Franklin, TN April 2024

FOOD + BEVERAGE

ETCH COMES TO THE FACTORY

FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES

LOCAL INVESTMENT PODCASTS

LOCAL SERVICES

WILLIAMSON COUNTY CASA

CHARLES ESTEN'S musical journey

Gifting Your Money And Assets

Inherited assets often come with tax burdens. Planning ahead can simplify some of the processes and lower taxes for your heirs. Laws and regulations regarding transferable assets can change. Music City Estate Law attorneys can conduct a routine review of your plan to ensure transferring wealth is tax-efficient.

Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts

The most direct way to minimize inheritance tax is to start gifting your heirs money annually while you’re still alive. Take advantage of the current gift tax exclusion of $18,000 per year per person (as of 2024). A married couple can gift $36,000 yearly to an inheritor without either the gifter or the recipient facing tax consequences.

Life Insurance A solid life insurance plan can also set up future inheritors without tax consequences. Choosing between whole life and term life insurance will determine how long the policy will last. The death benefit is not subject to income taxes unless they receive payouts in installments.

An irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) can control whole or term life insurance policies while the owner is alive. An ILIT removes the life insurance policy from your gross estate. This minimizes or eliminates estate tax liabilities on assets not qualified as marital or charitable deductions.

Death Benefit Annuities An annuity with a death benefit pays a lump sum to a beneficiary. There are also jointand-survivor annuities that provide a guaranteed income stream to the beneficiary for life. Annuities are subject to tax; however, it is possible to structure them to minimize the tax burden to the beneficiary.

Retirement Accounts Converted to Roth Accounts Heirs will pay tax on any inherited retirement benefits if they are in a 401(k) or Individual Retirement Account (IRA). If they inherit a Roth 401(k) or Roth IRA, they will not have to pay taxes on them. They also will avoid any additional tax on distributions.

Musiccityestatelaw.com is a great resource to help you dispel the confusion around estate planning.

our office to speak with an estate planning attorney

probate process, revocable trusts, and other

Leiper’s Fork, Fox and Locke’s own Carter Windham took center stage capturing the hearts of a full house His stellar performance of the soon to drop single “Jack and Jill,” will strike a chord with music lovers all around This up and coming singer / songwriter caught the eye of the Mossy Rock Creative company

Artistic creator, Samuel Allen, Alana Wood and Susan Becker are looking to utilize Mossy Rock into a full service creative company

Stay tuned.

Special thanks to Dan Tracey for providing this historic location

“The Itty Bitty Acre” Farmhouse Airbnb, in Springfield, TN.

Photography: Samuel Allen

Haircut: Samuel Allen of The Parker House on Main

Wardrobe Stylist: Susan Becker

Male Grooming: Alana Wood

Wardrobe: Franklin Road

Apparel

Your Experience Awaits

ESCAPE TO THE MODERN WEST

Experience relaxation and adventure this season at Hotel Drover, where every moment promises legendary memories. Unwind in style at our rustic-luxe poolside oasis, where cool shade and all-new refreshing libations offer the ultimate summertime respite. Dive into a world of excitement with an array of indoor entertainment just steps away, from thrilling rodeos at Cowtown Coliseum to live music at renowned venues like Billy Bob’s Texas and Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall.

It’s never a bad time to care for YOU.

Too many women endure discomfort or pain without seeking treatment, whether due to a lack of information, the business of caring for others, or even embarrassment.

WIlliamson Health’s Urogynecology and Pelvic Health Services are here to help you find relief and experience a new quality of life.

If you think you might be experiencing endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence or something else, you don’t have to keep su ering.

For more information, visit WilliamsonHealth.org/urogynecology or call (615) 284-4664 to make an appointment today!

Investment

Welcome to our April issue where we explore the theme of "Investment." Although we do offer a curated roundup of local finance podcasts that are as informative as they are enjoyable, we look beyond the traditional financial stocks and bonds realm and invite you to enrich your life by “investing” in yourself, your loved ones, your home, our community, and beyond.

In this issue, we're shining a light on the Franklin Ambassador Program, highlighting the power of community investment. Discover the joy of investing in your home with insights from EatGatherLove. Read about the incredible work of CASA and how investing your time can have a profound impact on the lives of others, especially children in need.

Are you ready to invest in yourself?  We’ve got you covered with self-care tips, health and wellness insights, nutritional guidance, fitness strategies, and more –all designed to help you become the best version of yourself.

We're thrilled to spotlight the multi-talented actor and musician Charles Esten.

Celebrating the release of his first album, Love Ain’t Pretty, Charles exemplifies the journey of investing in oneself by pursuing and sharing his passion for music.

We hope this issue inspires you, empowering you to make meaningful investments across all aspects of your life. Remember, investing isn't just about growing your assets; it's about cultivating a richer, more fulfilling life.

Thank you for being an important part of our community.

Happy reading!

KAREN CREASON, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @FRANKLINTNLIFESTYLE

Franklin Lifestyle is available for pickup at the following locations:

• Whole Foods - Franklin

• Cultheir - Downtown Franklin

• Optique - Downtown Franklin

• United Country Real Estate - Leiper’s Fork

• Local doctors and professional offices around the area

Be sure to follow us on Instagram for stories, contests, and other local content @franklintnlifestyle

April 2024

PUBLISHER

Athena West | athena.west@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Maria Dinoia | maria.dinoia@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Emily Smith | emily.smith@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Karen Creason | karen.creason@citylifestyle.com ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jenny Ferguson | jenny.ferguson@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Bennhoff, Sue Baldani, Ed Atlas, Lauren Kelly, Christina Madrid, Kellie Walton, Lisa Valentine, Sarah Skates, Judy Beaudin, Karen Creason, Morgan Raum, Sophie Brock, Julie Brown Patton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

James Williams

0 Blazer Road, Franklin, Tn 37064

Experience unmatched elegance at this breathtaking 92 83-acre ridge-top estate, now offered at a price improvement of $6,500,000 This majestic property, featuring a harmonious blend of expansive skies and rolling pastures adorned with ancient trees, awaits your exploration With additional land available beyond the 92 acres, the opportunities are boundless Perfect for a grand 7bedroom main house, a 5-bedroom residence, and a charming 2-bedroom barn apartment, all nestled within a landscape protected by the Historic Land Trust for Tennessee. Conveniently located just minutes from Leipers Fork, Franklin, Southall Farms Resort, and Leipers Fork Distillery, seize this rare opportunity to own a distinguished piece of Tennessee's heritage. MLS #2582842

Embrace the opportunity to own a piece of paradise with this exquisite 17 25-acre lot on Pinewood Road, priced at $1,497,000 Located a stone's throw from Leipers Fork and 840, this land is a blank slate for your architectural dreams, perked for both a 6-bedroom and a 7-bedroom residence across two septic sites. Among three unique tracts available, this expanse stands out with its breathtaking views and tranquil surroundings, free of any HOA constraints or restrictions Seize this chance to create your dream home in a setting of unmatched potential and beauty Take advantage of this unparalleled offering! MLS #2586814

Embark on the ultimate hilltop living experience in Thompson Station with this exquisite retreat, boasting expansive vistas and unparalleled tranquility Situated on over 15 acres of Tennessee's finest terrain, this home offers an open layout adorned by a cozy fireplace and a modern kitchen Descend to the basement media/rec room with its fireplace for ultimate entertainment. Revel in sweeping views from the wraparound deck and covered porch, providing a serene backdrop of rolling hills Perfect for equestrian enthusiasts, the property offers ample space for horses A standout feature is the ready-to-build site for a 5bedroom home, inviting you to create your dream family estate Embrace a lifestyle of beauty, comfort, and potential, where every moment is a cherished memory. With boundless space and breathtaking panoramas, this property promises an unforgettable experience Offered at $1,850,000 MLS #2622524

IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, WE CAN BUILD IT!

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

Photos 1-4: Franklin welcomed chief winemaker Duncan Shouler of New Zealand’s Giesen Wines to showcase its 0% no alcohol wines. The event was hosted at Culaccino by Sommelier Sara Jimenez. Giesen wines can be found locally at Cool Springs Wine and Spirits, Kroger, and Whole Foods.

Photos 5-7: Franklin Lifestyle magazine hosted Galentine’s night at HerMD, making charcuterie boards.

city scene

CONTINUED

Franklin Lifestyle sponsored Williamson County Association of Realtors (WCAR) 2023 top honors award recipients at their annual Gala.

These outstanding individuals were recognized and celebrated during the Elevate and Celebrate event on February 16th.

Williamson County Parks and Recreation Receives United States Tennis Association Awards

The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department (WCPR) recently received several awards from the United States Tennis Association (USTA). The department, its programs and staff received the following recognitions:

• Adult Tournament of the Year: Natchez Trace Adult Tennis Championships

• Junior Team Tennis (JTT) Coordinator of the Year: Kyle Blackburn

• Parks and Recreation of the Year: Williamson County Parks and Recreation

• Volunteer of the Year: Ann Marie Flynn WCParksAndRec.com

Photo: Ann Marie Flynn (c), USTA TN Volunteer of the Year

The Williamson County Fair Garners International & State Recognition

As the Williamson County Fair Board plans for its 20th Anniversary Fair, August 2 - 10, at the AgExpo Park, accolades have been rolling in.  The International Association of Fairs and Exposition recognized the 2023 fair with several honors in the Hall of Communications category for its social media and promotional posters, as well as first place in Sponsorship Innovation for the Fair's newest attraction, “The Pickin’ Porch.”  The Fair also earned recognition in the Sponsorship category for Farmer Appreciation Night.  WillliamsonCountyFair.org

1012 HIGHLAND ROAD, BRENTWOOD, TN

$6,250,000 | 1 Acre | 6 BD | 7/2 BA | 10807 SF

This new luxury build crafted by Preston Quirk, JBT Construction, and JFY Designs, offers upscale living on an expansive estate lot backing onto lush greenery. Enter through the Iron Lion double front door to find a gourmet kitchen, lavish primary suite, and entertainment options galore including a pool deck with bar seating, spa, and fire & water feature by Rondo Pools.

1492 SNEED

$2,000,000

8909 PALMER WAY, BRENTWOOD, TN

$3,990,000 | 1 Acre | 5 BD | 6/1 BA | 7209 SF

Experience this custom home in Brentwood’s gated community, Marshall Place, crafted by Chandelier Development and designed by P Shea Design. The spacious floor plan includes a gourmet kitchen featuring an extralarge island with informal dining. The living room offers a fireplace with a wood wall as the focal point. With ample space for a future pool, the possibilities for enjoyment are endless.

