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Celebrating November With A Grateful Heart
“And I think to myself, what a wonderful world…”
Harold Adamson, Jan Savitt, John Watson
When the great Louis Armstrong sang these words, he captured the warm feeling of gratitude that we have all experienced, particularly this time of year. As we turn the page to November, it is the perfect time to count our many blessings and to say a prayer of thanksgiving for our good fortunes.
As readers of Hendersonville Lifestyle, we don’t need to remind you how blessed that we are. After all, we all live in Hendersonville, the beautiful City by the Lake. Every day of the year, we are all privileged to reside in one of the greatest places in the country in which to live, work and play.
This November, we bring you several special stories about gratitude that are sure to bring smiles to your faces, as well as help you get ready for Thanksgiving Day. From now until the end of the year, we will all be busy celebrating special events with our friends and family. However, before things get any busier, we invite you all to come along with us as we celebrate the month of Thanksgiving.
We begin our fall tour by taking a look at some of the exciting activities that are happening around our community that offer great opportunities to share special moments with family and friends.
Next, we kick back, relax and explore some of the classic movies about thanksgiving and gratitude.
Continuing, we take a moment to savor a special poem of gratefulness by Hendersonville’s award winning poet laureate.
Finally, we celebrate the rebirth of a community treasure that has delighted locals for decades.
Before we conclude our journey, we bring you a couple of articles that can take the stress out of preparing and hosting your Thanksgiving Day feast.
As always, we keep you in touch with the latest in community and business happenings in Hendersonville and Sumner County.
So, before you get filled up with turkey and dressing, let’s celebrate November together.
Happy Thanksgiving, Hendersonville.
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Lynn Bowles | lynn.bowles@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Rick Murray | rick.murray@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Debbie Murray | debbiemurray1989@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Rick Murray
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rick Murray, Lynn Bowles
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
LYNN BOWLES, PUBLISHER @HENDERSONVILLELIFESTYLE
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Derek Luttrell performs at the inaugural Guitarnival at Rose Mont on Sept. 20. 2: Fun games for all ages went along with the music at Guitarnival on Sept. 20. 3: Face painting was a hit with the kids at the inaugural Guitarnival on Sept. 20. 4: Hundreds of music lovers attended the inaugural Guitarnival at Rose Mont on Sept. 20. 5: The judging team for Taste of Hendersonville poses with Chamber Director Barry Young. 6: Colorful signage and the aroma of fresh food drew hundreds to a Taste of Hendersonville. 7: Hendersonville fall baseball came to a close during mid-September.
RICK MURRAY
RICK MURRAY
HENDERSONVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
HENDERSONVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
RICK MURRAY
HENDERSONVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
RICK MURRAY
Main Street Owner Dave Gould Addresses Hendersonville Chamber
by Rick Murray
Main Street Media owner Dave Gould gave a presentation about the future of print publications to the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce during its monthly meeting on Sept. 9. TriStar Skyline Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary
TriStar Skyline Medical Center held a 25th anniversary celebration on
Photography
LUNCH & DINNER
DRINKS
mor e With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only Expir es 11/30/25. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
FUN FALL ACTIVITIES
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY RICK MURRAY
SUMNER COUNTY ABOUNDS WITH FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS IN NOVEMBER
Sumner County Artists & Artisans Studio Tour
There is no more exciting time of the year than fall in Hendersonville and Sumner County. Throughout November, there are family-friendly activities across the community that remind us to be grateful that we live in the City by the Lake.
1. 14TH ANNUAL SUMNER COUNTY
ARTISTS & ARTISANS STUDIO TOUR
Sumner County Tourism, Gallatin Nov. 1 and Nov. 2
The 14th annual Artists & Artisans Studio Tour will occur during the first weekend of November at various locations across Sumner County. This event will feature multiple artists and artisans who will have their work on display and for sales at studios across the county. Along with a chance to see great craftsmanship, the tour also provides an opportunity to get an early start on holiday gift shopping.
VisitSumnerTN.com
Gallatin Comic Con 2025
Hendersonville Veterans Day Parade
Heritage Music Series at Monthaven
2. GALLATIN COMIC CON 2025
Gallatin Civic Center
Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 – 10:00 a.m.
One of the area’s most popular events is the annual Gallatin Comic Con. Held at the spacious Gallatin Civic Center, Comic Con offers something for everyone, from hardcore collectors to casual fans to folks looking for a chance to meet and greet some legendary celebrities. This year’s event features a variety of well-known performers and artists, including Vicki Lawrence, Erik Estrada, Larry Wilcox, Scott Innes and Greg Land.
