Mount Juliet, TN March 2026

KRUSE BROTHERS

ENTERTAINMENT

KRUSE BROTHERS: FROM DESERT HIGHWAYS TO MUSIC CITY

LIFE + CULTURE

THE BURGER FOUNDATION: WHERE PURPOSE MEETS HOME

BACK & BEYOND COMMON SPINE ISSUES

WITH DR. JENNIFER O’DONNELL

Dr. Jennifer O’Donnell is an orthopaedic spine surgeon with Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics! She sees patients at the Lebanon, Nashville - Centennial, and Smyrna - StoneCrest locations.

Read about some of the common conditions that Dr. O’Donnell treats and their symptoms. For each, the initial treatment is non-surgical which can include physical therapy, steroid injections, medications, and activity modifications. If these options aren’t effective, surgery is the last step.

CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY

Pinched Nerve in the Neck

Symptoms: Pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates down one or both arms, from the neck.

CERVICAL MYELOPATHY

Compression of the Spinal Cord in the Neck

Symptoms: Decreased arm/ hand strength, coordination, and balance, and signs such as hyperreflexia (exaggerated reflexes) on exam.

LUMBAR RADICULOPATHY (SCIATICA)

Pinched Nerve in the Spine

Symptoms: Pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates down one or both legs from the lower back.

LUMBAR STENOSIS

Narrowing of the Spinal Canal in the Lower Back

Symptoms: Lower back pain as well as hip or buttock pain when walking longer distances, which can be relieved when you stop for a break or lean forward.

LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION

Bulging Disc in the Lower Back

Symptoms: Acute lower back pain with pain radiating down one or both legs. These disc herniations often cause lumbar radiculopathy (pinched nerves in the spine). There can also be weakness or numbness.

Ifyouareexperiencinganyofthesesymptoms, pleaseconsiderschedulinganappointmentwithDr.O’Donnell.

Ann Beadle, RN, ACNP

Jonathan P. Cornelius, MD

William N. Melton, MD

Kristina Moore, PA-C

Shawn P. Mountain, DO

Jennifer M. O’Donnell, MD

Lucas B, Richie, MD

100 Physicians Way, Suite 110 (615) 547-6700 tn.hughston.com

Home is where you make it

Home. Just four letters, yet it holds so much meaning. It’s our sanctuary, our foundation, and the place where life unfolds. Home is where we begin and end each day, where our lives take shape, and where our hearts find rest. While the specifics of what “home” looks like vary for each of us, its significance is universal.

Author Wendy Wunder captured it perfectly: “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” With that in mind, this month’s issue focuses on what makes home special—from the warmth of shared meals and thoughtfully designed spaces to the people who bring it all to life.

We believe home is truly sacred. Our family travels a lot with the music industry, and it is always so beautiful to see the families that ride along together on tour. We have always believed that home is truly where the heart is and not in one defined space or place. It is always about the people you surround yourself with and the memories you make that are most important.

This month, we had the privilege of connecting with local businesses and individuals who shape this community. Their stories highlight the creativity, resilience, and heart that make this area feel like home. We hope that as you turn these pages, you’ll be inspired to strengthen your connections—whether within your neighborhood, your city, or your own walls.

Many of our readers tell us they hold onto this magazine long after the month on its cover, treasuring it as a piece of home—whether as coffee table art or a source of inspiration. That’s a tradition we’re proud to uphold, and we remain committed to delivering the value you expect each month.

Thank you for welcoming us into your homes. Here’s to making this March a celebration of the spaces and people that matter most.

Happy Spring!

KIM THOMAS, PUBLISHER @MOUNTJULIETLIFESTYLE

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Kim Thomas | kim.thomas@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kourtney McComb | kourtney.mccomb@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Elise Newkirk | elise.newkirk@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Logan NewKirk | logan.newkirk@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kourtney McComb, Paige Turner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Emerson Senseman. Coast to Coast & Co., Elise Newkirk, Kourtney McComb, Chelsea Shae

Photography, Nicole Murphy Photography, Newman-Dailey

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-7; The kids of Mount Juliet Lifestyle Magazine enjoying the historical Ice Storm in January!