8908

Indulge

Nearly

McEwen Northside Apartments Open Newest Residential Building

McEwen Northside is welcoming its first residents to 428 new, state-ofthe-art apartment homes in the district. These residences encompass a variety of layouts, including studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments available for rent. The McEwen Northside Apartments Phase II facilities beautifully complement those from Phase I and include soaring amenities, another resort-style zero entry pool and exciting new services like concierge and barista. Stay updated on tours, availability, and what's to come by visiting LiveMcewenNorthside.com

Tower Circle Partners Named To Forbes 2024 Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams List

Tower Circle Partners has been named to the Forbes 2024 Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list. The ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: a measure of each team’s best practices, client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and other quantitative criteria. Advisor.Janney. com/towercirclepartners

Photography: Lifestyle by LeBlanc

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Franklin Lifestyle Writer Christina Madrid Pens New Book

Franklin Lifestyle writer, Christina (C. K.) Madrid published her first book, Glows. This fantasy novel follows Skyla, a Light Glow, whose purpose is to help keep Normals (humans) in light while avoiding the charms of Dark Glows, who are trying to sway Normals toward darkness. Things get complicated when Skyla meets Julien, a fellow Glow, and both have to decide if they can work together even if it means sacrificing everything they hold dear. Books are available online at Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com

Studio Tenn Announces Educational Programming for All Ages & Skill Levels

Studio Tenn, Franklin’s professional regional theatre company, is gearing up for a series of summer camps and educational programming. Junior Camp (grades 3-6) runs June 3-8. The camp will consist of rehearsals, costume design sessions and prop-making workshops in preparation for a student performance of “Finding Nemo Kids.” Summer Intensive (grades 7-12) takes place June 10-14 and June 17-23.  During this two-week program, students will hone their acting skills, collaborate with fellow performers and bring a full-scale production of “Legally Blonde Jr.” to life. StudioTenn.org

Audrey Rivers

Rose

Ariana

Lila

Anna Kate

American Legion Post 215 Launches Historic Capital Campaign

The Franklin American Legion Post 215 announced the launch of a $500,000 capital campaign aimed at revitalizing its historic meeting place. Situated in the Hard Bargain section of Franklin, the post was founded in 1952 by three distinguished World War II Veterans. Donations can be made payable to Franklin's Charge, with "American Legion Post" specified in the memo line, and mailed to P.O. Box 874, Franklin, TN 37065. Donations can be made online at AmericanLegionPost215.org

Photo: Harvey Chrisman, Donnell Lane, James Carothers

Mooala Bananamilk

Available At ALDI

Mooala, the fastest-growing organic plant-based milk company in the U.S., is now available at your local ALDI market. Mooala's Bananamilk and its varieties are certified USDAorganic, and are never made with GMOs, herbicides, preservatives or toxic chemicals and always made with good ingredients like real, organic bananas and organic coconut cream. Mooala.com

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Optique Under New Ownership

Optique Eye Care and Eye Wear, Main Street's full-service optometry practice, is under new ownership. Drs. Michele and Jeffrey Sonsino purchased the practice. “We are excited to offer top-quality, personalized eye care and a new line of boutique eye wear to downtown Franklin. Being independent and family-owned allows us to focus 100% on our patients,” says Dr. Michele Sonsino. The Sonsino’s have successfully operated their midtown Nashville location of Optique for 18 years. OptiqueFranklin.com

ELEVATING COMMUNITY CARE

Inside Williamson Health’s Transformative Growth and Expansion

ARTICLE PROVIDED BY WILLIAMSON HEALTH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Williamson Health isn’t just a name.

It’s a constant reminder of the regional health system’s mission and purpose: to serve the people of Williamson County and the surrounding areas. As Williamson Health grows alongside the community, that mission drives its commitment to invest in the region through access to care, facility upgrades, innovative technologies, and dedicated, award-winning service.

“Williamson Health exists to meet the healthcare needs of our community,” says Phil Mazzuca, Williamson Health CEO. “And as our community grows, Williamson Health will continue evolving to provide the most advanced, high-quality and compassionate care right here in Williamson County.”

Part of that commitment is the $200 million expansion and renovation project currently underway at Williamson Medical Center (WMC), the system’s flagship acute care hospital. Touching nearly every area of the hospital, the project includes improvements to Labor and Delivery, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Cardiology, Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and more.

Construction began two years ago, and has already reached several milestones:

• A new heart catheterization lab

• Two phases of the Emergency Department expansion which include several new exam rooms; the addition of a secure, flex pod for patients requiring additional

privacy and/or security; and a larger, modernized waiting room

• A newly expanded Obstetrics Unit, including 11 new postpartum rooms, nine renovated labor and delivery rooms, a spacious new newborn nursery, dedicated education space and a new registration area

• Williamson Health officials expect to celebrate the completion of the West Tower expansion in coming months, with a grand opening event scheduled for June 2024.

• The West Tower project will add a brand-new sixfloor wing and three additional floors to the original West Tower.

Remaining updates will include:

• Final renovations to the Adult Emergency Department, increasing it from 28 to 43 beds

• Renovation of the original Obstetrics & NICU space, bringing the total number of beds to 34, and including a new NICU with nine private bays for additional space and privacy for families as well as an additional C-section room

• A new electrophysiology (EP) lab, a second new cardiac catheterization lab, and a dedicated pre- and post-procedure area to complete the new Heart Center

• A new 35-bed ICU and Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) with a spacious waiting area dedicated to the ICU

• Two new 36-bed, spacious inpatient medical surgical floors and more

Once the West Tower is complete, the final phase of the project will be renovating patient rooms and additional areas in the original Main Tower of the original hospital to create more modern spaces for patients and their families.

The construction at WMC is an obvious symbol of growth, but Williamson Health has also been investing in the community through more than 30 locations throughout the county. These include Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee orthopaedic urgent care clinics and rehabilitation services, numerous Williamson Health Medical Group physician practices, 18 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) rapid response units, outpatient laboratory and imaging services, and multiple joint-venture Vanderbilt Health and Williamson Medical Center Walk-In Clinics.

Mazzuca explains that “sometimes access to world class care comes by way of our innovative, highly skilled and nationally recognized EMS organization that proudly serves the entire county.” Williamson Health EMS serves as the primary 911 provider for all of Williamson County, running 18 Advanced Life Support ambulances 365 days a year from 17 stations. In 2023 Williamson Health EMS responded to over 22,000 calls.

“The rapid growth across the community not only increases volume overall, but it can also quickly shift overall demands to areas of the community not previously impacted,” says Michael Wallace, Williamson Health EMS Chief. “Staying on top of all these factors helps us to plan for new needs as well as the infrastructure and resources necessary to support them in the most effective way possible.”

Williamson Health’s EMS presence in the community extends beyond more than just 911 responses as EMS personnel spend more than 2,100 hours each year supporting community events such as the Franklin Rodeo, the Williamson County Fair, Pilgrimage and other local festivals, school sporting events and more.

Known for outstanding care — Williamson Health is a five-time recipient of the Tennessee EMS Region Five “Star of Life” award, garnered seven Women’s Choice Awards in 2024, and was named one of Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals in 2023, among other awards — the healthcare system is also growing to meet the community’s expanding needs.

With more than 2,100 employees across more than 30 locations and more than 860 physicians and advanced care practitioners, Williamson Health offers exceptional care to our community.  WilliamsonHealth.org

Condition Helps With Treatment Planning And Recovery.

Dr. JennaLou Hollnagel-Kauffman Is A Triple Board Certified Surgeon And Award Winning Wound Care Specialist Located In The Heart Of Historic Downtown Franklin.

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ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

When Janis Lasmanis moved to the United States from England in 2017, he couldn’t legally work while waiting for his green card. But he needed to do something. “I'm one of those people who can't sit still, so I literally cleaned my car, my girlfriend's car, and her parents’ cars.”

One day, his then-girlfriend's mom was driving a friend to the airport and the friend asked if she had bought a new car. It looked that good.

Janis enjoyed detailing so much that he began to do research to find out how he could make cars look even better, inside and out. “People were actually making a living out of in-depth detailing and I wanted to be a part of it,” he says. He used his last $250 and went to AutoZone to invest in some quality products. “I also started a Facebook page, did a little marketing research and the rest is history.”

In 2018, Janis founded Corsair, a car detailing company in Virginia. He then opened a shop in Orlando. In 2020, he moved to Tennessee, where he established his third shop in Franklin. “I knew Tennessee had a big car culture with amazing collectors.”

While many people think of detailing as just deep cleaning, it’s so much more than that at Corsair. “One of the things we offer is vinyl wraps, which is an easy solution to change the color of the vehicle,” he says. “For example, one of our customers bought a black Mini for his daughter as a 16th birthday present and we wrapped it in pink.” These wraps last anywhere from four to six years, and can change any vehicle's appearance without creating permanent damage or changing the original color. “A quality paint job costs around $30,000, but a vinyl wrap costs about $6,000.” These wraps can be professionally removed within three to four hours.

Ceramic coatings, which he calls the next generation of waxing, is another popular offering. With these coatings, instead of waxing your car twice a year, you can go up to seven years. And the ceramic coating makes your car's clear coat three times harder, so it's a lot more durable.

Paint protection films are also a huge request. “These protect the front of the vehicles from rock chips and other debris on the roads. "Let's say you buy a brand-new Cadillac. Within the first 500 miles or so, it’ll probably suffer a small rock chip.” Customers often drive their cars straight from the dealership to one of his shops for this product.

Corsair is also the first company in the Nashville area to offer dry-ice blasting, he says. “Dry-ice blasting is very similar to sandblasting, but we use dry ice pellets which are eco-friendly because there's zero residue. It's frozen CO₂, so it just evaporates after it hits the surface. With this, we can remove dirt and grime from a vehicle’s undercarriage and engine bases. It's completely safe for all electronics.”

The company often uses this same process on airplanes. “We use it to clean inside the box where the tires are located,” says Janis. “Number one, with airplanes, you're not allowed to use any kind of water on them, and number two, there's no run-down water. When you wash an airplane on an airfield, all those oils and spillages can absorb into the tarmac, which could be a big safety issue for other planes landing nearby.”

Pre-sale detailing is another service to make your car look its best to procure the highest selling price. “On several occasions, after we had completed the detailing, people didn't want to sell their car anymore,” he says. “They forgot how good it could look and they fell in love with it again.”

A few years ago, Janis began working with luxury dealerships such as Jaguar, Land Rover, Tesla, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Bentley, Maserati, Lamborghini, Ferrari and others to supply high-end detailing. “We have legit products that are backed up by us and by a third-party warranty,” he says.

Today Janis has four shops, including one that recently opened in East Nashville. He’s also very involved in the communities in which he does business. “We make cars pretty, but it's not just about pretty cars. We like to give back to our community, and the car community is like a big happy family. We are glad to host all sorts of events and do a lot of drives for charities such as Toys for Tots. We also support two events every year to raise money for animal shelters.”

CorsairDetail.com/Home-TN

JANIS’ TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR CAR LOOKING ITS BEST:

Take your car to a touchless car wash that uses jets, not brushes, to protect paint. Get your vehicle professionally detailed at least twice a year: once in the spring and once right before the winter.

To remove stains from the inside or outside of your car, get advice from a professional detailer. Doing it yourself can end up costing a lot more money in the end. Regularly changing your cabin air filter, usually located inside or underneath the glove box, keeps your car smelling fresh.

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES WILLIAMS

We strive for people to feel welcome and comfortable at etch.

There are many exciting things happening at The Factory at Franklin. A former industrial complex built near 1929, it is now a trendy place to attend shows, dine, shop and host events.

This spring, etch, the globally-inspired Nashville restaurant owned by award-winning chef Deb Paquette, is opening its second location at The Factory. The restaurant will hold about 200 guests, and include two separate dining spaces for private parties. Head Sommelier, Dino Cocco, is thrilled to be transitioning into this new space and tells us more about it.

WHAT WILL BE THE VIBE OF THE RESTAURANT?

It’s going to be warm and inviting with some modern touches and a lot of natural light. We’re keeping parts of the original Factory’s structure while complimenting the open kitchen concept etch is known for alongside the popular chef’s bar. We value the community nature of The Factory at Franklin and look to be a positive addition to its historic charm.

WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT WITH THIS NEW LOCATION?

Since the original etch opened in 2012, some of the locals who have known and loved the restaurant have moved to the Franklin area. Now they won’t have to travel as far to eat with us, which brings us a great opportunity to reconnect with those that supported us from the beginning. We’re also looking forward to connecting with some new guests.

