Maury County Living November/December 2022 Issue

PUBLISHER | EDITOR IN CHIEF

Now that the holiday season is upon us, it is time to celebrate and spend time with family and friends. In this issue I am excited to share that we are giving away a staycation at the Germantown Inn located in Nashville, with lots of goodies, to show our appreciation to you our readers, and give a lucky winner some time to relax and explore the Music City.

In this issue, the cover feature shines the spotlight on Amy Montgomery Home and how the journey of entrepreneur Amy Montgomery led her to open up shop in Columbia. Speaking of Columbia, get the inside scoop on Steppin Into the Holiday, a film that was produced in Columbia and premieres on Lifetime this November. With Christmas approaching, make sure to mark your calendars for the Maury Christmas Home Tour 2022 and read about the eight historic sites featured this year.

If you are looking for some inspiration this holiday season, we have included delicious recipes for a holiday brunch, home styling tips for the holiday, as well as a Southern holiday getaway and a cabin retreat. In addition, we introduce you to the brothers behind the Mt. Pleasant art initiative and spotlight Aubree P. Boutique and Magnolia Healthcare & Rehabilitation businesses in Columbia. Understand more about pediatric chiropractic care, how to start an indoor garden this winter, and helpful tips on planning for year-end taxes which will be here before you know it.

We proudly serve the community, and our mission at Maury County Living is to connect the community with local businesses so Maury County continues to prosper. If you have not followed us on Instagram and Facebook, please do and make sure to use #MAURYCOUNTYLIVING when posting, and don’t forget to enter to win the staycation in Nashville by November 30, 2022.

As we look towards 2023, take time to show support for your community by shopping local, giving to a charity of your choice, or volunteering a few hours to a worthy cause. The locally owned businesses who made this issue possible thank you for your support. Many blessings until next year,

PUBLISHER EDITOR IN CHIEF Kathy Fox

CREATIVE | ART DIRECTOR

Shelly Wells

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Homer Alexis Olindo

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Katie Baker

Kimberly Blaker

Kathy Fox

William Harwood

Mary Huff

Dr. Ericka Montelione

Kathryn York

Dobbs Photography

Elefante

Jaynes

and Moon

Co.

KATHY FOX

B y William Harwood

It was love at first sight. The time was May 2021. The place is downtown Columbia, Tennessee. As odd as it now seems, Amy Montgomery of Amy Montgomery Home had yet to set foot in the picturesque town or enjoy its historic square. In fact, if it weren't for the recommendation from her mother, longtime Franklin resident who had taken to retreating to the serenity of nearby Columbia for the weekend shopping, Amy may still not have discovered Columbia's unspoiled charms. But discover them she did, and in the most magical, 'Mayberry Moment' of ways. To celebrate her husband’s birthday, Amy rented Two Lanes Guesthouse, the unique loft on the square owned by Mike Wolfe of American Pickers. Strolling downtown, the couple walked into Smith & York, a home decor store. Adam York, one of the

store's owners, immediately recognized her. "Oh my gosh!" he yelled as customers turned to stare. “It's Amy Montgomery from Instagram! It's my pleasure to meet you!" While the two new friends chatted, Amy sent her husband, John, to get a table for dinner. He didn't have to go far. In fact, all Amy had to do was step out on the sidewalk to see him wave to her from the nearby restaurant. "Hey, honey, I got us a table," he called out. "Let's just have fun this weekend and pretend like we live here."

MY GRANDMOTHER AND MY MOTHER WERE BOTH WONDERFUL HOSTESSES. I LEARNED THE ART OF HOSTING A GUEST, OF BEING ABLE TO ENJOY THE LUXURY OF HAVING PEOPLE IN YOUR HOME. TO ME, ONE OF THE MOST INTIMATE, PERSONAL THINGS YOU CAN DO IS INVITE SOMEONE INTO THE SPACE IN WHICH YOU LIVE.

The couple didn't have to pretend long. Just two weeks later, they bought a house in Columbia, and, shortly after that, they purchased one more on Walker Street, a Victorian home built in 1895 that has become the epicenter of Amy's home entertaining and decor business. "We wanted to come to a smaller town with a wonderful community," Amy says. “We found the perfect places, just a block and a half from the square with lots of foot traffic. Franklin is just twenty minutes away, and the big city is still at our fingertips."

By "big city," of course, Amy refers to Nashville, her home of 38 years. Growing up, Amy developed her love of entertaining from her grandmother and mother, a passion that would eventually prove pivotal to her commercial success. "My Grandmother and my mother were both wonderful hostesses," she says. "I learned the art of hosting a guest, of being able to enjoy the luxury of having people in your home. To me, one of the most intimate, personal things you can do is invite someone into the space in which you live."

It also didn't hurt that her grandmother was a professional florist and expert horticulturist. "She filled her yard with rose bushes," Amy recalls. "One of my earliest memories is her walking with me and telling me the names of each a Tropicana, a Double Delight." Clearly, those lessons took root, continuing to bloom to this day. "Fresh flowers say I took the time to purchase them, to arrange them, to say that 'I care that you're here.' It's living in the moment," says Amy.

Amy's moment to truly flower commercially began some seven years ago when she opened a shop inside Gas Lamp Too in the 100 Oaks area. "I started with vintage furniture," she says. “That led to designing custom pillows to help accessorize and design her space." The pillows, along with entertaining essentials such as Caspari napkins, proved very popular, and Amy phased out the furniture. Then the pandemic struck.

"During COVID," she says, "I worked behind the scenes at home, ordering more placemats and napkins and started doing live, Instagram sales, selling all over the U.S. and acquiring a lot of followers.” Amy began sharing videos of how to set a table. “I've actually had people tell me that being able to sit down at their table and set it during COVID when you couldn't go out to dinner, couldn't go anywhere, literally got them through."

Amy also began to share floral arrangements on Instagram. “I called them 'Flower Fridays,'” she says. “I had moms who got on Google calls with their daughters and would pull up Instagram and watch the videos together. That was kind of their family time to sit and enjoy the florals.” The results spoke for themselves. As the pandemic finally crested and Nashville retail was allowed to reopen, Amy got a call from Gas Lamp telling her that literally dozens of ladies were leaving with stacks of her placemats and napkins because they had watched her videos on Instagram.

Now, thankfully, folks don’t have to rely only on Amy’s Instagram videos but can visit her new flagship store and meet her in person. Located in the historic Athenaeum District of Columbia, just a block and a half from the square, now known as The 808 House which provides 2,300 square feet of relaxed shopping. Patrons and passersby can come in, be welcomed at the door by Amy or one of her staff, then amble to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee and help themselves to a snack. As one would expect of a home built in 1895, there is a large front porch complete with wicker seating. For patrons' furry friends on leashes, a water bowl awaits on the porch as does, oftentimes, Missy the shop cat.

In addition to the 808 House being the flagship for Amy Montgomery Home, Amy also leases part of the house to Aubree P. Boutique, a retail shop for women. While the 808 House is a relaxed place to shop and rest a spell, Amy and Aubree also host a monthly event called Boards and Blooms where participants learn how to prepare charcuterie boards and arrange flowers. “It is absolutely an enchanting evening. The key to what I do is engagement," Amy says. "I teach how to take what you have, add a little something to it, and make it work."  The evening is filled with learning, listening, appetizers, and after-hours shopping, and always a special gift from the hosts.

Amy is certainly making The 808 House a destination, routinely drawing in friends from Franklin and day trippers from Nashville to northern Alabama to Columbia to shop. While enjoying their sweet Mayberry, Amy and her husband live in such close proximately they are able to walk to church, dinner, and shop around the historic square in Columbia. But, still, with a quick 20-minute commute to Franklin, Amy is with her family enjoying all of her favorite Franklin shops and restaurants.

For additional information, visit amymontgomeryhome.com where you can sign up for the monthly newsletter and learn more about upcoming events. Follow Amy on Instagram at @amymontgomeryhome

AMY AND AUBREE ALSO HOST A MONTHLY EVENT CALLED BOARDS AND BLOOMS WHERE PARTICIPANTS LEARN HOW TO PREPARE CHARCUTERIE BOARDS AND ARRANGE FLOWERS.

