Lebanon Location March 17th–26th

Transcription

Lebanon Location March 17th–26th
March | April 2016
VOL 3 | ISSUE 2
HUGE PRE-SEASON MOWER SALE!
Lebanon Location March 17th–26th
1025 West Main St. • 615-453-5767 • Mon-Sat 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
FREE DELIVERY within 125 miles • We Service What We Sell
LT 46
LT 46 FAB
• 22 HP Kohler 7000 Series Twin-Cylinder Engine
• Hydrostatic Transmission with Mow-In-Reverse
Feature
• 46 in. Fabricated Deck with Deck Wash Kit Included
• CLOSEOUT $1999.99
LT 50
• 24 HP Kohler 7000 Series Twin-Cylinder
Engine
• Hydrostatic Transmission with
Mow-In-Reverse Feature
• 50 in. Cutting Deck with Deck Wash Kit
Included
• $1999.99
LT 54 FAB
• 54" Heavy-Duty Fabricated, triple-blade
cutting deck
• 24 HP Kohler V-Twin OHV Engine
• Deluxe Hydrostatic Transmission for the
smoothest operation
• CLOSEOUT $2299.99
• 46" heavy-duty, stamped twin-blade
cutting deck
• 22 HP Kohler V-Twin OHV engine
• Deluxe hydrostatic transmission for the
smoothest operation
• $1699.99
RZT L 54 KF FAB
• Adjustable, over-sized lap bars with
full-length comfort grips
• 54" heavy-duty fabricated mowing deck
• 24 HP professional-grade Kohler®
7000 Series V-Twin OHV engine
• $2999.99
Z-FORCE L 60 KH
• Heavy-duty one-piece steel frame
• 60" triple-blade cutting system
• 25 HP professional-grade Kohler®
7000 Series PRO V-Twin OHV
• $3999.99
Z-FORCE COMMERCIAL LZ 60 KH
• 23.5 HP commercial-grade Kohler Command®
PRO V-Twin engine
• 60" commercial-grade sloped-nose fabricated
deck
• CLOSEOUT $5199.99
Z-FORCE L 48 KH
• 24 HP professional-grade Kohler® 7000 Series
PRO V-Twin OHV engine
• Heavy-duty steel frame
• 48" triple-blade cutting system
• CLOSEOUT $3299.99
Z-FORCE COMMERCIAL LZ 48 KH
• 48" commercial-grade sloped-nose
fabricated deck
• 23 HP commercial-grade Kohler Confidant®
V-Twin engine
• CLOSEOUT $3999.99
ZEE 2 2348
• 23HP/724cc Briggs & Stratton Commercial Series
4-Cycle OHV Engine
• Heavy Duty Dual Hydro-Gear® ZT 2800 Transaxles
• 48-Inch Fabricated Steel Mower Deck W/ Elite
Cutting System
• $4299.99
Your Nashville Symphony | Live at the schermerhorn
Madeleine
Peyroux
WITH
March 11
JOSHUA BELL
March 15
Celebrate st. patriCk’s day
the
IRISH
Tenors
and the nashville symphony
AprilMarch
10 • 3 17
& to
7:30
19pm
It’s Classic Dean, Sammy
& Frank with a Vegas Big Band
April 10 • 3 & 7:30 pm
NASHVILLE SYMPHONY PERFORMS
Rimsky-Korsakov's
Scheherazade
April 7 to 9
with the Nashville Symphony
April 12
WITH THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY
April 14 to 16
April 17
AEGIS
SCIENCES
FOUNDATION
EST. 2013
615.687.6400
NashvilleSymphony.org
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T
UNDERESTIMATE WALKING
MUSIC AT
THE MANSION
56
36
STYLE:
SPRINGING
INTO 2016
52
40
F100
SUPERNATIONALS
FROM THE BIG APPLE TO
LITTLE SEED FARM
30
42
CLASSIC CARS
HIDDEN IN
OUR MIDST
VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2
MAR | APR 2016
Published by:
Lebanon Publishing Co.
402 N. Cumberland St. | Lebanon, TN 37087
ART DIRECTOR Amanda Mazzo
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Jordan Hunter
EDITOR Kyndyll Lackey
PUBLISHER George Coleman
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Cathy Wair
MARKETING SPECIALISTS Hank Ihrig
Christina Puza
Traci Walker
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Christy Wilson Photography
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Makaylah Everett
Tracey Hackett
Julian Hayes, II
Mark Hinesley
Lounita Howard
Leah Jack
Melissa Johnson
Dr. Noel Lucas
Rachel Mayo
Cathy McCook
Melanie Minter
Alison Nash
Jenny Newton
Jordan Russ
Jeff Syracuse
Tara Thomas
Summer Vertrees
Breanna Walker
East of the City Magazine, published bi-monthly by Lebanon Publishing Co., distributed through the circulation of The Lebanon Democrat and Mt. Juliet News,
a newspaper group with a readership of more than 39,000 daily, the Lebanon-Wilson County Chamber of Commerce and the Wilson Co. Joint Economic
and Community Development Board. The magazine is also provided to participating advertisers and is placed in local businesses and professional offices.
/eastofthecitymag
@eastcitymag
@eastofthecitymag
EASTOFTHECITYMAG.COM
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MARCH | APRIL 2016
11
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
CITYSCAPE
12
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Lester Farms
18 DONELSON-HERMITAGE SPOTLIGHT: Making It Beautiful
22 WATERTOWN SPOTLIGHT: Mile Long Yard Sale Tradition Ushers in Spring
24 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
28 FOUR LEGS IN THE CITY: Pet Behavior Myths
30 COVER STORY: From the Big Apple to the Little Seed Farm
36 MUSIC: Music at the Mansion
38 EVENT SPOTLIGHT: Country Living Fair
DAY IN THE LIFE: Nurse Sharon Walker
40 EVENT SPOTLIGHT: F100 Supernationals Show
42 TREASURE HUNTER: Classic Cars HIssen in Our Midst
STYLE
52 SPRINGING INTO 2016
HEALTH
8
56 WHY YOU SHOULDN’T UNDERESTIMATE WALKING
LET’S EAT
60 IN THE KITCHEN WITH: The Farm House
66 RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: First Watch
72 MIXOLOGY: Brunchy Cocktails by Homegrown Taproom
EASTOFTHECITYMAG.COM
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Clarksville • Lebanon • Shelbyville • Tullahoma
FROM THE EDITOR
I
MARCH/APRIL 2016
I truly love working at East of the City. I love how, in each issue a theme comes together
organically, just by reading all the great work coming from our contributing writers. Each
person brings their best work, and it always results in an eye-opening and refreshing
composition. In putting together this issue, we noticed that this its theme seems to be cars and
trucks, fresh produce, and brunch—a seemingly odd theme indeed, until you really think
about how all these things are connected to the outdoors.
In fact, it’s not just “the outdoors” winding its way through each article; this issue is all
about that specific flavor of open-air pleasure that permeates the world as we approach spring.
It’s the joy of leaving coats behind and feeling the sun, of dining al fresco on luxuriously fresh
fare, and of watching the earth literally wake before our eyes.
Though it’s not just teeming with new growth and blossoms out there just yet (as I write
this, it’s as dull and outcast as it could be outside my window), the returning growth and
warmth are imminent. Everyone feels it, and as that anticipation builds, we channel it into
wonderful things, like planning outdoor concerts and car shows, dreaming up meals to share
with friends, and planting gardens in our minds. I think it’s nature’s way of getting us through
the last few chilly weeks.
As ever, EC is teeming with a life of its own, growing and thriving in this tight-knit
community. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Cumberland University’s bright
and talented dual-enrollment students to showcase our fantastic neighbors in the “Day in the
Life” column. In this issue we are sharing a profile of Nurse Sharon Walker, contributed by
Wilson Central High School/Cumberland University student Breanna Walker.
Additionally, we are adding a new feature, “Music and Art,” in 2016. EC is thrilled to have
a piece contributed by Donelson’s own Councilman Jeff Syracuse on the Music at the Mansion
series at Two Rivers Mansion as our debut article in this column.
As you leaf through this issue, you’ll see there is a dizzying array of wonderful things going
on “east of the city” right now. As a Donelson native, I frequently have to stop to marvel at how
truly fortunate we are, and how great it is to love where I live. I hope you, too, finish this issue
feeling inspired and excited to go out your door into our world today.
Yours in Community,
Kyndyll Lackey
EC Editor
EASTOFTHECITYMAG.COM
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
For the Love of Farming:
LESTER FARMS
O
On a summer day, 8-year-old Mitchell
Lester sat at the end of his long driveway
with some tomatoes and a bucket ready
for money. Though unbeknownst at the
time, this young boy was paving the way
to a successful farming business – Lester
Farms. Now 22 years old, this young
entrepreneur remembers that day as the
start of his future. It’s a realization most of
us don’t encounter until we are well past
youth.
“After that first sale was made at the
end of our driveway, I knew I wanted to
pursue a business in agriculture,” he says.
Lester has been selling and growing
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produce ever since. He started in his parents’
small garden in the back yard. Throughout
his middle and high school years he planted
more and more in his free time, growing the
small garden to a full farm.
“A business began to form, and I started
devoting more and more time to it,” says
Lester.
