We made it! The warm weather has brought an abundance of outdoor activities back along with green trees and colorful flowers. These reminders bring such renewal and with so much going on in Maury County and Middle Tennessee, let’s all get out and enjoy.
This issue of Maury County Living is loaded with stories. The cover feature peeks inside The Linen Duck and owner Becky Smith’s passion for design. For Mother’s or Father’s Day, why not go outdoors and explore the Shoals in Alabama for a weekend getaway? If you prefer to stay close to home, enjoy dinner alfresco on a Southern porch or explore the Gardens of Columbia Tour in June. Let the Mule Day Queen take you on a fashion tour or relive history from White Hall and a Parisian wedding gown.
In addition, Spring Hill residents Taylor Hughes and Ron Paliotta share their musical inspirations. Read how dreams do come true, a childhood filled with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and a family business with sole, yes sole. The two Business Spotlights focus on home improvements, whether it’s the best man cave ever, upgrading the floors, or remodeling the bathroom in your house. Finally, a smile is good for your health so take care of those pearly whites!
This magazine was created just for you right here in Maury County. I cannot begin to express my appreciation for those who contributed to this publication, whether through advertising, photography, or providing content, and I give you my sincerest thanks. The locally-owned businesses that make this magazine possible depend on your support and greatly appreciate your patronage!
Many warm blessings,
CONNECT WITH US @maurycountyliving
ISSUE 15 MAY | JUNE 2023
PUBLISHER
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Kathy Fox
CREATIVE | ART DIRECTOR
Shelly Wells
DIGITAL DIRECTOR
Homer Alexis Olindo
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Katie Baker
Josh Belcher
Kimberly Blaker
Kathy Fox
Amy Montgomery
Autumn Potter
PHOTOGRAPHERS
London Chavez
Alison Elefante
Ross Jaynes Visual Media Co.
ONLINE
maurycountyliving.com
SOCIAL MEDIA @maurycountyliving
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
musiccitypublications@gmail.com
Maury County Living (ISSN 2770-7474) is a bimonthly magazine published by Music City Publications, Inc., and distributed via the United States Postal Service to some of Maury County’s most affluent homes including a portion of Spring Hill located in Williamson County. Under the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the Tennessee Human Rights Act, it is unlawful to discriminate in housing transactions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or family status. The entire contents of Maury County Living are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without express written consent. Articles and content of Maury County Living do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Music City Publications, Inc. nor does Music City Publications, Inc., assume responsibility for writers’ opinions and content or the products and services advertised herein.
As a child, Becky Smith grew up in Brentwood where her father was a general contractor. He kept the family moving around quite a bit, but Smith’s mother always thought they had just built their forever home. Each time they moved her mother would decorate the new home from top to bottom. Smith attributes her passion for renovations and interiors to this foundation growing up.
After getting married, Smith and her husband, Tye, who had just started working for a national builder, bought a historic home in Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee. That beautiful old home had so much character and became their first fixer upper. The two of them had a blast reconfiguring and designing it, however, after 18 months Tye was transferred to Charleston, South Carolina, where shortly after moving, he started his own construction company focusing on custom homes.
The Smith’s new home in Charleston was one of Tye’s first and was used occasionally as a model home to show clients selection options. Smith’s first design jobs came from her husband’s clients needing help from the ground up and she quickly established a working relationship with GDC, her favorite home interior/ furniture store, where she would start every project in their designer fabric section. For the next 10 years she had a steady stream of clients working mostly in new construction, but also commercial and many renovation projects.
After moving back to Franklin in 2010, Smith decided to homeschool her two boys and not take on new clients for a few years. She focused her creative side into redesigning and flipping homes with her husband. In 2016-17, she had a unique opportunity to help a local business in Franklin renovate and reinvent their retail space. It was a great success, and soon after family members, who were from Columbia, suggested she open a store in the growing downtown district and offer her interior design services. When the retail space located at 109 East 6th Street fell into her lap, she jumped in with both feet and The Linen Duck opened in Columbia.
Smith’s vision was to create a boutique experience for shopping home furnishings with so much more. She wanted to go beyond the furniture store atmosphere and create an inspiring shopping experience where customers enjoy the process of discovering their personal style and home interior needs, without any pressure. “Decorating a home should be fun and exciting, not stressful and overwhelming. I wanted to offer a purchasing experience that was refreshingly enjoyable,” Smith said. Rounding out The Linen Duck brand shopping experience, the ladies’ boutique offers casual to professional apparel, jewelry, and shoes. Smith stated, “It just seemed right to offer a head-to-toe and wall-to-wall shopping opportunity.”
In order to help clients envision whole room concepts, Smith likes to design vignettes throughout the store and reworks the showroom floor once or twice a month to keep the store feeling fresh and inspiring. Smith said, “It’s always fun to see the new merchandise come together with current inventory to reinvent the flow of the showroom. I still hand pick every item that comes in the store and specify all the custom upholstery options available to purchase off the floor.”
Owning The Linen Duck opened the door for a new type of project for Smith, a design house to highlight not only on trend home selections such as tile, paint colors, hardware, and lighting, but also to showcase home furnishings and distinct styles of interior design. “I love the challenge of recreating a new floorplan from an older home, while preserving the best parts of the original architecture,” Smith explained. “I love finding a home that most people would overlook and bring it back to life by adding updated functional spaces and creating a new personality that will stand the test of time.” Each design home takes a different path and has a unique process of its own, but nine times out of ten, Smith likes to take down all the walls that are impediments and start from scratch. She especially adores these types of renovation projects because they allow her the opportunity to work side by side with her husband. Smith said, “He has a natural talent for redesigning a home’s footprint and the experience to move through renovation ideas quickly and with ease.”
DECORATING A HOME SHOULD BE FUN AND EXCITING, NOT STRESSFUL AND OVERWHELMING. I WANTED TO OFFER A PURCHASING EXPERIENCE THAT WAS REFRESHINGLY ENJOYABLE.
In 2021, Smith had an opportunity to renovate a ranch style home in Columbia for her design house. “I was really excited how the whole project turned out. This style of home has been a very popular style in the South for decades. I was thrilled to showcase creative ideas for people who were ready to make some changes but didn’t know where to start,” she described. “Finding new square footage in a ranch floorplan is not always easy, and lower ceilings can sometimes create a less spacious atmosphere, but this home turned out so special.” By using the right lighting and reconfiguring the home, Smith was able to bring the 1960s home into the new millennium, without losing its Southern traditional style. Open house attendees were able to get ideas for kitchen and bath renovations, custom window coverings, paint and wallpaper ideas, unique lighting for lower ceilings, as well as how to style a one level open concept with the right furnishings and design accents.
What makes The Linen Duck special and different is they offer practical services with a personal touch. Hiring an interior designer is a luxury, but at The Linen Duck clients can come in and, as a complimentary service, have an experienced designer help design their entire space. Also available are more detailed interior design services, which can be tailored to specific projects. Interior design is much more than the paint matching the sofa or rug. “After more than 20 years in this business, I have learned that when clients trust their homes to me, it is a leap of faith. I want everyone who shops here to feel confident in their investment. My favorite part of this job is, and always has been, experiencing clients falling in love with their homes,” said Smith.
This year marks the 5th anniversary of The Linen Duck. In that time, the store has expanded to two floors of showroom, grown the ladies boutique, and launched the website thelinenduckshop.com. Smith also renovated two design houses in Columbia and completed the interiors of a third design house in Thompson’s Station, worked on full home projects, and helped countless clients select home furnishings.
Thanks to their loyal customer and wonderful community in Columbia, The Linen Duck continues to grow. For additional information on the design services offered, or to shop online visit thelinenduck.com. Follow them on social media at @thelinenduck. n
BECKY SMITH is the owner of The Linen Duck and has created unique and innovative interiors for homeowners, residential home builders and commercial clients for more than 20 years. Smith’s husband, Tye, is a master builder and together they provide a fullservice team for home renovations and new home builds.
