Hendersonville, TN February 2025 by City Lifestyle

Spreading Local Love in February

After ringing in the new year in January, February 2025 is finally here. As usual, it is sure to bring its share of cold and blustery weather, but fortunately, it will only last for 28 days before we can begin counting down the days in March when spring returns.

On the plus side, February does bring us several things to celebrate, including Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day and, of course, the Super Bowl. So, despite the dreary weather, we will be sure to have a good time this month in the City by the Lake.

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, we must also remember that February is the month of love, the emotion that keeps us shining on the darkest days. At Hendersonville Lifestyle, we are delighted to celebrate all things love, from our family and friends to our neighbors in our lakeside community.

This month we place a special emphasis on loving local. We all know how blessed we are to live in Hendersonville, and this month is a great time to show our city how much we care. As such, we invite you to come along with us as we explore some of the terrific people, places and events that keep our town in the forefront of Middle Tennessee.

First, we take a look at a long-running program that has helped many local leaders pursue lives of servant leadership. We will hear first-hand from several movers and shakers about how the programs such as Leadership Sumner and Leadership Middle Tennessee have helped them give back to our community.

Next, we take a quick look at a local organization that works year-round to ensure that children in need across our area have joyful holiday seasons.

Continuing, we make an after-hours stop at Hendersonville’s newest restaurant and live music venue to find out some of the exciting things in store for the 37075 in 2025.

Finally, we picked out a few of our favorite romantic comedies that will help keep you and your significant others feeling the love throughout February and beyond.

As usual, we will keep you up to date with the latest community and business events across Hendersonville.

Are you ready to go with us?

Great.

Let’s get moving and spread a little local love around town!

Stay warm, friends!

February 2025

PUBLISHER

Lynn Bowles | lynn.bowles@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Rick Murray | rick.murray@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Debbie Murray | debbiemurray1989@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Rick Murray

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rick Murray, Lynn Bowles

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: HolidayFest Queen Wendy Navarro poses with Beth Pickel before the 2024 Hendersonville Christmas Parade 2: Grand Marshall and Elvis Tribute Artist Brooke Wright waves during the 2024 Hendersonville Christmas Parade. 3: The 2024 Hendersonville Christmas tree glows after its lighting on Dec. 8. 4: Rockland Road performs during the Hendersonville Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 8. 5: The annual Hendersonville Christmas Boat Parade was held on Old Hickory Lake on Dec. 14. 6: The Sumner County YMCA Frostbite races were held on Saturday morning, Dec. 28. 7: The Sumner County YMCA Frostbite Polar Plunge was held on Saturday morning, Dec. 28.

Whether you’re visiting one of our growing number of locations, or using our First Anywhere app from your home, work or even on vacation, when it comes to banking anywhere, we put you first.

TriStar Hendersonville Welcomes 1st Baby of 2025

TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center announced the first birth of the 2025 at the Birthing Center. Baby Michael was born at 1:38 a.m. on Jan. 1, and both mother and baby are doing well. TriStar Hendersonville delivers more than 1,000 babies every year.

Photography by TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center

Hendersonville Chamber Hosts Merrily Made Market

The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the Merrily Made Market at Schell Bros. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Dozens of craftspeople and artisans were on hand offering a variety of unique merchandise and last minute Christmas gifts.

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Liberty Federal Credit Union Ribbon Cutting

The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Liberty Federal Credit Union at its 580 Soaring Eagle Way location in Hendersonville on Dec. 10, 2024.

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Photography by Lynn Bowles

Photography by Rick Murray

Q & A Local Love Through Leadership

Becoming a servant leader is one of the most powerful expressions of community love. There is no higher calling than serving to help others. Locally, there are many opportunities to serve the community. There are also several programs available that can enhance the servant leadership experience, including Leadership Middle Tennessee, Leadership Sumner and Leadership Gallatin.

