A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE DECEMBER 2016
Merry Christmas
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YOUR SUMNER | DECEMBER 2016 . VOLUME II– ISSUE 12
FEATURES
38
10th Annual St. Nicholas Ball Festive Fundraiser Gives Back to Sumner County
40
A Little Something Extra Making Life Easier During the Holidays
51
Our Holiday Favorites With YOUR Staff!
52
Days Gone By A White House Christmas: An American Tradition
ON THE COVER A Merry Christmas card from Robertson Media Group, Your Sumner & Your Williamson:The Magic that is Christmas Henry Deese and Keeling Birdsong catch a glimpse of Santa Claus! Photography by Adam Sanner, Decor Styling by Always in Bloom, Clothing courtesy of It’s Vintage Baby
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from the Publisher
14 Your Social Secretary
18 19 20 22 26 28 30 32
Beauty Junkie with Julie Jorgensen Your Best Self with Connie Haley Effortless Style with Katie Rushton Let’s Get Physical with Alison Kanaby A Spirited Conversation with City Winery Styling Your Everyday with Katie Jacobs 5 Sense Living with Lauryn Gilliam Eat, Drink & Be Merry with Chef’s Market
Socially Yours
66
Your “Bone” Vivant with Ollie Pup
Did You Know?
36 SOCIAL
16
Mistletoe Market
24 Your Community Partner Gallatin’s Shop With A Cop Holiday Program 36 Up the Road Best Christmas Road Trips 48 In Your Backyard Ringing In the New Year In Sumner County 50 Your Charitable Self Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. 60 Your Kids with Ginger Jones 62 Your Education with Sumner County Schools
21 Tinsel & Treasures 23 Portland Harvest Craft Show & Sale 27 Christmas Tree Elegance & Auction 35 Appalachian Christmas Dinner 45 Christmas at Cragfont
28 42 44 47 54
A Southern Gentleman Is... with Rocky McElhaney Keeping Score Bowl Games 101 The Lady Entertains with Krista Ehret From Our House to Yours Vintage Holiday Decor at Historic Sumner County Sites 64 Arts & Culture Holiday Happenings
46 Jingle Mingle
32
49 Light Up Night 61
Vol State Homecoming
63 Artists & Artisans Studio Tour
BUSINESS
LIFESTYLE
15
17
COMMUNITY
10
56 Your Real Estate with Sumner County Association of Realtors 57 The Scoop Sumner County in the News 58 Welcome New Business: Ribbon Cuttings with Sumner County Chambers of Commerce 59 We’re In the Money with Jonathan Walker
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Your Williamson is a publication of Robertson Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or whole, without written permission from the publisher, is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Your Williamson or Robertson Media Group, LLC, its employees, and/or it’s representatives. All information printed in this publication or online, is compiled in such a way as to insure accuracy. However, Your Williamson and Robertson Media Group, LLC and its agents, assume no liability and/or responsibility for the accuracy of claims in advertisements, articles, photographs etc. published directly or submitted.
MONTHLY | Publisher’s Letter
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Dear Readers, With a joyous heart filled with gratitude and the blessings of the celebration of the birth of our Lord during this holy season: Merry Christmas to our readers, clients, friends and community as a whole. May this issue of Your Williamson and Your Sumner be our Christmas card to you! Enjoy this festive time of year with gladness of heart and the spirit of the season and the true meaning of Christmas surrounding you. We thank you for an amazing year and we cannot wait to share more of your community and “Distinctively
Southern Places” with you in 2017! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Shelly, Johnny, Keeling & Bo Birdsong and all of us at Robertson Media Group, Your Williamson and Your Sumner Magazines! Anna, Ron, Cat, Tracey, Caitlin, Morgan, Andrea, Hollie, Annie, Krista, Kathy, Adam, Rachel, Haley, Erica L., Kaila, Melissa, Braden, Erica B., Steve, Hillary, Chip, Lauryn, Connie, Katie J., Ginger, Julie, Alison, Daisy, Doug, Katie R., Rocky, Jim and Ollie!
Santa Claus and Keeling Birdsong My yearly tradition to leave you - this most beloved of Christmas letters, filled with meaning we can all share and draw from. Enjoy!
On Sept. 21, 1897, The New York Sun published what was to become the most widely read letter to a newspaper. 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon, who lived with her parents in Manhattan, sent it. Below is the full text of that letter and the reply by Sun editorial writer Francis Parcells Church. Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus? Virginia O’Hanlon, 115 W. 95th St. Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole truth and knowledge. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist,
and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished. Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing
on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world. You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world, which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God he lives and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10 thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Your Sumner Magazine Celebrates One Year!
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Brought to you by the publishers of YOUR Williamson – A Distinctively Southern Place Published by Robertson Media Group, LLC • Custom Publishing & Integrated Marketing Services • Franklin, Tennessee
YOUR CONTRIBUTORS
LAURYN GILLIAM
KRISTA EHRET
The Lady Entertains yoursouthernsoiree.com Krista is an event designer and co-owner of Southern Soiree, a full service event and wedding planning company. She also enjoys bringing beauty into everyday life.
KATIE JACOBS
5 Sense Living
Lauryn is a seeker of fun, student of life and lover of exploring mindful ways to enlist the 5 senses in all her experiences. Her column takes us on a sensory tour of all things arts, culture and dining.
GINGER JONES
Styling My Everyday stylingmyeveryday.com
Your Kids jonestherapyservices.com
Katie is a graphic designer, photographer and stylist. She is the art director and creator of stylingmyeveryday.com, a food and lifestyle blog with a focus on styling, entertaining and DIY.
Ginger is a Speech-Language Pathologist and the owner of Jones Therapy Services, which provides speech-language, occupational, and physical therapy in 7 locations across Middle and East Tennessee.
JIM AND CHERYL HAGY
Your Best Self conniehaleylifecoaching.com
Jim and Cheryl are the owners of Chef’s Market in Goodlettsville. They offers catering and take-away options, from formal corporate galas to casual inoffice get-togethers and outdoor affairs.
Connie is a certified life coach that specializes in helping people love the life they have and from there, create the life they always envisioned. She will show readers ways to find peace and calm.
JULIE JORGENSEN
ALISON KANABY
Beauty Junkie
Julie is our go-to gal for all things beauty - She scouts out the best deals and the best beauty tricks around. She treats readers to some hilarious insight into the world of what it takes to be fabulous!
ROCKY MCELHANEY
JONATHAN WALKER
Rocky was born and raised in East Tennessee. He is a high-profile injury lawyer, NFL Sports Agent and little league baseball coach. He and his wife Penny live at Birmingham Farm in Gallatin with their three sons and daughter, where they fall into bed each night, exhausted.
Jonathan is a Certified Financial Planner™, and passionate about financial planning. His focus is to help clients achieve peace concerning their financial well-being by helping them accomplish their planning goals and objectives.
The Southern Gentleman Is...
12 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
CONNIE HALEY
Eat, Drink & Be Merry chefsmarket.com
We’re in the Money paulwalker.net
Let’s Get Physical runningmama2016. wordpress.com
Alison is a family practice physician, marathon runner, swimmer and a fun-loving mother of three. Alison will be bringing advice and tips on health and fitness.
OLLIE PUP
Your “Bone” Vivant Ollie Pup is a 1-year-old, handsome, brindle boxer who loves to get out and about at festivals! He enjoys meeting new people and also going to work with his Momma. Ollie is the dog about town and will keep you in the know with his monthly column as Your “Bone” Vivant in Your Williamson and Your Sumner!
i g f t e o i g f t h e f o t h f M t e M e v v i i uussiicc G G Nashville Symphony Tickets Make Great Stocking Stuffers
BRIAN McKNIGHT
Ha ndel’s
MESSI A H
An Evening with Holidays & Hits
Nashville Symphony & Chorus
dec. 15 to 18
dec. 21
HOLST’S THE PLANETS AN HD ODYSSEY
jan. 5 to 7
AEGIS
SCIENCES FOUNDATION EST. 2013
Jan. 20 20 jan.
jan. 12 to 15
IN THE MOOD AMERICA’S FAVORITE BIG BAND MUSICAL
VALENTINE’S WITH & THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY
& THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY
feb. 2 to 4
FEB. 12
FEB. 14 & 15
615.687.6400 • NashvilleSymphony.org
MONTHLY | Your Social Secretary
YOUR SOCIAL SECRETARY DEC
10
DEC
12
JAN
22
Here are just a few events to add to your Social Calendar this month. Visit YourSumner.com for more events.
St. Nicholas Ball
GET CONNECTED We shared a sneak peek at the gorgeous decor by Always in Bloom, Inc. for our holiday photo shoot!
Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club | 6pm holidayfesttn.org
The 10th Annual St. Nicholas Ball is the social event of the season! Guests will enjoy live entertainment, a seated Christmas dinner, silent auction and fun surprises. Elegant and special - and a great way to make your holiday fun!
Christmas 4 Kids Bus Tour
Hendersonville Walmart | 5pm | christmas4kids.org
The Christmas 4 Kids Bus Tour Show features buses from some of today’s top artists, whose drivers graciously open their doors. For a small donation, fans can see what the artists’ home-away-from-home is really like. The best part is you never know who you’re going to meet! There will be 20-30 recording artists there to meet fans and sign autographs.
Sumner County Bridal Show
EPIC Event Centre | 12pm | sumnerbridalshow.com
The 5th Sumner County Bridal Show exists to expose, showcase and support the ever-growing options for events and weddings, right here in Sumner County! Meet face to face with the vendors, lounge in the limos, sit in the tents, taste wedding cakes, sample appetizers and register to win valuable wedding necessities!
The Bridal Issue COMING NEXT MONTH Our winter issue covers all things bridal from the engagement to the honeymoon and all the special moments in between!
Content Deadline January 10
Contact sales@yoursumner.com to advertise 14 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
It’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it! Our little CEO, Keeling, checking out the new issues as they get delivered off the truck.
MONTHLY | Socially Yours
GETTING IT RIGHT HOLIDAY NOTES & CARDS COURTESY OF EMILYPOST.COM
HOLIDAY GREETINGS: A LITTLE HISTORY Holiday cards are hardly a recent phenomenon. In 1822 the U.S. Superintendent of Mails complained that he had to hire sixteen additional carriers to handle the December deliveries and petitioned Congress to limit the practice. (Fat chance!) Britain holds the honors for the first commercially printed card, commissioned in 1843 from artist John Calcott Horsley by Sir Henry Cole, who was looking for a tasteful card to send to friends. Wishing “A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to You,” a thousand cards were printed. The idea caught on and by the 1860s printed cards were big business, featuring both seasonal and religious themes. No matter what you celebrate, the holidays are a time when many make an effort to stay in touch. Here are a few of the etiquette issues that may arise when participating in this seasonal correspondence. IS IT RUDE TO SEND NON-CHRISTIAN FRIENDS CARDS? No, but stick to cards that offer the message “Seasons Greetings” or “Happy New Year”- with no religious figures, messages or symbols on them. These are appropriate for a wide range of friends and acquaintances. Sending seasonal greetings goes beyond any particular religious holiday, and it’s long been an accepted practice to wish one’s friends well at least once a year. Sending a card early in the new year can also de-emphasize the religious aspect of the season. IS IT OKAY TO EMAIL MY HOLIDAY GREETINGS INSTEAD OF MAILING CARDS? Sure. The electronic version of the traditional card is definitely greener and less expensive. Since your goal is to reach everyone in
your address book, keep a few points in mind: • Send e-cards to those friends and relatives who actually use e-mail. • Write your message as you would a traditional card. • Limit the size of attachments to 1MB or smaller. • Keep other recipients’ info private by using the “Bcc” feature. • Use a personal rather than a work addresses. IS IT NECESSARY TO WRITE THANK-YOU NOTES TO FAMILY MEMBERS? A thank you note is appreciated, but a note isn’t needed if you’ve thanked someone in person. If you receive gifts from family members you won’t see to thank in person, write a thank you note, both to let them know their gift arrived and that you liked it. Older relatives may expect a written note even if thanks were given in person. WHAT ABOUT AN EMAILED THANK-YOU NOTE FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS? While it may be all right if you and the giver email each other frequently, it’s still no substitute for a handwritten note. Thanking the person the old-fashioned way will emphasize how much the gift means to you. Socially Yours is YOUR Magazine’s monthly column with advice, tips and tricks for staying polite, socially acceptable and always mannerly for the busy community socialite, from the expert on all things mannerly. “The standards of etiquette that Emily Post established with her seminal book Etiquette in 1922, are timeless. Though times have changed, the principles of good manners remain constant. Above all, manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. Being considerate, respectful, and honest is more important than knowing which fork to use. Whether it’s a handshake or a fistbump, it’s the underlying sincerity and good intentions of the action that matter most.” The Emily Post Institute
Be sure to visit our store and www.onceuponatimebyamy.com to shop online and be the first to see all our new arrivals!
Once Upon a Time... 615.264.0404 1050 Glenbrook Way – Suite 440 Hendersonville, TN 37075
SOCIAL | Mistletoe Market
Story & Photography by Melissa DelRossi The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) of Hendersonville hosted the Mistletoe Market shopping event at Merrol Hyde Magnet School in Hendersonville. Full of talented, local artistry, the market featured boutique businesses, gourmet foods, fashion, home décor and of course, Christmas gifts. Proceeds went to support the GFWC of Hendersonville with their continuing efforts and dedication to the improvement of their community. For more information about the GFWC of Hendersonville, visit hendersonvillewomansclub.org.
