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H ERO ES AM O NG US LO C A L S E RV I C E S

DREW G RE E N ,

ROOTED IN THANKFULNESS

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At Cumberland University Our students are encouraged to look beyond the simple paths and search for something more. To explore above, beneath, around and between the surface of things to find a purpose beyond their self. At Cumberland, your experience goes beyond classroom lectures and final exams. It is where you discover who you are, who you want to become and how you want to leave your mark on the world. Cumberland's personalized education prepares students for a meaningful career and an impactful life that reaches far beyond their time on campus. We pride ourselves in matching students' passions with careers that are fulfilling not just to them, but to the community around them.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

More than gratitude

November 2023 PUBLISHER

Kimberly Thomas | kimberly.thomas@citylifestyle.com EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

Cassidy Polman | cassidy.polman@citylifestyle.com

I will never forget the moment my family and I discovered Mount Juliet, TN. I might have told this story a time or two already, so I will spare you the repetition, but the definition of gratitude to me means never forgetting where you came from, never forgetting who helped you and supported you along the way, as well as never forgetting the moments you realize God's presence in your prayers and the fruition that leads thereafter. It was no accident that I discovered this town for everything that it represents. The history, the lake life and beauty and most importantly the community that has been preserved for decades. It is truly the spirit that rests within every corner of this town. In this season of giving thanks, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. The true spirit of Thanksgiving encourages the conscious expression of gratitude. Its focus is spending time with those that you love and encourages giving back in a meaningful way. While ambition, competition and goal setting can be very healthy, forgetting to place importance on being present, enjoying the ride and appreciating those around us who have helped us along in our journey, can leave us missing out on what truly matters. We’ll never be content if we look outside ourselves and at our possessions or titles to determine if we are fulfilled. True contentment comes from within and from fulfilling who we were made to be. Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratefulness and giving back to our community. We are so thankful for the residents and businesses in our community who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our city the vibrant community that it is. We are especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you. This holiday season as we prepare to gather with our loved ones, and in the true spirit of thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful and stop to reflect on those blessings. Blessings to you and your family,

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Karianne Beasley | karianne.beasley@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Michael Stephens, Lisa Valentine, Michele Bogle, Courtney Stockton, Ed Atlas, Staci Bishop, Haley Williams CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Crystal Stephens, Patrick Robinson, Cassandra Castaneda

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Josh Govero LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Mount Juliet City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Mount Juliet area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Mount Juliet City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

22 Volunteer Network TN

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Local’s Choice PR O FES S I O NA L S E RV IC E S

Inspired By LO CA L S ERV I C ES

Local Limelight ENT ERTA I NMEN T

Must See LI FE + C U LT U R E

Hometown Hero PR O FES S I O NA L SE RV IC E S

Expert Help FI NA NC E + LEGA L S E RV IC E S

Culinary Creations FO O D + B E V E R AG E

Happy Hour FO O D + B EV ER AGE

Events

Realty Report R EA L ESTAT E

Giving Thanks for a Community of Volunteers

26 Rooted in Thankfulness

Country Artist Drew Green Reflects on Music and Growing Up on His Family’s Tree Farm

32 New Life at New Tribe

How Two Veterans Found Their Purpose in Church Leadership- Together

36 Heroes Among Us

Local Veterans Bayson Kees and Shane Lyons Thrive in Our Community

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Patrick Robinson, Relive Studio Country Artist Drew Green Reflects on Music and Growing Up on His Family’s Tree Farm.

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

1-4: Friends and neighbors celebrate Historic Lebanon’s Farm to Table Dinner in Lebanon’s Main Street District. Photography by Glow Wilco 4: Katie De Araujo Jorge, Shauna Bowers. 5: Scott and Kim Thomas 5-7: The Hermitage Gala held on September 30th is the Andrew Jackson Foundation’s premiere fundraising event.

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C I T Y SC E N E

ADVANCED | MODERN | PERSONALIZED

Photo Credit: Leigh Ann Remke Photography

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World Class Care Right Where You Live Where a patient starts their cancer journey matters. And here, that means Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Wilson County, where you will find the same world-renowned expertise and care of our Nashville campus without the drive. From screening and diagnosis, to treatment and recovery, patients receive all the care they need at one convenient location, close to home and family. What’s more, we are the only cancer provider in the area that offers a full array of multi-disciplinary services, and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for both adults and children in Tennessee. So having the best care team and most advanced treatments is now closer than ever. Visit VanderbiltIngramCancerCenter.com or call 615-936-8422.

Making Cancer Care Personal

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

DARRYL WORLEY & FRIENDS: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

EMPOWER ME CENTER 2023 PARTY ON THE PROPERTY

"Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas kicks off on November 10 with Worley’s debut dinner show beginning on November 23. He will headline 33 live dinner shows through Christmas Day. Held in the iconic 2,888-room hotel's Tennessee Ballroom, guests will enjoy a delicious holiday meal prepared by the resort’s talented culinary team followed by Worley and Friends’ performances." Absolute Publicity, INC. For ticket reservations visit christmasatgaylordopryland.com

The first ever Empower Me Center Party on the Property, presented by ReMax Exceptional Properties, was a tremendous success with guests and volunteers in attendance. The event was a continuation of their celebration of 25 years of serving the Special Needs Community in Middle Tennessee. The day’s highlights included entertainment by Middle Tennessee Natives, Kason Lester, the C-Dock Boyz, and The Cumberland Jam Band. To learn more, visit empowermecenter.com.