Anderson Architects Employee Spotlight

We couldn’t do this without our employees! Our first spotlight is Jacob, Architectural Draftsman, who has been with us for seven years. He enjoys working on a variety of projects, from churches to retail, and is especially proud of the Food Truck Barn in Lebanon. A Nashville native, he studied architecture at Nashville State and MTSU, and enjoys thrifting, rugby games, and trying new restaurants and Airbnbs with his wife of three years.

Scan to read more

TWENTY YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP, FAITH, And Giving Back

What began as a casual birthday golf outing among friends has grown into one of Mount Juliet’s most meaningful annual traditions. This year, the Steven Whitehouse & Friends Golf Scramble celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of community, generosity, and life-changing impact for children and families facing unimaginable circumstances.

For founder Steven Whitehouse, the roots of SW & Friends are inseparable from home. Born and raised in Mount Juliet, with a wife who is also a native of Wilson County, Whitehouse credits the relationships formed here as the foundation of everything the organization has become. “Mount Juliet is such a special place,” he says. “I’ve been incredibly blessed by the people I’ve grown up with — friends I played sports with, went to school with, and shared life with.”

The very first scramble, held 20 years ago, included just 12 friends celebrating Whitehouse’s July birthday. It wasn’t a fundraiser then — simply a day on the course, enjoying one another’s company. But something about it stuck. The following year, more friends were invited, and before long, the scramble evolved into a kind of annual reunion, drawing more than 100 people back home each summer to reconnect.

Everything changed in 2012, after Whitehouse suffered a head injury that shifted his perspective on life and purpose. “That experience made it clear this event could be something more,” he shares. What had begun as fellowship

turned into a calling — a way to help others navigating life-altering challenges. With faith as a guide and friends ready to serve, SW & Friends was born. “The name says it all,” Steven explains. “We’re just a group of friends, brought together by faith and a desire to give back to the community that gave us so much.”

That sense of home continues to guide the mission. While Mount Juliet has grown significantly over the years, Whitehouse believes the responsibility to show up for one another has only increased. “It takes a village,” he says. “Even as the village gets bigger, the needs don’t go away.” Supporting children and families right here in Wilson County remains a priority — a way of pouring back into the place that raised them.

The hometown focus is evident in every detail of the scramble. From its early days at Windtree, to Pine Creek, and now Hermitage Golf Course, accessibility for local supporters has always mattered. The board of directors — made up largely of lifelong Mount Juliet residents — shares that same commitment. Many were involved long before SW & Friends became an official nonprofit, and Steven calls them “rockstars” who work tirelessly behind the scenes. “These are people who care deeply about this community,” he says. “They’re truly driving the impact.”

Choosing who to help each year is never easy. As a faith-based organization, the board relies heavily on prayer and discernment. Stories often surface through personal connections or social media, arriving, Whitehouse believes, “at just the right time.” From there, needs are carefully vetted to ensure the greatest possible impact.

“Mt. Juliet is such a special place, I’ve been incredibly blessed by the people I’ve grown up with.”

-Steven Whitehouse

Since 2014, the scramble has raised more than half a million dollars — a number that still humbles Steven. The funds help families during some of the darkest moments of their lives, when medical bills pile up, work is put on hold, and basic needs feel overwhelming. “We’re often stepping into moments when hope feels very fragile,” he says. “Being able to bring people and resources together to restore that hope is incredibly meaningful.”

After 20 years, the greatest lesson has been the power of community. Whitehouse has watched strangers rally around families they’ve never met, united by compassion and purpose. Looking ahead, he hopes the heart of SW & Friends never changes — friends serving together — while the reach continues to grow. With recent milestones allowing support for more beneficiaries and plans for future events, the mission remains clear: greater impact, rooted in home.