TowneSquareRecordsandComics.com
3. HENDERSONVILLE VETERANS DAY PARADE
West Main Street
Nov. 9 – 2:00 p.m.
The annual Hendersonville Veterans Day Parade is a great opportunity for the community to show its respect for those who have served their country. Sponsored by the City of Hendersonville, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9851 and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 240, the event celebrates all U.S. military veterans as well as current fire, police and emergency first responders HvilleTN.org
4. HERITAGE MUSIC SERIES
Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center
Nov. 20 – 6:00 p.m.
The Heritage Music Series celebrates artists who shape music across genres and generations. From award winning songwriters and performers to the next generation of music legends, these monthly performances offer an intimate look into the world of creativity and entertainment. The November concert features renowned songwriter Steve Dorff.
MonthavenArts.org
5. THE INDIAN LAKE LOOP
The Streets of Indian Lake
Nov. 27 – 8:00 a.m.
For eighteen years, the Indian Lake Loop has become a treasured Thanksgiving tradition for families across Middle Tennessee. On Thursday morning, Nov. 27, over 1,000 runners and walkers will take to the streets to share time together as they burn off a few calories to make room for the feast that will come later in the day.
IndianLakeLoop.com
Indian Lake Loop
Lynn turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
Hendersonville
Lifestyle
Published
by Lynn Loved by Hendersonville
SEASONAL
a simpler
RECIPES BY BRITTANY MEADTH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY MERRILL
ARTICLE BY SAMANTHA DURBIN
HONEY ROASTED CARROTS WITH LABNEH AND FRESH DILL
Ingredients: 10 carrots, ½ cup fresh dill, 3 sprigs of thyme, 1 cup labneh, 2 tablespoons honey, 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400° F
2. Wash, peel, and prep your carrots. If carrots are skinny, you can peel them and place them onto a cookie sheet. If the carrots are thicker in diameter you can cut them lengthwise into halves.
3. Drizzle honey and olive oil over carrots on baking sheet. Use your hands to make sure the carrots are properly coated on all sides.
4. Add salt and pepper
5. Bake in the oven at 400° F for about 25-30 minutes
6. Take them out of the oven and set aside
CRISPY POTATOES
7. On a large serving plate add about a cup (or more) of labneh. My favorite is called Luretik.
8. Add your carrots then freshly chopped dill and thyme to the top
9. Drizzle a good olive oil over the whole thing
Hosting Tip: “Ask for help from the right people. Some people aren’t going to be comfortable making bread rolls or a dessert, but maybe they’re great at making salad. Others can be asked to bring drinks or clean afterward. Nobody is a mindreader—don’t be afraid to set up a spreadsheet where they can sign up!”
2. In a large Dutch oven, bring water, baking soda, and salt to a boil. Place unpeeled potatoes into the water and reduce the heat to medium-low. Once the potatoes are soft to touch (20-25 min), drain and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. On a cutting board, grab a potato and use any large object (wine bottle, glass jar) and smash down the potato. Do this gently and have a spatula close by to transfer to
HONEYNUT SQUASH
a baking dish. Once you have smashed all the potatoes, add salt and olive oil.
4. Place in oven and roast for 20 minutes or until crispy
5. Top with the garlic, rosemary, and fresh chives
Cooking tip: “I don’t peel my potatoes because who really has time for that? The secret to this recipe: baking soda. The baking soda makes the water alkaline which helps break down the surface of the potatoes, making them very crispy and very delicious.”
2. Slice the squashes in half, remove all the seeds
3. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for 30 minutes
4. Add smoked paprika and pomegranates to serve
Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”
FLAVORS
FLAVORS
Hosting tip: “It’s all in the way you present it to kids…when you ask your kids to join, try not to make it sound like a punishment. Emphasize that they have a responsibility prepping really yummy food. Include a special drink for the kids while they’re helping, like spiced apple cider. Adjust your expectations to allow for extra mess, extra time, and know it won’t turn out exactly as if you had done it yourself. But the tradeoff of creating happy memories is 100% worth it.”
CARAMEL CHEESECAKE
Ingredients
Crust
• 12 graham crackers
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
Filling
• 4 sticks of cream cheese (room temp)
• 1-1⁄2 cup sugar
• 5 large eggs (room temp)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° F
Crust
• 2-1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• zest of whole lemon
Caramel
• 1-1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1-1⁄3 cup water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup unsalted or salted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. In a food processor, add the graham crackers, butter, and brown sugar. Blend until sand-like texture.
2. In a springform pan, add parchment paper and butter the sides
3. Place crust into the pan and pat down to form a smooth base
4. Set in the fridge and chill for 15 minutes
Filling
1. Add the cream cheese to a standing mixer. Make sure it’s room temperature—this is an important step!
2. With your whisk attachment on medium speed, mix the cream cheese. Once it becomes fluffy, add the sugar and one egg at a time. Scrape down sides as needed.