Photography Amy Allmand

Photography Provided by Empower Me Center

VANDERBILT WILSON COUNTY HOSPITAL FINALIZES LEVEL III TRAUMA CENTER DESIGNATION Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital has been certified by the state as a fully designated Level III Trauma Center — the first in Lebanon, Tennessee. To become a trauma center in Tennessee, health facilities are required to operate under provisional status for one year. Since VWCH achieved its provisional status in June 2022, its ability to operate at the higher standards expected of a trauma center has been assessed. VWCH excelled in its final assessment in June 2023 and completed its certification. vanderbiltwilsoncountyhospital.com Photography Provided by Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

FRIENDSGIVING this November at Glow Wilco MULLINS NAMED CHIEF OF POLICE IN WAITING

Refer a friend and you both will receive $50.00 OFF your next treatment.

Michael Mullins has been named Chief of Police for the Mt. Juliet Police Department, effective December 15 following the previously announced retirement of Chief James Hambrick. Mullins has been with the department for 26 years and is currently the Deputy Chief of Police... Mullins in his current role directly oversees the operational functions of the Patrol, Investigations, Special Operations, Canine, Training and Development, and Animal Control divisions. mtjuliet-tn.gov. Photography Provided by City of Mt. Juliet

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Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MountJuliet

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615.205.2266 | GlowWilco.com | 11853 Lebanon Rd., Mount Juliet NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MO UN TJ UL I E T

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local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

Being thankful for what we have, and giving back to those in need is important all-year round, and particularly during the holidays. We love our community and want to support our people and organizations in as many ways as we can, so join us in paying it forward with these local opportunities.

Our Picks to Pay it Forward MT. JULIET HELP CENTER : The Mt. Juliet Help Center depends on the kindness and generosity of the local community to serve the people of Mt. Juliet. 3425B N. Mt. Juliet Rd., Mt. Juliet, TN PR OVIDENCE CHUR CH: Providence Church holds a monthly food drive on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Volunteers supply needed items requested by the Mt. Juliet Help Center. 2293 S. Rutland Road, Mt. Juliet, TN OLD FR IENDS SENIOR DOGS: Old Friends Senior Dogs is providing lifetime homes & care to senior dogs. Our community can help by volunteering or donating to their wish lists. 422 Beacon Hill Dr, Mt. Juliet, TN HICKOR Y HILL FAR M: Hickory Hill Farm provides rescue and rehabilitative care to equine and livestock animals. They are 100% volunteer-driven. Po Box 1454, Mt. Juliet, TN HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GR EATER NASHVILLE — WILSON D I V I SI ON :

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville builds new, quality, affordable homes for hardworking men and women in a five county area: Davidson, Wilson, Cheatham, Dickson and Robertson counties. 606 E Main St, Lebanon, TN

Mt. Juliet Help Center

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LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S

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Summit Concrete is a family-owned concrete company that provides a wide selection of residential concrete services, including traditional and decorative concrete. Our capabilities include driveways, concrete patios, pool decks, walkways, decorative concrete, outdoor kitchens, pergolas, retaining walls, fire pits, and everything in between. VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION

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A Fulks Story Mark Fulks, Photo credit: Patrick Robinson, Relive Studio

Mark Fulks Leads Mount Juliet’s Legendary First Family of Auto Repair ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

LOCA L’S CH OICE | PR OFE S S I ONAL S E RVI CE S

Although it belies their down-to-earth work ethic and hands-on approach, you could make a strong case that the Fulks family is Mount Juliet’s First Family of auto repair. The Fulks’ have been servicing automobiles in the area for so long it’s become folklore. It was 1975 when Ken Fulks opened Ken’s Auto Service and it’s where his 13-year-old son/ apprentice, Mark, learned the trade. “I grew up with it, starting in the seventh grade,” says Mark, who opened Mark’s Automotive Repair Center (MARC) in 2005. “My mom was the school secretary and after work, she’d drop me off at Dad’s shop. I’ve been working on cars since I was 13.” Mark, Jr. joined the family operation to help with bookkeeping on a part-time basis in 2010. A graduate of MTSU with a degree in business management, he serves as general manager today and oversees the shop’s customer-facing communications platforms including the website, text messages, and email marketing. According to Mark, Sr., Ken Fulks was a great mechanic and an even greater advocate for his customers. Too great, perhaps. “Dad took great care of people, to his demise in some ways,” says Fulks. “He was almost too nice for his own good.” That was a contributing factor to Ken’s Auto Service going out of business in 1995. Mark went to work for other shops and did private repairs on the side. When he opened his own business, he brought his dad along to help, essentially reversing their roles. Ken Fulks died in 2010 but it was during that year that four generations of the Fulks family were turning wrenches in the garage.

“Junior, Dad and I were there and my youngest son, Jaden, who was 8 years old, would come to the shop after school,” says Fulks. “He’d mostly play with my dad, but we were all there and those were some special times.” Today, Jaden is 21 and working full-time at MARC as a technician. Mark’s Automotive Repair Center was somewhat nomadic at the outset. Fulks rented a garage for a year and a half in Mount Juliet, then relocated to Hermitage in 2013 and remained there for five years until moving to its permanent home at 14185 Lebanon Rd. “We lost a lot of customers when we moved to Hermitage,” says Fulks. “But when we announced we were returning to Mount Juliet, it was amazing how many people were so happy we were coming back. That made us feel good about what we’re doing.” Fulks has customers today who have been with him since he was doing side projects. “I’m always nice to my customers’ kids. We have so many customers in their 20s and 30s that were little bitty kids when I worked on their parents’ cars,” says Fulks. “One of my technicians now was one of those kids. “My guys are good, I pay them good money and we use good parts,” says Fulks. “So, we’re not the most expensive shop in town but we’re not the cheapest, either. But you get what you pay for, and I want the people who work here and the people who trust us with their vehicles to feel good about the decisions they’ve made.” You’d expect nothing less from Mount Juliet’s First Family of auto repair. Marks-Automotive.com