Hal Landers

AUBREE P. BOUTIQUE — A SHOPPING EXPERIENCE FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES

Aubree Phillips Parker comes to you as a Tennessee native born and raised in Franklin, Tennessee. Parker was fortunate enough to remain in the great state of Tennessee for college, where she majored in Entrepreneurship at Belmont University’s Massey Undergraduate School of Business. During her undergrad years, Parker had the opportunity to manage one of the entrepreneurship program’s student-run businesses, where she successfully ran a retail boutique concept. While she always had a love for fashion from a young age, this opportunity and experience solidified Parker’s conviction in starting and running her own fashion/apparel business. While operating the student business, Parker launched her first business during her senior year, a Nashville women’s fashion boutique.

Upon graduating, Parker chose to remain in Nashville and pursue opening her own women’s boutique. She brought Aubree P. Boutique to life in its first iteration off the downtown Franklin square, where she owned and operated the business for almost six years. Parker had fallen in love with Columbia, Tennessee, over the years through her experience assisting her father, Jimmy Phillips’, family business, BMC Metalworks and it was a dream to have a boutique in downtown Columbia someday.

When the opportunity arose with Amy Montgomery to be in The 808 House, Parker thought this to be the perfect chance to bring Aubree P. Boutique to the burgeoning city of Columbia, Tennessee, and to fill the need for a women’s boutique. In spring 2022, Parker decided to take a chance in the wonderful town of Columbia and relocated Aubree P. Boutique to The 808 House alongside Amy Montgomery Home. She officially opened the doors in May 2022. Needless to say, the ties with historic Columbia run quite deep and Parker is honored and excited to enter the Muletown community with her boutique.

Aubree P. Boutique offers a wide variety of women’s apparel, jewelry, and accessories, and proudly caters to a wide demographic of women of all ages. With new merchandise constantly arriving, make sure to plan a visit. It undoubtedly has a little something for everyone. Once you step inside the front door of The 808 House, you’ll fall in love with the beautiful and inviting atmosphere. Shopping throughout the historic home, you can make a cup of coffee, grab a snack in the kitchen, and if needed take a well-deserved shopping break on the sofa.

Shop online at aubreep.com or visit the Aubree P. Boutique at 808 Walker Street in Columbia. It's an inviting and welcoming place you'll want to bring your girlfriends and stay for a while! n

STeppin' into the Holiday MOVIEMAKERS MEET MULETOWN —

B y William Harwood

ENSUES

Spoiler alert: It's a love story with a happy ending. And, no, we're not just talking about the script for Steppin' into the Holiday, the movie filmed last spring in Columbia. (Although it's also a love story with a happy ending.) The first love story we're talking about here is from real life, about how a group of moviemakers unexpectedly find a town, fall in love with the town, then film in the town. A story full of actual twists and turns by actual key grips and gaffers, all working as part of a team to create an uplifting work of art and, in the process, positively impact our local community.

Our story begins in early 2022. Franklin, Tennessee, has been the setting for many movies and Joni Wheeler, a location scout for director David Kendall, is given a mission: find the perfect location for filming the dance-rich, romantic comedy Steppin' into the Holiday, preferably one within a reasonable, half hour drive from the Franklin hotel in which all cast and crew are staying. And, like Noah's dove returning with the fresh olive leaf, Wheeler returns with reports and images of Columbia aka the “Dimple of the Universe” its friendly folks, its historic homes, and its picture postcard-perfect town square.

Kendall was thrilled. "It was the ideal setting for filming," he says, "and we just kind of fell in love with the whole thing. Chaz Molder, the mayor of Columbia, came out and welcomed us, and everyone's been terrific. Our film needed a stage in it, and Feek’s Farm Homestead Hall has a stage. It was perfect for us, and this town was perfect for us. I think a lot of times for filmmakers you need to get lucky, so we just got lucky."

THE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN NOTHING BUT AWESOME, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO SHOWING COLUMBIA OFF. WE LOOK FORWARD TO FUTURE PROJECTS HERE.

MARIO LOPEZ

The film’s stars as well as its executive producers, Jana Kramer and Mario Lopez, also share Kendall's glowing assessment. "The people have been nothing but awesome," Lopez says, "and we look forward to showing Columbia off. We look forward to future projects here." Kramer was even more effusive.  After all, this is her own neck-of-thewoods; she's a Franklin resident. "I've really fallen in love with Columbia," she says. "I'd never been to Columbia and it’s so charming. I saw the craziness of Mule Day, and I definitely have to come back and experience it with my kids. I also loved being able to film the finale at Rory Feek's farm. It's nice to bring some holiday goodness and cheer and light to a sweet little town."

I'D NEVER BEEN TO COLUMBIA AND IT’S SO CHARMING. I SAW THE CRAZINESS OF MULE DAY, AND I DEFINITELY HAVE TO COME BACK AND EXPERIENCE IT WITH MY KIDS. I ALSO LOVED BEING ABLE TO FILM THE FINALE AT RORY FEEK'S FARM. IT'S NICE TO BRING SOME HOLIDAY GOODNESS AND CHEER AND LIGHT TO A SWEET LITTLE TOWN.

JANA KRAMER

As for the holiday goodness, cheer, and light to which Kramer refers, Steppin' into the Holiday is the story of Billy Holiday (Lopez), a Hollywood producer who created a show called America Celebrity Dance Off. Fired from his own show, Holiday decides to return home and meets Rae, (Jana Kramer’s character), a local dance instructor. She's putting on a show for Christmas Eve, and Billy volunteers to help. Rhythm and romance and comedy ensue. "When he meets Rae," Kendall comments, "Billy finds his groove again, and they fall in love through dance. The story is definitely a romantic Christmas movie about a guy and a girl who find themselves and the little town they came from and realize that Hollywood is good, but maybe supporting local talent and searching for talent in these little towns is also cool."

Searching for local talent in Columbia is not hard to do. In fact, the movie, which began filming on March 29 and finished April 16, relied on a lot of it. Local resident Eric McCandless, for example, owner of AMPED Sound and Lighting, was definitely in on it all.  "My company did the theatrical lighting around the square and the Christmas trees," he points out. "They also asked me if I would be interested in being a background character during the shoot at the Feek’s farm for the finale. Of course, I said 'yes' and it was a lot of fun. It was nice seeing Columbia finally getting the attention that it deserves."

Kellye Murphy, Visit Columbia's Tourism & Marketing Director, agrees with McCandless. “We really enjoyed working with the cast and crew on the Lifetime movie," she says. "Everyone involved was so complimentary of our town and our friendly community. We will benefit from the exposure for Columbia as the backdrop for this holiday movie as well as the economic impact.”

Of course, not everything was puffy clouds and gentle sunshine. After all, these were folks making a movie in Columbia, Tennessee, in late March and early April, a time in which the weather often changes its mind more times in an hour than a five-year-old deciding what items to order from a fast-food menu. "Y'all have some wacky weather," Lopez admits. "It was nice, and now it's 35 degrees. The crew is dressed like they're in Chicago, and I have to be in this little, thin shirt." Tough work, no doubt. Still, there's a silver lining to Lopez's dark, cold cloud. "The storms here do make for some nice, romantic elements," he admits.

So there you have it. To enjoy this nice, romantic entertainment, settle into your own most comfortable element and tune in to Lifetime. Sometime after Thanksgiving, Steppin' into the Holiday Columbia, Tennessee, style — will make you smile and feel good during the holidays. n

STeppin' into the Holiday will make you smile and feel good during the holidays!

Compassionate and Convenient Care

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community. And, six decades after our founding, the

By Katie Baker PHOTOS BY HOLLY DOBBS PHOTOGRAPHY

The most wonderful time of the year is almost here! The first weekend of December, the 2nd and 3rd, the Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour will feature eight historic sites. The event started in 1951 as the “Majestic Middle Tennessee Tour of Homes” and was originally held annually in the Fall. Over the years, it has evolved into the Maury Christmas Historic Home Tour and includes a mix of personal homes, historic churches, and landmark homes. Visitors will enjoy an inside look into some of Maury County’s most architecturally significant homes.

The tour is a fund-raiser for the Athenaeum in Columbia, Tennessee, and the proceeds fund the annual operating costs of this historic site. This annual event is presented by the Maury County Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities (APTA). Tour visitors will receive a map of eight properties to drive and visit over two days. Tickets can be purchased at maurychristmas.org

WILLIAMSPORT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

The congregation at Williamsport United Methodist Church dates back to 1813 and were housed in two locations before settling into their current brick building in 1859 after merging with Cook’s Chapel. The church entrance originally faced east, but in 1920 the entrance was changed to the west.

