sponsored by the dickson county chamber of commerce

dickson county, tennessee

2012-13 | LiVabiLity.com/dickson

street WiseDowntown revitalization continues

Green dayInterstate Packaging

focuses on environment

a WaLkin the park

Outdoor fun awaits at Montgomery Bell

City of DicksonOffering Small Town Values

and Outstanding Opportunities

Building Inspector/Enforcement Officer 441-9505Cemetery 446-0147City Administrator 441-9570Fire Department 446-0390Mayor’s Office 441-9508Municipal Court 446-9249Parks & Recreation 446-1721Police 446-8041(Emergency 911)Police Department 441-9590Public Works 441-9506Recorder 441-9508Business Licenses/Tax Collector 441-9503Senior Citizens Ctr. 446-9350Treasurer 441-9504

CITy DEPARTMEnTSDon L. Weiss Jr., Mayor

Council Members: Mike Legg, Vice MayorJoey TurbevilleHorace Perkins IIIR. Scott EnglandDwight E. HaynesBetty Lou AlsobrooksJon B. ArmstrongMichael Outlaw

Rydell Wesson, City Administrator Jerry V. Smith, City AttorneyJ. Reese Holley, City Judge

www.cityofdickson.com

600 E. Walnut St. Dickson, TN 37055

All or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

Please recycle this magazine

on the coVer Downtown Dickson Photo by Staff photographer

dePartments

4 almanac

26 biz briefs

28 chamber report

29 economic profile

30 see the county

36 Local flavor

39 health & Wellness

41 arts & culture

44 sports & recreation

47 education

49 community profile

2012-13 edition | VoLume 12

dickson county, tennessee

®

contents

Features

8 street WiseDowntown revitalization continues

12 a WaLk in the parkOutdoor fun awaits at Montgomery Bell State Park

18 home on the farmFarm life offers professional, personal and creative potential

22 Green dayInterstate Packaging focuses on environment

8

18

lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 1

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By the Numbers3,782: Acres that make up Montgomery Bell State Park

20: Miles of dirt mountain-bike trails at the park

18: Number of holes at the Frank G. Clement Golf Course

17.3: Miles of hiking trails available at the park

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12 DICKSON COUNT Y LIVABILIT Y.COM/DICKSON 13

Montgomery Bell State Park puts the “great” in “the great outdoors.”

As Tennessee State Parks celebrates its 75th anniversary, it’s Montgomery Bell and its growth over the last 69 years that has the folks in Dickson County buzzing.

“We are located near a very large population of surrounding cities and counties,” says Park Manager Pat Wright. “The variety of outdoor, recreational and educational experiences that people can get here is what makes Montgomery Bell State Park so appealing.”

At Montgomery Bell, it is easy for everyone to find something to do, from a family looking to enjoy

a relaxing day to an adventure seeker who is just waiting to hike a nature trail or experience a peaceful canoe ride. Several nature-themed programs are also available to teach park-goers about trains, reptiles, ecosystems, recycling and more.

Wright says that new educational programs can be added based on visitor interest.

Montgomery Bell’s Beginning

Montgomery Bell State Park, located seven miles east of Dickson in Dickson County, was established in 1943. The area is named for Montgomery Bell, who purchased an iron works in northern Dickson

STORY BY CHRIS RUSSELL

OUTDOOR FUN AWAITS AT MONTGOMERY BELL STATE PARK

A WALKin the PARK

A father and son go canoeing on Lake Acorn at Montgomery Bell State Park.

12 DICKSON COUNT Y LIVABILIT Y.COM/DICKSON 13

dickson county, tennessee

®

content director LISa BattLeS

proofreadinG manaGer Raven Petty

content coordinator JeSSIca WaLkeR

staff Writer kevIn LItWIn

contributinG Writers nancy chRIStIe, JeSSIca MOzO,

chRIS RuSSeLL,

senior Graphic desiGners LauRa GaLLaGheR,

JanIne MaRyLanD, kRIS SextOn,

Jake ShOReS, vIkkI WILLIaMS

Graphic desiGners eRIca LaMPLey, kaRa LeIBy,

tayLOR nunLey, kacey PaSSMORe

senior photoGraphers JeFF aDkInS, BRIan MccORD

staff photoGraphers tODD Bennett

coLor imaGinG technician aLISOn hunteR

inteGrated media manaGer WILL zanetIS

ad production manaGer katIe MIDDenDORF

ad traffic assistants kRyStIn LeMMOn, PatRIcIa MOISan

chairman GReG thuRMan

president/pubLisher BOB SchWaRtzMan

executiVe Vice president Ray LanGen

senior V.p./saLes tODD POtteR

senior V.p./operations caSey heSteR

senior V.p./cLient deVeLopment JeFF heeFneR

senior V.p./business deVeLopment ScOtt teMPLetOn

senior V.p./aGribusiness pubLishinG kIM hOLMBeRG

V.p./business deVeLopment cLay PeRRy

V.p./externaL communications teRee caRutheRS

V.p./VisuaL content MaRk FOReSteR

V.p./content operations nataSha LORenS

V.p./traVeL pubLishinG SuSan chaPPeLL

V.p./saLes RhOnDa GRahaM, heRB haRPeR,

JaRek SWekOSky

controLLer chRIS DuDLey

senior accountant LISa OWenS

accounts payabLe coordinator MaRIa McFaRLanD

accounts receiVabLe coordinator DIana GuzMan

saLes support coordinator aLex MaRkS

saLes support project manaGer SaRa quInt

system administrator DanIeL cantReLL

Web creatiVe director aLLISOn DavIS

Web content manaGer JOhn hOOD

Web desiGner ii RIchaRD StevenS

Web deVeLopment Lead yaMeL haLL

Web deVeLoper i neLS nOSeWORthy

photoGraphy director JeFFRey S. OttO

creatiVe serVices director chRIStIna caRDen

creatiVe technoLoGy anaLyst Becca aRy

audience deVeLopment director Deanna neLSOn

neW media assistant aLySSa DIcIccO

distribution director GaRy SMIth

executiVe secretary kRISty Duncan

human resources manaGer PeGGy BLake

receptionist LInDa BIShOP

Images Dickson County is published annually by Journal communications Inc. and is distributed through the

Dickson county chamber of commerce and its member businesses.

For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact

Journal communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com.

for more information, contact:Dickson county chamber of commerce

119 hwy. 70 east, Dickson, tn 37055Phone: (615) 446-2349 • Fax: (615) 441-3112

www.dicksoncountychamber.com

Visit Images DIckson county onLine at LiVabiLity.com/dickson

©copyright 2012 Journal communications Inc., 725 cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, tn 37067,

(615) 771-0080. all rights reserved. no portion of this magazine may be reproduced

in whole or in part without written consent.

Member the association of Magazine Media

Member custom content council

Member Dickson county chamber of commerce

2 DIcksOn cOunt y lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 3

What’s online livability.com/dickson

sponsored by the dickson county chamber of commerce

dickson county, tennessee

2012-13 | LiVabiLity.com/dickson

street WiseDowntown revitalization continues

Green dayInterstate Packaging

focuses on environment

a WaLkin the park

Outdoor fun awaits atMontgomery Bell

See more great photos of Dickson County in our online photo and video galleries.