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE FOOD CHOICES.

There are going to be lots of traditional favorites such as the Octopus & Shrimp Bruschetta and the

Roasted Cauliflower that have been on the menu since day one. People rave about them. Serving these and other classic etch dishes consistently will be the key. We’re definitely bringing some employees from our Nashville location over to this location to maintain our service and culinary consistency. From there, we’re just going to find out what works best for this clientele as we go.

HOW DO YOU AND YOUR TEAM ASSIST DINERS WITH WINE PAIRINGS THAT COMPLEMENT THESE DISHES?

When pairing something, my two trains of thought would be, ‘Am I comparing the flavors or am I trying to contrast something?’ For example, our etch salad has this nice champagne vinaigrette that is really acidic and delicious, but then there’s a sweetness to the dish as well. There are also some fresh apples and orange zest, so I would pair that with a German Riesling all the way.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE OTHER COCKTAILS AND BEVERAGES THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE?

I like to use some liquors that aren’t as mainstream, such as Mezcal, an agave spirit that tastes smokier than tequila, or Lillet Blanc, a classic aperitif vermouth that’s really floral and delicate. I like to promote familiarity with the guests as well. I curate the wine list, so we’re always going to have your Napa cabs and other popular choices that people tend to go to. Or they can just have a Miller Lite by the bar. We strive for people to feel welcome and comfortable at etch.

BLOOD ORANGE SPRITZ

Ingredients:

• .5oz Lillet Blanc

• .5oz Wheatley Vodka

• .5oz Aperol

• .5oz blood orange puree

• A splash of prosecco

Directions:

These measured ingredients should be shaken with ice, strained into a wine glass over ice, topped with prosecco and garnished with a dehydrated orange.

You don’t have to live with pain.

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Text us to schedule an appointment to begin your healing journey.

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Helping The Heart Of Our Homes

ARTICLE BY LAUREN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

In the South, the kitchen is the heart of our homes. There are a few obvious signs that it might be time for a kitchen remodel like cracks in the countertop, sinks falling in, cabinets cracking, or outdated appliances. But if you are unhappy with your kitchen and have been thinking about a remodel, it’s time for one! Pam Jordan, owner and founder of EatGatherLove Nashville South shares with us the benefits, process, and trends of kitchen remodels this year.

KITCHEN REMODELS PROVIDE MANY BENEFITS AND JOYS TO ALL WHO INVEST

Mixed paint and wood kitchen example

“IT ALL STARTS IN THE KITCHEN. ALL DAY, EVERY DAY WITH BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER. IF THE KITCHEN IS UPDATED AND FRESH, IT MAKES EVERYTHING ELSE FEEL DOABLE.”

WHAT ARE THE LARGEST BENEFITS OF A HOME REMODEL?

Updating the kitchen offers the homeowner an uplifting center for their home. With a tired, old kitchen you don’t want to go in there and you aren’t as excited to cook or prepare meals. So by updating your kitchen, not only the aesthetics but also the functionality improves. Whether it’s adding an island, getting a larger sink, replacing countertops, or redoing the whole room, it increases functionality and overall happiness in the kitchen. It also helps with organization. The whole space becomes more usable because you spend less time trying to find what you are looking for and reaching into the bottom shelf of cabinets that haven’t been touched in months.

HOW IS THIS PROCESS SPECIFIED TO THE HOMEOWNER?

The remodeling process can be specified to you and your own family in any way. It is so important to have a hand in your own kitchen remodel so that every detail fits your family’s needs and style. For example, families with more kids can make a bigger island so that they can all sit and do homework while dinner is being made on appliances that are much safer for kids to be around.

HOW CAN KITCHEN REMODELS HELP WITH FUTURE HOME VALUE?

They help so much. I read an article recently that said that the ROI (return on investment) on kitchen remodels are at 86 percent right now, which is huge. I can remember when I started this business, the ROI was around 53%. That shows us that when people are walking into a house, looking to buy, they are wanting an updated kitchen. No one wants to purchase a new house knowing that they already have a ton of work to do because the kitchen is outdated. And these

Founder and owner Pam Jordan

The heart of the home is where families make memories

Two tone kitchenexample

“ONE THING THAT MAKES OUR COMPANY UNIQUE IS THAT WE BRING A DESIGNER OUT WITH US TO ASSESS THE KITCHEN, BUT WE LOOK AT THE OTHER DECOR IN THE HOME AS WELL TO GET A FEEL OF THE HOMEOWNERS STYLE.”

remodels can also help the house sell faster and get multiple offers. There is so much value in doing a kitchen remodel before putting your house on the market because an updated kitchen is what people are looking for right now.

HOW DOES THE FEEL OF A NEW KITCHEN AFFECT THE REST OF THE HOME?

It is the center of the home, so it affects the entirety of the home. It all starts in the kitchen. All day, every day with breakfast, lunch, dinner. If the kitchen is updated and fresh, it makes everything else feel doable. Usually people call us three-six months after the kitchen remodel wanting to do the rest of the house because of how helpful it has been. And the kitchen isn’t just the center of the home for the family. Friends, family, neighbors, guests, everybody gathers in the kitchen. It is more convenient and efficient for the cook of the home to get around when the kitchen is welcoming and neat. Instead of worrying about a messy, outdated kitchen they can be excited to host in their own beautiful, remodeled kitchen that they got to pick out and customize.

WHAT TRENDS HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YEAR IN KITCHEN REMODELS?

There has been a lot more organization with drawers, inserts, and other things since kitchen organization has become popular on social media. There has also been a shift in color schemes. White will always be standard in the kitchen, but people have started putting much more color as well. And lastly, countertop replacements have been big in the past year. The choices, colors, and veining are so much more organic and sustainable. We replaced about 90 percent of countertops in the past year with quartz which is much healthier for the home.

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO START WITH THESE KITCHEN REMODELS?

Gather some inspiration for things you like so that we can incorporate your style in a way that you will love. One thing that makes our company unique is that we bring a designer out with us to assess the kitchen, but we look at the other decor in the home as well to get a feel of the homeowners style. And then we open the floor to you asking, “What’s your vision for this space?” so that we can get into the details and help make suggestions. EatGatherLove.com

Photo by Kirsten Balani

CHARLES ESTEN’S MUSICAL JOURNEY

A Full Circle Ride And A New Debut Album

Charles Esten was a musician long before he was an actor. However, you’ll likely recognize his comedic charm from Whose Line Is It Anyway? or his steadfastness as Deacon Claybourne on Nashville or more recently, his malevolence as Ward Cameron on Outer Banks. And while he became immersed in the entertainment industry in L.A., it was really music that was his true calling. Esten says, “I spent a whole lot of time with a guitar in front of a microphone with my college band. Music spoke to me and to the life I was living.”

When he moved to Nashville from Los Angeles 12 years ago to take on the character of Deacon Claybourne, Esten says he “was like a kid in a candy store. Just getting to know all

these songwriters and musicians and artists and producers. It was like a masters class in Music City and going home to where I started.”

That “masters class,” as he calls it, eventually led Esten to create his debut album, Love Ain’t Pretty. Almost a decade in the making, he says, “I think the process had a lot to do with figuring out who I was as an artist. I often portrayed other people and their music. It was time for me to say who I am. I’m so grateful for that long process so that by the time I got into the studio to record, I didn’t have any questions about what I wanted to say or how I wanted to say it.”

The long-awaited Love Ain’t Pretty is a 14-track collection of mature, soulful

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

songs infused with Esten’s musical influences like Springsteen, R.E.M., and Tom Petty, to name a few, about the ups and downs of life and love. “I like to write in a very story-teller, literal way. And I feel very fortunate that my heart is easily moved by what others are going through,” he says. “As an actor, it’s my instinct to put myself in someone else’s shoes as much as I can. And it’s nice to take a vacation from my windshield.” Esten co-wrote every song on the album, drawing his “inspiration from everywhere. And my wife Patty is my muse.”

Esten and Patty have been married for 33 years and have three grown children. “I’m very fortunate and very blessed with this incredible wife and kids and this rather good life. So how do you write songs that address how hard life is and how much pain there is? I’ve had my share over the years and anybody who reaches a certain age has, but hopefully, I do it with empathy, and try to address it in as realistic and as meaningful a way as you can.”

Later this month, Esten will embark on a UK and European tour with 13 solo headline shows. “It’s a strange word I use to describe what country music is to people overseas because it’s the last word we would use, and that is a bit exotic. Yet they are listening to these echoes of music that came from them. It’s both far away and familiar, which is a real sweet spot. When they get hooked by it, they tend to go a little deeper on it. I think it becomes a little bit part of their identity.”

The 58-year-old played the Opry for the 170th time last month. He has also earned a spot in The Guinness World Records for “Most Consecutive Singles Released” by putting out 54 singles in 54 weeks every Friday during his #EverySingleFriday campaign which began on July 15, 2016, and ended on July 21, 2017. “These are things that happen when I keep doing to the best of my ability these things that I love. I just know that I love to write songs, and I love to play music. God keeps blessing me with these moments that I never could have imagined.”

CharlesEsten.com

CONTINUED >

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Photo by Kirsten Balani

With wife Patty Puskar

At the season 3 premiere for "Outer Banks"

Photo by Kirsten Balani

With some of the cast of "Nashville"

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INVESTING in community

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINA MADRID PHOTOGRAPHY BY VISIT FRANKLIN

Both visitors and longtime residents would agree that Williamson County has a lot to offer. However, not everyone knows about the latest store opening, or which restaurants to recommend if asked about a specific type of food or atmosphere. That’s where Visit Franklin can help.

Visit Franklin is the official destination marketing organization focused on attracting visitors to Williamson County. In fact, the Visit Franklin office located off of Main Street in downtown Franklin, focuses on Arrington, Brentwood. Fairview, Leiper’s Fork, Nolensville, Spring Hill and Thompson’s Station, in addition to the city of Franklin.

Not to be confused with the Chamber of Commerce for Williamson Country, which provides information about doing business in the county, Visit Franklin works with visitor-facing businesses and assists tourists and residents with information about local events and offerings.

“Back in 2017, we noticed employees working in the field of hospitality and hotels did not necessarily live in the area,” says Heather Doleshel, Senior Manager of Stakeholder Engagement, Visit Franklin.

The Ambassador Program was born with the goal of educating the hospitality community to actively share what to do and see in the area and help keep tourist money in the local economy. Visit Franklin staff recognized it was important for hospitality and hotel employees in particular, to experience local attractions and restaurants themselves so they could talk about it based on firsthand experience.

“Hotel occupancy taxes go back into the community," explains Doleshel. “It is in our interest for all merchants, hospitality businesses in the area, and residents to know where to get the best steak or recommend a coffee house or a battlefield to visit.” The program also helps attendees feel more invested in the community.

The ambassador program initially only offered 25 ambassador certifications a month. Today, due to the generosity of sponsors such as Vanderbilt Health OnCall, they can offer up to 60 certifications per month free of charge. It is also now open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. The Ambassador Program, which runs from April to October, has certified 1,300 ambassadors to date. “An ambassador certification means you understand and can assist tourists,” says Doleshel, who is excited about the growth of, and interest in, the program. “Every month the classes fill up.”

