Images Mt. Juliet/West Wilson County, TN: 2012

2012 | imagesmtjuliet.com ÂŽ

Mt. Juliet/West Wilson County, tennessee

A Pleasure for business Southern hospitality helps attract companies to county

All Fired Up It’s easy to be artsy here

sponsored by the Mt. Juliet/West Wilson County Chamber of Commerce

Mt. Juliet tire Center Full-Service Automotive FAcility Locally Owned and Operated

Heating and Air Conditioning • Batteries • Belts and Hose Inspection • Wheel Alignment Cooling System Maintenance • Disc Brake Service • Oil, Lube and Filter Shocks and Struts • Tire Rotation • Transmission Maintenance Wheel Balance • Computerized Engine Analysis • Tire Repair 11472 lebanon rd. • mt. Juliet, tN 37122 • (615) 754-6434 • www.mtjuliettirecenter.com

Voted Best Lifestyle/ Retirement Community

Top 10

Summer Fairs

VICTORVILLE, CA San Bernardino County Fair ROCK SPRINGS, WY Sweetwater County Fair VANCOUVER, WA Clark County Fair SHREVEPORT, LA The State Fair of Louisiana MT. JULIET, TN Wilson County Fair CROWN POINT, IN Lake County Fair LOUISVILLE, KY Kentucky State Fair

Mt. Juliet made the list.

Top 10 Summer Fairs See more Top 10 lists at Livability.com.

PUYALLUP, WA The Puyallup Fair WEST DES MOINES, IA Iowa State Fair SYRACUSE, NY New York State Fair

Introducing the Livability.com Top 10 Lists New lists every month | Not your average lists | Not your average website

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2012 edition | volume 10 ®

th

anniversary issue

Mt. Juliet / West Wilson County, Tennessee editorial project Manager mitch Kline content Director Lisa battles Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jessica Walker Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Copy Editor Jill Wyatt Contributing writers Cary Estes, Chris Russell, Karen Schwartzman Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Vikki Williams Graphic Designers Rachael Gerringer, Taylor nunley Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier color imaging technician Alison Hunter Integrated Media Manager Bryant Grantham Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman

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Executive Vice President Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner Senior V.P./business Development Scott Templeton senior V.P./Agribusiness Publishing Kim HOlmberg V.P./business Development Charles Fitzgibbon

co nte nt s

V.p./External Communications Teree Caruthers V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens v.p./Travel publishing Susan Chappell

F e atu r e s

V.P./Sales Herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky Controller Chris Dudley Senior Accountant Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman sales support Coordinator alex marks

8 Community That Cares Residents, agencies make a difference

sales support project manager sara quint system administrator daniel cantrell Web creative director allison davis Web Content Manager John Hood Web project manager noy fongnaly Web designer II Richard stevens Web development lead Yamel Hall

12 A Pleasure for business Southern hospitality helps attract companies to county

Web developer i nels noseworthy Web Account Manager Lauren Eubank Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Creative Services Director Christina Carden publication design Director murry keith

20 All Fired Up It’s easy to be artsy here

Creative Technology Analyst becca ary Database Manager/IT Support Chandra Bradshaw audience development Director deanna nelson Distribution Director Gary Smith

d e pa r tm e nt s

Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop

6 Almanac 14 Biz Briefs

Images Mt. Juliet/West Wilson County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Mt. Juliet/West Wilson County Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com.

For more information, contact: Mt. Juliet/West Wilson County Chamber of Commerce 46 W. Caldwell St. • Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 Phone: (615) 758-3478 • Fax: (615) 754-8595 mtjulietchamber.com Visit Images Mt. Juliet / West Wilson County online at imagesmtjuliet.com ©Copyright 2012 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

Member

The Association of Magazine Media Member

16 Chamber Report 17 Economic Profile 18 Local Flavor 22 Sports & Recreation 25 Health & Wellness 26 Education 28 Community Profile 29 Through the Lens on the cover Katie Shea paints the ceramic mug she created at Fired Up. Photo by Jeff Adkins

Custom Content Council

Member Mt. Juliet/West Wilson County Chamber of Commerce

All or part of this magazine is printed on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

Please recycle this magazine

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What’s Online  imagesmtjuliet.com

Photos & Videos Visually explore Mt. Juliet in our online photo and video galleries

Facts Get the most up-to-date info on cost of living, top employers, schools, population demographics and more

Living here Learn the basics about local neighborhoods, schools and health care providers

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Digital magazine Flip through the pages of this magazine and easily share articles using Facebook, Twitter or email.

®

Digital Edition Community That Cares RESIDENTS, AGENCIES MAKE A DIFFERENCE

STORY BY KEVIN LITWIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF ADKINS

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inda McClanahan says activities are what the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center is all about, with a main purpose of alleviating isolation and loneliness among the elderly.

