Every Thanksgiving, we take stock of our blessings and celebrate the things that we are grateful for in our lives. From families and friends to good health, we all have a lot for which we should be thankful.
Along with our personal good fortunes, we have also been blessed by the presence of three local institutions which have transformed the lives of scores of people in Sumner County and beyond. For many years, Volunteer State Community College, TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center and the Sumner County Family YMCA have served as beacons for higher education, healthcare and wellness. Collectively, these three organizations have been making a positive difference in our community for over 110 years.
As we near Thanksgiving Day, we at Hendersonville Lifestyle would like to express our gratitude to these three institutions and to wish them well for many decades to come.
Volunteer State Community College
For 50 years, Volunteer State Community College has helped tens of thousands of students achieve their higher education goals. From university parallel curricula that prepare students for transferring to four-year institutions to specialized studies that help students immediately enter the work force, Vol State offers the widest array of associate degree and technical certificate programs in the region.
With more than 100 areas of study in six academic divisions (Math/Science, Business/Technology, Social Science/Education, Humanities and Health Sciences/Nursing), Vol State has become the college of choice for many people seeking to continue their learning journeys. Some of the most popular majors include Emergency Medical Services, Nursing and the innovative Mechatronics program, which combines mechanical, electronic and computer engineering studies. Classes are available in both traditional and online formats, offering the ultimate in flexibility for students.
Vol State also offers a rich campus experience for students, with opportunities to take part in a variety of clubs, organizations, recreational activities and special events. Furthermore, Vol State participates in intercollegiate athletics through its Pioneer baseball, basketball and softball programs. Many of the sporting and other special events are open to the public, as well as Vol State students.
From its humble beginnings in 1971, with classes for its first few students being held in churches, an armory and a bowling alley, Vol State has grown to become a regional institution covering an 11-county service area. This fall, Vol State has over 7,000 students enrolled across its four campuses located in Gallatin, Springfield, Livingston and Cookeville.
Thanks to tuition-free initiatives such as the TN Promise (for recent high school graduates) and TN Reconnect (for returning adults), Vol State has made higher education more affordable than ever. However, despite its reduced fees, Vol State is committed to the highest standards of educational excellence.
“Although our cost of attendance is low, we offer students top quality instruction that prepares them for their next life stages,” says new Vol State President Dr. Orinthia Montague. “In addition, we provide a full-range of one-on-one academic support for all of our students. We want to help each of them succeed in achieving their goals.”
2021 marks a pivotal year for Vol State, as the college commemorates its 50th anniversary. A variety of celebrations are being held throughout the year to recognize the educational impact that Vol State has had on the region, and to look ahead to future college growth.
Volunteer State Community College – Main Campus
1480 Nashville Pike,
Gallatin, TN 37066
615.452.8600
TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center
TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center has served thousands of patients across Sumner County and surrounding communities for more than four decades. Founded in 1979 as Hendersonville Hospital, TriStar Hendersonville has grown from a small city institution to a modern medical center offering the latest in comprehensive healthcare services.
Today, TriStar Hendersonville operates multiple facilities, including its main location on New Shackle Island Road, a satellite campus in Portland and four imaging centers across Sumner County. TriStar Hendersonville holds several specialty designations, including being an Accredited Chest Pain Center, a Certified Primary Stroke Center and a Level III Trauma Center. The hospital also has a comprehensive Birth Center that features a six-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), spacious maternity suites and a lactation boutique for inpatient and outpatient breastfeeding services.
Along with its own internal resources, TriStar Hendersonville is also a part of the HCA/TriStar Health family of hospitals and medical facilities that span the nation. As such, TriStar Hendersonville can provide its patients with services and specialties that go far beyond what a single hospital can offer.
In 2021, TriStar Hendersonville was named as one of the top 100 hospitals in the Fortune/IBM Watson Health survey. This elite list was compiled from a candidate field of nearly 2,700 hospitals nationwide.
“We are extremely proud to be named one of the nation’s Top 100 Hospitals by IBM Watson Health,” said Justin Coury, Chief Executive Officer at TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center. “This recognition demonstrates the commitment of our entire hospital team to ensuring excellent patient outcomes, positive patient experiences, the financial health of our hospital and the overall health of the communities we serve.”
Although TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center has experienced significant changes over the years, one thing has never wavered – its commitment to providing the best in patient care. This commitment is exemplified in the mission statement for HCA/TriStar health, coined by late founder Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr., “Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.”
TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center
355 New Shackle Island Road,
Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.338.1000
Sumner County Family YMCA
Since 2000, the Sumner County Family YMCA (the Y) has been the hub for wellness and fitness in Hendersonville and surrounding areas. Featuring clean, spacious facilities, state-of-the-art equipment and a full-service indoor and outdoor aquatics center, the Y is the preferred workout and recreation center for over 9,300 active members.
Along with its comfortable, inviting campus, the Y is also home to some of the most talented fitness instructors and personal trainers in Middle Tennessee. Collectively, the Y’s team offers a wide variety of individual and group fitness options.
“Along with individual workout sessions, we have about 100 group exercise classes per week,” says YMCA District Executive Director Kathy Raglin. “Each year, we provide swimming lessons for children and adults, preschool soccer, burn boot camps, homeschool P.E. classes, active older adult activities, babysitting certification, summer day camps and much more.”
Unlike most gyms and workout facilities, the Y focuses on the health and wellbeing of the entire family. From toddlers to senior citizens, there is something for everyone at every stage of life.
“Every year, there are many new families moving to Sumner County who arrive with no local connections,” says Kathy. “The Y is a wonderful place to meet people. Our staff and members are friendly and welcoming, and they are happy to help newcomers become a part of our community.”
In addition to its family orientation, the Y is also a nonprofit organization. As such, it strives to keep its membership fees low and to keep its doors open to anyone who wishes to participate in its programs and activities.
“We don’t turn anyone away due to their inability to pay our full membership rates,” says Kathy. “We raise money every year to be able to help serve folks in our community, regardless of their financial situations.”
Although most programs and services are intended for its members, the Y also offers many activities that are open to the public at large. Every year, the Y hosts many community-wide events, including the Frostbite 10K/5K races and Polar Plunge and the HEAT Kids Triathlon. It also offers several outreach programs designed to help people deal with physical and emotional trauma.
“We created the After Breast Cancer program to help survivors deal with the physical and psychological challenges they face during their journeys to recovery,” says Kathy. “We also partner with the Sumner County Court System to offer a Second Chance program to help incarcerated men and women work through their issues and reset their lives.”
As it nears the end of its 21st year, the Sumner County Family YMCA remains the destination of choice for improving the physical, mental and spiritual health of families.
Sumner County Family YMCA
102 Bluegrass Commons,
Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.826.9622