The first part of the program is in a classroom setting whereby participants learn marketing data and how tourism impacts the area. One key data point, for instance, is that Williamson County saw $1.195 billion in direct spending

from visitors in 2022 according to data collected by Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development. The data presented is not just information that is interesting but it also helps businesses understand how best to market their product and/or business. The group then takes the Franklin Hop Trolley to explore the surrounding area and see the attractions firsthand. “Learning is key to sharing,” says Doleshel.

The tour is designed to give the program attendees an overview of local businesses. Participants who complete the program in its entirety, not only receive an Ambassador pin and discounts to designated locations, a mixer, called “Connect” is also held once a month for the ambassadors to maintain their connections. Ambassadors meet business owners and network with one another. In turn, they go out and become credible sources of valuable information and help promote all that Williamson County has to offer.

Each city in Williamson County has its own unique offerings so there are plenty of new things to learn. “I have heard from people who have lived here all their lives, ‘Oh I didn’t know that was there,’” says Doleshel. Not only can anyone be an ambassador, it is fun, it is a learning experience and it gives back to the community. It’s a win/win situation for all. VisitFranklin.com/ambassador

December 2023 graduating class of ambassadors

AMISH HERITAGE WITH

A country music FLAIR

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BENNHOFF PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Will Stoltzfus, who along with his brother, Mahlon, owns StoltzCo custom frame builders, knows a thing or two about construction. He grew up as one of nine children in a Lancaster, Pennsylvania Amish community. His family separated from the religion when he was young but a wholesome lifestyle, integrity and an appreciation for simple living are still part of his makeup. Some of his family members are traditional Amish and others aren’t, and there are so many cousins now that, “When we get together for a family reunion, it’s a big party," he says.

Will’s childhood home was an 1820 farmhouse without electricity and the family didn’t own a car. These days, Will, his wife Starlit, and their three young children live on seven acres near Pleasant View, Tennessee and enjoy the usual modern conveniences. Mahlon’s family lives down the road and their properties are surrounded by hundreds of acres of farmland.

Will started playing guitar at age five and, as a youth, he played in his church’s worship band. When he wasn’t playing music, he was working in construction with his father and brothers. The Stoltzfuses started building sheds, then moved into building larger commercial buildings. Will explains that the tradition of “barn raising” is still alive in the Amish community. “When someone’s barn burns down, a group of 50 or 60 men can rebuild a solid barn in a matter of days,” he says. “We might not have 50 people on a job site, but high-quality Amish craftsmanship is part of our heritage.”

In his late teens and early 20s, Will visited Nashville regularly to record music under the name Will Stoltz. His songs are a mix of acoustic country and Christian themes. He developed a following and toured with his band while working for a pole barn builder. His album When I Get Home features songs like “Love I Grew Up On” and “Country Road” that depict his love for nature and the small moments in life. Lyrics from his song “Above Dirt” include the chorus, “I treasure every moment that I’m living on this earth, because the good Lord has given me another day above dirt.”

In 2013, Will participated in an annual Alabama prison outreach event called ReNew Hope, sponsored by We Care Prison Ministry. The event draws hundreds of volunteers, musicians  and others who perform for, and minister to, prison inmates. Starlit was also performing with her pastor father. She was raised in North Dakota and Indiana, is an accomplished fiddler and vocalist, and has a degree from the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music. When she was 16, Starlit read Beverly Lewis novels that portrayed life

among the old-world Amish. “After reading the books, she told her mother she was going to marry an Amish boy,” Will says.

The chances of that happening were highly unlikely, given that Starlit didn’t know any Amish, but the stars aligned when she played fiddle at the prison and met Will. They married in 2014 and moved to Tennessee the following year. They continued touring and playing music, including with the prison ministry. Will and Mahlon never stopped working in construction and their work eventually became StoltzCo. “We’ve been in construction our whole lives, so it comes naturally to us,” Will says.

The company took off immediately. Will’s musician friends wanted barns on their properties for horses or for gathering, and the brothers became known for building custom, high-end pole barns, event spaces, equestrian barns and barndominiums. Artist Becky Strahle, who runs the popular Instagram blog Farmgirl Paints , has a beautiful StoltzCo studio barn that her followers love to see in photos. Nashville’s Men of Valor ministry has an inspiring StoltzCo building to support community events. “The barns are so comfortable, people want to live in them, so we’re creating homes in the barn style now, too,” says Will.

Clients can work with the builders to develop preliminary drawings and 3-D renderings, creating a barndominium home or gathering space with the materials they prefer. Materials can include rough-cut timber, glass garage-door entrances with protective sliding barn doors, sealed concrete floors, standing-seam roofs, wraparound porches, lofts, and encapsulated concrete bathrooms that double as storm shelters. “Square footage can vary, anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000-plus,” explains Will. “If a client wants more bedroom spaces or a garage, we can add on however they’d like.”

The builders lay the foundation then complete the shell of the building, including interior framing. Afterwards, clients can bring in crews to complete the drywall, electricity, plumbing and other finishes. StoltzCo builds in Tennessee, parts of Kentucky and in Alabama. “Basically, anywhere within a two-hour radius of Nashville,” Will says.

And as always, he expresses gratitude for the way his life has worked out. He and Starlit still play music at Gateway Community Church and at special events. “We’re fortunate we get to live in such a beautiful area and do what we love for work.” StoltzCo.com

A brunch FOR A bunch

ARTICLE BY JUDY BEAUDIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIFESTYLE BY LEBLANC

Despite the warm weather teasers sprinkled across the South in April, cold days and drab skies keep sneaking back in. Regardless, I don’t stop believing spring is here. Bring on the 70 degree temperatures, fresh vegetables, and all the blooming flowers. Are you as ready as I am for lighter brighter meals to replace the comfort foods of winter? Soups, casseroles, and pot roasts aren’t so comfortable anymore.

Sprucing up the house with the colors of the season makes me a little giddy. I love a springy-styled tabletop as part of my lively new décor. Cover it with a spread bursting with the flavors of fresh picked vegetables and fruits, and you’ve got a showstopper ready to share with your favorite people.

Usher in spring with this menu of Chicken Asparagus Frittata and Strawberry Streusel Muffins. Spread those muffins with Strawberry Honey Butter, and they sail instantly from good to great. Set the table, invite friends and family over, and celebrate the new life all around us.

CHICKEN AND ASPARAGUS FRITTATA

8 servings

ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• Salt and pepper

• ½ pound boneless chicken breasts, sliced into pieces

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1/2 cup chopped onions

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 spring onions, sliced into pieces

• 1 cup tiny gold potatoes, halved

• 1” cut asparagus pieces, equalling 1 cup

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 12 eggs

• ½ cup whipping cream

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400º.

2. Salt and pepper chicken pieces.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive in 12” skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 2 minutes per side. Set aside.

4. Add butter and remaining oil to skillet. Sauté next 5 ingredients until onions are translucent.

5. Add chicken broth. Cover. Cook until broth is reduced to ¼ cup.

6. In a bowl, whisk eggs, cream, 1 teaspoons salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and cheese.

7. Pour into vegetable mixture. Stir in chicken pieces. Allow to set slightly around edges over medium low heat.

8. Bake 25 minutes or until eggs are puffed and set.

9. Cool slightly. Slice into 8 pieces.

STRAWBERRY STREUSEL MUFFINS

Makes 12

Streusel:

• ½ cup sugar

• ½ cup flour

• ¼ chopped dried strawberries

• 6 tablespoons butter, softened

Streusel:

• 2 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup sour cream

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups chopped Florida spring strawberries

instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375º. Spray 12 cup muffin pan with baking spray.

2. Make streusel: Stir together ingredients until crumbly. Set aside.

3. In bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, sour cream, oil, and vanilla. Add to flour mixture.

5. Stir in strawberries. Spoon into muffin cups.

6. Top with streusel.

7. Bake 20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool.

8. Remove from pan. Serve with Strawberry Butter.

STRAWBERRY BUTTER:

ingredients:

• 1 cup butter

• 1½ cups powdered sugar

• 3 large strawberries, finely chopped

instructions:

Using a hand mixer, beat butter two minutes. Beat in powdered sugar, then strawberries.

SERVE IN STYLE

ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMI-LYN FEHR AND ADRIAN MORALES

Little did Lauren Hocker and Lacey Keally know that their pandemic pastime would one day result in them entering the world of tennis apparel.

40-Love Tennis is the newest and hottest tennis apparel brand to hit Brentwood and makes anyone who wears it feel like a true tennis professional, regardless of skill level.

Lauren and Lacey met 15 years ago while working in publishing and quickly became friends. The pandemic granted the two with an abundance of free time, causing them to invest in a new hobby: tennis.

“We quickly fell in love with the game. We enjoyed being outdoors and meeting new people from all different clubs,” Lacey says.

As their tennis skills grew, they began to look for better apparel in which to invest.

“We were looking for clothes as we were getting better. We realized we needed to invest in tennis clothing, and we noticed

Lacey Keally and Lauren Hocker

there weren’t a lot of options out there,” Lauren explains. “The tennis apparel seemed basic, not a lot of fashion.”

“After the pandemic, we seized the opportunity to launch our own tennis line, leveraging our marketing and business backgrounds. With the right designer and manufacturers on board, we were ready to bring our vision to life,” Lauren explains.

Thus, 40-Love was born.

The first 40-Love collection launched in October 2023 and is considered a true collection, meaning that all of the pieces in the collection perfectly complement one another. Each piece is timeless and classy, and with its color palette being black, white, and navy, it’s easy to create several different outfits from this collection.

“It’s a throwback to the Farrah Fawcett days of tennis to where we want it to be classic, but also modern,” Lacey explains.

These days, when Lauren and Lacey head to the courts, they often find their opponents sporting 40-Love.

“I actually went to a match two days ago and was wearing the same thing as my opponent, and it was our 40-Love, and that’s exciting now to see people wearing our products!” Lacey says.

Besides working on their spring collection, launched in March, Lauren and Lacey are also event co-chairs for Friends & Fashion, which raises funds for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Friends & Fashion will take place on April 2.

40-Love offers pop-up shops and you can find a few pieces from their collection at The Tennis Store in Cool Springs. @40lovetenniswear

40-Love Match Point Dress

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ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BENNHOFF | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

“HOW ARE THE CHILDREN?”

Every day in America, child abuse is reported and government organizations try to help, but the amount of time required to monitor every neglected child exceeds what any organization can manage on its own.

In 1977, Seattle judge David Soukup was tasked with deciding where to place

Williamson County CASA. “It’s impossible to know what’s right without understanding their circumstances.”

When a case comes before a court, CASA advocates are assigned to interact with a child, their parents, grandparents, teachers, - even doctors - to gather information and present a report. CASA

“AS A PARENT, ALL YOU WANT FOR YOUR CHILDREN IS FOR THEM TO HAVE THE BEST, WHETHER YOU CAN PROVIDE IT OR SOMEONE ELSE CAN.”

- KELSIE PICKENS

children in crisis. He was concerned by how quickly decisions were made despite a lack of information. Soukup came up with an idea to train volunteers to research a child’s living situation and provide findings to the court. This group of ordinary volunteer citizens grew to become the nationwide organization “CASA,” for Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA now has 950 local programs and 75,000 volunteers.

“Sometimes the question is, ‘Do you yank a child from the only home they know or leave the child in a home that could be abusive?” says Stuart Tutler, executive director of

doesn’t decide where a child is placed, but advocates can offer insight and suggestions. “Their sole interest is the child,” explains Tutler.