“We’ve gone through quite a few upgrades in the last year or so, including changing our name from Mt. Juliet/West Wilson Senior Citizens Center to the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center,” says McClanahan, executive director at the center. “We now have 80 programs in areas such as arts and crafts, theater, music and community service opportunities.

It is an ideal venue for older adults to gather for social, recreational and educational programs.”

McClanahan says about 150 seniors ages 55 and older visit the center each day.

“The membership fee is $20 a year and most of our programs are free,” she says. “Membership is open to anyone from anywhere.

Ours is a place where friends meet, so I invite everyone to stop by the facility on Mt. Juliet Road and see what the center has to offer.”

Baseball and Horses The senior center is one of many sites and programs that help to make a difference and improve the quality of life in Mt. Juliet and West Wilson County. Another such entity is the Challenger League, which enables boys and girls ages 5-18 with physical and mental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. Players can participate in tee ball, coach-pitch or playerpitch, and the league recommends that no score be kept during games.

Mt. Juliet is also home to

Left: Playing the fiddle at the Good Old Time Country Music Show at the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center Right: Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center members enjoy the Good Old Time Country Music Show.

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Share with a friend Easily share an interesting article, stunning photo or advertisement of your business on Facebook, Twitter or via email.

HAVE A BLOG OR WEBSITE? Embed the digital magazine in your site to add compelling, local information.

DO MORE THAN JUST READ ABOUT IT Experience the community through video and find links to other sites for additional information.

imagesmtjuliet.com

Almanac

Welcome to Mt. Juliet An introduction to the area’s people, places and events

No Driving Required Providing stress-free, less expensive and more environmentally friendly transportation, the Music City Star debuted in 2006 as Tennessee’s first commuter rail line. The 66-mile round-trip train stretches from Lebanon to Nashville’s Riverfront Park, with other stations in Donelson, Hermitage, Mt. Juliet and Martha.

Riders can expect to pay from $2 to $5 each way. The train has 11 double-decker cars that transport passengers to Nashville each morning and return them to Wilson County stations every evening.

The Mt. Juliet station is at 22 E. Division St. To see current train schedules, visit www.musiccitystar.org.

Blessed Community In Mt. Juliet and West Wilson County, congregations range from large to small, with more than 40 churches available to accommodate the community.

Serving more than 2,000 families, Victory Baptist Church is the largest in the area. Another large church is St. Stephen Catholic Church, with nearly 1,500 families.

Medium-sized congregations can be found at Cook’s United Methodist, Joy Church International and Life Assembly, and examples of smaller churches include Church Alive and Providence United Methodist.

Although each church is different, it’s common for the congregations to come together and support local causes such as the Room In The Inn program.

Play at the Park Open from dawn until dusk, the frisbee golf course at Sgt. Jerry Mundy Memorial Park offers an opportunity for Mt. Juliet residents to enjoy free recreation and entertainment.

Players can hone their skills on the recently created course, working to toss their frisbees as close to the appointed markers as possible.

In addition to frisbee golf, Sgt. Jerry Mundy Memorial Park features a full-length multipurpose field that can be used for a variety of sports, as well as a walking track, playgrounds and pavilions.

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The Fairest of the Fairs As the largest fair in Tennessee, the Wilson County Fair keeps more than 540,000 area residents and visitors coming back for more each year.

One of the top draws is an area called Fiddlers Grove, which includes a collection of historic buildings that have been assembled from throughout the county. Multiple stages provide plenty of music, while everyone from photographers to beer brewers can show off their skills at the numerous niche competitions.

As for attractions, visitors can enjoy racing pigs, dog shows, cooking classes and a demolition derby. To learn more, go to www.wilsoncountyfair.net.

Mt. Juliet At A Glance POPULATION (2010 estimate) Mt. Juliet: 23,671 Wilson County: 113,993

Mt. Juliet

LOCATION Mt. Juliet is in Middle Tennessee, 17 miles east of Nashville.

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BEGINNINGS Mt. Juliet was formed in 1835 and was the last town incorporated in Wilson County.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Mt. Juliet/West Wilson County Chamber of Commerce 46 W. Caldwell St. Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 Phone: (615) 758-3478 Fax: (615) 754-8595 www.mtjulietchamber.com

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What’s Online  Take a virtual tour of Mt. Juliet, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagesmtjuliet.com.

Murfreesboro urf rfre f

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Community That Cares Residents, agencies make a difference

Story By Kevin Litwin Photography By Jeff Adkins

L

inda McClanahan says activities are what the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center is all about, with a main purpose of alleviating isolation and loneliness among the elderly.