Cultivating Servant Leaders Committed To Growing and Supporting the Community

ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY AND PROVIDED

Lee Rucks

President of Leadership Middle Tennessee, Leadership Anderson, SC 2000, Leadership Sumner 2012

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS SUCH AS LEADERSHIP MIDDLE TENNESSEE?

“Each leadership program provides participants with opportunities to work alongside each other to accomplish goals such as fundraisers and service projects. Learning to work together for the common good helps everyone become better servant leaders.”

WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF WHEN GOING THROUGH THE PROGRAMS?

“I discovered that I have a servant’s heart and enjoy leading from behind.

I’m thankful for my experiences as both a participant and a leader for helping me learn and grow.”

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A PROSPECTIVE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM APPLICANT?

"I highly encourage anyone who is interested in strengthening leadership skills, making new friends, and learning more about the community in which they live, to apply to a leadership program – it will be a wise investment!”

"I’ve seen careers changed, lifelong friendships developed, perspectives gained and much more from the leadership programs." - Lee Rucks

Erin Birch Andy Gilley

CEO of United Way of Sumner County, Leadership Sumner 20

HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN LEADERSHIP SUMNER?

“I have always been interested in serving my community. I kept hearing from multiple people about the value of Leadership Sumner, and how it was a great way to meet other communityminded leaders.”

EACH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM REQUIRES A CONSIDERABLE TIME INVESTMENT –WAS IT WORTH IT FOR YOU?

“The September kick-off overnight retreat was a great way to get to know your fellow classmates in a casual setting. During the remainder of the program, each day was intentionally planned out so that there was great value and no wasted time. I found the commitment to be completely worth it.”

WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF WHEN GOING THROUGH THE LEADERSHIP SUMNER?

“I learned that I truly enjoy history, particularly the rich history of Sumner County.”

Director of Hendersonville Parks & Recreation, Leadership Sumner 2020

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT LEADERSHIP SUMNER?

“The thing I enjoyed most was getting to know some incredible people and leaders in our community whom I would have never met otherwise. Since then, it has been a joy watching them do some amazing things in our community.”

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU LEARNED ABOUT THE COMMUNITY THAT YOU DID NOT KNOW BEFORE LEADERSHIP SUMNER?

“I learned about some great little farms being run by passionate young entrepreneurs that are providing food all over Sumner County. It was also my first time seeing the Temple Theater in Portland. It has been exciting to see that venue come to life over the past few years. Finally, I was fortunate to be in the same class as Desneige VanCleve from Grace Place Ministry. It was wonderful getting to know her and learning about the great things that her organization does.”

Ingrid Korgemagi

John Isbell

Chief Strategy Officer at CAMPFIR3, Leadership Louisville, KY, Leadership Sumner 202 Sumner County Mayor, Leadership Middle Tennessee 2024, Leadership Sumner 2002

HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN LEADERSHIP SUMNER?

“My neighbors, Lee and Matt Rucks, both past Leadership Sumner graduates, recommended the program to me after my husband and I moved to Hendersonville from Louisville. They both felt that it would be a great way for me to network and to learn about my new community.”

HAVE YOU BECOME MORE INVOLVED WITH THE COMMUNITY SINCE GOING THROUGH LEADERSHIP SUMNER?

“Yes, most definitely. After graduating, I joined the board of Leadership Sumner to help the program continue to grow and evolve. I also became interested in the Hendersonville Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the Planning Commission to keep up with how things are being managed in our community. Someday, I hope to serve my community with one of those organizations.”

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS TO OTHERS?

“Yes. Last year, I recruited a member of the Leadership Sumner class of 2025.”

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS?

“I loved getting the opportunity to meet many new friends, build stronger relationships and learn more about our great county and region.”

WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF WHEN GOING THROUGH THE LEADERSHIP SUMNER?

“I learned that I had a strong desire to give back to my community through service. I also developed a greater commitment to helping to maintain the charm and character of Sumner County and Middle Tennessee.”

