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
Holiday Cheer and a Happy New Year!
We made it y'all! 2024 is coming to a close and we have given this issue all the sparkle, holiday magic, and joy we could round up! Grab a cup of hot cocoa (with whipped cream, of course) and settle in for a great read! With every issue, our team tries to focus on the people, events, and the businesses that make our community great. There are so many opportunities to give back, donate, and spread some joy. So we have showcased a few of them if you feel led to give. We’ve compiled a gift guide to make your shopping easier while supporting our local businesses. And as for our cover story? We all know Williamson County has magic and wonder all year long, but the holidays give our area some extra twinkle. Hollywood agrees and decided it was the perfect setting for some movie magic! Grab your popcorn and tune in to A Little Women's Christmas on the Great American Family channel. In the true spirit of the season, let’s take care of those in our community that need assistance or who are alone. My hope for you this season is that you feel love and peace and that we all remember to take care of each other, extending grace, empathy and love.
Happy Holidays and here’s to a fantastic 2025!
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 areaLocal doctors and professional offices around the area
December 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
INTERN
Hailey Holloway, Lainey Green
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ed Atlas, Lauren Kelly, Kellie Walton
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
ARTICLE BY KELLIE WALTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Where To Ring in 2025
WE’RE
It’s almost time to celebrate new beginnings as we bring 2024 to a close. Whether you prefer to ring in the new year with a swanky soirée or reflect on the previous over a special meal, you have plenty of options in Middle Tennessee.
Southall Farm & Inn
This Leiper’s Fork destination is hosting a glittering gathering with bites, an open bar, and live music. Up the ante by staying the night in one of the stunning guest rooms.
W Nashville
CHIC at the W Nashville will be a raucous celebration complete with a countdown, an open bar, and some of the city’s best DJs.
Downtown Nashville
Go big or go home! Downtown Nashville’s free NYE celebration will be bigger than ever with the music note drop and live performances from Jelly Roll and Kane Brown.
To celebrate its return, Saffire is celebrating the new year with a sparkling wine flight and cheese pairings from Grey’s Fine Cheeses.
Twelve Thirty Club
This Justin Timberlake-backed supper club downtown is hosting an all-inclusive evening with food, drinks, and live music.
Saffire
SINGING AULD LANG SYNE ACROSS MUSIC CITY
Photo byPatrick Argast, ArgastPhotograph y
Photo by S arah Cahill
PhotobyBen
nos for VisitMusic
THE HEART OF
HOL IDAY SEA SON
From career exploration to festive community events, Franktown Open Hearts brings joy and support to disadvantaged children across Franklin.
“We are a program that works with impoverished children from kindergarten to senior year after school and all day during the summer," says Chris Barnhill, Franktown Open Hearts' executive director. "The big difference between Franktown Open Hearts and any other program I know of is that we take the kids through what
ARTICLE BY LAUREN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
NON PROFIT WORKS WITH DISADVANTAGED YOUTH
TO EXPLORE CAREERS AND SPUR ON THE COMMUNITY'S CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
I call a ‘buffet line’ of careers when they are in middle school. They go to 35 classes to get exposure to cooking, automotive, sewing, 3D printing, golf, finance, welding, electrical, plumbing, woodworking and much more. Because of this, 100 percent of our students have graduated from our program and ‘launched’ into either a university, program, or job. These kids want to work for it, get off of welfare, and better their lives. All we do is give them the tools and experience to do it.”
Franktown Open Hearts' purposeful mission, coming alongside disadvantaged kids, is not the only way the program is involved in the community. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is also known for spreading the Christmas spirit throughout Williamson County and beyond.
“We have two Christmas time activities the community can get involved in," says Barnhill. "The first is the Franktown Festival of Lights. It started because there used to be a Christmas lights show near Opryland that moved to the Wilson County AG Center. The year before moving though, there were about 60,000 cars that drove through their light show. So when they moved, it gave us the idea to put on a light show closer to Williamson County for all of these people."