“We’ve gone through quite a few upgrades in the last year or so, including changing our name from Mt. Juliet/West Wilson Senior Citizens Center to the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center,” says McClanahan, executive director at the center. “We now have 80 programs in areas such as arts and crafts, theater, music and community service opportunities.

It is an ideal venue for older adults to gather for social, recreational and educational programs.”

McClanahan says about 150 seniors ages 55 and older visit the center each day.

“The membership fee is $20 a year and most of our programs are free,” she says. “Membership is open to anyone from anywhere.

Ours is a place where friends meet, so I invite everyone to stop by the facility on Mt. Juliet Road and see what the center has to offer.”

Baseball and Horses The senior center is one of many sites and programs that help to make a difference and improve the quality of life in Mt. Juliet and West Wilson County. Another such entity is the Challenger League, which enables boys and girls ages 5-18 with physical and mental disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. Players can participate in tee ball, coach-pitch or playerpitch, and the league recommends that no score be kept during games.

Mt. Juliet is also home to

Left: Playing the fiddle at the Good Old Time Country Music Show at the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center Right: Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center members enjoy the Good Old Time Country Music Show.

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Photo Courtesy of Briggette McDonald

Southern STARRS, a nonprofit, no-fee organization that offers therapeutic horseback riding activities to children ages 3 and over. The horseback facility at Lone Willow Farm in Lebanon is also open to adults with mental or physical disabilities, or who have suffered life-altering trauma.

Animal Acts Also a key part of the caring community is the Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter, which is run by the city under the jurisdiction of the police department. The shelter oversees an animal control program and an adoption initiative for dogs and cats.

“We have a 93 percent adoption rate thanks to programs such as community adoption fairs, and we work with local businesses to set up adoption events at their sites,” says Eddie Blackwood, director of the Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter. “There are also humane education programs scheduled during the year at schools throughout Wilson County.”

The shelter also works closely with the state to oversee a rabies control program that keeps track of animal bites within the city limits. It also has a database of all large animals that are owned by residents in Mt. Juliet.

“The shelter has a contract with a local veterinarian clinic whose employees come by and do medical rounds every Tuesday and Thursday,” Blackwood says. “We also have a shelter officer on call 24/7 for anything that might arise related to animals in Mt. Juliet.”

From top: Challenger League baseball; Heather Cooper plays baseball on horseback with the help of Southern STARRS volunteers.

Right: Southern STARRS volunteers lead a therapeutic horseback riding session at Lone Willow Farm in Lebanon.

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Business Mt. Juliet City Hall

A Pleasure for Business Southern hospitality helps attract companies to Wilson County

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outhern hospitality usually is perceived as being directed toward other people. But Kenny Martin, the economic development director for the city of Mt. Juliet, says he wants that same hospitality to also extend toward businesses that locate in Wilson County.

Having that type of attitude means companies aren’t simply recruited to come to Wilson County and then left to fend for themselves. They are treated just like any other neighbor, with

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friendliness and genuine concern for their well-being.

“Once we get your business here, we don’t forget about you,” Martin says. “We’ll visit with you and do everything in our power to make sure you’re successful. Because if you’re successful, that sends a positive message to other businesses thinking about moving to the community.”

“It’s the attitude of going above and beyond what we have to do.

If your business needs something, you can pick up the phone and talk

to the mayor or the city manager or the chamber director. You’re going to hear from somebody, and we’re going to do everything we can to get it right.”

Tennessee’s Most Business-Friendly City That approach is one of the reasons Mt. Juliet was named Tennessee’s Most Business-Friendly City in 2010 by the Tennessee Center for Policy Research (TCPR).

Cities were ranked in the categories of economic vitality, business tax

burden and community allure.

The economic vitality of the county comes partly from its steady population growth in recent years.

The city nearly doubled in population from 2000 to 2010 (to approximately 24,000), while Wilson County’s population increased 28.4 percent (to approximately 114,000). During that 10-year span, Wilson County was Tennessee’s fastest-growing county and 29th fastest-growing in the United States.

The TCPR also praised Mt. Juliet for its low business tax rate and lack of a local property tax.

TCPR President Justin Owen says, “Mt. Juliet has shown an unmatched commitment to creating an economic climate that is both welcoming to new business and nourishing to existing enterprise. The city’s inviting tax and regulatory policy has paid off.”

Jupiter Band Instruments A prime example of the area’s appeal to companies was the decision in 2010 by KHS America/ Jupiter Band Instruments to move its headquarters to Mt. Juliet from Austin, Texas. The company relocated to a 100,000-square-foot building, brought along 22 workers from Austin and added another 30 employees.