CAINLAND

Cainlaind Farms was built in 1822. Underneath the clapboard exterior of Cainland, the original 1822 log cabin is protected from the elements. The interior of the home is an exquisite blend of historic elements with modern touches. In 2014, Cainland Farms was the site of the James K Polk Memorial Ball. Visitors should note that entrance posts to the home are made of foundation stones from Cook’s Chapel (later merged with Williamsport United Methodist Church).

CLAIBORN CHAPEL AME CHURCH

The congregation at Claiborn Chapel AME Church started as early as 1875 but is possibly older. The current church is said to be the fourth church on this site and was constructed in 1923. The octagon entrance is a unique feature welcoming parishioners and guests.

ELM SPRINGS

Two brothers built Elm Springs as a gift to their only sister. Named for the elm trees and fresh water springs once abundant on the property, Elm Springs is on the National Register of Historic Places.

SKIPWITH HARLAN HILL

Skipwith Hall was a 950 acre farm established in 1807 as part of a Revolutionary War land grant issued by George Washington. The mansion was built in 1815 and was home to Maury County’s first piano. In the late 1830s, Nathan Vaught, Maury County’s Master Builder, was hired to add the 6 columns and a sweeping veranda across the front.

of two famous all-girl schools that flourished in Columbia from 1835 until the 1920s. The home’s architecture, described as Moorish-Gothic, is very unique for this area. This, along with the amazing history of the site, makes the Athenaeum Columbia’s hidden jewel.

DAVIS-ESSLINGER HOME

Built in the spring of 1914, this home was built as a traditional “American Foursquare.” This style or form of home is also called a “Prairie Box,” since it shared many similarities with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie architecture. The Davis family changed the outward appearance of the home by adding the Juliet balcony and the four-columned portico, changing the outside to look more like a Natchez-style home instead of a foursquare. This beautiful home is sure to turn heads on historic West 7th Street.

JAMES K. POLK HOME

The Ancestral Home of James K. Polk is the only surviving residence of President James K. Polk other than the White House. This home features many items once used by the Polks in the White House and in their Nashville Home, Polk Place. The gardens feature English boxwoods and the fountain from Polk Place.

KATIE BAKER is a local Realtor and owner of the Katie Baker Group with RE/MAX Encore in downtown Columbia. Katie and her team of professional agents work to elevate the real estate experience while overseeing every aspect of a sale using the right mix of technology and exceptional service. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

imagine ...

More than sixty years ago, the building hummed of

machines and

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.

HOLIDAY Brunch

With the holiday season approaching, it is time to gather and celebrate with family and friends. For many of us, there are traditions this time of year we look forward to from watching lots of football and the Thanksgiving Day Parade to decorating the Christmas tree and making a gingerbread house, or even the cherished movie marathon who doesn’t like watching Elf and Christmas Vacation?!? Whether you are staying at home this year or traveling, we have put together a “Holiday Brunch” packed with tons of flavor we hope you will enjoy. With the help of Kris McCorckle, owner of Black Diamond Culinary, we wanted to inspire families and friends to sit and enjoy a meal together this holiday season. Bon appétit!

GRILLED

GRILLED PINEAPPLE WITH HONEY-LIME YOGURT

1 fresh pineapple either long spears or rings

1/2 cup of yogurt

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon of lime zest

1/2 cup toasted coconut (optional)

Grill the pineapple over medium heat for 3-5 mins on both sides.  Mix honey and lime zest into yogurt and serve on the side. Top with a cherry for some holiday cheer!

Optional toasted coconut. In oven until just lightly golden brown at 350 degrees. Keep an eye on it as it will burn. Sprinkle on grilled pineapple or stir into the yogurt.

APPLE CRANBERRY FRENCH TOAST

1/2 cup light brown sugar packed

5 tablespoons melted butter

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon cardamom

1 cup fresh cranberries or 1/2 cup dried cranberries

3 Granny Smith apples peeled and cut into bite size pieces

For the bread — French baguette, brioche, or Challah work well. Approximately 20 slices of bread, your choice.

Custard batter

8 eggs

2 cups whole milk or your preference

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons vanilla

In a saucepan, melt butter, add brown sugar, and spices stirring in the apples and cranberries to cook until tender.

On a grill top or frying pan over medium heat, dip your bread into the egg custard and cook about four minutes on each side until golden. Cut the French toast on an angle and arrange on a large serving platter. Top with the apple-cranberry mixture, maple syrup, and dust with powdered sugar.

HOLIDAY HASH WITH HAM AND SWEET POTATOES

1 ½ lbs. peeled sweet potatoes, diced and tossed in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

1 teaspoon of salt and pepper

2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 tablespoons of butter

1 ½ onions diced into small pieces

1 red pepper diced

4 ounces of cubed ham diced

1 tablespoon of chopped parsley

Roast potatoes at 425 degrees for about 25 minutes until potatoes are tender. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon each of butter and olive oil. When the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the onions and the red pepper. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft and the onions are nicely colored — about 7 minutes. Move the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the ham. Leave the ham alone in the pan for a few minutes until it begins to crisp then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Add the potatoes distributing them in one layer so they can brown in about 5 minutes. Salt and pepper as desired and return the onion and pepper mixture to the pan with the potatoes and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes.

At this point if you wish, you may now mash the hash and make it as crispy as you would like. Top with parsley and enjoy. A fried egg is also a nice touch to this dish.

HOMEMADE BISCUITS AND SAUSAGE GRAVY

This recipe comes from Melissa Griffiths from Bless this Mess, and the first time she made it was in 7th grade home economics class. So we thought if a bunch of 7th graders can make fresh homemade biscuits and gravy, anyone can and should!

Biscuit Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

3 tablespoons white sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 cup butter frozen 3/4 cup whole milk

Ingredients for Sausage Gravy

1 lb. pork breakfast sausage (Jimmy Dean’s is great)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour four

4 cups 2% milk

1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground

Additional salt and pepper to taste if needed

For the biscuits: Use a cheese grater to grate butter into a bowl on the largest holes of box grater. Stir butter into flour mixture until butter is broken up and mixture is well combined. Add the milk and stir until just combined, do not overmix. Pat dough onto a floured surface until it's 3/4 inch thick. Cut biscuits using a biscuit cutter and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown. Makes 10 biscuits.

For the sausage gravy: In a large cast iron skillet, add the sausage and cook over medium heat until the sausage is no longer pink, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small chunks. Do not drain the grease from the sausage cooking. Spread the sausage evenly out on the bottom of the pan, sprinkle flower over the top, and then stir well to combine the flour and sausage. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes stirring often. Whisk the milk slowly into the sausage and flour mixture. Continue whisking until the gravy starts to simmer — about 5 minutes. Keep stirring and let the gravy cook well at a low simmer until it thickens. Serve the hot gravy over the hot biscuits and salt and pepper to taste.

CHOCOLATE ORANGE PUMPKIN CAKE

For the cake

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ½ teaspoon of baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup melted butter

1 cup buttermilk

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

1 cup cold water

1/2 cup fresh orange zest

Pumpkin cream cheese filling

1 ounce package of cream cheese at room temperature

1/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup pumpkin puree

1 egg

2 teaspoons flour

Chocolate ganache glaze

1/2 cup heavy cream

3/4 cup of semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a deep bowl combine dry ingredients and mix well. Add butter, beaten eggs, buttermilk, and orange zest and mix. Add 1 cup cold water and mix. NOTE: the batter will be thin.

For the filling:

In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and cinnamon. Add pumpkin puree gradually. Add egg and flour then beat again.

Assemble the cake:

Spray Bundt pan and dust with cocoa powder. Pour in half the batter then scoop up the cream cheese filling placing it in the center. Be careful not to touch the sides of the pan. Pour the remaining batter and make swirls in the top of the cake using a butter knife. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven cool for 10 minutes in pan then transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely.

Ganache glaze:

In a saucepan over medium heat, add heavy cream and chocolate chips, but do not bring to a boil. Turn off the heat and stir until melted. Let the glaze cool down or pour over your chocolate pumpkin cake and serve.