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COMMUNIT Y OF VOLUNTEERS

ARTICLE BY STACI BISHOP PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY VOLUNTEER NETWORK TN

TIMELINE 22

I NSP IR E D BY | LOCA L SERVI CE S

The Mount Juliet community has experienced quite a few natural disasters in the last couple of years. It started with the tornado in March 2020 followed by a major flood and yet another tornado in 2021. In each case, neighbors quickly banded together to help, but the need for an efficient hub to manage volunteers became abundantly clear. Regina Girten and Jamie Tyner met at City Hall the day after the EF-4 tornado in 2020. Both women were serving as outreach directors in local churches and were asked to help coordinate efforts for the 4000 volunteers who registered through the portal established by the Mount Juliet Police Department. As they worked together, both ladies recognized an opportunity to create long-term change for the community as a whole. That’s when the grassroots idea for Volunteer Network TN was formed to establish a centralized volunteer management space in Wilson County. The goal was simple. They wanted to connect local participants with ongoing needs in the area through an easy-access online platform. The continued growth of Mount Juliet and Lebanon clearly warranted its own volunteer hub to effectively serve the unique needs of its citizens and other nonprofits. Hands on Nashville, based in Davidson County, graciously took Volunteer Network TN under their wing to provide expertise and guidance. Girten says HON has been immensely beneficial and she’s thankful for the opportunity to learn from an organization that has successfully been involved with this type of work for more than 30 years. This partnership allowed VTN to get off the ground quickly and establish fundraising efforts while they worked to set up their own 501c3. The registration platform they’ve created is quite robust. It allows community partners to post one-time opportunities as well as ongoing needs. For example, Compassionate Hands was previously maintaining multiple spreadsheets for each of their church partners hosting winter shelter nights. Utilizing the Volunteer Network TN portal to track and manage their volunteer base will drastically streamline their resources. On the public-facing side, volunteers can filter available opportunities by type, location, or age requirements, and creating a profile is quick and easy. If you are looking for a group activity, Girten can also help curate an event to fit the needs of your volunteers. This technology is offered free to both community partners and volunteers but it can be quite costly. Thankfully, a grant from the Family Foundation covers part of the technology fees but there are several upcoming opportunities to support Volunteer Network TN through fundraising. Tickets are

MARCH 2020 –

MARCH 2021 –

A devastating tornado ravishes Mount Juliet homes, businesses, and schools.

Flash flooding causes catastrophic damage to multiple businesses and organizations.

"AS THEY WORK E D TOG E THE R, B OTH LA DI E S R E C O G N I Z E D A N OPPORTUNITY TO CRE ATE LON G -TE RM C H A N G E F O R T H E C OMMUN I TY AS A W HOL E . THAT’ S W HE N T H E G R AS S R O OTS I DEA FOR VOLUN TE E R N E TWORK TN WAS F O R M E D TO E STA B LISH A C EN T RAL IZ E D VOLUN TE E R MAN AG E M E N T S PAC E I N W I LSON C OUNTY. THE G OAL WAS SIMP L E . T H E Y WA N T E D TO C ON N EC T LOCAL PARTICIPAN TS W ITH ON G O I N G N E E DS I N T H E A REA THROUG H AN E ASY-ACCE SS ON L IN E P LAT F O R M ." currently on sale for the November 8th performance at the Listening Room featuring Wilson County residents, Jordan Phillips and JD Shelburne. Volunteer Network TN also wants to help volunteers to be as prepared as possible if tragedy strikes again. Natural disaster relief and debris removal training is currently being coordinated to help the community act quickly and effectively if needed. This will also include capacity training for nonprofits. The Volunteer Network TN online platform officially launched in May 2023. In just a few short months they have listings from 30+ nonprofits seeking volunteer support and over 400 citizens registered to help. More than 800 hours of service have been donated thus far. As we head into the holiday season and winter months, the need is expected to grow dramatically. Thankfully, Girten knows that the Mount Juliet community will rise to the challenge. To learn more about available opportunities and how to contribute, visit volunteernetworktn.org.

DECEMBER 2021 –

M AY 2 0 2 3 –

An EF-1 tornado damages over 150 structures in Wilson County.

Volunteer Network TN launches their online platform.

JAMIE TYNER, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (LEFT), AND REGINA GIRTEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (RIGHT)

Rev. Regina Girten is the Executive Director of Volunteer Network TN and a pastor at Providence Church. She played an integral role in coordinating volunteer efforts as the Co-Chair of Recover Wilson. Regina is passionate about building bridges between residents and local organizations to serve the needs of Wilson County. Originally from New Orleans, LA she now lives in Lebanon with her husband and two daughters. NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MO UN TJ UL I E T

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Drew Green

Rooted in

Thankfulness While he may be a Country artist and songwriter in Nashville now, Drew Green’s roots stem from McMinnville, TN, where he grew up working on his family’s tree farm. His father started Faron Green Nursery when Drew was three years old, so the farm life is the only life he has ever known. "At the time, I hated it, because they’d put me to work every day,” he says of his parents with a laugh. “But now looking back, I think

it’s made me have a pretty good work ethic. I’m thankful for it now, for sure. I was the first child. My brother is five years younger than me. I feel like I had to do a lot more than he did I guess growing up, which makes sense, it was a new business. So, I would come home from school and go to work every day.” While Green ultimately ended up chasing his music dreams to Nashville, he has immense pride and respect for the family

