Nolensville Town Life MAR 16 - APR 19, 2024

Cindy Cook

Spring has arrived, and the town is adorned with spring flowers, which means Easter is just around the corner. For many of us, Easter is a special time of the year, and it’s a great opportunity to take a moment to reflect and be thankful for our blessings as we all navigate life together here in Nolensville. Spring break has already passed, and I hope you had a chance to enjoy some fun activities with your family. If you did, please share your stories and photos with me via email. Your adventures might even be featured in next month’s issue!

The annual Buttercup Festival in Nolensville is scheduled for April 14, and I hope you have marked your calendars for the event. It is one of the town’s most significant community events. It’s sponsored by the Nolensville Historic Merchants and promises to be a fun-filled day for the whole family. Come out and explore the local businesses and eateries while enjoying a day of fun and fellowship with friends and neighbors. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!

As always, all of the issues will have space to spotlight local people doing good in the community. This is your magazine and I care about your thoughts, interests, and what you want to see and read. I encourage all our readers to reach out to me with any ideas to showcase individuals, businesses, schools, or our great non-profit entities that deserve recognition.

As Nolensville Town Life continues to share new and exciting stories in the coming months, I want to thank all our advertisers for their commitment to this community. I trust you will continue to learn about the people of Nolensville and support our local merchants who help make our community special by stopping by for a visit and calling upon their services.

I encourage you to look for the good in people and find ways to help a neighbor. Together, we all make Nolensville the most wonderful place to live. Happy Easter, and see you around town!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9”

Publisher & Editor

Tim Beard

Administration

Managing Editor

Jana Melton

Assistant Editor

Bobbi Byrne

Writers

Diane Ciarloni, Leena Duwadi, Jean Eisenmann, Steve Gamel, Mark Miller, Tara Melton

Advertising Inquiries

tim@nolensvilletownlife.com

Production

Graphic Designers

Cayla Davis

Abby Bryan

Steve Wulf

Randee Paraskevopoulos

Leanne Schulz

Photography

Greg & Jess Photography

Letters

Nolensville Town Life Magazine invites reader feedback, story suggestions and general comments. Email tim@nolensvilletownlife.com

All submissions become the sole property of Brentwood Resource Group, LLC.

Editorial Inquiries

Call 615.347.5180 or email

tim@nolensvilletownlife.com

Address: Brentwood Resource Group, LLC P.O. Box 1025, Nolensville, TN 37135

Nolensville Town Life Magazine is published monthly by Brentwood Resource Group, LLC. Some articles and/or content may be sponsored by advertisers. Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Nolensville Town Life Magazine is not responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. Advertisers and its agencies assume all liability for advertising content. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the permission in writing from the publisher. © 2024 Brentwood Resource Group, LLC

BEST OF

By Debbie Suttmiller photography by Nolensville Town Life

24th A ual

Nolensvi e Historic District

April 14 Noon-6pm

Free Event Sponsored by:

The Historic Downtown Merchants

Festival proceeds support Evelyn Bennett Scholarships & local charities

Main Stage Sponsor:

B u ttercu p Festiva l

For 24 years now, the local historic downtown merchants have given their time and business locations to put on the event. They solely run and organize the entire festival, and it would not be possible without them. It has always been a privilege for business owners to be able to give back to the community that supports them. Debbie Suttmiller, the Chairman, asks that you please pay them a visit, if not on Buttercup Day then very soon.

Nashville Delivers

Live Music

Vendor Booths

Miss Buttercup Pageant

Sam The Balloon Man

Festival Food

Family Fun

Historic Nolensville Buttercup Festival

 Little Miss and Miss Buttercup Pageant behind the Bennett Bed and Breakfast. Starts at 1 pm.

 Also on the stage behind the B&B will be the scholarship awards and the local charity presentations. Two scholarships are given out each year to Nolensville seniors in honor of Miss Evelyn Hyde Bennett, one of the founders of the Buttercup Festival.

 The music stage is on Old Clovercroft Road next to the Toy Shop. There will be live local artists with some amazing music. The music stage is sponsored by Nashville Delivers, and the Music equipment is sponsored by DPV Music.