The developing business was Lester
Farms, and as the business and its farm
grew, so did the need for help. He now has
a farm team, consisting of family and some
outside help during the growing and selling
season.
In addition to his family’s Wilson
IT’S ABOUT WHOLESOMENESS,
HEALTH,
AND HEARTACHE
By MAKAYLAH EVERETT
County farm on Coles Ferry Pike, in
2013 he acquired more land close to the
Cumberland River. He now farms and
manages a total of 200 acres. It’s a yearround job.
During the off-season, Lester spends
his time planning for the upcoming season
and baling 32 acres of Bermuda hay.
“What will be planted, which varieties,
how much and where things will be
planted are details that need to be decided
before any work takes place,” says Lester.
He uses this time to discuss with other
farmers in the area what they plan to grow
as well.
Lester began planting seed in the
greenhouse in February for the upcoming
season. This includes lettuces, kale, broccoli
and cabbage. These plants will be replanted
to the fields in late March.
During the growing season, Lester takes
part in almost every aspect of the business.
“From planning, to planting, to
harvesting, to packing and distributing
baskets, many hats must be worn to get the
job done,” he says. “Not just by me, but all
employees, as well.”
This farmer attributes much of his
success to his family.
“My family has helped me with every
“
aspect of the business,” says Lester. “My
dad, mom, brother, and grandmother.”
He admits the process isn’t always
easy.
“But this is true for anyone who
starts their own business,” says Lester.
“Especially in agriculture. Passion for
what I was doing, help and guidance from
God and family, and simply keeping at it,
is what has gotten me through challenges.”
He also says he learned a lot through
trial and error, plus advice from seasoned
farmers.
FROM PLANNING
TO PLANTING,
TO HARVESTING,
TO PACKING AND
DISTRIBUTING BASKETS,
MANY HATS MUST BE
WORN TO GET THE JOB
DONE.
Continued on page 15 >>
EASTOFTHECITYMAG.COM
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
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There’s not much Lester doesn’t love about farming. From planting
the first seed, to spending hours catching up with longstanding buyers,
this is where his heart is.
“I feel blessed to be a part of something that promotes
wholesomeness, health and hard work,” he says.
Strawberries are the most popular item raised on the farm.
“We have had a lot of success and heartache over the past six years
with that crop,” admits Lester.
Even during the heartache, he says he had the support of locals
because it’s not just about the product, but about the farm itself and
what it offers to a community.
With farming, everything can change overnight. He says thinking
positively helps through hard times.
Lester also makes it a point to blends both organic and conventional
farming processes: “It all comes down to creating the best product for
our customers, jobs for our employees and lifestyle for ourselves that
we can, while being stewards of the land and the environment,” explains
Lester.
The products of his farm can be bought at his stand in Lebanon that
opens in May, or at local farmer’s markets.
Lester Farms also offers fresh produce to the public through
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Through buying unique
shares, you can receive 18 weeks of fresh fruits and vegetables.
What Lester doesn’t personally grow on his own, he sources from
other local farmers to provide customers with the freshest varieties of
fruits and vegetables available. These sources are properly vetted, and
many are long-term friends of Lester.
“Through the years, I’ve developed relationships with numerous
farmers, most within 45 miles of us,” says Lester. “We [Lester Farms]
work with others who also care about the products they grow, the
customers they feed, and the land they farm.”
Lester Farms grows strawberries, lettuces, turnips, carrots, broccoli,
cabbage, peas, green onions, chard, spinach, kale, collards, and more
during the spring.
During the summer, tomatoes, sweet corn, yellow squash, herbs,
zucchini, green beans, field peas, melons, cucumbers, peppers,
blueberries, peaches, and eggplant are among the harvest.
The farm, at 2822 Coles Ferry Pike, also opens up for buyers to
pick-your-own strawberries during strawberry season.
“So far, our strawberry crop looks very promising,” he said.
At press time, Lester Farms was still in the process of updating their
2016 CSA share prices; the most current information is on their website
www.lesterfarmstn.com and the Lester Farms Facebook page.
DONELSON-HERMITAGE SPOTLIGHT
MAKING IT
Beautiful
By LEAH JACK, Executive Director
DONELSON HERMITAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
E
‘East of the city’ in the communities
of Donelson and Hermitage, there is a
movement afoot to strike an identity
and mark it with projects to enhance the
natural beauty of these communities.
If you drive around for any time
in Donelson and Hermitage, you will
notice excellent greenways, parks, and
natural resources. With gracious natural
borders like the rambling Cumberland
and Stones Rivers, and the grandeur of
Percy Priest Dam on beautiful Percy
Priest Lake, water recreation activities like
boating, fishing, kayaking, jet skiing, and
leisure vacations on houseboats abound.
Boasting historic homes such as Two
Rivers Mansion, Clover Bottom Mansion,
Buchanan Log House, Belair Mansion,
and of course the internationallyrenowned Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage,
Donelson and Hermitage have some of the
most beautiful preservations this side of
Nashville.
If you have taken the time to drive
through our neighborhoods in the past
five years or so, you will have noticed a
movement—a concerted effort to define
and beautify our communities. With
the advent of groups like Hip Donelson,
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a renewed sense of community pride has
begun to take root, and with it, other groups
are taking on specific tasks to improve
spaces and curb appeal to enhance the
community.
Traveling along Lebanon Road through
Donelson, you may have noticed lovely
monument signs announcing Donelson’s
borders. Several years ago, a group of
concerned citizens formed The Donelson
Gateway Project with the specific intent
to develop this signage and landscaping
to mark and notify passers-by that they
are now in Donelson. As a community
heavily traveled by tourists via the airport
and the Music Valley and Opry Mills areas,
Donelson truly serves as the “Gateway to
Music City.”
Drawing support from JVI Secret
Gardens, former District 15 Councilman
Phil Claiborne, and current District 15
Councilman Jeff Syracuse, the Donelson
Gateway Project meets several times per
year to maintain and landscape the signage
at the Stones River Bridge and Briley
Parkway. Another prominent area they have
tackled is the median along Lebanon Road
at the Jackson Downs shopping center, by
planting wild flowers for spring and summer
bloom. You may have also seen the Toll
Gate Preserve at Stewart’s Ferry Pike and
Lebanon Road. With trees adorning the
hillside, this site is on its way to becoming a
small arboretum.
The Donelson Gateway Project has
also spent significant time and effort in
improving the facades of several McGavock
Cluster schools, including most recently
McGavock High School, as part of an
initiative spearheaded by Councilman
Syracuse. The improvements at MHS
include planting river birches and relocating
signage to draw attention to the main
entrance into the school. Though the
building is decades old, the new facelift
has given it a fresh appearance to welcome
students and visitors alike.
Because beautification is contagious,
there is also an effort to recognize those
businesses in the area that work to improve
curb appeal. Inspired by community leader
and artist Phil Ponder, the Donelson
Hermitage Chamber of Commerce presents
a Beautification Award each quarter. Past
awardees include Smart Space, LLC for
improvements in repurposing buildings
for office space. A leading example is
the conversion of the former outlets mall
in Music Valley into a prime office park, creating jobs and
revitalizing the community. Another Smart Space project
converted the former Donelson Hospital property into office
space now occupied by Change Healthcare, a prominent
healthcare tech company and major employer in the area.
In Hermitage, the Stevens Group was recognized for
the new development on Lebanon Road called The Shoppes
at Hermitage Hills that includes new retail spaces occupied
by wonderful business additions to Hermitage. And the
movement continues in Hermitage with a group forming that
will be to Hermitage what The Donelson Gateway Project is
to Donelson. Though in the formative stages, this group is
called “Hermitage Proud” and you can learn more about their
efforts on their Facebook page of the same name.
And the best part of all this beautification? You can get
involved by donating to the non-profit groups that support
these efforts, volunteering your time to help in a landscaping
project, or helping to pick up trash along the roadways,
greenways, rivers, and parks. Or better yet, help educate
our neighbors to proactively place their trash in receptacles
eliminating the need to have others pick it up second-hand.
With your help, we can keep our neighborhoods simply
beautiful.
For more information about The Donelson Gateway
Project, email [email protected]. For more
information about Hermitage Proud or the Chamber’s
Beautification Awards, contact the Donelson Hermitage
Chamber of Commerce at 615-883-7896.
EASTOFTHECITYMAG.COM
19
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WATERTOWN SPOTLIGHT
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EASTOFTHECITYMAG.COM
MILE LONG YARD SALE TRADITION
USHERS IN
Spring
By CATHY McCOOK, President
WATERTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
S
Springtime! Everyone is coming out to enjoy the warm sunshine,
start spring projects, sow gardens, ready pastures for livestock,
complete home repairs, and clean out things that are no longer
needed.
But here in Watertown, for the last 29 years the arrival of
spring also means the arrival of the Mile Long Yard Sale, known
locally as MLYS. The event was originally started by Nell Cain and
Jackie Chitwood as a way to showcase the shops on the square
and down Main Street. It spanned the 2 miles from Round Lick
Baptist Church to the Square. And that was just the beginning:
people just kept coming to find those hidden treasures and the
event has kept on growing.
For the last 12 years, MLYS has been coordinated by Jim
Amero, owner of Jim’s Antiques. Vendors from far and wide start
calling Jim just after the holidays to set their date and pick their
spaces that are available first come, first serve.