COUNTRY ARTIST DREW GREEN REFLECTS ON MUSIC AND GROWING UP ON HIS FAMILY’S TREE FARM

ARTICLE BY LISA VALENTINE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK ROBINSON, RELIVE STUDIO

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EN T E RTAI NME NT

business, which has expanded to three farms on over 500 acres where they grow 100 varieties of plants including everything from maple trees to dogwoods, green giant Christmas trees to burning bush and more. “I would’ve definitely stayed in the business if it wasn’t for my brother,” shares Green. “My brother was die-hard wanting to do it. So, if he had wanted to do something else, I would’ve stayed. I wouldn’t have let it go to waste because it was the family business…” The years of farm life taught him the importance of hard work early on, which he greatly values as he has used that same work ethic and determination to build his music career. “I’m thankful for the work that it gave me. I’m thankful that it led me to Country music. I’m thankful that it kind of showed me how to raise my kids in the right way. I plan on sending my kids down to the farm for some hazing, put them to work” he jokes. He acknowledges the importance of farms and farmers in the United States and how they play an integral role across the country. “I think that’s what makes the tiny towns go round,” he says. Green’s country upbringing has provided unlimited inspiration and authenticity that can be seen in his songwriting and music, which he describes as “a blend of Rap, Rock, and Country.” With song titles including “Dirt Boy”—a term he says kids used in his hometown for those raised on farms—and “Money Grows on Trees”, it’s not hard to see that Green writes about what he knows: living life on a farm. “I always tell my songwriter buddies, ‘If you’ve got a song that’s got a tractor in it, hit me up because I’m probably going to want

to be on it,’ because that’s where I fell in love with Country music was sitting on one,” he says. “I guess in my songs, I portray myself as a farmer still.” However, when he first left the farm to attend Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, a career in Country music wasn’t the initial plan for Green. Rather, he majored in finance with a dream of working in the stock market, “I loved the suit and tie aspect of banking, but I never got to do that,” he explains. He grew up as a sports guy, always playing on a team, but started to gravitate toward music in high school, playing backup guitar in a rock band with his best friends his junior year. It was his college years that really exposed him to playing live and the idea that maybe his love of music could turn into a career. “I got the opportunity to get onstage and play one day and it turned into me getting a gig at that bar…” he shares of his college years. “I started getting a really big following at Tech really fast, like pretty rapidly to make me think that ‘Maybe I could do this for a living.’” With determination and a dream, he made the move to Nashville, playing the 10 PM – 3 AM slot at Tootsie’s World Famous Orchid Lounge on Broadway four days a week for four years. Two of those years he was pulling double-duty, grinding it out in the corporate world as well as working at a bank, in addition to writing songs. His upbringing of hard work and long hours on the farm prepared him for his early years of paying his dues in the music industry as he worked to build his career in Nashville. He gives well-deserved credit and gratefulness to his wife, Bethany,

“I’m thankful for the work that

it gave me. I’m thankful that it led me to

Country music.”

CONTINUED >

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“This [past] summer has been like the biggest blessing ever…It’s been pretty surreal.”

Drew, Bethany and their two children

who works as a nurse practitioner, crediting her job for supporting them in their early Nashville days, while he put his income toward recording demos and pursuing his music dream. Green has now been in Nashville for 10 years and signed his record deal a week before the world shut down in 2020 due to the pandemic. Since then, he’s been hard at work writing songs for his debut album, which he is getting close to finishing with hopes to release it by early next year. He’s had an exciting year on tour, opening for big-name artists including Alabama, Sam Hunt, and Darius Rucker, playing his music including

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EN T E RTAI NME NT

songs “Best Ex I Ever Had” and “Good Ol’ Boy”. “This [past] summer has been like the biggest blessing ever… It’s been pretty surreal,” says Green. While he loves playing music across the country, the father of two—a six-year-old son and two-year-old daughter—acknowledges that it is hard to be away from his family when he’s on the road. He says he’s most thankful for his wife and kids this year, as well as his team and the shows that he’s been able to play this year. To stay up to date on new music from Drew Green visit DrewGreen.com and follow him on Instagram and TikTok @DrewGreen.

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Connecting Wilson County residents with volunteer needs to create more efficient and effective change for our community. Life is for living. Let's partner to help you make every single moment matter.

Greg Long

Through partnering with local nonprofits, businesses, and churches in need of broadening their volunteer base, we provide a system to amplify local organization needs and connect them with individual residents and community groups. Our partnerships allow us to connect people to the needs of Wilson County.

Financial Advisor 2512 North Mount Juliet Road Mount Juliet, TN 37122 615-754-8100

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Voted Best Florist Mt. Juliet 615.758.5972 | www.MossFlowerShop.com 3690 N Mount Juliet Rd. Suite 400, Mount Juliet, Tennessee 37122

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@MossFlowerShop NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MO UN TJ UL I E T

New Life at New Tribe How Two Veterans Found Their Purpose in Church Leadership- Together ARTICLE BY MICHAEL STEPHENS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRYSTAL STEPHENS

M UST SE E | L IFE + CU LTURE

The tragic events that occurred on September 11, 2001, changed the lives of countless Americans. While the country looked on in horror as the events of that day unfolded active-duty Army soldiers, Jarod and Jennifer Smith made a decision that not only changed their lives but is now changing the lives of many in Mount Juliet, TN. One afternoon, Jarod, an Army Topographic Analyst, was dared by a few friends to knock on the apartment door of Jennifer, a Nuclear Biological Chemical Warfare Specialist, and ask her on a date. Jennifer, a certified expert rifleman, shot Jarod down. Jarod, with a wounded ego, was persistent and returned for a second attempt. She acquiesced and the two exchanged phone numbers. After two weeks of “missed” phone calls, Jarod and Jennifer went on a date. Within six months they married and did so on their lunch break! While both had similar interests and fell in love quickly, the two disagreed sharply on one topic: the existence of God. This resulted in their first argument, and they decided to drop the subject. Then September 11th happened. It was rare, if not an improbability that Jarod and Jennifer would find themselves off work and home together during a weekday. As the horrific events of 9/11 unfolded, they began to ask if there was such evil in the world, could there be an opposing force just as good? Not having a bible, they borrowed one from their Catholic and Buddhist neighbor and began searching. Before the day would end Jarod would take Jennifer’s hand and both would fall on their knees and surrender their