HAVE YOU BECOME MORE INVOLVED WITH THE COMMUNITY SINCE GOING THROUGH THE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS?

“I was already involved in several areas of the community prior to attending Leadership Sumner. However, after going through that program and then subsequently attending Leadership Middle Tennessee, my commitment to service was both reinforced and increased.”

"Leadership Sumner is for anyone wishing to serve."

- John Isbell

Karen Mitchell Brenda Payne

VP of Resource Development at Volunteer State Community College, Leadership Sumner 2001

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT LEADERSHIP SUMNER?

“Leadership Sumner was a great experience, both personally and professionally. I feel like I grew as a person, and I developed relationships with people I would likely have never met. I also learned a tremendous amount about the county that had become my home.”

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU LEARNED ABOUT THE COMMUNITY THAT YOU DID NOT KNOW BEFORE LEADERSHIP SUMNER?

“I learned so much that it is hard to be specific. However, I learned a lot about Westmoreland, White House and Portland, three communities that I didn’t know much about beforehand.”

WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF WHEN GOING THROUGH THE LEADERSHIP SUMNER?

“I learned that we live in a great county with a lot going on, and that I wanted to become involved and contribute everywhere that I could.”

Community Activist and Volunteer, Leadership Middle Tennessee 2002, Leadership Sumner 1996

HAVE YOU BECOME MORE INVOLVED WITH THE COMMUNITY SINCE GOING THROUGH THE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS?

“Absolutely. I’ve chaired several nonprofit boards, helped raise funds for many other organizations, and I have developed regional connections that foster better communications and coordination across our community.”

EACH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM REQUIRES A CONSIDERABLE TIME INVESTMENT – WAS IT WORTH IT FOR YOU?

“While the commitment is significant, the return for the time invested is priceless. The leadership programs foster strong relationships between classmates and alumni that create foundations of trust and credibility that help our community grow and prosper.”

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS TO OTHERS?

“Absolutely. We have lots of creativity in Sumner County and the surrounding region and programs such as Leadership Sumner and Leadership Middle Tennessee help us to tap into it for the betterment of all.”

TO MY

Valentine

ARTICLE BY LEANN PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Create timeless keepsakes for those you love with this easy DIY Valentine Stationary. There is something special and reminiscent of our earlier years of creating homemade valentines for those special in our lives. While stores are filled with Valentine candy, cards and gifts, the thoughtfulness and time put into to a handmade card holds a different meaning. Words are the things we treasure most, so let those you care about most know how you treasure them this Valentine’s Day.

What you will need

• Kitchen Knife

• Red or Russet Potato (for heart)

• Romaine Lettuce (for rose)

• Acrylic Paint

• Paint Brush

• Blank Envelopes

• Blank Cards

• Heart Template (SilvertoothHome.com/blog/DIY-stationery)

• Hand Lettering Template (SilvertoothHome.com/blog/DIY-stationery)

• Light Box

Instructions for Heart Prints

1. Cut the potato in half. Using a small knife, carefully carve a heart shape onto the flat side of the potato. Carve freestyle or use the free template under “DIY Stationery” on the blog at silvertoothhome.com/ blog/diy-stationery. Even when using the template, each carving will come out as unique art like the ones you see here.

2. With a paint brush, apply paint to the heart shape on the potato.

3. Stamp the potato heart onto blank stationery.

4. Set aside until completely dry.

Instructions for Rose Prints

1. Cut the end off of romaine lettuce. Set leaves aside and use the stem.

2. Using a paintbrush, apply paint to the lettuce stem.

3. Stamp the lettuce “rose” onto blank stationery.

4. Set aside until completely dry.

Once your stationery is completely dry it is time to add beautiful Valentine’s Day lettering. If you have beautiful handwriting then draw free hand. If you’re not as confident use a light box and my hand lettering template (found on the blog at SilvertoothHome.com/blog/DIYstationery) to transfer lettering onto the stationery. To do this, first lay the hand lettering template on a light box with the stationery on top. Then trace the hand lettering onto the stationery with a pen or marker of choice.