Flip through the pages of this magazine and easily share articles using Facebook, Twitter or email.

PhOtOS & VideOS

diGitaL MaGazine

factS Get the most up-to-date info on cost of living, top employers, schools, population demographics and more.

LiVinG hereLearn the basics about local neighborhoods, schools and health-care providers.

DICKSON ELECTRIC SYSTEM

236 Cowan Rd. Dickson, TN 37055

(615) 446-9051 www.dicksonelectric.com

Serving You Since 1905

2 DIcksOn cOunt y lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 3

hosting historyBuilt in 1913, hotel halbrook in downtown Dickson is the

birthplace of former tennessee governor and Dickson native

Frank G. clement and now welcomes guests as the clement

Railroad hotel Museum.

the museum opened in June 2009 and features several

exhibits about railroading and the civil War as well as

general local and regional history. among these exhibits

are several items that once belonged to Governor clement

and his family.

the state of tennessee owns the building, which is listed

on the national Register of historic Places. Learn more

about the museum at www.clementrailroadmuseum.org.

Fair thee Welleach September, about 50,000 people

from throughout the region head to the

50-acre fairgrounds in Dickson to enjoy

the Dickson county Fair. along with many

popular agricultural events, food vendors,

a midway and other expected carnival

offerings, the traditional event puts on

one of the most popular demolition derbies

in tennessee each year. about 12,000

spectators come just to see the

car-wrecking competition.

harvesting a communityevery Saturday between May and October, fans of fresh

produce in Dickson head to the Dickson county Farmers

Market where they find several local vendors who sell

craft items and home-grown fruits and vegetables, as well

as meats, dairy and poultry. this market allows buyers to

chat with the people who make their foods, and it enables

local growers to bypass conventional distribution streams

to provide customers with the freshest, best-tasting foods.

the market has even become a venue where area

restaurants can connect with local producers for fresh

ingredients. Market fresh fare regularly shows up on

menus at places like Farmers Family Restaurant, Donna’s

Place and Front Porch on center avenue. Learn more at

www.dicksonfarmersmarket.com.

Welcome to Dickson CountyAn IntrODuctIOn tO the AreA’s PeOPle, PlAces AnD events

almanac

4 DIcksOn cOunt y lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 5

Selling hopethrift store shoppers have more to explore in Dickson county

thanks to upgrades by two of the area’s favorite charitable stores.

the Goodwill Store, a member of Goodwill Industries of Middle

tennessee, added 10,000 square feet of space, a larger career

Solutions center and a covered, drive-through Donation express

center in 2011. to learn more, visit www.giveit2goodwill.org.

then in February 2012, the Dickson county help center moved to

a new facility on college Street that provides much larger space for

its thrift store plus more room for its consultation services and larger

food pantry. Opened in the late 1960s, the Dickson county help

center is a nonprofit public corporation that offers food, clothing,

medication and more to people in need. Find out more at

www.dicksoncountyhelpcenter.org.

Gallery of Goods

looking for a chicken shaped purse? how about an eight-foot long necklace made from giant freshwater pearls or a vintage zodiac charm bracelet?

Finding these and similarly offbeat items is a cinch at studio 123 in downtown Dickson, a small shop that features a big selection of fun merchandise.

Works by local artists and craftspeople, from fine art and handmade jewelry to homemade soaps, garden décor and paper goods line the shelves and storefront windows of this quirky boutique at 123 Main street. the shop also stocks a few selected lines of women’s clothing.

culture of caringDickson county is home to three Rotary clubs: Dickson Good Morning Rotary club, Dickson high noon

Rotary club and Rotary club of Dickson, tennessee. Dickson Good Morning Rotary club meets every

thursday at Shoney’s at 7 a.m.; Dickson high noon Rotary club meets every Wednesday at Greystone Golf

club at noon; and Rotary club of Dickson, tennessee meets every tuesday at the Renaissance center at

6 p.m. all three of these clubs are part of Rotary International, which is a service-oriented organization

consisting of more than 1.2 million members among more than 34,000 clubs around the world. these

clubs hold several events to benefit their local communities such as the high noon club’s fundraiser

and scholarship programs. visit www.rotary.org for additional information.

4 DIcksOn cOunt y lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 5

FLYNOWor lea

rn how!

DICKSON COUNTY MUNICIPAL AIRPORTFlight Lessons • Corporate Aircraft Facilities • Full Service FBO

P.O. Box 901 • Dickson, TN 37056 • (615) 446-5962 www.dicksonairport.com

6 DIcksOn cOunt y lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 7

a tradition of FunReaching its 50th year of operation in 2008,

Old timers Day Festival features parades and

pageants, live music, horse-drawn carriage

rides and restored antique cars, as well as

concessions and arts and crafts activities.

the theme for the 2012 Old timers Day, held in

May, was “all Roads Lead home,” and its grand

marshal was “Miss Pearl” Johnson of Burns,

tenn., an active member of the community who

has hosted ice cream socials in her yard, taught

Sunday school at her church and worked for

45 years at Red kap. For more information, visit

www.dicksoncountyoldtimersday.com.

Fast Factsn the Dickson

county courthouse

in charlotte is the

oldest courthouse

still in use

in tennessee.

n Greystone Golf

club opened in 1998

and was designed

by PGA tour pro

Mark Mccumber.

n the renaissance

center offers a year-

round calendar of

musical performances,

plays, exhibits

and classes.

n Dickson is home

to 17 century farms –

farms that have been

family-owned and -

operated for at

least 100 years.

popuLation (2010)Dickson county: 49,666

Dickson: 14,538, White Bluff: 3,206

charlotte: 1,235, Burns: 1,468

vanleer: 395, Slayden: 178

LocationDickson county is in Middle tennessee,

30 miles west of nashville and

30 miles south of clarksville.

beGinninGsDickson county was formally

established in 1803 and named

for Dr. William Dickson, a nashville

physician who served as tennessee

Speaker of the house of Representatives

(1799-1801) and then as a u.S.

congressman (1801-1807).

for more information

Dickson county chamber of commerce

119 hwy. 70 e.

Dickson, tn 37055

Phone: (615) 446-2349

Fax: (615) 441-3112

www.dicksoncountychamber.com

dickson county at a glance

Burns

Charlotte

Slayden

Vanleer

White Bluff

Dickson

hvillelvilleNashhhvhashDICKSON

48

48

49

70

4696966

4040

2424

Dickson County

What’s online Take a virtual tour of Dickson County, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at livability.com/dickson.

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energizing the soul of the city

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When husband-and-wife team Jeremy and Holly Spencer opened House

Blend Coffeehouse, Cafe & Gifts in downtown Dickson in 2002, the heart of Dickson was quite different than it is today.

“We’ve seen a lot of businesses come and go and storefronts change. It’s hard to be successful,” Jeremy Spencer says. “But in recent years, it seems like business owners are really invested in downtown. Many store owners also own their buildings, and this isn’t a hobby for them – it’s how they make their living.”

downtown dickson revitalization

As House Blend celebrated its 10th anniversary in spring 2012, downtown Dickson also had a lot to celebrate. Phase one of the city’s downtown revitalization project, first envisioned in 2007, was completed in November 2011. The project was funded by a $1.5 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation and included new landscaping, infrastructure, bicycle racks, widening of sidewalks and a

parking lot renovation. City and business leaders hope the revitalization will not only make downtown more beautiful, but also create a pedestrian-friendly environment that encourages more shopping and dining downtown.