Rosemary Vickery & Sherri Taggert
Mary Henry, Linda O’Connell & Kathy Chaney
Ashleigh Stratton, Avery & Brenda Maynor
Kristi Reid, CJ & Anne Wood
Sharon Pace
Chris Ronen, Janet Richardson, Tana Sowell & Lana Robinson
Debbie Meyer, Michelle Barry & Melissa Brown
Tracy Miller
Christi Sperlich, Shannon Reich & Kamera Stewart
Bobbie Schorsten & Evelyn Botts
Melissa Page, Danette Flowers & Joan Sipe
Lex, Andrew, Diane, Lily & Lana Armstrong
16 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
Rommy Kirby
Lois & Jeff Key
Amy Graves & Heather Short
Derek Williamson
MONTHLY | Your “Bone” Vivant
Bone
Vivant
Santa Paws is Coming to Town! Hello there, SC Dog Lovers! Guess what, pup-lovin’ folks? Santa Paws is coming soon! My Momma has been telling me all about him and that if I am a good boy I will get more treats and toys this year from Santa Paws. I promise, I am trying to be the best boxer boy Momma could ask for and I can’t wait for Santa Paws to come and bring me (and my sister…) presents! There are so many treats and toys I want! Did I mention treats? And toys? So don’t forget us pups this Christmas when you are out shopping. Here are some of my favorites that I am pretty sure all doggies - young and old - would love to get in their stocking or wrapped up under the Christmas tree! Specialty Treats - DIY healthy dog treats. While you are making Christmas cookies, make some homemade goodies for your fur babies. There are a lot of recipes online to choose from and you may even find a local dog bakery in the area. Grooming Products - You love us to smell good and we love to smell good, because then you hug on us more! Get us some great new bathing items, waterless shampoos and doggy cologne sprays. Fashionable Items - Some of us pups get cold in the winter months and really love to wear comfy sweaters and coats. We may even strut a little if it’s a good looking fashion piece, so get us some new digs to wear this season. Toys - You just can’t go wrong with new toys! Stuffed toys, rope toys, tennis balls - any and all toys! Bones - A lot of pups love dog bones, so that is always a great gift to get. Make sure they are high quality bones that will not splinter or soften after chewing. Talk with your vet or a pet store consultant about the best products to get for your pup. Wiggle bottom and slobbery smooches to you and yours! Ollie Pup See more of Ollie and his adventures at facebook.com/OlliePupBoxer, or Twitter @OlliePupBoxer and #OlliePup
LIFESTYLE | Beauty Junkie
NOT NEW, BY JULIE JORGENSEN
Okay, everyone - take a deep breath. Yes, the holidays are upon us. Yes, everyone is running ninety-to-nothin’ this time of year. Yes, many (if not all) of us end up feeling frazzled and caught between the do-everything-for-everyone holiday season and the reinvent-yourself resolution frenzy that accompanies the start of a new year. Well, guess what, friends? I’m giving you permission to drop out of that tired old scenario. The close of one year and the start of the next is always a great opportunity for a fresh start, but I’m completely over the whole “new year, new you” concept. You’re just perfectly fine as you are, you beautiful thing. I prefer to approach this time of year not as a reminder that I need to indulge and then punish myself, but rather to educate myself and edit my choices along the way - the holiday season notwithstanding. Ready to feel more enlightened and less frazzled? Good. Here we go. Taking time for ourselves during the seasonal hubbub is essential, and there’s no need to wait until after the holidays. So let’s first and foremost resolve to take the periodical time-out to recharge and rest. Some of my favorite ways to do just that include getting a fabulous manicure, indulging in a great massage, and dropping into a soothing and reflective yoga class. A perennial favorite for my tips and toes is the upbeat yet no-televisions-allowed Nail Bar, and Massage Envy is my go-to for whatever massage I need at the moment. I always ask for deep-tissue or a pressure-point massage, and the sweet receptionists can always accommodate my request. Also - and hooray for the local yoga community - a myriad of amazing yoga teachers and classes await to accommodate our holiday-season stress! There are numerous yoga studios in the area that offer a full gamut of amazing classes of all levels. If y’all would rather throw around some heavy stuff and have one heck of a sweaty good time in the process, check out some of the high intensity and strength workout studios in the area. As the cold weather settles in for the season, it’s essential to “resolve” to care for your skin, regardless of how exhausted you are at bedtime. First and foremost: wash your face at night. No excuses. Find a gentle cleanser that will take the day off without stripping vital moisture. YonKa and Beautycounter both rock. Shoot, even coconut oil will work in a pinch. Products with hyaluronic acid are also a beauty junkie’s best friend this time of year. Naturally existing in the human body, hyaluronic acid attracts and holds an exponential amount of water 18 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
compared to its molecular weight. Translation: soothing hydration without irritation. Look for a serum containing this powerhouse ingredient, like Perricone MD Blue Plasma Gentle Daily Peel or e-dermis H2O-Peptide Serum. But brace yourself if you choose the Blue Plasma. The smell is, well, off-putting, to put it nicely. And don’t forget: serum is applied after cleanser, onto a damp face, and before your moisturizer or sunscreen. Finally, friends, promise me you’ll “resolve” to let it go and be nice to yourself. No time for a spray tan before the big office party? Throw on some shimmer powder and let it go. A late meeting or the kids’ schedules kept you from hitting the salon for a blowout? Boost up on some dry shampoo and let it go. Feeling like you have to be all things to all people? Trust that you’re doing your best and let it go. The kinder we are to ourselves, the more we’re able to fully enjoy the season, instead of holding ourselves to an unattainable standard. And that is just as beautiful as can be. Happy Holidays! Love, The Beauty Junkie
B U Y I N G GU I DE
YonKa: Artistry Spa and Salon, Franklin; Wax Nashville, East Nashville
Beautycounter: beautycounter.com Perricone MD: Sephora e-dermis: Skin MB, Nashville
LIFESTYLE | Your Best Self
HOW TO REALLY ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS BY CONNIE HALEY
“In today’s rush, we all think too much, seek too much, want too much and forget the joy of just Being.” - Eckhart Tolle The holidays are here. The activity levels increase. The “to-do” lists multiply. The pursuit of perfection surges. We morph our multitasking abilities into high gear. In the attempt to create an amazing holiday experience, however, we often lose our connection with the present moment. We aren’t aware of what we are feeling or even thinking. We focus so much on what we need to get done that the small gifts of the present - an unexpected kind gesture, a loved one’s smile, the starry night sky, can go unnoticed. In essence, in the process of creating a beautiful memory, we can miss the beauty that is right under our noses. One solution to this dilemma is to slow down and practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is simply the practice of bringing our attention to the present moment, without judgment. We can do this as a deliberate habit or anytime we have a sense of overwhelm. The benefits are well documented and include a reduction in stress related physical and mental ailments: tight muscles, digestive issues, headaches, irritability and sadness, to name a few. HERE ARE THREE EASY WAYS TO BRING MINDFULNESS TO THE HOLIDAYS THIS YEAR: • In the midst of any activity, quiet your mind, focus on your breath and engage your senses: smell what is cooking, see the beauty of nature around you, feel the skin of a child’s hand, listen to the sounds around you. Just be still and notice. • Spend five minutes in the evening and write down things that delighted you during the day. The positive emotions evoked will refocus your mind on your blessings and prepare you for a restful night’s sleep.
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• Schedule relaxation time in the day. It could be 20 minutes of reading, taking a walk, or having lunch with a friend. Whatever restores your energy will enable you to be more present when you get back on the holiday fast track. Incorporating mindfulness into the busy holiday season doesn’t need to be difficult, just deliberate. The gift of presence to yourself and your loved ones is a gift that is greatly appreciated and won’t need a gift receipt! May you and your families have the happiest of holidays and cherish the little things that make a big difference this year! Be You. No Apologies. Connie
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LIFESTYLE | Effortless Style
What to Wear to a Holiday Party BY KATIE RUSHTON
Little Black Dress A black dress is a perfect option and one that you may already have in your closet. A black dress is especially nice if you have to go to a party straight from the office. You don’t have to worry about having to take another outfit to change into. Just wear to work with a blazer and shed the blazer for the party. Then add some fun statement jewelry like this fun sparking collar necklace.
Black Pants Another great day to night option is a fun top with a pair of black pants. You can do a top that can be worn to both work and your party, or you can do a top that is more of a statement. Velvet is big this season, and we love this velvet Alice + Olivia top. It’s the perfect piece for a holiday party outfit. 20 YOURSUMNER.COM | DECEMBER 2016
The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year! Preparing for the holidays always involves shopping for gifts for everyone on our list. However, most of us have to find time to shop for ourselves as well, as we have to make sure we have the perfect outfit for all the holiday parties and other celebrations of the season. Since this time of year is stressful enough for all of us, we wanted to share some of our favorite go-to looks for your upcoming holiday parties and events. Make sure to stop by effortlesstyle.com, for more great tips on putting together the perfect holiday outfits!
Sequins and anything that shimmers are also perfect options for your holiday parties. There is no better time than the holidays to pull out your sequins and metallic pieces that you already have in your closet. Whether you go head-to-toe shimmer or just a little touch here or there, you are sure to look great!
Sequins and Shimmer
All of the above are great options for your office holiday party or your parties with friends and family. However, we couldn’t leave out the Ugly Christmas Sweater parties, as several of us will be invited to at least one of these fun events this year. The great thing about an Ugly Christmas Sweater party is that you really don’t have to sweat your look. The uglier...the better! Don’t have an ugly sweater or don’t have time to go digging for the perfect one at Goodwill? No problem. This season several retailers are carrying their own version. This beauty can be found at Belk.
Christmas Sweaters
Sponsored Event
SOCIAL | Tinsel & Treasures
Story & Photography by Erica Brown The Gallatin square was full of Santa’s helpers shopping for the holidays and the square's small business owners did not disappoint as they opened their doors for a special weekend of fun Christmas shopping at the 45th Annual Tinsel & Treasures. Boutique clothing, one-of-a-kind artwork and reclaimed furniture were some of the many delightful items to purchase at the dozens of Gallatin shops that were open for this two-day holiday event. For more information about Tinsel & Treasures, visit gallatintn.org.
Kayla West
Carmella Calhoun
Lia Kelly
Maddie & Michelle Piper, Lilly & Brandie Kittrell
Jamie Zimish
Tiffany & James Brown
Raymond Gregory
Patti Hall
Tim O’Leary
Megan Gill
Lilo Denny & Kathy Wilson
Heather Parker
Lee Annes
Deanna Martin
Laura & Abigail Gornicki
DECEMBER 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 21
LIFESTYLE | Let’s Get Physical
EXERCISE
AND THE HOLIDAYS BY ALISON KANABY, D.O.
Exercise and the holidays seem like very contradictory words. But they don’t have to be! For a lot of people, the holidays represent a time to overindulge in food, drinks, spend a lot of time sitting on the couch and much more. But why? During the holiday season, there are only a couple of days that are the actual holiday. People use this time of year as an excuse to over-consume holiday foods and under-indulge in exercise. Let’s work on staying on track. The main goal is to stay focused on continuing your exercise through the holiday season. As a person who travels a lot due to family living in another state, I totally understand how hard it is to keep up with your exercise routine during this time. I also realize that being dedicated to my sport means year-long dedication, not just part of the year. So, holidays or not, I am making sure that I am getting it done. One of the things that my husband and I do is research the area where we will be staying, looking for any greenways, local running groups or indoor swimming facilities so we can keep up with our normal routine. When I visit family in New York, I now have a local running group I meet with to get my runs in, and also have found an indoor swimming facility so I can keep up with my swimming while I am away. It’s a simple Google search so you can keep your routine. Wherever you go, it is likely that you will find a group of people, a gym, a facility and/or a local park that will allow you to keep up with your schedule. Sticking with a routine is key during the holidays. Because it sure can be easy to drift away amidst the craziness of the holidays. Remember that exercise is also a great way to combat stress! Holidays equal stress - there is no two ways about that. Of course the holidays are a happy time, but they are also a very crazy time where there is a lot of hustle and bustle to keep up with. Keeping in mind that exercise is a great way to de-stress yourself from your hectic holiday schedule can make 22 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
it a lot easier to deal with. I find that if I miss even one day of exercise, my stress level increases substantially. So keeping up with my routine is very important - and my family is very grateful for that! Exercise releases endorphins, the “happy hormone,” in your brain that helps combat anxiety and stress. Who doesn’t need some happiness added to their brain in a healthy way during the holidays? And, exercise also gives you energy. During the holidays it can be easy to stay up late preparing food, shopping, wrapping presents, etc. Taking 30-60 minutes three to five days a week will provide you an ample supply of energy to get all this done. One great way to get yourself motivated is to set a goal. No matter where your ability is, you can set a simple goal which is to exercise 30 minutes, three days a week, or walk a mile, or even walk/run a 5K. There are so many possibilities! When you set a goal, it makes you accountable and responsible for all that you do during the holidays. It may make you think twice about deciding to sit on the couch rather than go out for your walk or run or swim. You will not regret getting up and moving, trust me. There are a lot of local 5Ks in the area, which gives plenty of opportunity for you to walk or run with a goal-oriented mindset. If you need a goal that is a little later in the year, the YMCA Frostbite 5K/10K is December 31st. What a great way to end your year, and there is even a 1-mile fun run for kids. These types of races are fun for all and can also be a great example to your children by including them. Exercise during the holidays can and should be top on your priority list this season. Feel good this holiday season by keeping exercise in your schedule and combating the craziness of the holiday season. You will be thanking me later!
SOCIAL | Portland Harvest Craft Show & Sale Story & Photography by Melissa DelRossi The City of Portland Parks and Recreation hosted the 43rd Annual Portland Harvest Craft Show and Sale. Held at Richland Park Gym, the event featured handmade crafts from local shops, face painting, food vendors and door prizes. It was a great opportunity to kick off holiday shopping and support local businesses. Highlighted at the event was the Historic Cold Springs School House, built in 1857, and part of the Tennessee Civil War Trails, located in Richland Park. To learn more about the school visit coldspringsschool.com. For more information about Portland’s Annual Harvest Craft Show, visit cityofportlandtn.gov.
Inez Smelcer & Carolyn Meadors Linda Napier
David McDeid, DeWayne & Cynthia Law
Tammy Groves & Heather Pascarella
Michelle & Myla Bradley
Amy & Brooklyn Wimberly
Cory Gregory
Jamie & Kellie Williams with Melissa & Hadleigh Gregory, Pam Scrugg George & Brooks
Sumner County
Bridal Show
Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 Noon to 4:00pm EPIC Event Centre
392 W Main Street Gallatin, Tennessee Presented by the Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce, EPIC Event Centre, & Chef Christopher's Catering
Planning your
BIG DAY? Let our wedding experts help you plan your perfect day!