3. Remove the pan with the crust from the fridge, add the batter to the pan, and place into your preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and let sit. Once cool, cover and place in the fridge.
Caramel
1. In a saucepan, add the sugar and water. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Keep heat on medium. Watch the sugar water—it will slowly go from a light brown to a rich amber color.
2 . Once it turns amber in color, add the heavy whipping cream and butter and whisk
3. Turn the heat off and let sit for 5 minutes
4. Remove cheesecake from the fridge and add the caramel to the top
A Poem of Gratitude
Hendersonville's Poet
Laureate Shares His Thoughts on the Season of Thanksgiving
Henry Jones is a keen observer of the human condition. Since his childhood, he has been on a lifelong voyage of introspection in which he expresses himself through poetry and art. As an international award-winning, visual artist, playwright and performance actor, Henry is committed to trying to understand the many nuances of the world that surrounds us.
“I have spent most of my life trying to express my inner self, while simultaneously trying to gain a better understanding of the outer world around me,” says Henry. “My journey has helped me understand my purpose in life.”
Henry’s icurriculum vitae contains a host of notable achievements, including having his work appear in a wide array of books, anthologies, films, journals, magazines and art exhibits, including NSIBIDI: The Markings and Movements of Ancient Africa (Cogdella Academic Publishing), Home, Heart and Heritage Quilt Exhibition (Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center) and Embracing Blackness: Diasporic Unions (Customs House Museum Press). Henry has also authored several books, including his most recent work Black Skillet Blues: Poetry without Cornbread (Beatlick Press).
Along with his numerous awards and accolades, Henry was named Hendersonville’s first poet laureate in 2021. Since then, he has devoted himself to furthering the creative arts at venues across the community, including Rock Castle, Monthaven, the Hendersonville Rotary Club, the Sumner County Family YMCA, the Hendersonville Library and the Steeple Players Theatre.
ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY, HENRY JONES
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY
In commemoration of the season of thanksgiving and gratitude, Henry graciously composed a special poem for the readers of Hendersonville Lifestyle.
A SUN DAY FOR US
Sun rays fall on my face shaded memories of sorrow fade away into striated joy pointing to you glowing I see your glistening teeth mouthing jokes and flirting to create a smile on my face as you turn my day around our moment seems timeless The Sun now in both of us our hands full of warmth as we walk away shining.
Hendersonville Poet
Laureate Henry Jones
Rebirth of the Comer Barn
SUMNER COUNTY CELEBRATES THE RESTORATION OF A COMMUNITY TREASURE
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY
Since the late 1930s, the Comer Barn has been a scenic focal point in Sumner County. Located in Gallatin just north of the Hendersonville city limits, the historic building has been cherished by generations of people across the community.
The barn was originally constructed to serve as a horse stable, a purpose that it fulfilled for many years. However, over the past few decades, the once beautiful structure fell into a state of considerable disrepair.
In 2016, the barn’s owner, the Rogers Group, transferred the property to Sumner County with the understanding that it would be restored within five years. Subsequently, there were numerous attempts to develop restoration plans, including turning it into an agricultural learning center.
Unfortunately, none of the plans were ever realized, and the ownership of the barn reverted to the Rogers Group. This disappointing turn of events led many locals to believe that all hope was for saving the barn was lost.
However, all was not lost.
Private negotiations between many groups and individuals continued, ultimately leading to a plan in which the Rogers Group would restore the barn at its own cost. In November 2024, the Preservation Foundation of Sumner County announced that the restoration process would begin immediately, with an estimated completion date of fall 2025.
“We are extremely grateful to Rogers Group and their ownership for agreeing to invest in our community and this particularly invaluable piece of history,” said Deanne DeWitt, president of the Preservation Foundation of Sumner County. “Thanks to them, this beautiful barn, loved and admired by so many, will provide a landscape lauded with inspiration for generations to come.”
After years of planning and ten months of reconstruction, the newly renovated Comer Barn was unveiled during a private ceremony on Sept. 24. Key stakeholders from across the community attended the event in order to celebrate the hard work and dedication that saved the historic structure from ruin.
The newly-renovated Comer Barn shines brightly once again on Nashville Pike.
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
Tips on meal prepping for less stress
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful. To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Create Your Thanksgiving Menu
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand.
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.
4-5 DAYS BEFORE
Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh
Groceries
• Clean your home completely. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating.
2-3 DAYS BEFORE
Prep Meals & Set the Table
• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go. Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dust-free.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
1 DAY BEFORE
Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
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