WHERE PURPOSE MEETS HOME

Before the Burger Family Foundation ever had a name, it had a calling. For Ashlyn Burger, that calling was rooted in a long-standing desire to live with intention and purpose—especially alongside her husband, MLB first-baseman, Jake Burger, whose platform came with both opportunity and responsibility. “We have always been searching for our purpose and how we can be impactful,” Ashlyn shares. That search became crystal clear just nine weeks into her pregnancy, when she and Jake received Penelope’s Down syndrome diagnosis.

“We instantly knew that this was going to be our mission,” Ashlyn says.

“We were going to hit the ground running.”

Not long after, another realization followed: Jake was the only active MLB player with a child who had Down syndrome. Rather than feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, the Burgers felt directed. “We instantly knew that this was going to be our mission,” Ashlyn says. “We were going to hit the ground running.” What could have been a moment marked by fear instead became one filled with resolve, faith, and a deep sense that God was already at work, preparing them for something bigger than they had imagined.

The idea of home took on new meaning as their family grew. With Jake’s baseball career requiring them to live across two states and log roughly forty-two flights each year, home became less about a fixed place and more about presence. “Home to me is being with Jake, Brooks, and Penelope in one place,” Ashlyn explains. “Anywhere we are together, I call that home.” In the midst of packed bags, busy schedules, and constant movement, togetherness became the constant—and the foundation of everything else they hold dear.

Alongside that sense of home came an unexpected gift: community. “Down syndrome brings a community of people with it,” Ashlyn says, “and a real one.” It’s a community built on showing up, celebrating milestones big and small, and walking through both joy and challenge together. Through Penelope, Ashlyn witnessed a strength in individuals and families she hadn’t known before. “It was something we never expected,” she reflects, “and something we are so grateful for every single day.”

“It’s not just a day to celebrate, but such an impactful day to teach others about the beauty of Down syndrome and how capable our people truly are.”

Each year on March 21st, World Down Syndrome Day brings that gratitude into sharper focus. In the Burger household, the day is both celebratory and purposeful. “It’s not just a day to celebrate,” Ashlyn says, “but such an impactful day to teach others about the beauty of Down syndrome and how capable our people truly are.” Education is central to the Burger Family Foundation’s mission, because understanding leads to acceptance—and acceptance creates opportunity. By using their platform to teach and advocate, the Burgers hope to break down stigma and replace it with truth, dignity, and respect.

Of course, mission-driven work is rarely without strain. Ashlyn admits that her desire to help every family and say yes to every opportunity often stretches her thin. “I want to do what I believe God put me on this earth to do,” she says, “but I’m also a mother and a wife.” Learning to balance those roles has been one of her greatest challenges. On the hardest days, it’s her village—family, friends, and community—that keeps her moving forward,

reminding her she was never meant to do this alone.

While Penelope is the heart of the foundation, some of Ashlyn’s most powerful moments come through quiet messages and conversations. Parents reaching out after a diagnosis. Words like I found your Instagram and it gave me hope or It’s going to be okay. “Those moments mean everything to me,” she says. They affirm that hope, when shared, multiplies—and that simply being visible can change someone’s story.

At its core, Ashlyn believes advocacy begins at home. Teaching children that differences exist, but kindness and inclusion matter most, is a simple yet powerful starting point. Looking ahead, her hope for Penelope is unwavering: that she always knows she belongs, that there is a place for her in this world, and that she deserves to be exactly where she is. Through faith, family, and the Burger Family Foundation, Ashlyn is helping ensure that truth becomes not just a possibility—but a promise—for every individual with Down syndrome, now and for generations to come.

FROM Desert Highways TO MUSIC CITY

Kruse Brothers Find Their Harmony

ARTICLE BY PAIGE TURNER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMERSON SENSEMAN

Some artists chase music. Others are raised inside it. For Miles and Chandler Kruse, music was stitched into family road trips across the Southwest, humming through the speakers as their dad queued up the Eagles on SiriusXM’s The Bridge. Those long drives — desert stretching endlessly on both sides — taught them the power of harmony. From classic rock to the soul of Ray Charles, the swagger of Elvis Presley, and eventually the raw fire of Chris Stapleton, their ears were trained early. When Stapleton clicked, they say, it felt like finding home — a sound that married grit, storytelling, and live-show electricity.