Within the city limits of Watertown, up and down Main Street
and side streets, vendors will be tucked here and there to be found
by the thousands of shoppers looking for unique items. There will
be quite an array of crafts, antiques, plants, and someone else’s
junk to choose from.
Merchants located on the square and down Main Street
welcome visitors to explore their stores and enjoy dining at their
restaurants. Although Jim Amero and the Watertown Chamber
only coordinate the spaces inside of the Watertown city limits, the
event has expanded along Hwy 70 up to Lebanon.
This year’s MLYS will be held on Saturday, April 16, rain or
shine. Jim gets it all started by 7:00 AM sharp and keeps things
going until folks stop shopping.
So mark your calendar, put on your comfortable shoes, and
come on out for a day of springtime bargain hunting! For more
information and vendor applications, visit WatertownTN.com or
call 615-237-1777 between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
DAY IN THE LIFE
While working to instruct college freshmen in the field of
English Composition at Cumberland University, and in this
particular circumstance, with Dual Enrollment Wilson Central
High School students, I often see a look of fear when they are
asked to share their writing for the very first time. To bear a
portion of your own words unto another individual for critique
and assessment can certainly bring forth panic: “Did my
writing even make sense? Will my project be the worst in the
class? Will my teacher appreciate what I had to say?” as well as
many other personal questions of the like.
Fortunately, good writing has no age minimum—or limit,
for that matter. Beautiful stories exist within minds and hearts
of the young and the old. However, when a young individual
with fewer years of life experience puts forth successful writing,
the talent of the piece shines more boldly and brightly. An
audience can recognize that when a teenager produces quality
work, the craft of research and composition was accomplished
by an author who decided to set aside Instagram and Netflix to
focus on the challenging task of putting a piece of one’s self on
display in a new way.
After hours of hard work, the writer can proudly answer
those beginning questions—yes, it does make sense. No, it is not
the worst—it’s great; and yes, your teacher appreciates what
you have to say. In fact, she can even say that she loves it.
–Summer Vertrees, Cumberland University English Instructor
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DAY IN THE LIFE OF
Nurse Sharon Walker
By BREANNA WALKER
Photos By CHRISTY WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY
A
As nurse Sharon Walker fills tiny paper cups with pills and
tablets that are ordered from hospitals weekly, the feeling
of bitter sweetness fills her heart. She takes a clear plastic
cup and fills it with water, and begins to write a name on
the cup. One by one, she passes out daily medicine to each
resident. For some residents, she takes their blood sugar,
vitals, and even records their behaviors every day. One of
the residents she was closest with has passed away recently,
and she no longer fills her meds anymore. Being a nurse
is about helping, healing, and caring for others. In nursing
school, they never mentioned the bonds you will make
with your patients, or the bonds that would break with
loss. But it is all just part of the job.
When Sharon graduated as a BSN-RN, she had no clue
where she wanted to take her specialty. Clinics, emergency
rooms, and practices were all in mind, but she had never
thought of applying her skills at an assisted living facility.
She applied to many places because when she graduated,
finding a job was not as easy as it is now. She applied to
and became a burn-care nurse at Vanderbilt and remained
there for a while, until about 3 years ago when she heard of
an opening at an assisted living facility close to where she
lives. She applied and got an interview, and after that day
her perspective on being a nurse was changed for the rest
of her life.
Sharon wanted to be in the healthcare field since she
was in grade school, because her mother was not home
enough to care for them daily. As the oldest child, she felt
as if it was her responsibility to care for her two younger
sisters.
“I do not care that my mom wasn’t there enough to
take care of us if we had colds or anything like that, but
I stepped up and took that opportunity anyway,” she
explains.
Her mother was a secretary, so she had to be with her
boss as much as possible. Taking care of her two younger
sisters made her realize that caring for people was something
that she was good at, and that maybe someday she could care
for children of her own and for others.
When she landed one of the few nursing jobs at Mt.
Juliet’s Carrick Glen Assisted Living, the facility had been
open less than a year.
When she started her job, she explains that “there were
not many residents there because there were only a few
rooms, but it was hard to not become close with those few. I
worked twelve hour shifts when I began and being there with
those who see you as their caretaker, is a crazy good feeling.”
Now there are more than 30 residents living there, and
sometimes her job can become slightly hectic.
“In the winter time, if one resident becomes sick, they all
do,” she chuckles. “They even get me sick!”
Some of the older residents’ illnesses have to be cared
for with more caution though, as theirs can become more
serious, more quickly.
“Taking care of a sick resident is just like taking care of
their family, too,” Sharon says as she stands at her lab cart,
ready to pass out meds during lunch time. “They are worried
about their loved one of course, so I do everything I am able
to do to help them enjoy their grandmother/grandfather, or
whoever they are, for as long as they possibly can.”
Family members are always visiting the residents who
live at the facility, so Sharon feels as if it is her job to also
fulfill all of the family member’s needs, too. Caring for
anyone who is in need, no matter who they are, is a perfect
way to describe Sharon.
Continued on page 27 >>
DAY IN THE LIFE
“
I WOULD NEVER
TRADE MY JOB
FOR ANOTHER,
AND I THINK THAT
EVERYONE SHOULD
FEEL THE WAY ABOUT
THEIR JOB LIKE I DO.
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EASTOFTHECITYMAG.COM
Sharon’s bosses and co-workers have seen the care and
happiness in her heart for the residents, so after two years of
working as a regular nurse, she got promoted to be the first Head of
Clinical Nursing.
“I did not see this coming at all,” she says as she smiles and
continues, “I was completely and utterly shocked. I wasn’t quite sure
what it meant either, but I was extremely happy!”
She feels as if this is one her greatest life’s achievements, and she
could not have more been more proud.
“Yeah, my job has its ups and downs, but what job doesn’t? I
would never trade my job for another, and I think that everyone
should feel the way about their job like I do.”
Sharon has excelled in the job she has always wanted to pursue,
but there is one tragic thing about her job.
“Sooner or later, every resident will have to be put on hospice.
Basically, when they are not doing too well and have reached an
illness beyond the point that I can care for, a hospital has to take
over, and most of the time the outcome is not very good,” she
whispers quietly.
“It’s hard not to get attached to these people. I am with them
sixteen hours at a time almost. Having to place one on hospice is
heartbreaking, and I hate knowing that most of them will have to be
at that point one day.”
She says that this is hands-down the hardest part of her job, but
it does not make her think twice about her profession.
“When you are so close with these people and even their
families too, it’s simply heartbreaking. I wish it didn’t happen, but
that’s how life goes.”
No matter all of the ups and downs Sharon has had to go
through during her career in the healthcare field, she believes this
is the most important field. She has always wanted to care for her
family and have the chance to care for others. It’s not just her job,
but it is something she takes pride in, and she uses her knowledge
outside of the workplace. She had never imagined working at an
assisted living facility or working with senior citizens.
Sharon likes to joke around and say, “They are just like working
with children almost, just in a much calmer and more peaceful
environment.”
Whether it’s passing out meds, taking blood sugar, or even
having to place a resident on hospice, she loves every aspect of her
job and would not trade it for any other.
A great time to thank your favorite nurse is the week
of May 6-12, when National Nurses Week is observed!
The week culminates annually on the birthday of the
heroic Florence Nightingale.
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FOUR LEGS IN THE CITY
PET BEHAVIORAL MYTHS
Common ‘bad pet’ myths that vets hear in the exam room
By DR. NOËL LUCAS, DVM
I
It’s true: bad pet behaviors are everywhere, and they’re a
large source of frustration for pet owners. In fact, many
pets are abandoned or abused because of bad behavior.
As a veterinarian, I hear about all sorts of worrisome
problems my clients face, as well as some common myths
that clients often believe are at the root of the behaviors. I
would like to address some of these myths in order to find
better solutions to stop unwanted behaviors and help my
patients, and my clients, to live happier lives.
BLUE OASIS HOSPITAL
experience a moment of anxiety after a loud noise outside, other pets
being in the area, or children running after them. It’s also possible that
you missed their message that they really needed to go outside just a
moment before.
“MY DOG IS FEARFUL, SHY, OR EVEN AGGRESSIVE BECAUSE
SHE WAS ABUSED AS A PUPPY.”
The truth is that an animal’s behavior is a complex interaction of
genes, socialization, and environment. The exact histories of re-homed
dogs are not known so abuse may be the case in a few. Much more
“MY PET IS MAD AT ME! THAT’S WHY THEY PEED often the undesirable behavior is a result of poor socialization as a
ON MY BED/CLOTHES/SHOES.”
young puppy that has created a fearful adult. Either way, these pets can
Urinating and defecating are normal body processes
often be helped with a combination of positive reinforcement training
and are not used to “get even” with pet owners. No matter and potential medications. A trainer can often help work with the pet
what happens, no pet urinates on your bed, your clothes,
through positive rewards for doing the desired behavior.
or your floor out of revenge. Often a pet will make a
Finding the right trainer is very important, as this profession is not
poor potty choice due to either an underlying medical
licensed or regulated. Research trainers and chose the ones that do not
or behavioral problem. If a pet jumps up on the bed and
use punishment or forceful correction techniques, as this can make
urinates, instead of thinking that was an act of spiteful
the problems worse. Select trainers that have gone through the process
revenge, think about what could be wrong with the pet.
of becoming a Certified Pet Dog Trainer or have other extensive pet
Some pets will have medical concerns such as urinary
behavior training. Research their websites and look for words that
tract infections that make them have sudden urges to go,
express positive training such as reward-based, force-free training.
kidney disease that creates increased urine volume, or
Nashville is lucky to have a board-certified veterinary behaviorist to
help with more severe situations. For more information about finding a
urinary incontinence that prevents them from being able
to hold it. Some pets may have arthritis and it hurts to
trainer or veterinary behaviorist, call your vet.
get into a litter box or use stairs to go outside. Some pets
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EASTOFTHECITYMAG.COM
“PUPPIES SHOULD NOT GO TO PUPPY CLASS UNTIL THEY HAVE ALL THEIR SHOTS
BECAUSE THEY WILL GET SICK.”
