Hendersonville, TN April 2021

A P R I L 2 02 1

Embracing Our World -

Our Eco Issue LI F E + C U LTU R E G E T T I N G YO U R B UZ Z O N , NAT U R AL LY EN J OY T H E B E AU T Y O F T H E U N D ERSE A WO RL D WI T H O U T L E AVI N G H O M E REP U RP O SI N G AN D USE I N T H E C I T Y BY T H E L AK E

LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2021 PUBLISHER

Lynn Bowles | lynn.bowles@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Celebrating Our World Together “THOSE WHO CONTEMPLATE THE BEAUTY OF THE EARTH FIND RESERVES OF STRENGTH THAT WILL ENDURE AS LONG AS LIFE LASTS. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”

Rachel Carson, Silent Spring

Rick Murray | rick.murray@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Rick Murray CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rick Murray, Lynn Bowles

This beautiful prose from the late author Rachel Carson provides the perfect introduction to the April issue of Hendersonville Lifestyle – our environment issue.

This month, we take the time to recognize and appreciate the mutually symbiotic relationship that we have with our small, blue world. Our Earth takes care of us, and we must be diligent about returning the favor. With that thought in mind, let us introduce you to several individuals, businesses and non-profits who are doing their best to take care of our environment.

First, we take you on a short drive to Goodlettsville, where we meet a beekeeper who is working hard to ensure the health and viability of local bee colonies.

Next, we take a dive into the undersea world offered by a local aquatics shop, where we learn about aquariums, sea life and sustainable sourcing of ocean corals.

Continuing on, we tell you about several organizations across Sumner County that provide much-needed recycling, repurposing and reselling services for donated goods.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Finally, we move away from stories about preserving the Earth to visit with a pair

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

of local CPAs who share tips about how we can help preserve your hard-earned

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

dollars this tax season.

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Come with us, Hendersonville, as we celebrate the return of warm weather, longer

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

days and blooming flowers together. We trust that you will find our journey to be

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

both enjoyable and enlightening.

Rick Murray, Editor 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER Undersea life abounds at 7 Seas Aquatics

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY 4

Hendersonville Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Hendersonville

Proverbs 3:5-6 Hendersonville Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Hendersonville area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Hendersonville Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2021

FEATURES 14 Repurposing And Reuse In The City By The Lake Local Venues Provide Complete Donation Acceptance, Recycling and Resale Services

18 Getting Your Buzz On, Naturally Local Jeweler Helps Save The Environment Through Beekeeping

24 Enjoy The Beauty Of The Undersea World Without Leaving Home Hendersonville-Based Retailer Is The Ocean-Friendly Destination For All Things Aquatic

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30 Make The Most Of Tax Time This Year Local CPAs Offer Advice On Taking Advantage Of Covid-Related Tax Changes

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30 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

12

Around Town

14

Local’s Choice

30 Financial Buzz 32 DIY

CityLifestyle.com/Hendersonville

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GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

Winter Wonderland In The City By The Lake In most years, Hendersonville enjoys mild winters, with moderate temperatures and minimal precipitation. However, during the middle of February, the city experienced the arrival of a significant winter storm that brought single digit temperatures, along with several inches of ice and snow. Although the snow and ice made travel hazardous, it also brought several days of scenic wonder.

5.

4.

6.

7.

8.

10.

11.

9.

12.

1. Saundersville Cove | 2. Trinity Broadcasting Network | 3. Sumner Family YMCA | 4. Stop 30 Road | 5. Old Hickory Lake | 6. First Baptist Church | 7.

Saundersville Cove | 8. Hendersonville Library | 9. Colorful Berries | 10. Kids Sledding Behind The Hendersonville Library | 11. Stop 30 Wooden Bridge | 12. Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club Golf Course

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Hendersonville Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Hendersonville

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GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

Hendersonville Chamber March Membership Meeting The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce held its regular membership meeting at the Bluegrass Yacht & Country Club on Mar. 2. Warren Brown, of Nashville Sales Training, was the featured speaker,

4.