lives to Jesus. While they did not have the language to describe what was happening, Jarod and Jennifer now know – “that God’s love was being poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit.” After Jarod’s deployment to Iraq, a newfound Christian faith, and a combined eight and half years in the military they decided to leave the military and enroll in bible college. As Jarod and Jennifer made ends meet raising children, living in student housing, going to school to become a licensed family marriage therapist and nursing school, their friends from the military were pastoring a church and asked Jarod and Jennifer to become youth pastors in 2005. They said yes and that’s where their life in ministry began. Over the next 15 years, these two veterans would go on to serve in student ministry and young adult ministry before Jarod became the Worship Pastor at Life Mission Church in Kansas City. While Jarod has an incredible voice and is musically skilled on the guitar, his talents weren’t always used in a pastoral position. Before his conversion on 9/11, Jarod was the lead singer in a band called “Hangover.” He declined to share any lyrics for this article. After the Pastor of Life Mission Church shared a vision for their Church to support planting ten churches across the country, Jared and Jennifer felt the call to start a church. After prayer, dreams, and confirmations, they felt the call to plant a church in one of the fastest-growing population centers, Nashville, specifically Mount Juliet. As veterans, they knew what it was to walk in obedience and trust that where they were being led had a purpose.

While they did not have the language to describe what was happening, Jarod and Jennifer now know – “that God’s love was being poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit.”

CONTINUED >

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“As veterans, they knew what it was to walk in obedience and trust that where they were being led had a purpose.” During their search for homes, the first address sent to them by the realtor was on Affirm Drive. They saw this as an affirmation they were making the right decision. After arriving in Mount Juliet and searching for a school or location to temporarily set up each Sunday, they were met with failure to secure a location. One night Jarod received a phone call that an old funeral home on Division Street was going to be vacant for a year and asked if he was open to signing a short-term lease. After much prayer and council, the lease was signed. New Tribe Church secured their location on Veteran’s Day!

M UST SE E | L IFE + CU LTURE

Today, New Tribe continues to grow and invest time, energy, and resources into the local community by partnering with other local churches, ministries like Everyone’s Wilson, and community leaders. From active duty in the Army, Jennifer served as a registered nurse for 13 years- much through the Covid pandemic, supporting the community during the tornadoes of 2020, and now having their youngest son active in the army, their lives are rooted in public service, and they look forward to continuing to serve in this growing community.

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H E R O E S A M O N G U S Local Veterans Bayson Kees and Shane Lyons Thrive in Our Community

ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STOCKTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRYSTAL STEPHENS

A lot is made about the transition veterans make from military to civilian life. The change can be stark, and therefore fraught with many challenges. A lot of the discourse around this transition, especially in the national conversation, centers on the obstacles. However, when you speak with Bayson Kees, you’re reminded that military experience can also imbue veterans with a set of skills and values that uniquely position them for a successful career. CONTINUED >

H OM E TOWN H E R O | PR OF E S S I ONAL S E RVI CE S

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“I am most thankful for this community that we live and work in for supporting veteran-owned businesses and giving us an opportunity to continue serving in another way.” Kees is a local business owner and an Army veteran (101st Airborne Division, HHC 327th Infantry Brigade and 326th Engineer Battalion) who served two deployments in Iraq. During his service, he worked as a (63B) Light Wheel & (52 D) Generator Mechanic as well as a Wrecker Operator. This specific experience has served him well and has become very relevant in his civilian career. “The military taught me perseverance, attention to detail, discipline and leadership which is a huge part of running a fleet of heavy equipment and dealing with the elements. My time spent in the maintenance field and with heavy equipment operation definitely plays a big role in day-to-day life,” Kees explains. These qualities, which are crucial to forging a successful path for oneself have become increasingly rare. But as Kees puts it, “Veterans are taught a set of core values that seem to stick with them for life.” The military also bonds people in a way that very few other experiences can, making it fertile ground for friendships, partnerships, and opportunities. During Kees’s transition out of the military, he happened upon Shane Lyons, who is a veteran of the Navy. The two became fast friends – and eventually, business partners. Lyons and his brother had owned a garbage collection company together and decided to hire Kees, helping him obtain the necessary license and knowledge needed to start his civilian career. Eventually, the two friends took stock of their experience, industry knowledge, resources, and skillsets, and made the bold decision to start Evergreen Waste, a local waste disposal company, in 2017. As Kees recounts, they started with, “1 truck, an order of 500 trash cans, and high hopes.” But Kees had more than hope. He had experience with customer service, mechanical skills,

H OM E TOWN H E R O | PR OF E S S I ONAL S E RVI CE S

and route operations. Lyons also had experience in route operations, as well as a background in sales. And in addition to their respective experience, they shared the values that the military had instilled in both of them, which Kees describes as, “a sense of trust that is priceless.” Fast forward to today, six years later, and both the Nashville area and Evergreen Waste have seen a lot of growth. Evergreen currently has 8 employees, 5 trucks, and over 8,000 stops. “We are very proud of the job we have done,” notes Kees. And they should be. Not only do they perform a vital service for the community, but they also prioritize hiring veterans. As Kees had noted previously, there’s a shared value set when working with other veterans and a level of trust that’s unparalleled. This makes hiring other veterans a desirable goal for Kees and Lyons – and it gives veterans a helping hand, much like Lyons did for Kees. So while veterans can face a lot of difficulties as they readjust to civilian life and begin their careers, it’s worth noting that there are many businesses specifically seeking men and women with military experience. For many veteran-owned businesses, candidates with military experience signal a shared work ethic and a type of internal fortitude that gives them a competitive edge. There are also many communities, like our own, who are eager to support small and veteran-owned businesses. This is something that Kees is eminently grateful for. “I am most thankful for this community that we live and work in for supporting veteran-owned businesses and giving us an opportunity to continue serving in another way.” To be the kind of community that gets to count Kees, Lyons, and the like amongst us, the privilege is entirely ours.