 The VENDORS. We have an amazing array of handmade, one-of-a-kind, unique artisans. You will find over 75 of them scattered about the festival.

 FOOD TRUCKS! Over 25 food trucks with something for everyone. Tacos, pizza, BBQ, healthy options, unique chef options, handmade ice cream, lemonade, special tea blends, and much more!

 For the Kids: Pony rides/petting zoo, Sam the Balloon Man, face painting, games at the Morton Brittain House, bouncy house at Tommy Dugger’s, and much more!

 The Shops in the Historic District will have specials for your shopping fix.

 Visit Josh Guin and His Fan Fishing Boat!

 The Historic District Atmosphere! Walk around the creek bed, and make your way over to King Street to take in all the historic buildings.

 The Buttercup Festival is a free and fun family occasion, and you are sure to meet a new friend or two!

SUNSET ELEMENTARY PIRATES

Ahoy, mates! Sunset Elementary first graders turned into the most adorable pirates! From eye patches to swords, these little buccaneers brought the spirit of adventure to the classroom.

photo courtesy of WCS

MONTIQUE LUSTER

Congratulations to our Town Recorder, Montique Luster, for being recognized by the Tennessee Association of Municipal Clerks and Recorders in an article highlighting leaders in the industry. Montique serves as the TAMCAR Director for the Middle Tennessee area, and we are PROUD to have her representing our Town at a high level!

photo courtesy of Tennessee Association of Municipal Clerks and Recorders

9TH ANNUAL NOLENSVILLE KIDS TRIATHLON

I’m excited to share that our 9th annual Nolensville Kids Triathlon will be on Sunday, August 4, at the Williamson County Recreation Complex in Nolensville.

photo courtesy of the 9th annual Nolensville Kids Triathlon

NOLENSVILLE SPORTS CARD NIGHT

Did you get drawn back into sports cards recently? Been out of the hobby but curious what’s new in the card world? Your mom threw out your old shoe box collection but looking for something fun to do with your kids now? Mill Creek Brewery, March 22 from 6 - 8pm, free Prizes every 30 minutes – Hosted by Stephen Scarborough/JC Jacks Wax, John Lontoc/Pretty Cool Cards Nashville and Brian Snyder & Caleb Lillard/There Rip With Brian & Caleb. Bring cards to trade, we will have tables with cards and collectibles for sale.

LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL

Nolensville Little League Baseball Opening Night is March 22nd. Mark your calendars and come out for the fun!

NRC GIVES BACK

Nolensville Run Club giving back to our community. Better late than never to announce we raised $225 for the Nolensville Food Pantry in January! Thank you to all those who donated to support those in need in our community. If you missed the chance, don’t worry. Stay tuned for our next volunteeer opportunity coming soon! — with Debbie Noland.

SHREK THE MUSICAL JR

Get Your Shrek Tickets!

Ticket sales will open for Shrek Jr. on March 18, and we are sure to sell out quick!

NOLENSVILLE WALK4WATER

Through a partnership with Healing Hands International, our community is hosting a Walk4Water event in the town of Nolensville. By raising $7,500, we can sponsor the drilling of a well in a place that has no access to clean water. The Walk4Water will be April 20 at 8 am. We will begin in the yard at the Mill Creek Church of Christ next to the Farmer’s Market and walk four miles on the greenways.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

We are so excited to share one of our favorite local businesses with you, NolenSpot. Jonathan Newell is the owner of this unique co-working o ce space. Mama’s Java uses this space for many of our strategic planning meetings and you can even snap a cup of our MJ co ee right o the community co ee station provided. Call Jonathan to rent a space for your personal business whether by yourself or with your team. Secure entry codes are provided for your room and the tables and chairs are a comfortable spot for all your work supplies.

Contact NolenSpot today for your remote business needs.

• Tel: 615-984-7210

• Email: info@NolenSpot.com

• Website: NolenSpot.com

• 7209 Haley Industrial Blvd., Ste. 100, Nolensville, TN 37135

• MAMA’S JAVA March 2024 The Hub where Mama’s unconditional love is infused in our co ee, food and atmosphere. It’s Fun - It’s Love - It’s Inspiring!

