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Controversial Book Ban Debate, Elder Financial Initiative, Enhanced School Programs, Holiday Markets & More at Gallatin Comic Con 2025

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Controversial Book Ban Debate, Elder Financial Initiative, Enhanced School Programs, Holiday Markets & More at Gallatin Comic Con 2025

Controversial Book Ban Debate, Elder Financial Initiative, Enhanced School Programs, Holiday Markets & More at Gallatin Comic Con 2025
Exciting news in Sumner County: Transgender book ban debate, seniors financial initiative, mobile food pantry, zoning updates, enhanced school programs, holiday events, and more! Don't miss out on Gallatin's upcoming Comic Con 2025! 🎉📚👴🍗🎅🎨🌟 #SumnerCountyEvents

Paul Graden, Senior Editor

Nov 4, 2025

Sumner County Transgender Book Ban Debate

The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s Securities Division has launched “Let’s Talk Seniors”, a new training program aimed at empowering seniors, caregivers, and key professionals to recognize and address elder financial exploitation.

 

This initiative equips law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters, and bank staff with resources to spot warning signs and act when older adults face financial danger.

 

Commissioner Carter Lawrence stresses the program’s importance in protecting Tennessee’s most vulnerable, urging families to contact TDCI with financial concerns.

 

Topics include scams targeting seniors, indicators of exploitation, reporting guidelines, and effective communication strategies.

 

With Tennesseans losing over $157 million to fraud in 2024, the need for such programs is urgent.

 

Locally, the United Way of Sumner County and the TBI’s SafeSenior TN campaign offer financial education, support, and security.

 

Tennessee’s blend of state and local initiatives provides strong protection for seniors against financial abuse.


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The Unlimited Potential Fall Drive-Thru Mobile Food Pantry returns on Saturday, November 15, 2025, offering food assistance for local families at the First Baptist Church, 290 E Winchester St, Gallatin.

 

Running from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, this quarterly event, organized by Unlimited Potential CDC, is dedicated to serving Sumner County residents facing food insecurity.

 

Friendly Rotary volunteers help coordinate the drive-thru, making pickups easy for every attendee.

 

This service happens rain or shine, underscoring the community’s steady support.

 

Additional resources are available year-round, including Feed Sumner Food Bank and Gallatin CARES, both offering routine distributions and other support services.

 

With the holidays nearing, these programs highlight how Sumner County unites to ensure everyone has what they need to thrive.

 

Reaching out, volunteering, or donating can make a tangible impact; helping neighbors while nurturing a spirit of unity across the community.


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The Hendersonville Board of Mayor and Aldermen has adopted major changes to the Zoning Ordinance, shaping growth to better match the city’s vision for quality, design, and livability.

 

Updates include larger minimum lot sizes to limit dense housing, stricter rules for commercial signs, and tighter restrictions on smoke and vape shops, especially near schools.

 

New standards for EV charging stations are introduced, and fresh incentives target revitalization along West Main Street in the Westlake area.

 

City codes are also being aligned with state laws to ensure compliance and future readiness.

 

Meanwhile, in Sumner County, officials are reviewing guidelines for homes made from shipping containers, aiming to provide more affordable housing options while maintaining neighborhood standards.

 

The county is also considering higher flood protection requirements to boost safety in at-risk areas, reflecting a forward-thinking focus on community well-being and growth.


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Sumner County Schools will launch Enhanced Option Programs for 2025, opening new doors for students to earn college credits or industry certifications during high school.

 

The Middle College High School at Volunteer State Community College and the Middle Technical College High School at TCAT Portland invite incoming juniors and seniors to get a jumpstart on their educational and career goals.

 

Families can join a special information night on November 6 at the TCAT campus in Portland.

 

The event highlight opportunities for students to finish high school while earning real college credits or technical certifications, as well as connect parents with staff, students, and alumni.

 

Principals are also visiting local high schools to answer questions directly and guide interested 10th and 11th graders.

 

This program underscores Sumner County’s commitment to preparing local students for a strong future.


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Christmas 4 Kids and Hendersonville Hometown Jam are launching their first “Songwriter Night 4 the Kids” on November 25 at 7:00 p.m. at the Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club in Hendersonville.

 

Guests will experience music and engaging storytelling from acclaimed Nashville songwriters Chuck Cannon, Phil Vassar, Josh Mirenda, and Jeffrey Steele. Radio personality Shawn Parr will energize the evening as the guest MC and auctioneer during a live auction featuring exclusive prizes.

 

All proceeds will support Christmas 4 Kids’ ongoing efforts to make the holidays brighter for underprivileged children across Middle Tennessee. Tickets are available at $75 for general admission or $1,000 for a VIP table of eight.

 

This benefit adds a new chapter to over forty years of bringing holiday cheer through shopping trips, gifts, and special events for local kids.

 


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Gallatin, Tennessee is preparing to kick off the holiday season with Tinsel & Treasures: Holiday Retail Open House, running November 14–16, 2025.

 

Celebrating over 50 years, this cherished event ignites community spirit by motivating locals and visitors to shop small and savor the season’s warmth.