“From the very beginning, right from day one, every effort was made to make those of us who are new to the community feel at home,” KHS President Tabor Stamper says. “The economic development organizations and chambers of commerce all went beyond our wildest dreams to make this move as easy as possible.

We cannot be more grateful for that.”

It is, Martin says, simply the way Mt. Juliet and Wilson County do business when it comes to dealing with businesses.

“We don’t take it lightly when people pick our community to bring in their business,” Martin says. “We want to make sure they realize that Mt. Juliet and Wilson County are Southern hospitality at its finest.”

Employees clean a trumpet (top) and adjust a guitar (bottom) at the new KHS America/Jupiter Band Instruments facility in Mt. Juliet.

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Business

Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define Mt. Juliet’s economic climate

Scorecard Business At A Glance

$331 million Annual Retail Sales

$16,336 Retail Sales per Capita

$47 million Annual Hotel and Food Sales

2,698 Total Number of Firms

Photo Courtesy of John Deal Coatings

Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts

JOHN DEAL COATINGS Biz: Adhesive manufacturer Buzz: John Deal Coatings began its business in 1967 as a supplier of pressure-sensitive adhesive coated films for the screen printing industry, and has since seen a substantial expansion.

Now, using state-of-the-art coating equipment, the company provides quality adhesive products for automotive, medical, computer disk-drive, specialty label and general industrial industries. www.jdcinc.com 14

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PROVIDENCE ANIMAL HOSPITAL Biz: Veterinary services Buzz: At Providence Animal Hospital in Mt. Juliet, pets are pampered while receiving the full health examinations and treatments, including full medical, surgical and dental care.

The clinic offers competitive prices and qualified veterinarians, and was honored with the second most green friendly Animal Hospital in the United States award for 2010-2011. www.providenceanimalhospitaltn.com

TENNESSEE CHEESECAKE Biz: Cheesecake producer Buzz: What started out as a onewoman, kitchen-run operation has grown into Tennessee Cheesecake.

After the popularity of her cheesecakes in 1981, Valerie Wilson turned her hobby into a business. The handmade cheesecakes are baked in Mt. Juliet and are available in a variety of flavors. www.tennesseecheesecake.com

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CORPORATION Biz: Environmental laboratory Buzz: The Environmental Science Corporation is an environmental lab, nationally certified from one location, which is unique in the industry. The lab works with clients to perform organic and inorganic analysis, biological analysis and more. www.envsci.com

PUMP IT UP Biz: Children’s party venue Buzz: Whether it’s a birthday, school field trip or fundraiser, everything’s a party at Pump It Up. Party packages come in 90-minute and two-hour time slots, each complete with giant inflatables in a private arena. In addition, Pump It Up also hosts overnights, prom events and more. www.pumpitupparty.com

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Business

Chamber Report Chamber excited to add mobile app

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ark Hinesley says the Mt. Juliet/West Wilson County Chamber of Commerce is focusing heavily on communications in 2012.

“We have invested financially as well as with time and our personnel in an entirely new content data management system called Weblink,” the chamber’s president says. “It is a customer resource management software package that helps us personalize the communication out of our office to our members, with programs and services to specifically target their individual needs.”

Hinesley says the days of communicating with membership via paper mail-outs is basically over, although he knows of other chambers that still use that method.

“It’s a new day for communications, and our chamber board tries to look somewhat ahead so that we remain relevant to our customers,” he says. “As a result, we are nearing 2,000 friends on our Facebook page along with 700 on LinkedIn and many on Twitter. Plus, nowadays we have about 100 of our 450 members who receive updates and information from the chamber via text messaging.”

A is for App The chamber is also utilizing a QR (quick response) code that provides a quick way to direct people to the chamber’s website

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and social media outlets.

“And even more exciting news occurred in September 2011 when we signed a contract to have a mobile device app designed for our chamber, and that app has been fully integrated into our www.mtjulietchamber.com website,” Hinesley says. “People can download that app for free onto their smartphone or iPad, and have the chamber directory, event reservations, phone numbers and more at their fingertips.”

Speaking of its website, Hinesley says one new service available to members is a Members Only section where coupons can be posted. The coupons can be targeted to newcomers moving into the area or to other fellow chamber businesses.

Staying Ahead He adds that the chamber will continue to provide more and more online and social services to further connect, advocate, promote and support its membership.

“I can’t believe that only a few short years ago I was excited about getting a fax machine, and today we continue to try and stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changing technology and communication preferences,” he says. “Our members seem to like what we are doing, and we will continue to keep upgrading everything that we do.”