5.

6.

1. Chamber Board Chair Lee Rucks addresses the assembly. | 2. Warren Brown gives a presentation for the members. | 3. Representatives staffed the Goodpasture Christian School sponsorship booth. | 4. HighPoint Hospice was a sponsor for the meeting, | 5. Speaker Warren Brown shares a moment with Chamber member Greg Wilson, | 6. Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary and Alderman Russ Edwards are enjoying the meeting.

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Hendersonville Lifestyle | April 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Hendersonville

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AROUND TOWN ACC accreditation have achieved a higher level of expertise in dealing with patients who arrive with symptoms of a heart attack.

“Earning Chest Pain Center accreditation again is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our clinical team, our community partners and the ACC,” said Susan Peach, MBA, BSN, chief executive officer at Sumner Regional Medical Center.

VOL STATE PRESIDENT JERRY FAULKNER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT Jerry Faulkner, president of Volunteer State Community College, has announced that he will be retiring this summer. Faulkner will have served as president for more than nine years, guiding the college through a period of growth and challenge. Faulkner is the third president to serve Vol State in its 50-year history.

“It has been a great privilege and honor to have served in the Vol State college community,” Faulkner said. “My time here has been the most rewarding of my life.”

PARKSIDE BUILDERS DONATES $50,000 TO SUMNER COUNTY SCHOOLS Parkside Builders is donating $50,000 to Sumner County Schools to provide computer laptops to help close the digital divide. “We want to make sure that all students have an opportunity to be equipped with the latest technology,” said Parkside Builders President Brian Chastain. “We hope that other companies in the area match this donation to provide additional computers.”

"The new technology purchased with this donation will help strengthen and expand educational opportunities for all of our students," said Gallatin High School Principal Ron Becker.

HENDERSONVILLE BIRTH CENTER RECEIVES TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH BEST AWARD SUMNER REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER RECEIVES RENEWED CHEST PAIN CENTER ACCREDITATION Sumner Regional Medical Center has once again received Chest Pain Center Accreditation

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TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center recently won the BEST award from the Tennessee Department of Health and the Tennessee Hospital Association for its commitment to reducing infant mortality. The BEST award stands for Breastfeeding, Early elective delivery reduction and Safe sleep for Tennessee babies.

from the American College of Cardiology (ACC)

“We are dedicated to ensuring healthy outcomes

Accreditation Services. Hospitals that have received

for babies in our community and are pleased to

Hendersonville Lifestyle | April 2021

receive this recognition for our efforts,” said Jan Alexander, nurse director for The Birth Center at TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center.

HENRY L. JONES INAUGURATED AS HENDERSONVILLE'S FIRST POET LAUREATE Noted artist and writer Henry L. Jones was inaugurated as Hendersonville's first poet laureate on Mar. 4. In a ceremony hosted by the Hendersonville Public Library, Jones was recognized by Mayor Jamie Clary, who presented him with a proclamation noting his appointment and recognizing his many accomplishments.

As poet laureate, Jones will serve as the ambassador of verse, responsible for organizing local events and activities that will increase public awareness of the importance of poetry.

“Poetry is alive. It’s in our hearts and heads, waiting to be shared," says Jones.

CityLifestyle.com/Hendersonville

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

Repurposing And Reuse In The C i t y By T h e L a k e LOCAL VENUES PROVIDE COMPLETE DONATION ACCEPTANCE, RECYCLING AND RESALE SERVICES ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY RICK MURRAY

SAVVY

CONSUMERS

KNOW

THAT

HENDERSONVILLE SAMARITAN THRIFT STORE

01

THRIFT

STORES ARE SOME OF THE BEST PLACES TO FIND SHOPPING BARGAINS. Depending upon the venue, these outlets typically offer great deals on a wide variety of merchandise, including clothing, home goods and furniture.

Along with providing affordable shopping experiences, thrift stores also provide convenient locations for consumers and businesses to donate gently used goods. The acceptance of donations provides a winwin situation in which the stores obtain their inventory items, while helping protect the environment by keeping usable goods out of landfills.