“Feedback post-construction has been very positive from citizens, and store owners are reporting a busier downtown district,” says Rydell Wesson, Dickson city administrator. “Some owners are testing new or extended hours of operation.”

ace dinerMichael Curcio opened Ace

Diner on Main Street with his father, Joe, in 2010. He says even in the last two years, downtown has changed dramatically.

“It’s night and day from when we opened. The entire infrastructure has changed downtown,” Curcio says. “Before it had a cold and industrial appearance, but now, if you drew a picture of Main Street, USA, it would look like Dickson. Folks love the new sidewalks, green spaces and planters, and we’re getting a lot more foot traffic on nights and weekends now.”

reVitaLization in doWntoWn dickson benefits merchants

energizing the soul of the city

StORy By jessica mozo

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Ace Diner has quickly become a gathering place for the downtown community, serving breakfast all day (French toast, eggs and bacon anyone?), hand-patted burgers, pizza, pasta and a hugely popular roasted-veggie sandwich.

“You can eat as healthy or as unhealthy as you want at Ace,” Curcio says with a chuckle. “But even more than the great food, people love the way it makes you feel. There’s a real sense of community in here.”

downtown dickson community

Spencer also appreciates downtown for its friendly atmosphere.

“We live and work and go to church all in a half-mile radius,” he says. “You see people you know on the street. There’s a neighborhood feel.”

Several other locally owned businesses add color and flavor to downtown Dickson. Fussell’s Men & Boys Shop has been a mainstay downtown since 1936, offering clothing, shoes, formal wear and tuxedos. Then there’s the Briar Rose Antique Mall, Reading Rock Books and a host of other merchants.

The City of Dickson is applying for future grants to continue revitalization efforts even further. A downtown committee has been appointed by the mayor and a master plan has been developed.

“We hope to see a lot more shops and restaurants and urban residential space in the future,” Curcio says. “We want people to come walk around, eat and window shop. Downtown is the soul of the city. It’s where you’ll find all things uniquely Dickson.”

clockwise from top left: A woman window shops in downtown Dickson; three generations enjoy smoothies at house Blend coffeehouse; Gift section of house Blend coffeehouse; A server helps guests at Ace Diner.

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decades of memoriesLinnie Gibbs reminisces about doWntoWn dickson’s past

If you have a question about the way downtown

Dickson used to be, just ask Linnie Gibbs. the 90-year-

old Dickson native is a familiar face to most Dickson

residents, having worked at hodges Jewelers on Main

Street for the past 25 years. She continues to work at

the jewelry store two days a week.

“I just like downtown – it’s my life,” Gibbs says.

“everybody on Main Street knows me.”

Gibbs graduated from hampton high School in

1940 and then moved to chicago, where she lived for

20 years. When her mother got sick, she moved back

to Dickson and never left again. She spent several

years as a nanny for the Fussell family, owners of

Fussell’s Men & Boys Shop downtown.

“they were just babies back then,” she recalls.

While Gibbs appreciates the recent revitalization

efforts, she longs for the way downtown used to be

when she was growing up.

“I miss those times when there were dry-goods

stores, grocery stores and even movies downtown,”

she says. “I used to love going to the five and dime

store fountain and getting ice cream sodas. and the

Jackson Drugstore used to be on the corner across

from hodges Jewelers.”

Gibbs remembers her mother working “many a day”

at the clement Railroad hotel Museum when it was the

hotel halbrook.

“trains would run through town,” she recalls. “It was

a different place.”

When she isn’t working, Gibbs attends new hope

Baptist church, where she has been a member for 60

years. She likes to eat at Shoney’s and treats herself to

smoothies at house Blend coffeehouse.

– Jessica Mozo

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Montgomery Bell State Park puts the “great” in “the great outdoors.”

As Tennessee State Parks celebrates its 75th anniversary, it’s Montgomery Bell and its growth over the last 69 years that has the folks in Dickson County buzzing.

“We are located near a very large population of surrounding cities and counties,” says Park Manager Pat Wright. “The variety of outdoor, recreational and educational experiences that people can get here is what makes Montgomery Bell State Park so appealing.”

At Montgomery Bell, it is easy for everyone to find something to do, from a family looking to enjoy

a relaxing day to an adventure seeker who is just waiting to hike a nature trail or experience a peaceful canoe ride. Several nature-themed programs are also available to teach park-goers about trains, reptiles, ecosystems, recycling and more.

Wright says that new educational programs can be added based on visitor interest.

montgomery bell’s beginning

Montgomery Bell State Park, located seven miles east of Dickson in Dickson County, was established in 1943. The area is named for Montgomery Bell, who purchased an iron works in northern Dickson

StORy By chris russeLL

outdoor fun aWaits at montGomery beLL state park

a WaLkin the PaRk

A father and son go canoeing on lake Acorn at Montgomery Bell state Park.

12 DIcksOn cOunt y lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 13

By the numbers3,782: Acres that make up Montgomery Bell State Park

20: Miles of dirt mountain-bike trails at the park

18: Number of holes at the Frank G. Clement Golf Course

17.3: Miles of hiking trails available at the park

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County in 1804 and turned it into one of Tennessee’s largest iron-making operations, earning him the nickname “Tennessee’s First Iron Master.”

The park was developed as Montgomery Bell Recreation Demonstration Area during the Great Depression. It is filled with the scenic beauty and enjoyable outdoor activities that have made Tennessee parks such a popular destination, even for the holidays.

“Several years ago, we decided to find a place close to Nashville where we could go and celebrate Thanksgiving as a family. We went to Montgomery Bell State Park, and it’s been a tradition ever since,” says local resident Chase Ezell. “It’s just a wonderful place to be together as a family.”

outdoor activitiesMontgomery Bell’s 3,782 acres

feature three lakes and enough outdoor activities to – well, fill a state park. Fishing is available at the park year-round, and gasoline motors are not allowed on two of the lakes (Woodhaven and Acorn), helping to preserve the clean air and peaceful tranquility. The park features 17.3 miles of hiking trails for hikers of all experience levels including the 11.7-mile overnight trail. There are also 20 miles of dirt mountain-bike trails ranging from easy to difficult.

“The park feels very natural – instead of building a park to feel like the wilderness, they seem to have planned the park around the existing wilderness,” says Phil Casey, a frequent hiker in the park. “Most of all, they have a lot to offer.

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What’s online For more stories on the people, places and events that define Dickson County, visit livability.com/dickson.

clockwise from left: Frank G. clement Golf course at Montgomery Bell state Park; A deer pauses on the 17th hole at Frank G. clement Golf course; A man fishes on a lake at Montgomery Bell state Park.

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I have gone to Montgomery Bell State Park for quiet, solo hikes and also for a family fun trip with young kids as well.”