The opposite is true. Puppies have a window of social development between four to fourteen
weeks of age that can influence their behavior for the rest of their lives. Puppies have a limited
window of fast learning about how to interact with other animals and people. Starting to train a
puppy to the touches and sounds of their lives and your expectations is good. Decreasing biting,
nipping, jumping up on kids, and excessive barking can prevent abandonment or punishment.
Puppies rarely get any serious illness if you make sure the puppy kindergarten class is with
similar aged puppies, is held inside with cleanable surfaces, and pups are required to have started
their puppy shot series.
“MY CAT FREAKS OUT AT THE VET’S OFFICE AND WE CAN’T GET HIM IN THE CARRIER…
SO WE DON’T TAKE HIM.”
Admittedly, this can be a frustrating situation for pet owners and veterinarians but the fact is cats
need to see a veterinarian regularly. It’s natural behavior for a cat to try to hide diseases and injuries.
However, the stress of getting them to the office can be deemed too overwhelming and owners just
don’t bring them in. Cats can be trained to accept the carrier with some positive training, changing
carrier types, and using some pheromone therapy. Several progressive vets are using “fear free”
techniques in the exam room to minimize stress or even safe sedation exams to get your cat the care
it needs.
“MY DOG ACTS GUILTY SO HE KNOWS WHAT HE DID WAS WRONG.”
Just like revenge, guilt is a bit too complicated for dogs. Dogs that have a tucked tail, head down,
ears down, eye contact avoidance, and submissive posture are afraid and fearful in response to your
body language or tone of voice.
If you have arrived home to find garbage on the floor, chewed up toys/shoes, or soiled carpets
and yelled or punished your pet, that pet has no idea why you’re yelling at it. Your pet does not
associate the poor behavior with the punishment. No matter how many times you yell or punish the
pet, they will never make the connection to the undesired behavior. The fear will escalate in the pet
and potential aggression may be created. All you’re doing is ruining the relationship.
For more information on your pets behavior problems, please always consult your veterinarian
first. We are a safe place to voice your concerns and help you find the right solutions.
Dr. Noël Lucas is the proud owner of the Blue Oasis Pet Hospital, opened in 2013 in the heart of Providence
in Mount Juliet. Blue Oasis Pet Hospital became an AAHA-accredited practice in 2014. Dr. Lucas is a 2000
graduate of the Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine and has spent her career helping the pets of Nashville. She
is a contributing author to East of the City and writes the “Four Legs in the City” column. Your pet’s health is her
passion, and she has a devoted staff who share that philosophy. To learn more about Dr. Lucas and the Blue Oasis
Pet Hospital, check out their website at blueoasispethospital.com.
COVER STORY
FROM THE BIG APPLE TO
Little Seed Farm
I
By TRACEY HACKETT
It began as a little seed of an idea that sprouted into a big change
for James and Eileen Ray. The couple traded their New York City
careers in the fields of fashion and finance for, well, the actual
fields of Middle Tennessee.
That’s how they became the owners and proprietors of Wilson
County’s Little Seed Farm, an 84-acre farm that is one of the
only fully sustainable goat dairies in the country and producers
of award-winning, chemical-free, organic goat milk soaps and
skincare products.
“Neither one of us had ever really farmed before,” James said.
But the decision wasn’t one the couple made haphazardly, his
wife adds.
She is a native of Vermont who studied fashion in Milan,
Italy, and he is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and
studied business and economics at Rhodes College in Memphis.
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Their degrees led them both to fast-paced careers in the city,
where a chance — or more correctly, second chance — encounter
brought them together.
“I found myself standing behind Eileen in the check out line one
day, and I really wanted to talk to her,” James said.
But he didn’t, and the two went their separate ways — or so he
thought.
Just moments later, however, while he was ruminating about the
missed opportunity and considering what he should have said to the
woman, she stepped out of a store and directly into his path.
“We literally ran into each other,” Eileen said.
That meeting led to dating, and dating led to a serious
relationship.
Continued on page 32 >>
COVER STORY
But talk of marriage and family soon also led to dreams of
leaving behind their old lives in the Big Apple for something a bit
smaller, and they began researching the possibility of becoming
farmers.
They considered all angles — from animals and vegetables to
climate and location — and that research led them to formulate the
plan for a goat dairy in Middle Tennessee.
In spite of all the planning, the leap from fashion and finance
to farmers seemed to happen quickly for the couple. In rapid
succession for the Rays came love, then marriage, then farm, and
then baby.
When they first relocated and began developing Little Seed
Farm, James said he had planned to continue working remotely for
three to five years at his old job in New York, which would allow the
couple to ease into farm living.
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But within six months of the move to Tennessee in March 2011,
the company went out of business, and the Rays suddenly found
themselves to be full-time farmers. They had been experimenting
with making gourmet cheeses, but almost by accident and more
as a hobby, they began making soap after a request from Eileen’s
grandmother.
“After my employer went out of business, we had to look closely
at what we were doing, and the soap seemed to be our most popular
product. So we just went for it,” James said.
Founded on a philosophy of sustainability, Little Seed Farm
exhibits responsible stewardship of both land and animals by
practicing nature-based breeding and rotational grazing.
That same philosophy also carries over to the soap and skincare
products they make, the ingredients for which are organic and
virtually free of chemicals.
“We rely on as few inputs as possible,” James said.
That guiding outlook helped earn the farm a cash award of
$25,000 in the form of a West Elm Local Grant in November 2014.
The small business grant program is an initiative of the home
furnishings retailer West Elm, and winners are determined through a
public voting campaign.
Eileen said they were able to use that grant to invest in muchneeded equipment that has helped Little Seed Farm expand its
product line and also to hire three exceptional farm employees.
Their goats — a herd of about 40 animals — are each from one of
three breeds: Alpine, Nubian and Saanen.
And they all have to be milked every day.
While many dairies milk their livestock two or even three times
a day because of practices that encourage overproduction of milk in
the animals, the Little Seed Farm herd is kept in natural conditions
that don’t cause overproduction of milk; therefore the herd has to be
milked only once a day.
It’s a task James and Eileen do each morning.
“We don’t push our animals for production,” James said. “This allows
us to only milk in the mornings. It still has to be done, but we do have
the evenings to enjoy each other’s company.”
But daily milking, even only once per animal, still makes it
difficult — in fact nearly impossible — to take a vacation or any other
time away from the farm.
James said he could recount the date of the last time he slept
under a different roof than his own.
So they may not celebrate their anniversary with a Caribbean
cruise or take their son to Disney World anytime soon — but those
aren’t things that really appeal to the Rays anyway.
What does appeal to them is raising their family with respect for
the environment and knowledge about nature, agriculture and animal
husbandry.
Continued on page 34 >>
COVER STORY
So far, so good. With a second addition to the family
imminently on the way, their 2-year-old son, George,
seems to be taking to the goats and the farming lifestyle.
Eileen, who enjoyed sketching during her previous
career in fashion, has memorialized several of the goats
with portraits that appear on product packaging. For
instance, a Saanen named Zephyr is the cover goat for
Little Seed Farm’s clay and kefir bar, while her kid Calima
is featured on the packaging of the farm’s best selling
rosemary mint bar. And the farm’s very first goat, a
Nubian named Bridget, is featured on the oat bar.
As for what’s inside the packaging of those farmstead
milk bar soaps, they’re created to be nourishing. Free of
artificial perfumes, dyes and preservatives, they are made
with natural ingredients that are “perfect for everyday use
and safe for those with sensitive skin, little ones included,”
according to the farm’s website.
The soap bars are handcrafted and cured at the farm.
In addition to their farmstead milk bar soaps in
regular and mini sizes, Little Seed Farm also produces
liquid goat’s milk body washes and hand washes, balms,
salves, sugar scrub, and more.
The Rays have also partnered with several other small
businesses to collaborate on the creation of various other
products.
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EASTOFTHECITYMAG.COM
For instance, they’ve partnered with Nashville’s
Jackalope Brewery to develop a line of beer soaps, the
quality of which comes from combining the nourishing
richness of the farm’s goat milk and the amino acids from
the brewery’s draughts. Those sudsy blends come in three
scents: the rosemary patchouli of Rompo; the nutmeg,
cinnamon and vanilla of Bearwalker; or the lemongrass
basil of Thunder Ann.