In the Hendersonville area, we are fortunate to have several different thrift outlets which offer the full gamut of recycling, repurposing and rehoming.

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Hendersonville Lifestyle | April 2021

Items accepted and sold: Gently used clothing, household items, furniture, appliances and more.

116 Dunn St., Hendersonville, TN 37075 615.824.5652

04

GALLATIN CARES

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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF SUMNER COUNTY RESTORE

Items accepted and sold: New and gently used building materials, appliances, cabinets, furniture, home décor and more.

327 Sumner Hall Dr.,

Items accepted and sold: New and gently used

Gallatin, TN 37066

household goods, furniture and lightly used clothing.

615.230.3032

330 North Durham Ave.,

ShopSumnerRestore.org

03

Gallatin, TN 37066 615.452.5732 GallatinCares.org

Items accepted: New and used computers, game systems, phone systems, cell phones, televisions, Christmas lights, cables, printers and more.

Note: Many items are accepted at no charge, while some items require a drop-off fee. Contact Electronics Recycling Solutions for additional information.

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Items sold: Audio speakers, amplifiers, printers and other electronics as available.

Note: Merchandise sales are held periodically as merchandise warrants. Contact Electronics Recycling

The Hendersonville Goodwill presence consists of two

Solutions for additional information.

separate locations. Donations are accepted at a con-

545B Airport Rd.,

venient drive-thru site located West Main St. Shopping

Gallatin, TN 37066

takes place at the retail store located on Indian Lake Blvd.

615.989.1010

Goodwill Retail Store – Hendersonville

ElectronicsRecyclingSolutions.org

Items sold: New and gently used clothing, jewelry, books, CDs/DVDs, housewares, furniture, electronics and more.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING SOLUTIONS

205A Indian Lake Blvd., Hendersonville, TN 37075 615.346.1808 Goodwill Donation Center – Hendersonville Items accepted: New and gently used clothing, jewelry, books, CDs/DVDs, housewares, furniture, electronics, vehicles and more.

327 West Main St.,

05

Hendersonville, TN. 37075 615.822.1056 CityLifestyle.com/Hendersonville

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HOMES STARTING FROM THE MID $300s Come see what every “bunny” is talking about!

This April, hop over to Gatherings at Indian Lake and see how a 55+ condo can make your spring a breeze. Say goodbye to land mowing, gutter cleaning, and pest control! Instead relax in the sunshine with a low-maintenance lifestyle. Enjoy the cool weather while sipping lemonade on your private balcony. Or enjoy dinner at your favorite restaurant with a 10-minute walk to dining at the nearby Streets of Indian Lake. Schedule your virtual or private tour today to see the 4 decorated models and the newly decorated second building.

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Single-story plans with open living spaces

Elevator and controlled-access entry

GATHERINGS AT INDIAN LAKE | 141 SAUNDERSVILLE ROAD | HENDERSONVILLE, TN 37075 Controlled-access doors are not designed or intended to serve as a security system. Beazer Homes makes no representation, express or implied, concerning the operation, use, hours, method of operation, maintenance or any other decisions concerning controlled-access doors or the safety and security of a home and a community in which it is located.

Any controlled-access door may be left open for extended periods of time for the convenience of Beazer Homes and its subcontractors during construction of the home and other residences in a community. Crime exists in every neighborhood and Beazer Homes is not a provider of security and makes no representations regarding crime or security. If you are concerned about crime or security, please consult a security expert. Pricing, features and availability subject to change without notice. See New Home Counselor for complete details. ©2021 Beazer Homes. 163340 BH NASH MAR_1 CityLifestyle.com/Hendersonville

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getting your buzz on, naturally

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY RICK MURRAY

LOCAL JEWELER HELPS SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH BEEKEEPING

IN 2006, APIARISTS, ALSO KNOWN AS BEEKEEP-

the queen bee behind to fend for herself. In most cases, this

ERS, BEGAN LOSING THEIR BEES AT AN ALARM-

situation results in the total collapse of the hive.