– Kevin Litwin

economic profile Business climate Mt. Juliet’s convenient access to interstate and railway transportation make the city an ideal spot for businesses and industries that rely on tourism or the transportation industry for shipping or receiving goods.

workforce

TRW Automotive 505 employees

73%

Lebanon Special School District 480 employees

White-Collar Jobs

Nashville Auto Auction 475 employees LoJac Inc. 410 employees

Taxes

2.25%

Lochinvar 400 employees

County Sales Tax

INCOME

7%

$29,221

Blue-Collar Jobs

education

30%

Associate Degree

State Sales Tax

Per Capita Income

19%

9.25% Total Sales Tax

$58,915

9%

top employers Wilson County School System 1,500 employees Cracker Barrel 893 employees University Medical Center 800 employees Performance Food Group 760 employees Jones Bros. Inc. 600 employees

Bachelor’s Degree

Average Annual Household Expenditure

Graduate Degree

Transportation

economic resources

Music City Star East Corridor Commuter Rail Project www.cityofmtjuliet.org

Joint Economic & Community Development Board of Wilson County

Nashville International Airport 1 Terminal Dr., Ste. 501 Nashville, TN 37214 (615) 275-1675 www.nashintl.com

(615) 443-1210 www.doingbiz.org

Comprehensive sleep Center & pulmonary praCtiCe Accredited by: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine

vijay pethkar, m.D. Specializing in: Sleep Apnea • Restless Legs • Narcolepsy COPD • Asthma • Emphysema

615-758-9273 www.comprehensivesleep.net

City of Mt. Juliet (615) 754-2552 www.cityofmtjuliet.org

Competitive Pricing

Tennessee Aircraft Co. Inc.

We overhaul TPE-331 and PT-6 fuel nozzles.

780 N. Mt. Juliet Rd. • Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

27%

CRS QTFR-573L

Overnight Turntime

Exchange Available Call or Fax for Scheduling 5005 Market Pl. Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 (615) 758-5005 Fax: (615) 758-5501 www.tennairco.com

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Local Flavor

Make Yourself at Home Southern home cooking is popular here

What’s Online Still hungry? For more of the food scene in Mt. Juliet, visit imagesmtjuliet.com.

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Southern-style meat-and-three menu is available to customers every day who eat at Courtney’s Restaurant, plus there is live music with dinner every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

“Our focus is value, including the large food portions we serve and the quality of every meal, plus our live music is free with dinner,” says Tom Courtney, owner of the Mt. Juliet restaurant with his wife, Lisa. “We have some amazing music here. Our house band is Lester Ray Sears & Tennessee Border, who are well-known on the Nashville music scene. But our food offerings are primarily what keep people coming back.”

The two-year eatery serves dishes like fried catfish, meatloaf, and chicken and dressing, with side dishes such as macaroni and cheese, white beans and okra.

“We even have jambalaya and fivelayer lasagna,” Courtney says. “It’s a restaurant where customers come back often. We even have 450 likes on our Facebook page.”

Market, Wine and Pub Mt. Juliet is also home to a Mt. Juliet Farmers Market, which is open three days a week in the warm-weather months. In addition, the community hosts the annual A Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival that since 2003 has brought top wineries and their products to Mt. Juliet in mid-May.

About 15 wineries and 2,000 people are in attendance, with participants able to sample and purchase Tennesseeproduced wines.

Meanwhile, one of the liveliest eateries in these parts is Corner Pub Between the Lakes, which offers fresh food and a cozy atmosphere. The family restaurant has a variety of meat-and-three options that include barbecue, green beans, roast beef and baked apples.

Meat and Greet Another top stop for dining patrons is Houston’s Meat and Produce, which is actually a butcher shop, a small grocery store and quaint restaurant with seating for 20.

“We’ve been a butcher shop for 25 years, so we offer diners the freshest meats possible in all meals,” says Chris Houston, co-owner of Houston’s with his father, Jerry. “Those best meats include barbecue and smoked ribs that we prepare for take-out customers on the weekends, since the diner portion of our business is only open Monday through Friday.”

Houston says a lot of the restaurant’s menu items are from recipes handed down from his grandmother and mother.

“It’s good home-cooking in a relaxing lunch and dinner setting,” he says. “Come see us for meals during the week and then the best ribs you can possibly find on the weekend.”​‌ – Kevin Litwin

Clockwise from top: Tom and Lisa Courtney, owners of Courtney’s Restaurant; The buffet with Southern-style meat-and-three items at Courtney’s Restaurant; Lemon pepper chicken served with green beans and macaroni and cheese at Houston’s Meat and Produce

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photos by Jeff Adkins

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Arts & Culture

Top left: A guest paints the ceramic mug she created at Fired Up. Right: Owner Scott Harris, right, and instructor Aaron Brown help students with their paintings at The Art Mill. photos by jeff Adkins

A Culture Kick music, art and history highlight Mt. Juliet culture

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ulture and creativity come together in Mt. Juliet, where residents find a range of artsy ways to get involved and the local culture scene continues to grow.