FRENCH-INSPIRED MIMOSAS

Your favorite dry Champagne or sparkling wine

Freshly squeezed orange juice

1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier

Fresh strawberries — chopped and whole

Pour equal parts of champagne and orange juice into a Champagne flute. Always add the champagne first and then top it off with the orange juice. Then add 1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier. Add ½ tablespoon of chopped strawberries if desired and garnish with a whole strawberry.

TIP: If you want to make a pitcher, keep the orange juice and Champagne in the refrigerator and make it right before your guests arrive so the Champagne doesn’t lose its carbonation. n

KRIS MCCORCKLE is the owner/chef of Black Diamond Culinary located in Franklin, Tennessee. McCorckle creates an experience around the kitchen table where guests enjoy an exquisite glass of wine and a full hands-on experience class sharing food and life. For additional information and upcoming events visit blackdiamondculinary.com and follow them on social media at @blackdiamondculinary

By Kathryn York

PHOTOS BY MAIDEN AND MOON PHOTO CO. BY MEREDITH JOI

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and the old familiar song rings true—there’s no place like home for the holidays. So, why not make it fa-la-la festive at home, right?

If you’re wanting a fresh approach for decking your halls this year, consider a few helpful tips for thinking outside the box with your holiday decor.

SHOOT FOR COMFORT AND JOY

Have you ever been in a beautifully decorated home during the holidays but just couldn’t find a way to relax and enjoy it? Well, believe it or not, there’s a way to have both comfort and joy when it comes to holiday decor. When shopping for decorative holiday elements such as pillows, throws, towels, and table napkins, look for soft holiday-themed textiles that offer practicality for everyday use. You don’t have to switch out these elements when company comes over. You can find a clever balance of aesthetics and comfort that will bring lots of joy to you and your guests.

AIM FOR MERRY AND BRIGHT

Whether you are choosing tree ornaments, garlands, or mantle and tabletop decorations, marry messages paired with the soft glow of candles can really brighten spirits during the holiday season. Don’t be afraid to go outside the box when it comes to your tree and decor colors, too! You will never go wrong with a classic red and green, but don’t rule out nontraditional colors that coordinate nicely with your home’s year-round color palette.

THROW IN SOME HOLLY TO KEEP IT JOLLY

Greenery is one of the easiest ways to cozy up a home for the holiday season. With your tree as the centerpiece, you can bring a touch of nature’s beauty indoors with some boxwood, evergreen, pine, or spruce in the form of garland, tabletop centerpieces, and wreaths. Add in a sprinkling of holly and magnolia branches, and your space will look and smell heavenly throughout the season. If you are worried about seasonal allergies or don’t like the smell of real greenery, there are so many wonderful faux greenery options out there to choose from these days. All in all, go green!

INCLUDE A FEW OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS

While it may be tempting, you don’t have to purchase all new holiday decor each year to keep up with current styles and trends. Let’s face it — we all have heirlooms, sentimental ornaments, and favorite decorations we can’t wait to bring out and display during the holiday season. So, even if you are going with a new and specific decorative theme this year, think about ways you can incorporate your favorite decorations with a few new modern-day additions.

GREENERY IS ONE OF THE EASIEST WAYS TO COZY UP A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

WHO'S READY TO DECK THE HALLS?

A bonus tip to prolong your holiday decor all winter long: choose neutral colors with winter greenery and wildlife that can continue early into the new year.

ADD A CUP OF CHEER!

If you don’t already have a favorite holiday mug, set of dishes, or serveware, consider adding some timeless holiday-themed dinnerware to use for yourself and your guests. Holiday mugs make those peppermint mochas, cinnamon orange teas, and hotty toddys even more cheerful! And there’s nothing like seeing your table set with holiday dishes! It can bring added joy to gathering and feasting with faithful friends who are dear to us.

Remember that it only takes a few subtle touches of holidaythemed colors or decorations to complement the look and feel you have already created in your space. With just a tiny bit of modern decorative magic combined with your favorite timeless pieces, you can dress your home in an unforgettable holiday style! n

KATHRYN & ADAM YORK are the owners and curators of Smith & York Company, a modern home boutique located on the square in downtown Columbia, Tennessee, and Lime & Loaf, a kitchen shop located at New South Marketplace in downtown Columbia. Open seven days a week at both shops, Smith & York Co. offers a diverse selection of home goods, including tabletop accessories, barware, lighting, textiles, planters, and gift items, while Lime & Loaf offers a wide selection of kitchen essentials for cooking and baking. Learn more at smithandyork.co and limeandloaf.com

Magnolia Healthcare & Rehabilitation — Post-Acute and Long-Term Senior Care

Magnolia Healthcare & Rehabilitation has recently completed its first phase of a $2 million facility renovation this past fall. Originally built in the 1960s and holding former titles of Graymere Healthcare, Heritage Manor, Signature Healthcare of Columbia, and now Magnolia Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, the facility is proud to be a long-standing healthcare provider for the county’s most vulnerable and esteemed population. The facility’s management team says the renovation investment signifies its continued commitment Magnolia has toward providing post-acute and long-term care services to the seniors in Columbia and Maury County for years to come.

In the spring of 2022, the facility began a full renovation of its Rehab Unit which includes 44 beds to include 14 private suites with full bathroom suites, and 15 semi-private rooms all with brand new amenities from ceiling to floor. This rehab-to-home space is catered for those residents needing short-term, post-acute rehabilitation including physical, occupational, and speech therapies and/or skilled nursing services like IV antibiotic administration, stroke and cardiovascular recovery, wound care, and other skilled nursing needs. Phase two will include a full therapy gym remodel and upgraded equipment, and phase three will include a complete renovation to the front lobby and exterior portico.

Located on Trotwood Avenue in historic Columbia, Tennessee, Magnolia Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center is Maury County’s most established Skilled Nursing Facilities with 181 licensed beds and a large therapy & rehab-to-home unit. Magnolia Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center is conveniently located half a mile from Maury Regional Medical Center making it very accessible to a regional ecosystem of providers that they are grateful to have in the county. Magnolia offers Rehab-To-Home amenities and services, Long-Term Care services, and Hospice & Respite Stay services. Their motto is “Care with Dignity!” Their philosophy is that of organizational dignity, meaning that they care about a dignified environment for not only the patient but for the families and staff as well. When all three parties are treated in a dignified way, Quality of Care and customer satisfaction will be achieved.

Magnolia is becoming well-known for its upgraded amenities, and it is fast becoming one of Maury County’s choice healthcare employers. Current employees explain some factors including a family environment, weekly payroll benefits, and a team approach to quality care are some of the reason’s the facility earned top scores among staff in a 2021 survey. Job openings are listed on Indeed.com under Magnolia Healthcare and Rehabilitation or simply stop by and experience their accelerated hiring process!

To find out more about Magnolia Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, follow them on Facebook or visit magnoliahcrehab.com. To schedule a tour, please call (931) 388-6443 or stop by 1410 Trotwood Avenue in Columbia in the historic Graymere community. They are open to tours seven days per week and would love to have you as a guest! There is also a virtual tour link on the website that will guide you through different parts of the facility if you are not local. n

SOUTHERN HOLIDAY Getaways

By Mary Huff

Instead of staying home for the holidays, a vacation getaway during the November-December season is a perfect way to experience gratitude, joy and magic while creating lifetime memories. Whether you observe Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hannukah or no specific religion, the seasonal light shows and colorful events that occur around the South are worth visiting.

For those who want to hit the re-set button and create new traditions, there’s no place like Florida, where snow is totally unnecessary for getting in the holiday spirit. Here, folks deck the docks, waterways, palm trees, streets and homes with sandy Santa themes and sparkling lights. In Northwest Florida, Santa arrives on a shrimp boat in Apalachicola, while on the Atlantic coast, the famed Daytona International Speedway is transformed into a slow ride through a dazzling display of over a million holiday lights.

The Southeast is full of driving-distance destinations that are legendary for their holiday vibe, lavish or quirky décor, family-friendly events and warm hospitality. Pack the trunk with gifts and vacation gear and plan ahead, for these Southern destinations put on legendary shows that draw visitors from far and wide.

Daytona Beach,

Often called home of the world’s most famous beaches, Daytona Beach, Florida, located on the Atlantic coast, midway between St. Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center (only an hour drive from each) and just an hour east of Orlando, is a holiday standout that sets the stage for a season of dazzling light displays, along with 23 miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline and inland fun.

the pedestrian bridge or drive across the boulevard for a million square feet of world-class shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and hotel accommodations at ONE DAYTONA. Each weekend brings family-friendly events. Stay on-site at Fairfield Inn & Suites Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport or the Daytona Autograph Collection Hotel for an immersive race-fan and festive holiday experience.