ING RATE. This decline continued throughout the next

Researchers eventually determined that CCD is caused

decade, resulting in a cumulative loss of more than 10

by several factors, including agricultural chemicals, dis-

million hives by 2015.

ease, environmental stress and parasites, such as tracheal

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, most

and Varroa mites. Over time, they developed several

of these losses were attributable to a phenomenon known

approaches to dealing with the condition that have greatly

as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), in which a majority of

reduced the incidence of CCD. However, despite progress,

adult worker bees suddenly abandon their colony, leaving

the overall health of bee colonies remains fragile.

John Hancock holds up a hive frame containing a large number of bees.

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Hendersonville Lifestyle | April 2021

The plight of bees is all too familiar to apiarists across the coun-

“I did a lot of self-study on beekeeping, including reading articles

try, including local beekeeper John Hancock, owner of Hancock

and watching YouTube videos,” says John. “I also received a great

Jewelers in Goodlettsville.

deal of help from local bee clubs, particularly the Allen County

“Despite the best efforts of scientists and beekeepers, bees will continue to be endangered as long as they remain vulnerable to

Beekeepers Association, located in Scottsville, KY.” After a few months had passed, John was finally ready to begin

pests such as the Varroa mites,” says James. “We need more effective ways to protect our bees from pestilence.”

beekeeping in earnest.

“Early on, I learned that one of the quickest ways to get into

John’s interest in beekeeping began at an early age from watching his father manage numerous bee colonies in the 1970s and 1980s.

beekeeping is to go to a specialty supply house, such as Johnson’s Honey Farm in Goodlettsville,” says John. “They can provide every-

“My dad raised bees, and he made the beekeeping process look both fun and easy,” says John.

thing a prospective beekeeper needs, from housing to supplies to the bees themselves.”

About 8 years ago, John finally decided to take the apiary plunge

At first, John started out small, with a colony of bees purchased

himself, and he began investigating what would be required to

from Johnson’s, supplemented by a self-caught wild swarm.

establish his own bee colonies.

However, his bee farm grew considerably over the succeeding years.

CONTINUED >

A bee frame containing part of a colony.

Honey Bees honey

CityLifestyle.com/Hendersonville

19

GETTING YOUR BUZZ ON, NATURALLY (CONTINUED)

Young bees, also known as the colony’s brood.

“We need more effective ways to protect our bees from pestilence.”

“Today, I usually average 50 colonies each fall, with each colony

When he began his apiary journey, John had only intended to raise

averaging 40,000 to 80,000 bees,” says John. “This number will typ-

bees as a hobby. However, he eventually decided to treat beekeep-

ically drop down to 40 colonies or so by springtime due to normal

ing as another small business.

winter losses.”

“While beekeeping is still a side interest, I also gather, package

All of John’s bees are honeybees, consisting of several different kinds.

and sell the honey that the bees produce,” says James. “I sell the

“I typically have three major species in my hives – Italian, Buckfast

packaged honey, branded as Hancock Honey Bees, to local custom-

and Carniolan bees,” says John. “I also keep several colonies of local ‘mutt’ bees, which are hybrids that result from crossbreeding of different species. Unlike pure species, the mutts tend to have better disease resistance.”

Although most apiarists make beekeeping appear simple, it is

ers each season until my supply runs out.”

All in all, John has found beekeeping to be enjoyable. However, he has also learned that it can be a humbling endeavor.

“Successful beekeeping requires constant study,” says John. “I will never learn enough about beekeeping to be smarter than the bees.”

actually a complex process that requires a great deal of discipline and regular work in order to maintain the health of the colonies.

“Keeping colonies healthy and thriving requires commitment,”

Hancock Honey Bees 328 Long Hollow Pike, Suite 1876,

says John. “I regularly feed the bees, treat them for mites and monitor

Goodlettsville, TN 37072

them for signs of disease.”

