EDUCATION
MIDDLE TENNESSEE COLLEGES
LOCAL SERVICES
ASK THE EXPERTS
KAT HIE LEE GIFFORD
World-Class Surgical Care For Every Patient Need
Whether you need treatment for a common or complex condition, you’ll receive highly skilled care from our expert surgeons at Williamson Health.
Our general surgery team specializes in a variety of procedures, with a strong focus on hernias, gallbladder issues, and colon/small bowel surgeries. Additionally, they provide expert care in breast surgery, as well as treatment of skin and soft tissue conditions. Committed to patient-centered care, the team utilizes the latest techniques to ensure optimal outcomes for their patients.
Whether it is an elective or urgent procedure, inpatient or outpatient, you can feel at ease knowing that you have a team of surgical experts every step of the way. From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, our focus centers on you.
For more information, visit: WilliamsonHealth.org/surgery
IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, WE CAN BUILD IT!
We are a leading company in the creation of Post-Frame Buildings Including: BARNDOMINIUMS | POLE BARNS | GARAGES | EQUESTRIAN | EVENT SPACES
Built on Amish Heritage, a strong work ethic, and a desire to create buildings that last, we take pride in providing high-quality custom structures at a reasonable price.
Give us a call or send us a message to get started.
A Good Investment
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Athena West | athena.west@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Maria Dinoia | maria.dinoia@citylifestyle.com
Investment, by definition, is the act of devoting time, effort, energy or finances to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result. We can invest in a lot of things such as our community, our relationships, our finances, and our health with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact. We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools and local organizations. We can serve the community through volunteerism and investment in future gen erations. On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and stay educated and involved with future city planning. Investing in our finances helps create wealth, meets long term financial goals, and secures our retirement. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and enrich relationships by giving time and effort to the people in our lives that mean the most to us. This type of investment has the most meaningful impact to not only ourselves but to the people closest to us.
While investing in ourselves, relationships, community and finances can look very different from person to person, the effort we put into these areas of our lives are done with the common goal of having a positive impact that yields results. In this issue, we wanted to share about some of the ways that we can invest in our community, our finances, and with those that we love.
I hope you spend some time investing in yourself, grabbing something to drink, perhaps a soft blanket, and reading something within this issue that makes you smile.
With warmest regards,
ATHENA WEST, PUBLISHER @THOMPSONSSTATIONLIFESTYLE
Thompson’s Station Lifestyle is available for pickup at the following locations:
• Grecian Family Restaurant and Bakery (Spring Hill)
• The Fainting Goat (Spring Hill)
• Spring Hill Public Library
• Sweet CeCe’s (The Crossings at Spring Hill)
• Parkway Wine and Spirits (The Crossings at Spring Hill)
• Local doctors and professional offices around the area
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Emily Smith | emily.smith@citylifestyle.com
INTERNS
Hailey Holloway, Lainey Green
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Karen Creason | karen.creason@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Karen Creason, Lauren Kelly
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Jeremy Cowart
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick Learn
Investing In Education, Diverse Programs, And Vibrant Communities
Six Colleges In The Middle Tennessee Area
ARTICLE BY LAUREN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Lipscomb University
Lipscomb University offers a unique blend of academic excellence, faith-based values, and a strong community atmosphere. Known for its outstanding programs in business, health sciences, and the arts, the university offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on values-driven education. With just under 5,000 students, and a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1, Lipscomb’s education is especially encouraged through small class sizes. Its College of Business and College of Health Sciences are particularly well-regarded, with strong connections to Nashville's thriving healthcare and business industries. It also provides students with a lively campus experience, with 14 Greek organizations and over 100 other student organizations. The proximity to downtown Nashville also allows students to access cultural, professional, and entertainment opportunities while only being around 30 minutes from Franklin.
Lipscomb.edu
Vanderbilt University
Located in the heart of Nashville, Vanderbilt University offers a world-class education with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and academic excellence. Known for its rigorous programs and SEC campus life, Vanderbilt stands out for its prestigious academic reputation, offering more than 70 majors across its renowned schools of Arts and Science, Engineering, and Business. The university is recognized for its cutting-edge research, especially in areas like medicine, science, and social policy. As the SEC school with the fewest students (under 14,000), the campus balances both exciting student life and a personalized learning environment, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1. Its diverse campus life includes over 450 student organizations, a strong Greek system, and access to Nashville’s thriving music, healthcare, and tech industries and is only 30 minutes from Franklin.