Little Seed Farm has also partnered with Holler
Design of Lascassas to source local hickory that is carved
by Lebanon wood artist Tommy Nation into unique
draining soap dishes. Those dishes not only serve as
beautiful displays for the farm’s products, they also help
to keep the soap in optimal condition and extend the life
of the bar. Best of all, no two soap dishes are exactly alike,
because they will vary by color of the wood, placement of
spots and knots and other characteristics.
Finally, they’ve partnered with Bulls Bay Saltworks to
create the sea salt soap bar that helps to detoxify, cleanse,
and exfoliate the skin.
Just like Eileen’s skill in packaging design, James has
found that his previous experience in business also comes
in handy on the farm.
Little Seed Farm products, naturally, are available
at several local farmer’s markets, including West End
The pages of Country
Living magazine come to
life in Nashville!
April
22-23-24
Farmer’s Market on Vine Street on Saturdays,
Donelson Farmer’s Market on Fridays, and East
Nashville Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays.
After launching their products, they’ve also sold
them widely online through Little Seed Farm’s website
and Etsy shop, and they are now also available at West
Elm online.
The products are currently distributed in stores
across 26 states, the District of Columbia and several
international locations.
They are available in virtually all Nashville Kroger
locations and many other Kroger stores across Middle
Tennessee, as well as more than 60 Middle Tennessee
boutique stores.
It may be called Little Seed Farm, but those are
some pretty significant accomplishments.
Don’t expect the Rays to be finished growing
their business, however. James said they will continue
to expand the product selection and distribution
locations at a steadily achievable rate. For a full and
current list of Little Seed Farm distributors, or to buy
products online, check out Little Seed Farm’s website at
www.littleseedfarm.com.
Just 25 minutes east of Nashville
at exit 239 off of I-40. The James E. Ward
Agricultural Center, Lebanon, TN
Great Shopping
MOrE ThAN 200 vENdOrS
frOM 20+ STATES SELLING
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& ArTISAN-MAdE GOOdS
Seminars & how-Tos
Meet the Editors
#clfair
visit countryliving.com/fair
for fair videos, photos, & more!
For advance tickets, hotels, & Fair info:
1-866-500-fAIr • stellashows.com
SPONSORED BY
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day, rain or shine. Admission: One Day, $16/$13 advance;
Weekend Pass, $20/$15 advance; Early Bird, $40 (early birds can enter at 8:30 a.m.
on Fri. and/or Sat. for 90 minutes of priority shopping). Discount advance tickets are
available until 4/19; tickets are always available Fair days at the box office. Address
for GPS: James E. Ward Agricultural Center, 945 East Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, TN
37087. Pets are not permitted.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Music at the
MANSION
By COUNCILMAN JEFF SYRACUSE
T
The Two Rivers Mansion will undoubtedly be known as one
of the greatest historic preservation efforts in Nashville’s
history. It has been an incredible experience to be a part of
this figurative reflection of Donelson as a community on the
rise. It has also been the place where multiple endeavors for
which I have a great passion have come together to culminate
in a very unique way.
To begin with, it is awe-inspiring to stand on the
remaining 14 acres of what was once an over 1,100-acre horse
plantation with over 210 years of fundamental Nashville
history. McGavock High School and Two Rivers Park now
stand on the majority of the former plantation, purchased by a
newly formed Metro Government in the mid-1960s. For many
years, the Stones River Woman’s Club has been caretaker
of the inside of the mansion and has kept the spirit of the
McGavock family alive through their preservation efforts.
But the many seasons and years of weather began to become
quite evident. In 2009, the Metro Parks Event Coordinator of
the Two Rivers Mansion reached out to then Metro NashvilleDavidson County District 15 Councilman Phil Claiborne and
asked for help in preserving the history and the future of the
mansion as well as its adjacent original 1802 house, whose
future was at that point becoming increasingly uncertain.
Councilman Claiborne saw a great opportunity to bring
his strong operations and logistics management experience
accrued while serving in the Army National Guard for over 30
years, as well as his keen artistic eye as a 30+ year Metro Art
teacher, to bear in helping to preserve and protect the future
of Donelson’s historic crown jewel. What transpired over the
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EASTOFTHECITYMAG.COM
next few years was the formation of an incredibly successful Friends
of Two Rivers Mansion non-profit organization, which brought
board members from a wide-ranging skill set to “protect, preserve,
restore, and promote the use of the Mansion,” as the mission
statement of the organization reads.
Always a fan of history, I was fascinated with the effort and had
a great opportunity to go to breakfast at Cracker Barrel in Music
Valley with Councilman Claiborne one morning in 2010 while the
Friends group and efforts were just getting started. We chatted
about my involvement in music, career at BMI, and the efforts of the
Nashville Blues Society (NBS) to preserve, promote, and advance
the Blues scene in Nashville. I shared the efforts of NBS in bringing
people of a diverse demographic together, from the generation
that created the Night Train to Nashville days on Jefferson Street
(which was documented by Grammy-award winning producers
Michael Gray and Daniel Cooper and later became a County Music
Hall of Fame exhibit), to the musicians playing today in clubs like
Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar in historic Printer’s Alley and at
Carol Ann’s Home Cooking Café’s regular jams. After hearing this,
Councilman Claiborne said, “We need some music at the Mansion.”
The rest, as they say, is history. With the support of NBS, the
first Music at the Mansion was formed on the back veranda of an
almost 150-year old mansion that had yet to be restored. Indeed,
some pillars of the back veranda were being supported by two-byfours and nails. I created the flyer and brought one to every local
business and neighborhood I could. Hip Donelson was a quickly
growing community page on Facebook and served as a great way of
letting the community know about this free concert of great music
on the back lawn of the Two Rivers Mansion on a warm August
evening.
When the day came, I went over to the Mansion to check
everything out and lay out the plan for loading equipment in, setting
up the PA on stage, and a number of other logistical items. The first
thing I noticed as I pulled up was that the lawn had only recently
been cut and the clippings were long and not very conducive for
guests to put their blankets down and enjoy an evening on the lawn.
I ran home and grabbed my rake and returned to clean up the vast
majority of the back lawn to get ready for guests.
At that point, it was unsure just how many people would
show up. As the musicians arrived to load in, the feeling was one
of awe at the beauty of the yet-to-be restored mansion, mixed
with caution about stepping onto a veranda weighed down with
a couple thousand pounds of PA equipment, amps, instruments,
Photo By DANUTA BOIS
and musicians. Nonetheless, the musicians that gathered to put on a show were
all inspired about the effort being undertaken. The Andy T-Nick Nixon Band,
Markey Blue, Kirby “The Satin Mockingbird,” and Tiger “Wild Animal” Gagan &
Mississippi Millie were among other stellar Nashville Blues Society members ready
to play a unique event.
As show time approached, I sat at the sound board and looked behind me to see
a smattering of people. Oh well, I thought to myself, as long as they have some folks
to play to, we’ll call this first effort a success.
But then, as the musicians began to warm up and do a sound check, I noticed
droves of people come across the lawn with blankets, chairs, and coolers and set
up all over the back lawn. By downbeat, we had over 500 visitors at the Two Rivers
Mansion to experience the inaugural Music at the Mansion.
Over the last five-years, we’ve expanded into a summer series and welcomed
thousands of guests to hear the music of multiple genres, including Blues, R&B,
Bluegrass, Classic Rock, Big Band, Country, and Contemporary Christian. The
Nashville Symphony has now joined as the opening show for our summer series,
and they will be returning for their third appearance at the Mansion when they
open for our 2016 summer series.
We hope to see you for Music at the Mansion in 2016! Please stay in touch with
the Two Rivers Mansion on our website at www.friendsoftworiversmansion.org and
on Facebook.
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
T
Country Living Fair
20,000 EXPECTED FOR ANNUAL SHOPPING, COOKING, AND
CRAFTING FAIR AT JAMES E. WARD AGRICULTURAL CENTER
The annual Country Living Fair will return to Nashville
on April 22-24 at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center
in Lebanon and is expected to draw more than 20,000
visitors from across the country. The Fair brings Country
Living Magazine’s content to life and gives readers access
to a unique shopping experience.
Featuring more than 200 vendors from 25 states, the
event includes antiques sellers, food purveyors, artists,
furniture makers, crafters, and more. Guests will also
have a chance to meet Country Living editors and their
special guests and contributors; attend cooking, crafting,
and DIY demonstrations; attend book signings; sample
locally-sourced, artisanal food; and shop in the Country
Living General Store.
Attendees can “Meet a Maker,” Mary Gregory, who
is featured in the Country Living General Store Curated
Goods column and is a Country Living Fair regular.
Although the West Texas native and her high school
sweetheart husband David started their own business
and welcomed two daughters, Mary’s dream remained
to one day paint for a living. In 2010, her dream was
realized with Mary Gregory Studio, an online gallery
featuring original oils, prints, and gifts galore.
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EASTOFTHECITYMAG.COM
Even better: It’s truly a family business. “David does
all the framing, shipping, and whatever else need to be
done because he can do anything,” she says. Daughters
Anna and Elizabeth (and their husbands) are also part of
the team.
“This feels more like a calling than a business,” Mary
says. “And a calling is just something you don’t quit.”