615.945.3343

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Hendersonville Lifestyle | April 2021

A beehive with frames inside.

CityLifestyle.com/Hendersonville

21

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Hendersonville Lifestyle | April 2021

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ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY RICK MURRAY

ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF THE UNDERSEA WORLD WITHOUT LEAVING HOME HENDERSONVILLE-BASED RETAILER IS THE OCEANFRIENDLY DESTINATION FOR ALL THINGS AQUATIC

WHEN IT COMES TO SCENIC SPLENDOR,

For decades, saltwater aquariums have brought the

THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE OCEAN.

wonder of the undersea world to thousands of homes

From majestic breaking waves to blue water sparkling

and businesses. Available in a variety of sizes and con-

under a crimson evening sunset, the sea is filled with

figurations, these self-contained biospheres provide a

endless natural beauty.

perfect way to experience ocean life up close, without

However, the real allure of the ocean lies far beneath

While establishing a saltwater aquarium is not a

lies an undersea world, teeming with an incredible

particularly complicated process, it is not as simple

diversity of marine life.

as setting up a freshwater tank. Maintaining the cor-

Unfortunately, the incredible beauty of the exotic

rect temperature, chemical and salinity balance of

animals and plants of the sea’s subsurface world has

the aquatic environment is critical to the long-term

long been hidden from most of us, unless we are diving

health and viability of the resident sea life. As such,

or snorkeling enthusiasts.

it is best to seek the advice of a knowledgeable and

Fortuitously, the arrival of affordable saltwater aquariums changed that situation.

A Red Carpet Anemone rests serenely on the bottom.

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having to take an expensive trip to the coast.

the surface. Hidden below layers of aquamarine brine,

Hendersonville Lifestyle | April 2021

experienced aquatics professional before establishing a personal saltwater ecosystem.

A White Longtail Clownfish peaks out from inside a Sherman's Anemone.

“ T H E C O L O R S , VA R I E T Y, C O M P L E X I T Y A N D D E TA I L S OF THESE ANIMALS STILL ASTONISH ME AF TER ALL THESE YE ARS. THE Y PROVIDE THE PERFECT C O M P L E M E N T T O A N Y S A LT W AT E R E N V I R O N M E N T .”

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Hendersonville

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ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF THE UNDERSEA WORLD (CONTINUED)

Fortunately for Hendersonville area residents,

“We have been serving the Hendersonville con-

James Brumit and his team at 7 Seas Aquatics are

sumer and business community since 2014,” says

ready to help you with all of your aquarium and

James. “Collectively, our staff has over 100 years of

water life needs.

combined experience in establishing and maintaining

Located on Hendersonville’s west side, 7 Seas is a

aquatic environments.”

full-service aquatics retailer that offers a full range of

At 7 Seas, no job is too small or too large, with proj-

saltwater, freshwater and pond products and services.

ects ranging from tanks holding just a few gallons up

“We are a one-stop destination business for all-

to large commercial installations with capacities of

things aquatics, including aquariums, water life,

400 gallons or more.

equipment and supplies” says James. “We also pro-

“We can handle anything from small, off-the-shelf

vide a full complement of professional assistance,

retail units for beginners up to custom-built, top-of-

including pre-purchase consultation, onsite tank

the-line aquariums for our larger customers,” says

setup and ongoing aquarium maintenance.”

James. “Regardless of the need, if a customer can

While there are other aquatics dealers around the country, 7 Seas differentiates itself based upon its expertise and customer service.

dream it, we can build it.”

Set up and population times for new aquariums vary significantly due to size and complexity.

The diversity of beautiful animal life is never ending in the undersea world.

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Hendersonville Lifestyle | April 2021

A trio of Ocellaris Clownfish swim in front of a Long Tentacle Anemone.

“WHEN I BEGAN WORKING WITH BRINE AQUARIUMS, I W A S O N LY I N T E R E S T E D I N E XOTIC FISH. HOWEVER , IT DIDN’T LONG BEFORE C O R A L S T O O K C E N T E R S TA G E AS I GAINED A DEEPER U N D E R S TA N D I N G O F T H E S A LT W AT E R E C O S Y S T E M .”