I WANT EVERYONE WHO SHOPS HERE TO FEEL CONFIDENT IN THEIR INVESTMENT. MY FAVORITE PART OF THIS JOB IS, AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN, EXPERIENCING CLIENTS FALLING IN LOVE WITH THEIR HOMES.
The Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa in Florence awaits your arrival. This 4-star upscale hotel is the ideal location in Florence for your stay and is conveniently located. The traditionally decorated stylish rooms have plush bedding, white linens, and a large soaking tub, just what is needed after a busy day of exploring. To stay in style and go big, check out the top floor Presidential Suite, aptly named the Helen Keller whose birthplace is Tuscumbia, with feature amenities such as a fireplace, pool table, kitchen, and jet tub. The Marriott Shoals has two other suites, the W.C. Handy and the Sam Phillips, plus four Junior Suites for those who want an upgraded room experience.
By Kathy Fox
Take a journey down the Natchez Trace Parkway, the scenic route, to the Shoals in North Alabama for Mother’s or Father’s Day. The Hit Recording Capital of the World is situated on the banks of the Tennessee River, aka the singing river. Take a step back in time and enjoy a weekend full of shopping, dining, and the great outdoors as you explore the distinctive small-city happenings. Located 75 miles south of Maury County, the Shoals are the charming historic communities of Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. The perfect combination of Southern hospitality and modern charm.
To dine in the comfort of your room, 24-hour room service is available. However, a visit to the 360 Grille, on the top floor of the hotel, offers patrons a stunning panoramic view of the water, especially at sunset, and delicious food. Who doesn’t enjoy crab cakes and filet mignon cooked to perfection? The 360 Grille is also Alabama’s only rotating tower restaurant and is rated the number-one Marriott restaurant in North America!
Additionally, the hotel features an on-site European-style spa, Spa at the Shoals, where guests can indulge in facials, pedicure scrubs, and massages to help create an extraordinary relaxing stay. Enjoy the two pools, indoor or outdoor, during downtime and enjoy a frosty cold drink. Margarita, please! If exercising is your thing, the fitness center is
open 24 hours a day. After that workout, be sure to stop by Rock & Roast for a cup of gourmet handcrafted coffee and a quick bite to eat. For a casual meal, check out the Swampers Bar and Grille and savor some Southern flavors and an array of comfort foods like shrimp and grits or a pretzel and beer cheese.
In the lobby of the Marriott Shoals sits a jukebox. How fitting for the recording capital of the world. There is a daily ritual where a special guest selects the song of the day and at the beginning of happy hour, the manager announces the song and then it is played on the jukebox. Speaking of music, live music nightly can be heard at the Swampers Bar and Grille, which makes for an energizing evening.
Guest services will welcome you with a friendly smile and open arms ready to assist in any way to make your stay more enjoyable. Wi-Fi is provided in the hotel’s public areas, there is no charge for parking, and your fur babies are always welcome. At the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, expect a memorable stay.
Once settled at the hotel, check out Florence’s historic downtown which is only three miles from the Marriott Shoals. Get to know the local community as you walk the streets, have a bite to eat, and relish the diverse shopping.
From historic downtown Florence to Seven Points or the English Village, it is a shopper’s paradise. On the way downtown, take your pick and stop at Red Cow Coffee, Turbo Coffee, or Rivertown Coffee Company. Each coffee shop serves delicious cups of handcrafted coffee and more! If you pass Sweetwater Bakery, stop for something delicious, savory or sweet! Once downtown, shoppers will find an eclectic mix of stores ranging from clothing boutiques and gift shops to galleries and home furnishing stores. For the fashion lover, a must-visit is Billy Reid’s flagship location on N. Court Street.
Seven Points located on Wood and Royal Avenues offers restored historic shopping places with antiques, specialty stores, and eateries. Stop by the Midtowne Butcher for lunch and a specialty sandwich like the Cuban or the Hot Italian both served hot off the press. Afterward, walk across the street to the Grey House Gallery and browse local artists or up the street to eleven54 on Wood Antiques & Vintage to peruse antiques and more.
English Village, near the University of North Alabama-East Campus, is a historic yet invogue outdoor shopping center just a hop, skip, and jump from Seven Points. A collection of unique specialty stores, much like a small European village with a street of shops, awaits. Clothing — women and babies, gifts, fine art, flowers, and a café are among the offerings you will find there. While exploring stop at Marigail Mathis, a clothing boutique that has served the Shoals for 30 years. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at Sweet Basil, a charming café and market serving homemade fare open since 1996. Make sure to save room for dessert!
Don’t miss First Fridays if you happen to visit on the first Friday of the month. This takes place on the downtown streets and is a chance to shop with local artists, experience local flavors, and listen to live music.
Across the river from the Marriot Shoals is nearby Muscle Shoals. A small town where big hits were recorded. Home to FAME Recording Studios, which has gone on to be the heartbeat of the Muscle Shoals Sound with entities including FAME Publishing, FAME Recording Studios, FAME Records, and Muscle Shoals Records. The FAME Studio has worked in the studio with some of America’s most loved and greatest artists in rock music history. Artists such as Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, Etta James, Otis Redding, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, the Osmonds, Alabama, the Gatlin Brothers, Bobbie Gentry, and so many others. Enjoy a tour and step back in time to a soulful moment with some of the greatest artists of all time.
The Wilson Dam was completed in 1924 and impounds the Wilson Lake and runs between Florence and Muscle Shoals. This neoclassical-style dam, named for President Woodrow Wilson, was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1966. The lock lift at 94 feet is the highest single lock east of the Rocky Mountains. Nearby is the 15,500 acres of Lake Wilson. If you like fishing, Lake Wilson produces some huge fish!
Located between the cities of Florence, Muscle Shoals, and Tuscumbia is the town of Sheffield, also known as the Center of the Shoals. This small town is covered with historic landmarks and places that will surely pique your interest. Take the time to wander the revitalized downtown streets or drive the roads to find them, look for the historic Ritz Theatre, and wave to giant aluminum pseudo-Elvis, which stands 18 feet tall and commemorates the Muscle Shoals sound.
The town with a population of 9,000, was incorporated in 1885 and features three historic districts with antebellum architecture and Victorian-era buildings. As you make your way around downtown stop in the Red Clay Table serving up delicious, classic hometown American food. For some retail therapy, across the street is Zoey Belle’s Boutique & Briley’s Clothing Store, a Southern boutique catering to women, men, and the arts.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR COMFORT FOOD IN MUSCLE SHOALS, STOP BY CHAMPY’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN. IT’S LEGENDARY!
Sheffield is positioned on the banks and bluffs of the Tennessee River and the beauty of its natural resources is second to none. Best known as the home to the Muscle Shoals Sound, Sheffield is rich in musical heritage dating back to the 1950s. Many top songwriters and performers cut vinyl hit records at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Norala Sound Studio, and several others. The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio was pictured on the cover of Cher's 3614 Jackson Highway album and Shoals native Percy Sledge recorded the iconic “When A Man Loves A Woman” at Norala Sound Studio on 2nd Street in Downtown Sheffield.
Tuscumbia, make sure to include a stop at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to and honors Alabama’s musical achievers and greatest legends.
Tuscumbia is the birthplace of Helen Keller, born in 1880. Ivy Green, her birthplace and childhood home, is on the National Register of Historic Places. This permanent shrine is open to visitors and tells the remarkable story of Keller. If visiting in June, the annual Helen Keller Festival is June 22-25, 2023, and pays tribute to America’s First Lady of Courage and commemorates her lifetime of achievements with activities including an outdoor marketplace and evening concerts.
On the outskirts of Tuscumbia, about 20 minutes from Ivy Green, is the Rattlesnake Saloon, which got its name during construction when some workers found a rattlesnake den with a mother snake with 12 babies. The saloon is a unique watering hole nestled under overhanging rocks and a great place to listen to some music and grab a bite to eat, alcohol is served after 5 pm. Open Thursday – Saturday.