Career classes like woodworking help students explore their passions
"Eventually we found a light company that was a good fit for us to partner with. We also partnered with the county and they let us lease the AG Center for the festival. The light show’s route is about a mile-and-a-half long and certain sections are synchronized with Christmas music, so you can tune your car radio to a station and listen along with the light show. At the end, people can get out of their cars and get their picture taken with the beautiful 25-foot-tall Christmas tree and roast marshmallows while enjoying hot chocolate, popcorn, and cotton candy."
The festival opened on November 22 and is open from 5-9 p.m. each night until December 31. "We even have ‘Walking Wednesdays’ each week until 6:30 so that anyone can come and walk the course with the music instead of driving it,” adds Barnhill. “Each night, we need volunteers to help, so anyone can go to the website to volunteer or buy tickets at any point in the season. The cars that drive through receive a card with information about Franktown Open Hearts that explains all of the proceeds raised go toward Franktown Open Hearts' capital campaign. It also has a rendering of the center we are looking to build because we are currently using numerous locations that are not our own to host these children. By having our own building, we can minimize the amount of time we are spending driving the kids from place to place. The county is leasing us a piece of land directly behind the Williamson County Library for this center,
River rafting for a student trip
Friendships are formed through learning
so all we have to do is raise money for the building to give the program a home to serve more disadvantaged kids.” The Festival of Lights is an event for anyone and everyone in the community to enjoy.
Franktown Open Hearts also seeks to make the kids in the program feel the Christmas spirit in a unique way, as well. “Our second Christmas activity has a direct impact on the kids in the Franktown Open Hearts program," says Barnhill. "Throughout the year, we raise enough money, so that by Christmas time we can give each child some funds and pair them with a Franktown Open Hearts volunteer family that can take them shopping to buy Christmas presents for their family. These volunteer families take them to stores, check items off the list, and then take them back to the church, where we host a time for all of the volunteers and kids to wrap the presents and eat a Christmas feast. Then the kids are taken home, and we help them carry in the presents and a box of food. It helps our volunteers realize that many of us are very blessed and we can help our community through projects like this one. The purpose of Franktown Open Hearts is to serve the kids, and we are blessed to share that with the Franklin community.”
FranktownOpenHearts.com
The Festival of Lights
mor e. With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only.
Expir es 12/31/24. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Hear This (Not Too) Loud And Clear
HOW DR. ELIZABETH WELCH AND HEARTN ARE LEADING THE WAY IN HEARING HEALTHCARE
If you haven’t paid much attention to your hearing health, Dr. Elizabeth Welch wants to deliver a message that’s (not too) loud and clear: make an appointment and get an exam.
“In many cases, hearing loss is so gradual that people don’t even notice until it has progressed,” she says. “I highly recommend getting tested so that you know your baseline. Then if subsequent tests indicate you’ve experienced a loss, it can be treated.”
Dr. Welch takes hearing to heart. She’s been in private practice for nearly 30 years and since 2009 has owned HearTN, a Franklin-based audiology practice with additional offices in Spring Hill, Nolensville, Dickson, Tullahoma, Chattanooga, and Trenton, Georgia Her career and her practice are lifelong passions. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do or anything else I ever wanted to do,” she says.
Dr. Welch says that hearing loss is not necessarily an age-related condition, and people shouldn’t be quick to write off a decline in their hearing as a normal part of aging. For example, with the prevalence of earbuds, people’s ears take quite a beating on a regular basis. Who hasn’t gradually elevated the volume to the point that it's cranked to concert-level decibels?
“It doesn’t matter if you’re five or 105, loss is loss and normal is normal,” she says. The numbers tell the story as 1-of-8 people over the age of 12 have measurable hearing loss. The number increases to 1-of-3 by age 65. Hearing loss also has a strong correlation to early-onset dementia.
In 2017, The Lancet, a British medical journal that has been published weekly for 200 years, presented a study revealing that 35 percent of cognitive decline can be attributed to 16 different risk factors, of which the leading modifiable risk factor is hearing loss.
“That means if we treat hearing loss, we can possibly reduce the rate of cognitive decline,” says Dr. Welch. “People with hearing loss are at a greater risk of developing cognitive decline earlier than their normal-hearing peers.”