That sense of place runs deep in the Kruse Brothers’ music. Originally from New Mexico and the first generation of their family to move to Arizona, Miles and Chandler grew up bouncing between states, absorbing the wide-open beauty of the Southwest. Endless highways, rugged mountains, and stories of pioneers and the Old West seeped into their imagination. “It’s hard not to create stories in an environment like that,” they explain. Their songs aim to honor where they came from — western narratives told with modern edges — and to invite listeners into a region they believe deserves more love.

As brothers, their bond is more than shared blood; it’s a balancing act of complementary strengths. For years they worked separately, each following natural instincts. Chandler trained as a singer, competing in opera and developing razor-sharp technical skills. Miles gravitated toward songwriting and recording, shaping stories and sounds behind the scenes. It wasn’t until college that the realization hit: together, they were stronger. Joining forces created a rare blend of precision and emotion, anchored in mutual respect — and those unmistakable blood harmonies.

Storytelling sits at the heart of everything the Kruse Brothers do. Writing songs, they say, is about giving language to feelings people may not know how to express themselves. Rooted in western music traditions, their approach favors honesty over polish and emotion over trend. The result is what fans describe as honky-tonk swagger — songs that feel personal yet strangely familiar, like stories you swear you’ve lived, even if you haven’t.

Milestones came quickly once momentum built. In 2023, opening for Texas legend Casey Donahew marked their first real tour — complete with battling a blizzard just to get there. The hardship only confirmed their commitment. A later run with Dylan Gossett proved equally formative, offering lessons not just onstage, but in how to run a crew and show up as professionals. Each step reinforced that this wasn’t just a dream; it was a calling.

Now, the road leads east. The brothers are preparing to trade Arizona desert hues for Tennessee green, planting roots in Nashville — a city they once imagined only as kids. To them, Music City isn’t just an industry hub; it’s a classroom. Surrounded by elite songwriters and musicians, they see endless opportunity to grow, learn, and sharpen their craft. Gratitude anchors the move, paired with the excitement of making country music’s beating heart home.

The lifestyle shift is real. They’re eager for firsts — including finally attending a Tennessee Volunteers football game — while admitting they’ll miss the mountains and sunbaked desert views. “It always feels weird seeing so much green,” they laugh. Still, Nashville has already begun to feel like home. Favorite haunts include The Alley on Main in Murfreesboro, late nights at The Local soaking up live music, and celebratory beers at Mr. Brews after a great writing session.

Asked how they hope to be remembered, the answer is simple. Five years from now, Miles and Chandler want to be known as two brothers who loved music, loved playing together, and never lost sight of the gift it is to be heard. If their passion still shines through — and listeners feel connected — they’ll consider the journey a success. Together, they’re just getting started in Nashville now.

Country Duo: Miles & Chandler Kruse

Arizona-bred country duo Miles & Chandler Kruse are officially Nashville-bound, bringing their western storytelling and blood harmonies to Music City. Drawn by the songwriting community and the city’s creative energy, the brothers see Nashville as both a dream realized and a place to grow — as artists and as people. When they’re not writing or recording, you’ll find them soaking up live music, discovering local favorites, and embracing the rhythm of life in Tennessee. With grit, gratitude, and brotherhood at the core, the Kruse Brothers are ready for their next chapter.

Planting Spring Flowers

Helpful tips for planting spring flowers

Sun-Loving Plants:

Spring is here! We compiled a list of flowers that - depending on your planting zone - can be planted in the season.

Plumbago

Has beautiful dark blue or white flowers on a large shrub of 3 to 5 feet. This tends to freeze down in winter and comes back from roots in the spring.