This city is loaded with personality and is approximately 15 minutes from the Marriott Shoals, just across the river and south of Sheffield. Dating back to 1820, Tuscumbia is known as the Charm of the Shoals with its walkable historic downtown and delicious edibles. The Palace Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop, on Main Street, is a must-visit. The chocolate malt and PB & Banana sandwich would delight even Elvis!
Spring Park, with the showpiece of the park being a large 51-jet fountain that shoots water more than 150 feet in the air to music, is a nature lover’s delight. The park also features a man-made waterfall and amusements for children including a train. Go for a jog, hike, or enjoy a picnic at Spring Park. For the avid outdoor type, the scenic Cane Creek Canyon is a great place to hike. During your visit to
For additional information on things to discover in The Shoals visit TheShoalsAL.com and follow them on social media at @visitheshoalsal. Plan your getaway today and hit the Recording Capital of the World in stride! n
More than sixty years ago, the building hummed of sewing machines and production at one of the largest shirt factories in southern Tennessee.
Now fast forward to find this incredible 71,000 square foot industrial facility converted to its present-day grandeur with the original steel windows and doors, an outside deck for music and entertainment, food, gifts, specialty tea, a boutique resale shop, and so much more. There is ample parking, and you can expect the unexpected from music on Saturdays, to rare antiques and treasures of all kinds every day of the week. Plan your day at the Factory at Columbia and experience all these wonderful retail and dining establishments under one roof.
AN ARTISAN BAKERY AND CAFÉ
(931) 922-8195 | bsaltyandsweet.com
NASHVILLE TEA HOUSE, CAFÉ, & TEA BAR (931) 982-6083 | nashvilletea.com
MIDWEST TAVERN STYLE THIN CRUST PIZZA (931) 374-1515
UPSCALE RE-SALE
(931) 922-7519 | wearitwellboutique.com
QUINTESSENTIAL SOUTHERN COASTAL SANDALS
(615) 377-4644 | southernpolished.com
AUTHENTIC YOGA STUDIO (Also in Spring Hill)
(931) 505-4100 | lotusrisingtn.com
NAV Technology Inc. is a full-service audio video and information technology company for residential and commercial applications serving Middle Tennessee. It is owned and operated by Columbia resident Charlie Blackard and Tyler Hooks of Brentwood. NAV Tech is an expert in managing technology needs from home theater to pool audio, surveillance to information technology services, in-house audio, home automation, structured low voltage wiring, as well as controlled lighting, shades, and screen solutions.
Growing up during the years before cell phones, Blackard was the person who set up his family’s first computer as a teenager. He has always had a fascination with audio video, enjoyed loud music, and movies, and worked during college at Circuit City to learn about new technology. During his time at Circuit City, he became very tech savvy and found out he thoroughly enjoyed helping families with their audio-visual experiences.
When the big screen television transitioned to the new flat screen, Circuit City was hanging hundreds of televisions a week at Blackard’s location. At that time the big box stores used third-party audiovisual contractors. Tyler Hooks was a local computer technician who headed up one of these teams and Blackard worked directly with Hooks on these projects. For years Hooks received top-notch feedback from customers and praise from Blackard about the professional work he did.
Fast forward 15 years, Blackard and Hooks are now co-owners of NAV Technology Inc. and jumped in full speed ahead to service Middle Tennessee’s technology needs. They currently work with 25 full-time custom home builders providing audio-visual services. NAV Tech wires the homes during construction for speakers, televisions, surveillance, internet, and all the fun things. They then partner with the homeowner to outfit their homes with all the newest gear with popular extras including in-house audio and controlled lighting, which can be life-changing.
NAV Tech also takes on smaller audio-visual projects such as selling and installing frame televisions and updating older audio systems no job is too small! Since they are a full-service technology company, they can typically save their customers money when compared to the larger big box stores. From a full-blown theater room to in-house audio, entire home iPad control, Lutron lighting control, controllable shades and patio bug screens, video doorbells, thermostats, locks, cameras, and motorized shades. Their services are affordable, and the options are limitless!
NAV Tech has intentionally aligned with other reputable businesses to ensure a professionally completed job. Being present in the community has been the secret to their success. Doing simple things like answering the phone and doing a great job have created a very long list of happy customers. Over the years NAV Tech has been blessed to have great customers and they hope you will become one soon!
To learn more, call Charlie Blackard at (615) 598-4393. Follow them on social media at @nav.technology
It all began four years ago when Wesley Marshall was metal detecting looking for historical treasures when he found a Union Civil War belt buckle near the back porch of White Hall in Spring Hill. If you are unfamiliar with White Hall, it is recognized for its historical significance and its Greek Revival classical architecture. The house was registered in 1984 in the National Register of Historic Places and, to this point, had retained its original interior elements and not been radically altered.
Fast forward to November 2022, Marshall was passing by White Hall when he observed work being done to the house and his curiosity got the best of him. He decided to stop in when Danny Humphrey the carpenter approached him and explained the new owners were renovating. During the conversation, it was discussed that it appeared a lot of historical items were being thrown away. Looking around, Marshall saw an 1855 Bradbury square grand piano that was going to be thrown away and Humphrey mentioned there were also boxes with a wedding dress and veil from Paris, other dresses, bonnets, and samplers that were all going to be discarded. “I don’t even play the piano, but I really cared about the historical value of ALL these items and knew I had to preserve them,” Marshall exclaimed.
Scott Smith, a resident of Spring Hill and antique expert and local historian, was contacted by Marshall after the items had been procured. Smith recalled, “I couldn’t believe it when Wesley called and began enumerating the items and giving the details, I realized he had hit the proverbial jackpot. Not so much in a financial way, rather, historically speaking it is a cache of truly priceless artifacts documenting one of the most influential families of Maury County.”
I COULDN’T BELIEVE IT WHEN WESLEY CALLED AND BEGAN ENUMERATING THE ITEMS AND GIVING THE DETAILS, I REALIZED HE HAD HIT THE PROVERBIAL JACKPOT. NOT SO MUCH IN A FINANCIAL WAY, RATHER, HISTORICALLY SPEAKING IT IS A CACHE OF TRULY PRICELESS ARTIFACTS DOCUMENTING ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL FAMILIES OF MAURY COUNTY.
White Hall on Duplex Road, in earlier times Mt. Carmel Road, was built circa 1842 for Dr. Aaron White by his younger brother Henry. This residence is one of the best vernacular adaptations of the prevailing Greek Revival in this part of the county. The border of the estate was beyond current-day Kedron Road and Dr. White donated lots for early academies to serve this hamlet. He was a key player in the early success of Spring Hill. A graduate of the University of New York and a doctor of medicine, White was also a large landowner in Maury County. Following the death of his wife Eliza Fain, Dr. White married her cousin Margaret to whom most of these items are connected.
Smith reached out to Samuel Holden II who was a former owner of White Hall and an expert on its history. Holden explained, “Spring Hill had a very small population in the 1840s. To think of this home having the best Philadelphia wallpapers on the walls, the finest faux bois graining on the doors, and the grandest furniture and fixtures, including the costly hand-forged British brass locks, all showing a new aristocracy that developed in this area in the antebellum period. The clothing in this collection alone is mute testimony to the exuberance of the times and the expense of an elite family who were trendsetters of their day. The earlier laces attest to the fact that her family had been well-to-do for generations and that the issue going forward all valued their family heirlooms. Thank heavens Wesley came along and recognized their importance in a community where very little of whichever was, much less survive. It allows documentation for historical research that is invaluable in a very exciting and tactile way.”
THE CLOTHING IN THIS COLLECTION ALONE IS MUTE TESTIMONY TO THE EXUBERANCE OF THE TIMES AND THE EXPENSE OF AN ELITE FAMILY WHO WERE TRENDSETTERS OF THEIR DAY.