From November 18, 2022 through January 1, 2023, Daytona International Speedway is transformed into Magic of Lights® a slow ride through a dazzling display of over a million holiday lights. Drive through a 1.5-mile extravaganza that uses the latest LED technology and digital animation to create magical scenes such as Joy to the World, 12 Days of Christmas, 200-foot Candy Cane Lane, Snowflake Forest, and the Enchanting Tunnel of Lights. Walk across

Built in the late 1800s as an ornate bed and breakfast, the exquisite Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar puts on a stunning decorative display that lights up historic downtown Ormond Beach. From November 18, 2022 through January 5, 2023, in the Granada Boulevard district, Rose Villa Gingerbread Fantasy invites visitors to the one-of-a-kind Victorian jewel and explore its rich history along with a delicious dining experience, gingerbread snacks and signature cocktails. Make reservations well in advance to experience the restaurant’s eclectic, mouth-watering dining, and an exclusive opportunity to build a gingerbread house with family and friends. December 3, 2022 is the Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade, where spectators line the Halifax River and take in the serene and magical displays.

For more events and accommodations details, visit DaytonaBeach.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAYTONA AREA BEACH

CVB

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAGIC LIGHTS

Franklin County is named the Forgotten Coast because it’s one of the last remaining stretches of low-rise, unspoiled Gulf Coast beaches, making holiday vacations here more like peace on Earth. Santa comes to town on a Shrimp boat at 4 p.m. the day after Thanksgiving at Riverfront Park, part of the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center’s Apalachicola Downtown Christmas Celebration. Streets will be lined with glowing luminaries; merchants will be open late, and carolers will add to the festive spirit.

Between Orlando and Daytona, West Volusia County encompasses fourteen communities along the St. Johns River, each with their own stories and an eclectic collection of accommodations, dining, and attractions. The authenticity that travelers are looking for is here, from the top-rated main street Downtown DeLand, to the gentle-giant manatees at Blue Spring State Park to adventures on the St. Johns River.

Florida’s first-ever luxury estate, the elegant Stetson Mansion, is a gorgeous Victorian “Gilded Age” residence built in 1886 for the famed hat maker. Its current residents are carrying on the tradition of extravagant gatherings with a 10th anniversary event that has been named among the ˮTop 10 Christmas Homes” by Bob Vila and “Best Holiday Home Tours in America” in the USA TODAY’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Self-guided Stetson Mansion Christmas tours include 10 new room themes each year. Decorations are over-the-top examples of elegant and reverent displays which complement the mansion’s rich architectural details. Geared for adults, the 90-minute tours are held multiple times a day from November 1, 2022 through January 21, 2023. Tickets are $28, plus tax and booking fee; advanced reservations are required; booking is available now.

The Athens Theatre in the heart of downtown DeLand joins in the holiday celebration with its presentation of Scrooge, The Musical, a big Broadway musical version of the world’s most beloved Christmas story, Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. This historic gem of a theatre opened in 1922 and became the centerpiece of this Central Florida region. Shows run November 26 through December 18; tickets range from $12-$32. n

NORTHWEST FLORIDA / FRANKLIN COUNTY

COURTESY OF SAVE THE MANATEE CLUB

WEST VOLUSIA COUNTY

STETSON MANSION

CABIN Spa Days

FOR

By Kathy Fox

Tucked away in Columbia, Tennessee, is a historic home that has been renovated with luxury amenities and offers the refreshing pace of country life. Magnolia Acres is nestled on 10 acres and is available as an event venue, can be rented overnight, or enjoyed as a relaxing spa day retreat. The 19th-century estate has 14 rooms featuring meticulously curated design providing each guest with an inspiring and refreshing experience. Magnolia Acres showcases the main house with three individual and two shared guest rooms all beautifully appointed. The main floor has a fully equipped chef’s kitchen with a formal dining room and a family-fun dining room as well as a family room and living room with a grand piano. Outdoors there is a covered patio complete with lounge furniture and a fire pit, a side deck that can be used for outdoor dining, and a large in-ground pool perfect for cooling off in warmer weather. Magnolia Acres is a delightful setting for those special occasions.

In 2021 after a quick google search for an event space in Columbia, Tennessee, Nichole Nace, owner of Elia Day Spa, and her husband discovered Magnolia Acres. They scheduled a tour to walk the grounds and house for an event they were planning, but afterward, sadly they realized it wasn’t a fit. Nace however fell in love with the serenity of the property exclaiming, “Oh my gosh! I have to do something here because this place is so beautiful and incredible.” So much so, Nace scheduled an appointment to meet with the owner at the time, Eve Whitman, to discuss the possibility of doing a three-day spa retreat at Magnolia Acres. After discussing options, Whitman came up with the idea of using the historic cabin from the 1800s, which was being used as an extra bedroom, as a spa cabin.

Nace was elated because there was nothing else like this between Columbia and Franklin. “This would be perfect because it is close to home and if people wanted to, they could rent out the entire house for an overnight stay after their spa day,” said Nace. And cabin days were born.

Nace began the cabin days endeavor as a spa day to create an experience to help people fully relax. “I had two guests there last month and they loved it because it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere but in reality, you are a few minutes from home,” said Nace. “It's a nice way for people to escape, retreat, and refresh and be in this beautiful space and atmosphere.” Part of the serenity and relaxation are the spa services offered during the experience, as well as a wonderful meal prepared by The Dotted Lime with a complimentary pitcher of mimosas with lunch. Guests select their meal off the exclusive spa days menu which includes four different tasty options: two different types of quiche, a salad with steak or salmon, a vegetarian option, and a surprise dessert.

Elia Day Spa is a toxin-free spa and people from Nashville, Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, and Columbia have been booking spa retreats at the cabin to unwind. Individuals or groups of two to eight are welcome to schedule a day that includes customizable spa services to meet their specific needs. Although Elia Day Spa on the square in downtown Columbia is a full-service spa, during cabin days, only facials and massages are available. “Guests will receive the Deluxe YonKa European Facials, which are our most deluxe designer medical grade spa services with no downtime,” Nace explains. “Each facial and massage is customized for the guests and what they need that day for a set price.”

Cabin days typically begin around 9:30 am and because each spa day is unique, the time varies based on how many services there are. “Some guests may stay for three hours whereas others may stay there for six,” Nace said. “Each spa day includes a meal and time for the guests to enjoy the property, take a nap, sit by the fire, or relax by the pool during the summer after their spa services. I want people to linger and enjoy their experience.”

Exciting things are in store for 2023, as Nace wants to plan three to four cabin spa days a month keeping it exclusive, and also has plans to add wellness retreats on a regular basis. She has been working with the new owner of Magnolia Acres, Alexis Drake, and the owners of Climb Performance Therapies, Brittany Ryan, DPT, and Lydia Fowler, MS, RD, LDN, CPT, to coordinate these events. “Whether it's a one day retreat or ladies spending two nights, people simply need time to relax and escape. We provide everything, it's an all-inclusive exclusive experience,” Nace said. “It's amazing, you feel like you're on the French countryside.”

Whether you are celebrating a birthday, looking for a relaxing day with friends, or simply want to have some me time, email nichole@eliadayspa.com to directly book a cabin spa day. Follow Elia Day spa on social media at @eliadayspa for updates and information on future events.

For venue information or to book Magnolia Acres visit themagnoliaacres.com. n

6 TIPS

FOR YEAR-END FINANCIAL PLANNING

Lucas Swatzell, based out of Franklin and Columbia, is Executive Vice President at Southwestern Investment Group and an Investment Management Consultant with Raymond James Financial Services. Swatzell was recently named to Forbes’ 2022 list of Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State**. This list recognizes a select group of individuals who are 40 years of age or younger, encompassing the highest standards of best practices, and other selective criteria.

With a passion for financial planning and over 10 years of experience, Swatzell enjoys being an active participant in his clients’ lives, working closely with them to identify their goals, implementing a plan of action, and helping them achieve their unique personal milestones. With the holidays around the corner, we asked Swatzell to provide some quick financial planning tips to consider as the year-end approaches:

Check on your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) balance.