One of the more prevalent issues Dr. Welch encounters these days is tinnitus, a benign condition more commonly known as “ringing in the ears.” Nearly 50 million Americans have tinnitus and about a million of those cases are severe enough to require treatment. Dr. Welch has been a trained tinnitus provider for more than 20 years.
“Many audiologists stay away from treating tinnitus, but I enjoy the challenge,” she says. “Tinnitus almost always is accompanied by hearing loss. Usually that means some level of measurable decrease, and the ringing sensation is the result of the brain’s attempt to compensate for what’s missing. It’s a phantom sound, but it’s very real to the patient.”
In the past, there was very little an audiologist could do to treat tinnitus but that changed in early 2023 when the FDA approved a new treatment called Lenire, a non-invasive device that introduces gentle pulses to the patient’s tongue while soothing sounds are played through headphones. This bimodal neuromodulation treatment helps to ease the severity of tinnitus and has an 80 percent success rate. HearTN was the first audiology practice in Tennessee to provide Lenire treatment for its patients. Of
course, in the Nashville area, tinnitus is common among musicians but also among people who work in loud environments like construction or certain hospitality and entertainment venues.
Still, when it comes to hearing loss, most people think of treatment in the form of hearing aids. To say that hearing aid technology has come a long way in recent years is quite an understatement. The devices are discreet, comfortable and feature Bluetooth connectivity with everyday gear like smartphones, tablets and TVs.
“Over-the-counter hearing aids have brought more attention to hearing loss,” Dr. Welch says. “And now that they can be paired with the devices you use every day, patients are inclined to embrace hearing aids when there used to be resistance. People are more in tune with their health than ever,
so they are starting treatment earlier, and improving their quality of life sooner.” With a routine exam, Dr. Welch and her team at HearTN can help determine whether a patient is a good candidate for hearing aids or Lenire.
As with many forms of healthcare, hearing aids are financially out of reach for some patients. That’s why Dr. Welch started Hearing Connections, an organization that works to make hearing healthcare more affordable. “Even though Williamson County is regarded as a high-income area, there are still some people who cannot afford hearing aids, and I don’t want money to get in between people and the care they need,” she says. “Hearing Connections accepts donated hearing aids and refurbishes them. Then in exchange for the service, Hearing Connections patients will pay a small fee and donate some time to another nonprofit.”
The spirit behind Hearing Connections is an extension of HearTN itself. “My team is our family,” says Dr. Welch. “We enjoy hanging out, even outside of work. I think our patients pick up on the camaraderie and appreciate that this is where we want to be and that it genuinely makes us happy to help them enjoy an improved quality of life. They can see it immediately and it gains their trust. They know we’re going to make the right recommendation, whether they need hearing aids or not.”
In fact, it’s a message that’s made loud and clear.
HearTN.com
“Hearing Connections accepts donated hearing aids and refurbishes them. Then in exchange for the service, Hearing Connections patients will pay a small fee and donate some time to another nonprofit.”
WITNESS HISTO RY
The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum was awarded the National Medal of Arts.
“For cataloging one of the Nation’s great homegrown art forms,” the White House Citation recognized the Museum’s enduring work, which “preserves history, honors giants of the genre, and inspires future generations to write their own songs about the American story.” This is the United States’ highest honor in the arts.
CONGRATULATIONS FELLOW NATIONAL MEDAL OF ARTS RECIPIENTS HONORED ON OCTOBER 21, 2024
Ruth Asawa
Randy A. Batista
Mark Bradford
Ken Burns
Clyde Butcher
Bruce Cohen
Melissa “Missy” Elliott
Leonardo “Flaco” Jimenez
Alex Katz
Jo Carole Lauder
Spike Lee
Eva Longoria
Idina Menzel
Herbert I. Ohta
Queen Latifah
Selena Quintanilla
Bruce Sagan
Steven Spielberg
Carrie Mae Weems
LEARN MORE
ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA
One For You, One For Me
LOCAL GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERYONE, INCLUDING YOURSELF
What's a December issue without a holiday gift guide? We've curated a list of seasonal hits to inspire gift ideas and get your started on tackling that Christmas list. Is mom unconventional? Is dad thrifty? Is your bestie bougie? Your cousin picky? Doesn't matter who you're shopping for, under the tree or stuffing a stocking, we've got you covered with these local goodies!