Hibiscus

The tropical variety will not survive the winters so move those pots inside. The plant can get up to 5 feet tall and there are many different colors and varieties. The perennial varieties will freeze to the ground but come back in the spring. The variety Moy Grande is known as the dinner plate hibiscus. The Texas star hibiscus has beautiful flowers in red or white.

Bougainvillea

These colorful plants can be planted in baskets and pots, not in water-logged or low areas where water might collect. They will grow best when given enough space to spread out, and should be planted in an area that will allow them a minimum of 5-6 hours of sunlight every day. Colors include orange, pink, purple, white, red, tangerine and fuschia to name a few.

Purslane

This is great in baskets for trailing leaves with lots of colors. The bees love it!

Butterfly Weed

This 3 to 4-foot bush is a must for monarch lovers. Monarchs feed on the leaves before making their cocoons. It has beautiful orange and yellow flowers.

ARTICLE BY LORI HAWKINS

Shade-Loving Plants:

Lantana

This is a great hot weather plant that comes in many colors and varieties. Trailing varieties only get about 1 foot tall but can get 3 to 4 feet wide. There are bush varieties that get 4 feet tall and dwarf bushes only get about 2 feet tall. It comes in yellows, purples, reds, oranges, pinks, fuchsia, and many others.

Gregg’s Blue Mist

This fuzzy light blue flower is a butterfly favorite.

Pentas

This is another bee and butterfly favorite that grows about 10 to 12 inches tall. There is a graffiti variety in different colors that works in beds or pots.

Vinca/Periwinkle

This plant comes in upright or trailing varieties. There are many colors to choose from: lavender, white with a red center, peach, white and red, pink to strawberry.

Sages

There are many varieties of sage. The Texas sage is a shrub that has beautiful lavender flowers - a favorite for bees. They usually bloom around the time it rains. Henry Duelberg variety is a smaller bush 18 to 20 inches tall with blue stalks of blooms. Russian Sage is a tall silver lacey foliage with light blue flower spikes and grows to 4 feet tall. Deer tend to stay away from most of the sages.

Turk’s Cap

This plant makes a large bush of red or pink flowers. It has low water needs once established and can tolerate drought conditions and hot temperatures. Prune back plant in winter if it gets too leggy.

Impatiens

These need more water than most other plants and come in many colors. They are valued for their vibrant colors, abundant blooms, and tolerance for shade.

Caladiums

With lush multicolored leaves, many larger than the palm of your hand, caladiums have become one of the most popular foliage plants for shady or semi-shady gardens—with many recent introductions being sun tolerant.

The Fresh Start

A GUIDE TO PEACEFUL AND INTENTIONAL SPRING CLEANING

ARTICLE BY HEATHER SPINKS

Take a second to close your eyes and picture this: The afternoon sun streams through your windows, casting a warm glow across the room. Outside, Robins and Blue Jays sing their familiar melody, welcoming the season’s return. A gentle breeze slips through the slightly cracked window, carrying the crisp scent of early spring as your curtains sway softly. You stand in your kitchen, pouring a midday cup of coffee, feeling lighter—hopeful even— because warmer days are on their way.

There’s something about this fresh, ethereal feeling that not only melts away the last traces of winter but also sparks a quiet urge to refresh our surroundings. The cupboards that need decluttering, the baseboards that have gone untouched for months, the unworn clothes that no longer serve us—it all calls for renewal. This is the essence of spring cleaning:

Refresh and Declutter

Week1

clearing out the old to make space for the new, both in our homes and in our minds.

For some, the idea of cleaning feels anything but peaceful. The thought of tackling clutter and dust can be overwhelming, turning what should be a refreshing transition into a dreaded chore. That’s why we’ve created a simple, practical guide to help you navigate spring cleaning with ease, turning it into a rhythmic, intentional process that mirrors the calm of the season itself.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing and decluttering—it’s about creating a home that nurtures and uplifts you. By embracing this season of renewal with a gentle, intentional approach, you can welcome spring with open arms and a refreshed spirit.