In the spirit of bringing the pages of the magazine
to life, attendees can meet many vendors in person who
have been featured in the magazine, including FOUNT
Leather, Findings@Summerhouse, Scarlett Scales
Antiques, Grandmother’s Buttons, and French Laundry
Home, to name a few.
The 2016 Country Living Fair in Nashville is
produced by Stella Show Mgmt. Co., Inc. For tickets and
additional information, including a list of vendors and
discounted hotel rates, contact Stella Shows at 1-866-500FAIR or www.stellashows.com. Further details can also
be found at www.countryliving.com/fair.
Attendees will be able to engage with Country Living
at the Fairs by using the hashtag #CLFair, and share their
favorite finds using the hashtag #CLFairFinds.
TICKETS:
•
•
One day admission is $13 in advance
and $16 at the door; three-day weekend
passes are available for $15 in advance
and $20 at the door;
An Early Bird three-day weekend pass,
which grants early admission at 8:30
a.m. on Friday and Saturday, is available
for $40; Free admission for children ages
16 and under.
HOURS:
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
gates open for Early Birds at 8:30 a.m. Friday
& Saturday.
LOCATION:
Held rain or shine outdoors under tents,
the Fair takes place at the James E. Ward
Agricultural Center, 945 East Baddour
Parkway in Lebanon, TN. Parking is free
and plentiful.
For event updates and more, join the
conversation on social media by following:
/countryliving
@countryliving
/countryliving
/countrylivingmag
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
F-100 Supernationals Show
WORLD’S LARGEST F-100 EVENT SHOWCASES EVERYTHING FORD
By LOUNITA HOWARD
L
Lebanon has a new claim to fame, as home to the world’s
largest annual Ford F-100 gathering: after being held for
years in Pigeon Forge and in Gatlinburg prior to that, the
Ford F-100 Supernationals relocated to the James E. Ward
Ag Center in 2015.
The all-Ford show draws well over 700 truck and car
entries each year – 740 in 2015, with more expected at the
(May 12-14) 2016 event as word of mouth spreads about
the new location. For comparison, an F-100 show in
Australia had 404 vehicles entered last year and one show
in California typically draws 250 to 300 entries.
“Last year we had so many nice compliments on the
event site,” said Charlie Cobble, owner of Autoshows
Motorsport events, which organizes the F-100
Supernationals, now in its 38th year.
People appreciated the ease of access to the Ag Center
and found the hotel and motel rates to be fair, Cobble
noted, adding he went to the gates as participants were
leaving after the closing awards ceremony in 2015 to
get feedback on the new site: “I did not hear anything
negative. Everybody loved it.”
Several major motorsport magazines report on The
Supernationals, and one editor this year is planning to
cover a cross-country tour dubbed “Trippin’ to Tennessee
2016,” with Ford owners driving in a caravan from
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Orange County, California to Lebanon, Tennessee just
to participate. Cobble says entries last year came from
46 states and three foreign countries. This year, some
folks from England who haven’t participated in the
Supernationals in several years are planning to return.
One of the show highlights includes the unveiling
of special Ford vehicles, dubbed by fans as the
“Transformers,” some valued well over $100,000. The
unveiling takes place at official opening ceremonies at
10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 13.
Larry Tomlinson, director of the James E. Ward Ag
Center, says the Supernationals are “one of our biggest
car shows now. It attracts people who have the money to
spend to reconstruct those trucks. They come from all
over, stay at our motels, and spend money at the mall and
other local stores and restaurants.”
The Ag Center – which Wilson County Mayor
Randall Hutto refers to as the county’s playground attracts a “potpourri of events” including campventions,
car and truck shows, rodeos, and more. The 2016 Beef
Agribition in March marked its sixth year of being held in
Lebanon, and in April the Country Living Fair returns for
a second year, said Tomlinson.
With the anticipated opening of the Expo Center in
the last quarter of 2016, the number and variety of events
are expected to grow even more.
Tomlinson said he met recently with a
representative of the National High School
Rodeo Finals that are being held in Lebanon
in June of 2016 and 2017 and was told “there
aren’t many places across the country that
have what we do here,” including acreage
for campers. The 267 acres at the Ag Center
feature camper hook-ups, multiple indoor and
outdoor buildings and show arenas, Fiddlers
Grove Pioneer Village, and other amenities
that make it an ideal event location.
Indeed, Cobble said he has participants
coming this year with their motorcoaches
who just could not get into the Pigeon Forge
location. Plus, the Supernationals have
already booked the Expo Center as part of
their 2017 show. And the few vendors who
didn’t participate in 2015 due to the move to
Lebanon have now signed up for the 2016
Supernationals.
Both Cobble and Tomlinson said the
Supernationals show is “family friendly” and
draws all ages of participants and attendees.
Children under 12 are admitted free.
Classes range from Ford trucks built
before 1948 to modern day models. You’ll
also see classes for Mustangs, Fairlanes,
Thunderbirds, and more. If it’s Ford, it’s there!
And if you’re itching for Ford merchandise or
restoration parts, there will be plenty of that
on hand as well.
Cobble also said they often have
celebrities who have restored vehicles come as
participants. Last year, Steve Wariner brought
his dad’s truck that he had restored and “had
a blast.” Between 230 and 240 trophies are
awarded among the classes, and “somewhere
in the neighborhood of $10,000 worth of
products” are given away, including a new
truck bed.
If you’ve never attended a car or truck
show, the Supernationals are a great place to
start! Visit www.f100supernationals.com for
more information.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Classic Cars
HIDDEN IN OUR MIDST
By MELISSA JOHNSON, Treasure Hunter
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Americans have had a love affair with cars and trucks
since 1927, when Henry Ford first introduced his
metal expression of functional art: the Model T. The
automobile is a way we express ourselves artistically.
The automobile may be a work of art, but the real
treasure is in the stories of their owners!
Continued on page 45 >>
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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BROTHERS IN CHEVIES
Meet Billy, Robert, and Kevin Lester, three brothers born and raised in
Mt. Juliet. They all own classic Chevies that demand your attention. When
you see a long steel body that ends in fins, you are looking at Robert’s
black 1957 Chevy Bel Air. This car is part of Robert’s life, as he’s owned it
since 1968, an impressive 48 years. His best memories are of his youth, of
being 18 and dating his soon-to-be wife in this car.
The family Chevy tradition carries on with younger brother Kevin.
He obtained his ‘55 Chevy one night in Gladeville many years ago, when
he even-traded his 1956 Chevy for a black 1955 Chevy Bel Air—minus
a motor! Some works of art must wait until the artist is ready; Kevin’s
masterpiece ‘55 waited in a barn for 20 years to be restored to his vision.
It took over 10 years of painstaking work for the vehicle he dreamed of to
come to fruition.
The brothers learned how to restore and care for these beauties
together. It’s easy to feel the brotherly love: they take care of each other,
and they bond together over their interest and talent in preserving part of
our American artistic history.
Billy, the eldest, has the vision of “what could be.” His talent is
searching and acquiring car parts, from the same year and model, and
creating a new version of the same classic vehicle. Billy takes something
that is broken and revives it into an awesome creation. He owns an
absolutely gorgeous copper 1955 Chevy Bel Air. His best memories are
driving his young daughter, Angela, around when she was a fussy baby, the
rumble of the ‘55 engine soothing her to sleep.
The family tradition continues to pass from one family member to
another. Robert’s son, Jason, has found his talent in painting these Heavy
Metal Chevies! Billy also restores ‘66 Chevy trucks, and who doesn’t
love a ‘66 Chevy truck? Billy finds this work challenging and that is his
motivation. Robert and Kevin continue to enjoy their life-long family
tradition of Chevies today, working and dreaming of new creations.
When you are left breathless by a classic Chevy, remember this: they don’t
come easy. It takes more than time and money; it takes commitment,
perseverance, and passion. It takes family.
Continued on page 47 >>
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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NEED FOR SPEED?
I was first inspired to write this article when I walked into my friend
Darryl’s garage, saw something covered, and asked, “What’s that?”
Longtime friends David and Darryl enjoy an unusual obsession for
the foreign race car! Darryl races British-made vintage Austin-Healeys,
designed in 1952 for speeds up to 100 MPH. This car is made for racing:
low to the ground, small, and light in weight.
When I asked, why do you do this? Darryl speaks of family: “Dad and
I worked on these together; dad had one first. It’s now our family tradition
to drive off in an Austin-Healey on our [Darryl and Linda] and our
daughters’ weddings days!”
Rarely seen driven on the road, these cars travel in trailers to the race
tracks several times a year. Their favorite is the Virginal International
Racetrack. The challenge is to make it to the race, finish the race, and even
win sometimes! To meet that challenge, Darryl is in the garage daily—
Linda always knows where to find him.
He often says as he works: “No matter what happens, the thrill is
worth it!”
Darryl’s good buddy David owns and races a Nissan 1973 Datsun 240
Z. The Z car has always been known for its design and speed. David has
wanted to race cars since he saw Mario Andretti race in the Indy 500. It’s
safe to say this car is his addiction! David enjoys the personal challenge
of racing against himself. It takes racing school, time, talent, personal
investment, and years to perfect not only the car, but the skill of racing on
a track with up to 40 other drivers.
When I asked him why he does this, his answer was inspiring: “I don’t
want to sit around and watch life, and it is a way for me to DO life! Do
something I really enjoy.”
