, a multi-family apartment community, and was then converted back into a single-family residence. After all the hands that touched this home, it was the Huckaby/Bedwell family that sought to restore the home to its original grandeur.

PHOTOS BY HOLLY DOBBS PHOTOGRAPHY MAURYCOUNTYLIVING.COM

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The majestic home was built in 1912, the same year the Titanic set sail, by J.H. Dinning and his wife, Willie F. Dinning. The Dinnings lived at 613 Mayes Place while this home was being built. Mr. Dinning was an attorney, and they owned the home for 13 years. In 1925, Maury National Bank took over the property as the Dinning family lost the home due to financial issues.

The home was then purchased by Mrs. Emma Brown Meek in 1930. She sold the home to Mrs. Lem Thomas in 1941. Miss Mary Nicholson, Thomas’s daughter, inherited the home and in 1981 it was purchased by Joe and Irene Huckaby at auction. Present owners are Joe and Connie Bedwell, who inherited the home from the Huckabys, Connie’s parents, in 2008.

Through all the changing of hands the home underwent several iterations. The home served as a source of income for Miss Mary Nicholson as she rented out apartments in the home providing boarding. After renovations in 1981 and 1982, the Huckabys also rented six apartments until 1991 when they returned the home back to a single-family dwelling. Many original details have been preserved and restored such as the red oak pine floors, doors, hardware, and tile lighting. A carriage house that includes a former smokehouse room has been converted into a garage next to the five-car parking pad.

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The main entrance hall of the home features a beveled glass front door accented with lead glass windows. On either side of the entrance hall, matching pocket doors open into the main living and dining rooms while the rest of the first floor features a parlor room, office, primary bedroom, and updated kitchen. The grand staircase to the second floor features a built-in quilt box window seat underneath three lead glass windows. The second floor has a secondary exterior entrance that leads into the preserved kitchen and sitting area.

Beyond the common areas are three bedrooms, several bathrooms, and two unique sunrooms that were once apartment kitchens. Ascending further up the main staircase will lead to the third-floor apartment that features two bedrooms, a kitchen sitting area, a bathroom, and storage closets. At every turn, a historic home enthusiast is treated to original doors, floors, moldings, and eight unique fireplaces. One fireplace in the main living room is a replica of the fireplace in the Oval Office.

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In 1982 the home was recognized as a “certified historic structure” by the US

Columbia flourish over the years. They even

Department of Labor. On the outside, the home is a stately three-story central

purchased their very own trolley golf cart to ferry

block brick construction home featuring a peaked roof, hip dormers, tall brick

themselves and the family down to the new vibrant

chimneys, and a wraparound terrace accented by two covered porches. The

square when the weather is nice. The Bedwells have

landscaping is dotted with 100-year-old boxwoods and unbeknownst to most

listed their home for sale for the first time since 1981

people, there is a cave buried under the front lawn that stretches to the Duck River

so that another person can appreciate and carry

north of Mayes Place.

on the home’s legacy. For more information on 310

The Huckaby/Bedwell family has spent over 40 years in the home and Joe and Connie Bedwell recently decided to pass the torch to a new owner. Connie and her husband Joe relish the memories they created in the house with their children and grandchildren. The expansive home has allowed them to host many holidays and birthdays with everyone in tow, and they have loved watching downtown

W 6th Street contact the Katie Baker Group of RE/ MAX Encore. This is truly a unique property and a rare opportunity to live on one of Columbia’s most coveted corners.

Special thanks to the Huckaby and Bedwell families for providing the history of this lovely home. n

KATIE BAKER is a local Realtor and owner of the Katie Baker Group with RE/MAX Encore in downtown Columbia. Baker and her team of professional agents work to elevate the real estate experience while overseeing every aspect of a purchase or sale. She believes the right mix of technology, exceptional service, and an expansive network of relationships are the keys to success in every real estate venture.

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THERE’S A IN TOWN

By Adam York

CHEF PAUL JENSEN AND CHEF CHRISSY JENSEN PHOTOS BY SAM JENSEN MEDIA

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ENHANCE YOUR CULINARY SKILLS

WITH A COOKING CLASS AT LIME & LOAF So, you think you can cook? Or maybe you’re not ashamed to admit that you can’t. No matter your answer, a cooking class might just be your next ideal outing — and for a variety of reasons. The best part? You can do it right here in Maury County at Lime & Loaf in downtown Columbia!