Sharing Love Through Helping Children

Holidays are wonderful times for most children, particularly the Christmas season. However, some children are not so fortunate, living under conditions of economic hardship that makes holiday joy seem elusive.

Fortunately, there is a special organization dedicated to helping children in need have a joyful holiday experience – Christmas 4 Kids (C4K). Since 1982, C4K has worked year-round to help over 12,000 children enjoy the holidays by providing them with a special day that begins with a party and ends with a Christmas shopping spree.

“C4K represents the best of the holiday season,” says C4K President Linda O’Connell. “Every child deserves a happy Christmas, and our organization is dedicated to achieving that goal.”

While activities peak during the fall, C4K staff and volunteers work throughout the year to coordinate many moving pieces, including fundraising, artists and venues. People interested in volunteering for C4K can apply online at Christmas4Kids.org

Local Organization Works Throughout The Year To Bring Holiday Joy Across The Community

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Chillin' at The Local

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY RICK MURRAY

Since its founding over 50 years ago, Hendersonville has experienced steady growth. Once considered a sleepy bedroom community, the City by the Lake has become a vibrant place filled with a wide variety of shopping establishments as well as a large number of great restaurants.

However, despite the growth of retail and dining options, Hendersonville was still lacking one key element – a dedicated musical performance venue. While some of the city’s restaurants and bars featured performing artists at certain times of the year, there was no single place that was dedicated to live, local music.

HENDERSONVILLE'S NEWEST HOT SPOT FEATURES LIVE MUSIC, GREAT FOOD AND DRINKS AND GOOD TIMES

The Local Hendersonville features live music by some of the best singer/ songwriters around.

"WE WANT FOLKS TO EAT, DRINK, LISTEN AND ENJOY GREAT TIMES WHILE WE PROVIDE LOCAL ARTISTS WITH A CHANCE TO PERFORM THEIR MUSIC."

That situation changed last August with the opening of The Local Hendersonville. The Local Hendersonville is a comfortable combination of restaurant, bar and live music venue featuring daily performances by some of the area’s most talented singer/songwriters. Founded by Hendersonville songwriter Geoff Reid, The Local Hendersonville is the place to go to share an evening of food, drinks, music and fun with friends and family.

To find out more about the venue, Hendersonville Lifestyle recently visited with Geoff to experience The Local firsthand.

HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED WITH THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

“I grew up surrounded by music. When I was five years old, I played harmonica in my school’s talent show. From there, I played in the band in middle school, and by the time I was in high school, I was playing guitar and writing songs. When I turned 14, I started working as a dishwasher in a music venue, and I worked there for the next few years until I went to college on a music scholarship. After college, I decided I wanted to write and play music, so I moved to Nashville to begin my career.”

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE CONCEPT FOR THE LOCAL?

“When I arrived in Nashville in the early 90s, there were small songwriter venues all across the city. Over the years, most of them closed, leaving very few options for songwriters to perform their original music in a live setting. One night, I was booked to play a Saturday night show at a popular songwriter venue, and I was unable to get a ticket for my wife because the show was sold out. That frustrated me because I believe that if an artist is playing at a venue, then he should be able to be surrounded by his family, friends, fans and music industry professionals – not just ticket buying tourists. Subsequently, I talked with several of my hit songwriter friends about the situation, and they agreed that we were sorely missing a venue that catered to songwriters. That’s when I decided to open The Local in Nashville.”

Guests can enjoy great food and drinks in a comfortable setting while listening to live music.

The Local Hendersonville is decorated with artwork and memorabilia that salutes Sumner County and Nashville music legends.

THE LOCAL HENDERSONVILLE

The Local was founded in 2017 in Nashville by Geoff Reid, a songwriter with deep roots in Nashville’s music scene. As a Music Row veteran, Geoff was concerned over the lack of small, comfortable spaces in which local artists could come together to perform their original music. In response, Geoff opened The Local on 28th Avenue in Nashville, right in the heart of the trendy West End neighborhood.