The friendship and comradery between these longtime racing friends
brings their two families together, so much so that their wives have a
saying: “We are not just the racers’ wives, we are their sponsors!”
Continued on page 49 >>
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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FORD PROUD
Ron, a man of many talents, saw one of his dreams come true
when he purchased his 1936 red Ford truck. This vintage work of
art is such a conversation piece. He knows when he takes it out,
he needs to be prepared for questions, photos, and most likely
arriving home late.
When it comes to antique trucks, a 1936 model Ford is truly a
rare sight. They are hard to find, and even harder to obtain. When
you have one, you have a treasure. The style of the truck—with its
large grill, all steal body, and side running boards—marks a time
of confidence and evolution in Ford’s history; it was a time when
Ford’s style began to depart from the original Model T look.
Ron’s best memory was actually getting the truck. The day he
drove it home was the happiest day, because he had always wanted
a ‘36 Ford. He purchased it from a friend who had it for many
years, and finally gave in and sold it to Ron. At his core, Ron’s a
Ford man, has been around trucks many years, and he wears his
Ford hat with pride.
It was my pleasure to interview all these different collectors of
timeless automobiles. I encourage the reader to take part in our
community auto expeditions throughout the year. I guarantee you
will enjoy the cars, trucks, and the people who own them. But
there are 3 words they all say: not for sale.
STYLE
Springing
INTO 2016
By JENNY NEWTON
S
Spring is on the horizon: days have gradually started
getting longer and the winter chills, albeit still around,
are becoming fewer and farther between. And even
though we may not quite be in full-fledged spring,
you can start to get in the spring spirit by mixing a
few new elements into your wardrobe.
This year’s layering trend continues into spring
which will definitely keep you warm, when necessary,
and still able to channel the fresh breeze of spring.
Being a lover of layering, transition seasons are
always my favorites. You can accessorize to the hilt,
and as the weather or event mandates, omit or add
to the ensemble throughout the day. So whether you
love to show off your fashion savvy or are just a little
indecisive, no worries—layering has got you covered.
Continued on page 54 >>
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53
There is also something special about that move from winter to
spring. Although the cold crisp air and snow can be magical for a
while, there is still nothing quite like beginning to see spring colors
arriving in stores. They bring that little flutter of anticipation that the
sun will be here soon and a new year is officially in swing. This year’s
color palette will not disappoint.
Pantone, known as the world-renowned authority on color, color
systems, color communication, and color forecasting, have named
two Colors of the Year for 2016: Rose Quartz, a pale soft pink, and
Serenity, a peaceful blue. These are colors that usher in the breath of
fresh air as spring approaches, and that complement each other in
tone but offer a duality for fashion expression.
So whether you are on the Team Pink or the Team Blue, you
won’t be stuck settling until fall when the colors change to their
darker and richer counterparts. Both colors are serene, while holding
the potential for whimsy: think cotton candy. They can likewise
add a touch of sophistication or fantasy with the right styling. Of
course, Rose Quartz and Serenity are accompanied by a host of
complimentary shades and tones to keep your wardrobe fresh and
fun. The full Pantone report includes colors like Sharkskin, Lush
Meadow, and Spicy Mustard.
This year’s color palettes work well to aid in seasonal transition,
too. For those of you who like to jump right in and be on the cusp of
new seasons, adding something bold like a pair of booties, leggings,
or jacket in one of the new shades will turn heads.
Maybe you love giving a simple nod to the upcoming change and
would feel more comfortable adding a scarf, statement necklace, or
clutch to your current winter wardrobe that hints at what’s to come.
Both colors in their pure hues are a little icy, and pair well with your
winter white coat or soft camel shearling vest.
Perhaps you aren’t an early adopter and you don’t like to commit
to too many new pieces of clothing or accessories. For those who
like to let the season be in full swing before committing to it, but
maybe want to bring a little freshness, there is always a manicure or
first pedicure of the year with OPI’s “Sweet Heart” or “Gelato on My
Mind.”
Whatever your preference, spring is on its way! Time to put away
the plaids, and pull out the pinks, blues, and other sweet spring-like
colors for head-to-toe refreshing.
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HEALTH & FITNESS
Why You Shouldn’t Underestimate
WALKING
By JULIAN HAYES, II
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W
When it comes to living a healthier life, we begin by searching
for the best workout, the best diet and any other secrets
that could help us lose weight. While searching for an ideal
workout and diet is crucial, it’s often easier said than done.
Often times, we have the desire to become healthier and more
active, but life, along with an overwhelming amount of fitness
advice, gets in the way.
While there’s plenty of great advice out there, the
majority of times people forget to start with the most basic of
movements as an entry point to exercising.
What is the movement I speak of?
Walking.
I know, seems basic and elementary.
Walking is often overshadowed by trendy celebrity
workouts marketed in today’s society. But it is the most
overlooked aspect of losing weight and starting towards a
healthier lifestyle. Here are five forgotten and underrated
benefits of making walking a priority in your life.
1. REQUIRES NO EQUIPMENT TO EXERCISE
Understandably, gyms can be intimidating to someone
new to fitness or someone who doesn’t feel confident about
themselves. Luckily for you, walking doesn’t require an
investment in a gym membership. It also doesn’t include the
necessary learning curve of lifting weights, though weight
training is beneficial down the road. All you really need to get
started is a pair of shoes and a commitment to start walking
for 20-30 minutes daily, at a brisk pace that suits your current
level of conditioning.
Continued on page 54 >>
HEALTH & FITNESS
2. SUPPORTS WEIGHT LOSS
Walking isn’t going to build up an impressive set of muscles, nor will it prepare you for a photo shoot.
However, it will provide a more than solid foundation to losing those initial few pounds while building
your confidence.
Research has shown that those who walk 10,000 steps can lose an appreciable amount of weight, as
long as they are supplementing this activity with a solid nutritional program. If 10,000 steps seem too
much initially, try for 5,000 steps and gradually build up.
Walking helps your body to regulate many of your hormones, such as cortisol. When cortisol,
commonly known as the stress hormone, is out of sorts, it slows your weight loss down; walking helps to
lower and stabilize cortisol levels.
3. OFFSETS SITTING FOR EXTENDED TIMES
7.7 hours: that’s the amount of time that most of us are in a sedentary state each day, according to
juststand.org. Besides causing postural problems, being sedentary increases our chances to develop
various metabolic diseases, along with causing our glutes to become inactive.
Our glutes are important because, besides being our largest muscle, they also help support our back
muscles and hamstrings. Often times, your low back pain isn’t originating in your back, but instead it’s
from having weak glutes and hamstrings. Walking—especially on a slight incline—is the perfect remedy
to combat inactive glutes and sedentariness.
In addition to going for daily walks, periodically take a moment while at work to stand and go for a
small walk to wake your glutes up. A favorite method I use is to stand up every 30 minutes, even if I don’t
walk anywhere.
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4. HELPS YOUR BRAIN STAY SHARP
Walking doesn’t just help remove the pounds, it will make you richer and smarter. That’s an attention getter! While it
might be a bit of a stretch, taking a brisk walk at least five times a week decreases your chances of cognitive impairment,
according to the Mayo Clinic. By clearing your mind and engaging in a different type of stimulation through walking,
you’re able to work with more focus and heightened quality, which could cause your productivity and creativity to
simultaneously increase. You could then conceivably earn more money with your improved focus and increased quality
of work.
But the health benefits are enough to get you moving anyway, right?
5. IT’S A GREAT SOCIAL ACTIVITY
Work meetings in the office or at the coffee shop can become tedious and boring. Steve Jobs famously solved this
problem by taking care of his health while simultaneously focusing on his business through walking meetings.
Walking allows group activities with the family, friends, and even dates while concurrently meeting your minimum
fitness activity requirements. This prevents the excuses of not having time to exercise and allows you to combine fitness
into your specific lifestyle.
Sometimes it’s the simplest things that can have the most profound effects on our lives. Walking can be just the little
spark that will lead you into living a healthier life, simply by helping you to start exercising without the initial hesitation
that many feel about going to the gym.
LET’S EAT / IN THE KITCHEN
IN THE KITCHEN WITH
The Farm House
By JORDAN RUSS
E
Executive chef Trey Cioccia is no stranger to agriculture or produce. He grew up
playing in the dirt on his grandfather’s farm, and he fell in love with cooking when
he was only fourteen. Ever since then, it has been his dream to open a restaurant
where he could combine his passions for cooking and farming. His journey towards
realizing this goal began in Alabama, where he attended culinary school and met
The Farm House’s current sous chef, Robert Compton. After graduation, the pair
spent some time in Italy soaking up the rich culture and sampling the cuisine. They
returned to the States to finish perfecting their skills, and in October 2013, the duo
teamed back up to open The Farm House.
The Farm House is Trey’s brainchild, and you can see inspiration from his life
in every little detail. He grew up living in the South with his Italian family, so his
restaurant beautifully blends these two cultures together. Even though the food is
predominately southern cooking, there is an Italian influence in every single dish;
whether it’s Italian-inspired ingredients or cooking methods, you’re guaranteed to
see that unique touch in everything that hits the table.