Getting back to nature isn’t the only thing that draws approximately one million people to Montgomery Bell each year. Facilities include basketball courts, softball fields, tennis courts, horseshoes, volleyball, playground and exercise equipment.

The Frank G. Clement Golf Course at Montgomery Bell allows golfers to enjoy a peaceful round of play and is operated to attain certification as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. It is also designated as a Groundwater Guardian Green Site. For tee times, call (615) 797-2578.

facilities Montgomery Bell offers

conference-style meeting facilities to accommodate up to 500 guests. The restaurant at Montgomery Bell, which is part of the Inn and Conference Center, seats up to 190 people. The park also has eight two-bedroom villas, campgrounds, RV camp sites and rustic cabins in addition to its 120-room, five-suite park inn. For more information, call the visitor center at (615) 797-9052.

Left: Montgomery Bell state Park right: the park’s Inn and conference center overlooks lake Acorn.S

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home on the Farmfarm Life offers professionaL, personaL and creatiVe potentiaL

the sanders’ home is situated on sanders spring forest farm, which spans 300 acres and is located in dickson.

18 DIcksOn cOunt y lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 19

sanders Spring Forest Farm in Dickson was named the 2011 Heritage Farm of the Year, but, as Dan

Sanders points out, “this is not just a century farm – it’s a two-century farm.” Sanders is, by his calculation, the sixth generation to own the 300-acre property, which was started by John and Sarah West in 1808 and hasn’t been out of the family since.

While the size of the original farm has been substantially reduced over the years, many of the same buildings still remain, thanks to the hard-as-iron oak of which they were constructed. And in many ways, the timber is a fitting metaphor for Sanders and his wife, Lois, who, although in their early seventies, are still active members of the community.

Lois, a licensed funeral director for a local funeral home, “still goes to work every day and doesn’t look like she has any plans to slow up,” says her husband. Sanders, who retired after 40 years in the farm-equipment business, spends his days as a full-time farmer tending to his 30 commercial cattle and their calves.

“I plan to keep on working until I can’t get up on a tractor,” Sanders says, adding, “I’ve gone full circle – from a kid who resented having to work on the farm while my buddies

StORy By nancy christie

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played ball on weekends to an older man who fully appreciates every moment that I’m given here to enjoy this. Outside my family and church, the farm is totally my life.”

arts on the farmFor artist Kay Welton, her move

back to the century farm where her father was born, combined with her recent retirement from a nearly 40-year teaching career, has brought a new dimension to her art. When she left her city home six years ago to embrace the rural lifestyle, she noticed her artwork changing from functional clay pieces to more sculptural forms. And now, thanks to the freedom of retired life, she is

learning how to make clay portraits and turn wooden bowls – the last under the tutelage of her 91-year-old father.

Welton says working in clay is like her version of farming.

“It’s as elemental as farming – you’re dealing with fire, air, water and dirt – and it’s labor intensive. But I feel a real rootedness, more in touch with nature. I feel blessed to be thriving as I watch the plants and animals around me thrive.”

dog days of farmingJody and Leigh Ware are also in

touch with nature through their dog-training business, Razor Sharp Retrievers, based on their 300-acre farm situated in Charlotte. They

opened the facility in 1997 “because of our great love for the dogs and passion for the sport. The most rewarding part of dog training is taking a puppy and turning it into a great dog,” Ware says.

As for their choice of location, although neither grew up in Dickson County, Leigh’s family bhas always owned a farm there.

“So we knew how great the people were here,” Ware explains. “We love living in a small town where you know your neighbors and who you are doing business with, and feel the biggest advantage for having our business here in Dickson County is the people.”

300Acres that make up Sanders Spring Forest Farm in Dickson, which was created in 1808

25Approximate number of century farms

in the Dickson County area

300Acres that make up the Ware family’s farm,

where Razor Sharp Retrievers is based

the Ware family poses for a portrait on their farm in charlotte where they operate a dog-training business, razor sharp retrievers. owned by jody and Leigh Ware, razor sharp retrievers trains dogs for hunting and obedience.

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clockwise from top right: a dog trains with razor sharp retrievers.; at sanders spring forest farm, dan and Lois maintain a herd of mixed, commercial black cattle.; dan sanders operates his tractor.; sanders spring forest farm

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What’s online Pay a visit to livability.com/dickson to learn more about Dickson County’s business climate.

stAFF PhOtO

lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 23 22 DIcksOn cOunt y

Business

One of Michael Doochin’s biggest goals is to establish a grove of American chestnut trees on the Dickson County

property where his family owns and operates Interstate Packaging.

The White Bluff-based company was established in 1969 and today has approximately 300 employees who manufacture high-quality flexible plastic wrapping that is used to package a wide variety of products found in supermarkets, department stores and drug stores. In addition, the company produces labels, bags and pouches.

Interstate Packaging is so successful that it is currently undergoing an expansion that will increase its manufacturing plant to 1/8-mile long upon completion.

“An example of what we do is if you see a package of meat in the display case of a grocery store, we often produce the flexible plastic-wrap packaging and the artwork labeling for that item,” says Doochin, who serves as co-president of Interstate Packaging. “Our customer base includes many Fortune 500 companies and several other independent companies.”

Green and cleanBut perhaps more recognized than their

business accomplishments are the long-standing environmental efforts initiated by Interstate Packaging.

“Our family ownership group has been thinking green long before it became popular,” Doochin says. “We established a greenhouse on our property when we first got started, and our company does an

interstate packaGinG

continues its enVironmentaL

efforts

StORy By keVin LitWin

Brands Packaged by iP:• Bounty• Deli Express• Calgon• Thomas’ Products• Fruit of the Loom• CVS/pharmacy• adidas• Clairol Professional• Emerald Nuts• Little Debbie Snacks• LA Weight Loss

GreenDay

randy Baker, Interstate Packaging’s groundskeeper, waters and trims plants inside the company’s greenhouse.

lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 23

lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 25

amazing amount of recycling. In fact, we have a full-time employee whose job is to find places where we can send our recyclable goods. Very little of our waste goes to the landfill. We believe it is wise, ecologically and economically, to go green.”

solar energy convertersInterstate Packaging also has three solar

energy converters on site that were designed by NASA and will eventually add more converters onto the roof of their expanded building. In addition, about 15 of the company’s 20 rural acres adjacent to its Highway 47 North plant are designated as a national arboretum. Interstate Packaging is a member of the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council and is registered with the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs, plus is even listed as an interesting attraction to see by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

“Our arboretum has a greenhouse and botanical nursery along with a 25,000-square-foot lake with fish in it,” Doochin says. “There are also more than 60 species of shrubs and trees on our property, and several acres serve as a planting site for The American Chestnut Foundation. That is a cause close to my heart.”

american chestnutsDoochin says he has long advocated the

restoration of the American chestnut tree, which is a large species that once thrived in the U.S. Eastern forests. However, the species was devastated in the early 1900s by an Asian bark fungus, and today there is a national effort to reinvigorate the American chestnut species for future generations.