Vanderbilt.edu
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville's Austin Peay State University offers strong nursing, education, and business programs. The University has over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs. With just over 10,000 students enrolled, the university emphasizes hands-on learning, community service, and leadership development, offering students real-world experience through internships, service projects, and faculty mentorship. Austin Peay’s campus fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, and the 140+ active student organizations, including Greek life and clubs, create a vibrant community. The university also offers a renowned ROTC program and has easy access to outdoor activities, with nearby parks and the Cumberland River. Located about an hour from Franklin, students can easily commute home while experiencing the close-knit atmosphere of Clarksville.
APSU.edu
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee Tech
Tennessee Tech University, located in Cookeville, offers a hands-on, technology-focused education that sets it apart from many other schools. With its strong engineering programs, emphasis on research and innovation, and unique campus culture, Tennessee Tech is renowned for its top-ranked College of Engineering, which offers specialized training in fields like aerospace, civil, and electrical engineering. Tennessee Tech also has a strong emphasis on service learning and community engagement, with about 10,000 students gaining real-world experience through internships and cooperative education programs. Its location in Cookeville, an hour and a half from Franklin, offers a blend of small-town communities with access to Middle Tennessee's vibrant industries.
TNTech.edu
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro offers a diverse range of programs, from aerospace to business. MTSU combines strong academics, vibrant campus life, and proximity to Nashville, providing unique opportunities in industries like music, healthcare, and technology. With over 22,000 students, MTSU offers a vibrant campus life with more than 250 student organizations, including academic, cultural, and recreational clubs. The university’s athletics program competes at the NCAA Division I level. MTSU’s campus features state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Aerospace Department's fleet of aircraft and the College of Media and Entertainment. The university also hosts unique events like Raider Relief Day, giving students countless opportunities for involvement, personal growth, and a close-knit community experience. Located just 50 minutes from Franklin, MTSU offers a convenient commute for students to enjoy both campus life and Nashville’s amenities.
MTSU.edu
Belmont University
Belmont University offers a lively campus life, diverse academic programs, and unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. From its strong music and arts programs to its campus Greek life, Belmont offers over 80 undergraduate programs ranging from business, healthcare, and music to liberal arts and sciences for its more than 8,000 students. Its renowned School of Music and College of Entertainment and Music Business attract many aspiring artists and industry professionals. With a commitment to academic excellence, faith-based values, and service, Belmont creates a dynamic and collaborative environment. Located just 20 minutes from Franklin, the university is easily accessible, allowing students to enjoy a vibrant college life while staying connected to the Franklin community and the heart of Nashville’s rich cultural scene.
Belmont.edu
Belmont University/Photo by Halle Parks on Unsplash
With just over 10,000 students enrolled, the university emphasizes hands-on learning, community service, and leadership development, offering students real-world experience through internships, service projects, and faculty mentorship.
— Austin Peay State University
Kathie Lee Gifford's
Life In Franklin
ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY COWART
MAKEUP BY REBEKAH ALONSO
The Veteran TV Host Continues To Rewrite Her Second Act
Kathie Lee Gifford is a beloved, Emmy Award-winning television personality best known for her 15-year run as co-host of Live with Regis and Kathie Lee and later, her role on NBC’s Today show alongside Hoda Kotb for 11 years. It was her warmth, humor, and relatable candor that captured the hearts of audiences everywhere and catapulted Gifford to stardom. Since stepping away from morning television, the 71-year-old has embraced new, creative ventures and continued rewriting her life's second act, including writing books, producing films, and pursuing songwriting.
Now based in Franklin, she continues to explore her passion for faith-driven storytelling. "I do feast on biblical history," says Gifford. "I used to call myself a Bible nerd, but I'm not a Bible nerd because I don't even call it the Bible anymore. I call it the scriptures. When you go to Israel and you study with the greatest biblical teachers and spiritual scholars in the world, especially the Messianic rabbis, and they take you 10 layers, 10 levels deep, it's better than anything you've ever read in Western Christianity. So when you've studied as long as I have, it's hard not to scream. I wish people knew what I've been taught. The lack of spiritual curiosity is upsetting to me because I want people to be full of the Holy Spirit and full of the word of God."