However, most installations can be completed in a few weeks of learning, planning and component sourcing.

Aquarium installation and maintenance pricing is also variable depending upon customer requirements.

“Key cost factors include tank sizes, support equipment, customization and type of aquatic environment,” says James. “The bottom line is, the better the system is designed and installed, the less maintenance costs will be over time.”

One of the most popular services offered by 7 Seas is routine

James Brumit examines the corals in one of his tanks.

aquarium maintenance. Customers who take advantage of this arrangement find that they are able to enjoy their aquariums more by spending less time taking care of the ecosystem.

“We have a large number of consumer and business customers on maintenance agreements,” says James. “Most of our clients receive biweekly support visits, while larger installations require more frequent servicing. Maintenance pricing begins at $1 per gallon per visit, with additional fees possible due to complexity and service minimums.”

Another unique aspect of 7 Seas is its expertise in marine corals.

“When I began working with brine aquariums, I was only interested in exotic fish. However, it didn’t long before corals took centerstage as I gained a deeper understanding of the saltwater ecosystem,” says James. “The colors, variety, complexity and details of these animals still astonish me after all these years. They provide the perfect complement to any saltwater environment.”

Thanks to regular reporting by environmental researchers, it is widely known that corals and coral reefs are endangered species.

In recognition of this fact, James goes out of his way to sustainably source the coral life sold in his store.

“At 7 Seas, we take a responsible approach to obtaining the corals that we sell. Our aim is to provide as much aquacultured (farm raised) CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Hendersonville

27

ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF THE UNDERSEA WORLD (CONTINUED)

A brilliant Flame Angel swims near a rocky bottom.

coral to our customers as possible,” says James. “In fact, we have our own local coral farm currently in development.”

The 7 Seas commitment to ocean environmental awareness goes

With its experienced staff, industry expertise and convenient location in the City by the Lake, aquarium enthusiasts need to look no further than 7 Seas Aquatics.

beyond sustainable coral harvesting.

“We are focused on doing what we can from Hendersonville to have

7 Seas Aquatics, LLC

a positive impact on the environment,” says James. “From customer

919 West Main St., Suite L2,

education to reselling ecologically friendly products such as 4ocean™

Hendersonville, TN 37075

bracelets, 7 Seas is committed to helping protect our world.”

615.824.4147

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Hendersonville Lifestyle | April 2021

MAINSTREAM BOUTIQUE OF HENDERSONVILLE 203 N Anderson Ln | Hendersonville, TN 37075 | 615.431.2980 mainstreamhendersonville mbhendersonville M - F: 10 - 6 | SAT: 10 - 5 | SUN: CLOSED CityLifestyle.com/Hendersonville

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FINANCIAL BUZZ

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY RICK MURRAY

make the most of tax time this year LOCAL CPAS OFFER ADVICE ON TAKING ADVANTAGE OF COVID-RELATED TAX CHANGES COVID-19 HAS BROUGHT ABOUT MANY CHANGES IN OUR DAILY LIVES. Our homes have become schools and workplaces, many of our favorite events have been cancelled, and we have learned to interact with each other while wearing masks and keeping our social distance.

However, despite all of the changes, one thing has remained constant – we still have to file our federal income taxes. Pandemic or not, the tax man still cometh.

This year, there have been several personal and business tax code updates that are directly related to the coronavirus. To gain a better understanding of how the new changes affect us, we reached out to local CPAs Sean Roach and Steve Helmuth to get their professional perspectives.

1

What are the most significant pandemic-related tax issues for individuals this year?

“First, stimulus payments received by individuals aren’t taxable, so that’s good news,” says

Steve. “However, your tax preparer still needs to know how much you received in stimulus funding so that your 2020 tax return can be properly reconciled.”