“During the Civil War, both the Confederate and Union forces were camping near the Whites. Platters of fried chicken, biscuits, and pitchers of buttermilk were sent cleverly to both sides and not a leaf was disturbed on their place,” said Holden. White Hall eventually became the headquarters of Confederate General Earl Van Dorn. It was alleged that this dashing officer was having an affair with the alluring Mrs. Jessie McKissack Peters who was the wife of Dr. George Peters of Spring Hill and the sister of Susan McKissack Cheairs of Rippavilla. Jessie came to visit the general and went up into his private quarters to the protest of Mrs. White who begged her husband to remove Van Dorn from White Hall. The general relocated to the Martin Cheairs home known today as Ferguson Hall. Dr. Peters assassinated the general at this location less than a week later and was subsequently acquitted of any wrongdoing as his honor had been properly avenged justice was often swift in those days. Meanwhile, White Hall would remain in the White family until the 1960s.
“The sampler done by Margaret Fain shows the early education of the woman that would become Mrs. Dr. Aaron White. Her children grew up and married into pioneer families like the Cheairs of Rippavilla. This finding alone is quite exciting. But then Marshall brings out an 1850s photograph of her, then the actual fingerless gloves she is wearing in that picture. Then her wedding veil, then her headdress of wax blossoms from Philadelphia and they are in their original box along with the calling card of the shopkeeper. It is all just too much jelly for one biscuit! History nerds go wild for tales such as this, particularly one so grandiose,” Smith stated.
Dr. and Mrs. Aaron White lie in repose in the family plot in the cemetery that Dr. White donated to the town just steps from their beloved home. Perhaps they orchestrated this clandestine arrangement from above, as it is far more than just coincidental. This much had not been saved by this many for this long to all just be discarded in a day. There had to be a blessing in disguise. “I never understood why blessings wear disguises anyway,” joked Smith. “If I were a blessing I would just run around naked! n
Mule Day 2023 was a huge success this year, and we hope you had the opportunity to enjoy the festivities! We had the chance to spend some time with Mule Day Queen 2023, Addyson Codling, while she showed off some of the latest fashions and accessories around Columbia.
Codling, who is a junior at Columbia Academy, is also the reigning Miss Maury County Fairest of the Fairs and was crowned Miss Maury County in 2022. She is on the varsity golf team and part of the Best Buddies Club, which is a club offering one-to-one friendships and development programs for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.
808 WALKER STREET COLUMBIA amymontgomeryhome.com
She plans on attending college after graduation and is considering the University of Tennessee Knoxville, but in the meantime hopes to compete in Miss Tennessee Teen USA in the spring of 2024. You can follow her on social media at @muledayofficialqueen and to stay informed about future Mule Day activities visit muleday. com or follow them at @muledayofficial. The mules will be back in town next year!” n
By Amy Montgomery
Southerners take a lot of pride in their porches. When Southerners think of gracious living, it always includes the porch. It doesn't matter how many living rooms, family rooms, etc. there are in a house, during spring, summer, and fall, relaxing on a beautiful porch is most important! Courtyards and patios will work, but a Southerner knows there needs that little bit of porch covering overhead to keep a spring breeze from being too chilly or to keep from baking in the summer sun. A blanket and a gas fire pit on a covered porch are all you need to enjoy the outdoors beyond Thanksgiving.
The thought of a covered porch must be followed up with a little haint blue. Looking up at a porch ceiling in this part of the country will usually reveal that oh-so-soft blue with a hint of green in it. Originally, haint blue was thought to ward off evil spirits by making them rise through the sky. The use of this blue has lost a bit of its superstition, but modern-day enthusiasts believe it to deter wasps and spiders. Either way, it is tradition, and it is soothing and easy on the eyes.
Truly, there is nothing better than pre-dinner cocktails on the porch and later bringing dinner out to dine alfresco. Summer supper with neighbors enjoying every moment of the end of the day, the beginning of sunset, then nightfall, and the appearance of lightning bugs is the perfect way to cap off the workday or spend a weekend evening. Community with neighbors is so important. Whether friends or simply acquaintances, porches can foster growth and relationships with those who live close. Porches can be the best place to reflect on the day or reflect on the world around us. Grab a comfy seat, put your feet up, and peer inside your home from the porch. It will give you a new viewpoint of your dwelling.
COMMUNITY WITH NEIGHBORS IS SO IMPORTANT. WHETHER FRIENDS OR SIMPLY ACQUAINTANCES, PORCHES CAN FOSTER GROWTH AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH THOSE WHO LIVE CLOSE.PHOTO BY ALLISON ELEFANTE
THE THOUGHT OF A COVERED PORCH MUST BE FOLLOWED UP WITH A LITTLE HAINT BLUE. LOOKING UP AT A PORCH CEILING IN THIS PART OF THE COUNTRY WILL USUALLY REVEAL THAT OH-SOSOFT BLUE WITH A HINT OF GREEN IN IT.
From drizzle to downpour, a porch is that extra room we all look for in a home. These inviting porches are truly a continuation of your home, a go-between space from home to garden. A porch extends your home, just as a lush green lawn or garden extends your porch beyond its perimeters. It doesn't need to be a sunny day to appreciate a porch.
Gardens tend to be a big point of pride for those who love digging in the dirt. Favorite days of spring for gardeners include a day spent shopping for blossoms, blooms, and seedlings, a day spent preparing beds, planters, and sowing seeds, and a day spent cleaning up and admiring the finished product. The blooms flourish with watering and sunshine and will last until the mums of fall make their appearance. Gardening incorporates many benefits such as exercise, a little Vitamin D from the sun, and it is certainly a mood booster. Whether you have a large vegetable garden or tend a few pots on your porch, gardening is endlessly adaptable and rewarding.
One place in Columbia I delight in seeing how the gardens are kept is the James K. Polk Home. Two short walkable blocks from my home, this former President's abode and museum attracts natives and visitors all year long. Spring marks the re-birth of their gardens and by June, blooms and vegetables are abundant. Columbia has been home for me and my husband for two years and we love giving back to our community. The perfect opportunity for us to do this is at the Gardens of Columbia Tour, hosted by the James K. Polk Home, which takes place on Friday, June 2, and Saturday, June 3. My husband and I are so happy to share our porch garden this year. While I wish I had time for vegetable gardens, planting heirloom peonies, and training vines on walls, I do not. Instead, I dedicate myself in the early spring to several days of filling my pots and planters to create an outdoor room on our porch, an extension of our home.
Our porch is a continuation of our keeping room in the kitchen, and we will be including the main floor of our home on the garden tour. The cottage garden at the entrance to our house is recovering from the December freeze, but it is remarkable how things have rebounded and begun to flourish in the warmth and sunshine. We want to welcome you to our home and share some hospitality on the porch with you during the Gardens of Columbia Tour. On both Friday and Saturday of the tour, I invite you to join me at the Polk Home while I present a floral demonstration to those who have purchased tickets for the tour. I look forward to sharing some of my floral tips and tricks with everyone in attendance.
HOSTED BY THE JAMES K. POLK HOME
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
JUNE 2 – 3, 2023
10:00 a.m . — 4:00 p.m.
My shop, Amy Montgomery Home, will also be celebrating the Gardens of Columbia Tour. The shop is on the street behind our residence, located at 808 Walker Street, where you can shop and enjoy the curated collection of gifts, papers, and home goods. During each day of the tour, AMH will be offering 50 delicious boxed lunches. To reserve a boxed lunch and make payment visit amymontgomeryhome.com. Boxes may be picked up at the shop on the day of your reservation and there is limited seating available in the courtyard of Amy Montgomery Home for those wishing to stay a while.
To preview the Gardens of Columbia tour, turn to page 45 to read more about the homes and gardens on the tour this year. n
AMY MONTGOMERY has 25 years of design experience and owns Amy Montgomery Home in Columbia, Tennessee. She is a lifestylist focused on home and flowers and delights in offering her customers an elevated customer service experience. Visit amymontgomeryhome.com for additional information and follow her on social media at @amymontgomeryhome.
I DEDICATE MYSELF IN THE EARLY SPRING TO SEVERAL DAYS OF FILLING MY POTS AND PLANTERS TO CREATE AN OUTDOOR ROOM ON OUR PORCH, AN EXTENSION OF OUR HOME.PHOTO BY ALLISON ELEFANTE
This past winter may have been unseasonably cold, but Maury County is finally in the midst of a colorful blooming Spring. What better way to usher in a new season than with an opportunity to tour some of Columbia’s most prized gardens?