If you have opted for a flex spending account to accompany your health insurance, review your account’s terms to determine by what date you should spend those funds. In general, participants must use the money within the plan year. However, some plans offer a “grace period” to use your funds, or offer a carryover feature.

If applicable, take your required minimum distribution from your retirement account.

If you are 72 years old or older, you will need to take your RMD by the end of the year. However, it is important to note that during the year that you turn 72, you have until April 1st of the following year to take your first distribution.

Assess your Charitable Giving Strategy.

In addition to making the world a better place, giving to charity may help come tax season. Rather than writing a check, there are several options to maximize your tax benefits by gifting strategically.

Make your year-end retirement account contributions.

Have you maxed out your retirement accounts? Contributing to retirement is an investment in your future. And, as an added bonus, your contributions may lower your taxable income.

Contribute to your Health Savings Account (HSA).

HSA contributions are unique in that they can provide numerous tax benefits! They lower your taxable income, grow tax free once invested, and distributions are tax free for medical expenses. This can be a great way to save for future copays, operations, and other medical-related costs, while also receiving an added benefit today.

Review any changes in tax law for the year in which you are filing.

Every year comes with a handful of changes that may or may not affect your year-end planning. Do your research to see what may have changed for your financial situation.*

801 CRESCENT CENTRE DR., SUITE 600 FRANKLIN, TN 37067 (615) 861-3518

816 S MAIN STREET COLUMBIA, TN 38401 (931) 388-3090

Investment advisory services offered through Southwestern Investment Advisory Services, Inc., an independent registered investment adviser. Southwestern Investment Group and Swatzell Wealth Team are not registered broker dealers are independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Representatives may not be registered to offer securities and advisory services in all states.

The Investment Management Consultant title is awarded to those who complete the Raymond James Institute of Investment Management Consulting program.

The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Lucas Swatzell and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Every investor's situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. RMD's are generally subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state taxes. Consult your tax advisor to assess your situation.

*Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

**Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State 2022

The Forbes Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State rankings, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criterion, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered are under 40, have a minimum of four years' experience, and the algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass the highest standards of best practices. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings. The Research Summary (as of August 2022) included: 35,465 nominations for all rankings, based on thresholds, 19,986 invited to complete online survey, 14,892 telephone interviews, 3,038 in-person interviews at advisors' location, 1,357 virtual interviews and 3,513 individuals considered and 1,000 individuals won the Next-Gen ranking. This ranking is not indicative of an advisor's future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients' experience. For more information and complete details on methodology, go to www.shookresearch.com

Contact the Swatzell Wealth Team to find out more about these important year-end planning items and further ways to achieve your financial goals!

THE ARTS in Mount Pleasant

Two Brothers Frame a Small Town’s Artful Revitalization

By William Harwood

The single-story brick building at 103 South Main Street, Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, circa 1872, has seen a lot come and go within its walls over the past 150 years. At various times, it has been a general store where clerks filled patrons’ orders; a noisy and sometimes dangerous saloon where men from the phosphate mines drank and gambled; a bustling newspaper office where reporters wrote the stories for the local paper and printing presses printed it. Then came the 1980s, the phosphate boom ending and the local paper soon with it, the building fell into some disrepair and simply served as a dry place to store carpets.

And that might have been the end of the building’s story had two brothers, Mike and Pat Greene, not thought otherwise. Growing up in Mt. Pleasant, they graduated from the high school in ‘61 and ‘64 respectively, then moved away to make their lives. A half century passed, and both the Greenes did well and retired. They returned to their roots, intending to invest their time, money, and talents into Mt. Pleasant’s revitalization. In March 2021, the brothers purchased the structure, planning to fix it up and rent it out, but fell in love instead during their labors to make the building beautiful again. “We decided to just completely restore it to its original condition,” Mike says. “We stripped

plaster off the walls to the brick, and took five floor layers off before we got to the original wood.” As the brothers worked, they uncovered more of the building’s past.

“When we bought it,” Pat admits, “we didn’t know the history of the building, so we kept digging and finding all this great, wonderful stuff.” Things like parts of the printing presses in the basement along with sacks of coal for the old furnace. Even the sign for the newspaper The Mt. Pleasant Record was still there, sandwiched between rolls of old carpet. The brothers cleaned it off, put it up, and took its name for the building’s new lease on life: The Mt. Pleasant Record Art Gallery as it was named, was the first of its kind in the town’s nearly 200-year-old history.

“This building turned out to be gorgeous,” Mike shares. “We couldn’t rent it out and let somebody come in and tear it up, so we decided to help the art program in the Mt. Pleasant school system.” The new art gallery’s first show in October 2021 turned out to be a huge success. Students from Mt. Pleasant’s three schools, grades K through 12, were invited to display their work for cash prizes as visitors lined up to get inside.

“That did more to introduce art to Mt. Pleasant than anything that had even been done to that point,” Mike says. “The building was full of people.  It was just amazing how many people were trying to get in to see what was going on.” The brothers decided to make it an annual event, and support their local students through art. “We are going to sponsor a senior high artist for college,” Mike says. “And continue to support these students who graduate high school and want to go on to college.”

THIS BUILDING TURNED OUT TO BE GORGEOUS. WE COULDN’T RENT IT OUT AND LET SOMEBODY COME IN AND TEAR IT UP, SO WE DECIDED TO HELP THE ART PROGRAM IN THE MT. PLEASANT SCHOOL SYSTEM.

In addition to supporting student artists, The Mt. Pleasant Record Art Gallery, now provides a home for professional artist Pat Barro and has been renamed the Poiema Studio Gallery. With formal training in the fine arts and decades of experience across various mediums, Barro is inspired by God’s creation whom he refers to as ‘The Master Artist’ and creates works of beautiful landscapes intended to evoke positive emotions in his viewers. In addition to Poiema offering fine art and art supplies for sale, Barro will also offer art classes to children to adults. Further, his wife Rachel will oversee an initiative to have other professional artists come in once a month to display their work on a rotating basis.

The goal to create a critical mass of galleries and artists is intentional. “The more artists that come the better off everybody will be,” Mike says. “Mt. Pleasant will become an arts destination.” Mt. Pleasant’s mayor and his brother Pat both agree. “We would like to have an art walk in the back parking lot,” Pat says, “and Mayor Bill White says ‘whatever you want to do, we’re going to support you.’ We are happy the Mt. Pleasant government wants to see it happen because you need the support of the community and the city.” In any case, the brothers have come a long way in a short time of realizing their artful vision. “Mt. Pleasant is in the center of Nashville’s ‘Big Backyard,’” Mike points out, referring to the string of small communities stretching from Leiper’s Fork to Muscle Shoals. “Our purpose now is solely to create an arts center for this area of the state; Mt. Pleasant could be the center of art for Nashville’s Big Backyard.”  n

JONAH THOMAS — ELEMENTARY WINNER

ALLIE SUTLIFFE — MIDDLE SCHOOL WINNER

ANNLEE SANDRELL — HIGH SCHOOL WINNER

WE ARE GOING TO SPONSOR A SENIOR HIGH ARTIST FOR COLLEGE. AND CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THESE STUDENTS WHO GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL AND WANT TO GO ON TO COLLEGE.

UNDERSTANDING Pediatric CHIROPRACTIC CARE

By Dr. Ericka Montelione

At 6 weeks old Beckham, a baby boy, already had severe struggles with quality of life. Following a traumatic cesarean birth, this baby suffered from a condition called upper cervical subluxation complex. A condition where the upper cervical spine is misaligned leading to muscle spasm, decreased range of motion, decreased neurologic function, and a distressed individual. Studies show that 95% of infants are born with some degree of cervical sprain/strain and subluxation just from the birthing process alone. His specific symptoms were abnormal posture, reflux, fussiness, reduced sleep, and a flattening head. All of these symptoms are fairly common in babies. After just one month of repetitive adjustments, an over 60% improvement was made in all areas of complaint and overall full resolution by 8 weeks. How did this happen, even for his reflux you may ask?