Everybody likes to spruce up their home once in a while. Here are a few suggestions for those who love decorating and putting on the pretty.
For The Home Enthusiast
We all love a good trend, whether it be statement-making jewelry or fun metallic accessories. We've even got a few fashionable suggestions for when you're heading to the game or out on your favorite playing turf.
For The Chic Hipster
W I L L I AMSONCOUNTY HITSTHEBIG SC
THE UNEXPECTED STAR OF THE FILM, A LITTLE WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS, IS THE LOCATION ITSELF
ARTICLE BY KELLIE WALTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GABRIEL WREN
“We wanted to put Franklin out there in all its glory.”
— Brian Williams
If you’re reading this, you know all-toowell how sweet of a place Williamson County is. We’ve watched fictional places like Stars Hollow and Mayberry captivate viewers for years, instilling daydreams of moving to a small town loaded with friendly faces and beautiful places.
Well, folks, Franklin may be far from fictional, but it shines brighter than the Christmas tree on the square in the new holiday film, A Little Women’s Christmas.
Director and producer Brandon Clark was struck with inspiration during his first visit to Franklin. “I got the vision immediately. My parents moved here four years ago, and while I was shopping on Main Street for gifts, I was having these visions,” he says. “I thought, ‘I’m going to shoot a movie here.’”
Clark's a seasoned filmmaker, known for TV movies like Just Jake, The Engagement Plot, and The Happy Camper, but when he connected with a screenwriter who had an idea for a modern adaptation of Little Women with a holiday twist, he knew Franklin was the perfect backdrop for the film. He partnered with local production company Third Coast Film to get the project off the ground.
Despite the project not yet being funded, Clark started filming in and around Franklin last December. He captured the actual tree-lighting event that took place in the town square, then contacted the city to ask if the Christmas tree could stay up a little longer. That decision, and the city’s cooperation, would result in one of the most stunning shots of the film.
“The experience of this for me was much better than any place I’ve ever shot before.” — Brandon Clark
"In the movie, everyone’s going to assume we hired extras for the Christmas tree lighting. But that’s the real ceremony, with the real town coming together," says Brian Williams, co-founder of Third Coast Film. "It’s such a special moment, so be on the lookout for yourself."
During last year’s massive January snowstorm, Clark deployed a videographer to capture film of the snowy street and the twinkling tree while most locals were cozied up indoors. Seeing an authentically snowy Franklin only added to the allure, charm, and believability of the story’s holiday setting, and this footage, Clark says, is what sold the team at Great American Family (GAF). "We saw that GAF was doing a Little Women book club,” he says. “I took a Zoom call with [GAF President and CEO] Bill Abbott, and within two minutes, he said, ‘Let’s green light this.’ GAF has a delightful holiday movie series each year, and A Little Women’s Christmas would be a perfect fit. So it was time to get to work."
"We shot this entire thing in just 14 days with an ensemble cast,” says Clark. “You have to really know what you’re doing –know where your value is, what’s essential, and when you have to move on."
During the filming in July, the production team set up shop at the Harpeth Hotel, which Clark now feels is a homeaway-from-home. While the Harpeth team took great care of the crew, Clark noted that the Southern hospitality didn’t stop there. "The experience of this for me was
much better than any place I’ve ever shot before,” he says. “From the love of the community to the people – it’s a testament to this town, how it operates, and the culture."
From the decorations to the police support and even a community press release that encouraged onlookers to steer clear of the crew during filming, the town took good care of the film team, and in turn, became a star of the show itself.
"The town comes alive right away in the movie,” Williams adds. “It’s not just b-roll and music. We show the tree lighting, the bubbles, and all the things going on in town. I wanted Franklin to represent home and bring a presence and peace."
