Bellevue City Lifestyle | May 2023 (Premiere Issue!)

Greater Nashville's Greatest Treasure

Dear Bellevue Friends & Neighbors,

It's with great pleasure and privilege that I welcome you to the premiere issue of your very own premium, monthly print magazine, Bellevue City Lifestyle!

When my family and I moved to the Bellevue outskirts in the fall of 2019, it didn't take us long to have the epiphany that we had stumbled upon Greater Nashville's greatest treasure. The list of Bellevue quintessentials is vast and too many to mention, but, from the meandering rustic charm of the Harpeth River, Warner Parks, and McKAY's books, to the Iroquois Steeplechase horse races, Fortuna Italian Steakhouse and the summer series staple Full Moon Pickin' Party, Bellevue has enough recreation, good food, culture, shopping, natural beauty and sense of community to make any big city suburb jealous.

After almost 20 amazing years with the national music magazine American Songwriter, I felt a calling to plant a flag for Bellevue and go all-in on local. It was simply time for this magazine to come into existence, to elevate the Bellevue society with stories, tales and histories about its greatest asset: its people.

The mission of BCL is two-fold: (1) To inspire & connect the Bellevue community, residents and small businesses (both for-profit and non-profit organizations), through uplifting and engaging stories, and (2) facilitate and help companies to scale their customer bases by consistently reaching a targeted demographic through City Lifestyle's multimedia (print + digital + social + events) approach.

The gut reaction I'd love for residents and business owners to have in response to this launch issue is, "Well, this is awesome. Where has BCL been all my life; it's about time!" I assure you, it will feel like it's been here all along.

May 2023

PUBLISHER

Doug Waterman | doug.waterman@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Ed Atlas | ed.atlas@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ed Atlas, Doug Waterman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Emily Ashby, Ed Atlas

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1-7: Bellevue-Harpeth Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Before Business at Nashville Christian School. Photos by Ed Atlas. 1: Jim Dyes, Kevin Adelsberger, Wyatt Rampy 2: Karen Uzzell-Baggett and Mike Rossi 3: Reed Bentzinger and Mike Parkinson 5: Youstina Saad and Audrey Edwards 6: Jason Middleton and Nick Hart 7: Heather Warmbrod, Leigh Ann Portale, Hattie DeWalt, Karen Whelan and Cindy Crocker

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @bellevuecitylifestyle

Photos

8-14: Bellevue-Harpeth Chamber’s Women of The Vue at Fortuna Italian Steakhouse.

by Ed Atlas.

Dr. Shawn Lehman-Grimes & Dr. Candice Coleman Board

Orthodontists

Ensworth's Jaloni Cambridge earns top girls basketball honors

Jaloni Cambridge, a junior guard at Ensworth School, has been named Miss Basketball by the TSSAA as the Most Outstanding Player in Division II-AA for 2023, as well as being named Tennessee's girls basketball Player of the Year by Gatorade and MaxPreps. ESPN has tabbed her as the nation's top player in the class of 2024. This year she led the Tigers to a 27-5 record and an appearance in the state championship game.

Photography Mike Strasinger

Helina Butler of NCS recognized for work with veterans

Helina Butler, a senior at Nashville Christian School, recently was honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution for her work with veterans. Also honored at the event was Major Jack Spence who served 23 years in the Marines. Another NCS student, Charley Harper, recently was named Student of the Month by the Exchange Club of Bellevue.

NCS senior James Warmbrod wins prestigious scholarship award

James Warmbrod IV, a senior at Nashville Christian School, is the 2023 recipient of the Doug Hall Scholarship. The award is presented annually to one senior who participates in the prestigious Doug Hall Relays at Montgomery Bell Academy. Warmbrod was selected for his participation and performance in athletics and academics, as well as extracurricular, church and service work. Doug Hall was a prominent athletics coach whose career included stints at Bellevue and Hillwood High Schools.

METHOD

•

Utilizing our patented equipment, our Stretch Zone practitioners follow specific methods and protocols, stabilize, isolate, and manipulate muscles using powerful principles of neuromuscular behavior.

•

•

•

Back Where She Belongs

ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY ASHBY AND ED ATLAS

Ten years ago, when Liz Zipperer returned to her hometown, Nashville was hitting its stride as one of America’s so-called “it cities.” And for someone a couple of years out of college who was beginning her career in real estate, there was no better place to be.

With so much energy and excitement crammed into a tiny space, there was little reason to venture beyond her Gulch-toGermantown bubble. “I soaked up everything like a sponge,” she says. “Living at Werthan Lofts in Germantown was amazing. Meeting new neighbors all the time and walking to Sounds games was so much fun.”