Save the date for the 2023 Gardens of Columbia Tour, presented by the James K. Polk Memorial Association. The Gardens of Columbia will be held June 2 – 3, 2023 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on both days and is a biennial celebration of gardening in historic Columbia, Tennessee. Guests will enjoy touring some of Columbia’s finest gardens and learning from local experts on floral design and gardening.
During the two-day event, ticket holders will be able to tour nine gardens and enjoy three floral demonstrations by local bloom designers Amy Montgomery of Amy Montgomery Home, Michelle Hughes of Bloomstall, and Carla Peterson of Willow and Vine.
The event will kickoff at the James K. Polk Home on West 7th Street where attendees will pick up a map of the garden tour destinations. The event is a driving tour with one walkable experience located on Mayes Place and West 6th Street. Many homes have graciously opened their doors for the event.
Polk Home Garden & Kitchen Garden
The Athenaeum
Kate and James Barr
Molly and Bobby Holloway
Mayes Place Stroll
Emily and Ben McKnight
Amy and John Montgomery
Nagel’s Riverside Garden
The Turchin/Killets Garden Pond and Garden House
HOSTED BY THE JAMES K. POLK HOME
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
JUNE 2 – 3, 2023
10:00 a.m . — 4:00 p.m.
jameskpolk.com
/news/gardens-of-columbia-tour
Additionally, the James K. Polk Home will host an art show, plein air painters, and a plant sale curated by the Maury County Master Gardeners. To purchase tickets, visit jameskpolk.com/news/gardens-of-columbia-tour. Whether someone is interested in enhancing the curb appeal of their home or just enjoys perusing the beauty of another’s home, there is something inspiring for everyone at the Gardens of Columbia! n
Q and A
Q: How did you get involved with music?
A: Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be an artist, but never told anyone until the end of high school. Even though I was shy, I was always involved in shows and choir at school and my friends and I would put on talent shows for our parents. Growing up, I was involved with athletics and played volleyball year-round through my junior year of high school. I had planned on going to college on a volleyball scholarship, but a serious knee injury stopped me. That was a blessing in disguise because that’s when I decided to start taking guitar lessons. My dad took me to my first lesson where I met my guitar teacher, who I still work with today, Paulie Felice, and came to find out my dad used to babysit him back in the day. After a few lessons, Paulie realized I could sing and he decided we needed to go to a TV comcast at The Nashville Palace called "Nashville Spotlight." My parents were very confused because I had only had a few guitar lessons, but Paulie explained I was a singer. They were still in disbelief, but we came down to Nashville and I performed for the first time. It went so well, the host, other artists, and fans came up to my parents saying they couldn't wait to have me back. Of course, my parents were shocked and as we left the venue, they asked me if I was lip-syncing and I said, "No, this is me!" That's when they knew there was something special here. I started performing for Nashville Spotlight regularly and playing wherever I could in my hometown in Kentucky. That's where things started to take off and I finally made the move to the Nashville area in 2017. The rest is history!
Q: Since you started songwriting, what has been some of your inspiration?
A: As a songwriter, I find inspiration in all kinds of things. Some of my songs are based on my life experiences, others on things friends or family members have been through, I'm inspired by TV shows, books I've read, or a lyric from another song. My biggest inspirations for my music are artists like Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, and Chris Stapleton. Their sound, lyrics, and style are truly unique and authentic, and that is what I try to bring to the table with my music.
Q: Tell us about a few of the songs you have written and recorded.
A: Since moving to Nashville, I have written a lot of songs and currently have three singles released. My debut single, "Good Taste," was released in April 2020 right when the pandemic hit. I had to get creative and learned how to promote it from the comfort of my home. I began live streaming, learning the business side of the industry, and writing more. I was able to not only promote my song to fans but was able to create new fans all around the world. "Good Taste" even hit iHeart radio. My second single, "Prayin' to the Whiskey" was nominated for international song of the year in Ireland, making the top 10. I received a nomination for "International Rising Country Artist" in the UK. This song opened a lot of doors for me; working with organizations like Bourbon with Friends Bourbon Ball, which benefitted Folds of Honor, I've had multiple podcast interviews on bourbon and music podcasts, I've headlined bourbon festivals and events and now will be playing Freedom Jam in Missouri this May benefiting our veterans and first responders. "Prayin' to the Whiskey" was a special release for me because it was a song I wrote with my dad and one I was known for around Nashville. My latest single, "High on Something" has been charting in the top 100 on Texas Internet Radio and climbing. This song was one I was nervous to release because it was different and showed a more vulnerable side of me. My next single, "Jesus and Jail," will be out in May and is a signature "Taylor Hughes" song. It is truly one of my favorite songs I've written (the co-writer is Krystal King.) My fans have been loving this song when I play it live it's sassy, edgy, and authentically me.
MY BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS FOR MY MUSIC ARE ARTISTS LIKE MIRANDA LAMBERT, ASHLEY MCBRYDE, AND CHRIS STAPLETON. THEIR SOUND, LYRICS, AND STYLE ARE TRULY UNIQUE AND AUTHENTIC, AND THAT IS WHAT I TRY TO BRING TO THE TABLE WITH MY MUSIC.
Q: What’s your favorite song and why?
A: If I had to pick one, it would be "Tin Man" by Miranda Lambert. She is a big inspiration for me as an artist and someone I truly admire. Her songwriting is so clever, real, and honest. This song in particular has always hit me any time I hear it because "Tin Man '' is raw, vulnerable, and most importantly, it's relatable. That’s so important when writing music and as an artist, you want to connect with your fans through music and shared experiences. It was one of my favorite songs to cover and one I wish I wrote myself. Every time I see her play it live, I get sucked in and my emotions take over. That's what music is all about, evoking a real, raw emotion and feeling.
A: I have been blessed with the best fans! Some that I have known for years now and pretty much consider family. My biggest fans though are my parents and my husband. They have all sacrificed so much and supported me in their unique way. Whether it's through encouragement, helping me keep a steady head, blocking out negative thoughts, or challenging me and pushing me to be the best I can be. Someone else that was a big fan of mine but sadly is no longer with us, was my pawpaw. He would come to every show he could and cheer me on. He was so proud to tell people I was his granddaughter and would always say, "Taybell, when you make it big you gotta take care of your old pawpaw." Of course, I always agreed to this, he was and still is special to me. Every time I step on stage, I know he is watching over me and cheering me on. My goal is to always make those family members, friends, and fans proud because I couldn't do this without them.
Q: What shows do you have upcoming this summer?
A: I'm excited to be getting back on the road! I'll be hitting multiple cities in Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Florida, and more! One festival I'm playing is the Freedom Jam Festival at The Camp of Lake Wappapello in Missouri on May 20. This festival is very important to me because these shows raise money for our veterans and first responders. I have several family members who have served, and I think it's so important we show these brave men and women more gratitude. Tickets for that are on sale now on my website at taylorhughesmusic.com. My tour schedule is up to date on my website so fans can come to see a live show and don't forget to subscribe! n
@taylorhughesmusic and download her songs on all your favorite streaming platforms.
Do you catch yourself minimizing your smile to hide your teeth? If so, you're not alone. Imperfect or bad teeth can erode confidence and make you self-conscious. Cosmetic dentistry can do wonders to correct flaws and provide you with the selfconfidence to share your smile with the world.
Smiling provides many benefits. Having the confidence to smile can boost your overall self-esteem. In turn, self-esteem positively affects other areas of your life from social interactions to career. Smiling is also good for your emotional health because it releases endorphins, cortisol, dopamine, and serotonin, the neurotransmitters associated with feeling good. Smiling sends positive messages to others as well, so it's good for relationships too.