Registration is now open at: sumnerbridalshow.com Contact: 6154524000
COMMUNITY | Your Community Partner
GALLATIN’S SHOP WITH A COP PROGRAM GIVES HUNDREDS A BRIGHTER CHRISTMAS BY HOLLIE DEESE
For many local children, Christmas brings a bounty of gifts, sweets and treats. But for the many local children whose families struggle to provide the basic daily necessities, many Christmas extras are most likely out of reach. But with the help of the Gallatin Police Department (GPD) and Gallatin Fire Department (GFD) they are able to get some of those extras. Each year, the police department organizes Shop with a Cop and Firefighter at the Gallatin Walmart to help families who might not be able to provide Christmas gifts for their children. According to the Center for Disease Control the number of children living in poverty in Sumner County is 15 percent, based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Police officer Janell Wilson has been with the GPD since she moved to Sumner County from New York in 2001. She has been involved with the organization’s Shop with a Cop and Firefighter event since she arrived and says the need from the community for the program has always been great. “The kids come with a list of items they need for Christmas, and lots of times the kids will put on that list items for family members, brothers and sisters, that they’d like to get them for Christmas too,” Janell says. “We’re usually pretty good about being able to get them everything on their list. Sometimes kids need jackets or clothes or other things that they need, but there are toys too.” Each year 100-200 children arrive at the store with a list of items, and either a police officer like Wilson, a firefighter with the GFD or someone else from the community walks them through the store to shop for their presents. And with so many shoppers the day is all hands on deck. 24 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
SHOP WITH A COP To make a contribution, contact Lt. Lamar Ballard at 615-452-1313. To volunteer or assist the children Christmas shopping at Shop with a Cop, contact Misty Blanton at 615-452-1313.
“That day everybody usually meets in the back and you’ll have the police department, the fire department, we have some EMS guys that show up,” Janell says. “Last year we had the girls’ softball team from Vol State come out, the entire team. And we get individual volunteers that come in and help. You don’t ever know exactly who you’re going to have or how many you’re going to have until that day.” Local businesses and individuals make donations to fund the event, and in addition the GPD hosts the annual Santa Classic golf tournament each November, cosponsored by Long Hollow Golf Course and the GFD. This year, more than $7,000 was raised at the tournament, buoyed by full participation thanks to the unseasonably warm weather.
“We had so many teams this year that we had to turn some away,” she says. “Most of the people in the area are aware of the program because we’ve been doing it for so long.” Proceeds from the classic not only benefit the Shop with a Cop program to help hundreds of area children, local veterans and nursing home residents without families are also given gifts to make the holidays a little more joyful. “The police department is big in the community,” says Janell. “This is just something else that we do for the community to help. There’s a lot of kids out there that aren’t able to get a lot of the things other people get. This just allows them to have a good Christmas and get those things that they do need.”
Holiday
Wine Pairing
with
2014 MUSIC CITY PINOT NOIR
Rich aromas of raspberry, blackberry and baking spices dominate in this Pinot noir from the Carneros region in California. The subtle spiciness on the palate, along with the silky tannins on the finish, make this Pinot distinctly bold, yet still approachable and fruit-forward. This is a food-friendly wine, versatile because of its acidity, fruit component and softness. Pairing well with casseroles, stews and major meat courses (duck, turkey, ham). Because of its fruit base, it can also be served with fish and roast chicken.
2015 CENTENNIAL CHARDONNAY This holiday season, impress your family & guests with your knowledge of wine pairings! City Winery Nashville’s Beverage Director Jenelle Engleson breaks down five of her favorite wines for food pairing this holiday season.
City Winery is Nashville’s only urban winery, concert venue, restaurant/bar and private event space. Whether your holiday feast is traditional with all the trimmings or modernized with vegan options, there’s a wine pairing for all. City Winery produces locally-made wine right in the heart of downtown Nashville and even sells wine on Sundays.
WANT TO LEARN MORE? PURCHASE TICKETS TO:
Home for the Holidays: Wine Tasting WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14TH Enjoy an exclusive tasting & pairing class with our in-house Sommelier, taste wines straight from our cellar, and share menu ideas.
Lemon peel and stone fruit aromas lead this wine, balanced by a bright acidity and a juicy mouth-feel. Delicate oak influence rounds out this wine, enhancing notes of banana and vanilla on the palate. This is the perfect wine to sip while preparing your holiday meal, pairing well with cheese boards, nuts and bread. Because it’s a full-bodied, biscuity white wine, it can also be served with creamy soups and crab dishes.
2015 MELROSÉ Crisp and refreshing, this fruit driven Rosé gets its beautiful hue from Pinot noir grown in the rich soils of Santa Barbara and Mendocino Counties. Strawberry, lavender and floral aromas compliment the bright acidity and elegant mouthfeel. Best served chilled on a warm day, but can be paired well with an opening holiday salad, seafood dishes and grilled fish.
2014 PEDAL STEEL PETITE SIRAH
This Petite Sirah is as uniquely bold as its namesake, “Pedal Steel.” Blackberry syrup, lavender and eucalyptus on the nose. Extreme dense purple hue, oil-like viscosity in your glass, big and round on the palate with cherry, raisin and sage flavors. Densely packed tannins with a bang of oak on the finish. It is a perfect match for grilled meats and marinated Portobello mushrooms. With such versatile tasting notes including blueberry, dark chocolate, black pepper, cassis and stewed fruits, it can be easily paired with meats using thicker sauces,barbecue or eggplant.
2013 MUSIC ROW MERLOT
Classic, confident, and original: Much like Nashville's beloved Music Row. Rose petal, fresh fig, and moss aromas with a distinct clove note on the nose. Opens slowly on the palate with plum and mushroom flavors, pulled along by dusty tannins. Earthy and muscular in structure, it is an elegant food wine. We prefer to serve this wine with dessert, pairing with milk chocolate dishes and velvet textures. It’s full-bodied taste can be matched with pumpkin pie, brownies and dark chocolate German dishes.
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT ALL THE UPCOMING CONCERTS AND OTHER WINE-RELATED EVENTS AT CITYWINERY.COM/NASHVILLE
SOCIAL | Christmas Tree Elegance & Auction
Story & Photography by Haley Anthony Christmas Tree Elegance was a festive event held by HolidayFest, with five 7-foot Christmas trees decorated by local and nationally known designers. Once embellished with decorations and gifts donated by the designers, the trees were sold during a silent auction and reception held at the historic Monthaven Mansion. The evening included a Historic Walk, led by a member of the Hendersonville Arts Council, a performance by a local high school choir, catered food and socializing. All proceeds benefited the Hendersonville Arts Council, a non-profit community arts service promoting the cultural development of Hendersonville and the surrounding Middle Tennessee area. To learn more about the Arts Council, visit hendersonvillearts.org.
Elaine Snyder, Gina Mendoza & Dan Tidcomb
Angela & Bill Clifford
nashville’S FIRST URBAN WINERY, INTIMATE MUSIC VENUE, RESTAURANT, AND PRIVATE EVENT SPACE
Champagne Dinner dec. 31 in the winery NYE Celebration with
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives dec. 31 Early & Late Shows Tom Dolan & Debbie Watts
Susan & Larry Phillips
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EVENTSNASHVILLE@CITYWINERY.COM 614.324.1015
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LIFESTYLE | Styling Your Everyday
Peanut Butter Nutella Buckeyes 1 1/2 cups peanut butter 1/3 cup Nutella 1 cup butter, softened 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 6 cups confectioners’ sugar 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips Sea salt flakes In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together peanut butter, Nutella, butter, vanilla and confectioners’ sugar. Using your hands, roll mixture into 1 inch balls and place on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet (recipe will make approximately 30). Press a toothpick into the top of each ball (to be used later as the handle for dipping) and chill in the freezer until firm, at least 30 minutes. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth every 30 seconds. Dip frozen peanut butter and Nutella balls in melted chocolate by holding the toothpick. Leave a small portion of peanut butter showing at the top. Place back on parchment paper and sprinkle tops with sea salt flakes. Refrigerate until serving.
28 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
Made With Love
H O LIDAY TRE ATS W O RT H SHA RI N G BY KATIE JACOBS
Homemade gifts are the best gifts. And, when your holiday gift list includes not only family and friends, but also co-workers, neighbors, teachers, and even the mailman, homemade treats make heartfelt economical gifts that everyone appreciates. It has become a family holiday tradition to walk door-to-door together delivering sweet treats and merry well-wishes to our neighbors the week of Christmas. Most have family coming in for the holidays so something to share with house-guests is always accepted with open arms: a pound cake that can serve as tonight’s dessert (and tomorrows breakfast), caramel popcorn for a family Christmas movie night, or sugar cookies for Santa. The holidays are a time to come together and enjoy the company of those you love. I love making gifts that go beyond the present and foster family togetherness and traditions. I have a friend that makes cinnamon rolls as gifts for friends to bake on Christmas morning, and I love to give pre-made cookie dough so baking cookies for Santa can be fun and hassle-free. There’s nothing more personal or generous than cooking for someone and homemade gifts are certainly made with love.
Salted Caramel Popcorn ½ cup popcorn kernels, popped 1 cup salted butter 1 cup light brown sugar ⅓ cup light corn syrup 1½ – 2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, divided Preheat oven to 300°. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Set aside. Pour popped popcorn into a large serving bowl. In a small saucepan melt butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and 1 teaspoon salt together over medium heat. Bring to boil. Boil for 4 minutes without stirring. Pour caramel mixture over popcorn and stir to coat evenly. Pour popcorn into lined pan, sprinkle remaining salt on top (1/2 – 1 teaspoon depending on your personal taste preference) and place in oven. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Allow popcorn to cool on a parchment lined counter.
Deluxe Sugar Cookies 1 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cream of tartar Mix butter, confectioners’ sugar, egg, vanilla and almond extract thoroughly. Blend in remaining ingredients. Cover the dough and chill for at least 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375°. Divide the dough in half. Roll each half about 1/8-inch-thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut into desired shapes. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 7 to 8 minutes or until golden. Do not over bake (cookie will get hard). Immediately remove cookies from baking sheet and place on a wire cooling rack.
5 HOLIDAY
SENSE LIVING
SEASONAL SPECIALTIES
Do you have a menu item that you salivate for all year long because it only comes out during the holidays? I am bouncing right into the spirit of Christmas and all its glorious deliciousness. Join me on a journey around town where you can get the city’s finest confections all December long. Perhaps I should take us on an equally important journey through all the gym memberships we can join in January? Truthfully, by the time we get here, we probably all need a little break. It’s all about balance and a treat here or there is okay. As a psychotherapist in my day job, I speak to my clients about staying in the moment and being mindful of that precious time to stay centered in the present which really helps to melt the stress of the holiday hustle and bustle. So take a sip, nibble and savor it with all five senses this season! I picked items from places that readers from the entire metro Nashville area would be able to get to, so here we go. Okay, so we all know about Starbucks and their annual Peppermint Mocha’s and their famous Pumpkin Spiced Latte’s… but I have to let you in on some new ones…at least for me this year...Iced Eggnog, Gingerbread Latte and if you miss Oprah, she has a Cinnamon Spice Chai for the non-coffee drinkers (growing up in Louisiana and living in New Orleans I can’t even comment on that!). Don’t forget to grab a Cranberry Bliss Bar or a Gingerbread Loaf for your power snack later. Look, if it’s a sleepy slow moving Saturday morning and you are now ready for a big breakfast, try the Cinnamon Chip Pancakes at First Watch or go for the Pumpkin Spice or Dark Chocolate Peppermint Pancakes at IHOP. For lunch, stop by Panera for their delicious vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup. It’s warm, creamy, fresh and good for you but doesn’t taste like it! I swear I would eat that every day if my family would put up with it. Which Wich has the perfect sandwich to cure your cravings for Christmas dinner ahead of time. It has carved 30 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
COURTESY OF WHISPER CREEK
LIFESTYLE | 5 Sense Living
turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce on it. It’s no wonder the name of it is “Thank You Turkey.” Check it out on brown bag number 8! Don’t like coffee or tea but want something tasty to sip on? Pull through Chick-Fil-A and grab one of their famous Peppermint Milkshakes...you are going to need a treat after waiting in their drive-thru line! Head to dinner at Carrabba’s and order their stocking stuffer special holiday menu item, the Meatball Magnifico. This is one huge meatball seasoned with breadcrumbs and Italian spices and stuffed with parmesan cheese. Prefer your after dinner sweets in the form of slicing through a sugary cream cheese concoction…try these holiday selections at Cheesecake Factory. Personal fave this season is the dark horse that was introduced to me by my twelve-year-old. It’s light but still rich and delicious. Peel open a pack of three Candy Cane Peeps dipped in dark chocolate in the privacy of your own home with a strong cup of coffee and it will do the trick! Jeni’s ice cream is featuring a Spiced Sweet Cream: Holiday Notes flavor that you will want to buy by the quart to partner with the Christmas pies this month or just plop a heaping spoonful atop your coffee. Coffee is getting to be a theme here, sorry, but it does cut the sweetness! Speaking of drinks, here is a fantastic host/hostess gift - bring a bottle of Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Creme Whiskey Liquor with this recipe rolled up and tied around it provided by Whisper Creek’s website. 1.5 oz Whisper Creek, .5 oz Cake Flavored Vodka, .5 oz Coffee Liqueur and .5 oz cream, blend and serve over crushed ice or serve straight up rimmed with crumb cake topping. If you prefer a non-alcoholic host gift, then bring in the adorable and festive holiday Bundtini Cakes from Nothing Bundt Cake. They are delicious in their own right and you can pick your poison of cake and frosting and then it is decorated to look like the perfect centerpiece for the dessert table. Pick up a dozen of the Bundtini’s for the kids, you will be the hit of the party.