• Local Loving Local BAKER’S WINDOWS

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Nolensville High School

How many years have you coached at Nolensville High?

This is my 8th year at Nolensville - hired when the school opened. 13 at Siegel high school prior to NHS.

What are your expectations of the 2024 Team?

We are in a bit of a rebuilding year at NHS. We are going to have to fill many holes from last year’s senior heavy team. We have a crop of players that are eager to show their ability to compete at the high school level. I would expect our team to be very competitive and if we can compete effectively against our district opponents we can compete against any team in the state.

Who are your key Seniors?

Gabe Vazques - signed with Belhaven University - shifting him into a new role as a defender this year.

Cole Puckett - three-year starter in the central midfield. This is going to be a break out year for Cole.

Top players to watch?

Adrian Byassima

Joey Veinbergs - Junior - central defender. Starter since his freshman year. Great size and athleticism.Joey reads the game well and will be key in organizing a new defensive line.

Any new players that will make an impact this year?

Leo Duncan is joining the team from homeschool. Leo is a skilled player that has the potential to improve our ability to possess the ball and can be an attacking presence.

Conor Kasewurm - Sr. Not a new player but a player that will get more opportunities this year as a senior and I believe that Conor is ready to make a mark in district play.

What should fans know about this year’s team?

We should be a fun team to follow. Dynamic attacking players. We will definitely be a work in progress over the course of the season as we develop chemistry. A tough schedule that will push us to improve every game. Schedule includes BGA, Father Ryan, McCallie, Oakland, and Siegel as out of district opponents.

Also anything else you want to say about this year’s team?

Adrian Byassima - signing with Duke - attacking mid or forward - returning leading scorer and 2023 District Player of the Year.

Zach Hudson

Athletic Director/Head Baseball Coach

How many years have you coached at Nolensville High?

I have been the head baseball coach at Nolensville since the school opened in the fall of 2016.

What are your expectations of the 2024 Team?

Our expectations internally this year are very high. We play in an extremely competitive district, and we know that every series will be challenging. Ultimately, our goal is to be playing our best baseball in May.

Who are your key Seniors?

Wes Davis, Dawson Sweeney (Trevecca), Tate Riggs (Columbia St.), Chase Clatur (Murray St.), Nathan Dunworth, Jack Satinoff, Logan Sparrow, and Keagan Meece.

Top players to watch?

In addition to seniors above, Ryan Stein, Bo Holloway, and Evan McElvain

What should fans know about this year’s team?

This year’s team has worked extremely hard, and we look forward to the upcoming spring season. We return a lot of experience, especially on the mound, and we have a good combination of experience and talented underclassmen.

Also anything else you want to say about this year’s team?

We look forward to representing our community this spring. We hope to have a great turnout for our home games!

Nolensville Youth Athletics

Presents The Nolensville Stars (Formerly known as the Nolensville Panthers)

Nolensville Stars Football Camp Registration starts March 1st through April 30th

Camp Dates

May 20th – May 22nd from 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Our mission is to foster the growth and development of football through the promotion of teamwork, discipline, physical fitness, and mental toughness. We are dedicated to providing a safe, fair, and competitive environment where athletes of all ages and backgrounds can learn the fundamentals of the game, develop their skills, and achieve their full potential both on and off the field. We are committed to instilling the values of sportsmanship, respect, and integrity, ensuring that every participant gains life-long lessons and a deep appreciation for the sport. Through our efforts, we aim to contribute positively to our community, enhance the popularity of football, and nurture the next generation of athletes.

615- 818 - 4883

Dumpster rentals long term and short term availability

Locally owned And Debris cleanup

Q & A WITH LUKE PATTON

Nolensville High School’s Softball Coach

How many years have you coached at Nolensville High?

This is my 6th season.

What are your expectations of the 2024 Team?

Last year’s team set the bar very high by finishing 3rd at the State Tournament. Having been to State once, we would love to get back there again, but our main focus is working as hard as we can to be the very best that we can be. As long as we do that, we will have a successful season.

Who are your key Seniors?

• All three of our seniors are returning starters.

• Sydney Dickinson, Maryville University signee, pitcher and 1st baseman (2023 Stats: .374 AVG, 15HR, 52 RBI).