“I won’t see the planted trees on our property grow to full maturity, but my grandchildren will,” he says. “It’s another way that this company respects the environment and is lowering our carbon footprint, all while maintaining our proven leadership role in the packaging industry.

from top: Interstate Packaging employees create packaging for copenhagen smokeless tobacco.; Interstate Packaging, which is headquartered in White Bluff, produces high-quality flexible plastic wrapping. S

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scorecardbusiness at

a GLance

$606 million

annual retail sales

$12,779retail sales

per capita

$61 millionannual hotel

and food sales

5,198total number

of firms

source: u.s. census QuickFacts

Business

Biz BriefsBusInesses – BOth lArGe AnD sMAll – thAt helP

DeFIne DIcksOn cOunty’s ecOnOMIc clIMAte

yarn frenzyBiz: Yarn supply storeBuzz: Open since 2009, Yarn Frenzy features a wide selection of yarns such as Euro Yarns, Plymouth Yarns, Berroco, Punta Yarns and Aslan Trends in more than 300 colors. The shop also offers classes and lessons for beginners, advanced beginners and intermediates in both group and private settings. Yarn Frenzy opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday.www.yarnfrenzy.net, (615) 446-3577

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White bLuff buiLdinG suppLyBiz: Home improvement retailerBuzz: White Bluff Building Supply is a True Value retailer that offers building materials, hand and power tools, lumber, outdoor power equipment and more. Customers can also enjoy a variety of services such as computer paint matching, key cutting, screen cutting and chain-saw sharpening. In addition, a rental catalog is available, featuring lawn and garden materials, concrete equipment and other items.www.truevalue.com/whitebluff(615) 797-2092

farmer’s tri-county restaurantBiz: RestaurantBuzz: Farmer’s Tri-County Restaurant in Vanleer offers lunch and dinner in a casual setting, where diners select from buffets stocked with items such as fried chicken, sweet potatoes, corn and more. Entrees such as steaks, catfish and crab legs are available upon request. The restaurant also provides entertainment on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.www.tri-countyfarmer.com(615) 763-2020

GoaL post sportinG GoodsBiz: Sporting goods storeBuzz: Locally owned and operated, Goal Post Sporting Goods offers an array of affordable items and services for the sports enthusiast including custom screen-printing and embroidery, trophies, plaques, ribbons, uniforms, athletic equipment and more. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.(615) 446-9709

spunky monkey home interiors & GiftsBiz: Home furnishings shopBuzz: Spunky Monkey Home Interiors & Gifts offers both new and antique items including home decor, bridal gifts and more. Owned by Larry and Dianne Fiser, the store is known for its unique merchandise.(615) 441-8885

Your Hometown Energy Source

Member of the Council for Responsible Energy

605 E. Walnut St. Dickson, TN 37055 (615) 441-2830 (800) 903-8247www.gdga.com

We sell and service both natural and propane appliances.

NATURAL GAS • PROPANE GAS

SAFE

RELIABLE

ECONOMICAL

CONVENIENT

26 DIcksOn cOunt y

We’d be stretching the truth if we tried to tell you we weren’t pleased to have been named the best bank in Dickson. It’s always nice to be appreciated – especially by people you genuinely care about.

And since opening back in 1954, caring about our neighbors in Dickson has been the whole idea. It’s why we work so hard to make sure you can enjoy the same up-to-date banking options available in the world’s major financial centers. It’s also why we take the extra time to greet customers by name.

If by chance you don’t yet bank with us, please stop by and let us show you why Bank of Dickson is still the bank in Dickson.

615.446.3732 • www.bankofdickson.com • Member FDIC

Business

chamber reportchAMBer turns 90 yeArs OlD

the Dickson county chamber of commerce has served

the community for 90 years, and commemorated that accomplishment with a 90th anniversary celebration & Banquet in June 2012. Because the chamber was established in the early 1920s, the theme for the anniversary was a throwback to the Roaring twenties.

the event, which was held at

the Renaissance center, drew

approximately 200 attendees.

“We asked that people dress

in 1920s attire, and decorated the

place like a speakeasy because

those were the days of Prohibition,”

says David hamilton, Dickson

county chamber of commerce

president. “Guests had to knock

on a door and were allowed

to enter, once a doorman gave

them the okay.”

hamilton says vintage

automobiles were on display for

photo opportunities, then once

dinner was served and eaten in

the Renaissance center’s rotunda,

vaudeville and ragtime skits were

staged in the performance hall.

“the chamber was originally

formed when a small group of

businessmen were just sitting

around chatting, and they started

talking about establishing a

chamber,” he says. “that was one

of the skits we presented, as well

as many more with a 1920s theme.

It was an eventful night that

fittingly paid tribute to the many

decades of membership and

community service that the

chamber has provided.”

here to helPas for what the chamber is

all about, hamilton says a lot has

happened over the past 90 years.

“the more recent

accomplishments involve large

relocation and expansion projects

that the chamber helped bring

to fruition including those that

occurred at companies such

as Bridgestone aPM, Metrican

Stamping, nemak, Shiloh

Industries and Odom tennessee

Pride, which is now conagra,”

hamilton says. “the chamber

also played a big role in helping

with the ultimate establishment

of Dickson county Industrial

Park and the William D. Field

Industrial Park.”

hamilton adds that the key

role for the chamber is to

remain a business advocate for

its 400-plus members.

“helping our membership

succeed and grow is what we

are all about,” he says.

– Kevin Litwin

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business cLimatethe services and manufacturing sectors are some of the largest

private-sector employers in Dickson county. the region’s labor

force is characterized by an eagerness to learn, a willingness

to work and a high level of productivity. an excellent rural road

system and a moderate climate allow employers to draw labor

from a wider geographic area.

economic profiLe

major empLoyers

tennsco corp.

510 employees

horizon Medical center

400 employees

tennessee Quality Foods

320 employees

Quebecor Gravure

300 employees

Interstate Packaging

220 employees

taxes

2.75%city sales and use tax

2.75%county sales tax

7%state sales tax

9.75%total sales tax

income

$21,550Per capita Income

$46,226Average Annual household expenditure

transportation

Dickson county Driver services center 114 West christi Drive Dickson, tn 37055 (615) 441-6218

Dickson Municipal Airport 2370 Sylvia Rd. Dickson, tn 37055 (615) 446-5962

nashville International Airport (615) 275-1675 www.nashintl.com About 50 miles from Dickson

Mid-cumberland human resource Agency transit880 hwy 70 West, Suite P1 Dickson, tn 37055 (615) 446-4943 www.mchra.com/transit.php

Workforce

74% White-collar Jobs

26% Blue-collar Jobs

education

21%Associate Degree

7%Bachelor’s Degree

5%Graduate Degree

economic resources

Dickson county chamber of commerce119 hwy. 70 e. Dickson, tn 37055 (615) 446-2349 www.dicksoncounty chamber.com

tennessee Department of economic & community Development312 Rosa Parks ave., 11th Floor nashville, tn 37243 (615) 741-1888 www.tennessee.gov/ecd

GoVernment offices

city of Dickson 600 east Walnut Street Dickson, tn 37055 (615) 441-9570 www.cityofdickson.com

Dickson county clerk106 north Main Street Dickson, tn 37055 (615) 446-2543 www.dicksoncountytn.gov

Dickson county sheriff’s Department140 county Jail Drive P.O. Box 177 charlotte, tn 37036 (615) 789-4130 www.dicksoncountytn.gov

28 DIcksOn cOunt y lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 29

Montgomery Bell State Park spans 3,782 acres and features biking, hiking, swimming, fishing and boating.