 

Downtown retailers will roll out exclusive deals, unique holiday items, and festive cheer throughout the weekend.

 

The reimagined Yuletide at the Station (formerly Merry Market Day) arrives at its new home, The Station, at 117 W Main St.

 

Shoppers can browse artisan goods, handmade gifts, and enjoy live music from local talent, creating an inviting holiday vibe.

 

Admission is free, making it accessible for all.

 

With recent local growth, including Gap Inc.’s $58 million center expansion and the arrival of Scout’s Barbershop, Gallatin’s small businesses continue to thrive.

 

Supporting Tinsel & Treasures strengthens local connections and helps Gallatin’s vibrant economy shine this season.


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The beloved Holiday on the Hill Market returns to NorthField Church in Gallatin, TN on November 14 and 15, 2025, promising a vibrant marketplace filled with festive crafts and gifts.

 

Located at 2100 Nashville Pike, the church will buzz with activity as local vendors showcase unique holiday goods.

 

Proceeds directly benefit Night to Shine, a prom night celebrating teens and adults with special needs, scheduled for February 13, 2026.

 

By supporting this event, attendees help foster inclusion and community spirit throughout Gallatin.

 

NorthField Church encourages early sign-ups for vendors and volunteers, aiming to ensure everyone can join in this heartwarming tradition.

 

With additional events like the Christmas Harvest Craft Show at the Gallatin Civic Center, the holiday season shines bright with opportunities for shopping and giving back.

 

Don't miss out on this cherished local tradition.


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Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Meatballs

Bite-sized Thanksgiving comfort—juicy sage-garlic meatballs tossed in a bright, tangy cranberry-orange glaze.

Yield

  • About 22–26 meatballs (serves 6–8 as an app, 4–5 as a main)

Time

  • 35–40 minutes total

Ingredients

  • Meatballs

    • 1.5 lb ground turkey (93% lean works best)
    • 1 large egg
    • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (use GF panko if needed)
    • 1/4 cup finely grated onion (with juices)
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
    • 1 tsp finely chopped fresh sage (or 1/2 tsp dried)
    • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
    • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
    • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, but good)
    • 1 tsp kosher salt + 1/2 tsp black pepper
    • 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for the sheet pan)
  • Cranberry-Orange Glaze

    • 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
    • 1/2 cup orange juice
    • 1 tsp orange zest (plus more for finishing)
    • 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (to taste)
    • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
    • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
    • Pinch salt
  • To finish

    • Extra orange zest, chopped parsley or chives, flaky salt

Instructions

  1. Prep and preheat

    • Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil a rimmed sheet pan.
  2. Mix and shape

    • In a large bowl, combine turkey, egg, panko, grated onion, garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, Dijon, Worcestershire (if using), salt, and pepper.
    • Gently mix just until combined (don’t overwork). Scoop into 1.5-inch balls and set on the pan.
  3. Roast

    • Bake 12–15 minutes, until lightly browned and just cooked through (165°F).
  4. Make the glaze

    • While they bake, add cranberry sauce, orange juice, zest, honey/maple, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt to a saucepan.
    • Simmer 4–6 minutes over medium heat, stirring, until glossy and slightly thickened.
  5. Toss and finish

    • Add baked meatballs to the saucepan and gently coat in the glaze.
    • Optional but lovely: return meatballs to the pan, spoon extra glaze over, and broil 1–2 minutes to set the sheen.
    • Finish with a whisper of orange zest, parsley/chives, and a pinch of flaky salt.

Serve it up

  • Appetizer: Toothpicks on a platter with extra glaze for dipping.
  • Main: Over mashed potatoes, wild rice, or buttered egg noodles.
  • Slider idea: Soft rolls + a dab of cranberry + arugula.

Make-ahead & tips

  • Make-ahead: Bake meatballs up to 2 days ahead; rewarm in glaze on low until heated through.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked, unglazed meatballs up to 2 months. Thaw, rewarm, then glaze.
  • Swaps: Ground chicken works; use GF panko for gluten-free; add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for richer flavor; or fold in 1/4 cup finely diced apple for a subtle sweet bite.

The Gallatin Comic Con 2025 lands at the Gallatin Civic Center on November 8–9, 2025, promising a standout weekend for Sumner County and comic fans across Tennessee.

 

Beloved TV icon Vicki Lawrence joins the guest list, alongside CHiPs stars Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox, making it a must for classic television fans.

 

Greg Land, known for his dynamic work on X-Men and Fantastic Four, will be meeting comic book enthusiasts, while Scooby-Doo voice actor Scott Innes adds extra excitement.

 

Attendees can expect celebrity panels, autograph signings, and vibrant cosplay contests, plus a diverse artist alley and vendor area packed with collectibles.

 

This local convention is the perfect gathering for collectors, casual fans, and families seeking memorable moments and creative inspiration in Sumner County, TN.


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If you would like your business featured in this section, please contact me at here.

Dr. Paul Graden
Founder & Editor, Sumner County Pulse

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Dr. Paul Graden
Founder & Editor, Sumner County Pulse

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