POURING OUR HEART & SOUL INTO EVERY DROP FROM GRAIN TO GLASS
TOURS, TASTINGS GIFT SHOP & MORE TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
LeipersForkDistillery.com @LFDistillery
LIFESTYLE | Eat, Drink & Be Merry
Spice Up Your Holiday Menu BY JIM AND CHERYL HAGY, OWNERS OF CHEF’S MARKET
One of the wonderful things about the holiday season are the age-old traditions that bring us all together year-afteryear. Perhaps your grandparents had their mantle donned with stockings for all the grandkids, or you baked cookies with your mom every Christmas Eve to leave out for Santa. The familiarity of these traditions are often memories we try to recreate with our own families, long after childhood has passed. Most families have at least one or two signature dishes that have become traditions all on their own. In my family, my Aunt Dot’s Cranberry Pecan Relish always graces our table, which is why you’ll find it on our holiday takeaway menu at Chef ’s Market year-after-year. In fact, we have a lot of old-trusted standbys each year on our holiday take-away menu, and our customers have told us that our herb crusted turkeys and signature sweet potato casseroles have become traditions in their own families. But one of our favorite holiday traditions is the process of creating of new favorites. Food has a way of bringing us all together, and we love dreaming up new recipes and creating them together to share around the holidays. So if you are looking for a way to spice up your own holiday menu, you’ve come to the right place, as we are sharing three of our new holiday recipes with you this month. While we love a cheese ball just as much as the next guy, we’re proposing you spice things up in the appetizer department with a lovely blueberry and goat cheese flatbread. This savory, creamy hors d’oeuvre is a crowd pleaser, and the bright blue of the berries looks festive on any table. It is easily cut into bite size squares or triangles for a finger food that’s easy to eat while catching up with friends and family. You can make it ahead too, which allows you to focus on the finishing touches of the main meal while your guests have something to snack on. Whether it’s ham, turkey or tenderloin, most families have a standard main attraction at the holiday dinner table, but you can have some fun with the accompaniments. To pair with the creamier and heavier traditional side dish casseroles, we 32 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
recommend Parisian carrots. These grilled, balsamic-honey glazed carrots offer a sweet crunch while serving as a pop of color that doesn’t always find its way to your plate amongst the mashed potatoes, squash and corn. You won’t have any trouble convincing your guests to eat their carrots when they know it’s what’s standing between them and the banana pudding cheesecake they spy on the dessert table! This New York style cheesecake marries the flavor of banana pudding for the filling with fresh bananas and a vanilla wafer crust. The white chocolate chip garnish on the top takes it all to the next level. A few tips of the trade when making cheesecakes - use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps, and mix the eggs as little as possible once you’ve added them. Eggs hold air inside the batter, which can cause cracks if it rises up during the baking process. And as much as you’ll want to peek inside at the first sniff of the delicious aroma, avoid opening the open door when baking. The top is more likely to crack when exposed to drafts and temperature chances. The good news on this particular banana
White Chocolate Banana Pudding Cheesecake 16 oz of cream cheese (2 8 oz packages) 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup of sugar 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 pureed bananas 4 whole eggs 1 box of jello banana pudding (prepared) 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips 1 box of vanilla wafers (pull out 12 wafer for garnish) 1/4 lb. of butter 1/4 cup powdered sugar DIRECTIONS FOR CRUST Finely crush 3 cups of vanilla wafers. Mix together with melted butter and powdered sugar. Spray the bottom and side of a spring foam pan with vegetable oil. Preheat oven to 325°. Press wafer crumbs into the bottom and up the sides of the spring form pan. Bake for 8 minutes. DIRECTIONS FOR CHEESECAKE
pudding cheesecake is that your garnish is the perfect cover-up if any cracks do occur. We love a dessert that is forgiving in that way! Of course, if the presents are still not wrapped, or perhaps not even purchased yet, and the frenzy of the season is upon you, we’re willing to do the cooking for you. Visit our holiday take-away menu on chefsmarket.com for a full list of our offerings. We are accepting orders until Monday, December 19th, and your pickup orders will be packaged cold with heating instructions, so your house will still smell just as delicious as if you had made it from scratch yourself. We’d be delighted to serve as your Secret Santa!
In a mixer, whip together cream cheese, sour cream and one cup of sugar until smooth. Add four eggs, vanilla, baking powder, salt, pureed bananas and ½ of the prepared banana pudding. Pour into the spring form pan with the vanilla wafer crust. Place in spring form pan in a deep roast pan with 2 inches of water. Bake in an oven preheated to 225° for 1.5 hours. Let the cake cool and garnish the middle with remaining banana pudding and white chocolate chips, whipped cream and wafers.
Chef ’s Market Catering & Restaurant is a full service catering company that continues to be celebrated as a leader in culinary skill and presentation, voted as Best Caterer in Nashville for the past five consecutive years. Chef ’s Market offers catering and take-away options for both large and small events, from formal corporate galas to casual in-office get-togethers and outdoor affairs. Its Goodlettsville, Tenn. restaurant serves customer favorites for lunch and dinner Monday - Saturday. Visit chefsmarket.com for more information and menu selections. DECEMBER 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 33
Blueberry Boursin and Goat Cheese Flatbread 6 naan bread or flat bread 1 pint of fresh blueberries 4 oz of cream cheese 4 oz of boursin 4 oz of soft goat cheese 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley Salt and pepper pinch 1/2 teaspoon of all spice 1/2 teaspoon of sugar 2 Tablespoons of white wine Begin by making blueberry compote. Place blueberries, sugar and all spice in a hot frying pan. Sauté for 2 minutes. Add the two Tablespoons of white wine and deglaze the pan. Remove from the stove and let cool. Cut the naan bread into 24 bite size pieces using a round cutter or simply cut into squares. Place on a roasting pan. Blend together the room temperature cream cheese, boursin and goat cheese. You might want to add a Tablespoon of milk to encourage the blend. Add in all spice, sugar and salt and pepper. Place in a pastry bag with a star tip. Pipe a half ounce of cheese mixture onto the bite size naan. Place in a preheated oven at 350° for 5 to 7 minutes. While warm, dollop the blue compote on each naan. Serve warm. Yield: 24 servings
Grilled Carrots Balsamic Honey Glazed Carrots 6 medium to large carrots 2 Tablespoons of fresh thyme 3 Tablespoons of olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup of balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup of honey Split carrots in half lengthwise. Grill on a char-broiler until marked. Remove, let cool enough to handle, then slice in 1/4 inch cuts. In a mixing bowl toss the carrots with the thyme, olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Place on a roasting pan and roast in a 350° oven for 20 minutes. Yield: 12 servings Place in a serving dish and drizzle with Balsamic Honey Glaze BALSAMIC HONEY GLAZE 1 cup of balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup of honey Mix balsamic vinegar with honey in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until glaze is reduced by half, about 20 minutes. Glaze should coat the back of a spoon if done. 34 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
SOCIAL | The Appalachian Christmas Dinner Sponsored Event
Story & Photography by Haley Anthony The Appalachian Christmas Dinner, a two-night event hosted by HolidayFest at Historic Rock Castle, was full of festive fun that treated guests to a traditional Appalachian dinner complete with moonshine, wine and homemade stack cake. Bluegrass music played by Holly Wood and The Extras helped to set the mood for the evening. An acclaimed storyteller, W. Lewis Bolton, entertained guests with tales after dinner. Proceeds from ticket sales went to the Friends of Rock Castle, Inc. and their ongoing efforts to preserve the historic site, create public programming and grow as an educational tool in the county. Learn more at holidayfesttn.org and historicrockcastle.com.
Wilma & Dave Edmonds
Janet Gregory, Ashley & James Eaton
Beth McCracken, Cindy Henton-Church & Stacy Landry
Holly Wood & The Extras
Jolanta Taylor, Krys Kijakowska, Cindy Henton Church, Rick Church & Donna Braver
David Evjen, Jim & Charlene Adley, Samantha & Carol Incorvaia, Lynda Evjen
Laura Huff & Martha Morgan
Irene & Tony Calderon
Anthony Stephen Hamilton & Lauren Nason
Patsy & Herman Lawson
W. Lewis Bolton
Patsy Lawson & Lynda Evjen
Jennifer Flanagan
Kathleen Warren DECEMBER 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 35
COMMUNITY | Up the Road
Best Christmas Road Trips
Williamsburg, Virginia BY HOLLIE DEESE
Those looking to leave Middle Tennessee and the throngs of cars snaking around Opryland’s lights - see what some of the nearby cities have to offer in terms of Christmas celebrations. There are certainly plenty of options! Small, charming and totally unforgettable, a trip to one of these holidaythemed locations is sure to reinvigorate your love for the most wonderful time of the year.
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA Asheville is gorgeous all year round, but there is something about winter that sets it apart, starting with the incredible view of snow-capped mountains. Annual events include holiday parades, independent craft markets, and incredible light shows like Winter Lights at the North Carolina Arboretum, open nightly until January 1, 2017. An outdoor holiday wonderland exhibit placed throughout the gardens, the displays and landscapes are composed of nearly 500,000 LED lights. One must-watch annual tradition is watching Santa rappel down Chimney Rock in preparation for Christmas Eve, and the Biltmore is more beautiful than ever decorated for the season.
36 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI There might not be any snow on the ground but the area is filled with Christmas spirit regardless, starting with the town’s Gingerbread Village at Ford Center that supports local food banks. The magical village made of gingerbread is built each year by expert area Gingerbread crafters. Oxford also holds an Ornament Auction selling unique decorations made by local artists to raise money for its arts council, their largest fundraiser of the year. And kids will love Santa’s Workshop at the UM Museum where they can create seasonal crafts, eat delicious holiday snacks, and of course, visit the Gingerbread Village too.
HELEN, GEORGIA Experience a traditional German Christmas in the Alpine City of Helen, tucked right into the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River. A recreation of an alpine village - complete with cobblestone alleys and old-world towers - the former logging town made over itself to a quaint Bavarian village years ago. In 1968, talk of town revitalization was realized after an artist who had been stationed in Germany sketched the buildings and all the downtown stores were renovated. It was a move that appealed to Christmas lovers nationwide who were looking for something different. During December, wreaths and artist-decorated holiday trees are on display during the Festival of Trees, Kinderfest and Christkindlmarkt.
SANTA CLAUS, INDIANA It would be false advertising if Santa Claus did not live up to its name, so the area immerses itself totally in the holiday, all year round, as self-proclaimed America’s Christmas Hometown. It all began in the 1920s when the local postmaster promoted the town’s unique name and children’s letters to Santa began pouring in and those letter writers are not disappointed, with thousands of letters answered every year by volunteer elves. A visit over the holidays will have to include a trip to the Santa Claus Land of Lights, a custom drivethrough outdoor show depicting the story of Rudolph, and a stop at Santa’s Candy Castle for cocoa and Christmas confections. WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA Christmas gets a Colonial spin in Williamsburg, including caroling by torchlight and classic fife and drum performances. At Christmas Town in Busch Gardens, eight million lights make up one of the largest displays in the country, making a magical stroll with the park’s signature peppermint fudge hot chocolate. But the can’t-miss event is the Grand Illumination, based on the 18th century version of celebration which includes the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks. Stroll through the Revolutionary City, check out the decorations and live entertainment, then stay for the big finale.
NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA Yes, the fact Steel Magnolias was filmed here is enough reason to visit, but if you make the journey over Christmas time you will be doubly delighted. Also called the “City of Lights,” more than 300,000 Christmas lights and 100 riverbank set pieces are on every night at dusk through January 6, 2017, some with a nod to the area’s creole heritage. Events happen practically nightly, from the Natchitoches Christmas Festival to Christmas in the Dark Woods where the park is transformed into a winter wonderland with another 150,000 lights and displays, fire pits, s’mores and fresh-made mini donuts, hot from the fryer.
DECEMBER 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 37
FEATURE | Celebrate the Holidays
The 10th Annual St. Nicholas Ball BY HOLLIE DEESE
Even Lynda Evjen, founder of HolidayFest, couldn’t have expected how anticipated the St. Nicholas Ball would become ten years down the road. What started as a part of HolidayFest in 2006 in an overall push to boost tourism in Sumner County once summer tournaments were over, now has hundreds of participants annually.
The King and Queen of the Ball
“It just grew, grew and grew,” says Lynda. Of course, the basis of the ball itself has never wavered - to bring awareness and much needed funds to area charities. “For years my husband and I had a company, and I served on many boards including United Way in California,” Lynda explains. “I know the challenges that a nonprofit organization has. I understand and know what the nonprofits are going through. An event like this, sometimes it’s not so much the money that it raises as it is the friends that it raises or the awareness that it raises to their organization.” Each year the ball chooses a different charity to support, donating the proceeds from the event to a number of local causes including Children Are People and Sumner County CASA. But this year, the social event of the holiday season is again working with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the same charity as last year. “Last year, we were only able to give one wish and so we thought if we did it again we could possibly give two to three wishes this year,” Lynda says. 38 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
Larry Phillips President of HolidayFest 2016 King and Queen Michael and Sherry Smith
Each year, area nonprofits and community leaders nominate outstanding volunteers from the community to be named King and Queen of the St. Nicholas Ball by the HolidayFest Board. Acting as Ambassadors of HolidayFest, they appear and attend many of the events, including the annual Christmas parade and the St. Nicholas Ball, where they lead the evening’s dancing. 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Fred See and Kym Sims Matt Cochran and Lisa Stubbs Len Silverman and Jo Kennedy Rae Collier and Dave LeMarbre Shelly and Don Ames Van Hohe and Rachel Collins Mike and Beverly Fussell Ed and Irene Bruchas JJ and Bill Von Kessel Sherry and Michael Smith
In 2015, $7,800 was raised for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee through the efforts of the St. Nicholas Ball. It costs about $21,000 to grant the wishes of three local children. At last year’s event, 13-year-old Jessica Meyer spoke about her brain cancer battle and the work of Make-A-Wish to help children like her. Newscaster Scott Couch is returning as emcee this year at Bluegrass Yacht and Country Club in Hendersonville, and the performance band 12 South is providing the high-energy live entertainment with dancers, horns, lights and more. “We’ve had everything from big bands to rockabilly bands to live performers to all different things, but I think that this is just a really special thing to be able to have this year,” she says.