Franklin resident Jennifer Morrison volunteered for three years before joining CASA’s board. She says working with the family of Kelsie Pickens was one of her most rewarding experiences. Kelsie struggled with addiction that left her unable to care for her daughters. Jennifer was assigned to the girls while their grandmother worked to gain temporary custody. She stood by the family as Kelsie suffered through jail time

“AS A PARENT, ALL YOU WANT FOR YOUR CHILDREN IS FOR THEM TO HAVE THE BEST, WHETHER YOU CAN PROVIDE IT OR SOMEONE ELSE CAN.”

Stuart Tutler

and court-ordered separation from her children. Miraculously, over time, Kelsie became sober and got on the road to recovery. She married, worked a steady job and was able to overcome addiction and care for her girls, who are now thriving.

“Getting to be part of stabilizing Kelsie’s home was a gift for me,” says Jennifer. “If I hadn’t walked those miles with her, I would not have believed her redemption was possible.” Adds Kelsie, “CASA was the most important part of my journey. Jen sat with me like I was a person, and that meant a lot to me, that someone was willing to come down to my level.”

Despite the overwhelming emotions Kelsie felt during her struggles, she understands that Jennifer was looking out for the best interest of her daughters. “These people just come in and love your children,” she says. “As a parent, all you want for your children is for them to have the best, whether you can provide it or someone else can.”

Stuart Tutler has spent most of his career focused on the next generation. For 16 years he served as “Interim”

Head of New Hope Academy, a Franklin school devoted to nurturing children of various socioeconomic and racial backgrounds. He also served on the Board of CASA for 11 years before assuming the directorship in 2023.

“In Africa there’s a tribe called the Maasai,” he says. “They’re considered fearsome warriors, but when they greet each other, they say the phrase, ‘Kasserian Ingera.’ It means, ‘And how are the children?’ “When the answer is, ‘The children are well,’ that means all of the children in the village are well. Their main priority is the care and protection of their children.”

Stuart challenges others to think about ways to make the world better for our kids. “There’s a quote I find inspiring by Kid President (aka Robby Novak),” he says. “If you make the world better for kids, you make it better for everyone.”

CASA will host its annual banquet, “Voices For Children,” on April 25 at The Barn at Sycamore Farms. The event is open to the public and will feature international food stations, cultural entertainment such as belly dancers and African drummers, drinks and dancing.

WilliamsonCountyCasa.org

Jennifer Morrison (L) and Kelsie Pickens (R)

ONLY HOPE:

A Musical Tribute To A Walk To Remember Makes Its Franklin Debut

ARTICLE

Brian

A Walk to Remember became one of the most notable movies of the early 2000s not only for its touching narrative, but because of the iconic soundtrack that was used to bring the story to life on screen.

This heartwarming and nostalgic romance will be coming to the Franklin Theatre this month as Only Hope: A Musical Tribute to A Walk to Remember written by Jordan Ross Schindler. Schindler is best known for his work as co-creator behind Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical, as well as a writer on the Netflix series My Life with the Walter Boys.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Schindler grew up as a theater and choir kid, but as he got older, his interest in acting started to transform into the behind-the-scenes role of storytelling. Moving to L.A. after college graduation, he pursued a career in TV writing but after the TV show he was working on got cancelled, seeing a stage adaptation of  Scream inspired him to want to make his own musical theater adaption of the popular ‘90s movie Cruel Intentions, which has since toured in London, Australia, and the U.S.

“We were kids just trying to make magic,” says Schindler of the musical. “We did not go into it thinking it’d be what it is now. I kind of fell into the niche of not doing musical parodies, but doing what I call ‘musical love letters.’”

Shortly after, he wrote Only Hope: A Musical Tribute to A Walk to Remember, which had its first run in 2017 and two additional runs in 2019. The show’s 2020

CONTINUED >

Jordan Ross Schindler

dates were put on hold because of COVID, so the upcoming Franklin performances will be the play’s first post-pandemic run.

Schindler moved to Nashville in September of 2021 for what was supposed to be a six-month change of scenery and had every intention of returning to L.A., but he fell in love with the city and has been here ever since. The recent Nashville resident says he wanted to create a show for locals, rather than tourists, “My goal is to cater to the people that actually call Nashville home, like I do.”

The talented cast includes Brian Logan Dales of the pop rock band The Summer Set as Landon Carter, Janel Parrish of Freeform’s Pretty Little Liars as Jamie Sullivan, and an incredible cast of Nashville-based actors including Nashville recording artist Cassadee Pope as Belinda. “This is a new iteration of the show, specifically for Nashville,” explains Schindler. “This will be sort of the debut for some of these songs, which have never been in the show before and aside from our leads Brian and Janel, we’ve cast an entirely local Nashville cast, which I’m very excited about. I feel like this will be the best version of it yet. I hope this is the first of many live entertainment productions that I can be a part of here in Nashville.”

Schindler says the musical adaptation is “built on the bones of the iconic soundtrack,” which is very fitting for Music City. “I think the reason that I still hold on to A Walk to Remember so tightly is because of the soundtrack from the film,” shares Schindler. “I think in many ways, it’s like the soundtrack of a generation. I think we’ve picked the most iconic ones and have filled in the gaps with other familiar songs that were either by similar artists or felt evocative of the tone of the soundtrack.”

“I just love a good everlasting love story,” says Schindler. “Neither Landon nor Jamie are the main character of A Walk to Remember, it’s their love story, that’s the main character.”

This unofficial musical adaptation will be brought to life through the work of Schindig Productions, in association with The Franklin Theatre and executive producer Amy Sapp, and in conjunction with the musical direction and arrangements of Elmo Zapp and director Kenneth Ferrone, who has directed live musicals for TV including Grease Live!, RENT Live! and Annie Live!

The show will have a preview date on April 25 and then will run from April 26-28. FranklinTheatre.com

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IT’S PERSONAL. IT'S NOT BUSINESS.

John Griffith Is Flipping The Script

As A Personal Injury Attorney

ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

In one of the more famous lines from  The Godfather, Michael Corleone, played by a young Al Pacino, told his older brother, “It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.”

But as the founding attorney at GriffithLaw, John Griffith has built a successful business by flipping that iconic script. He understands the intensely personal nature of the cases he takes and values the relationships that come from them.

“We don’t meet people under ideal circumstances,” he says. “They come to us, often as a last resort, seeking relief from an injustice they did not deserve. When someone reaches out to us, what they’re really doing is searching for someone they can trust. I take that very personally. If I can’t bring about a substantial difference in their outcome, I won’t take the case.”

Griffith’s approach to his work as a personal injury attorney is as authentic as the farm he grew up on near the Tennessee River in New Johnsonville. He says that his sensibilities and desire to do right by others come from his mother who, “has always been such a sweet person and taught me the importance of being humble and genuine,” he says.

His career path has mirrored that of his father’s. “My dad was an attorney and a farmer. As a child, I didn’t care for farming but now I have a passion for it,” Griffith says. “I’m always aching to get to my farm. Bush-hogging clears my mind and helps me figure things out.”

Whether he’s on the farm, competing in athletics, playing music, or trying a case, it comes as no surprise that every aspect of Griffith’s multi-faceted life is invested thoroughly in personal relationships.

Since his days as a high school football player in Waverly, Griffith has been at home in the gym or the stadium. He turned down scholarship offers from smaller schools to walk-on at Vanderbilt, where a torn Achilles tendon ended his career after two seasons.

The abrupt end to his athletic career left a void in his life that he’s filled by coaching his children’s teams. But he missed actual competition so, a few years ago, he took up jiu jitsu.

“I got into it to have something meaningful to do with my son,” says Griffith. “I’ve always been in decent shape, but now I am in the best shape of my life. Rollin’ with 25-year-olds will do that to you.”

When the calendar flipped to springtime and his son’s attention turned to lacrosse, Griffith stayed with jiu jitsu.

“Now I’m obsessed with it,” he says. “I train for competition and I love competing. It fulfills that drive for me. It gives me peace of mind and confidence like I have never had before.”

Griffith is musically inclined as well. He’s a guitarist (his prized axe is a Gibson Les Paul) who played in cover bands during college. Today he sings and plays mostly spiritually driven acoustic arrangements with his family and for his church. Dozens of duet videos featuring Griffith and his wife, Jenny, are available on the GriffithLaw website.

“Jenny is the best thing that ever happened to me,” he says. “I’ve always been in awe of musicians and she’s a brilliant singer. She also has a designer’s touch which is evident in our offices. There are lots of little ‘Jenny sprinkles’ all over the office and we get so many compliments about them. I am very thankful for her in so many ways.”

The Griffith’s blended family includes five children: Carly, 24; Case, 20; Jolie, 19; Zoe, 14 and Ella Faith, 7.

Griffith tried cases for the Humphreys County District Attorney’s office while he was attending law school in Nashville. “It was really cool to do that as a third-year law student,” he says. "I would try a jury trial during the day, then I'd arrive for classes that evening and the guys would ask how my day went. I would tell them, 'I tried a jury trial,' as if it were no big deal."

“Trying those cases is when I discovered I had a huge desire to do jury trial work. I enjoyed making those connections with people, whether they were my clients or on the jury.”

Griffith was practicing law in downtown Nashville until 2015 when he moved his office to Franklin. “There was hardly anyone specializing in personal injury in Franklin at that time so I thought, ‘Why not open my firm here where I live?’ It was one of the best decisions of my life.” GriffithLaw opened with one attorney and one paralegal. Today the firm has 21 employees, with an office in Murfreesboro, and another coming soon to Clarksville.

Griffith attributes his success and the firm’s growth to his guiding principles. “I’m honest and transparent with juries because they can see through it if you’re not. I don’t ‘act’ like a lawyer. I talk ‘Waverly’ to my juries, not legalese. I just am who I am.”

Because in the end, it’s not about business. It’s personal.

If you, or someone you know, have wrongfully experienced a personal injury, consider reaching out. GriffithInjuryLaw.com

mor e. With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only. Expir es 4/30/24. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.

ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS

Podcasts From Hometown Investment Experts

INVESTMENT GURUS SHARE ADVICE ON THEIR NASHVILLE-BASED PODCASTS

The Ramsey Show

Before investing, you have to have your basics covered and the Ramsey roster of personalities, including Rachel Cruze, George Kamel and Jade Warshaw can help you get started. Shows available daily on  YouTube or RamseySolutions.com

The Money Guy Show

Brian Preston and Bo Hanson host this fast-paced, twice-weekly podcast that focuses on wealth-building strategies for people of all income levels. With more than 500 shows behind them, there is something of value for everyone. YouTube or MoneyGuy.com

Adams Wealth Partners: Retire While You Work Podcast

As a financial advisor and a CPA, David Adams discusses investments from multiple perspectives with an overarching emphasis on creating plans that provide clients with the greatest commodity of all: time.  YouTube or DavidAdamsFinancialPlanning.com

Hosted by Summer Yeiser, Pinnacle’s learning and development manager, this series features financial advice from the leaders of Nashville’s largest bank. There are five key takeaways in every podcast. Available only on Pinnacle’s website. PNFP.com/learning-center/pinnacle5-podcast-series

It figures a leading real estate investing podcast originates in one of the nation’s hottest real estate markets. Host Bill Allen and his team help those with an entrepreneurial spirit thrive in the house-flipping space. YouTube or 7FigureFlipping.com

7 Figure Flipping

Pinnacle 5 Podcast Series

THE BARN AT SMITH LAKE

A UNIQUE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY | THE BARN

We are proud to present this unique investment opportunity for this Premier Sweet Home Alabama Venue. Our intention is to bring a new owner to the table while continuing the on-going operation of new & existing bookings with our current staff while maintaining the precise level of service we are known for.