Whether you’ve already taken a class, you’ve heard the buzz about how quickly the classes fill up, or this is the first time you’re learning about it, Lime & Loaf’s cooking classes have been a hit with locals and visitors alike! With topics ranging from bread basics to stocks and sauces to knife cuts and care to pasta to sushi, there really is something for everyone — and for all levels of culinary skill.

A collaboration restaurant and retail, Lime & Loaf was brought to life when Columbia-based small businesses owners Paul and Chrissy Jensen of The Dotted Lime (a family owned and operated, non-chain restaurant) and Adam and Kathryn York of Smith & York Co. (a familyowned and operated modern home boutique) joined forces in 2020.

AMBER, DEB, AND ROBERT — ­ SUSHI CLASS

When Lime & Loaf began occupying its current space at 510 N. Garden Street in Columbia’s New South Marketplace during the summer of 2021, the cooking class element was launched, and classes have been full and in demand ever since.

Lime & Loaf offers two specific styles of classes—demonstration and hands-on. If you take a demonstration-style class, you can sit back, relax, take notes, and watch a professional chef at work as they present tips and tricks about baking and cooking on a variety of subjects. You’ll also get to sample the foods being prepared.

Hands-on cooking classes offer participants the opportunity to learn from the chefs in real time, as they enter the hands-on cooking class area to work in stations and collectively prepare a meal that all class members will enjoy at the end of the class.

On occasion, there’s also a hybrid style of class, in which some participants are invited to step inside the hands-on kitchen area work alongside the chef while he or she presents the class in demonstration style.

HANNAH AND GINA — ­ STOCKS & SAUCES CLASS MAURYCOUNTYLIVING.COM

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You’ll find classes scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays each month, with Tuesdays taking on more of a baking theme and taught by Chef Chrissy Jensen and Thursdays being more savorythemed and taught by Chef Paul Jensen.

COSTS: Demonstration-style classes typically cost $35 per person,

while hands-on classes typically cost $50 per person.

Anyone — specially those who love food and being in the kitchen, should attend! You can attend Lime & Loaf’s cooking classes individually, as a couple, as a family, or as a group of a few friends.

Classes are ideal for celebrating special occasions, a girls’ night out, date nights, family activities, and more.

Got a group of 8 to 10 who want to attend a class together?

You can submit a private event inquiry form at the bottom of limeandloaf.com to find out if a chef is available for your desired

event date, and if so, private events can be scheduled and curated based on your group’s topical interests.

KIDS: Lime & Loaf has held a couple of kid-specific cooking classes (and will do more in the future), and older kids and teens have

attended regular classes along with a parent. All in all, it’s amazing to see everyone bond and work together by the end of each class.

KAREN AND BARBARA — ­ SUSHI CLASS

Not only do you walk away from a Lime & Loaf cooking class with enhanced culinary skills and some new friends, but classes also provide a non-alcoholic beverage, excellent discounts on store purchases the evening of the class, delicious foods to try, and recipes, tips, and tricks to use at home.

SUGGESTIONS: Bring your own alcoholic beverage if desired. And, if you’ve been eyeing specific store products and kitchen essentials

at Lime & Loaf, class nights are a great night to buy, as you’ll receive a discount in the shop during the night of class.

If you’re thinking about a cooking class for yourself, a date night, a team-building activity, a family outing, or more, visit Lime & Loaf’s website at limeandloaf.com to view the upcoming class schedule.

You can see details about each class and purchase your seats just

like buying a product. Seats fill up quickly and are limited to 10 seats per class, so grab one when you see them available.

CANCELLATIONS: Life happens, and situations or illnesses can sneak up on you on short notice. So, if you need to cancel or

postpone your class registration, just give us as much advance notice as possible, as there are waiting lists for most classes. Store TONY AND TRACY­— STOCKS & SAUCES CLASS 64

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credits can be issued for use on a future class or store merchandise.

MEET THE CHEFS ­ CHEF PAUL is a fourth generation chef with 25 years of professional culinary experience—from 5-star/5-diamond resort properties to corporate entities.

Not only is he a culinary visionary, but he’s won numerous medals at culinary competitions all over the world and has earned three different sets of certification letters to his name.