The Local is a combination bar, restaurant and live music venue that features a warm and welcoming environment in which to listen to some of Music City’s finest entertainers. Since opening its doors, the venue has featured a variety of rising and established singers, songwriters and musicians, including Zach Brown, Dillon Carmichael, Jamey Johnson, Jason Aldean, Ty Herndon, Kathy Mattea and Asleep at the Wheel.

Last fall, Geoff opened his latest venue, The Local Hendersonville. Located at the center of the Streets of Indian Lake, The Local Hendersonville features the same vibe as its Nashville precursor, but with an added emphasis on Sumner County’s contributions to the music scene.

WHAT MAKES THE LOCAL DIFFERENT FROM OTHER VENUES?

“The Local has a warm, welcoming vibe that you can feel as soon as you walk inside. Our motto, ‘Come a stranger, leave a local,’ was developed out of our desire to treat our fellow artists like family. We truly do what we do for the love of music. From single singer/songwriters to full bands, The Local was built to be a one-stop shop for the music industry. There is no greater feeling than watching songwriters grow and achieve their dreams, and we are happy to provide a venue for them while they are on their way.”

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE HENDERSONVILLE FOR YOUR NEWEST VENUE?

“Hendersonville has been my home for the past 25 years. I was drawn to the area due to the large number of artists who live in the area. As I watched Hendersonville grow over the years, I eventually decided that the time was right to introduce a live music venue back into a city that is deeply rooted in the music industry. The Local Hendersonville is a great way for artists and fans to come together to share a little community love through music.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE LOCAL EXPERIENCE?

“At The Local, our goal is to ensure that every guest gets to experience a great atmosphere in a comfortable, intimate setting. Our bar offers a wide selection of craft beers and specialty liquors from some of our area’s best breweries and distilleries. The kitchen is open daily, and all of our menu items are made to order with fresh, locally grown ingredients. Our menu features a variety of affordably priced appetizers and entrees, including fried pickle chips, gourmet burgers and fresh grilled salmon. Most importantly, our guests get to enjoy their food and beverages while listening to quality entertainment. We want all of our customers to feel like when they leave, they can’t wait to come back to The Local.”

The Local Hendersonville

300 Indian Lake Blvd., Building B100, Hendersonville, TN 37075

615.431.0381

LocalNash.com

Geoff Reid

LUNCH & DINNER

Everything

DRINKS

Join

LOVE POTION #9

ANNA BARNES

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY

WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?

This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 1.5 oz rosé

• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice

• 5 oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white

• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)

THE HOW-TO:

1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.

2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.

3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.

4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.

5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.

6. Enjoy!

LOVE, and Romcoms LAUGHTER 5

ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY

For those looking for a way to spice up Valentine’s Day this year, we at Hendersonville Lifestyle have the perfect solution. First, take your significant other out for an evening of wining and dining. Next, come back home and settle in and enjoy a classic romantic comedy together. To help you get in the mood, here are some of our favorites.

1. "MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING" (Nia Vardalos, John Corbett) - 2012Amazon.com, $17.01

2. "WHEN HARRY MET SALLY" (Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal) - 1989Walmart.com, $12.78

3. "GROUNDHOG DAY" (Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell) - 2008Amazon.com, $10.39

4. "SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE" (Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes) - 1998Walmart.com, $16.85

5. "THE PRINCESS BRIDE" (Robin Wright, Cary Elwes) - 2012Amazon.com, $11.89

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LUNCH & DINNER

The Rudder at Anchor High Marina is a full-service, family friendly restaurant on Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, TN. Come check out our New Winter menu and join us for our Happy Hour WednesdayFriday from 2:00-6:00 PM. Visit our website for the live event schedule and ﬁll out the contact form to inquire about booking your own private event!