She worked at the Parks Realty office in The Gulch, which was experiencing a massive development boom, where she had a front row seat to the daily skyline changes.

As much fun as it was being in the middle of the action, in 2016 she accepted a position at Parks’ new office location in The Hill Center on Charlotte Avenue and felt like she was getting closer to where she needed to be.

“I was working with single-family homebuyers who were looking for something a little farther out,” she says. “Then I got a dog, a dalmatian named Dottie who is the love of my life, and let’s be honest - she needed a yard,” Liz says.

At that time, this native Nashvillian began to feel Bellevue calling her back home.

“Initially I didn’t see myself moving back here because it’s where I grew up and young professionals who’ve been living downtown for years do not move five minutes from their parents’ house,” she says.

She enjoyed her time away but Liz Zipperer is happy to be back in Bellevue

Liz Zipperer

Photo by Emily Ashby

Photo by Ed Atlas

Photo by Ed Atlas

But that’s exactly what happened. In November 2020, she visited Stephens Valley off Pasquo Road near Highway 100. While downtown high-rises may be dazzling, they were no match for the lush greenery and charming homes of Stephens Valley. At least not to an authentic Bellevue girl.

She broke ground on her new home in March 2021 and by December, she and Dottie moved in.

Built by DeFatta Custom Homes, Liz’s house is 3,022 square-feet with four bedrooms and 3.5 baths. The Modern French Tudor features two fireplaces, a soaker tub, two closets in the primary bedroom, screened-in porch, plus a turf lawn for Dottie. The purchase price was in the $700s with an appraised value of more than $1 million as of last October. Like the rest of Bellevue, the desirability is underscored by the sharp increase in appreciation.

Liz says, “Some of the attributes that make Bellevue so incredibly popular include One Bellevue Place, which was a more recent catalyst, the Warner Parks, as well as the area’s accessibility, which makes it a hidden gem for downtown commuters.”

Stephens Valley introduced a new element to the area that appeals to a wide range of homebuyers.

“It’s a product that is unlike anything Bellevue has had,” says Liz. “Half of the homes have side yards which is not traditional. I like it because it’s lower maintenance and the developers are offering neighborhood amenities and a Town Center which will incorporate commercial aspects into the neighborhood.”

As a Realtor, Liz has sold homes in several Bellevuearea neighborhoods, including The Colonies, Stephens Valley, Avondale Park, Still Spring Hollow and The Highlands at Stoneridge.

Three years ago, she created a real estate team called LIZ + CO, which is her own entity within Parks Realty, where she partners with colleagues Jordan Scott and Courtney Bryant.

“I have a team-player spirit and love to collaborate,” she says. “By enjoying this industry together, we can provide amazing service and value because there are no one-size-fits-all clients or Realtors®. Clients want to work with people that they have common experiences with.”

And those interested in Bellevue likely will have many common experiences with Liz Zipperer. LZandCo.com

Photo by Ed Atlas

SUMMER CAMPS 2023

THE RIVERS OF TENNESSEE ARE SOME OF THE MOST IN THE WORLD. BIODIVERSE YET IMPERILED

TOGETHER WE CAN PROTECT THE FUTURE OF CLEAN WATER & RESTORE THE BEAUTY OF OUR RIVERS!

CHANGING THE PLAY ON AUTISM

How Brad Meshell found peace where torment once existed

Everyone experiences life changing events. Some are sobering while others bring joy.

But when the event that brought torment to your life, later becomes an overwhelming source of peace, life can become particularly meaningful.

Brad Meshell started on such a journey on September 13, 2021. That was the day Jacob, his then 2-year-old son, was diagnosed with autism.

There were indicators along the way in the form of missed developmental milestones. Although his wife, Jaime, expressed concern, Brad did not.

“As a parent, I was in denial,” says Brad, a financial advisor at Stephen & Associates. “My boy was going to play football and go to college. But I promised Jaime that when Jacob turned two, we would begin the process of having him tested.”

Months of evaluations commenced in December of 2020. “Getting an official diagnosis takes time because you cannot access resources without it,” says Meshell.

When testing wound down in July, Meshell sensed that something wasn’t right.

“I knew that I needed to be a better father and I wanted to bring awareness to the needs of parents who are caregivers for their special children.”

Brad Meshell crossing the Tennessee River along the Natchez Trace Parkway in Northwest Alabama.

“As we were leaving, I tried to get a word from the physician but she just told us that they would call us back when the paperwork was completed,” he says.

Then came that fateful September day.

“It was all very clinical,” he says. “She confirmed that Jacob's autistic and that was kind of it. They hand you a packet and off you go.”