• Kendra McNiel, Vol State signee, catcher and 3rd baseman (.317 AVG, 14 XBH, 31 RBI).

• McKenna Cupit, outfielder (.309 AVG, 24 R, 12 SB).

Top players to watch?

• We have five other returning starters.

• Jaycee Bilbrey, Georgia Southern University commit, junior outfielder (.419 AVG, 26 XBH, 54 R, 23 SB).

• Eva Armstrong, junior second baseman (.403 AVG, 45 R, 27 SB).

• Addi Leichty, junior outfielder (.362 AVG, 5 HR, 20 RBI).

• Lily Dale, junior third baseman and outfielder (.464 OBP, 24 R).

• Lily Dale, junior third baseman and outfielder (.464 OBP, 24 R).

• Lexi Sparkman, sophomore catcher and infielder (.286 AVG, 30 RBI).

What should fans know about this year’s team?

Softball is a fast-paced, high intensity sport, and this year‘s team will be so much fun to watch. They are loud and energetic and have excellent overall speed. They have been working hard since July preparing for this season. We hope fans will come out and support the Lady Knights!

Nolensville Lacrosse TOM

PETIT

There’s nothing I like more than talking about our team and these players. My name is Tom Pettit, and I’ve been the head coach at Nolensville for five years. In 2024, we have the same expectations we have every season. We expect to be playing for a state championship this May. We also expect to be great student athletes on and off the field.

Key seniors

#34

JESSE GARCIA

#26

Newcomers to watch

#4

BRAYDEN OLSEN CARTER HENNINGER

DEFENSE, CAPTAIN GOALIE, SOPHOMORE MIDFIELD, SENIOR

#18 #13 #27

ETHAN WASSERMAN

HADYN GROSS

DEFENSE, CAPTAIN MIDFIELD, JUNIOR

#23

#3

CANON HERALD JAKE MANNING

NATHAN WATERS

DEFENSE, JUNIOR MIDFIELD, CAPTAIN ATTACK, JUNIOR

Top players to watch

We have a great group of players this year. Our strong seniors are great leaders and have elevated ourlevel of play. We have very high expectations this spring and look forward to competing,

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Nolensville Library Shhhhhh!

by Diane Ciarloni | photography by Greg & Jess Photography

Libraries are no longer musty-smelling places with “Quiet!” posters taped to the walls. Modern-day libraries are still learning environments stuffed with books— but with an added dose of vim and vigor.

“Our library is a true community hub,” said Takita Caster, branch manager of the Nolensville Public Library. “We have activities for kids, from babies on up. That includes Baby Play Dates and Toddler Story Time. Preschool playtime and Reading Paws with Rosie are also very popular. I think developing the programs for the much younger kids is the main reason we’ve seen a significant increase in grandparents visiting the library with their grandchildren.”

The Nolensville Library has plenty of space to accommodate the monthly meeting of the Nolensville Pushers quilter’s group and the Nolensville Needlers knitter’s group that meets every Friday. The library also schedules special activities for holidays such as Christmas, and they’re always open to considering new activity suggestions.

Takita truly believes in literacy and the value of books. “We’ve gone far beyond a boring and gloomy place where someone walks around shushing people. Instead, this is where we want everyone to come. Everyone, with their various talents, is welcome to come and begin their adventures!”

And, if you don’t have talents, there’s a good chance you may pick up one or two at 915 Oldham Drive. Takita is true to her words. She’s from Nashville, lives in Murfreesboro, and looks forward to the pleasant drive to and from Nolensville each day. She works hard to make the library, which is part of the Williamson County Public Library system, a living entity that grows and changes through its activities and offerings. More than 10,000 books, including e-books and audiobooks, fill the shelves. Computers and WiFi services are available. TEL is part of the online services you can gain access to from the WilliamsonCounty Public Library website.

Planted in the heart of Nolensville, the library was “born” in a small wooden building in the mid-20th century. Nolensville’s Summer Reading Program has provided a huge educational boost for thousands of children.

