Honoring professionals who serve us well, from accountants and lawyers to plumbers and HVAC shops.
JOHNS FAMILY & IMPLANT DENTISTRY
Putnam County/General, implant and cosmetic dentistry
Dentistry is often a fearful topic for many. So having a practice that’s committed to offering the highest level of comfort is surely a welcomed reprieve.
Husband and wife Drs. Steve and Mary Johns have strived to do just that since opening Johns Family & Implant Dentistry in Cookeville in 1981. General, implant and cosmetic dentistry are specialties. As is their focus on relationships. The pair, case in point, is now caring for a third generation of patients.
“That’s very special to us,” said Mary. “Our community is very important to us. Our goal is to provide the highest quality health care we can, in a comfortable, family-oriented and friendly environment. I firmly believe that if you take care of people the way you want to be cared for, you build relationships. It’s not about the money; it’s about taking care of people. Everything else will fall into place.”
It also helps that the pair has the experience and credentials to boot. Steve Johns is one of few in the state to be both board certified through the American Board of Oral Implantology/ Implant Dentistry and a fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
While the family practice has already surpassed the 30-year mark, the Johns are hoping for many more, especially since their youngest son is in his final year of dental school.
“We’ll hopefully be continuing the Johns Family Dentistry practice for many years to come,” Steve said.
121 S. Washington Ave.
Cookeville, TN (931) 400-2213
EAST FORK STABLES AT BIG SOUTH FORK
Fentress County/Horseback trail riding, campground
There’s quite a legacy behind the 12,000-acre farm in Fentress County that today serves as home to East Fork Stables at Big South Fork.
The property, privy to some of the region’s best horseback riding trails, has been in the same family for 100 years – 20 of which the stables have been in operation. More recently, there’s been a “significant” reinvestment in the grounds, Ed Wiley said. Improvements were made to the campgrounds, office, bathhouses and trail system. A gated entry has also been installed to give the stables a more resort-like feel.
“We’re trying to straighten it up for the 10 years in front of us rather than the 10 years behind us,” Wiley said. “We’re looking to the future and making it a much more pleasing experience for our customers.”
Customers – there’s an estimated 10,000 unique visitors a year here, Wiley said – love the moderate climate (the average year-round temp is 57 degrees) and the sandy soil, which is easy on horses’ feet. But the terrain is arguably the top attraction – there’s fresh mountain air, scenic meadows and wooded areas to explore.
“We have some trails that are steeper and a little more challenging, but we also have very easy terrain,” Wiley said. “We have a good bit of easy riding with lots of shade and trees.”
In all, the grounds now include 180 campsites, 200 horse stalls and 12 cabins.
“We’ve really grown it a lot,” Wiley said. “Our family is really proud of East Fork, and we appreciate all the support from everybody for the last 20 years – and look forward to the next 20.”
3598 S. York Highway
Jamestown, TN (931) 879-1176
CUMBERLAND MEDICAL CENTER WELLNESS COMPLEXES
Cumberland County/Health club
The Cumberland Medical Center Wellness Complexes, located in Crossville – and later in Fairfield Glade – have been a health care staple in the community since 1996.
That hasn’t changed, but some recent shifts have brought about new goals and challenges. But one mission will stay constant: a dedication to improving its members’ wellbeing.
“Our goal is to take them through a whole life of wellness, from beginning to end,” Thom Hassler, manager of the Cumberland Medical Center Wellness Complexes since February, said. “A lot of folks will tell you that, but our goal is community wellness. Cumberland Medical Center (CMC) as an organization cares for people when they get sick, but the wellness program was started to keep folks out of that facility.”
Since there’s more health club competition in the Crossville market these days, Hassler said marketing efforts have changed. They are targeting a younger demographic. Overall, the recent merger of CMC and Covenant Health are bringing about some positives upgrades as well.
“Covenant will allow us to expand the services we can offer and do some things that we couldn’t do before,” he said. “The whole merger opens whole new avenues for us.”
130 Woodmere Mall
Crossville, TN (931) 456-8870
130 Stonehenge Drive
Fairfield Glade, TN (931) 707-8420
CLARK HOUSE
Overton County/Wedding and event space
Wedding venues are abound in the Upper Cumberland, but the Clark House is arguably one of the most unique.
Opened in 2011 on a former Angus cattle and Tennessee Walking Horse Farm, the Clark House is the only full-service event venue in the Upper Cumberland, with in-house catering by Talk to the Town Catering, floral design by Mitchell White and on-site planning and consultation. White, whose sister is part partner in the catering business, says they had worked on separate and combined events for the last 15-18 years before starting the business.
“It was something that we had discussed for a long time,” White said. “We always said if we found the right venue or building or space, we would do it.”
Turns out the Clark House was it. Built in the early 1960s, the two-story Greek revival home also includes expansive grounds, stable and a pavilion. It is available for lunch, reunions, and meetings, but weddings have become its bread and butter. Clark House is heavily booked in 2014 – its fourth summer season.
“It’s a beautiful property,” White said. “The grounds were already established, but we have tweaked things here and there, because we want it to feel like a home. We don’t want it to feel like a sterile event space. I think that’s part of its draw as well.”
1010 N. Oak St.
Livingston, TN (931) 823-3664