Historically, they have auctioned off the Christmas trees at the event, but this year they did a separate auction to benefit the Hendersonville Arts Council. But the gingerbread houses will still be auctioned off, a tradition that has been around since the event’s inception. And, there may even be a candy bar and donut and coffee truck outside after the event for something sweet on the way home. “The reason we continue to do it is that we know we can raise a little money for the charities and bring an event that always grows,” Lynda says. “People seem to enjoy it and like and support it.” Learn more about the St. Nicholas Ball and HolidayFest events at holidayfesttn.org.
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LIFESTYLE | A Little Something Extra
Making Life Easier During the Holidays Seems like this magical, wonderful season, has quite a few reasons to make us pull our hair out! Whether it is the exhausting party circuit, the cooking, the relatives, gift buying and giving, or in general getting your home, your life, your kids, all set for Christmas – we could all use a few tricks of the trade to get us through with a bit more ease and a lot less strife! BY SHELLY ROBERTSON BIRDSONG
As your resident harried hostess, I am an endless supply of entertaining tips for the busy working mom. You all know that exhausting moment in December when you crawl in from work after sitting in Christmas shopping mall traffic for over an hour? And what to your wondering eyes should appear, but your neighbors and… your other neighbors… and your husband’s golf buddy… and your cousin Suzy, with six kids in tow… It’s the holidays - so spread some instant cheer with these tips to keep your home and kitchen holiday guest ready at a moment’s notice! And every time a bell rings… you can get your holiday hostess with the most-est wings! In order to make it through the holidays without spending every day planning for and preparing for guests, do these few things starting December 1st. Yes, a little forethought and pre-planning will make the next thirty-one days much easier I promise:
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Keep the house clear of those pesky tree needles and stray mistletoe balls and invest in a cordless vacuum that you can keep charged and ready to pick up minor messes at a moment’s notice. Even the kids can manage it and help!
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Buy five good candles in varying holiday scents at the start of the season; something Fir Tree, something Winter Snow, something Cranberry, and scatter them in your common area rooms. Keep lighters close by and accessible so as soon as the doorbell rings unexpectedly, you can light and create a festive and non-smelly atmosphere right away!
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If you are really ahead of the game - bake cookies and freeze the dough in ready-made balls to quickly pop in the oven. Or… make sure you buy three or four rolls of pre-made in your favorite holiday flavor - peanut butter, sugar or gingerbread, to slice and bake with no muss or fuss!
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Speaking of pre-planning: keep on hand cans of frozen orange and lemon concentrate and brew up some tea by the gallon, add sugar to your liking. This too can be kept frozen. Guests coming? 40 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
Mix all that together and add some fresh cranberries or sprigs of basil for color. It’s fabulous Tea Punch! This can be a great mixer for champagne or vodka if you need to pligh your guests with holiday “spirits.” It’s also a good idea, especially if you know you will entertain throughout the holidays or will have a party or two to attend yourself, to just go ahead and buy a case of wine - mix red, white and champagne - and you are ready to serve or take a bottle as a hostess gift at any moment!
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Speaking of hostess gifts, again, forethought here: buy 5-10 cute, unique, maybe with the date on them, tree ornaments when they are on sale at the start of the season for around $3-$5; get small gift bags, tissue paper and cards. Wrap in advance and have in the closet. Co-worker got you something and you never even considered getting her a gift? Well here you go you super sweet person you! Gift on the go!
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Buy holiday or just red, green or white cocktail napkins, hard plastic or holiday plates and cups - and keep them tucked away for that moment when you haven’t run the dishwasher in over a week. If you are lucky enough to have crystal or glass wine glasses - go ahead - pull that stuff out! And maybe think about polishing the silver the beginning of November… Those trays and serving pieces can come in handy and make you uber Martha Stewart looking for at least four months before they need to be polished again!
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Lastly, and really a year-round trick of the trade of hostessing buy mixed nuts, multi packs of crackers and keep hard cheeses and/or brie or specialty cheese on hand at all times and voila - add some olives, grapes, jam or other favorite crudité and you have a ready-made and seemingly fancy and well thought out party tray! Especially if you serve it on a silver platter! Cheers to the holidays!
Apps to Get You Through the Holidays Whether it’s making the list and checking it… 100 times and still forgetting somebody; to creating the perfect dinner menu and assigning place settings or even just needing to know – how many reindeer were there again? We can all use technology to the nth degree during the holidays and I’m not just talking about Cyber Monday sales here people! What are some of the best apps and resources for holiday magic at your fingertips? Try some of these: BY CATHERINE ROYKA
SANTA’S BAG Need help keeping track of present ideas, shopping to-do lists and even budgeting? Then this is the app for you. This helpful app will help you organize all your Christmas shopping and keep you on top of things so you don’t miss a beat! Best of all, it’s free to download. THE CHRISTMAS LIST Gather your friends and family’s Christmas wish list with this handy app. You can use it to sync gift lists up by AirDrop or by email, track budgets per person, add people directly from your contact list and store photos of gifts. Although it is $1.99 to download, it will be worth it to stay organized with your holiday shopping! TARGET Let’s face it, you know you are always going to need something from Target, so you might as well download the app! With the Target app, you can create your shopping list, see what products are in stock and purchase items directly through your phone. You won’t need to fight the crowds to get your shopping done! SHUTTERFLY Behind on taking the holiday family photo and sending out the cards to send to family and friends? Don’t worry - Shutterfly has created an app to send personalized holiday cards straight from your mobile device. Although the app is free to download, the cards are not free to send.
KNOWLEDGEBOOK: COOKING This app does not contain recipes, but has all the information and rules of thumb you need to know to understand those tricky recipes you have. Ever wonder what ingredients can be substituted if you are out of something? Need to know many cups are in a pint? This app has your holiday baking and cooking questions answered. TRIPCASE Traveling for the holidays? Download TripCase for planning out your trip and helping you out when you arrive. You can enter all your trip details into one place and find out if anything has changed (if a flight has been delayed). In addition to hotel reservations, flights and other transportation, you can add details about day trips, attractions you would like to visit and restaurants you hope to try. Another handy tool, you can send your itinerary with others so they are kept in the loop. OPENTABLE Whether you are traveling or staying in the area, OpenTable should be an app to have on hand. This app is great for researching restaurants in the area and booking tables instantly. This app is perfect when traveling to unfamiliar places, because there are usually reviews from previous diners. Send booking invitations to friends so they can add it to their calendar!
Holiday Diffuser Recipes BY KRISTA EHRET
Whether an avid oil user or a newbie, diffusing essential oils is a great way to experiment with the different combinations of scents. This time of the year, we all want our home to smell festive and oils are a safe and natural way to achieve this. The hardest part can be getting started. Luckily you only need a diffuser (can be purchased online at various sites like Bath and Body Works, Whole Foods or Amazon) and some oils. There are many different brands of oils, so you may want to do some research to find which ones suit your needs and nostrils. After that, it’s time to concoct. Here are a few of my favorite blends to get you started. FIRESIDE SNUGGLES 3 drops Cinnamon 3 drops White Fir 3 drops Clove
WINTER WONDERLAND 4 drops Peppermint 3 drops Bergamot 2 drops Cypress
MERRY AND BRIGHT 3 drops White Fir 2 drops Grapefruit 2 drops Frankincense
CANDY CANE 4 drops Peppermint 2 drops Spearmint
CIDER 3 drops Sweet Orange 2 drops Cinnamon 1 drop Clove
HOLIDAY JOY 3 drops Frankincense 3 drops Sweet Orange 2 drops Peppermint
LIFESTYLE | A Southern Gentleman Is...
KIDNAPPED BY ROCKY MCELHANEY
By the time it was all over - only little more than an hour had passed. Toys-R-Us probably violated all sorts of legal rights that night. Being a lawyer, I am somewhat familiar with legal rights. My wife is a lawyer too and agrees that when Toys-RUs locked us inside the store and refused to let us leave that we felt that we were falsely imprisoned, if nothing else. Maybe it was kidnapping… And thus begins the story of the Christmas we were kidnapped... Just before Christmas, Penny and I sprang from our home for some last-minute shopping for our three boys. This shopping excursion fell into the category of buying for the sake of filling the sticking as none of it was neither needed or wanted. We had just entered the Madison Toys-R-Us when we heard sirens echoing through the cold, rainy night. Unbeknownst to us, a winter tornado was threatening to rip apart Rivergate. Panic ensued. A store employee, looking like St. Nick himself, a chubby, plump man with a red face and a red shirt ran, neither lively nor quick, towards the front of the store, you know - where they keep the misfits, on-sale toys, or the “suggested sale” items. I did not see which it was, but either his untied shoe laces or his extra-long black pants, tripped him up near the return counter. St. Nick landed on his knees and slid across the floor, yelling hysterically:
“Lock the doors!”
“No one can leave!”
“Everyone to the rear of the store!”
St. Nick’s tempo hastened, his voice heightened, with the steady flow of sweat from his brow. He was panting when he finally stood up on one foot. From the fall and the slide, his pants were all tarnished by ashes and soot - dust and cobwebs. He whistled and shouted: 42 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
KRISTEN WEIGEL PHO TOGRAPHY
at Christmastime
“Away from the windows!”
“Tornado coming!”
“I shouldn’t have eaten that burrito for dinner.”
Penny was closer to the exit. Quick thinking as always, she grabbed the back of my jacket and pulled me toward the door. But before we could make our escape, St. Nick’s trusty “Elf,” leaped across the counter where a worker was shoving a huge toy into an obviously-too-small bag. He hit a button and all the doors locked tight. Trapped! By now, St. Nick was waving his walkie talkie around like a gun, shouting incoherently. About twenty of us were ushered by the trusty Elf to the rear of the store as instructed and confined in the Fisher Price aisle. A tall, skinny farmer from Gallatin fussed and fumed. A blue-haired lady from Portland cussed, worried that the Star Wars set her grandson “had to have,” would get taken. A truck driver from Goodlettsville and his wife wanted to be relocated to the Lego aisle - where at least they could scope out their purchases - heads down on the floor, one eye cocked to the shelves above. Mr. Good Wrench threatened to bust down the back door and leave altogether. A couple was huddled in the corner, feeding their baby, enjoying the “peace” and quiet. Their older son wanted the same Star Wars Lego set as Long Haul Lenny’s kid. If there was only one, they must get it first. The plan was hatched. The wife took the bottle from the baby, which started to squall. When our cell
But before we could make our escape, St. Nick’s trusty “Elf,” leaped across the counter hit a button and all the doors locked tight. Trapped! mates were properly distracted, the dad got a head start hunting for the Lego set.
“Well played,” Penny whispered.
“Classic,” I replied.
None of us knew what, if anything, we were going to do about it, but we all knew Toys-R-Us could not hold us against our will. We plotted our next move. Mr. Good Wrench argued for busting down the back door. A chiropractor threatened to sue. He wanted to know if anybody knew a good lawyer. Penny and I just pushed up our lips and shook our heads. Long Haul Lenny proclaimed that a class action was in order. He gathered names and numbers and promised to call Bart
Durham in the morning. The only names he did not have were mine and Penny’s and the Lego hunter. Just then, the sirens stopped. Ahhh…only a tornado watch. St. Nick returned. With a wink of his eye and a twist of his head, our kidnappers released us. And so we walked out into the cold, wet air, having bought no presents. But the spirit of the holidays was in our hearts, and we would be forever grateful for a safe and happy end to what would then always be known as that Christmas kidnapping! Merry Christmas Sumner County!
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LIFESTYLE | Keeping Score
COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOWL GAMES BY MORGAN TELLER
College football fans across America are saddened by the end of the regular football season but anxiously await the approaching bowl games to watch their favorite teams finish out the season as winners. With the exception of three games pitting the top four collegiate teams in the country against each other in a National Championship playoff series, bowl games are essentially exhibition games matching collegiate football teams which have had successful seasons. This year, the games are played between December 17, 2016 through January 9, 2017 all leading up to the National Championship Game. As of now, there are forty bowl games, more than enough to reward every non-losing team eligible to participate with an extra game.
represent a respective conference in a particular bowl. For example, the Sugar Bowl matches the top SEC team, which is not in the playoff series, against the top Big 12 team that is not in the playoff series. Conference records, various polls, including the Associated Press and Coaches’ Poll, and other factors such as bowl location, come into consideration when making these bowl participation decisions. There are bowl games that are much more desirable to attend than others. Indeed, online publications, such as SB Nation, rate the bowls based upon criteria such as evenness, quality, excitement and happiness. The bowl games played on or around New Year’s Day are called the “New Years’ Six” and are considered the top bowl games. This year, these bowl games are the Rose Bowl, Allstate Sugar Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Playstation Fiesta Bowl (playoff semifinal game) and the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl (playoff semifinal game). The winners of the Fiesta Bowl and the Peach Bowl will go on to play in the College Football National Championship on January 9, 2017.
The term “bowl game” actually originated from the Rose Bowl Stadium where the first post season game was held. The Rose Bowl is known as the “Granddaddy of Bowls.” The term “bowl” has also been used to name annual match-ups between rival teams. For example, the last game of the regular season between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Ole Miss Rebels is called the “Egg Bowl,” while the annual rivalry game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers is called the “Iron Bowl.” There is always a trophy involved in these rivalry games to make the contest all the more intense. Each post season bowl game has an affiliation with a conference, and after the final game of the regular season, the bowls make their selections. Selections are based upon a pecking order and who is left after the four teams selected to participate in the National Championship bowl playoff series are determined by a special playoff committee. The bowl pecking order is based on a bowl’s prestige and money payout for the participating teams and affiliated conferences. The conference administrators and affiliated bowl representatives communicate to determine who will 44 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
So quickly the season of college football comes and goes. Ladies, though college football may be coming to an end, you still will not have your husbands back until after the NFL Super Bowl in February. Nonetheless, enjoy pulling for your favorite team in a bowl and then hunker down for a long offseason until the excitement kicks off again next August. Happy Holidays!