Additionally, smiling improves physical health because the chemical changes reduce pain, stress, blood pressure, and strengthen your immune system. Whether the issue with your teeth is their color, size, shape, position, or alignment, it can likely be corrected. People most commonly seek cosmetic dentistry for tooth chips, cracks, fillings, crowding, gaps, bite, gums, and crooked or missing teeth. The array of treatment options for these and other cosmetic issues includes whitening, bonding, veneers, crowns, bridges, implants, inlays, onlays, shaping, and orthodontics. With so many options, there's likely an esthetic dentistry solution right for you.
— CHRISTIE BRINKLEY
Dr. Brian Fann, with The Art of Dentistry, was born and raised in Columbia, Tennessee, and opened the practice in Columbia in 2001, shortly after he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Tennessee at Memphis. Fann received his IV sedation certification from the UAB School of Dentistry and completed an implant fellowship through DentalXP and the NYU School of Dentistry. In addition, he is an Associate Fellow in the Academy of GP Orthodontics.
In August 2021, Dr. Justin Anderson joined the practice. He earned his DMD from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and continues to educate himself in the Step-by-Step of Esthetic Anterior Restorations, Extraction and Socket Preservation Bone Grafting, Posterior and Anterior CEREC, Implants, and Invisalign. Anderson is also a member of the AGD and ADA.
Fann has always been fascinated by the art of dentistry and quickly learned serving others through this art and science was his true passion. The Art of Dentistry practice offers a wide array of dental services including general dentistry, cosmetic, restorative, orthodontic, dental implants, pediatric, and specialty dentistry to meet the needs of their patients. Fann and Anderson also use the latest state-of-the-art technology with aesthetic design to create your ideal smile.
Basic cosmetic dentistry does not require specialized training, so any licensed dentist can advertise and provide those services. Still, a dentist with specialized training can help ensure you achieve optimum results. You may consider asking what type of ongoing education and what specialized training the team has.
It is also important to make sure the dentist understands occlusion, or chewing function, as some cosmetic changes can affect your occlusion. So, this is crucial to ensure changes to your teeth won't pose a risk to your other teeth or the new work done to your teeth. And ask to see before-and-after photos in the dentist’s portfolio of patients treated. Online reviews provide additional information and are important. With a 4.9-star rating on Google, The Art of Dentistry shines.
The specific technology necessary for treatment depends on the procedure. Still, even if a particular technology isn't required, the availability of advanced technology may indicate how serious a cosmetic dentist is about providing patients with the best results. Intraoral cameras, digital X-rays, dental lasers, and chairside monitors are just a few advanced technologies cosmetic dentists often have at their disposal.
A detail often overlooked by patients is the quality of the materials used in their treatment. Inferior materials can affect not only your results but how well the materials hold up. Make a note to ask about the quality of the materials that'll be used.
Ask about wax-ups, mock-ups, digital imaging, and smile previews. Cosmetic dentists use these tools to create a template to ensure patients achieve their desired results. These tools also provide patients with the opportunity to see how their smile will look after crowns, restorations, or porcelain veneers. Viewing a preview of what your smile will look like post-treatment will help ensure your satisfaction with the final results.
Before treatment, your dentist should make an impression of your teeth to create a stone model. Your face, smile, and teeth will also be photographed. The dentist will then use these to demonstrate different treatment options with wax models. Some dentists may use digital imaging software, however, digital imaging isn't as detailed as mock-ups. A dentist that offers intraoral mock-ups for a more accurate image of the results you can expect.
Find out what type of pain management the dentist uses or recommends for the selected procedure. The most common forms of pain management for cosmetic dentistry may include the following. For mild discomfort, analgesics, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may be recommended. If your procedure is more invasive, your dentist may want to numb your mouth or an area of your mouth with anesthetics such as lidocaine or Novocain. These can be applied topically, injected, or swallowed. Sedatives may also be used to help you relax including nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, as well as deep sedation, conscious sedation, inhalation sedation, or intravenous sedation.
Request a written quote with a breakdown of the costs as well as the payment options available. Dental insurance may cover some cosmetic dental treatments if the procedures aren't solely for aesthetic purposes. Even then, such procedures are rarely covered at 100% making it important to submit a pre-determination request to your insurance company to find what is covered. Flexible financing options include Wisetack financing or the CareCredit credit card. Apply online for an instant credit decision and many dentists accept Wisetack or CareCredit as well as major credit cards. Before you begin treatment, do confirm your insurance coverage and payment options. Lastly, once your treatment has been determined, find out how many appointments it will take to complete treatment and how long each appointment will be.
The Art of Dentistry family is dedicated to making your dental experience as comfortable as possible. For additional information or to schedule a consultation, call The Art of Dentistry at (931) 381-6880 or visit drbrianfann.com to book online. Follow them on social media at @theartofdentistrytn. n
KIMBERLY BLAKER is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera, and more at sagerarebooks.com
It all began in 2012, with an idea and a dream to get out from behind a desk. It grew into a side hustle pick up and delivery service shining shoes all over Nashville, Tennessee. Quickly that side hustle turned into purchasing and owning their very own “old-timey shoe cobbler shop” with dusty machines, crafting tools, and piles of half-done customers’ shoes for repair. In just under a couple of years’ time, two brothers, Trent and Heath Potter, along with their father Norman, began an adventure that would take them further than they would have imagined.
The first year of business was quite the learning curve. Heath had briefly apprenticed under the former shoe cobbler and began tackling the mountain of shoes. Trent came on board to join him in learning the week-by-week process of shoe repair. Several months went by and the brothers quickly learned that another layer to the business must be added. After seeing pair after pair of sandals and flip-flops come in broken and unfixable, they had the idea to create their own sandal, a sandal that would last. Heath began making prototypes of the first flipflop, testing out leathers, materials for straps, options for bases, etc. He had dabbled in shoe-making over the last year or so in his free time, so this seemed like a challenge he could take on. This sandal would also help to bring in income throughout the summer while the natural seasonal dip of shoe repair occurred. Almost simultaneously, the guys wanted to provide a leather sandal for their female customers. The brothers had briefly lived in Italy and wanted to bring that Caprician-style sandal to their shop. The majority of ladies’ sandals they took in were hugely overpriced and poorly made. Time after time, a $200 plus pair of designer sandals was thrown away and that was unacceptable. The first styles were going out the door, the Southern Polished brand was trademarked, and the ball was rolling!
A couple more years into the business, the guys begin itching for more. The current shop location in Brentwood, Tennessee, wouldn’t hold them and their new venture forever. At the same time, Trent, had the idea of starting a YouTube channel. The brothers grew up in a military family where a shiny pair of shoes was of the utmost importance, so why not show the world how to get that perfect shine? They began with a handful of videos and as you would imagine a very slow start. They not only showed their viewers how to correctly shine a pair of shoes but also began showing how they repaired and resoled some of the pairs of high-end shoes that came into the shop. Almost overnight, one video took off, and their channel Trenton and Heath soared to over 100,000 viewers in just under a year’s time. The viewers loved watching the brothers and their craft. The shoe cobbler profession was and is a dying art, and now the world could watch not only one, but two cobblers work on some of the most expensive designer brands out there. Because of this success, their new websites were launched Potters and Sons and Southern Polished. With the success of their YouTube channel, and with eyes from all over the world on them, growing to an online presence for all businesses was pivotal. It was also time to find a new home!
WITH THE SUCCESS OF THEIR YOUTUBE CHANNEL, AND WITH EYES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD ON THEM, GROWING TO AN ONLINE PRESENCE FOR ALL BUSINESSES WAS PIVOTAL. IT WAS ALSO TIME TO FIND A NEW HOME!
Heath had recently moved to Columbia, Tennessee, with his wife and kids and had learned of a new former t-shirt factory that was going to be building out with new businesses. At that time, there was only one other business at this repurposed factory, aptly named The Factory at Columbia. It was hard to picture, but the space was there and, after discussing it with the rest of the Potter family, the deal was done. The buildout for the current location began in May 2019, online businesses continued to grow and YouTube kept its worldwide presence strong and stable. Sandals were going out to customers from Tennessee to California. In March 2020, the unthinkable hit, and the world shut down. They continued to work on finishing the new space and were thankful for online business and support, while so many businesses around them struggled to stay afloat.