Pediatric chiropractic and chiropractic, in general, are the most misunderstood health care professions. At Premier Chiropractic it is not about “treating pain or symptoms,” but addressing dysfunction in the body and finding the problem allowing the body to HEAL ITSELF through proper neurologic health an area frequently missed in healthcare. Beckham and many other children struggle with what we consider “normal function.” It may come in the forms of colic and improper neck mobility but can also entail ear infections, bed wetting, asthma, ADHD, constipation, and more. How can a pediatric chiropractor help with such conditions? Well, first let’s discuss the problematic fact all the above conditions are commonly treated with medications. It is shocking to know our children are the second-highest drugged population group under geriatrics. In the United States, we consume five times more ADHD medications than all other nations combined! I now have children as young as 7 years old prescribed anxiety medications, and depression medications and have even had babies taking Zantac in the bottle (a medication recalled a few years ago as it is linked to cancer). Keep in mind that is addressing the symptoms and not the underlying cause. It is not convenient for an individual to commit to finding the problem, but if we consistently medicate, our children's longterm outcomes will be detrimental. My mission was greater than originally thought when I realized how sick and overmedicated the children were.

The nervous system is the most overlooked organ in the human body, only thought of when there is pain. Your spine protects your nervous system and when there is stress like birth, falls, trips, emotional situations, or even chemical overloads like poor quality foods the spine will shift out of alignment AKA subluxation stressing the nearby nerve organ. In our office we utilize technology to identify these shifts and stresses to gently realign the spine allowing the brain to transmit proper messages to the body ELIMINATING the cause of the problem where it stems from, not medicating the symptom. I went through extensive training in addition to my doctorate degree to properly care for the pediatric profession offering the best results in the area.

STUDIES SHOW THAT 95% OF INFANTS ARE BORN WITH SOME DEGREE OF CERVICAL SPRAIN/STRAIN AND SUBLUXATION JUST FROM THE BIRTHING PROCESS ALONE.

PEDIATRIC CHIROPRACTIC AND CHIROPRACTIC, IN GENERAL, ARE THE MOST MISUNDERSTOOD HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONS. AT PREMIER CHIROPRACTIC IT IS NOT ABOUT “TREATING PAIN OR SYMPTOMS,” BUT ADDRESSING DYSFUNCTION IN THE BODY AND FINDING THE PROBLEM ALLOWING THE BODY TO HEAL ITSELF THROUGH PROPER NEUROLOGIC HEALTH — AN AREA FREQUENTLY MISSED IN HEALTHCARE.

Whether you are pregnant, post partum, or have a child who is struggling with proper function take the step of ensuring proper neurological health today! We don’t treat conditions but allow the body to heal itself. When parents choose to take proactive steps with their children's teeth the outcomes are always better, but how many take proactive steps with their spines? Where did you first encounter stress on your body and what have you done to ensure there are no long-term repercussions? Let Premier

Chiropractic be a part of your health driven tool box and don’t procrastinate. Health comes by choice, not by chance. We say choose your child's health care outcomes and let us serve you in this endeavor to shift to being proactive versus reactive today!

Now keep in mind that babies not only endure stress from birth, but so does mom. As the only Webster's Certified (pregnancy specialist) chiropractor in the region, I offer necessary and integral care to our communities expecting moms along with supportive care post partum. The fourth trimester of care is a time that mothers’ body will be going through many challenges following pregnancy. It takes approximately 6 weeks after birth for a woman's body to work out certain hormones and structural shifts that commonly lead to back pain, pelvic dysfunction, a weakened pelvic floor, and even upper back/neck pain if not proactively addressed.

DR. ERICKA MONTELIONE is one of the few extensively trained pediatric chiropractors in the Nashville region. She has taken a 400-hour advanced certification course and is the only Webster's Technique (specific pregnancy technique) certified chiropractor in the Spring Hill/ Columbia region. Her training and experience make her able to serve all her clients with excellence including actively adjusting hundreds of children each week and dozens of pregnant women. Contact Premier Chiropractic at (615) 653-4541or book an appointment online at springhillpremierchiro.com.

INDOOR GARDENING

By Kimberly Blaker

FOR FUN, HEALTH AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Gardening can be challenging, especially outdoor gardening, because there are so many variables. This includes climate changes, unpredictable weather, and plants getting eaten by wildlife or pests. Indoor gardening allows you to grow veggies year-round in the comfort of your home, with a greater likelihood of success because you control the environment. This is also beneficial for those with little or no outdoor space to incorporate nature into their daily lives.

With the winter months approaching, it’s still feasible to have a beautiful indoor garden with plants like colorful and fragrant lavender, herbs, microgreens, and vegetables to enjoy and eat. The move toward more sustainable living has gained traction in recent years with people looking to help the environment and their wallets. Gardening is a great hobby to support a more sustainable lifestyle. It's fun, saves money on groceries, and helps you feel accomplished by eating something you grew. It also promotes healthy living, cooking at home, and eating more nutritious foods. When you grow your own food at home, you also know exactly what's in it and how it was produced.

Growing plants indoors is good for your health in other ways too. Plants remove carbon dioxide from the air and generate oxygen, making the air in your home cleaner. The Hidden Seed Plant Co. in Spring Hill, Tennessee, specializes in rare to easy-to-care-for house plants, from hoya to string of things, monstera to philodendron, pothos to scindapsus, and cacti and succulents to mention a few. Although they do not offer herbs or vegetable plants, patrons will find they have a considerable variety of nature’s air fresheners as well as planters, decorative containers, and accessories available to help get started with a chic indoor garden.

Jami Beach, the owner of the Hidden Seed Plant Co. says, “People are at home more these days and looking for ways to get fresh vegetables and herbs year-round. An indoor garden cuts costs and it can also be done organically if desired. I have many customers who are into modern homesteading and have indoor and outdoor gardens. I encourage them all to do so, as gardening can be very satisfying.”

Exposure to nature and the accomplishment you feel from successfully starting a garden is also good for your mental health. Herbs, leafy plants, and microgreens are the most common edible plants for indoor growing. They generally do well with shallow soil because they're smaller and don't need as much space inside. They also don't need as much sun and are easier to grow if you're just starting. It's possible to grow fruits indoors. But fruit generally needs a significant amount of sun and exposure to pollinating insects or animals and wind, which are more difficult to replicate indoors.

INDOOR GARDENING ALLOWS YOU TO GROW VEGGIES YEAR-ROUND IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME, WITH A GREATER LIKELIHOOD OF SUCCESS BECAUSE YOU CONTROL THE ENVIRONMENT.

Before starting your indoor herb and veggie garden, consider realistic expectations for your lifestyle. Plants need tending and care to grow successfully. If you're a newbie to gardening, you may want to start small and simple, like a grow kit that supports your growth process.

On a basic level, plants need at least water, nutrients, and light and of course, you'll need the plant seeds or seedlings. Also, think about what your space is like and what will grow best in that environment. Alternatively, if you have more flexibility, you can think about which plants you want to grow and how to adapt your environment to meet their needs.

To give your plants the best chance of thriving, you'll want a specific place you can control. Decide if you'll use one room, spread them around the house, dedicate just a windowsill, or perhaps build a smaller controllable environment within your home. Also, be aware of your home's humidity, especially during dry winter months, since plants need a moister environment. Plants do best in stable, consistent temperatures in the 60s to 70s with good air circulation to prevent mold or fungus growth.

If you're planning to use mostly natural light from your windows, consider the amount of light they permit and at what time of day they allow for more or less light. Generally, a south-facing window will give you the most sunlight. This will likely change throughout the seasons. So be aware of how light exposure varies and affects plants.

The supplies you'll need depend on your budget and how involved you want to be. Some products do nearly all the work for you. You can also find those that offer simple setups yet where you're more engaged with the process. If you have specific plants in mind, research what particular items you'll need to support the bestgrowing environment.

TO GIVE YOUR PLANTS THE BEST CHANCE OF THRIVING, YOU'LL WANT A SPECIFIC PLACE YOU CAN CONTROL. DECIDE IF YOU'LL USE ONE ROOM, SPREAD THEM AROUND THE HOUSE, DEDICATE JUST A WINDOWSILL, OR PERHAPS BUILD A SMALLER CONTROLLABLE ENVIRONMENT WITHIN YOUR HOME.

Containers should be big enough for your plant’s needs. Consider how big the plants will grow, the depth needed for roots, and how far seeds must be planted from each other. When growing plants indoors, you need to consider drainage, so excess water doesn't build up and cause problems like root rot or bacterial growth.

Consider which plants will need more or less light exposure and place them at appropriate distances.