Offered for Sale at $7,995,000

All tours must be scheduled through Joseph Carter via Joseph@JosephCarterRealty.com or 205.717.5253 (LAKE)

BONJOUR, BELLE MAISON

ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM

PHOTOGRAPHY

PROVIDED

Mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kalil and Katie Polenzani are the owners of Franklin’s French-inspired home and gift store, Belle Maison. While the pair have always had a love for French antiques and design, they decided to start a business together offering beautiful antique treasures in 2020, while Katie

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Intertwining French Flair And Southern Charm, Belle Maison Brings A Touch Of France To Franklin With Affordable Elegance.

Carolyn Kalil and Katie Polenzani

“Antiques are not just old pieces of furniture, they don’t just have a history, you get to become part of their history.” — Carolyn Kalil

was still in college. A year later, the pair had already collected enough furniture, art, and home goods to fill an entire pop-up shop - just in time for the 2021 Christmas season. Thus, Belle Maison - translating to “beautiful home” - was born. Located in Cool Springs, they now have a 4,000-square-foot store filled with incredible French-inspired products, furniture, and décor.

Over two decades ago when Katie was born, Carolyn had been a single mother – something that Katie believes helped contribute to their already dynamic relationship. While raising her young daughter, Carolyn would play French cartoons and tapes with

the hopes that one day, she would embrace the same love for the culture that she had. When Katie was two years old, Carolyn decided to take her to France for the first time - a decision that would change both of their lives forever. After spending a full month in Provence, a tradition was born, and they have been back together every year since.

Referring to France as their “home away from home,” the duo expresses their absolute adoration and passion for the art and design they have encountered while abroad. This past year, they had the opportunity to attend one of Europe’s most anticipated home and fashion shows in Paris – which

they plan to attend again later this year –and are ecstatic to bring back containers of antiques, home goods, art, furniture, and more. Carolyn also mentions that when it came time to open their store in Franklin, she and Katie realized French-inspired décor is very similar to the farmhouse style we often see here in Tennessee. When choosing items for their store, the ladies enjoy finding unique antiques that catch their eye, while also keeping their customers in mind and curating items that they know they will love as well.

While speaking on the community Belle Maison has established, Carolyn shares, “We want to do everything we can to make them happy, to give the best service we can, and to offer the very best prices. We like to say they come in to look but leave as friends.” Katie adds that their goal has always been about “creating a space where you feel inspired, welcomed, safe, and accepted, and can get away from the world for a second.”

What truly draws them to French design is the care that is put into the creation of each item as well as the keen attention to detail. Extremely evident in their items, they believe each piece tells a story.

“There’s always new things to discover,” Katie shares. “We want to offer pieces that speak to people,” her mother adds. “Antiques are not just old pieces of furniture, they don’t just have a history, you get to become part of their history.”

BelleMaisonStore.com

@BelleMaisonNashville

Williamson County’s Top Real Estate Team

Leveraging real estate resources with a creative and tenacious spirit, the LCT Team of Parks Realty are experts in delivering a synergy of success for each client with long-time REALTOR® Lisa Culp Taylor as team leader. We are ready to help you buy or sell a home in Franklin, Brentwood, or Nashville - and we have the experience and knowledge to make the whole process easier for you. See our available listings at LCTTeam.com.

W ELCOMESTRE NGTH , WELLNES S

TENNESSEE KETAMINE & WELLNESS CENTER

Ketamine is an anesthetic drug that’s been safely administered by anesthesiologists since 1970. Over the past 20 years, physicians learned ketamine also can be used to successfully treat major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), substance dependence and chronic pain.

An associated Nashville area medical facility, Tennessee Ketamine & Wellness Center, provides relief to local residents, as well as those throughout the United States.

“We give hope to patients who haven’t responded to other treatments for these conditions,” explains Randall Malchow, M.D., a board-certified anesthesiologist and the center’s medical director.

The staff’s newest protocol, Ketamine for Alcohol Dependance (KAD) to treat alcohol dependence or curb unhealthy alcohol amounts, was added last July. According to Substance Abuse and

Teams at Tennessee Ketamine & Wellness And Weight Loss Centers of Nashville Ready To Assist

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Mental Health Services Administration statistics, alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in Tennessee, with nearly one million adults suspected of having an alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction.

This KAD treatment is among the first of its kind in America, announces Dr. Malchow.

Ketamine can work in three different ways to effectively treat pain and depression, he confirms. “It increases the amount of glutamate in the nervous system, which increases neuro connections so the brain and spinal cord process pain in a healthier way, which also decreases depression. It resets pain receptors. With chronic pain, these receptors are turned on all the time. Ketamine quiets them down. It decreases the inflammation in the nervous system that contributes to pain and depression,” he states.

Dr. Malchow is an acknowledged U.S. expert on ketamine administration. He served as an anesthesiologist for 25 years in the armed forces before retiring as a colonel and

CONTINUED >

Tennessee Ketamine and Wellness Center

Randall Malchow, M.D.

Dan Schneider, D.C., co-founder of Weight Loss Centers of Nashville, is enthusiastic about new weight loss medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. He says, “These medications represent a significant advancement in weight management, offering not just effective weight reduction but also improved metabolic health.”

becoming an associate professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He was the first Vanderbilt physician to offer extended ketamine infusion therapy. In 2015, he established one of the few ketamine infusion centers in the Veterans Health Administration and the only center targeting opioid reduction. He’s also published more than 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, and serves regularly on worldwide medical missions supporting those in need.

The center’s Franklin-based team assists patients through various methods: intravenous (IV) infusions, nasal sprays administered on-site, NAD infusions and other supplements to support overall well-being.

Practice manager Carrie Stout-Holder says prospective patients first schedule an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation, and are provided with specific assessment forms that can be completed swiftly on smartphones, tablets or computers. Protocols are customized to each patient.

615.813.5006

TNKetamineWellness.com

WEIGHT LOSS CENTERS OF NASHVILLE

In addition to losing weight, Dan Schneider, D.C., and Ethan Kellum, M.D., co-founders of Weight Loss Centers Of Nashville, say the center’s clients report improved energy, digestion, mental clarity and sleep, along with a newfound boost of self-confidence and decrease in joint pains.

Working via proprietary nutraceuticals over specified periods of time, Dr. Kellum says their supplements help clients with fast weight loss by curbing hunger cravings and increasing fat metabolism. “Our supplements are a blend of amino acids, a B-vitamin and herbs, free from hormones and stimulants. They’re safe, natural and devoid of significant side effects or medication interactions,” he explains.

Dr. Schneider reminds that healthy, sustainable weight loss is not always just about a calories in versus calories out equation. “Effective weight loss involves reducing inflammation and improving cellular sensitivity to the body’s natural hormones that are essential for regulating metabolism.”

The program’s emphasis on real foods, portion control and a balanced diet is a key focus. Dr. Kellum highlights, “We advocate for a diet consisting of fresh, satisfying ingredients from regular grocery stores, focusing on lean proteins, vegetables and fruits.”

The center’s team also builds plans for both vegans and vegetarians.

Dr. Schneider says they apply a unique approach to metabolic reset. “Our program is designed to reset the metabolism, rather than merely speeding it up, distinguishing us from many other weight loss programs.”

Having a weight management coach and a healthy support system is vital to making permanent and sustainable changes, adds Dr. Kellum. “Our commitment to providing continuous, comprehensive support through our app ensures a supportive and effective weight loss journey for our clients.”

Those interested may schedule a complimentary phone consultation with one of the center’s weight loss care coordinators at 125 Cool Springs Blvd., Ste. #240, in Franklin. The rest of the program is designed to be accomplished from the comfort of clients’ homes.

Dr. Kellum shares the center’s success rate: “Clients typically lose about 10-20% of their total body weight in just 60 days, a much quicker rate compared to other programs. We’re not just reducing weight; we’re enhancing overall health.”

629.877.4100

WeightLossCentersOfNashville.com

Nashville Native ERNEST Embraces Artistry On New Album

ARTICLE BY SARAH SKATES | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Photos by Corey Miller

ERNEST, the songwriter behind numerous country radio hits, is excited for the release of his upcoming album and poised for his turn in the spotlight. “It’s my favorite body of work yet,” he says during a recent phone interview in between writing sessions. “It’s not the first album I’ve put out, but I feel like it’s going to be the one that puts me on the map.”

Fans of Morgan Wallen and Jelly Roll are already familiar with ERNEST, but may not realize it. He co-wrote many of the hit songs on Wallen’s record-breaking double album,  Dangerous, as well as Jelly Roll’s recent smash “Son Of A Sinner.” “Songwriting is the horse I rode in on and the horse I’ll continue to ride after my artist journey has manifested,” says ERNEST. “I’ve been very lucky to make friends in the industry that cut my songs. It’s such a small town and like a family, and the city’s foundation is songwriters.”

As a solo artist, ERNEST gained popularity with his song “Flower Shops” which featured Wallen. Since then his music has gone on to earn over a billion streams. He sold out backto-back nights at the Ryman Auditorium in November, where surprise guests included Wallen, Keith Urban, Bailey Zimmerman, Hardy, Charles Kelley of Lady A and Jelly Roll. “It was a thrill to look out and see so many friends and family in the audience,” he recalls. For the Nashville native who named his son Ryman, it was an “adulthood dream fulfilled.”

Many of those same artists make appearances on his upcoming album, Nashville, TN, due out April 12. Along with top-notch songwriting, he says fans can expect some

bluegrass influences sprinkled throughout the project, including a reimagined version of the Radiohead classic “Creep” featuring Hardy.

ERNEST’s influences draw from all types of music. In the country format he name checks Flatt & Scruggs, George Strait, Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard, George Jones and too many others to list. He is a purposeful student of the genre, making a point to dig deep into the heritage. “I’ve been consuming so much music over the last three or four years, just soaking it in. I listen as a fan of the music. I love songs that had simplicity and complexity all at once. The lyrics are so simple, but hit so heavy. Like the lyrics of ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ or ‘Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain,’ put the perfect chords behind them, and it’s not overstated. That’s a lot of the influence I took in, going in to write this record.”

ERNEST grew up in the Green Hills neighborhood where he got his first instrument, a banjo, in the third grade. Eventually his family moved to Franklin, and he has witnessed Nashville’s swell. “So much has changed in the last five years. It’s cool seeing it turn into a hot city.”

Similarly, his own career has matured. “It’s been an incredible amount of growth in the last 18 months, to see fans showing up and singing songs,” he continues. “‘Flower Shops’ changed everything for me. I’ve really got my teeth in it now, as far as my voice and artistry. I was just figuring it out when ‘Flower Shops’ popped off. Now it is more intentional.”

ERNESTOfficial.com

“Songwriting is the horse I rode in on and the horse I’ll continue to ride after my artist journey has manifested.”

“I’ve been consuming so much music over the last three or four years, just soaking it in.”

Photo by Corey Miller

Photo by Delaney Royer

Stem Cell Institute

Tristan looks like any other 18-year-old senior in high school. He loves life. He has friends. He even has a part time job. What you can’t tell right away is that he has autism spectrum disorder. We have navigated through the world of autism by working to overcome its challenges. But even with specialized therapies he struggled to communicate and connect with those around him.

“We didn’t know what to expect. But we knew that if stem cell therapy could help him we had to try.”

When we heard about Kellum Stem Cell Institute offering stem cell therapy to people with autism we knew we had to check it out! Dr. Kellum was so kind to Tristan and we could tell he genuinely cared about him and his future.