Staff Photo

lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 31 30 DIcksOn cOunt y

Charlotte Cumberland Presbyterian Church, founded in 1837, is located just off the square in downtown Charlotte.

Staff Photo

See the county

lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 31

See the county

Charles Woodard Goat Ranch is a Western-style ranch that is open to the public year round.

Photo by Brian McCord

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lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 33

Montgomery Bell State Park

Staff Photo

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A student at Tennessee Technology Center learns metal fabrication.

Staff Photo

See the county

lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 35

Good restaurants serve

you right in Dickson and

surrounding areas, with an

emphasis on country comfort

foods as well as some

international options to keep

things interesting. here’s a

sampling of options for dining

in Dickson county.

dining in dicKsonace Diner, located on

downtown Dickson’s Main Street,

is open Monday-Saturday for

breakfast and lunch. all-day

breakfast options include eggs,

omelets, bacon, pancakes,

sausages and hash browns. Lunch

options include sandwiches,

soups, salads and desserts.

Lugo’s, an upscale restaurant in

downtown Dickson, offers

american cuisine with caribbean

influences for lunch and dinner.

Menu items include appetizers like

plantain chips and pulled pork

serves you rightcOMFOrt FOODs DelIGht DIners thrOuGhOut the cOunty

Local Flavor

wontons, and entrees such as

Louisiana sausage and carolina

mountain trout.

Located in a renovated historic

home, Front Porch on center

avenue offers country cooking

including soups, salads,

sandwiches, hot chicken casserole

and a blue plate special.

excelling at Southern cuisine,

Sisters’ meat-and-three menu

includes turnip greens, macaroni

and cheese, white beans, and

corn bread. customers can order

plates of turkey and dressing

every thursday, and catfish dinner

specials on Fridays.

Farmers Family Restaurant

offers a buffet with choices such

as fried chicken and catfish, and

is open for lunch and dinner.

For a quick meat-and-three

meal, visit cindy’s cafe in Dickson,

which is open for breakfast and

lunch. country cooking favorites

include the chicken and dumplings,

banana pudding, and pie.

Barbecue lovers can take

their pick between two local

favorites in Dickson, Whitt’s

Barbecue or Bart’s Bar-B-que

& catfish cooker.

If you’re craving an all-

american meal, try Buddy’s

Restaurant, which is known for

its burgers but offers other menu

items like steaks and salads, too.

For Mexican dishes, head south

from Dickson on highway 46 to

Las Fajitas Mexican Restaurant.

Open daily, Las Fajitas has lunch

specials from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

camino Real, also located on

highway 46, is known for its

margaritas and great values

for delicious Mexican food. For

example, its express Lunch

entree at Lugo’s restaurant in downtown dickson

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fresh flavorsneW restaurants dot the dickson county dininG scene

With the recent addition of

several new restaurants, the

Dickson county community has

more options than ever when it

comes to dining out. Read on

to discover some of the area’s

newest eateries.

nori sushi and Japanese Grill: Diners who choose nori Sushi

and Japanese Grill can enjoy a

meal straight off the hibachi grill

or select from a wide selection

of sushi rolls. the restaurant

features a warm, calm

atmosphere and opens daily

at 11 a.m.

Akoya of Dickson: akoya of

Dickson provides a variety of

asian-inspired dishes including

teriyaki, chow mein, fried rice

and more. the restaurant also

offers sushi made with exotic

ingredients such as eel, octopus,

sea urchin and caviar.

Dan’s Italian kitchen: Owned

by Dan cesario, Dan’s Italian

kitchen serves pizza, pasta,

calzones, stromboli and more.

Most menu items, including the

dough and sauces, are created

from scratch. Dan’s Italian

kitchen is open tuesday

through Saturday beginning

at 11 a.m.

Back Alley BBQ: Back alley

BBq offers lunch and dinner in

a casual atmosphere, serving up

menu items such as ribs, chicken

and barbeque, as well as

made-from-scratch sides.

Managed by Justin Reynolds,

the eatery opens tuesday

through Saturday at 11 a.m.

– Jessica Walker

a pesto grilled chicken pizza is available at front porch on

center avenue.

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offerings include one entree

with rice for less than $5.

dining in charlotteFor a deli-style meal and plenty

of goodies to take home, check

out country view Market in

charlotte. the market stocks items

such as baked goods, jellies,

furniture, and a variety of Made

in tennessee products.

Burns restaurantsthe catfish kitchen on u.S.

highway 70 east in Burns has

been a Dickson county tradition

since the early 1970s. Just look

for the giant catfish on the sign

out front. Folks drive many miles

for the farm-raised, fresh catfish.

Donna’s promises “good home

cooking, smiling faces and a fun

atmosphere” to diners dropping

by for breakfast and lunch.

Donna’s offers a full grill menu

plus a daily plate lunch special.

catering in VanleerLocated in vanleer, Dutch

country kitchen provides catered

country classics such as fried

chicken, mashed potatoes,

biscuits and baked goods.

– Kevin Litwin

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Live Happier, Live HeaLtHier, Live Life on Your own terms

812 n. Charlotte st. • Dickson, tn 37055 (615) 446-8046 • syokley@nhcscr.com

www.nhcdickson.com

Physical, OccuPatiOnal & sPeech theraPy

Out-Patient theraPy(adult & Pediatric)

Getting you back on your feet has never been easier than with NHC

HealthCare Dickson. Our multidisciplinary focus extends to in-patient

and out-patient services for all ages in a state-of-the-art setting.

38 DIcksOn cOunt y lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 39

dickson county’s health-care

options have never been

more plentiful. In addition to

the area’s community hospital,

triStar horizon Medical center,

residents can enjoy quick care

at the county’s walk-in clinics

and can receive rehabilitation

services at Baptist Sports

Medicine and Life therapies clinic.

tristar horizon medical center

Serving residents in Dickson,

hickman, houston, humphreys

and Williamson counties, triStar

horizon Medical center provides

157 beds. annually, the medical

center’s emergency room treats

more than 38,000 patients

and delivers approximately

400 newborns.

During 2012, two new physicians

began treating patients at the

facility: Dr. ehab kasasbeh,

a cardiologist, and Dr. Brook

adams, an orthopedic surgeon.

the medical center plans to

create an emergency department

and an outpatient surgery center

at natchez Medical Park.

the tristar sarah cannon cancer center

the triStar Sarah cannon

cancer center is the nation’s

largest community-based cancer-

treatment and -research program.

Radiation oncology, medical

oncology, imaging and surgery

are available, and the center

provides patients with access to

clinical trials and research.

healthy set of optionsresIDents hAve Access tO WIDe vArIety OF heAlth-cAre FAcIlItIes

health & Wellness

urgent care and other Facilities

Dickson county has other

medical facilities available to the

public, including Dickson Medical

associates, which opened an

83,000-square-foot multispecialty

facility in 2009.

Patients can receive immediate

care at urgent Medical care,

which is a walk-in clinic that treats

various ailments. Wellnow urgent

care also offers convenient care

and administers immunizations

and vaccinations.

