Dr. Shawn Lehman-Grimes & Dr. Candice Coleman
Mother’s Day: It’s The Law!
Fun Fact: Mother’s Day has been an official national holiday–celebrated annually on the second Sunday in May–since 1914. (For those following along at home, the 112th renewal will be Sunday, May 11.)
As a law-abiding citizen, I treat Mother’s Day as seriously as any holiday on the calendar. And I think any son/husband/father knows exactly what I’m talking about. Honoring our mothers in a meaningful way is the easy part. What you don’t know until you marry and have children is that it’s incumbent upon the husband/dad to ensure that every woman in your family’s life is properly accounted for. That can manifest itself in many ways: cards, gifts, phone calls, house calls, food and beverage. To be safe, I recommend all of the above. And flowers!
So, in terms of being stressful, Mother’s Day is bigger than Valentine’s Day. Christmas? Not even close. Father’s Day? OMG … I’m laughing so hard now I don’t think I can finish writing this Lifestyle Letter!!
So, you’ll have to forgive me. I’m not being dramatic; just giving you the facts.
Of course, it’s all for the best of any cause imaginable. Because it’s impossible to imagine our lives without the important roles that the women in it play.
At my house, there are certain things that dads can’t do. I might put my life on the line by teaching my son how to drive. But without mom, how would he know to wear anything beyond t-shirts and shorts? That might be an oversimplification, but the example is significant. It points out the difference between chaos and structure in a household. The latter comes from mom.
My mom lives out of state but, even at my advanced age, I still call her regularly to talk about anything and everything. It’s not necessarily that I’ll heed her advice, but I do want to know what she thinks.
Those are my examples. I’m sure that you have your own versions of a similar story.
With that as the backdrop, it’s a perfect way to welcome you to our annual Ladies Issue. This month we’ll introduce you to Bethany Harbin, a successful mom, wife and business owner who has brought much her family into her Bellevue-based State Farm agency. Then there’s Jan Johnson of Jan Marie Photography, an entrepreneur and gifted photojournalist who specializes in pet photography. Then we’ll wrap things up with floral arrangements and a recipe that are great for Mother’s Day or any time of year.
Happy Mother’s Day to all!
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Doug Waterman | doug.waterman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ed Atlas | ed.atlas@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Lindsey Baydoun | hello@lindseybaydoun.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michele Bogle, Lisa Valentine, Kellie Walton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ed Atlas, Michele Bogle, Jan Marie Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
ED ATLAS, EDITOR
the issue
Jan Johnson Captures Memories Of Your Favorite Pups. Colts & Kittens, Too!
How State Farm’s Bethany Harbin Became A Bellevue Staple
It’s Jake from State Farm! Or at least it’s his cardboard cutout, flanked by the family-team from Bethany Harbin State Farm (L-R): daughter, Liza; husband, Tracey; Jake; Bethany, and daughter, Raegan.
by Ed Atlas
Photography
While traditional stretching methods attempt to make you more “flexible,” we work to adjust the stretch reflex. This way, the Stretch Zone Method gradually increases your active range of motion.
Consider how a car seatbelt works. If pulled too quickly, the belt locks. If the belt is forced, you are just stretching the material itself, and that’s where injury happens. When a car seatbelt is pulled smoothly and controlled, the belt will fully extend. It’s the same with your body’s stretch reflex.
Post Time! Iroquois Steeplechase Returns To Bellevue, May 10
The 84th Iroquois Steeplechase presented by Bank of America returns to Percy Warner Park on Saturday, May 10. “Nashville’s Day At The Races” also serves as the social event of the year, marking the unofficial beginning of the summer season. Not to be lost in the fun and frivolity is the Steeplechase’s mission: to manage and produce a world-class horse race that benefits Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and other community nonprofits. IroquoisSteeplechase.org
Photography by Iroquois Steeplechase
Competitors from West Side Championship Martial Arts, under the direction of chief instructor Andrew Breese, won 28 trophies (14 first place) at the 10th Annual Battle Of The Dojangs, held recently at Dickson Taekwondo. Pictured here (from left): Xander Hayes, Jay Cunningham, Walker Finney and Taylor Dulworth. West Side Championship Martial Arts is located at 8150 Sawyer Brown Rd. WestSideCampionshipMartialArtsTN.com
LIVE LIFE IN HARMONY NG!