CHEF CHRISSY has over two decades

of experience dealing with food

sensitivities, allergies, and working within doctor-prescribed food elimination diets for healing specific ailments. In 2020, she became the first person to earn the American Culinary Federation’s Certified Executive Pastry Chef designation while taking her practical exam cooking for the evaluators completely gluten-free. Talk about a win for the celiac community— and our own Maury County!

ADAM YORK is the co-owner of Lime & Loaf and Smith & York Co. in downtown Columbia, Tennessee. Learn more about Lime & Loaf by visiting limeandloaf.com and Smith & York Co. by visiting smithandyork.co.

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A NEW APPRECIATION

F O R E S T G U L LY FA R M S

By Kathy Fox

Whether you are an adventurer, nature enthusiast, enjoy camping, or the luxury of a hotel, an awe-inspiring getaway awaits you at Forest Gully Farms in the rolling hills of Santa Fe, Tennessee.

This agroforestry farm is similar to renting out a country shire homestead and will keep your entire family engaged while you go back to basics — in a good way of course. And before we go any further, for those not originally from around here, it is pronounced Santa FEE! 68

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JON AND MANDY GIFFIN — FOREST GULLY FARMS

Forest Gully Farms is sixty acres tucked away in Middle Tennessee and showcases a tranquil forest begging to be explored with distinctive gully huts used for guests’ lodging.

No matter what season, guests can discover waterfalls, walk along a winding creek, find wildlife, and listen to all of

GUESTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO EAT OFF THE LAND AND IMMERSE THEMSELVES IN A UNIQUE HOMESTEAD EXPERIENCE DURING THEIR STAY AT THE FARM.

nature’s sounds in an undisturbed setting. What’s unique about the Forest Gully experience is it encompasses a sustainable food forest and ecosystem made up of fruit trees and beneficial perennial plants. Owners Jon and Mandy Giffin became interested in permaculture and food forestry as one big experiment. “We wanted to find a way to use the knowledge we were learning and start living off the land,” said Jon. “We wanted to keep the experiment alive and that is how and why the gully huts (a.k.a. hobbit holes) came to be. It was a way to educate people and rent out space to generate income at the same time.”

The Giffins are hands-on and operate and manage the property together as their full-time jobs. There are two individual homesteads on the property, one where the Giffins reside with their two boys, ages eight and ten, and the other is fifteen acres they rent to guests. Mandy’s responsibilities include managing reservations, taking care of the guests, and keeping the huts spic and span for visitors. Jon on the other hand continues to build and maintain the ecosystem, with the goal to live off the land in mind, by establishing a self-sustaining ecosystem using plants, trees, animals, and bees. The private residence and the rental homestead each have a vegetable garden, orchard, and chicken coop. Guests are encouraged to eat off the land and immerse themselves in a unique homestead experience during their stay at the farm.

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To make the ecosystem long-term and sustainable, requiring minimal maintenance or employees managing it, Jon continues to plant a wide variety of wild native plants and fruit-producing trees in the forest. This diverse balance in his plantings helps maintain the holistic edible ecosystem. Although the farm is not certified organic, they practice as if it was and do not use chemicals or manufactured fertilizers, but organic ones.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FOREST GULLY FARMS

During the spring and summer, guests can make and sip on sumac lemonade. The wild sumac, which was discovered by Native Americans, can be harvested and sumac lemonade is simple to make Jon said, “You harvest a large bowl of sumac berries and soak them in water overnight. The sour juices are on the outside of the berry and in the morning you strain the berries out, add sugar to taste and you have wild sumac lemonade. It’s delicious!”

THE PAWPAW TREE GROWS WILD IN TENNESSEE AND IS THE LARGEST NATIVE FRUIT TO NORTH AMERICA. While guests are visiting Jon is happy to give them a guided tour to educate them on the plants and vegetation. He explains how he intertwines wild fruit with other useful plants to help make a sustainable long-lasting ecosystem of food producers. Jon said, “The pawpaw tree grows wild in Tennessee and is the largest native fruit to North America. I have planted several patches of pawpaw trees and there are also wild spots on the farm. The farm has other edibles we encourage guests to eat such as persimmons, hazelnuts, mulberries, black walnuts, jujubes, blueberries, blackberries, mayhaws, serviceberries, chokecherries, muscadines (Americas’ first grape), apples, pears, figs, goumi berries, and the flowers and tender seed pods from redbuds — yes they are both edible.”