The realization was stinging. For several months Meshell was overcome with depression and guilt. “I couldn’t get over it and didn’t know why,” he says. “Did I do something wrong? Did we feed him the wrong food? Silly things like that.

“As a dad, your kid skins his knee and you put on a Band-Aid. If he needs my heart or kidney, I’ll give it to him. But you can’t trade autism. That was the biggest struggle. It was out of character for something to hit me that hard.”

Weeks later, the reality of the situation dawned on him. Jacob was a happy, loving, mischievous little boy. Brad was the one who needed to heal.

“I knew that I needed to be a better father and I wanted to bring awareness to the needs of parents who are caregivers for their special children,” he says. “It became clear what my next steps would be.”

Inspired by causes like Tunnels to Towers and the St. Jude Walk/Run, Meshell set out to conquer the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway. On foot. Fifteen miles a day. Every day for 30 days.

It’s called Jacob’s Audible, a reference to football terminology that serves as a metaphor for changing the way parents approach autism.

For the second consecutive year, Brad began his trek in Natchez, Mississippi on April 1 and concluded on April 30 at the Trace’s Northern Terminus at Highway 100 in Bellevue, not far from his home off McCrory Lane.

Brad and Jacob Meshell

“We can’t change autism, but we can change the way we approach it and feel about it,” he says. “This is how I can bring awareness to how important it is for parents of an autistic child to have healthy attitudes so that their child can be healthy.”

Prior to 2022, Meshell had never been on the Natchez Trace Parkway. But he posted about the journey daily on his social media platforms, Facebook. com/the444guy and Instagram.com/ jacobsaudible.

Those posts were picked up by other people whom he eventually met along the way. One family had him over for Easter Sunday. Another took him to a Mississippi State University baseball game, and a TV station in Tupelo interviewed him during his stop there. Meshell also enjoyed the terrain, from the flat meandering trail in Mississippi to the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee.

“About halfway through, I realized something: it wasn’t about me anymore,” he says. “It was about all these other people and the people we’re going to help in Nashville, across the state and across the country, if I have my way.

“I could feel joy coming back into my life.”

Jacob’s Audible holds fundraisers throughout the year with a goal of $44,000 set for 2023. Information, including a donation portal, is available online at JacobsAudible.org

Brad Meshell pauses for a local TV interview along the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Make an Impact for Mom

Memorable ways to celebrate the mother figure in your life

The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.

This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!

Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.

Take a Flower Arranging Class

Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.

Plan a Spa Day For Her and Her Friends

Mom will truly appreciate you going out of your way to set her up with a massage or facial appointment. Invite her friends along, too!

Craft the Perfect Playlist

Songs about mothers and mom’s favorite songs can come together into the perfect playlist to put on during brunch or dinner. You can either make it for her or take turns being DJ and alternate picks.

Have a Make-Your-Own Pizza Party

DIY pizza: It’s a craft (depending on how artfully you place the toppings), an activity and a meal all at once! Start with basic pizza dough, then everyone gets to add their favorite toppings. Mom gets the first pick, of course.

Hold a Lawn-Game Tournament

Croquet, cornhole, bocce, outdoor Jenga or horseshoes — what’s your family’s game of choice? Split into teams and drum up some friendly rivalry — while soaking in rays — with a backyard challenge. Make it an annual event, and pass around a trophy to the winner each year.

Visit an Amusement Park

For the mom who’s always seeking adventure, a trip to your nearest amusement park will be a welcome surprise. Not only will you be able to treat her to her fill of funnel cakes and caramel corn, but she’ll enjoy all the rides and attractions her heart desires. If you ask us, it’s a win-win.

Have a Backyard BBQ

Sure, backyard barbecues are often associated with Father’s Day, but Mom loves her burgers and dogs, too, so why should Dad get all the fun? If the weather cooperates, fire up the grill!

Make Something Totally Unique

If you do a DIY craft project, write a poem or come up with a silly dance, you know mom will love it because it is 100% you. No one can one-up a one-of-a-kind experience! You can make them for her and present them to her, or involve her in their creation.

Spruce Up The Garden

Gardeners know that Mother’s Day is the perfect time to start planting seeds. Get the whole family outside and dig in the dirt together. Every time she sees them, she’ll be reminded of the special day — it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Some flowers that are fairly easy to maintain include sunflowers, marigolds and sweet peas.

Make Pottery

Not only will you leave with a one-of-a-kind piece, but you’ll also be able to bond as you explore a new activity.

Head to the Farmers Market

There’s nothing like waking up with the sun and going to the farmer’s market on the weekend. Pick fresh produce and discover new favorites with mom, coffee in hand.