But the best part about the food is that it is truly farm-to-table cuisine. Trey
only uses ingredients from local farms, and he even grows some of the produce
himself on his grandfather’s land. “It’s amazing,” he says, “getting in the dirt and
bringing the food back to the kitchen.” Not only does he use local ingredients, Trey
also makes his own pasta and sauce by hand. He wants to give his customers the
freshest food possible.
Since The Farm House relies on local famers, the menu changes regularly—up
to two times a week.
Trey explains, “That’s the key to knowing if a restaurant is really farm-to-table.”
If one of his farmers harvests extra cabbages, or if one of his suppliers doesn’t
produce enough potatoes, Trey has to find a way to work that into his menu.
Continued on page 58 >>
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LET’S EAT / IN THE KITCHEN
Instead of just shipping in whatever ingredients he needs,
he finds a way to work with what he’s got on hand. That’s
how you know you’re always getting the best quality food at
The Farm House.
The Farm House also prides itself on being a 100%
American venture. Every single aspect of the restaurant,
from the ground it stands on to the food to it serves,
comes from the United States. All of the wood inside
the restaurant comes from barns in Tennessee that Trey
himself helped deconstruct, the furniture and benches
were handmade in Mt. Juliet, and the doors are reclaimed
from the Nashville area. Trey wants everything to be local
because he sees it as the best way to support his family. By
recycling money to locals instead of somewhere overseas,
he is essentially investing in his own nation.
The Farm House is also a proud supporter of our
veterans. “I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do what I do
without those who sacrifice,” Trey says, “so I give back to
them as much as I can.”
Trey believes it’s important to see his customers face
to face, so he personally visits 20-25 tables every night.
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Although he loves being the chef, he doesn’t want to just
stay cooped up in the kitchen all night. He wants his
customers to know that there’s a real person back there who
genuinely appreciates their support.
He also loves to have the chance to educate people on
who he is as a chef. Want to know why The Farm House
doesn’t serve margaritas? Ask him! He’d love to take a
minute to tell you what The Farm House is all about.
When you get an opportunity to visit, be sure to try
some of Chef Cioccia’s trademark deviled eggs. He created
the recipe when he first opened The Farm House, and, as he
puts it, “It just blew up. People went crazy over them.” Trey
and his team have to peel 300 eggs a day to keep up with the
demand, but it’s certainly worth it. Loyal customers were so
upset when he took them off the menu 7 months ago that
he had no choice but to bring them back 3 months later.
So be sure to stop in and see what all the hype is about, try
some of the best farm-to-fork food Nashville has to offer,
and meet the chef who considers his customers family. For
hours and directions, visit www.thefarmhousetn.com.
IN THE KITCHEN WITH
CHEF TREY CIOCCIA
OF THE FARM HOUSE
DEVILED EGGS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
5 eggs
2 tbsp. salt
5 tsp. dukes mayo
2 tbsp. smoked vinegar
1 tsp. white pepper
1 tsp. hot sauce
1/4 cup small diced crispy ham
(such as Benton’s or Rice’s)
Chow-chow for garnish
1. Place eggs and salt in a pot and cover
with cold water.
2. Bring pot to a boil, then remove from
heat and cover for 6 minutes.
3. Transfer eggs to an ice bath to cool,
then peel under running water.
4. Once peeled, cut eggs in half lengthwise,
and separate the yolk and whites.
5. Combine the yolks and the remaining
ingredients in a bowl and mix until
smooth.
6. Pipe the filling mixture into the egg
white halves.
7. Garnish eggs with chow-chow.
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66
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT:
First Watch
SATISFYING MID-MORNING FARE IS
NOT THE SAME OL’ BRUNCH
By MAKAYLAH EVERETT
W
With spring comes longer days and warmer mornings, and this calls for a
tasty brunch. It’s quite noticeable that brunch is having a radical moment
in the Nashville area. New, delicious restaurants are popping up left and
right.
But First Watch president Chris Tomasso knows that not everyone
“brunches” the same way. Combining southern breakfast staples with a
little LA flare, First Watch steps into the daytime food scene to satisfy all
taste buds.
The breakfast, lunch, and brunch café specializes in made-to-order,
fresh meals. Scratch-made French toast, locally-sourced fresh fruit,
vegetable juices, and homemade granola are just a few of the daily staples
at this popular restaurant. And don’t miss the traditional breakfast
of eggs, meat, and toast—still the most popular plate on the menu,
according to Tomasso.
First Watch opened its first location in Pacific Grove, California, but
made its way “east of the city” to Hermitage last fall. There are now five
locations throughout Tennessee, including Smyrna and Franklin.
“We are really excited to be in Tennessee,” says Tomasso. “We love
the way we’ve been received and you can definitely look for more First
Watch locations.”
The name First Watch is fitting on multiple levels. According to
Tomasso, it’s actually a reference to a Navy term, when a crewmember
would be assigned the first watch of the day in the early morning
(breakfast time) to watch for land. Similarly, the first meal of the day is
just as important as that crewmember’s duty was.
Continued on page 69 >>
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LET’S EAT / RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
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“
THERE’S NOTHING
SECRET ABOUT
OUR RECIPES. IT’S
ABOUT OUR ABILITY
TO EXECUTE THEM
AND THE CARE WITH
WHICH WE SOURCE AND
PREPARE.
“Whether it was your mom or Doctor
Oz who told you about the importance of
breakfast,” says Tomasso, “people recognize
the need of starting your metabolism.”
Healthy eating is not just a trend
anymore, according to Tomasso, and
people value what they put into their
bodies and are becoming more and more
educated in this matter.
This is why First Watch receives fresh
food deliveries two or three times a week,
something not many other restaurants can
claim. Each First Watch sources 10 percent
or more of its produce locally.
Selling their ever-popular Sunrise
Select Premium Blend coffee, First Watch
is a great place to meet people before work
or to start a fun weekend in the alwaysbustling environment.
Juices are relatively new to the menu,
but Tomasso says it only made sense to
start selling juices due to the amount of
fresh fruits and vegetables in-house.
Continued on page 71 >>
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LET’S EAT / RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
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“Our customers have really taken to them [the juices],” says Tomasso. “We’re now known for them. The Day
Glow is my favorite.”
The Day Glow is made of juiced carrots, oranges, lemons and a little organic ginger.
Another new and popular plate is the Avocado Toast, a thick-cut whole grain toast topped with fresh avocado
smash, EVOO, lemon, and Maldon sea salt and two basted eggs on the side.
“I absolutely love the Avocado Toast,” says Tomasso. “It’s a different way to eat breakfast. It’s healthy and comes
with basted eggs, so it’s filling too.”
In addition to their delicious breakfast and brunch items, First Watch serves up lunch until 2:30 p.m. The
2-For-You includes your choice of a half sandwich and half salad or a cup of soup. Popular sandwiches include the
fresh-made Reuben, Monterey Club, Veggie Grill, Grilled Turkey, and the Beefeater.
“There’s nothing secret about our recipes,” says Tomasso. “It’s about our ability to execute them and the care
with which we source and prepare.”
First Watch is located at 3879 Lebanon Road in Hermitage. Visit firstwatch.com for the full menu.
MIXOLOGY
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A
At Homegrown Taproom, each cocktail is made by hand, one at
a time, and the character of our drinks changes with the seasons
and with the availability of certain beers or ciders. We’ve found
many “winners” along the way—here is some inspiration for
doing your own “brunchy cocktails” at home.
CIDER MIMOSA
Mix equal parts hard cider and orange juice. There are so many
different ciders on the market, from apple to pear to pineapple.
Experiment and find your perfect match!
Bru
n
Coc chy
k
t
ail
By
s
BEER MIMOSA
Mix equal parts beer and orange juice. At Homegrown, we’ve
found that sours and wild beers pair well with orange juice,
so we’ve used Citraluxe from Yazoo’s Embrace the Funk line
(Nashville), Katy from 2nd Shift Brewing Company (Evansville,
IN), and Otra Vez from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
(Fletcher, NC – just outside Asheville).
MICHELADA
Mix equal parts beer and Bloody Mary mix. We use a housemade Bloody Mary mix paired with Mantra’s Saffron IPA
(Franklin, TN), Ole Shed’s Haystack IPA (Tullahoma, TN),
Chicken Scratch, a lager from Little Harpeth Brewing Company
and a house favorite (Nashville, TN), or Sweetwater’s 420 Pale
Ale (Atlanta, GA).
If you’re more into the drinking than the mixing, come have
brunch with us! In addition to cocktails, we also make a fabulous
Vietnamese Coffee using cold brewed coffee from local roaster
8th and Roast (Nashville). We are continuously rotating in new,
interesting beers and ciders, and all of our brunch drinks are
offered in ½ pint and pint sizes. Cheers!
Find out more about Homegrown Taproom & Marketplace at
their website, www.homegrownnashville.com.
EASTOFTHECITYMAG.COM
73
STEVE MULL
PLUMBING
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Pipe Installation & Repair • Sump Pumps
Drain Cleaning • Water & Gas Pipe
Faucets & Fixtures • Garbage Disposals
Back-Flow Preventer • New Construction
Additions and Repairs • Bathroom & Kitchen
Leak Detection • Water Softeners/Conditioners Installed
No Job Too Small. Your Problem is Our Problem!
302 South Maple Street
Lebanon, TN 37087
615-449-5019
www.stevemullplumbing.com