“In addition, there is a new $300 per tax return deduction ($600 for joint filers) available for

charitable contributions in 2020,” adds Sean. “This deduction is available for all filers, even if they don’t itemize on their returns.”

“Another tax issue affects individuals who took out Covid-related early distributions from their

retirement plans,” says Steve. “Depending upon their circumstances, taxpayers can receive additional time to repay the distribution without penalty. If they choose not to pay it back, they can opt to spread their tax liability over three years rather than having to absorb it all this year.”

“For taxpayers who are self-employed, and who lost income due to having Covid-19 or having to care for someone who did, they may be eligible for an additional tax credit,” adds Steve.

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Hendersonville Lifestyle | April 2021

2

What are the most significant pandemic-related tax issues for small businesses this year?

“The most immediate tax issue facing businesses at the moment deals with the

Employee Retention Credit that became law with the passage of the CARES Act in 2020,” says Steve. “Designed to encourage employers to keep their workers on the payroll, the tax credit can be claimed against a percentage of annual wages paid to employees, resulting in a significant reduction in tax liability. It is very important that employers maintain accurate records to determine their eligibility for the credit.”

“Another concern affects businesses seeking to take advantage of the next phase

of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provision of the CARES Act,” says Steve.

“A key factor in determining eligibility for the second round of PPP loans is a decrease in revenue. Determining this decrease can be time-consuming, particularly for busi-

nesses with small staffs.”

“The additional recordkeeping caused by the tax changes illustrates the importance of partnering with a local CPA firm,” adds Sean. “Your CPA can help you establish and maintain an accurate accounting system that can make determining tax credit and loan eligibility much easier.”

What advice would you give to taxpayers as they prepare to file their 2020 income tax returns?

3

“Hold off on filing as long as possible. Due to last minute Covid-related relief measures

in Congress, the tax situation for businesses and individuals is very fluid,” says Steve. “It is very likely that several additional tax changes will occur prior to the end of the filing season. For example, the most recent $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill includes a provision to make the first $10,200 of unemployment benefits received during 2020 non-taxable.”

Sean Roach & Associates 128 Harlan Avenue, Hendersonville, TN 37075 615.265.8180 Srcpas.com CityLifestyle.com/Hendersonville

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DIY

Benefits of a

chemical-free home

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO TURN YOUR HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL-FREE? It's not as hard as you might think!

We hear a lot about the dangers of chemical ingredients, but it's easy to ignore all of the warnings and keep using our favorite products.

When you don't know of a better alternative, it's just what you do!

However, all of those ingredients add up and can make a big difference in your health, as well as the health of your family and pets.

The products that are most important to swap out depend on your lifestyle and what you use the most.

If your little ones are eating food right off of the counter, you might consider the ingredients from the cleaner you just used to wipe it down and start by switching to a natural method.

ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER

If you have sensitive skin, you might start by taking inventory of your beauty and personal care products to see what you can replace.

To get you started, here is a DIY product that you can make yourself for your chemical-free home.

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Hendersonville Lifestyle | April 2021

DIY Laundry Scent Enhancer If you have ever added those popular scent beads to your load of laundry before, you know how lovely it is to pull your amazingly scented clothes out of the dryer.

The funny thing about a product like that is it truly has no purpose other than adding a good smell, but it does add lots of chemicals to your daily life!

There's a safer and more beneficial way to make your clothes smell heavenly. Try this DIY scent enhancer with your next load of laundry and put it to the test.

Ingredients 3 parts Epsom Salt + 1 part Baking Soda + Essential Oils

Directions Mix your ingredients together in a jar or canister and scoop about ¼ cup directly into the washer basin before adding the clothes—just like you would with scented beads. Continue with your laundry like normal.

Learn More

For more information on starting a chemical-free household, you can browse online resources such as ChemFreeCom.com or find a social media group to join with likeminded people who have some experience from their own trial and error. If you get overwhelmed, remember that you don't have to get rid of all chemicals in one day. Every swap you make is something to celebrate!

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Hendersonville Lifestyle | April 2021