If you haven’t already done so, ask for the Red Book the next time you visit. The name references its red covers, which hold together the history of Nolensville from 1797 to 1987. Written and assembled by resident Peggy Wilson, the Red Book cannot leave the library, but you can read it on-site. Take the time. It’s fascinating, and you’re likely to meet some of your ancestors, silently compressed between those red covers.

“No one goes without food in Nolensville, even in the tough times of COVID-19,” Debbie Noland said with determined conviction.

Nolensville Food Pantry depends on Debbie and the weekly crew of volunteers to keep the shelves stocked in the two-story, barn kit building. She’s done her job for 13 years with fierce resolve for the pantry that had been a ministry of the Providence Baptist Church but is now a stand-alone 501(c)3.

“Everything started in a tiny space that we seemed to out-grow overnight,” Debbie said. “We started out in a closet in a member’s garage, and we’ve grown to a two-story storage building. We’re in a good spot today, able to serve 111 families a week this past year.”

Second Harvest, a huge food bank in Nashville, supplies some of the food. Publix and House of Bread in Nolensville give bread, rolls, and more, and other stores donate items about to expire. “Redemption City Church Farm and local farmers provide fresh vegetables every summer,” Debbie said. There are residents who make sure pet food is available, too.

The Pantry received or purchased 255,000 pounds, and 49,000 pounds of that was donated by Nolensville residents.

“We have everything nicely arranged and displayed because we want this to be a happy and caring experience for the families we serve. We know it takes only a heartbeat to fall on tough times. It can happen to all of us.”

Those at the pantry make no judgments about any of the people they help. “That’s the last thing they need,” she said. “Instead, they need love and hugs. We make a point to always have

No One Goes Hungry in

by Diane Ciarloni | photography by Greg & Jess Photography

laughter at the pantry. It’s especially difficult for people making their first visit, and we can soften their negative emotions if we make it just a normal, pleasant experience.”

First-time visitors never know what the Food Pantry may have for them. “Sure, they trust we’ll have all the basics — the staples that go into their pantries,” Debbie said. We also offer meat; household supplies such as toilet paper, soap, detergent, shampoo, and cleaning supplies; and personal hygiene items.

“We also have an area for odds and ends,” she said. “Surprises like a box of 2024 Taylor Swift calendars I picked up. How long do you think those lasted? They went like hot cakes! We refer to this area as the Marketplace, and everything is set up under tents.”

Each family can select several items from the Marketplace. Each family also gets two full bags of food and household items, including diapers, from the pantry.

“The entire project works like a well-oiled machine, supported by the most amazing group of volunteers in the world,” Debbie said. “Something else amazing is we only pay for approximately 40 percent of the thousands of pounds of food we distribute. Our portion last year came to $68,000.”

Scheduled food distributions are every Thursday, 8-11 am. There are exceptions for anyone needing something specific.

“COVID was hard on us, just like it was on everyone else, but not one person in Nolensville went hungry,” Debbie said. “Our residents stepped up and kept the pantry full. That wasn’t surprising because that’s the spirit of this town. We honestly look out for our neighbors. Hardships such as COVID are one of the primary reasons we get to know the families we serve and learn

“Our residents stepped up and kept the pantry full. That wasn’t surprising because that’s the spirit of this town. We honestly look out for our neighbors.”

how to contact them. We never want to overlook someone in an emergency.”

Christmas is another unforgettable experience! “Last year we had 600 kids to be ‘adopted.’ We put out a call for donations, and it was hard to believe how toys and other gifts came rolling in! And all 600 kids were adopted in less than two weeks. Their parents come in to do the shopping.”

The pantry also delivers food every Thursday to the kids in our six schools. “We want to know they have food for the two days at home. We know we’ll have an increase this summer in the number of families we serve because the kids will be out of school. Last year we averaged serving 85 families per week at this time, and this year we are averaging 105. We don’t anticipate the numbers going down, but we’ll be here to serve them.”

Debbie says her husband Kenny is her righthand man. “He’s always on the move delivering to the schools, picking up bread — whatever needs to be done.”

That “whatever needs to be done” attitude is what ensures that with the food pantry in town, no one in Nolensville will ever go hungry.

1668 Sunset Rd. (Next to Providence Baptist church office.)

615.752.5941