JMJ Photography’s “Pooch Playoffs” Raises $1400 For Proverbs Animal Rescue
Jan Johnson of Jan Marie Photography (JMP) presented a $1,400.00 check to Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Proceeds came from Pooch Playoffs, a JMPsponsored event where 16 dogs were photographed and fans voted online for their favorites. Proverbs alumna, Miggy, a mixed-breed belonging to Pam Davis, emerged as the Ulti-Mutt cutie. Pictured below is Proverbs foster coordinator, Savannah Spicer (left) with Jan Johnson. Participants received “sWag” bags with gifts from Chewy, Petco and The Pet Village. JanMariePhotography. com, Proverbs1210Rescue.org
Photography by West Side Championship Martial Arts
Photography by Jan Marie Photography
CAPTURING MOMENTS IN TIME
Jan Johnson Captures Memories Of Your Favorite Pups. Colts & Kittens, Too!
ARTICLE BY LISA VALENTINE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAN MARIE JOHNSON
They say a picture is worth a thousand words and when it comes to Jan Johnson’s photography, her photos speak for themselves. A Bellevue resident since 2018, Johnson left traditional corporate life to pursue her passion of photography.
Jan Johnson
“If you ask me the owners’ names, I might know a couple. But I can tell you every one of those dogs’ names.”
As a multi-faceted photographer with experience shooting family portraits, live events, sports, real estate, and more, Johnson has found that her heart lies in pet photography.
Through her business, Jan Marie Photography, she has photographed a plethora of animals from cats to horses and everything in between; however, over the years, Johnson has found a deep connection in capturing man’s best friend. Whether it’s a new puppy or a senior dog that’s grown with a family, she loves creating a visual keepsake of dogs at all stages. She does this with the client in mind, striving to bring their dream portraits to life.
“Each session is a personalized experience tailored to your unique vision,” Johnson says. “I believe in capturing the essence of every subject, whether it's a family, or a beloved pet, individually or as one big happy family.”
Johnson enjoys photographing dogs of all ages and falls in love with every canine subject, but she finds that she especially has a heart for capturing portraits of older dogs in their final years, providing owners with a keepsake that they can hold dear after they’ve passed. She shares the story of one particular dog whose owner asked for Johnson to move the photoshoot up earlier because their dog was in ill health.
“If I waited and found out he wasn't there, it would have crushed me because I get so attached,” she says. When looking back at previous photo shoots she adds, “If you ask me the owners’ names, I might know a couple. But I can tell you every one of those dogs’ names.”
Not only is Johnson unique in specializing in canine portraits, the production of her photos also sets her apart from the norm. Rather than providing digital photos to her clients, her images are printed on high quality canvas, allowing the images to be displayed in clients’ homes and offices in the best form.
After the images have been captured and edited, Johnson takes the time to sit down with clients to review them, showing mockups of what they’ll look like printed on various sized canvases to give them an idea of how they’ll fit into different types of rooms. Whether clients want one large canvas to serve as the focal point of the room or a series of artfully arranged smaller portraits, these high-quality canvases allow them to showcase their canine pals in any setting. Whether it’s an exciting jumping shot of a furry friend playing fetch or a series of photos of their wagging tail or a closeup sticking out their tongue, Johnson showcases the personality of every dog she meets.
If you’re looking for a special gift for the pet lover in your life or if you want to display your own pup at any stage to preserve memories for years to come, a pet portrait is the perfect way to freeze a moment in time.
JanMariePhotography.com
Malinda, Owner
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP AND Family In Business
HOW STATE FARM’S BETHANY HARBIN BECAME A BELLEVUE STAPLE
ARTICLE BY KELLIE WALTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ED ATLAS
(L-R) The Harbins: Liza, Tracey, Bethany, Raegan.
When Bethany Harbin started working in her father’s State Farm office at just 15 years old, she never imagined it would turn into a lifelong career.
“I thought it would be a part-time job,” she says. “Never thought it would be what I would do.”
But years later, after earning a finance and insurance degree from Middle Tennessee State University and working under different agents, she found herself following in her father’s footsteps and carving out her own path in the insurance industry.
Today, Bethany is the owner of a successful State Farm agency and its recognizable storefront that’s become a staple in the Bellevue community— since 2004, the building has stood tall right off exit 199 on I-40. As a thriving female business owner today, Bethany credits much of her success to the mentors who paved the way for her, particularly her father and his former manager, Frances Jernigan.
“My dad was an agent in Columbia until three years ago when he retired,” she says. “I watched how he ran his business, how policyholders responded to him—they respected and appreciated him. I learned a lot from him about how to treat people in general.”
Frances Jernigan, a female State Farm manager who oversaw different agencies, played a pivotal role in Bethany’s early career.
“She told me I needed to prove myself while working for my dad,” Bethany adds. “She was right! As a young mom, I saw that she had done it herself as a wife and a mom, which gave me confidence.”
Bethany might have been content staying in her father’s office, but when the opportunity arose to start her own agency, she took the leap. And now, 31 years later, she hangs her hat on being there for her community in difficult times. Her team doesn’t take lightly that they’re often part of someone’s worst day.