That word of God is in her latest endeavor, Herod & Mary ( with co-writer Bryan Litfin, PhD). It was her son Cody who said to her, 'Mom, why don't you start a series of books on ancient evil characters and we'll juxtapose it with good.' "The stories in the Bible are so epic," Gifford says. "But you get a story about Herod, and all you really know is that he's not a good guy. If Jesus was the greatest story ever told, then Herod's is one of the greatest stories never told." Herod & Mary is the first in a series of thrillers for the self-proclaimed 'biblical history freak.' Next up is Nero & Paul, due out sometime in 2026.
CONTINUED >
“If I'm going to truly devote my life and my heart to something, it's got to be true.”
Gifford is no stranger to writing. She's written several New York Times bestsellers, Broadway plays, movie scripts and even songs. She trusts the creative process. "I never graduated from college," says Gifford. "I wasn't learning a damn thing in college that I would ever use in life, and I knew it, and I said, 'I'm out of here. I'm wasting my time. I don't belong here.' I was born to tell stories, whether it's in musical form or it's in book form, or it's a Broadway musical or it's a whatever. Here's the thing, when I sit down, I don't know how to do what I do. I have no idea. I get these visions, but I also get this inner knowing about what I'm supposed to do, and I just sit down and write."
She probably owes some of that to her father's wise words. "My daddy used to say, 'Find something you'd love to do and then figure out a way to get paid for it,'" says Gifford. "So I got paid to sing at something when I was 10 years old. I've always loved being able to entertain. I'm an entertainer. I've made a living at it since I was 10. And this is my 60th year being an entertainer."
Gifford's been in Franklin since 2019 and has embraced the Tennessee way of life. "I do have three different places where I live. I have three homes and my brownstone is my main home here in Franklin. I bought a little farm three years ago, and
“I don't sleep at all. There are some of us that could survive on very little sleep, yet according to every study, I should have died about four dozen years ago.”
and I've been renovating it, and building onto it in honor of my mom and dad. I want my grandchildren and their grandchildren to know where they came from because my mother and father were the most beautiful, most decent, most godly people I've ever known. They'll just be a picture in a frame on a table if I don't tell their story." In fact, Gifford would love her parents story to be the last book she writes.
that's my little getaway place. It's the only French farm in probably all of Tennessee. It's not a Tennessee farm. It's French, in honor of my mother and father who lived in a little town outside of Paris called Orval when my father was on General Eisenhower's staff. I named my farm Orval because it's precious. We made it all French,
But it's the South's most charming town and vibrant suburb of Nashville that's really captured her heart. "I said to myself, 'I've got to make a change, and I found Franklin. I was trying to buy a friend's penthouse in The Gulch. She wouldn't sell it. She just loved it. So I ended up staying in Franklin a couple of times and I loved it. I fell in love with the culture here, a culture of kindness. So it's been a good decision. People embraced me. They were very hospitable and I felt very, very safe here. I don't live in the past. I can't. That's why I left Greenwich to move here. I needed a new life, new memories, new friends."
KathieLeeGifford.com
Q & A Ask The Experts
We gathered a panel of local experts to tackle your most commonly asked questions about lice, automobile buying, eyecare, new home communities, painting, and orthodontics. From common misconceptions to expert tips, they’ve got the answers—read on to find out what they had to say.
Have Questions? We've Got Answers!
ARTICLE BY KAREN CREASON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Joe West
Owner, Lice Clinics of America
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO MY HOUSE TO GET RID OF LICE?
• Simply throw your sheets, blankets, and pillow cases you slept on last night in the dryer for about 20 minutes.
• Put hair brushes used in the past 24 hours in the freezer for 3 hours. This will kill the lice without damaging your brushes.
The internet has plenty of myths to scare you into essentially bombing your house, but it simply isn’t true or necessary.
ONLY CERTAIN PEOPLE OR HAIR TYPES GET LICE.
False. They will happily make themselves at home in anyone’s hair: clean, dirty, dry, oily, long, short, straight. The only person exempt from getting lice is someone who is completely bald.
HOW CAN I PREVENT LICE FROM HAPPENING?
It’s impossible to completely prevent it, but a few simple ways to reduce your risk include:
• Strong smells. Tea Tree oil, perfumes, hairsprays, and even cinnamon and peppermint are not attractive to lice.
• Wear your hair up and tight. Lice move by using their legs to crawl on two hair strands at a time.
• Lay off the selfies! Putting your heads together to take a selfie is just enough time for lice to crawl from one head to another.
IS THAT YOUR BEST PRICE?