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PLANNING FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STOCKTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

The First Step Isn’t Always Making the Plan – Sometimes It’s Finding the Planner; John Zendrosky Takes the Guesswork Out of the Process.

When interest rates are high, inflation is rampant, and the economy is on shaky ground, it’s hard to feel motivated to plan for a financial future. But if you talk to John Zendrosky, local financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual, you can’t help but feel a sense of hope – and inspiration, even. Zendrosky frames things in an optimistic way. Where one might feel a sense of helplessness looking at their financial situation and the economy at large, Zendrosky notes, “If you make $50K and never earn a raise for the rest of your life, over a 35-year career, you’ve made 1.75 million dollars.” That’s the kind of thing that one often misses – the big picture. And that’s what Zendrosky has a passion for helping his clients to see – and plan for. To that end, he’s a staunch advocate for insurance and defensive planning, as they’re pivotal parts of any sound financial plan, and they’re regularly overlooked. He can attest to this personally, and it’s the reason he was motivated to pursue a career in finance. “I got into finances because of two main reasons. The first is that my family had a lot of hardships due to not having certain defensive planning in place (long-term disability,

EXP E RT H E LP | FIN AN CE + LE GAL S E RVI CE S

long-term care, life insurance). Secondly, many of my friends struggled with finances. I did not want to be just like everyone else living paycheck to paycheck. I wanted to learn how to make a difference in their lives and mine.” So, what does it take to get started on the path to financial security? It’s deceptively simple – one just needs a plan. But don’t mistake simplicity for ease – sometimes it takes an outside perspective from a knowledgeable advisor to help one clearly identify their goals and take strategic steps in support of those goals. Zendrosky can help you do just that – drawing on his wealth of knowledge, he takes income, taxes, inflation, and a multitude of other factors into consideration to generate goals for his clients. And the funny thing about having goals is that merely establishing them can provide the impetus for motivation. Having goals also creates accountability and consistency, which are key to the success of any long-term plan. “Financial security is knowing that your plan will succeed with the highest likelihood of success,” he says. When you work with Zendrosky, you can rest assured knowing your plan is likely to succeed – and so are you.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR,

John Zendrosky Zendrosky reminds folks that there are always small ways to make a big impact on the journey to financial stability. Like forming a plan and hedging against risk by getting insured. “The best thing people can do in times where they feel powerless is lock up their defensive planning steps and diversify. Your best asset is not your home, it’s not your car, it’s your ability to earn an income. Dollars to dollars, long-term disability coverage is way cheaper than car insurance and renters’ insurance and covers a much more valuable thing.” He also mentions not to get bogged down in analysis paralysis. “The rates of return, tax advantages, and this vs. that don’t matter if you never pull the trigger and start saving.” Finally, it’s always a good idea to save, save, save. “No matter where you’re at budget-wise, save $10 a month. Save $100 a month. Save $5,000 a month. But save and save consistently.”

“No matter where you’re at budget-wise, save $10 a month. Save $100 a month. Save $5,000 a month. But save and save consistently.”

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W W W . M J E L I T E . C O M

Happy turkey day, neighbor! During this time of giving thanks, my team and I want to express our gratitude to our customers and our community.

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Mini Pumpkin SPICED CAKE RECIPE

Fall is in the air and leaves are on the ground. It’s heartwarming to see homes adorned with friendly-faced scarecrows, and raffia-wrapped corn stalks. Thanksgiving plans are in motion. The delicious balance of spices in this moist and easy cake recipe might just be tradition-worthy.

Preparation time: 1 H O U R Y IE L D S : 8

Ingredients CAKE • • • • • • • • •

1 ¾ cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 3 teaspoons cinnamon ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ¾ cup butter, softened 1 ½ cups brown sugar 3 eggs 1 ½ cups canned pumpkin purée

FROSTING • • • •

1/3 cup cream cheese, room temperature 7 tablespoons butter, softened 1 ½ cups icing sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla

BUTTERCREAM ICING • • • • • • •

2 cups icing sugar 1 cup butter, softened ¼ cup milk 2 teaspoons vanilla 2 ounces orange food coloring 1 drop black food coloring, optional 1 drop brown food coloring for stems

C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE

WOW YOUR GUESTS DURING THE HOLIDAYS WITH THESE ADORABLE, EASY-TO-MAKE, MINI PUMPKIN SPICED CAKES!

Mini Pumpkin Spiced Cake Photo Credit: Michele Bogel

Directions CAKE DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Cream butter and sugar with a mixer. Add eggs, one at a time until smooth. Incorporate pumpkin purée. 2. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Then manually combine both wet and dry mixtures together. 3. Pour batter evenly into silicone molds and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. Cool. Individually wrap, and freeze.

FILLING DIRECTIONS: 1. Cream the cheese and butter, then blend in vanilla and icing sugar until smooth.