Home of Charlie Daniels and The Bradley Barn Grammy-winning singer and fiddler Charlie Daniels opens all of his concert appearances with the same introduction.

“When we go on stage, we always tell people ‘We’re the Charlie Daniels Band from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.’” Home to Daniels since 1971, the city

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features a park (with a playground and walking trail) named after him.

The historic Bradley Barn recording studio in Mt. Juliet has its own story. Several years after legendary country music producer Owen Bradley and his brother, Harold, built and sold the first studio on what was to become Music Row in Nashville, he created a world-class studio inside a barn in the beautiful Mt. Juliet countryside. Bradley did this in order to have a work location closer to home, but from the early 1960s and into the 1980s, it thrived as one of the most successful studios in country music history.

West Wilson Community Arts Alliance The West Wilson Community Arts Alliance provides the exciting pop to the arts and culture scene.

Organized in 2005 by the Mt. Juliet/West Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, the WWCAA is a nonprofit arts advocacy and funding group that works to promote, strengthen and support the town’s cultural arts presence.

As a result of its efforts, Mt. Juliet now boasts Choral Dynamics, Encore Theatre Company, the

Cedar Creek Band and The Fine Arts Guild.

Mt. Juliet-West Wilson County Historical Society The Mt. Juliet-West Wilson County Historical Society takes pride in telling the rich history of Mt. Juliet culture by discovering and collecting historic material that is special to the area. Since its beginning in 1975, the society has published the Mt. Juliet Cemetery book and the ancestry book of George Washington Cantrell.

eight years, and carries an extensive collection of home, yard, lawn, patio and garden items. At The Art Mill in Lebanon, guests become the artists with a step-by-step guide to create their own masterpiece. It’s great for groups who need something new to do or individuals looking to unleash their creative side.

Another place that allows you to be the artist is Fired Up in Providence, where guests get to paint and design their own piece of unfinished pottery.

– Chris Russell

For More Info Wilson County Fair www.wilsoncountyfair.net Music City Star Regional Rail www.musiccitystar.org Dot and Stell’s www.dotandstells.com The Art Mill www.theartmills.com Fired Up www.firedupprovidence.com

Wilson County Fair Drawing people from across the country, the Wilson County Fair is held for nine days each August on 240 acres at the James Ward Agricultural Center in nearby Lebanon. From humble beginnings, the fair welcomed more than 505,000 people in 2009.

The event is more than just fun and games. Attendees rev their engines for the fair’s tractor pulls, automobile giveaways and demolition derbies year after year.

Those who prefer something more reflective enjoy photography contests, wine tastings and even Civil War re-enactments. Throw in a barbecue cook-off and a banjopicking contest and everyone in the family has a reason to smile and come along.

Music City Star The Music City Star Regional Rail makes it easy for residents to seek out cultural opportunities in nearby Lebanon and Nashville, as well. Since 2006, the rail system has operated on 33 miles of track between Lebanon and Nashville, with a stop in Mt. Juliet.

Around Town Dot and Stell’s offers a unique shopping experience for those looking for the perfect gift for the hard-to-shop-for friend or a little treat for themselves. Started by a mother-daughter duo, the shop has been operating in the area for

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Sports & Recreation

Just Looking for Fun Residents have multiple recreation options

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ecreation in Mt. Juliet and West Wilson County occurs at the lake, the park and even at Fiddler’s Grove Historic Village, and that’s just for starters.

Old Hickory Lake/ Cedar Creek Recreation Area Old Hickory Lake and Cedar Creek Recreation Area are mainstays for good times in Mt. Juliet. There are ample opportunities at Old Hickory for fishing, boating and swimming, while Cedar Creek gets in on the

fun with a 59-site campground and recreation area that includes a group picnic shelter, playground, swimming beach and boat launch.

Mt. Juliet Youth Sports The nonprofit Mt. Juliet Soccer Association places great emphasis for kids ages 4 to 18 on an environment of learning and encouragement, while at the same time helping them enjoy a clean and competitive soccer match.

Meanwhile, Mt. Juliet Youth Football and Cheerleading

features competitive tackle football and cheerleading opportunities for children ages 5 to 12, and the Mt. Juliet Baseball League and Mt. Juliet Softball League offer tons of playing opportunities for children ages 4 to 18. The Mt. Juliet Challenger League was established in 1989 and extends playing opportunities to children with physical and mental disabilities. The league is open to children ages 5 to 18 and employs a buddy system during games.