As you’re watching this holiday season, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some recognizable locations in the background. Many “walk and talks” were filmed down Main Street itself, and scenes took place inside shops like Philanthropy, Stable Reserve, Schuff’s Music, and the Franklin Mercantile.
"A lot of discussion went into how much of the actual stores and shops we could show without blurring or cutting away," Williams says. "We wanted to put Franklin out there in all its glory—it opens and closes the film, and the characters spend a good deal of time on Main Street. It really does function as a character."
The film debuted on GAF on November 23 and will air throughout the season.
Starring Jillian Murray, Trevor Donovan, Laura Osnes, Jen Lilly, Julia Reilly, and Jesse Hutch, with a special appearance by Gladys Knight, A Little Women’s Christmas is a modern-day adaptation of the original Little Women story. Taking place in the fictional town of Alcott Grove, (played by Franklin itself), the story follows the tale of writer Jo March as she returns to her hometown for the holidays. With plenty of chaos, love stories, and holiday charm, it’s a recipe for a holiday classic.
- Henry Ford
Making Spirits
JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”
As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.
Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.
One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.
Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.
These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just
about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.
“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”
Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”
We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.
To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.
The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.org
DECEMBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 1ST
Zoolumination
The Nashville Zoo
The nation's largest lantern festival pays homage to Chinese culture with over 1,000 custom silk lanterns. In addition to the beautiful light displays, there will be live performers, a meet and greet with Santa, food and beverages for purchase, and a few select animals for viewing. Tickets to the ice skating rink are an additional charge. NashvilleZoo.org
DECEMBER
7TH
Thompson's Station Holiday Market
Homestead Manor | 10:00 AM
Kick off the holiday season by browsing the artisanal, winter-themed items for sale at this market. In addition to the handmade items, there will be food trucks and seasonal activities to maximize the day's festivity.
TNHomeAndFarm.com
DECEMBER 14TH
Holiday Market at The NET
The NET Preschool, 2001 Campbell Station Pkwy, Spring Hill | 10:00 AM
Besides featuring unique gifts for sale made by local artisans, this market will include an immersive Winter Wonderland experience sponsored by Burn Boot Camp. Visitors will be able to take pictures with Santa Claus and enjoy a variety of snacks and treats. Business.SpringHillChamber.com
DECEMBER 14TH
Dickens Of A Christmas
Main Street, Downtown Franklin 10:00 AM
Be transported back into the Victorian era in the heart of historic downtown Franklin with themed entertainment, children's story times, and cozy lounge spaces. Interact with characters, dancers, and carolers throughout the streets, browse the art and food offerings and enjoy the activities scattered throughout the city to make the most of this two-day holiday festival. WilliamsonHeritage.org
DECEMBER 14TH
Spring Hill
Christmas Parade
Main Street, Spring Hill | 5:00 PM
This year's Christmas parade will take place along Main Street from the Spring Hill Public Library to Miles Johnson Parkway. This festive event brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season! Awards will be given out to the most festive floats. SpringHillTN.org
DECEMBER 23RD
Opry Country Christmas
Grand Ole Opry | 7:00 PM
Some of the biggest names in country music, including Mandy Barnett and The Gatlin Brothers, will be playing holiday classics on the world famous Opry stage. These stars will light up the stage along with the Christmas displays, so get your tickets to be a part of the festive fun. Opry.com
615.591.6410
Where Technology and Compassion Meet
Our experienced team of audiologists is committed to providing exceptional hearing health care. We offer comprehensive evaluations, advanced treatments, and personalized solutions.
Offering State-of-the-Art Audiology Services Including:
Diagnostic Hearing Exams | Hearing Aids | Cerumen Management (Ear Wax Removal)
Pediatric Audiometry | Tinnitus Management | RealEar Measurements | Balance Evaluations
Tympanometry | Cognivue Screenings | Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Measurement
Auditory Processing Disorder Diagnostic Evaluations | Custom Plugs
Call or visit our conveniently located clinics for top-quality hearing services and discover how HearTN can improve your hearing health and quality of life.