In today’s fast-paced car market, informed buyers recognize the value of a transparent, upfront pricing model. With abundant online resources, it is crucial to choose a dealership that clearly presents its best offer upfront, without hidden fees or last-minute negotiations. At Ford of Columbia and Hyundai of Columbia, our pricing is based on real-time market conditions, current supply and demand, sales velocity, and the age of our inventory. This approach ensures that every vehicle is competitively priced and adjusted (re-priced) to align with market changes. We also have a non-commissioned sales team that is paid based on how many cars they sell, not how much they can sell them for. This practice ensures that the sales professional you work with focuses solely on finding a vehicle that fits your needs and budget. Choosing a dealer who operates this way means you can expect a fair, straightforward, and customer-centric car buying experience.
“With abundant online resources, it is crucial to choose a dealership that clearly presents its best offer upfront.”
Rob Szeliga, OD
Jenna Cowart
WHY SHOULD I GET A COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMINATION EVERY YEAR?
Your eyes are more than just windows to the world. They’re also windows to your overall health. Annual comprehensive eye exams are essential, even if you already see clearly. Unlike a toothache, many eye diseases, like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, develop silently without symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Early detection through an eye exam can help preserve vision and prevent blindness.
In addition to monitoring eye health, a comprehensive eye exam can detect over 270 systemic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and even neurological disorders by examining the retina, blood vessels, optic nerve, and other eye structures. Children benefit from yearly exams, as undiagnosed vision problems can hinder learning and development.
Unlike simple vision screenings, a comprehensive exam assesses the entire eye, including retinal health, eye muscle function, and potential prescription changes.
“Many eye diseases develop silently without symptoms until significant damage has occurred.”
WHAT IS A MIXED-USE
COMMUNITY?
Mixed-use communities offer residents the opportunity to live around various retail, restaurants/ food, and amenities. Fountain View, specifically, is a 96-acre walkable property that encompasses 126 single-family homes and will offer approximately 70k square feet of retail space. This can be anything from a taco shop, ice cream shop, dentist office, clothing boutique, etc. There will be an entertainment complex featuring pickleball courts and more. For the residential homes, the amenities will include a neighborhood pool, two pickleball courts, a dog park, and a playground.
WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT LIVING IN THOMPSON’S STATION?
Thompson’s Station still offers a small-town, country feel, yet is still close to everything you need. Easy access to shopping in Cool Springs (12 minutes north), Historic Downtown Franklin (10 miles north), Downtown Nashville (30 minutes north) and a beautiful drive on Natchez Trace is only a few miles away. Small parks and trails offer all residents options to experience the outdoors and stay close to home.
HOW DO WE MAINTAIN A THRIVING CULTURE WITH OUR TEAM, VENDORS, AND CUSTOMERS?
We find the “why” with every person we encounter. Maintaining a thriving culture with businesses, vendors, and employees is all about building trust, fostering collaboration, and aligning values cohesively across the board, and that’s what CertaPro Painters of Nashville and Middle TN is all about.
HOW DO WE GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?
Heartfelt stories remind us that giving back to the community is an ongoing process, often sparked by personal experiences. We are about nurturing empathy, fostering trust, and showing up for one another when it matters most. True community engagement doesn’t always come with a grand gesture; sometimes, it’s the small, everyday acts of kindness that have the most profound impact.
Dylan (R) with his wife, Scout. Photo by Amanda Law Photography
“We find the ‘why’ with every person we encounter.”
AT WHAT AGE SHOULD I BRING MY CHILD TO AN ORTHODONTIST?
The American Association of Orthodontics (AA0) recommends orthodontic check-ups begin at age seven. Having a check-up at this age allows the orthodontist to catch very specific problems that benefit from early intervention. After the first visit, most children are seen once or twice a year to monitor growth and development until around 11 - 13 years old when braces are typically started. If early treatment is recommended, the problem, treatment plan and goals should be very well explained and understood. If not, please seek another opinion. You may very well save yourself a lot of money and your child the experience of braces twice.
AM I TOO OLD FOR BRACES?
If your teeth are healthy, we can straighten them. All ages can benefit from a beautiful smile.
WHEN CAN I STOP WEARING MY RETAINER?
We tell our patients at night for life. One of the main reasons adults seek treatment is to re-straighten teeth because they stopped wearing retainers.
Mona Wilson Affiliate Broker
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY
The drink that makes you look forward to TAX DAY
INCOME TAX cocktail
INGREDIENTS:
• 1½ oz. Gin
• ¾ oz. Dry Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Sweet Vermouth
• ¾ oz. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
• 2 Dashes Angastura Bitters
• Orange Twist
• Glass Type: Coupe
DIRECTIONS:
1.