THE FARM HAS OTHER EDIBLES WE ENCOURAGE GUESTS TO EAT SUCH AS PERSIMMONS, HAZELNUTS, MULBERRIES, BLACK WALNUTS, JUJUBES, BLUEBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, MAYHAWS, SERVICEBERRIES, CHOKECHERRIES, MUSCADINES (AMERICAS’ FIRST GRAPE), APPLES, PEARS, FIGS, GOUMI BERRIES, AND THE FLOWERS AND TENDER SEED PODS FROM REDBUDS — YES THEY ARE BOTH EDIBLE. 70

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AFTER A DAY OF EXPLORING THE OUTDOORS, GUESTS RETURN TO THEIR RUSTIC GRASS-COVERED GULLY HUTS WHICH IS ANOTHER FASCINATING EXPERIENCE. There is plenty of wilderness fun and adventure to create a new appreciation for nature on the farm. However, after a day of exploring the outdoors, guests return to their rustic grass-covered gully huts which is another fascinating experience. Since the Giffins are big fans of The Hobbit, the four whimsical gully huts were designed to look like real-life hobbit holes or Smials. Two are sleeping huts, one is a small kitchen and dining hut, and the fourth is a playhouse hut for the kids. Each quaint and cozy earth home was handcrafted onsite from white cedar and looks like something out of a storybook. Although the temperature in the huts stays constant because they are mostly underground, the huts do have a ductless HVAC system if needed. Each sleeping hut is furnished with a queen and two twin beds and the modern bathhouse is close by with all the conveniences of home.

For those looking for an authentic experiential getaway, Forest Gully Farms creates a peaceful encounter in natural surroundings where guests can disconnect from the world (by design, there is no wi-fi or TV) and connect with the ecosystem while exploring the land. Who knows, you may just see a shooting star on the way to the bathhouse one night or a deer run by. For additional information or to book a stay at Forest Gully Farms, visit forestgullyfarms.com and follow them on social media at @forestgully. n

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GET AHEAD OF SPRING ALLERGIES AND BREATHE A SIGH OF RELIEF. Salt Therapy is proven effective to reduce allergy symptoms with your first session!

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(931) 451-7799 | SALTEDPEACE.COM | 1029 CROSSINGS BLVD., HILL M A U R YSPRING COUNTYLIVING .COM

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MODELED BY BELLA

5 TIPS TO FIND THE PERFECT PROM DRESS Prom season has officially started. It might be one of the most anticipated events of your high school career. Of course, the dress is a big deal you want to look your best for this special occasion and the perfect dress makes all the difference. Shopping for a prom dress should be a fun experience and here are five tips to help you easily find that perfect dress.

WILD WILD WORLD OF PROM PHOTOS BY ROSELLA PHOTOGRAPHY

TIP 2: BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT Pick the stores you want to visit and call to ask if you can make an appointment to try on dresses. If you can make an appointment, be assured you will receive attentive assistance and help to find that perfect dress. The staff will offer assistance with styles, sizing, and also be able to make suggestions on what works for you. Most stores are also open for walk-in browsing.

TIP 1: SHOP EARLY The best time to start shopping for a prom dress can be as early as January/February when most of the new prom collections start arriving at the stores. If you are not ready to buy your dress this early, ask about a layaway policy.

Shopping early also allows for plenty of time to order a dress as well as alterations if needed. So, start shopping now!

TIP 3: WEAR THE CORRECT UNDERGARMENTS To ensure a proper fit, wear the same undergarments such as a strapless bra, or seamless panties that you will be wearing with your dress. Also if you have any shapewear you plan on wearing, bring that too. Wearing these while trying on dresses will give you the most accurate fit and let you know if any alterations are necessary. And don’t forget to pack your heels to gauge the length of the dress.

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TIP 5: WORK WITHIN YOUR BUDGET One of the easiest ways to stay within your budget is don’t try on dresses that aren’t within your budget.

Simple enough! Splurging is not necessary and stores have many beautiful dress options for every budget.

MODELED BY KARLEIGH

TIP 4: PICK A STYLE & COLOR THAT WORKS FOR YOU Think about the neckline of the dress as well as if you want strapless, short sleeves, or sleeveless. Also, don’t be shy to try on different styles. The three most popular dress styles are A-line, fitted, and mermaid and while you are trying on dresses, particularly look at how the shoulders and waist fit and also the length. These areas can typically be easily altered, however, alterations do add to the cost of the dress.