It’s been a year since his first infusion and we are thrilled with the gains we have seen. He’s able to communicate better, his eye contact has drastically improved, and he’s even able to hold a conversation with us. The sweetest part is seeing him connect with us and his friends on a deeper level.

We will forever be grateful for the impact stem cell therapy has had on our son!

Finding Pura Vida In Costa Rica

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER BENNHOFF

Top: Cloud forests support a dizzying array of species and organisms found nowhere else on the planet.| Bottom left: Beaches in Guanacaste and on the Atlantic support turtle hatcheries, where visitors can watch the release of baby sea turtles.| Bottom right: These Capuchin monkeys are typical of what you’ll see running about in trees.

““Pura Vida” or pure life is not only their customary greeting and farewell, but also their philosophy.

Ahhh, Costa Rica. Land of balmy beaches, green cloud forests and the happiest people on earth. Perhaps you’ve been wanting to go there. As a regular visitor to this paradise, I’m here to offer tips for your first visit to the “rich coast.”

BRIEF SYNOPSIS:

Costa Rica was discovered in 1502 by Christopher Columbus and ruled by Spain for several hundred years. The country has no armed forces and devotes its budget to conservation - almost 1/3 of the land is protected in reserves and national parks. Currency is the “Colon,” named after Columbus, and touristy areas accept U.S. dollars. Tourism is the country’s main source of income and exports include coffee, chocolate and bananas.

CULTURE:

Costa Ricans call themselves “Ticos.” The official language is Spanish but many locals speak English. They’re proud of their values -  family, free education and healthcare for all. You won’t see beggars or people without homes. Costa Rica is a world leader in sustainability and environmental conservation. “Pura Vida” or pure life is not only their customary greeting and farewell, but also their philosophy.

FOOD:

Part of Pura Vida is eating clean, so you won’t find much fast food or junk food. Small restaurants are called “sodas” and offer the most local fare.

FOODS TO TRY:

Gallo pinto -  This national dish comprised of rice, beans and spices is served at breakfast. The name means “colored rooster” and the dish looks like rooster feathers. Try it with Lizano salsa.

Casado -  A plate with rice, beans, a protein like fish or a chicken leg, some corn. Every casado is different but whatever it is, it will be good.

Batidos -  Fresh fruit smoothies with milk, condensed milk and ice are a staple. Try the maracuyás (passion fruits), guayava or mamey flavors.

GETTING THERE:

Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) is the largest and busiest, located in the capital, San Jose. This is the most convenient airport if you’re traveling to the Caribbean coast, Monteverde, La Fortuna, or the Pacific coast near Manuel Antonio National Park. Guanacaste Airport (LIR), known as Liberia, is smaller and easier for getting to the beaches in Guanacaste.

GETTING AROUND:

Buses - Popular with budget travelers. Buses are inexpensive but travel can take all day. Best for backpackers and visitors with plenty of time.

Shuttles - Large hotels, such as the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, offer shuttles from the airports. Shuttles are fine if you stay at a resort and taxi to nearby destinations.

Car rentals - The best choice for flexibility. Plan to pay at least double the quoted rate in insurance costs. Highways are mostly two lanes, so an accident ahead can double your travel time. Rent a 4WD vehicle, as most roads aren’t paved. That’s part of the adventure!

HIGHLIGHTS:

Guanacaste - Guanacaste beaches draw surfers and yoga enthusiasts from around the world. Tamarindo is the largest beach town, filled with shops, restaurants and hotels. Nearby you’ll find Playa Negra’s bohemian culture and surf shacks, Playa Avellana’s famous “Lola’s” beach café, and Playa Junquillal for watching the release of baby sea turtles. Hotels, villas and eco-lodges abound. For a remote couple's retreat, check out Mundo Milo Eco Lodge. For surfing, reserve Mauricio’s surf lessons at Avellanas Surf School. If an inland ranch vacation with horseback riding near volcanoes sounds appealing, stay at Hotel Hacienda

Guachipelin and visit the Rincon de la Vieja National Park and the Llanos de Cortes waterfalls.

Nicoya Peninsula - Quiet luxury is found in this area about two hours from both airports. The area has grown in popularity since Gisele Bundchen bought a house there, but it’s not crowded. The towns of Santa Teresa and Playa Grande offer good beaches for younger children. Near the busy town of Samara is Playa Carillo, with calm waters and a protected cove. Samara has more nightlife than a typical Costa Rican town, as nightlife is not a big thing in this country. Spa vacations and yoga retreats are also common offerings.

Mountains and Rainforest - The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is home to 2.5 percent of the world’s total biodiversity. National Geographic calls Monteverde “the jewel in the crown of cloud forest reserves.” Hire a guide to take you through the forest during the day, and another guide for a night tour. We loved Roy’s Monteverde Nature Guides. Also try riding horses with Marvin and his crew at Horse Trek Monteverde, or tour a coffee plantation with Don Juan Tours. If you prefer a busier town catering to tourists, La Fortuna is a jumping-off point for adventure activities like rafting and zip lining, and it has a stunning view of the Arenal

Beaches are surrounded by mountains and lined with palm trees.

Volcano. For a fabulous spa experience, visit Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa to relax under its waterfalls.

Manuel Antonio Area -  Beach towns closest to this esteemed park include the bustling villages of Quepos and Jaco, along with quieter beaches like Uvita and Playa Ventanas. The Beehive Restaurant in Uvita serves Mediterranean fare inside a rainforest setting. A visit to Manuel Antonio National Park is a must for seeing sloths, monkeys and a variety of birds. Reserve an early-morning guided tour and spend the afternoon swimming the stunning cove beaches inside the park.

Caribbean Coast -  This area is less developed than the Pacific beach towns. The locals are mainly of Afro-Caribbean descent so there’s more of a reggae-Rasta vibe. Tortuguero National Park is filled with wildlife and the best place to see Atlantic Green Sea Turtles. Puerto Viejo is the most hopping town, and Punta Uva is the one of the least-touristy beach villages in Costa Rica.

Osa Peninsula - My personal favorite area, but a long way from the main airports. Corcovado National Park is one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth with some of the best hikes and beaches in the world. You must have a guide in order to hike the park. Stay in Drake Bay to see the most pristine rainforests

in Costa Rica. You’ll need to fly there from the San Jose airport and land on a little airstrip in the jungle. That’s why it’s so beautiful –not many tourists go there!

DOS AND DON’TS

• DO respect the locals’ dedication to the environment by re-using cups, bags, towels, etc. as much as possible.

• DON’T overpack. Most rental cars have space for four people and four carry-on suitcases. All you need are casual outdoor clothes and a rain jacket if you’ll be in the cloud forest. Leave the dressy shoes, handbags and makeup at home.

• DO be flexible with your schedule. Costa Rica is still a third-world country and sometimes roads are blocked or electricity goes out. Get used to being on "Tico" time – you might find you love it!

• DON’T book flights without checking the weather. Costa Rica has two seasons: Wet (rainy) from May to November, and dry from December through April. Some areas are closed in September and October.

• DO visit Costa Rica if you love the outdoors, are comfortable in remote environments, and enjoy simple-living vacations.

• DON’T be afraid to cry in the airport when it’s time to leave. The locals are used to it!

Ventanas means “windows,” and this beach on the Osa Peninsula has several caves with windows leading to the sea.

Land of balmy beaches, green cloud forests and the happiest people on earth. “ ”

Top: A swim in the Cataratas (waterfalls) Llanos de Cortes is refreshing on a hot day.

Bottom: Several horse ranches offer a Central American “dude ranch” – style experience.

Faces of Franklin

U.S. Postal Service Forever Stamp Artist Elizabeth Brandon

ARTICLE BY KAREN CREASON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

When asked how her floral paintings ended up on United States postage stamps, Franklin resident Elizabeth Brandon chuckles, “It’s a mystery.” Receiving national attention for her long-standing association with Cook's Illustrated magazine, for whom she created covers for years, and stationery company, teNeues, who produced cards featuring those covers, may have played a part but Elizabeth shrugs and says, “I still don’t really know how it happened.”

One ordinary day, Elizabeth received an email that caught her attention: 'This is the U.S. Postal Service.' “At first, I didn't take it seriously. I often receive inquiries, but the next morning when I showed the email to my husband, it sank in. It was real!”

A string of emails followed, revealing the U.S. Postal Service's interest in considering four of Elizabeth’s floral paintings for forever stamps. “I just posted the paintings of those florals, picked from my aunt’s garden in Nashville, to my website,” says Elizabeth. Excitement mingled with disbelief as she learned more details.

However, there was an unusual stipulation - she was forbidden from discussing the project with anyone. For a year, Elizabeth could only imagine the progress being made behind the scenes. Elizabeth finally received the notification she had been waiting for - The First Day of Issue ceremony was to be held on August 15, 2017, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

"Flowers From The Garden," is a set of four forever stamps featuring Elizabeth's paintings of red camellias and yellow forsythia, white peonies and pink tree peonies, an arrangement of white hydrangeas, white and pink roses, green hypericum berries, and purple lisianthus, and blue hydrangeas in a blue pot.

Reflecting on the remarkable journey from canvas to a nationwide symbol, Elizabeth proudly declares, “To see my artwork transformed into 600 million stamps was an incredible honor.”  ElizabethBrandon.com

ELIZABETH BRANDON U.S. Postal Service Forever Stamp Artist

ARTIST’S PALETTE

Elizabeth Brandon, second from left

Preparing for the Unexpected

Investing in your health means preparing for the unexpected. Although we all hope to avoid surgery, some conditions like arthritis, often caused by a combination of genetics and previous injuries, inevitably require joint replacement procedures. With this in mind, Cory Calendine, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon at Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, shares healthy lifestyle tips to keep your body prepared for anything:

1. Invest in your sleep. “Quality of sleep is just as important as quantity of sleep,” said Calendine. “Make sure that you are sleeping in a cool, dark room and being consistent with a sleep schedule ” Getting at least eight hours of quality sleep per night can be beneficial to the circadian rhythm, aid in injury recovery and help prevent many chronic diseases

2. Stay active. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of strenuous exercise per week. Although exercise is good for the heart, it also helps promote strong muscles and joints. “Motion is life, and life is motion,” said Calendine. “Stay consistent with exercising so that you can maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you do require surgery, having a strong body is important.”

3. Maintain a healthy diet. Obesity can increase complications including infection after surgery. Eating healthy foods and increasing protein intake two weeks before and after surgery can aid in recovery. “Hydration is also a key factor,” said Calendine. “Try to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day for optimal health.”

4. Utilize your resources. Having accountability can make healthy lifestyle goals more achievable. Try using sleep tracking or training apps to stay consistent with healthy habits “I find that just tracking my habits on an app helps me make healthier ch need to keep our bodies ready at all times ”

For more information on Cory Calendine, M D BoneAndJointTN.org or call 615-791-2630.

The Ultimate Investment: Self Care

These Franklin Spots Will Right Your Mind And Body

ARTICLE BY KELLIE WALTON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CHLOE WALTON

The word “investment” can apply to many different aspects of life–and while financial health usually comes to mind first, there are ways to invest in your personal well-being too. Physical fitness, proper nutrition, drinking plenty of water, and all the other standard requirements for healthy living have long been touted, but we all see better success with accountability.

From local fitness centers, nutrition programs, mental health resources, and even a few luxury relaxation options, these Franklin businesses are ready to help you invest in yourself this year.