Watch Home Movies

Whether this involves digitizing old VHS tapes or getting video files off your phone and onto the TV, dig into the family archives and host a home-movie marathon. She’ll get emotional seeing how much everyone has grown.

Check Something Off Her To-Do List

Dad knows - Mom has a to-do list a mile long. Whether it’s tasks around the house or a DIY project, find out what has been nagging Mom and help her cross it off her list by doing it for her!

BellePAC offers more than just dance. Our mission is to help you come to better understand and develop the amazing potential that lies within you. With programs for ages 3 through adult, there is something for the whole family! Take the first step, and begin an intro program today.

Scan here to get started:

Make a Memory Book or Scrapbook Together

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Stephens Valley Church Women's Spring Bible Study

STEPHENS VALLEY CHURCH, 6000 PASQUO RD. | 10:00 AM

Join SVC on Tuesdays through May 16 in the Solid Rock Café as Krin Valentine takes you on a journey of the six “Come” invitations found in the Gospels. Come for coffee and fellowship at 9:30 a.m. followed by Bible study from 10 to 11 a.m. Childcare available with online reservation. Visit StephensValley.church for more information.

American River Strokers Foundation 4th Annual Crawfish Boil

PLANTATION PUB, 8321 SAWYER BROWN ROAD | 1:00 PM

Fourth Annual Crawfish Boil supporting military, veterans, first responders, and their families. Live music from The Watson Brothers Band and all the crawfish you can eat until they are gone. Family friendly event. For additional information and to purchase tickets visit AmericanRiverStrokers.com

The Iroquois Steeplechase presented by Bank of America

PERCY WARNER PARK, 2500 OLD HICKORY BLVD, | 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

The Iroquois Steeplechase is a full day of racing at Percy Warner Park. The mission of the Iroquois Steeplechase is to manage and produce a world-class horse race that benefits Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and other local community non profits, as well as promote the sport of steeplechasing. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit IroquoisSteeplechase.org

Muddy Waters Tribute with the Arts Bellevue Blues Ensemble

FORD ICE CENTER, 7638 B HWY 70 S | 7:00 PM

Arts Bellevue’s Vue in the Round continues to entertain those who enjoy singer-songwriter concerts featuring local musicians. An event space at Ford Ice Center has been converted into a warm and cozy listening lounge to accommodate the show. Tickets are $8 for members; $10 for non-members. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit ArtsBellevue.org

44th Annual Bellevue Community Picnic presented by Nashville Christian School

BELLEVUE MIDDLE SCHOOL, 655 COLICE JEANNE ROAD | 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM

The annual event produced by the Bellevue-Harpeth Chamber of Commerce features carnival rides, pony rides, inflatables, live music, arts and crafts, a Kidz Zone and an amazing variety of food trucks and vendors, all capped off with a fireworks display. Located directly behind Bellevue Middle School. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, as well as vendor applications are available online at BellevueHarpethChamber.com

Memorial Day at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery

7931 MCCRORY LANE | 8:00 AM

Stop by for a self-guided tour of one of only five military cemeteries maintained by The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services. Whether it's for a few minutes, an hour or more, a walk through the bucolic and sacred grounds of this Bellevue landmark makes for a meaningful Memorial Day experience.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/BellevueTN

realty report

A sample of recently sold properties in Bellevue.

This data is a sampling of sold properties from April 2023. Source: IRES MLS system.

some of my

favorite things

ARTICLE BY DOUG WATERMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

A little background snapshot. I’m originally from “The Port City,” Mobile, Alabama. I attended Sewanee: The University of the South atop the Cumberland Plateau and have lived in the Nashville area since 2002. I am married to Jessica and have three lovely, rambunctious children, Rivers (7), Jewel (5), and Canon (11 weeks).

01 Bellevue is known for its parks, and the Full Moon Pickin’ Party, held on the Friday closest to the full moon, May-September, is a great way to enjoy them. // 02 Speaking of parks, Red Caboose Park is an urban oasis where kids of all ages can run, climb and play. // 03 The YMCA has always been near and dear to my heart, even as a kid growing up in Mobile. The folks at the Bellevue branch are the kindest, most welcoming people on the planet. // 04 Is Avocado Toast still a thing? It is if it comes from Boots & Good Co., a favorite Bellevue coffee shop. // 05 Richard Bowers is an incredible visual artist. Here he is at work in his Bellevue studio. // 06 Local crooner Gabe Dixon’s song, “Even The Rain,” featuring Alison Krauss is a staple feel-good love song in my music library.

I’m smitten by all things Bellevue. Here are a few reasons why.