A Sweet First: Bernard’s Homemade Syrup Debuts at Our Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Bernard Pickney, longtime pancake flipper at the Renaissance Center’s Pancake Breakfast, proudly shares his homemade maple syrup—featured for the first time this year.
If you’ve ever attended a Pancake Breakfast at the Renaissance Center Nashville, you’ve probably seen Bernard Pickney at the griddle—flipping pancakes with a smile and making it look effortless. Bernard has been a fixture at this beloved event for over 31 years, helping to create the welcoming, community-driven atmosphere that defines our senior activity center in Nashville. But this year brings something extra sweet: for the first time ever, we’ll be serving his very own homemade maple syrup.
The syrup comes straight from Bernard’s family farm, Steep Hill, nestled in Cheatham County. His parents bought the property in 1952 when Bernard was just two years old, and the maple trees—planted long before—have grown wild ever since. The best sap, Bernard explains, comes from older trees on the north-facing hillside, where cooler, shaded conditions produce a sweeter yield. Each tree must be at least 10 inches wide to be tapped, and the work is as labor-intensive as it is rewarding.
Bernard began making syrup in 2009 and has been refining his process ever since. During sap season, he spends long hours tending the fire that boils the sap down into syrup—sometimes sleeping out on the land to keep it going. “I woke up one morning, it was 7 degrees and snow on the ground,” he recalls. “But the fire still needed stoking.”
When you join us for the Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Friday, April 26 from 7–11 AM, you’re not just enjoying a plate of fluffy pancakes—you’re also helping sustain the heart of our community center for seniors. For over 36 years, Renaissance Center Nashville has served as a vibrant hub for active older adults, offering free senior programs designed to reduce isolation, encourage lifelong learning, and promote wellness. Whether it’s chair yoga, technology classes, arts & crafts, or educational workshops, your support helps keep these vital programs thriving.
Come enjoy a warm breakfast, try Bernard’s homemade syrup, and connect with friends old and new at a place built for active senior living. Bring your appetite—and your support—for a cause that truly makes a difference.