As a business owner and a mother of four daughters, Bethany understands that career and family can be a balancing act. Then, the two converged when her husband and daughters joined the team.
“My husband, Tracey, was always involved,” Bethany shares. “In 2006, he quit his job and started working fulltime in the office.
“It’s important for young women to get support wherever they can,” she says. “You find yourself pulled in a lot of different directions, constantly choosing between a career and family.”
But, Bethany always found solace in knowing she was helping others.
“I used to feel guilty that I wasn’t able to volunteer or be the room mom like my friends,” she admits. “But someone set me straight and said, ‘You’re looking at it wrong. You’re in a position in your job to help people in their biggest time of need. When there’s a house fire or someone passes away, you’re the one handing them a check that can make a big difference.’ That helped ease some of the pressure.”
“It was important to me to set an example for my daughters to go for what they wanted. If I could do it, anyone could do it.”
My oldest daughter, Raegan, started working here in college. Now she’s married with three young children. My daughter Liza started working with me when she graduated college in 2018. My younger brother is also an insurance agent in Columbia—it’s a family thing for sure.”
Leadership, to Bethany, is more than just running a business—it’s an opportunity to set an example for other women.
Now, as she looks back on her career, Bethany is proud of what she’s built—not just for herself, but for her family and the community she serves.
“I’ve always loved what I do,” she says. “Being a mom, a wife— but I love what I do, and a lot of my identity is tied up in my career.”
Bethany and her team cover everything from auto insurance to homeowners and renters insurance, condos and townhomes, boats, motorcycles, life insurance, supplemental health policies, and more.
BethanyHarbin.com
- Joy Baker, Baker Bookkeeps
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
MICHELE BOGLE
BLUEBERRY
MILLE CRÊPE
A SWEET WAY TO SAY, “YOU’RE ONE IN A MILLE-ION.”
A mille-feuille dessert consists of three crisp layers of puff pastry with pastry cream filling in between, and topped with icing.
In the 17th century, the French spread cream on leftover crêpes to keep them from drying out, then they were stacked for easy storage. In these earlier days, they were referred to as “gateau de crêpes” – the origin of the mille crêpe, also known as “Mille Feuille Crêpe Cake”.
Impossible to layer as many, the translation of “mille” –meaning 1,000– is merely a suggestion of numerous layers, typically 20 crêpes in each cake.
While there are a thousand ways to celebrate mom on Mother’s Day, the gift of time spent, making something from scratch that can be shared, is a gift worth giving.
Though this recipe is extremely simple, it does take some time to make, but isn’t your mother worth it?
Preparation Time: 1 hr 40 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6 Ingredients: Plain and Simple.
INSTRUCTION
INGREDIENTS
Crêpe
• 4 cups milk
• 8 large eggs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups flour
• Desired amount of icing sugar for topping
Blueberry Compote
• 1 1/2 cups blueberries
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Whipped Cream
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons sugar
Cream Cheese Filling
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped cream
Step 1: In a mixer, thoroughly combine the milk, eggs, butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, and flour on medium speed. Refrigerate mixture while preparing compote, whipped cream, and filling.
Step 2: In a small saucepan, whisk together the maple syrup, water, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla. Then add 3/4 cup of blueberries. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the remaining blueberries and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool.
Step 3: In a mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. With a spatula, fold in the whipped cream, just until smooth. Set aside.
Step 4: With a handheld mixer on high, whip the cream and 3 tablespoons of sugar until the combination forms peaks. Refrigerate until needed.
Step 5: Lay a piece of parchment on the counter, wide enough for two crêpes. Grease or spray an 8-inch frying pan and warm over medium-high heat. Greasing the pan has to be done only once.
Step 6: Reduce heat to medium, and ladle a 1/4 cup batter into the warm pan. Immediately lift the pan from the element, and tilt it in a circular motion in one direction to create a perfect circle 7 inches in diameter, until there is no moving liquid. Cook for 1 minute per side. Remove from heat and allow to cool on parchment until ready to serve. Repeat with remaining batter.
Step 7: Assemble
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
From Stem To Vase:
TRANSFORMING FLORALS INTO ART
Flowers have a rich history of symbolic meanings. As far back as the 19th century, they were used to convey secret messages. Stories throughout history recount how flowers were used to send hidden messages between people. French publishers began producing flower dictionaries that cataloged the many floral codes that had been gathered over time. Some of these meanings were linked to the flower’s root name, often derived from mythology, while others were drawn from the flowers themselves. The colors, medicinal properties, and even the superstitions
associated with these flowers all contributed to the creation of this secret language.