NUTRITION

Wilco Fusion Grill

This vibrant strip mall gem serves healthified versions of American, Latin, and Mexican favorites. When you’re looking for hearty yet nutrient-dense fare, try dishes like a chicken wrap, grilled arepas, or steak kebabs, all available at Wilco Fusion Grill. WilcoFusion.com

Nutrition Coaching

Sometimes you need a little extra guidance, or even some one-on-one support. Working with a certified nutrition coach is

an excellent place to start. Local coach Chloe Walton specializes in nutrition plans and macro support, but takes it one step further by offering grocery shopping assistance and recipes designed to meet each individual’s goals. Follow along on her Instagram, @ Chloe_FitandWell.

SPA

The Now

A massage is the pinnacle of self care, and there are a plethora of options at The Now in Downtown Franklin. Relieve stress with a signature Swedish-inspired massage, heal the body, mind, and spirit with an energy balancing massage, or target the lymphatic and circulatory systems with an athletic option. Make your massage a regular part of your routine by snagging a monthly membership. TheNowMassage.com

Ono Body Therapy

If you’re experiencing muscle injuries or aches and pains, visit Ono Body Therapy. Specializing in Japanese holistic treatments, the massage-like practice helps readjust, realign, and heal the body using pressure to target muscles. To learn more or to book your appointment, visit OnoBodyTherapy.com

MENTAL HEALTH

Sēk Sauna

Cold plunging and detoxifying saunas are having a moment right now, and for good reason. Cool Springs’ sēk Sauna houses everything from infrared saunas to LED light therapy, cold plunge tubs, and more aimed at helping with detoxification, immunity, heart health, improved sleep, and overall mental health. SekSauna.com

The Refuge Center

Therapy is one of the most important things you can do to invest in yourself, and one Franklin business is ensuring counseling is affordable and accessible for those who need it. The Refuge Center has helped thousands of area residents since opening in 2005, and this year, they will unveil a 15,000-square foot facility south of Franklin as a haven for ultimate healing. Learn more at RefugeCenter.org.

FITNESS

Forme Fitness

Whether you’re just kicking off your fitness journey or you’re looking for a new challenge, the team at Forme Fitness in Cool Springs is ready to help you become your strongest self. Using reformer-based workouts, pilates is an effective (and fun!) discipline that targets different muscle groups and helps burn fat. Join a “back to basics” class for a lesson in pilates, or wind down from a busy day during a candlelight class. Forme.Fitness

B.Fab.Fitness

Fitness should be fun, and b.fab.fitness takes that notion to heart through dance cardio, strength training, and yoga classes focused on sculpting and strengthening. The Franklin location is housed inside the TOA Sports Performance Center and offers classes daily at 9:30 a.m. BFabFitness.com

F3

Men, this one’s for you. If structured classes aren’t your preference, F3 (which stands for fitness, fellowship, and faith) operates several peer-led fitness groups in the Middle Tennessee area and more than 4,300 locations worldwide. The group is free of charge and open to all men, with group training sessions taking place outdoors in parking lots or trails around town. Find a group near you at F3Franklin.com

F3

Sēk Sauna

Lipo Laser

A breakthrough non-surgical solution that melts away stubborn fat with precision and ease.

Semaglutide & Tirzepatide

Revolutionary injectable medications that control appetite, boost metabolism, and promote sustainable weight loss. Proprietary Nutraceuticals - A carefully crafted blend of natural, powerful supplements designed to enhance your weight loss journey and overall health.

Advanced 3D Body Scanning

Elevate your weight loss journey with our state-ofthe-art Styku body scanner. Accurately track fat loss, set personalized goals, and celebrate your progress with each scan, keeping you inspired and motivated towards achieving your dream body.

Expert Coaching

Personalized guidance and support from our team of dedicated weight loss specialists to help you conquer your goals and keep the weight off for good.

Transform your life and achieve the body you’ve always desired with our cutting-edge treatments, advanced 3D body scanning, and expert guidance.

The Aesthetic Parlour is a full service medical spa located in historic downtown Franklin, specializing in advanced aesthetic medicine.

We offer:

PRP/PRF | Dermal Filler, (Restylane, Juvederm, Versa)

Neurotoxin (Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau) | PDO Thread Lift Microneedling | Chemical Peels | HydrafacialMD

Dermaplane | Medical Grade Skincare

615.900.0823 www.theaestheticparlour.com

198 E Main St, Franklin, TN V @TheAestheticParlourTN

Mary Lynn Moran, MD

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

INDOOR PLANT GUIDE

Investing in indoor plants can not only spruce up your living space, but also bring numerous health and well-being benefits

Bringing the outdoors in with the use of house plants is a great way to add color and dimension to your space. We sat down with Jesse Nelson at Family Tree Nursery, based in Kansas, and discussed the benefits of incorporating plant life into your home.“There are plenty of studies on the health benefits of plants, and the evidence suggests that being around plants and caring for plant life increases overall wellness,” explains Nelson. “Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.” There are a wide variety of indoor plants that work for any space and light situation that you may have. Regardless if you have a green thumb or a black thumb, there are plant varieties that fit your lifestyle. Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants to incorporate into your home.

SNAKE PLANT:

This plant goes by many names such as Snake Plant and Mother-in-Law’s Tongue and is one of the most popular indoor plants. The Snake Plant is for anyone from a green thumb to a black thumb because anyone can grow it. These hardy plants can adapt to any environment and can live in both high light and low light. Snake Plants are great for countertops and tabletops because they grow tall, not

wide. They are great bedside plants because they help purify the air as they go through photosynthesis at night. They only need to be watered about once a month. These plants can also be outdoor plants and can acclimate during the summer months. Be sure to spray the plants three to five times before bringing them back indoors to get rid of any bugs that could have made the plant their home.

Anthurium has gorgeous, colorful flowers and is the easiest indoor flowering plant to care for. It comes in a variety of colors including red, white, orange and purple. Anthurium likes to be dry, so let it go bone dry before watering. Fertilize every so often, especially when blooming. These plants do not like direct sunlight and can be repotted every three to five years.

HOPE PEPEROMIA:

This cascading plant is gaining popularity due to its succulent-like leaves and also because it is fairly easy to care for. The Hope Peperomia likes medium to bright direct sunlight. It does well as a tabletop plant or a hanging plant. Watering is only needed one time a month regardless of plant size.

“Anytime you bring a plant into a home or work environment, it’s going to make you feel better. It is going to beautify the space in a way that art cannot, and they also have the added benefit of  purifying the air.”

This is a slow-growing variety that is architectural and compact. This plant is a great statement piece and looks great in an entryway or by a chair. There are a lot of varieties and colors of the Dracaena. They are very resilient in low light and are great for an office space with little or no light. They like to stay on the dry side, so they like to be watered when they are about ½ to ¾ of the way dry. When watering, give it a good soak. Protip: A moisture meter can be purchased and used to determine how dry your plant is to help determine when it is time to water again.

ANTHURIUM:

DRACAENA JANET-CRAIG COMPACTA:

Primary Care

Need an appointment this week? We have one.

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 5TH

Downtown Franklin

Art Crawl

Historic Downtown Franklin

6:00 PM

Local talent will be showcased in various locations in Downtown Franklin. Music and refreshments are available to enjoy along with unique craftsmanship. ArtsCouncilWC.org

APRIL 6TH

Studio Tenn's One Night Only

Liberty Hall at The Factory

6:30 PM

Prepare to be swept away by the iconic music of Rodgers and Hammerstein at One Night Only (ONO), Studio Tenn’s annual fundraiser. Studio Tenn will also unveil its 2024-25 season lineup, as the nonprofit theatre group’s 15th season is set to begin this fall at Turner Theater. StudioTenn.org

APRIL 6TH

Franklin Whiskey Warmer

Westhaven Skube Swim Center

6:00 PM

This night full of live bluegrass music, tasty food, and exquisite spirits is the perfect event for whiskey lovers. Come and enjoy! 615Festivals.com

APRIL 13TH

Garden Festival and Plant Sale

Williamson County AG Expo Center 9:00 AM

The annual Williamson County Master Gardener Association (WCMGA) fundraiser will have fun for all ages, with crafts, food trucks, speakers, and of course all things gardening and plants. WCMGA.net

APRIL 13TH

Arbor Day Celebration

Pinkerton Park | 10:00 AM

Tree climbing, environmental education, family activities, giveaways, and kids activities will keep the entire family entertained at this year's Arbor Day Celebration. FranklinTN.gov

APRIL 16TH

Third Annual Kid Rock's Comedy Jam

The Ryman | 7:30 PM

Kid Rock's Comedy Jam is back for it's third year as part of the Nashville Comedy Festival. Join host Kid Rock and lots of special guests.

APRIL 16TH

A Night Full of StarsBrightStone's 25th Anniversary

Liberty Hall in the Factory at Franklin | 6:00 PM

With performances from Grammy-Award-winning trio, Lady A, and the adults who attend BrightStone's day program, this special night's proceeds will go towards benefiting BrightStone. BrightStone.org

APRIL 20TH

From Here to There Tour: Henry Cho

The Franklin Theatre | 4:00 PM

Henry Cho, comedian and member of The Grand Ole Opry will be performing three shows on April 20th for a evening you won't want to miss. FranklinTheatre.com

APRIL 27TH

Main Street Festival

Historic Downtown Franklin 10:00 AM

The Heritage Foundation hosts the annual Main Street Festival which has a variety of food, music, vendors, arts and crafts, activities, and more. WilliamsonHeritage.org

Dr. Alexis is a graduate of Parker University, where she was trained as a doctor in chiropractic. While studying, Dr. Alexis became proficient in various adjusting techniques to help become a more well-rounded doctor.

We are committed to helping clients find their roots with a focus on renewing their bodies, minds, and spirits through natural and holistic healing practices. Ready to experience the transformative power of chiropractic care?

Tricia S. Stover

Dr. Alexis Diggs

INVEST in YOUR SLEEP HEALTH

WHAT DOES MY SLEEP HAVE TO DO WITH MY TEETH?

Poor sleep can lead to teeth grinding (bruxism), dry mouth, and gum disease. Teeth grinding, especially during sleep, can lead to worn enamel, tooth sensitivity, jaw pain, and even cracked teeth.

WHAT DOES MY SLEEP HAVE TO DO WITH MY GUM HEALTH?

Mouth breathing and snoring during sleep can increase the risk of gum disease due to reduced saliva flow. Saliva neutralizes acids and harmful bacteria. Harmful bacteria that grow from a dry mouth can cause gum disease and can lead to tooth loss, but have now been found to cause heart attack and stroke.

WHAT DOES MY SLEEP HAVE TO DO WITH MY OVERALL HEALTH?

Chronic sleep deprivation or poor sleep quality has been linked to a wide range of health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and cognitive impairment, like Alzheimer’s. It is not about snoring, but about how well your brain and heart are refreshed every night.

WHAT DOES MY SLEEP HAVE TO DO WITH HEARTBURN?

One of the indicators of sleep apnea is heart burn/gastric reflux. Many people find relief when taking over-the-counter medications such as Pepcid. But read the instructions closely. Taking these meds for more than 14 days may create more serious problems, such as stomach cancer or Alzheimer’s. Get a home sleep test today.

Dr. Kellye Rice is an accomplished Airway, TMJ and Cosmetic dentist in Brentwood and owner of Middle Tennessee Dental Sleep Specialists. Dr. Rice has completed advanced training in Dental Sleep Medicine and is a Diplomat of the ABDSM and the ASBA, as well as a Fellow of the AGD.  Kellyerice.com

Dr. Kellye Rice

ARTICLE BY DR. KELLYE RICE