As people began staying at and working from home, sandal sales stayed consistent. So consistent that production for the Potter family became so demanding that the guys decided to team up with a well know company in south Texas/Mexico to begin producing their men’s sandals. Things were off to a great start! However, within a year’s time, the pressures of Covid and constant shutdowns impacted their own production, and the men’s sandals were pulled. It was time to go back to the drawing board and bring these flip-flops back home!
During the past year, the team has worked on sourcing every material from the United States. It seemed not only necessary but also extremely important now more than ever to bring their product back home and create that sense of pride people have when they own an American-made product. Every single pair of men’s sandals is made right here in their flagship shop in Columbia, Tennessee. The leather on each strap and footbed comes from cows in Pennsylvania, which make their way to a family-owned tannery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Seidel Leather. Each hide is tanned over a 2 to 3-week process and sent to Southern Polished rolled up and ready to cut.
One step into the shop and you’ll have no doubt that they are swimming in leather, the smell is amazing! Every midsole and outsole, the parts you walk on, that give you arch support and comfort, is molded at a facility in Missouri, called Meramec. Months were spent creating molds and samples, to get the correct sizing, shape, and softness of each midsole before the first pair was created. All of the components come together here in Tennessee and the team cuts, stitches and assembles in-house. It’s a process that the Potter family is extremely proud of.
The guy’s story is a fascinating one. Many still think they are your local shoe cobblers, but over the years, the business and its craft have had to evolve and grow. While they do have a storefront for Southern Polished, where you will find Norman's friendly face helping customers, they only have an online store and presence for Potter and Sons. The new and improved Factory at Columbia location acts as production space, but come on by and take a peek anytime! The guys have recently opened the windows to allow passersby to see all the behindthe-scenes of sandal making, a little shoe repair, and quite possibly some YouTube filming.
For additional information or to order an amazing pair of sandals made in the USA, visit southernpolished.com and follow them on social media at @southernpolished. Watch the cobblers at work on their YouTube channel @TrentonHeath n
We specialize in everything Delta-8 and CBD. Give us a call today & come check out the variety of verified lab tested products we carry.
Stash House is a family owned bussniess. We are passionate about our customers' needs. Our goods are made to help adult consumers improve their quality of life and recoup lost energy. We provide goods that are clinically validated and USDA Certified Organic, setting the bar for hemp products. Oil tinctures, water solubles, delta 8, THC-O,CBG/CBD,CBN/CBD, Delta 9, Delta 10, beverage enhancers, skincare, gummies, and pet items, making us a one-stop shop for all the wellness needs of our customers. All of our goods have undergone independent laboratory testing, and each one has a QR code that can be scanned. We also carry a variety of vapes such as Elf Bars, Esco Bars, Hydes, and many more. Come visit us today to fulfill your needs.
BONE AND JOINT INSTITUTE OF TENNESSEE OFFERS ADVANCED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT
When arthritis causes debilitating pain that alters your daily life, look no further than the resources at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee. The group continues to be on the cutting edge of advanced surgical technologies offering a more streamlined approach to common operations like total joint replacements.
With the help of robotic technology, physicians and patients can be more confident in the strategy, accuracy, and recovery surrounding their surgeries. This robotic arm, created by Mako SmartRobotics, acts as a GPS-like extension of the surgeon’s hand, enhancing precision during hip or knee joint surgery. This technology allows for smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times.
“The robotic technology we use greatly benefits our patients,” said Brian Perkinson, M.D., a hip and knee specialist at Bone and Joint Institute. “It provides more accurate positioning and balancing of the joint replacement and also allows less soft tissue dissection. All of those benefits provide an earlier functional recovery and more success in the long run.”
Although every recovery process is different, patients can typically expect to be walking with assistance within a week and returning to a pain-free lifestyle in four to six weeks.
As the first medical center in Middle Tennessee to offer Mako SmartRobotics starting in 2015, these technologies have revolutionized orthopaedics allowing surgeons at the Institute to assess more patients. The Mako system uses a CT scan to capture specialized images of the area before surgery so that surgeons can make more educated decisions regarding surgical proceedings. With technologies like these, surgeons can address joint issues at an early stage, often resulting in the need for only a partial joint replacement.
“With this technology, we are able to identify areas of concern earlier, complete less invasive surgeries and, oftentimes, send the patient home the same day,” said Cory Calendine, M.D., a hip and knee specialist at Bone and Joint Institute. However, state-of-the-art technology is not the only thing that makes Bone and Joint Institute the premier location for orthopaedic needs.
“Partial knee replacements or anterior hip replacements are unique surgeries that must be performed by highly trained specialists,” said Dr. Perkinson. “We are proud to be able to offer these kinds of procedures to our patients at our facility right here in Williamson County.”
As the demand for knee and hip replacement surgery continues to grow, these advanced surgical technologies allow surgeons to serve patients in their time of need with cutting-edge technologies.
“As a hip and knee specialist at Bone and Joint Institute, I meet people in their time of need, not when they are living their best life,” said Dr. Calendine. “It’s a privilege to be able to use new technology to offer innovative treatment methods to our patients.”
With advanced surgical technologies and experienced surgeons close to home, many patients are choosing to have their total joint replacement procedures sooner rather than later so they can get back to enjoying outdoor activities.
“If you are experiencing arthritis pain, come get evaluated at Bone and Joint Institute,” said Dr. Perkinson. “What sets us apart is the environment you are in, the advances in medicine you have access to, and more than anything, the superior patient experience.”
For more information or to schedule a consultation with a Bone and Joint Institute physician, visit BoneandJointTN.org n
Mint Flooring has been serving Middle Tennessee since 2015 and is a small business specializing in custom tile design and hardwood flooring work. Owner Will Litteral brings 16 years of experience to every job making sure the quality of the work goes above and beyond to exceed his clients’ expectations.
Litteral got his start installing hardwood flooring for a friend who had a flooring business and needed some help. Over time, after he had gained experience, Litteral branched out and started his own business, Mint Flooring, installing hardwood flooring. When one of his installers, who also worked with tile, suggested Litteral start doing tile work, Litteral decided to add tile installation into the mix of options for his clients. Today the options are limitless from the luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) to concrete tile and sand and finish hardwood floors. Plus so much more!
If you are looking to transform your space with either hardwood flooring or tile, then Mint Flooring can make your dreams a reality. Litteral will help transform your space by changing the look of a room or updating a kitchen or bathroom. “Our specialty is bathroom remodels, and we can take your outdated bathroom and turn it into your dream. We even do curbless showers,” he said. “By adding new floors, textures, or tile designs like the traditional chevron or herringbone pattern, it instantly updates and refreshes your bathroom or any room in your house.”
Today Litteral says his Mint Flooring business jobs do equal parts of tile and hardwood flooring. He works with multiple designers, the Tile Shop in Cool Springs, and many contractors throughout Middle Tennessee to bring the latest tile trends and hardwood flooring to his clients. Whether it is an interior flooring installation, a backsplash in the kitchen, or an exterior tile installation for the porch, let Mint Flooring handle your installation for a professional job well done!
Contact
OUR SPECIALTY IS BATHROOM REMODELS, AND WE CAN TAKE YOUR OUTDATED BATHROOM AND TURN IT INTO YOUR DREAM.
For many years, Paliotta worked in the family jewelry business with his father and brother. He learned some of his tooling techniques from his father Mario, who emigrated to America during the Great Depression and ventured to America to pursue his American dream. During those tough times, Mario’s luck changed when he started the family jewelry-finding company in Rhode Island. To his credit, he became the first American to make a bangle bracelet out of steel on a power press machine by winding them by hand on the lathe. At that time, other makers used brass, but couldn’t figure out how to make them out of steel on a machine until Mario’s youngest son, Ron, succeeded. Hence, Ron’s nickname, the Bangle King.
What started many years ago as part of the family business has recently been rekindled when Ron Paliotta, aka the Bangle King, decided to make jewelry. Now a resident of Spring Hill, Tennessee, Paliotta and his wife, Cheryl, are manufacturing and making handmade jewelry for Music & Heart Jewelry.