SOCIAL | Christmas at Cragfont
Story & Photography by Melissa DelRossi Historic Cragfont opened their doors for their annual Christmas Open House in Castalian Springs. Guests were welcomed with homemade treats and warm cider, with a special visit from Santa! Now beautifully decorated with 19th century touches, Cragfont was the first mansion house built on the Tennessee frontier. Dressed in 19th century attire, staff members shared stories with guests as they toured the mansion. The history of Cragfont stayed ever present with personal stories from Peggy McMurtry and Sami McMurtry Hall, whose families actually lived in the Cragfont house. To learn more about Historic Cragfont visit cragfont.net.
Kelli Lawler, Mac Miles & Carlene Fox
Forrester Shephard & David Wyllie
Cooper, Belle & Wil Amos with“Santa�
Louise Penendery, Eugene Branham & MaryAnn Shaubenet
Glenda Milliken & Johannie McKee
Lowell Fayna & Debra Sheppard
Scott, Scarlet & Rachel Hitchcock
January Alexander, Terri Bentley, Rebekah Brockman & Jeanne Gregory
SOCIAL | Jingle Mingle
Story & Photography by Erica Brown The White House Chamber of Commerce hosted a festive shopping night for Sumner and Robertson County residents at the White House Civic Center. Tickets were sold in advance to shoppers and a line formed well before the doors opened with eager shoppers ready to get their holiday shopping started. Several door prizes were given away and shoppers got to sample free products, order custom gifts and even get their pictures made with Santa. For more information about the annual event and the White House Chamber of Commerce, visit whitehousechamber.org.
Melanie Chowning & Jan Wilkerson Crystal Dyer & Bridget Fairfield
Kathy Wiggins & Cynthia Summers
Debbie & Jennifer Jernigan
Debbie Richardson & Trish Harris
Donna Hartman & Marie Mobley
Barbara Lee & Tracey Ownbey Jasmine Nelson & Tracy Foley Lindsey Smith, Laura Meador & Ashley Micheal
Melissa Thompson
Kerri Collins Katie GodFrey
Kelley James & Connie Dugan
Sylvia Shannon & Mary Ellen Anderson
46 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
Deana & Lacey Cook
Debbie Frizzell
Elizabeth Riggs
LIFESTYLE | A Lady Entertains
HOSTI NG A MOVI E- TH EMED
BY KRISTA EHRET
Almost everyone has at least one Christmas movie they must watch when the holidays are drawing near. These films fill us with nostalgia and become part of the tradition of the season. They also can be great inspirations for hosting your holiday party! Whether your gathering is an adult cocktail party, or a family-friendly affair - here are two options and some ideas to incorporate into both. This has to be one of my all-time favorites. It’s timeless and no matter the fact that I could act out the majority of the movie scene for scene, the one-liners always make me laugh. If your group has a good sense of humor, you can get quite creative by pulling elements together inspired by this classic film.
Elf has become a new favorite among many households. It’s family friendly with elements that both kids and parents can enjoy. Here are some fun elements that can be incorporated into your event.
Find a cheeky invitation. Again, know your audience but something to the effect of “Come Party with the Jolliest Bunch of (censored) This Side of the Nuthouse,” instantly sets the scene.
This is a great late morning/brunch party. Why? Well, there are five food groups according to Buddy the Elf and the most memorable is maple syrup. A pancake station where the kids can craft their own yummy creation is unique and a great way to bring in the syrup sans spaghetti.
Play the Part. You should definitely ask everyone to dress up as one of the main characters. You and your spouse really need to be Clark and Ellen since you are the hosts. Consider assigning people their roles. If you let them pick on Christmas Vacation their own just be prepared to have a slew of Cousin Eddies. Griswold Party
(adults)
Get Creative with the Menu. Your menu should consist of a fried turkey, eggnog in mousse glasses, and a green jello mold (use Lucky Charms to imitate the cat food). Ask guests to bring sides for the turkey.
Get a live Christmas tree if possible and place a stuffed squirrel visibly on the front. You could also add extra details such as a stuffed cat at the base with a strand of lights near it, a bra hanging on the tree, and the top bent with clearly no room for the angel. Deck the front of your house with as many lights as you have time to put up. If you have a friend with an RV, you’ve hit the jackpot. Don’t forget to tip over a plastic Santa and put an armchair by the mailbox. Forgo the overdone Dirty Santa game and have movie-related trivia instead. You can find a slew of great questions online.
Buddy the Elf Party (kids)
You really need to go all out with the decorations on this one. Find the part of the movie where Buddy is getting the department store ready for Santa. It’s completely decked out with garlands, fake snow, lights, etc. Pick one room in the house and let the kids help create the elements. Definitely have the movie playing. You don’t all have to sit down together and watch, but it’s fun to catch a few minutes here and there. Plus, it has a great soundtrack to have in the background. For games: Have an etch-a-sketch contest. Give everyone the same image and see who can draw it the best. Set up a paper elf hat station where everyone can create their own. See who can throw the most snowballs (ping-pong balls) into a bucket in a certain amount of time. Sing it Loud! Lastly, since the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear, you should consider doing a quick caroling trip around your neighborhood.
Give a Goodie Bag. Make sure everyone goes home with a goodie bag of three or four jams and jellies. “It’s the gift that keeps on givin’ the whole year.” DECEMBER 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 47
COMMUNITY | In Your Backyard
RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR IN SUMNER COUNTY BY HOLLIE DEESE
There is absolutely no reason to budget an Uber to downtown Nashville with thousands of other people to take in one of the largest New Year’s celebrations in the country. Sumner County has plenty of options right here that not only support local establishments, but will have you home before the rest of Nashville’s revelers finish their first drink of 2017. Have the kids in tow? No problem. Take them over to the Noon Year’s Eve Party at Hoppity Hop in Hendersonville to burn off some energy during a kid-centric party that includes laser lights, disco music and a midday balloon drop. Bouncing the kids around is the perfect way to wear them out for the sitter before you can head out later that night for some adult fun. Learn more at hoppityhopinflatableplaycenter.com. Keep the kids out just a little bit later but still get them home in time for your own midnight celebration at Hendersonville Strike & Spare, again hosting cosmic bowling parties for up to six people until 9pm – although, light night party options with a private bar and lane service that last until 2 am are also available once the kids go to sleep. Visit hendersonville.strikeandspare.com for more information. If you like the idea of bowling but without the kids, Holder Family Fun Center in Hendersonville offers three different party packages to choose from. From 10pm to 1am, you and five of your friends can bowl on one lane and eat a large pizza for $115 in the Cosmic New Year Bash special, or for $150 move things into 48 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
the VIP lounge where a bartender is on duty, hot wings are added to the mix and you can watch the ball drop on the big screen in the South Beach VIP Bash special. Go to holderfamilyfun.com for more information. For those who love live music, head into the live music venue on site at Holder Family Fun Center, the 11th Frame Lounge, to ring in the New Year with the bands Toxic Pistols, Shot Gun Diary and Stepping on Snakes, all for $10. Or, go just a few doors down to Rev•el•ry and celebrate 2017 while rocking out to the bands Killing Grace, Fargo Strut, Stack and Denman. That party will also cost $10, but parking is free. Find out more at facebook.com/revelryhendersonville. Silverado Dance Hall and Saloon always hosts a New Year’s Eve party as well, with tickets sold in advance or at the door with a DJ, prizes and party favors, a champagne toast at midnight and balloon drop. Get tickets and more information by visiting silveradonightclub.com. If lingering over wine and a nice meal is more your speed, you know that booking a table can be hard to come by when many places stick to walk-ins. Sopapilla’s in Hendersonville is taking reservations for the last night of 2016, ensuring you one of their large, deep, dark booths to hole up in for the evening with a mojito while people without a plan clog the waiting area in hopes of securing a spot. Visit sopapillas.com to get more information and to make reservations. Of course, no matter how you plan to spend New Year’s Eve, getting home safe is a priority. Line up a designated driver, download the Uber app and look into local safe ride programs sponsored by area law enforcement agencies.
SOCIAL | Light Up Night Sponsored Event
Story & Photography by Haley Anthony Hendersonville kicked off the holiday season with their Light Up Night to turn on the Christmas lights around The Streets of Indian Lake. Music and hot chocolate welcomed guests to view the lit tree in the center of the plaza. Families took pictures in front of the lights while waiting to get a picture with Santa and a few fairy tale characters who made an appearance. To learn more about events held at The Streets of Indian Lake, visit streetsofindianlake.com. Prince Charming & Cinderella
Santa Claus
Marty, Tracy, Eli & Ellie Tubbs
Vivian McDougal & Maisy Brent
Lucas, Andrew, Natalie, Jayden & Victoria Friedman
Tyeson & Kadee Green, Missy Gieg
Lerue, Ryan, SaBella & Salem Rumph
Adalee, Alyssa & Millie Brennon
Michelle & Noah Angarita, Tara & Benton Quarrick
Cameron Harvey
Iker, Joanna & Caesar Meleio DECEMBER 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 49
COMMUNITY | Your Charitable Self
GALLATIN C.A.R.E.S. HOSTS 7TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DINNER BY HOLLIE DEESE
No matter what their circumstances, Sumner County residents are guaranteed a hot meal every Sunday night. Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. (Christian Association for the Relief of Economic Suffering) opens its doors every Sunday evening at 5pm for worship services, followed by a hot meal at 6pm. Everyone is welcome to attend the services regardless of religious belief or affiliation, race, ethnicity, gender or station in life, and it is not necessary to attend worship services to also take part in the fellowship meal at any time. But when it comes to their annual Christmas dinner, the non-profit goes all out. On Sunday, December 18 at 6pm, Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. is hosting their 7th Annual Christmas dinner for underserved families and individuals in Sumner County, with a buffet of holiday favorites served up with respect and care. Before the big dinner, volunteers at Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. prepare all the food; including turkeys, hams, side dishes, desserts and salads. In addition, they work hard to have gifts for people at the event, new, unwrapped, toys and gifts for the children, as well as new coats, gloves, hats, socks, undergarments and warm blankets for everyone. GIVE TO GALLATIN C.A.R.E.S. Food and gifts can be delivered prior to the Sunday celebration on December 18 by visiting Gallatin C.A.R.E.S., 330 Durham Avenue North in Gallatin between 9am – 3pm Monday through Friday. People can also go there to donate items to be sold in their thrift store. For larger donations, call their pick-up service at 615-452-1601 or 615-452-5732.
Gallatin C.A.R.E.S.’ Christmas dinner for the community is always held the Sunday prior to Christmas Day, though they serve a hot meal every week. In addition, the organization operates a thrift store, a donations center and a food bank and distributes more than 700,000 pounds of food every year in the community.
Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. was chartered by the State of Tennessee on December 9, 1983 as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, organized to provide short-term emergency assistance to individuals and families in Sumner County. Today, Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. serves approximately 12,000 individuals per year with assistance for food, shelter, prescription medications, clothing and household items, utilities, transportation and more. The primary source of funds comes from donations from churches, individuals, charitable foundations and local businesses, as well as sales from their thrift store of donated items. Visit gallatincares.org to learn more about the organization and how to donate. 50 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
COMMITTED TO SERVICE Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. provides many necessities to people in the community, including: Free health clinic Open on scheduled Sundays from 3 – 7 p.m., Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. served 10,662 individuals, from 3,554 families in Sumner County and neighboring communities in 2014-2015. During that time, 4,565 individuals who received assistance were new clients to Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. Household donations Gallatin C.A.R.E.S. provided more than 33,227 clothing or general household items that were donated to C.A.R.E.S. for distribution to the needy, homeless, victims of domestic violence, house fires, and weather related disasters. Food pantry Open Wednesdays from 9am – 11am, providing 700,000 pounds of food during the year, with more than 200 boxed food deliveries made to homebound individuals and elderly members in the community.
FEATURE | Holidays
Our Holiday Favorites CATHERINE ROYKA, MANAGING EDITOR
THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS FILLED WITH TRADITIONS. BELOW ARE SOME FAVORITES FROM THE ROBERTSTON MEDIA GROUP TEAM. ANNA ROBERTSON HAM, MANAGING PUBLISHER A favorite tradition of mine is going to the candlelight church service on Christmas Eve and being with my family. For a favorite holiday dessert, I love “Green Stuff,” aka Pistachio Pudding Salad.
To really get into the holiday spirit, I watch Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at least five times...this movie never gets old! I can almost quote the whole movie and sing every song. HOLLIE DEESE, EDITOR IN CHIEF SUMNER COUNTY It’s hard to pick one favorite tradition but at the top of the list is lighting the fireplace, playing A Charlie Brown Christmas in the background and decorating the fresh-cut tree with my husband Bryan and our two boys, Henry and David with many of the same ornaments I hung on my childhood tree.
CAITLIN DASCHNER, CREATIVE CONTENT EDITOR My family is originally from Texas and every Christmas Eve we have tamales and chili for dinner. JOHNNY BIRDSONG, PRESIDENT My favorite movie is Christmas Vacation. It’s hilarious! “Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives always puts me in a happy holiday mood, it’s a classic.
TRACEY STARCK, CREATIVE DIRECTOR My favorite song is “Christmastime” by the Smashing Pumpkins. It blends the nostalgic reflection of our childhood Christmas memories with the joys of watching a new generation experience the magic of the holiday. MORGAN TELLER, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
SHELLY ROBERTSON BIRDSONG, CEO & PUBLISHER I always love making Christmas cookies and candies a week before Christmas with my nephews, daughter Keeling and husband Johnny. KEELING BIRDSONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD I love my new lifesize dancing Santa!
My favorite holiday tradition is Christmas Eve dinner at my parents’ home then watching A Christmas Story. I love it because we laugh so hard every year, even though we have seen it hundreds of times.