Choose a color you like, but keep in mind the color should be based on your skin tone. If you have a particular color you are set on and need a quick tan to look your best, there’s always a spray tan to give you that glow. Finally, look at how the fabric drapes on your body highlighting your figure, it could be a game-changer.

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MODELED BY BELLA

MODELED BY SOPHIE

ONE FINAL NOTE As a courtesy, when you do decide to go out shopping, wear minimal

WILD WILD WORLD OF PROM PARTY

makeup so you don’t leave stains on the dresses while you are trying

Lace & Company owner, Brittney Poynor (middle) with her son, kick off the 2022 prom season, hosting a Wild Wild World of Prom Party! Visit Lace & Company in Columbia for the latest in prom styles. Call (931) 325-7065 or visit laceandcobridal.com for additional information.

experience. Make sure to take lots of pictures, make many memories,

them on. Remember prom dress shopping should be a fun and happy and enjoy every minute with your friends and know you look AMAZING. Let’s go shopping!

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Say YES to the dress!

PROM & BRIDAL DRESSES PAGEANT & FORMAL DRESSES TUXEDO RENTALS (931) 325-7065 | LACEANDCOBRIDAL.COM | 307 W 8TH STREET, COLUMBIA

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MULETOWN'S FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN

DOING COMMON GOOD

for Columbia

By Kathy Fox

PHOTOS BY BRADEN PARSONS

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You know the story, teenage Peter Parker, AKA superhero SpiderMan, was bitten by a radioactive spider giving him superhuman strength. Along with his strength, he gained speed, agility, the capability to climb walls, and that special “Spider-Sense” to detect danger before it happens. Believe it or not, Muletown has its own friendly neighborhood Spider-Man who can climb buildings and has superpowers to make people happy, one smile at a time.

On a recent photoshoot, we ran into Spider-Man in his trademarked red-and-blue costume near the square in downtown Columbia and saw him use his superpowers firsthand. As Spidey said, “I think because of these past two years dealing with COVID, it's a good time to make people smile. We need to make people feel happier and united, and it is nice that Spider-Man can do that. For the most part, everyone is excited to see Spider-Man especially when I stop and take a picture with them.”

While we were chatting with Spidey, passersby would stop to take pictures with him or yell from their cars, “Hey Spider-Man!” Adults, kids, and even teenagers would walk up and ask if they could take a picture with Spidey. Their reactions were priceless.

The identity of Muletown Spider-Man is of course top secret, but he started dressing up as Spidey in October 2021. During the week, he works construction in Columbia Monday through Thursday, and on the weekends Spider-Man tries to make as many appearances as he can. “One of my most memorable encounters was when a mom and her friends stopped their car so her son could take a picture with me.

The mom took a picture and then sent me a message saying, ‘Thank you so much Spider-Man. I love what you're doing! God bless you,’” recounted Spidey, “I just loved that!”

Currently, Spidey wants to stick to strolling around town, meeting people, and being a part of the community. However, he didn’t rule out at some point in the future making special appearances at events or parties. He said, “For now I’m focused on being a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man and I think that is the best way to go.”

I THINK BECAUSE OF THESE PAST TWO YEARS DEALING WITH COVID, IT'S A GOOD TIME TO MAKE PEOPLE SMILE. WE NEED TO MAKE PEOPLE FEEL HAPPIER AND UNITED, AND IT IS NICE THAT SPIDER-MAN CAN DO THAT.

When Spidey is not out fighting the Green Goblin or Doctor Octopus or out meeting fans, during his spare time he likes to hang out with his family (you got it, Muletown Spider-Man is not an orphan) and his girlfriend (no it’s not Mary Jane). He also is always looking for ideas and ways to make his Spider-Man gadgets better and the suit look even cooler. In addition, he mentioned he is working on flips and backflips to improve his tricks while he’s swinging from building to building in downtown Columbia (and no he can’t really do that, his web-shooters are currently broken).

If you are lucky enough to see Spider-Man lurking on a rooftop or walking around Columbia, make sure to take a picture with Spidey and SMILE! Don’t forget to post it on Instagram and tag Spidey at @muletown_spiderman and @maurycountyliving too. You can also use the hashtag #muletownspiderman. n MAURYCOUNTYLIVING.COM

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