As Paliotta explained, “We made lots of trendy jewelry including mood rings, bangles made out of steel, and scarf holders, in addition to the findings and components jewelry manufacturers used to make their jewelry pieces. When my father retired, my brother and I each owned half the company, but I eventually left the business after 40 years.” Paliotta, a United States Army veteran, then began working for Vinston U.S. Corporation selling Camless CNC machinery to manufacturing companies that make springs for doors, windows, and other items.
WE MADE LOTS OF TRENDY JEWELRY INCLUDING MOOD RINGS, BANGLES MADE OUT OF STEEL, AND SCARF HOLDERS, IN ADDITION TO THE FINDINGS AND COMPONENTS JEWELRY MANUFACTURERS USED TO MAKE THEIR JEWELRY PIECES.
Time passed and Paliotta began to miss the jewelry business he knew so well and started thinking about how to get back in the business. “I never made finished jewelry before. The family business sold findings to over 400 jewelry manufacturer businesses that put it all together. I started looking at bracelets in stores and came up with the adjustable wire bracelet design,” he said. The Bangle King not only designed the adjustable wire bangle bracelet, but he holds the design patent for it which he received in 2017. Paliotta articulated, “Hey, I’m 75 years old and it’s never too late to start something new!”
With Ron acting as the operations manager and Cheryl the actual owner, Music & Heart Jewelry is aptly named for Nashville since it is known as Music City. “Music is the rhythm of the heart. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks or sings. Music speaks what the heart thinks,” said Cheryl. The collection includes the patented adjustable wire bangle bracelet, oval wire handmade bracelets, necklaces, and earrings made in the USA in Spring Hill. Paliotta also uses charms on the bracelets such as a guitar, music scale, piano, boot, cowboy, heart, and other charms related to the music and heart. The jewelry pieces are 22-karat gold-plated and platinum-plated and even come with a guaranteed replacement.
THE COLLECTION INCLUDES THE PATENTED ADJUSTABLE WIRE BANGLE BRACELET, OVAL WIRE HANDMADE BRACELETS, NECKLACES, AND EARRINGS MADE IN THE USA IN SPRING HILL.
Music & Heart Jewelry makes great bridal party and special occasion gifts and is currently available at The Painted Tree Marketplace in Franklin or online at musicandheartjewelry.com. Paliotta’s jewelry can also be found at the Country Tonite in the Smoky Mountains, and he hopes to have the collection at BNA airport soon. Follow them on Facebook at Music & Heart Jewelry. n
B y Josh Belcher
This year I turned 40 years old, on most days I put on my best adulting persona, tackle the world, be a provider and offer love and comfort and be a protector. For the most part, I am successful, but if you want to see my inner child shine its brightest, mention The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! As fast as you can say Cowabunga, I am an eight-year-old boy again in full Ninja Turtle regalia. No worries or woes, just on the hunt to find out what the evil Shredder and his no-good gang of minions are up to and foil their plans!
For the first time in my life, I’ll celebrate Mother’s Day without my mom. She passed last December after a long period of sickness. Bittersweet seems like a fitting way to describe my emotions. I miss Mom terribly, but rejoice she is in heaven and enjoying eternal happiness.
ONE OCCURRENCE THAT HELPED TAKE SOME OF THE SADNESS AWAY IS A CONVERSATION I RECENTLY SHARED WITH KEVIN EASTMAN, CO-CREATOR OF THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (TMNT) AND ARCHITECT OF MY CHILDHOOD.
One occurrence that helped take some of the sadness away is a conversation I recently shared with Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) and architect of my childhood. Kevin, for almost 40 years now, has been contributing to the TMNT phenomenon. He now has a fresh new batch of turtles for a new generation of fans to enjoy as well as the diehards like me.
In a recent press release, The Last Ronin is set to give a fiveissue follow-up miniseries The Lost Years, IDW and Paramount Consumer Products announced. The Lost Years will be written by Turtles Co-Creator Kevin Eastman and former long-time IDW Turtles writer Tom Waltz. On art, SL Gallant will join artist Ben Bishop.
Matthew 18:3 God states "Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you shall never enter the Kingdom of Heaven."
No spoilers here, other than information about the new young batch of turtles. The foursome has two boys and two girls ushering in heroes that everyone can truly get into! Yi, Odyn my favorite, Uno and Moja. Get ready for the next installment in this acclaimed future saga.
JOSH: Was The Lost Years back story in place during the previous Last Ronin series or was its popularity what spawned this new event?
KEVIN: When Tom Waltz and I were adapting the story, Pete and I wrote into what we call The Roninverse. As we were going thru Last Ronin Volume 1, the first series, we saw places that would be great to go back and visit and explore more if we have the opportunity. Because with Lost Years, we have the journey that Michelangelo took by Last Ronin Issue 4, where he goes to Japan and finds out what happened to Donatello and Master Splinter, and then begins his walking/training journey with Splinter’s journal for about 16 years that takes him back to page one of Last Ronin first issue. The Lost Years is based specifically on that and is our prequel and sequel part of The Lost Years story. It is the introduction of the new turtles shown first at the end of Last Ronin number 5.
JOSH: Yes! That was a fantastic way to end it and we got a fresh set of Ninja Turtles! How did the turtles come to be in The Last Ronin with two boys and two girls?
KEVIN: This is really an idea that Tom Waltz and I originated and put forth because we both are fans of strong female characters in movies over the years from Sarah Connor [Terminator] to Lieutenant Ripley [Alien] plus so many other characters. When we were going thru the original TMNT ongoing series, the evolution and creation of the female turtle Jennika was inspired by an attempt I made earlier with the creation of Venus, but did not go over well. However, the evolution of Jennika, as a character, has been well-received.
JOSH: Are you finding younger children coming with their parents when they meet you at these ComiCons?
KEVIN: We are excited to find out. As you said at the beginning, number one just came out and number two is shipping out shortly, we have number 3 and are almost done with issue 4, so it will be timed almost with the first convention appearance in March. We roll through about 13 conventions this year and it will exciting to see the reception firsthand and talk with the fans!
JOSH: By the way, Annie, my wife, wanted to say thank you for last year’s support to her Anne's Arbor benefit for single moms! You generously donated some concept art with Jennika and the cover of it with her and the guitar. It raised a lot for the single mom Annie selected and that helped us a lot. I was honored you did that, and we wanted to thank you!
KEVIN: Thanks! We really do love our fans. Anything we can do to help because you have given us so much love and support over the years. It means a lot to us as well and we are happy to do it.
JOSH: Speaking of fans, I wanted to mention my mother. My precious mom, and I am 40 years old and have been a fan since the turtles popped out with the cartoons and then with the comic books, passed away last December. She worked tirelessly to make sure I had all the Ninja Turtle stuff my heart desired, and I just wanted to let you know that it is really a fond memory for me. It is an emotional thing to come full circle and get to thank you in person. I wanted to honor my mom and let you know she was one of the good ones.
KEVIN: We grew up very poor and my mom was the same way. Even when we couldn't afford it, she made sure we didn't go without anything from school supplies to eating and even an occasional toy. With all the stories I've heard from fans these last 40 years, the stories never get old. I just love it! I joke in a very positive happy way when someone like yourself says, “When I was a kid, I was a big fan of turtles and had all the toys.” I then say, “Be sure to thank your parents because they are the ones that bought it all. And then apologize to your parents and thank them.” I appreciate the parents’ willingness to do that for their kids. I love you sharing that with me about your mom, that means a lot.
THANKS THINCRUST
FOREVER
Salt Therapy is proven effective to reduce allergy symptoms with your first session!
RELAX BREATHE REJUVENATE REPEAT
A HOLISTIC WELLNESS SPA
SALT THERAPY - INFRARED SAUNA
REFLEXOLOGY - CHROMOTHERAPY
VIBRATIONAL FREQUENCY TABLE
MASSAGE THERAPY - FACIAL SKINCARE
WAXING SERVICES