BUTTERCREAM DIRECTIONS: 1. With a mixer, cream butter. Lower speed and gradually add icing sugar. Increase speed to medium-high and incorporate milk and vanilla until mixture is smooth. Reserve two tablespoons of icing for stems. 2. Add food coloring to the icing until desired color is achieved.

C A K E A S S E M B LY D I R E C T I O N S : 1. Unwrap cake domes. Level each, using remnants to form stems. Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting on the inside of eight domes. Join them together with unfrosted halves to create eight spheres. Fill gaps. 2. Apply a generous amount of orange icing to the outside of each sphere and use the icing spatula to create a pumpkin-shaped effect. 3. Color reserved icing and apply to stems. Attach stems to top of cakes. Refrigerate until served.

ARTICLE BY MICHELE BOGEL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

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chelseabrealestate@gmail.com

CHELSEA 615 | 712-5878 OFFICE 615 | 292-3552

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Welcome to Mt. Juliet Family Vision, here we strive to deliver the ultimate customer service experience from the moment you walk in our door. We are devoted to creating high-quality eye wear you will fall in love with and be proud to wear. We take pride in using the latest technology to fully customize your visit. Everything is custom-tailored for you; from scheduling your appointment to designing your lenses!

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CHOCOLATE and WINE The Key to a Successful Wine and

Chocolate Pairing Lies in Finding the Right Combination of Flavors and Characteristics.

Pairing wine and chocolate together can be a delightful sensory experience that can elevate the flavors of both. While the concept of pairing wine with food is well-known, pairing it with chocolate may seem unconventional at first. However, when done correctly, it can create a harmonious balance where the flavors of the wine and chocolate complement and enhance one another. Wine and chocolate have a lot of similarities to each other. Both contain flavanols (antioxidants) and polyphenols (compounds found in plant-based food) that are good for you and have anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics affect flavor so it’s somewhat challenging to pair wine and chocolate together. The more polyphenols, the more pronounced the bitter taste. For example, if you sip a delicious dry red wine alongside a hunk of dark chocolate, the wine will start to taste bitter and sour. The taste imbalance is coming from the heightened levels of flavanols (different types of tannin) found in both chocolate and wine that end up clashing against each other on your tongue. While it might sound counterintuitive, a good rule of thumb is to pair a wine that is “sweeter” than the chocolate itself. “Sweet” doesn’t refer to dessert wines alone. In the wine world, the term “sweet” is often used to denote ripe, fruit-forward flavors in a wine. These characteristics provide a nice balance to the bitter flavors of cocoa. Both wine and chocolate can have intense, dry flavors. In order to find the right balance, it’s best to choose wines that are a little bit softer and juicier than the chocolate you’re pairing it with. We’ve done the footwork to find several wines that partner well with chocolate. Here are our guidelines for matching chocolate with wine and a few of our favorite wine and chocolate pairings. We hope you’ll try them and then get inspired to experiment and create your own.

H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

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CREATING THE PERFECT PAIR DA R K CHOCOLATE TIP 1: M ATCH SUGA R WITH SUGAR When it comes to pairing chocolate and wine, you don’t want to strike a balance, you want to match sugar to sugar. Sweeter chocolate like white chocolate does better when consumed with sweeter wines and bitter chocolate like dark chocolate enjoys being paired with dryer wines. Think of it as matching sugar with sugar. A good rule of thumb is to always pair wines that are equally or slightly more sweet than the chocolate being eaten with it.

TIP 2: M ATCH INTENSIT Y WITH INTENSITY If you pair an incredibly delicately flavored dark chocolate with a full-bodied, heavy red, the intensity of the wine will destroy any of the subtlety that might have been present in the chocolate. The opposite is also true: strong-tasting chocolate will blow a delicate wine out of the water. Keep this rule of thumb in mind: light-flavored chocolates enjoy being paired with light-bodied wines and intensely flavored chocolates prefer being paired with full-bodied wines.

T I P 3 : PA I R F L AVO R S W I T H F L AVO R S Wine and chocolate both carry their own intense flavors. If the chocolate contains other ingredients such as nuts, fruit, or caramel, consider how these flavors will play with the wine. This is especially helpful to remember when enjoying truffles with wine. To avoid creating a palate power play between the two, do your best to match fruity or floral chocolates with fruity wines like Moscato or White Zinfandel. Enjoy chocolate-covered nuts alongside a nutty wine like a Madeira or Marsala. Chocolate studded with dried cranberries might pair well with a fruit-forward red with berry undertones.

H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Bitter to semi-sweet dark chocolates, that are 50 to 100% cacao, have intense, bitter flavors, and earthy to fruity undertones. Match the intensity without adding more dryness by pairing these chocolates with full-bodied, yet fruit-forward wines. Pairs well with: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Port, Merlot, Shiraz, Barolo

MILK CHOCOLATE Milk chocolate is typically creamier and sweeter with flavors of brown sugar, vanilla, and cream. It requires a wine that is light to medium in body, with a ripe fruit character. Pairs well with: Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sweet Riesling, Ice-Style Wine

WHITE CHOCOLATE White chocolate has a sweet, buttery flavor with notes of cream and honey. Sweet white and rosè wines help cleanse the palate of the rich flavors from white chocolate, as does sparkling spumante like Moscato d’Asti. Pairs well with: Sweet Riesling, Moscato, Semi-Dry Sparkling Whites, Gewurztraminer

Mount Juliet Injury Attorney It’s our belief that local people require local expertise. This includes your lawyer. Recognized by the Best Lawyers in America, The Law Offices of Christopher Eads is committed to putting clients first.