Since your plants won't get rain, you're in charge of making sure they have enough but not too much water. Always check how dry the soil is before watering, ensure appropriate drainage, and be aware of the plant’s needs. Self-watering containers, drip systems, and hydroponic kits that may use pumps or other methods to make the process easier can be helpful.

Before planting your indoor garden, prepare your environment. Have all the supplies you'll need so you don't have to stop and run to the store mid-planting. If you're using a growing system, read all the instructions before starting. If you're doing the whole process on your own, have a way to track everything yourself and make sure you've researched what you're doing. Depending on the plant, you need to put it into the soil the correct way. Each type of plant needs to be planted within particular dimensions, at specific depths and distances apart.

Edible plants generally take more effort than just putting seeds in the soil and forgetting them, especially indoors where you have to create the environment. Each plant has different needs: some may need pruning, adjustments to watering and soil, and various harvesting or replanting times. To keep track of your plants' needs, it might help to keep a journal or binder or some kind of tracking system. You can use your system to remind you to care for them and how to do so, and also track your successes or failures for next time.

In terms of harvesting, some plants need to be completely picked and then replanted. Other plants, especially herbs and leafy greens, can be harvested as you need while the plant grows and regrows where it was cut.

The soil you use for growing indoors is different from ordinary garden soil. Use potting mix or soil made explicitly for seedlings and the indoors. These soil varieties are made to drain better than garden soil. They aren't likely to contain organisms like fungus or bacteria.

If you're growing plants throughout the winter, you'll need a light source to make up for the lack of natural sunlight. Grow lamps are specifically designed to provide the right type of light to help plants grow. Common types of grow lamps are LED or fluorescent.

You might decide to use a growing system that does most of the work for you. In that case, you still want to check and track it to be involved in or aware of the process and make sure everything is working correctly. Be sure to always follow all directions for appropriate use.

Finally, keep in mind you can do everything right and still fail, which can be frustrating. But indoor gardening is a learning process. You can try new things next time for better results and a garden that contributes to a sustainable lifestyle. n

CONTAINERS SHOULD BE BIG ENOUGH FOR YOUR PLANT’S NEEDS. CONSIDER HOW BIG THE PLANTS WILL GROW, THE DEPTH NEEDED FOR ROOTS, AND HOW FAR SEEDS MUST BE PLANTED FROM EACH OTHER.

Enjoy some of Middle Tennessee’s favorites and getaway to Nashville for a weekend. Music City Publications has partnered with different businesses to bring you a staycation as well as gifts made right here in Middle Tennessee that we think you will LOVE!

To enter for a chance to win, follow both @maurycountyliving and @williamsoncoliving on Instagram and tag a friend on the Nov. 1, 2022, Instagram posts. The giveaway closes on Nov. 30, 2022. The two-night stay at the Germantown Inn must be used by Dec. 31, 2023, and is based on availability.

ENTER for a chance to win!

INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

n 2-night stay at the Germantown Inn in Nashville n One 80-minute facial at the Spa by JW Marriott

n $100 gift card to Scout’s Pub Midtown n A variety of Puckett’s Sauces and Rubs — 6 bottles total n $50 gift card from Hattie Jane’s Creamery n Franklin’s Distillery Southern Vodka and Southern Gin — 750 ml bottle of each n Santa's Favorite Treats gift box by Made In TN

More details on next two pages!

THE GERMANTOWN INN

Share in a piece of Nashville history at the locally-owned Germantown Inn. Located in one of the oldest buildings in the historic Nashville neighborhood of Germantown, the Germantown Inn is in a two-story, Federal-style house constructed in 1865 that was reimagined into an inspired boutique inn in December 2016 with 10 bespoke guestrooms, a lush outdoor courtyard and a chic, private rooftop terrace with downtown and neighborhood views. Known in the neighborhood as “The Wallman House” for the building’s first owner, H. H. Wallman, a prominent shoemaker for the city’s elite at the time, the property is characterized by historic charm, tailored amenities, and a modern design. For additional information or to make reservations visit germantowninn.com

SCOUT'S PUB MIDTOWN

Scout's Pub, a Southern gastropub from Franklin-based hospitality group A. Marshall Hospitality, opened in Nashville's Midtown neighborhood in September 2022. The family-friendly, communityminded bar and restaurant features hand-crafted cocktails and crave-worthy food, as well as a weekend brunch and SundayThursday happy hour, in a neighborhood atmosphere perfect for meeting friends, spending time with family or just hanging out with the gang. Named for the beloved Marshall family dog, Scout’s Pub also welcomes four-legged friends on their outdoor patio. The Midtown location is the brand's second, with the first located in Franklin's Westhaven community. To learn more about Scout’s Pub and the other A. Marshall Hospitality brands, visit scoutspub.com

Experience the feeling of ultimate rejuvenation and relaxation at JW Marriott Nashville's Spa by JW. Inspired by non-invasive aesthetic cosmetic solutions to relax the appearance of facial lines, the Natura Bissé Inhibit Lifting Facial will reduce fine lines without needles. After indulging in this 80-minute luxurious facial using one of the world's best and most innovative skincare lines, you’ll feel the instant lifting and tightening effects.

PUCKETT'S RESTAURANT

The Puckett’s roots go way back to the 1950s and a little grocery store in the village of Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. Today, the family owned-and-operated brand has six Tennessee locations in Franklin, Nashville, Columbia, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a seventh location opening in Cullman, Alabama, in October 2022 and nationwide shipping available. When it comes down to it, Puckett’s is a community kitchen with live pickin’ performances just a few feet from your table. Southern hospitality and authentic comfort food barbecue smoked slow ‘n’ low over cherry wood that earned Puckett’s recognition as one of the 10 Best Barbecue Restaurants in the U.S. in the TravelAwaits 2022 Best Of Travel Awards, as well as home-cooked sides and even a few upscale dishes is what Puckett’s aims for you to remember. To learn more about Puckett's and the other A. Marshall Hospitality brands, visit puckettsgro.com

PHOTO BY EMILY DARIO

$100 SCOUT'S PUB MIDTOWN GIFT CARD

PUCKETT'S

SPA

JW MARRIOTT

HATTIE JANE'S CREAMERY

Born and raised in Tennessee, Hattie Jane’s Creamery is a women-founded, women-led creamery and scoop shop serving small-batch craft ice cream, parfaits and baked goods since 2016. Each scoop begins with a proprietary ice cream base made using milk supplied by a local dairy farm, and the creative menu of seasonally rotating flavors — along with several permanent fixtures, including dairy-free and vegan options — takes shape as made-from-scratch ingredients and other goodies from local purveyors are incorporated onsite for the highest quality. With locations in Columbia, Franklin, Murfreesboro, and Nashville, as well as nationwide shipping, Hattie Jane’s is the South’s premier craft ice cream brand. For more information, visit hattiejanescreamery.com, or follow along on social media at @hattiejanescreamery for the latest scoop.

FRANKLIN DISTILLERY

While bonding over a drink in 2013, Michael Stainbrook and Michael Ward began talking casually about creating a distillery and brewery one day. Stainbrook, an almost 20-year resident Tennessean, and Ward, a Tennessee native, found their way to the heart of Franklin right at the town center, 35° N 86° W, to craft a spirit celebrating the local ingredients. After several recipes and tastings, both Mikes settled on distilling 14 premium botanicals that reflect the American South, a tribute to the land that defines it. Bringing it to proof using pure Tennessee water that’s naturally filtered through limestone, Franklin Distillery’s methods reflect the best of the South: traditional, yet adventurous; bold, yet refined. This method defined the brand’s initial gin spirit and was drawn upon again for the creation of Franklin Distillery Vodka, which is distilled from Southern citrus and is one of the world’s first citrus vodkas. The 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition awarded a Gold medal to the Southern Vodka and a Silver medal to the Southern Gin. For more information, visit franklindistillery.com

MADE IN TN

Made In TN brings the best of Tennessee-made artisan and specialty products together in one place for a one-stop-shop experience. The local stores, at L&L Market and The Factory at Franklin, and fully-stocked online shop source the best local products from creative newcomers and established icons alike. Whether shopping for a loved one, a colleague, a hostess gift or the perfect White Elephant surprise, Made In TN has a creative collection of local products that make excellent presents. To shop visit shopmadeintn.com

$50 HATTIE JANE'S CREAMERY GIFT CARD

FRANKLIN'S DISTILLERY SOUTHERN VODKA AND GIN — 750 ML BOTTLE OF EACH