In addition to their symbolic significance, flowers bring natural beauty to any interior, enhancing spaces with their color, texture, and mood-boosting qualities. Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance. There are multiple ways to creatively integrate florals into your home, and whether using fresh or artificial flowers, creative displays can make quite the statement piece.
Flower Frogs
Using a frog to display flowers creates a minimalist yet elegant look that highlights the individuality of each bloom. It helps the stems stay in place. To set it up, place the frog on your chosen display base, whether it’s a vase, bowl, platter, or any container you prefer. Then, simply insert the flower stems by gently pressing them into the prongs. Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.
CONTINUED >
“Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.”
Florals and Fruit
“Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.”
Add an extra burst of color and texture to your floral arrangement by layering fruit around the edges of your vase. To achieve this, place a smaller vase inside a larger one, ensuring the flowers stay contained in the inner vase to preserve their shape. Fill the surrounding space with water and then arrange sliced fruit along the vase’s outer sides. For a fresh touch, add ice cubes to keep the fruit looking vibrant longer and to hold them in place. Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.
Hanging Florals
For a dramatic effect, try creating a hanging floral display. Floral cones are available for this style, or you can craft your own for a more personalized, organic look. The contrast between long-stemmed white flowers and a dark wall creates a striking visual impact.
No matter how you choose to display them, flowers are a wonderful addition to any room. They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.
“They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.”
realty report
A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN BELLEVUE.
Mariner, LLC offers its services through the brand names Mariner, Mariner Wealth, Mariner Independent, Mariner Institutional, Mariner Ultra, and Mariner Workplace. For additional information about Mariner, including fees and services, please contact Mariner or refer to Form ADV Part 2A which is available on the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
LOCAL EVENTS
MAY 1ST
Nashville Symphony
SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER, DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE
From classical to pop, the Nashville Symphony plays something for everyone in May. Thursday 1-Saturday 3: La Vida Loca; Friday 9-Saturday 10: Barber, Winger and Copland; Saturday 17-Sunday 18: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark; Friday 23-Sunday 25: Mahler's Symphony of a Thousand; Thursday 29-Saturday 31: Indigo Girls. NashvilleSymphony.org
MAY 3RD
Warner Parks Nature Center
7311 HIGHWAY 100
Saturday 3, Tuesday 13, Wednesday 21: Spring Bird Banding, 8 a.m.; Saturday 3: Spring Star Party, 8:30 p.m.; Thursday 8: TaiChi Workshop, 10 a.m.; Saturday 17: Kung Fu Tea Making & Tasting, 1 p.m.; Saturday 24: Ask A Master Gardner, 10 a.m., Butterfly Bonanza, 1 p.m.; Saturday 31: Vol Call: Trail Maintenance, 10 a.m. WarnerParks.org/upcoming-events/
MAY 6TH
Nashville Sounds Baseball
FIRST HORIZON PARK, 19 JUNIOR GILLIAM WAY
The Nashville Sounds (AAA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers) have 12 home games in May. Tuesday 6-Sunday 11 vs. Norfolk Tides (Baltimore Orioles); Tuesday 20-Sunday 25 vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (New York Yankees). Game times are 6:35 p.m., 2:05 p.m. on Sundays. Every Friday is Fox 17 Fireworks night. Tickets and a complete list of promotions are available online. www.milb.com/nashville
MAY 17TH
46th Annual Bellevue Community Picnic presented by Nashville Christian School
655 COLICE JEANNE ROAD BEHIND BELLEVUE MIDDLE SCHOOL | 9:00 AM
The annual event produced by the Bellevue-Harpeth Chamber of Commerce features mechanical rides, pony rides, inflatables, live music, arts and crafts, a Kidz Zone and an amazing variety of food trucks and vendors, all capped off with a fireworks display. Located directly behind Bellevue Middle School. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, as well as vendor applications, are available online at BellevueHarpethChamber.com
MAY 23RD
Full Moon Pickin' Party
PERCY WARNER PARK, 2500 OLD HICKORY BOULEVARD | 6:00 PM
The Full Moon Pickin’ Party in Percy Warner Park opens for its 27th season on May 23. Patrons enjoy live bluegrass music, local food trucks, cold brews, and more. Bring an acoustic instrument for discounted admission and join a pickin' circle. Dogs on leashes welcome. Lawn chairs encouraged. Admission includes complimentary soda, water and up to three beers (21+). WarnerParks.org
MAY 26TH
Memorial Day at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery
7931 McCRORY LANE | 8:00 AM
Stop by for a self-guided tour of one of only five military cemeteries maintained by The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services. Whether it's for a few minutes, an hour or more, a walk through the bucolic and sacred grounds of this Bellevue landmark makes for a meaningful Memorial Day experience.
mor e With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only Expir es 5/31/25. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