Cedar Creek Sports Center Cedar Creek Sports Center brings entertainment with two 18-hole miniature golf courses as the main attraction. Cedar Creek also features go-karts, bumper boats, a driving range, video games and more.

Fiddlers Grove Historical Village Fiddlers Grove at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center has a mission of preserving Wilson County buildings, artifacts, oral and written histories. The site has been a tourism destination since 1991 to keep heritage alive, and more than a dozen buildings are accessible. Many weddings are performed in the village’s Melrose Church year round, and schools throughout Wilson County plan several annual field trips to the attraction.

Cedars of Lebanon State Park/Long Hunter State Park State parks are great ways to get away from it all, and close to Mt. Juliet are Cedars of Lebanon State Park and Long Hunter State Park. Cedars of Lebanon appeals to the outdoor types with a 900acre area featuring hiking trails,

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campsites, and picnic and swimming areas. Long Hunter provides a great location right next to the 14,000-acre J. Percy Priest Lake.

Charlie Daniels Park and Other Local Parks Charlie Daniels Park and its own Planet Playground are ready to entertain kids 365 days a year.

The nearby Mt. Juliet Community Center has a basketball court and meeting room, and features exercise classes. Sgt. Jerry Mundy Memorial Park has state-of-the-art fields for flag football, soccer, baseball and Frisbee golf games, as well as a walking track. – Chris Russell

Left: Skateboarding at the Mt. Juliet Community Center Right: Planet Playground at Charlie Daniels Park

Providence Dental Care Caring Professionals Providing Exceptional Dentistry

(615) 758-6800 Larry W. Lafever, D.D.S. • Joshua K. Gunnels, D.D.S.

684 N. Mt. Juliet Rd. • Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 www.providencedentalcare.net

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Cosmetic Veneers Bridges and Crowns Root Canal Treatment Gum Treatment Conscious Sedation Invisible Braces Implants and Dentures Beautiful, Soothing Environment Game Room and Toys HDTVs in Every Operatory Wi-Fi Accessible Coffee, Tea and Hot Cocoa Bar Financing Available Most Insurances Accepted Ask Us About Our Teeth Whitening for Life …

Health & Wellness

High-Quality Care Close to Home Mt. Juliet residents enjoy convenient health-care options

G

ood health care isn’t hard to find in Mt. Juliet, as the area features facilities equipped to meet each patient’s needs. With easy access to fullservice hospitals, a heart care center and facilities offering long-term assistance, area residents can enjoy peace of mind.

University Medical Center People want to be assured that the hospital near them is staffed with the best doctors and medical personnel available. They get that at University Medical Center in nearby Lebanon, accredited by the state of Tennessee as well as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The facility features 245 beds with more than 270 physicians on staff serving all of Wilson County.

Big news came in 2009 when construction was completed on a four-story, $26 million patient tower.

The 77,000-square-foot structure includes 60 new private patient rooms, and offers rehab and physical therapy, a surgical floor and an orthopedic center.

The top floor is reserved for future growth.

UMC hospital offers emergency health-care services 24 hours a day along with inpatient and outpatient medical and surgical services, intensive care and telemetry services, among several other specialties.

Summit Medical Center Almost 40 different medical specializations are covered at Summit Medical Center, just 5 miles away from Providence Marketplace in Mt. Juliet.

The hospital offers a full array of services, including emergency, medical, surgical, obstetric, oncology, psychiatric and diagnostic services, so patients know they are in capable hands.

Featuring the area’s first hospital-based, 64-slice CT scanner, Summit Medical Center also offers a cancer treatment program approved by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. This approval is given to only one in four hospitals that treat cancer, in recognition of the high quality of cancer care it provides.

Saint Thomas Heart Open since 2008, Mt. Juliet’s Saint Thomas Heart offers cardiology services to help relieve chest pain, coronary artery disease, cardiovascular disease and other ailments.

The facility is part of Tennessee’s largest, private cardiology practice, which serves more than 130,000 heart patients in a 69-county region, spanning middle Tennessee and into southern Kentucky and northern Alabama.

Long-Term Care Residents seeking long-term assistance can select from a variety of local facilities focused on providing top-notch care.

Providence Place of Mt. Juliet offers independent living for seniors, while the Gardens at Providence Place caters to people suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Additionally, Maristone provides retirement living, catered assisted living and adult day services, and Carrick Glen Senior Living Community features an assisted living facility, as well as independent villas.

– Chris Russell

Providence Place of Mt. Juliet

An Assisted Living Community

Providence Place has been setting the standard for over a decade, providing much more than the average assisted living facility.

Stop by for a tour to see what sets us apart from the rest.