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COMMUNITY | Days Gone By
A WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS, AN AMERICAN TRADITION BY CATHERINE ROYKA
Each year, visitors from all around the country and the world flock to our nation’s capital to celebrate the holiday season and enjoy many of the traditions Washington D.C. has to offer. One of the highly anticipated events is the annual lighting of the National Christmas Tree outside the grounds of the White House. Celebrating its 94th year this December, it has become a Christmas tradition that people look forward to each year. The event has become so popular that a ticket lottery system had to be put in place to allow only a couple hundred guests on the lawn for the official lighting. If you don’t win the lottery, that does not mean you are out of luck. You can still visit the National Christmas Tree and the Pathway of Peace trees throughout the month of December. In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge was the first president to begin the lighting of the 52 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
National Christmas Tree and lit a 48-foot fir decorated with 2,500 electric bulbs in red, white and green, as a local choir and quartet from the United States Marine Corps band performed. In 1978, a live, 40-foot Colorado blue spruce was transplanted from York, Pennsylvania to serve as the official Christmas tree outside the White House on the Ellipse, the grassy area south of the house. Beginning in 1954, fifty-six smaller evergreen trees were added around the National Christmas Tree as the Pathways of
Peace. The trees represent the fifty states, the District of Columbia and unincorporated territories of the United States. Each tree has a sign in front to identify the geographic area the small tree represents and which local organization from that area decorated and provided ornaments for the tree. The organizations that assist with the small tree decorations change each year, which provide a unique look every holiday season. Live musical performances are also a highlight to this tradition, with The Lumineers, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performing this year. The lighting of the Christmas tree is the start to a three-week Christmas celebration in the metropolitan area. The traditions at the White House do not just stop with the annual Christmas tree lighting though. There is even an official White House Christmas Ornament that is newly designed and
created each year based on past presidents or White House Christmas traditions. The President in office will also select a grand tree from around the United States to be displayed inside the White House for the family and guests to enjoy. This year, the tree is from Whispering Pines Tree Farm in Octonto, Wisconsin. Although Christmas was a well celebrated event across the county, it was not an official event at the White House before the twentieth century. At the beginning, first families decorated the house with greens, candles and toys and was celebrated with
friends and family. President Benjamin Harrison was the first president to introduce the indoor White House Christmas tree. With the invention of electricity, it brought a whole new light to the grand traditions at the nation’s capital. The first electric lights were displayed on the family tree and the young daughters of President Grover Cleveland were delighted to take on the task of decorating the tree. When President Theodore Roosevelt took office, he let it be known that he did not approve of chopping down evergreens and banned them from the White House for Christmas.
who served as the thirty-first president of the United States from 1929 to 1933. The fire truck was chosen because of the trucks that responded to the 1929 Christmas Eve fire at the White House and the toy engines presented to children by the Hoovers the following Christmas. One December, plan to make a trip to Washington D.C. to experience a true American tradition that will definitely delight you and your family! For more information on the White House Christmas traditions, visit whitehousehistory.org.
Every year, excitement builds for the reveal of the annual White House Christmas Ornament. This year, the 2016 White House Christmas ornament honors the administration of Herbert Hoover,
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PHOTO BY MELISSA DELROSSI
PHOTO BY MELISSA DELROSSI
COMMUNITY | From Our House to Yours
Vintage Decorations Around Sumner County BY HOLLIE DEESE
Christmas trees and festive decorations certainly go through trends like the rest of our home’s interiors, from bubbling blue lights to tinsel-decked trees. This year there seems to be a return to rustic, a nod to Christmases way past. Luckily, with so many historical sites around the area, there is no better place to get inspiration for your own vintage-inspired Christmas décor than from one of the area’s oldest homes.
HISTORIC CRAGFONT CRAGFONT.NET • 615.452.7070 200 CRAGFONT ROAD, CASTALIAN SPRINGS Items to try: Cedar trees, cedar boughs and large bows, magnolia leaves Decorated in nineteenth century touches, the home of General James Winchester was one of the finest homes in the state when it was completed in 1802. The General named his mansion “Cragfont” as it stood on a rocky bluff with a spring at its base. The house typified the grandeur and style of the late Georgian period homes and for the home’s annual holiday open house it is decorated every year in a way that the Winchesters themselves would have done. “We try to have it as historically correct as possible,” says Carlene Fox, president of Cragfont. A large cedar tree is placed in the big parlor downstairs and the home is decorated with things that would have been typical on the frontier. For instance, the main staircase will be done up with cedar boughs and bows, with lots of magnolia leaves and hydrangeas that would have been readily available in the area.
PHOTO BY MELISSA DELROSSI
HISTORIC ROSE MONT HISTORICROSEMONT.COM • 615.451.2331 810 S. WATER AVENUE, GALLATIN Items to try: Wide ribbons, oversize ornaments, candles in vintage candelabras Historic Rose Mont is a plantation house built in the 1830’s by Josephus Conn Guild. The home features Greek Revival and Palladian design, and is a rare tripartite plan. For the past ten years, the Rose Mont Restoration Foundation has planned and decorated the old home for the Merry Mantels event, and people lucky enough to have attended at the beginning of the month were able to see each room of the historic home - and all of the many fireplaces - adorned with holiday décor reminiscent of the period. Lights, large ornaments, feathers and wide ribbons were all mixed in with greenery and candles for a truly authentic holiday atmosphere.
HISTORIC ROCK CASTLE HISTORICROCKCASTLE.COM • 615.824.0502 139 ROCK CASTLE LANE, HENDERSONVILLE Items to try: Cotton sprigs, pine cones, peacock feathers, cranberries In 1784 Virginian surveyor Daniel Smith began construction on the limestone, Federal-Style building that would continue to be home to his descendants for nearly 200 years. For their Open House on December 10, President and CEO Jennifer Flanagan says keeping to what the earliest Smiths would have done is key to showing off the Regency-era Christmas at Rock Castle. “The decorations are a little bit different than what we’ve done in the past, but it is what we’ll be doing going forward,” Jennifer says. “We used all natural items, what would be in line with the period - Magnolia leaves and fruits, peacock feathers, cranberries, that type of thing.” They even used sprigs of cotton, pine cones and other leaves and gatherings picked right from the property, just as the original family would have done.
BUSINESS | Your Real Estate
NEW DEVELOPMENT SALES EXPLODE AT YEAR’S END BY HOLLIE DEESE
Goodall Homes’ Lexington Model at the Millstone Neighborhood in Hendersonville
No, it is not your imagination - new home sales are booming in Sumner County, with no signs of stopping for the next few years at least. Thanks to low inventory in other areas, a rapidly-increasing population and all of the area’s amenities.
Reynolds says that in the past Sumner County was driven by organic growth within the county as people upsized or traded in country life for something close to the lake. Now, growth is being fueled for a population increase from outside the area.
Todd Reynolds, VP of Sales for Goodall Homes and Communities in Gallatin and member of the Sumner Association of Realtors (SAR), says in September 2015 their overall number of new homes sold in Sumner County for that month accounted for 35 percent of sales. This year for the same time period, it was 50 percent.
“That’s a big difference,” he says. “We didn’t see that two years ago. Now, everybody’s coming in, transferring here from somewhere. There’s really not a lot of land available in Williamson County, so there are people looking other places.”
In October 2015, Sumner County accounted for 25 percent of Goodall’s sales. This past October it zoomed to 75 percent. “Part of it is we have sold out a lot of our neighborhoods in Williamson County,” Reynolds says. “But what’s happened is Sumner County has continued to grow for us. It’s becoming more of an opportunity for people who are trying to find a better-priced home.” Reynolds says Goodall is investing a lot of time in Sumner County right now, and not just because it is the company’s home base of operations. They know the county will bring in more than 50 percent of their new sales all on its own in the coming years too. “I think over the next couple years we anticipate 53 percent of our sales to come from Sumner County for the year - more than half of our sales,” Reynolds says. “Now, we’re going to be in Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Maury and Davidson County. Even with all the other counties, Sumner is still going to be at least half of our sales projections for the next couple years.” And prices are up too. SAR says the average price on a residential home sold in the area in October 2016 was $265,412, up from $259,730 the previous year. And the same is true for condos. Selling for an average of $162,982 in October 2015, they were selling for an average of $167,192 just a few months ago. Condos are much more popular now than even just a few years ago, thanks to their affordability. In Goodall’s two largest Sumner County neighborhoods, Hendersonville’s Millstone and Gallatin’s Carellton, there is a mix of both single-family and multi-family homes with all types selling well and that’s something that has changed over time. “When we started Millstone, our cottages - a one-level condo didn’t get a sniff. Nobody was really looking at them,” he says. “Once we got them built with prices starting about the $220’s, $230’s, we can’t keep enough. If the price point is right, they’ll look at it a little harder.” 56 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
But so are school zones, and both the Millstone development and Carellton development are zoned for Station Camp. And while there is low inventory now, there are several new neighborhoods in Sumner County that will come up in the next six to nine months. Including two new developments in White House generating lots of interest, an area where Goodall has not built in a while, and when they did it was on the Robertson County side. “We feel really good about progressing in Sumner County,” Reynolds says. “In White House the demand has been so good we’re renting a little commercial space up there with offices to meet people and set up appointments because we just don’t feel like we can wait until a model home is done.” With homes there starting in the $180’s or $190’s, Reynolds says it will be a big draw for people paying increasingly higher and higher rents in Hendersonville and Gallatin. “I think 2017 will be very strong,” Reynolds says. “I think there’s going to be more pent up demand than normal, because people are just waiting. Opportunities that haven’t been there will finally come around and it will be really exciting in Sumner County.” The Sumner Association of Realtors (SAR) represents nearly 500 members throughout Sumner and Macon counties. SAR is dedicated to serving their members in Middle Tennessee with the products and services they offer and to provide the resources needed for members to gain the professional edge in the real estate industry. The 2016 SAR officers are President Tammy Chambers of Goodall Homes and Communities, President Elect Oliver Barry of Parks, First Vice President Steve Shrum of Keller Williams and Secretary/Treasurer Ed Andrews of Exit Real Estate Solutions. Learn more at sumnercountyrealtors.com.
BUSINESS | Scoop
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TRISTAR HENDERSONVILLE MEDICAL CENTER WELCOMES NEW PODIATRIST TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center is proud to welcome Elizabeth Wakefield, DPM, podiatrist, to Sumner County. She received her medical degree from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine in Kent, OH and completed her podiatric and surgical residency from Grant Medical Center in Columbus, OH. She is now accepting new patients at Nashville Podiatry at 353 New Shackle Island Road, Suite 203A in Hendersonville, and 336 Sumner Hall Drive in Gallatin. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call TriStar MedLine® at 615-342-1919. TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center is a 148-bed facility providing quality healthcare to Sumner and surrounding counties for more than 35 years. The facility is the first Accredited Chest Pain Center in Sumner County and is a Certified Primary Stroke Center. The newly constructed Birth Center at TriStar Hendersonville features a six private room Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), spacious maternity suites and a lactation boutique for inpatient and outpatient breastfeeding services. For more information, call TriStar MedLine® at 615-342-1919 or visit TriStarHealth.com/Hendersonville. $420.9M LOTTERY WINNER ANNOUNCED IN PORTLAND! Twenty co-workers from a Portland company, who entered an office pool, won a $420.9 million Powerball jackpot. The winners, from thirteen cities in Tennessee and Kentucky, work at North American Stamping Group, where they primarily handle sales and quality control at the auto parts manufacturing plant. Tennessee Lottery officials say the winning ticket, which matched all six Powerball numbers drawn November 26th, was sold by Smoke Shop Inc. in Lafayette, Tennessee, about sixty miles northeast of Nashville.
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Plans to spend the money varied - from vacations and new vehicles to sending children to college and paying medical bills - but one thing was unanimous: the group’s desire to help others. Tennessee Lottery President and CEO Rebecca Hargrove said the cash value of the jackpot is 254 million, which equals just over $12.7 million for each person before taxes. THOMSON RECEIVES SERVICE AWARD FROM DAR As a gesture of appreciation Helen Marshall, Committee Chairman of Community Service Award Committee of the General Jethro Sumner Chapter, NSDAR, selected Kenneth C. Thomson, Jr. as this year’s recipient. Helen has personally known Mr. Thomson since their early education in Sumner County schools. During her introduction, Mrs. Marshall noted the many organizations Mr. Thomson had joined and contributed to through the years and the impact of his work will continue through many, many decades. He currently serves on the Historic Zoning Board for the city of Gallatin. He helped organize the Sumner County Historical Society in 1975, and has served as president several times, including the current term, 2016. He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution due to his ancestor, Col. John Donelson, having served in the Revolutionary War. On a personal note, Mr. Thomson has restored six homes, the last one being his current home. His goal in life has been to make us all aware of history’s impact on our lives. He says, “We would be nothing without it.” For further information about Daughters of the American Revolution, visit the website at tndar.org.
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BUSINESS | Ribbon Cuttings
Ribbon Cuttings Congratulations to these new Sumner County businesses and Chamber members!
