Word on the Street: New HMS principal; The ARK’s 7,000 pounds of food; Events around town ramping up

The Kingston Springs Gazette is here to spotlight the stories that matter most to our community. Our new column, Word on the Street, features updates about our neighbors, local businesses and important events. Check out the Word on the Street for April 5 below.

Do you have a bite-size piece of good news? Share it with us here! We will highlight it for the community in our future columns.

During its March meeting, the Town of Kingston Springs’ Board of Commissioners approved a donation of $5,000 to The ARK Community and Resource Center. The donation will help The ARK fund its Meals on Wheels program, which serves an average of 40 home-bound seniors five meals a week. Through its various programs, including the food pantry, The ARK spends over $100,000 annually to help keep South Cheatham families afloat. Jollifrogs officially opened its Main Street doors last week, expanding the old space to include more local, women-owned businesses. Jollifrogs, which plans to have a grand opening this month, is your one-stop shop for birthday gifts, household items and antiques. In honor of Kingston Springs’ 60th anniversary of incorporation, the Kingston Springs Gazette is excited to announce the launch of a new event series, “Straight from the Source.” This series will provide a unique opportunity to hear from longtime residents of Kingston Springs as they share their stories and reminisce on how the town has evolved over the years. The first event in the series will take place on Sunday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. at Turnbull Provisions in downtown Kingston Springs, and will feature Miss Candy and Larry Turner. The couple has lived in Kingston Springs for decades, and their stories span from their early years at Osburn Skating Rink to raising a large family while serving the community in numerous ways. The Friends of the Harpeth River State Park group is hosting a Hippity Hop 5k and one mile fun run on Saturday, April 12 at 8 a.m. at Gossett Tract. The $10 admission to participate will directly support the nonprofit organization that helps protect our river. A huge congrats to Susie Kephart, who was tapped by the school district to serve as Harpeth Middle School’s (HMS) next principal. Current HMS Principal Audra Williams announced in March that she will step down after six years in the leadership role to spend more time with her family. Second Harvest Food Bank made its monthly food delivery to The ARK on March 25, dropping off more than 7,000 pounds of canned goods, dairy and meats. A huge shout out to the seven students who spent the Tuesday of their spring break helping unload the food from the truck. The monthly donation helps feed more than 200 families in South Cheatham. Kingston Springs Elementary School parents: Beware! The Kingston Springs Police Department warned this week that any drivers participating in KSES afternoon car-rider pickup will be given a citation if they arrive at the school before 2:30. The Town of Kingston Springs is accepting proposals for the acquisition and management of the town's Wastewater Department for the purpose of providing sewer service to the inhabitants of the Town of Kingston Springs. The deadline is Friday, April 11. With Easter right around the corner, don’t miss your opportunity to egg-hunt with the community! The Town of Kingston Springs will host its annual hunt at City Park on April 12. Additionally, the South Cheatham Ministerial Association will host its special needs Easter egg hunt on April 19 at Pegram Park at 2 p.m. Cuteness alert! The Cheatham County Animal Shelter’s nonprofit arm – Saving South Cheatham Animals: Mission Pawsible – has partnered with Pegram Elementary Fine Arts Magnet School to raise money for the shelter. For Mother’s Day, the elementary students are drawing pictures of your mom’s favorite pet (or pets!) for $25 a piece. Join Turnbull Provision’s book club for the month of April. They are reading “The Wedding People” and meeting on Saturday, April 26 at 4 p.m. to discuss it. The Cheatham County Historical and Genealogical Association will hold the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for its brand new museum on April 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. Stop by and learn more about Cheatham County’s rich history!