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Nurturing Smiles, Building Confidence Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

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N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 3

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

N OV E M BE R 2ND-4TH

NOVE M BE R 4 T H

Moss' Flower Shop Hosts Annual Holiday Open House

3 690 N MT J ULIET RD STE. 400, MO UNT J UL I E T | 8 :30 A M Moss' Flower Shop will be holding their Annual Holiday Open House. In addition to fresh flowers, seasonal home fragrances, and holiday décor inspiration, Moss' will have prize giveaways, discounts and more for those that stop by! Learn more at mossflowershopllc.com

The Mill at Christmas

3 00 N MAPLE ST LEBAN ON | 9 :0 0 A M The Mill at Christmas is a magical time of year where fun family festivities and some serious shopping collide with community involvement. FREE for All to Attend. Bring the Kiddos! Great Family Fun. Crafts, Kid Activities, and more. Santa arrives at Noon! Visit The Mill at Christmas Facebook page to learn more.

NOV E M BE R 1 1 T H

11th Annual Home for the Holidays

1075 CHAR LIE DAN IELS PARKWAY, MO UNT J UL I E T | 1 1 :0 0 A M Celebrate the start of this year's holiday season in Mt. Juliet. Home for the Holidays started in 2012 and has become Mt. Juliet's largest holiday vendor event. mtjuliet-tn.gov

NOV E M BE R 1 1 T H

Half & Half Marathon in Mt. Juliet

18 75 G OLDEN BEAR GATEWAY, MT. J UL I E T, T N 37 1 22 | 9 :0 0 A M Come out and be part of Mt. Juliet’s first Half Marathon. This race is coffee themed, and our friends at Billy Goat Coffee Café are coming through with the coffee and all the fixins’ for race day. Visit raceroster.com to learn more and to register.

NOV EM BE R 1 6T H

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery Grand Opening

401 S OUTH MT. J ULIET ROAD, S UI T E 5 1 5 MO UNT J UL I E T, T N 37 1 22 | 5 :0 0 P M "Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery is your premier destination for access to the latest concepts of quality home fixtures and appliances. Whether you’re a homeowner, a professional designer or a remodeler, our knowledgeable Build with Ferguson showroom associates are dedicated to providing you with worldclass customer service." - ferguson.com . Join us for food and cocktails as we celebrate the grand opening of our Mt. Juliet Store! RSVP by November 10th to anna.newton@ferguson.com

N OV E M BE R 18T H & 2 5T H

Tennessee Central Railway Museum, North Pole Santa Excursion Train

T HE TC RY MUS EUM, 220 WIL LOW ST, NAS H V I L L E | 9 :0 0 A M Come ride on a restored classic streamlined stainless steel passenger train with Santa and his Elves! Bring your cameras for some great photo opportunities! All trips are approximately 2 hours round trip and there is no layover. Order your tickets soon as this trip sells out quickly! Learn more by visiting tcry.com.

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EVE N TS

N OVE MBE R 2 0 2 3

realty report A sample of recently sold properties in Mount Juliet. N EI GH BO RH O O D

OR IGIN AL PRICE

SO L D P RIC E

%SO L D/ O RIG

DO M

B DRM S

B AT H S

Providence

$312,500

100%

Windtree Trace

$409,900

$390,000

95%

Providence

$450,000

$456,000

101%

Tinnell Station

$465,000

$450,000

97%

Saundersville Rd

$489,900

$485,000

99%

Providence Legacy Park

$505,000

100%

Waltons Grove

$527,590

100%

Cobblestone Landing

$559,000

$565,000

101%

Silver Springs

$575,000

$555,000

97%

Willoughby Station

$619,900

$610,000

98%

Tuscan Gardens

$649,900

$650,000

100%

Pine Creek Estates

$719,900

$735,000

102%

Sunset Harbour

$879,900

$877,900

100%

101

Benton Harbor

$1,175,000

$1,112,500

95%

615-288-8292

CALL FOR A COMPLIMENTARY MARKET ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOME 615-525-0442 | TEAMROCKENSOCK.COM 75 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE, MOUNT JULIET, TN 37122

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EVENTS CONTINUED

NOVEMBER 23 R D

DARRYL WORLEY & FRIENDS: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

T E NNE S S E E B A L L R O O M , 2 800 O P RYL A ND DR I V E , NAS HV I L L E | 5 :30 P M Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas kicks off on November 10 with Worley’s debut dinner show beginning on November 23. He will headline 33 live dinner shows through Christmas Day. Held in the iconic 2,888-room hotel's Tennessee Ballroom, guests will enjoy a delicious holiday meal prepared by the resort’s talented culinary team followed by Worley and Friends’ performances. For tickets visit tickets. gaylordopryland.com

NOVEMBER 23 R D

Nashville Turkey Trot 5K/10ML Run & Walk

DOWNTOWN NAS H V I L L E | 8 :0 0 A M Join one of Nashville's biggest Thanksgiving Day traditions by taking part in this year's Nashville Turkey Trot! Register or find additional information at tennesseeruns.com .

DECEMBER 7TH, 8TH, AND 9 T H

Christmas Dinner Show at Cumberland University

BAIRD CHAPEL ON THE C UMB E R L A ND UNI V E R S I T Y CA MP US | 7 :0 0 P M Get into the holiday spirit during a musical evening and dinner brought to you by the Bert Coble Singers. This Christmas Dinner Show will support the Bert Coble Music Scholarship at Cumberland University, Empower Me Center, and Compassionate Hands. Tickets can be purchased at: bertcoblesingers.com.

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Special Needs Trusts | Comprehensive Guardianship Plans | Asset Protection We are not your typical law firm. We’re here to help with special needs trusts when your elderly family member might have special medical care needs or is placed in hospice. In addition, we offer more specialized services to make sure children are protected in all situations not only when parents die but if they ever become incapacitated; ensuring children are completely and confidently taken care of should a tragedy occur. We truly care.

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