Cumberland Endodontics 1528 Hunt Club Blvd, Suite 410 Gallatin, TN
Ascend Federal Credit Union 303 S Parrish Place Hendersonville, TN
North Fire Hall 111 Woods Road Portland, TN
Rumours 1201 Twelve Stones Crossing Goodlettsville, TN
Dairy Queen 530 Highway 76 White House, TN
The Lodge at Antler Ridge 7543 Webster Road White House, TN
Walmart - Remodeling 222 Wilkinson Lane White House, TN
Studio Boss 2823 Hwy 31W, Suite 4 White House, TN
All Access Coach Leasing 364 N Water Avenue Gallatin, TN
The Waters of Gallatin 555 East Bledsoe Street Gallatin, TN
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BUSINESS | We’re In the Money
THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS For me, there is no better time than the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. I am the first to admit that I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my family, and am blessed that I am able to do so. Thanksgiving has always been a time of reflection for our family, and even more so with two small children. You may have read my article “Remembering Aunt Vera,” but we normally spent Thanksgiving at her house. She passed away this year, so it has also been about starting new traditions. I hope she would approve. Christmas for us is all about family, and Christmas Eve church service. I’ve always enjoyed the Christmas decorations, and how it seems folks are just a bit nicer to each other during that time. Once again, a time of reflection, and a time to slow down a little bit to make sure things are always “in check.” Then before you know it, the new year has started. We all make plans to start the new year strong with New Year’s resolutions! Yep, that’s right. That time where you have a brief lapse of judgment to do better next year. Maybe your goal is to lose a little weight, be more active in church or some social setting (other than Facebook), but we somehow manage to never follow through. I’m guilty of it as well. But I have found that any good plan, starts with a good idea. The next step is setting small goals to implement that plan. Make sure your goals are obtainable. And seeking out help is always a great idea. When I worked on Music Row, I was very surprised to find out most country music artists hired vocal coaches, or had one they had worked with for years. I simply assumed they had mastered that skill at that point. Always improving and moving forward should be the goal for anyone, regardless of skill set. The same is true with your financial plan, and your current retirement portfolio structure. If you don’t have a plan, or know how things are working in your portfolio, you should reassess things... now. Don’t wait until you are five or ten years out to retirement. I find that a lot of people own investments, but have no idea how they fit in their overall retirement plan. They also wait until it’s too late to make changes that could help them in the long run. Start off the year right with a review of your financial situation, regardless of how good or bad you think things are. Feel free to give our Gallatin office a call at 615-461-8653, or check us out at paulwinkler.net. We can set up a free initial consultation to determine if our office can help you with your current situation. Until next month, Jonathan
Jonathan Walker, CFP® Paul Winkler, Inc. Creating Confident Investors™ jonathan@paulwinkler.net 150 N. Water Ave. Gallatin, TN 37066 Tel: 615-461-8653 Fax: 615-851-4597
LIFESTYLE | Your Kids
MAKING NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
with your kids BY GINGER JONES
Every adult knows the pattern of making a lengthy list of resolutions January 1st and then abandoning it by February. How can we help our children make and keep resolutions in 2017? It starts with us. We’ve all seen the gym packed at the beginning of the year and watched the slow decline as the weeks drag on (or not, because we joined and now we’re the ones not going anymore). We have to model picking a resolution, even if it’s just one, and sticking to it so our children can see us. It’s one thing to tell your children that you’re going to start eating healthier, but it’s another thing for them to see you doing it, consistently, throughout the year. Suggest their goals, but don’t dictate what resolutions they can set. They want to throw more dance parties? Great! They want to have more fun with you, and everyone wins! Then, you can suggest maybe they set a goal of cleaning their room two times a week, or picking up after themselves in the kitchen, or maybe helping mom and dad load the dishwasher. They can have fun and learn good, new habits, too. Narrow down their list. They may come up with a list of twenty things they want to do, not realizing that it’s impossible to achieve that many goals all at once. Have them pick their top five, write them down and hang them up on the wall so they can be reminded everyday of what’s important to them (even if one is ‘avoid green beans’).
Follow up with your children on their goals, but don’t nag them until it isn’t fun anymore. Your family could have a weekly check in, where parents and children both honestly share how they’re progressing on their goals - they may even have suggestions for you on how you can be doing better, too! If they feel like they’re helping you with your resolutions, they’ll be much more open to your help in return. Make family resolutions together! You can all try to learn one new thing a week, eat together as a family three times a week, or spend less time looking at screens. Family goals are the best way to get everyone involved, and the easiest way to keep everyone on the same page! Most importantly, remember that New Year’s resolutions are meant to be a way to help us make positive changes in our lives! Listen to what your kids want to do better at, and help them get there any way you can.
Ginger Geldreich Jones, M.A., CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert AVT Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Auditory Verbal Therapist Founder, CEO | Jones Therapy Services, LLC | 615.614.8833 jonestherapyservices.com
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SOCIAL | Vol State Homecoming
Story & Photography by Melissa DelRossi Volunteer State Community College held their annual basketball homecoming games in the Pickel Field House Gym in Gallatin. The men’s and women’s teams were up against stiff competition against Jackson, though the crowd’s cheers kept the momentum going. During half time, families and Vol State students enjoyed some complimentary burgers and hot dogs. Outside the gymnasium doors, photos of military veterans were displayed in honor of their service, courage and selflessness. Find out more about Volunteer State Community College and their upcoming events at volstate.edu.
Megan Grenier & Chelsy Stephenson
Emberlynn Sloss, Jessica Black, Gracelynn Sloss, Anedra Moore, Crystal Sloss & Luke Black
Katrina Carter & Cynthia Bailey
Lacey Remmert, Domino Hunt, Sara Avalos, Brittany Davis & Elease Graham
Keanna Briscoe, Denisha Bowman, Zoe Johnson, Kendrea Duke, Samantha Parker & Jemiah Harrison
Otis Key & Bobby Hudson
Jerry & Wanda Faulkner
Lori Miller & Tabitha Sherrell
Tymeria Franklin, Ashley Atkins & Rhomeris Tronsou
Linda Hayes, Henry Lamb & Linda Hayes
Brea, Kailyn & Keith Nesbitt
Patty Powell & Sarah Smith
Sarah Gallman & Megan Sircy
Bre Smith
Shemar Rippy & Kendrell Harlan
Fran Henslee, Joseph Doyle & Kyle Reynolds
Wesley Buckner, Shared Webster, Isaiah & Jaylen Harris
Juli King, Shelby Johnson, Eliyah Wade, McKenzie McMahan, Jimmy Buckner, Madie Woodis, Chelsy Stephenson, Megan Grenier & Hannah McRavy DECEMBER 2016 | YOURSUMNER.COM 61
COMMUNITY | Your Education
VOL STATE ADDS SOLAR POWER AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING BY HOLLIE DEESE
Volunteer State Community College is committed to making environmental changes on campus, and the latest step is the addition of solar panels to the college Wood Campus Center. The effort was led by the Vol State Sustainability Committee, a group of students, faculty and staff who meet to consider new projects utilizing the campus sustainability fee. The four panels, which cost $6,686, can produce 1,124 kilowatt hours of electricity a year. The Vol State Sustainability Committee has also installed energyefficient LED lighting in the Fox building on the Gallatin campus and in Springfield, at the Highland Crest campus. Another environmental measure for the college was taking resource efficiency steps for the new Steinhauer-Rogan-Black Humanities Building to be LEED Certified. Part of that project is an electric vehicle charging station near the Thigpen Library. There are two power cords available for recharging electric cars. Committee members say future possibilities for campus
include solar umbrellas that would provide cell phone and laptop charging stations for students working outside at picnic tables. Next up, they will be tackling water bottle waste on campus. “We just approved a request for up to ten hydration stations for the other campuses and for Gallatin campus buildings that don’t have one yet,” said committee chair and associate professor for geography, Keith Bell, in a release. Those filtered water hydration stations encourage the re-use of drinking containers. Plastic water bottles are considered to be one of the biggest challenges to waste disposal, with waste industry consultant R.W. Beck, Inc. estimating 40 million water bottles are put into landfills each day. Learn more about Volunteer State Community College at volstate.edu.
COMMUNITY | Your Education
SUMNER ACADEMY STUDENTS STUDY ENVIRONMENT AT BARRIER ISLAND BY HOLLIE DEESE
This fall, the 5th grade students from Sumner Academy in Gallatin attended the Barrier Island Environmental Camp in mid-September, located on St. John’s Island south of Charleston. A twenty-year tradition, the students spent 2 ½ days learning about the sea, the estuary, tidal marshes, reptiles and more. Using the beach as a classroom, the students were led in the study of ocean life. Students were able to use the seining nets and catch and identify ocean animals. They also enjoyed a dolphin tour of the estuary and rivers that join it. Keeping an eye out for dolphins, they even saw an eagle nest the size of a Volkswagen car. Later on the beach, the eagles flew over fishing to feed their babies. Another class the students participated in was Lets Sea, a long walk 62 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
down the beach exploring erosion, the role of sea grass and dunes and finally a walk through the tidal marsh to a tidal pool known as the Mud Pit. Arriving at low tide, the pool was full of shells and small crabs and mud. Of course the kids all had a blast getting filthy. Another class, It Skinks, led the students in a study of local reptiles where they were able to touch sea turtle shells and compare them to live tortoises and terrapins. Students held a corn snake and everyone got to touch an alligator. By the end of the trip they had used a compass, found treasure, learned about tracks and even watched the shrimp boats light up like Christmas for an educational trip that was engaging and entertaining too. Visit sumneracademy.org for more information.
SOCIAL | 6th Annual Sumner County Artists & Artisans Studio Tour Story & Photography by Braden Winfree To provide guidance and support to Sumner County artists, The Art Guild of Sumner County hosted its 6th Annual Studio Tour at various galleries and studios around Gallatin. The free self-guided tour featured thirty-five artists at fourteen studios and offered direct to you pricing for their artwork. Door prizes were unique to each studio and attendees who visited all fourteen studios were entered into a drawing to win two tickets to a performance at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville. The Art Guild of Sumner County is an organization dedicated to providing encouragement, exhibiting opportunities, education and appreciation of the visual arts. To learn more about the studio tour and artists, visit sumnercountystudiotour.com.
Kathy Plourde
Susan Leonardini
Frank Gee Chris Schalles Bernadette Resha
Matt Freise
Lou Ann Moore
Alyx Gabers
Samuel & Ruby Fanroy
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LIFESTYLE | Arts & Culture
Tis the Season... BY CATHERINE ROYKA
The holiday season is already in full swing across Middle Tennessee, and there are plenty of events and performances to get you in the spirit! Here is a list of festive activities for you and your family and friends for the holiday season and ways to ring in the New Year. We hope this season is the most wonderful time of the year for you and yours. Happy Holidays!
Christmas Activities WALK THRU BETHLEHEM December 11 Visitors from Middle Tennessee and even as far as Europe have visited the highly anticipated Walk Thru Bethlehem at Woodmont Christian Church. Many in the community make this an annual event as a start to the Christmas season, with over 5,000 people in attendance most years. The church recreates the village of Bethlehem on the day of Christ’s birth. For more information, visit walk-thru-bethlehem.com.
with a month of seasonal activities the rest of the month that blend music, art, education and even Santa Claus. Choose from multiple songwriter sessions throughout the month of December, a holiday concert with “A Wynonna & The Big Noise Christmas,” and much more. Visit countrymusichalloffame.org for more performances and events.
There’s Still Time to See These Too! GAYLORD OPRYLAND’S A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS Running through January 1, 2017 marriot.com CHEEKWOOD’S HOLIDAY LIGHTS Running through January 1, 2017 cheekwood.org
HANDEL’S MESSIAH December 15 - December 18 Delight in a true classic with the Nashville Symphony and Chorus as they perform Handel’s Messiah in a four-day special event you won’t want to miss. You’ll hear one hundred choristers, thirty musicians and four soloists. Visit nashvillesymphony.org for tickets and concert times.
DECK THE HALL Running through December 23 Deck the Hall at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is back for another holiday season. The museum will be packed 64 YOURSUMNER.COM |DECEMBER 2016
NASHVILLE’S NUTCRACKER AT TPAC Running through December 23 tpac.org A CENTURY OF CHRISTMAS: 1853-1953 Running through December 31 Belle Meade Plantation is decked out for the holiday season. Inside the mansion, there are ten Christmas trees, each representing a different decade in history. A Century of Christmas explores the Christmas traditions of those who called Belle Meade Mansion home and leads visitors on a historical journey through traditions of cultural practices during the Antebellum period through the mid-twentieth century. Visit bellemeadeplantation.com for more information.
A CHRISTMAS STORY AT TPAC Running through December 21 tpac.org CHRISTMAS AT THE RYMAN Running through December 22 ryman.com
New Year’s Eve Activities JACK DANIEL’S MUSIC CITY MIDNIGHT: NEW YEAR’S EVE IN NASHVILLE December 31 Ring in the New Year and rock out the old with Music City at Nashville’s New Year’s Eve party. Count down to the fireworks at midnight to see the 15-foot-tall “Music Note Drop”! The show is free to the public and takes place at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park on New Year’s Eve. Keith Urban, Styx, A Thousand Horses, Moon Taxi, Charlie Worsham, and the Fisk Jubilee Singers will be performing. For additional details, visit musiccity.com/newyearseve.com. MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES December 31 Looking for a place to wine and dine on New Year’s Eve and want to catch a concert at the same time? City Winery is the spot to be to ring in the New Year then! Marty Stuart is playing an early show at 7pm and a late show at 11pm. All ages are welcome to attend. For information on tickets, visit citywinery.com. UP ROOFTOP LOUNGE December 31 UP, a new rooftop lounge located in the Gulch is hosting a New Year’s Eve party from 5pm-1am featuring live music, a photo booth, champagne toast, a buffet and complimentary valet. It will sure be a memorable evening with a spectacular view of the fireworks! For additional information on tickets and other activities at the event, visit uprooftoplounge.com. SINEMA’S NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER + LOUNGE PARTY December 31 For the foodies that want to celebrate the New Year with a fabulous fourcourse dinner and wine pairing, Sinema is the place for you. They will be serving dinner and taking reservations starting at 5:30pm with a special four-course dinner at $85 per person and an optional $40 per person wine pairing. Following dinner, the lounge party will be in full swing at 9pm. Visit sinemanashville.com for information on reservations and additional information.
Nashville’s MUST-SEE holiday attraction returns! November 11, 2016 - January 1, 2017 Tickets and Packages on Sale Now! ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com or call 888-677-9872
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MONTHLY | Did You Know?
DID YOU KNOW? CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD The world celebrates this time of year in a multitude of ways. Here are a few of the more memorable, and in some cases a bit odd: NATIVITY SCENES While these have become a staple for the Christmas holiday, perhaps one of the largest nativity scenes is set up in Saint Peter’s Square in Rome, Italy. Just outside Saint Peter’s Basilica, also accompanied by a large Christmas tree, the life-size scene is not unveiled until Christmas Eve.
KRAMPUSNACHT Also known as the “Night of Krampus,” this holiday is celebrated on the eve of St. Nicholas’ Day, December 5th, in Austria and other parts of Europe. Typically portrayed as a quintessential devil, Krampus is the evil counterpart of St. Nicholas, who takes the reins in punishing bad children.
PLUM PUDDING
The making of this pudding is legendary for its wish-making tradition. Customarily, all those who stir the batter are supposed to make a wish. Sometimes, the bakers even drop a coin into the batter and the person to find it on Christmas is considered the lucky one.
THE GLASS PICKLE While this story’s origins are said to be Germanic, the tale goes that the glass pickle is the last ornament hung on the Christmas tree, hidden somewhere among the decorations. On Christmas morning, the first child to discover the pickle gets an extra present.
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