1020 Charlie Daniels Pkwy.

Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 www.providenceplaceseniorliving.com

(615) 758-4800

The Gardens at Providence Place

An Assisted Living Specializing in Memory Care Unmatched Building Design • All Inclusive Monthly Fee Personal Daily Care • Meals • Housekeeping • Laundry Activities Including Bus 1016 Charlie Daniels Pkwy.

Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 gardenspp@aol.com www.providenceplaceseniorliving.com

(615) 758-9300 i m ag e s m tj u l i e t. c o m

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Education

A Class of Their Own Small-town education is big in Mt. Juliet

Y

es, this will be on the test: Mt. Juliet schools stand out for providing a good education in a small-town environment.

Mt. Juliet Area Public Schools The Wilson County School System serves Mt. Juliet and is committed to providing a topquality learning experience for each of its 15,400 students enrolled in the 18 schools. There are 12 elementary, two middle and four high schools, and the district offers a wide array of honors courses, sports teams and opportunities for students to grow. Wilson County School System is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and faculty turnover is low – allowing students,

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teachers and parents to form a close bond that is instrumental to the education process.

Mt. Juliet Area Private Schools Friendship Christian School and Mt. Juliet Christian Academy are two options for parents who want their children to experience a private school environment. FCS serves kindergarten through grade 12 and has an enrollment of 550 students. It offers daily Bible classes and a foreign language study program that begins in kindergarten, and its students average 23.1 on the ACT. MJCA teachers are certified by the Association of Christian Schools International and also offers an individualized college counseling program.

Mt. Juliet Area Colleges Cumberland University is one option for high school graduates who want to take their education to the next level. Less than 20 miles from Mt. Juliet, Cumberland offers 20 majors, four master’s degree programs and a rich history that dates to its founding in 1842. And when students need a break from the books, they can check out the championship Cumberland Bulldogs baseball team, winners of the 2010 NAIA national title. Other top-tier colleges nearby include Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University and Belmont University in Nashville, along with Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville and Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.

– Chris Russell

What’s Online  For more information about Mt. Julietarea schools, visit imagesmtjuliet.com.

Students work in a chemistry lab at Cumberland University.

Ad Index

15 CedarStone Bank

17 Comprehensive Sleep Center & Pulmonary Practice

27 Donelson Christian Academy

24 Elite Audiology & Hearing Care

C4 First Freedom Bank

C2 Mt. Juliet Tire Center

24 Providence Dental Care

25 Providence Place

17 TN Aircraft Company Inc.

2 University Medical Center

23 Wilson Bank & Trust

16 Wilson County Convention & Visitors Bureau

community profile Snapshot Wilson County is the fastest-growing county in Tennessee and the 29th fastest-growing in the United States. Mt. Juliet is experiencing rapid growth in residential and retail development, but it still retains the small-town feel valued by its residents.

cost of living

MARITAL STATUS:

$75,166

69%

Median Household Income

Climate Overview

$189,500 Median Home Price

Married

31%

Located in Middle Tennessee, Mt. Juliet experiences hot summers but very mild winters with little snowfall on average.

The area’s topography allows for a lengthy growing season for fruits and vegetables, and all but the least hardy flowers do well in the region.

Median Rent for a TwoBedroom Apartment

Household Information

White

90° F

AGE:

Black

July Average High

24° F January Average Low

54” Annual Rain Fall (vs. National

Average Rain Fall of 37”)

time zone Central

$787

36

Median Resident Age

28%

19 and Under

51%

Single

ETHNICITY:

91% 4% 2% Hispanic

3% Other

20-54

TRANSPORTATION

21%

30 minutes

55 and Over

Median Travel Time to Work

visit our

advertisers

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CedarStone Bank www.cedarstonebank.com

First Freedom Bank www.firstfreedombank.com

TN Aircraft Company Inc. www.tennairco.com

Comprehensive Sleep Center & Pulmonary Practice www.comprehensivesleep.net

Mt. Juliet Tire Center www.mtjuliettirecenter.com

University Medical Center www.universitymedicalcenter.com

Donelson Christian Academy www.dcanet.org

Providence Dental Care www.providencedentalcare.net

Wilson Bank & Trust www.wilsonbank.com

Elite Audiology & Hearing Care www.eliteaud.com

Providence Place www.providenceplaceseniorliving.com

M t. J u l i e t

Wilson County Convention & Visitors Bureau www.visitwilsoncounty.com

Through the Lens

Get the Story Behind the Photo Now that you’ve experienced Mt. Juliet through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

From Our Photo Blog: Mt. Juliet These are a few photos I shot last week for Images of Mount Juliet. This magazine will focus on the quality of life in the area and features a story on great local churches. The arts, local flavor, recreation and education are also covered in the annual publication.

Posted by brian mccord

More Online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.

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