2. Add everything to your shaker with ice.
4. Pour into your coupe.
5. Twist your orange peel again, like you did last summer.
7. Enjoy being done with taxes.
8. And a good cocktail.
The Income Tax Cocktail likely popped up during the Prohibition party scene of the 1920s. Its exact origin story remains a bit blurry, but it was definitely a hit in speakeasies.
The name? Well, it's like a cheeky nod to the idea that sipping on this cocktail might be more fun than paying actual taxes! Made with gin, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and a dash of bitters, it's like a boozy adventure for your taste buds, with hints of citrus and herbs. Despite its vintage roots, the Income Tax Cocktail still brings the party vibes, transporting you back to the roaring '20s.
APRIL 3RD
Mule Day Festival
Maury County Park and Downtown Columbia | 10:00 AM
Runs through April 6. Celebrate the traditions and history of Appalachia during the annual Mule Day Festival in the "mule capital" of the world. Featuring a craft fair, mule shows, beauty pageants, and traditional competitions such as barrel races and log rolling contests, there's never a dull moment during this renowned festival. MuleDay.com
APRIL 12TH
Arbor Day Celebration
Pinkerton Park | 10:00 AM
With a focus on environmental education for locals, this free celebration provides a great opportunity for families to enjoy the natural environment together. Family activities, tree climbing, and tree sapling giveaway will take place. FranklinTN.gov
APRIL 12TH
Underwater Egg Hunt
Longview Recreation Center | 1:00 PM
Experience a one-of-a-kind underwater easter egg hunt this year at the rec center. For ages 2 to 12, bring a pair of goggles and a basket for the eggs you find. WCParksAndRec.com
APRIL 19TH
Nashville Earth Day
Centennial Park Band Shell | 11:00 AM
In honor of Earth Day, Centennial Park Conservancy will be holding a free celebration featuring yoga classes, live music, speakers, an EV car show, and a tree giveaway. There will also be interactive exhibits for kids and a variety of sustainable local businesses selling environmentally friendly products. ConservancyOnline.com
APRIL 24TH
Music City Food & Wine Festival
Centennial Park Great Lawn | 6:00 PM Runs through the 27th. Culinary greats such as Vivek Surit will grace this showcase of local restaurants and businesses. Entertaining brunches and pairing dinners will be hosted throughout the city, along with a chef competition. To further showcase the recipes and spirits that are an integral part of Nashville, there will be a vendor market and tastings from local restaurants and wine brands. ConservancyOnline.com
APRIL 26TH
41st Annual Main Street Festival
Historic Downtown Franklin | 10:00 AM
Runs through the 27th. This beloved annual tradition returns with a wide variety of food options, artisan vendors, and live performances for the two-day festival. This year, cultural attractions including collaborative public art exhibits, spoken-word performances, dance, and more will be on display. Kid and pet zones will also be available, along with an interactive entertainment area sponsored by the Nashville Predators. WilliamsonHeritage.org
Celebrate Better Speech & Hearing Month in May!
Spring is in the air, but are you hearing it? The birds are singing, the breeze is whispering, and the world is coming alive with sound. But if you’re missing out on the details, it might be time to check in on your hearing health. Trust HearTN to provide the personalized care and life-changing technology you need to enjoy all that spring has to offer!
Comprehensive Services: From hearing evaluations to personalized treatment plans, we offer a full spectrum of services to meet your hearing needs.
Personalized Care: Our team takes the time to understand your unique lifestyle and preferences, providing solutions that fit seamlessly into your daily routine.
Ongoing Support: Beyond your initial appointment, we’re here to provide ongoing support and guidance, ensuring your hearing health journey is a successful and fulfilling one.
For our Franklin, Spring Hill, Nolensville, and Dickson Offices: (615) 591-6410
For our Tullahoma Office: (931) 393-2051
For our Chattanooga and Trenton, GA Offices: (423) 870-9930
info@HearTN.com www.HearTN.com
FRANKLIN | SPRING HILL
NOLENSVILLE | DICKSON
TULLAHOMA | CHATTANOOGA TRENTON, GA
At Ford of Columbia, we believe in caring for our customers like family.
That’s why we’re proud to offer employee pricing on tires—every day, on every tire. When you need new tires, you'll pay exactly what we pay— $10 over the true cost, not a penny more.
You're more than just a customer— you’re part of the family.
- Chris Alexander Dealer Partner & General Manager