BaPtist sPorts medicine and liFe theraPies

Recently, Baptist Sports

Medicine and Life therapies

opened a new outpatient

rehabilitation clinic in Dickson.

the facility provides services

such as orthopedic physical

therapy, sports medicine and

lymphedema therapy.

Located in the crestview Office

Park, Baptist Sports Medicine and

Life therapies’ Dickson clinic

enables residents to receive

rehabilitation services at home.

nhc healthcare dicKson

nhc Dickson is a health center

for senior citizens that helps

residents remain independent.

the staff includes nurses,

therapists, a registered dietitian,

social workers and specialists.

– Kevin LitwinSta

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Hubert M. Mayes, CPA • J. Kevin Rye, CPA Wm. Michael Walters, CPA

Blankenship CPA Group, PLLC Certified Public Accountants

308 E. College St. • Dickson, TN 37055 • (615) 446-5106

Formerly Mayes & Walters, CPAs – Dickson’s Most Established CPA Firm

PROUDLY PROVIDING A FULL RANGE OF ACCOUNTING AND TAX

SERVICES TO BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS FOR MORE THAN 35 YEARS

40 DIcksOn cOunt y lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 41

stare all you want at the

variety of interesting and

entertaining art and cultural

offerings available in Dickson

county. here is a sampling:

local artistsJeanette norman paints quilt

patterns on barns, with 15 of her

creations displayed at farms

throughout Middle tennessee. her

first pattern for Dickson county

was painted and mounted in

charlotte in June 2012 on a barn

owned by Roy and Loretta Owen.

“I paint geometric quilt

patterns on plywood in four

sections, then they are mounted

onto barns when my painting is

completed,” norman says.

“Some are 8 feet by 8 feet, and

others are 4 feet by 4 feet. I first

saw paintings of barn quilts in

Berea, ky., and then Gatlinburg,

tenn., and was inspired to start

painting myself.”

also in Dickson county is

Michael Sloan, known as

tennessee’s first artist-in-residence.

he specializes in oils, watercolors

and scratchboard, and paints

outdoor nature settings as well

as portraits of people and animals.

Sloan has an art gallery in Dickson.

the renaissance center

this performing-arts and

learning facility in Dickson has

entertained and educated Middle

tennessee residents since 1999.

the center offers visual arts,

music, dance, theater and

computer classes, plus produces

film documentaries, live concerts

and instructional videos. It also

hosts the tennessee’s Wild Side

weekly television program that

airs throughout the state on PBS.

shoP For local artthe Renaissance center is also

home to the tennessee artisan

Market, a retail gallery featuring

work by more than 100 artisans

from all over the state. the center

is open Monday through Saturday,

and free artisan demonstrations

are held every first and third

thursday of the month. Studio 123

art smartcOMMunIty hAs DIverse Arts, culture OPtIOns

arts & culture

A woman looks through the selection of art at the tennessee Artisan Market, which is part of the renaissance center.

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42 DIcksOn cOunt y lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 43

Celebrating Our

34th

AnniversaryEstablishEd and trustwOrthy

•Wewanttothankyouforyourcontinuedsupport andtrustaswehavegrowntonineagentsand sixauctioneers.

•Wespecializeinresidential,commercial,farms, landandauctionestatesales.

211McLemoreSt.•Dickson,TN37055(615)446-4508

WWW.charLeSWooDarD.coM

is another great spot to find works

by local artists and artisans.

liVe musicthe Grand Old hatchery

building in downtown Dickson

was used for many years to hatch

baby chicks, and today it hosts

country music performances

every Saturday night under the

title of vance Smith’s Grand Old

hatchery Music Show. Smith

purchased the building in 1997,

and weekly attendance for his

entertaining country-music show

is 75-100 people.

can’t get enough country?

the Wild country Jamboree puts

on live country-music shows every

Friday and Saturday. Dance lessons

are offered on thursday nights at

this hotspot on highway 70.

old sPencer millvisitors can step back in time

when touring Old Spencer Mill,

the only structure of its type in

the state. nestled in the hills of

Burns, the mill is powered by a

20-foot-tall waterwheel. the

1800s double-stone gristmill offers

tours, camping, interpreters and

demonstrations, and there is also

a 4,000-square-foot banquet

facility for a variety of functions.

moVies at the roxyFilm buffs enjoy the latest

blockbusters at Dickson’s retro

styled but completely modern

Roxy Movie theater, which has

a superior sound system, plasma

screens and comfortable seating

with plenty of legroom.

– Kevin Litwin

clockwise from top left: the renaissance center; the tennessee Artisan Market; Jeanette norman poses with her barn quilt, “corn and Beans,” which is located on roy and loretta Owen’s barn in charlotte.

42 DIcksOn cOunt y lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 43

outdoor fun thrives in Dickson

county, where residents and

visitors can enjoy well-kept golf

courses, water-based activities,

a recreation complex and

successful kids’ sports teams.

youth sPortsIn Dickson county, young

people have plenty of opportunities

to get out, play and have fun.

the Dickson county youth

athletic association (Dcyaa)

offers 15 softball teams and 24

baseball teams open to individuals

ages 4 through 18, while the

Dickson county Soccer association

(DcSa) provides six coed teams

open to participants as old as 16.

In both leagues, players are

grouped together based on age.

When it comes to football, the

Dickson Dolphins and the Burns

cowboys have boys ages 5 to 12

covered. a pee-wee league is

available for ages 5 to 6, and

a junior league is open to ages

7 to 8. children ages 9 to 10 can

participate in a minors league,

while ages 11 to 12 can join the

majors. In conjunction with the

football teams, a cheerleading

program is also available.

In addition, a Summer Swim

League is open to boys and girls

age 6 and older. the competitive

league forms teams based

on swimming experience,

and practices take place at

Buckner Pool.

luther laKethe spacious 14-acre

man-made lake along highway 70

east is a popular haven for fishing

and even features a fishing pier.

Outdoor enthusiasts can also

enjoy wildlife viewing, as well as

walking and running, on scenic

paved trails. the city of Dickson

Parks and Recreation Department

also oversees wakeboarding and

waterskiing classes on city Lake

during the warm-weather months.

lester sPeyer community rec comPlex

this park off of highway

47 east hosts a wide range of

activities. It is home to four adult

softball fields, lighted basketball

courts and a playground with

the latest equipment. the

Lester Speyer complex also

houses the tennsco community

center, a facility that can

accommodate 300 people for

dinner-style events or 700 for

theater-style functions.

golF coursesGolfers can get into the swing

of things at three nice venues in

Dickson county. Open since 1998,

GreyStone Golf club is an 18-hole

public facility that features zoysia

an outside interestDIcksOn cOunty FeAtures OutDOOr ActIvItIes FOr the WhOle FAMIly

Sports & Recreation

44 DIcksOn cOunt y lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 45

Because You Deserve More

Financing Available

Locally Owned and Operated(615) 446-4364

704 Henslee Dr. • Dickson, TN 37055 www.homecomfortsolutions.co

• Sales and Service

• Heating and AC – Residential and Commercial

• GeoThermal Heat and AC Systems

• Ductless Air

• Tank and Tankless Water Heater

• Plumbing and Electrical Service

• Free Estimates on Replacements

grass and was designed by PGa

professional Mark Mccumber.

the course hosted major

tournaments during 2012

including the u.S. Junior Golf

tour championship and the

Ohio valley conference women’s

and men’s golf championships.

another popular local course,

Montgomery Bell Golf course has

been recognized by Golf Digest magazine as one of the “top 100

public courses in america to play.”

today, the 18-hole destination has

been certified as an audubon

cooperative Sanctuary and also

features a new golf clubhouse.