Let this be the year when cleaning isn’t a chore but a ritual—a way to honor your home and the season’s promise of new beginnings.

• Wash windows and mirrors to welcome in the sunlight.

• Deep clean the fridge and pantry, wiping down shelves and organizing items.

• Launder curtains, cushion covers and throw blankets.

• Vacuum and shampoo rugs and carpets for a fresh start.

• Rotate and flip mattresses; wash all bedding, including pillows.

• Open windows for fresh air and let the natural light in.

• Declutter surfaces—countertops, coffee tables and shelves—removing anything unnecessary.

• Go through kitchen cabinets and toss expired pantry items and mismatched containers.

• Sort through closets, donating or repurposing clothes you haven’t worn in the past year.

• Wipe down baseboards and dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents.

Week2

Deep Clean and Rejuvenate

Outdoor and Seasonal Transitions Week3

• Sweep porches, patios and outdoor furniture, preparing for warm-weather gatherings.

• Check gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.

• Tidy up gardens and potted plants, removing dead leaves and refreshing the soil.

• Store winter coats and boots, making space for lighter spring essentials.

• Replace seasonal decor—bring in fresh flowers, soft pastels and airy textures.

• Touch-up scuff marks on walls and doors.

• Stock up on cleaning supplies to maintain a fresh environment.

• Set a simple weekly cleaning routine to keep your home feeling refreshed.

• Light a scented candle or diffuse essential oils to celebrate your clean, peaceful space.

Week4

Finishing Touches and Maintenance

Blessings by the Beach

WHERE CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATER MEETS UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES

Crystal Beach is the kind of place that stops you in your tracks — sugar-white sand, shimmering turquoise water, and a calm that instantly slows life down. It was the perfect setting for our ladies’ retreat at Blessings by the Beach , where we spent four beautiful days in November soaking up everything this coastal gem has to offer.

With the beach and nearby restaurants just a short walk away, we fully embraced the laid-back beach lifestyle. The home itself

was a dream, offering plenty of space to spread out, gather together, and relax. From the private pool and spa to the inviting living areas, every detail felt designed for comfort and connection. Managed seamlessly by Newman-Dailey, our stay was effortless from start to finish.

If you’re searching for the perfect space for a reunion, retreat, or relaxing family vacation, it’s not too late to book this sweet escape. Blessings by the Beach is where lasting memories begin.

“When booking a meaningful vacation, Newman-Dailey takes the guesswork out of it and simply helps provide the most cherished, stress free memories”

events

MARCH 3RD

The Listening Room's 20th Anniversary Event

The Ryman Auditorium, 116 Rep John Lewis Way N, Nashville, TN | 7:30 PM

Celebrate two decades of Nashville’s iconic songwriter showcase at The Listening Room’s 20th Anniversary concert on March 3, 2026 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Expect an unforgettable evening of stories and performances from stars like HARDY, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jo Dee Messina and surprise guests honoring 20 years of great music. The Listening Room is co-owned by Mt Juliet's Chris Blair.

MARCH 21ST

Spring Hendersonville Handmade Market

Hendersonville City Hall, 101 Maple Drive North, Hendersonville, TN | 10:00 AM

Celebrate spring at the Hendersonville Handmade Market on March 21. This one-day event brings together talented local artisans offering handcrafted jewelry, home décor, apparel, and more. Enjoy food vendors, unique finds, and a relaxed community atmosphere—perfect for a spring Saturday stroll and shopping small.

MARCH 28TH–29TH

Opening weekend of the Market on 109

3301 Highway 109, N Lebanon, TN | 10:00 AM

The Market on 109 returns this spring for its opening day festival, March 28–29! This beloved local market brings together artisans, makers, food vendors, and small businesses for a season of shopping, community, and local flavor. Come support small businesses and welcome spring with The Market at 109!

mor e With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only Expir es 3/31/26. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.