Meanwhile, Dickson country club

is a private 18-hole, 6,600-yard

venue that has been around since

1940. Members also enjoy a

swimming pool, tennis courts,

a private lounge, the Main course

Restaurant and other amenities.

– Kevin Litwin and Jessica Walker

Greystone Golf club

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44 DIcksOn cOunt y lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 45

visit ouradvertisersBank of Dicksonwww.bankofdickson.com

Blankenship CPAwww.bcpas.com

Charles Woodardwww.charleswoodard.com

City of Dicksonwww.cityofdickson.com

Dickson County Municipal Airport Authoritywww.dicksonairport.com

Dickson Electric Systemwww.dicksonelectric.com

East Hills Bed & Breakfast www.easthillsbb.com

Fight DMDwww.fightdmd.com

First Bankwww.firstbankonline.com

Fuller Home Comfort Solutions LLCwww.homecomfortsolutions.co

Greater Dickson Gas Authoritywww.gdga.com

Greystonewww.greystonegc.com

Hampton Innwww.hamptoninn.com

Horizon Medical Centerwww.horizonmedicalcenter.com

Middle Tennessee Mortgagewww.middletennesseemortgage.com

Nemakwww.nemak.com

nFusionwww.nfusiondesignstudio.com

NHC Healthcarewww.nhcdickson.com

State Farm Insurancewww.toddsmithagency.com

Sylvia Tennessee City-Pond Water Utility District

Tennessee State Parkswww.tnstateparks.com

Tennessee Technology Centerwww.ttcdickson.edu

Tennscowww.tennsco.com

TriStar Bankwww.tristarbank.com

Water Authority of Dickson Countywww.wadc.us

46 DIcksOn cOunt y

Give yourself a gold star

for knowing that Dickson

county has quality education

opportunities along with a

thriving school district.

here is a brief background:

dicKson county school district

More than 8,500 students are

enrolled in this district, which is

regarded as one of the highest-

achieving in tennessee. In fact,

Dickson county students scored

well in 2011 for the latest reading

and math tests administered by

the tennessee comprehensive

assessment Program.

the district employs 1,000

people, 550 of whom are

smart approacheDucAtIOn systeM reMAIns strOnG

education

teachers, and there are 14 schools:

eight elementary, three middle,

two high schools and one

alternative. the two high schools

are creek Wood high and Dickson

county high. the district also

offers a virtual high School, which

targets students who have fallen

behind on coursework or are on

the verge of dropping out.

Dickson county School District

is led by Dr. Danny L. Weeks, who

earned an educational Specialist

degree and a master’s degree in

education from austin Peay State

university, as well as a doctorate

in education from tennessee

State university. Dr. Weeks

became the Director of

Schools in June 2012.

neW directions academy

this alternative school serves

students in grades 3-12 who

are having difficulties with

coursework, attendance or

behavior. the mission of new

Directions academy is to help

students not only graduate from

high school, but then become

fully functioning and thriving

members of society. among the

offerings at new Directions

academy are two GeD programs

for 17-year-olds – a hardship

program and a Jobs program.

– Kevin LitwinJe

FF

aD

kIn

S

students in the Dickson county school District enjoy classroom activities.

46 DIcksOn cOunt y lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 47

Ad Index 28 BankofDickson

40 Blankenshipcpa

43 charlesWooDarD

c2 cityofDickson

6 DicksoncountyMunicipal airportauthority

3 DicksonelectricsysteM

48 easthillsBeD&Breakfast

40 fightDMD

46 firstBank

45 fullerhoMecoMfort solutionsllc

27 greaterDickson gasauthority

48 greystone

48 haMptoninn

38 horizonMeDicalcenter

48 MiDDletennesseeMortgage

c3 neMak

48 nfusion

38 nhchealthcare

48 statefarMinsurance

48 sylviatennesseecity-ponD

WaterutilityDistrict

6 tennesseestateparks

43 tennessee

technologycenter

45 tennsco

c4 tristarBank

46 Waterauthority

ofDicksoncounty

Todd SmithAGENT808 Hwy. 70 E.

Dickson, TN 37055 (615) 446-6070 • (615) 446-5930 Fax todd.smith.nnba@statefarm.comwww.toddsmithagency.com

Hosts: JoHn & AnitA LutHer

Located on Highway 70 East at 100 East Hills Terrace, Dickson, TN 37055

(615) 441-9428 tel • (615) 446-2269 fax jaluther@comcast.net

www.easthillsbb.com

Hampton Inn DICKSon1080 E. Christi Rd. • Dickson, TN 37055 (615) 446-1088 • (615) 446-4388 Fax

www.hamptoninn.com

Call to book your tee time or corporate event today!

2555 Hwy. 70 E. Dickson, TN 37055 (615) 446-0044www.greystonegc.com

Since 1987 We Offer the Experience, Knowledge and Level of Service You Expect and Deserve

210 Skyline Cir. Dickson, TN 37055

(615) 446-6755

Middle Tennessee MorTgage

www.miDDleTeNNeSSeemorTgage.Com

Fast approval • FHa • Va Conventional • refinancing

lisa James & gary Davis

48 DIcksOn cOunt y

Nemak Tennessee(615) 446-8110

1635 Old Columbia Rd. • Dickson, TN 37055

Automotive Supplier to Major Car Manufacturers.

Products: World-Class Quality Aluminum Cylinder Heads.

cost of LiVinG

$47,231Median household Income

$80,701Median home Price

$758Median rent for a two-Bedroom Apartment

househoLd information

aGe:

37Median resident Age

27% 19 and under

48% 20-54

25% 55 and Over

community profiLe

maritaL status:

59% Married

41% single

ethnicity:

91% White

5% Black

2% hispanic

2% Other

transportation

26 minutesMedian travel time to Work

snapshotDickson county is located in the north central portion

of tennessee, and it’s a part of the eight-county nashville

Metropolitan Statistical area. charlotte is the centrally located

county seat, although the city of Dickson is the county’s largest.

cLimate

88°

July high temperature

25°

January low temperature

54”

Annual rain Fall (vs. national Average Annual rain Fall of 37”)

time zone

central

lIvABIlIt y.cOM/DIcksOn 49

Your Community Bank

615.446.7100www.tristarbank.com

Exceeding Expectations in Dickson County and Beyond

Member FDIC

• Mortgage Loans

• Consumer Loans

• Business Loans

• Personal Banking

• Business Banking

• Merchant Services

• Safe Deposit Boxes

4806 Hwy. 48 N. – Charlotte

719 E. College St. – Dickson

143 Henslee Dr. – Inside Kroger

1901 Hwy. 46 S. – Pomona