• full service frame shop
• conservation framing
• framed giclée prints
• ready mades
• original art
• canvas stretching
• art installation
• digital editing
• large format printing
• art reproduction
• contract framing
Unsolicited Investment Advice
By definition, “investment” 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, relationships, finances, and our health with the hope that the effort will have a positive outcome. These investments can look very different from person to person, but there is a common thread.
Community investment can be in the form of supporting local businesses, schools and organizations. We can serve the community through volunteerism and investment in future generations. On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and stay educated and engaged as Nashville’s leaders plan for the city’s future, much of which impacts the Bellevue area.
Financial investment helps create wealth, meets long-term financial goals and secures our retirement. Financial advisors, like those at Mariner, are easily accessible and ready to help, whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started. And through their Mariner Foundation, they invest time and resources directly to our community. On a personal level, investing in our health and well-being is always a good idea. Dr. Bob Wilson of Warner Parks Family Dental tells everyone that good health begins with oral health. But he also encourages everyone to get out and enjoy the outdoors, because what’s the point of quality healthcare if you don’t use it to enjoy a quality lifestyle? Investing in one’s spiritual health is just as important. At God’s Word For Warriors, Tom Seals and Laurel Bowman lead a foundation that’s dedicated to helping our nation’s servicemen and women heal and recover from the spiritual impacts of being deployed.
These are examples of the types of investments that have the most meaningful impact not only for us but to the people closest to us. We hope you enjoy reading about them this month.
ED ATLAS, EDITOR @BELLEVUECITYLIFESTYLE
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Doug Waterman | doug.waterman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Ed Atlas | ed.atlas@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Lindsey Baydoun | hello@lindseybaydoun.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ed Atlas, Kellie Walton
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Sharon Asby, Ed Atlas, Lindsey Baydoun, Janet Moran
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 Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Dr. Shawn Lehman-Grimes & Dr. Candice Coleman
JANET MORAN
While traditional stretching methods attempt to make you more “flexible,” we work to adjust the stretch reflex. This way, the Stretch Zone Method gradually increases your active range of motion.
Consider how a car seatbelt works. If pulled too quickly, the belt locks. If the belt is forced, you are just stretching the material itself, and that’s where injury happens. When a car seatbelt is pulled smoothly and controlled, the belt will fully extend. It’s the same with your body’s stretch reflex.
4th Annual 444-Mile Walk To Impact Autism Returns April 1-30
The Fourth Annual Jacob’s Audible Walk To Impact Autism begins April 1 on the Natchez Trace in Natchez, Mississippi. Every day in April, Jacob’s Audible founder Brad Meshell will walk 15 miles along the Trace, concluding at the North Terminus in Bellevue on April 30. Named for his son who was born with autism, the event raises funds for the foundation’s efforts throughout the year to support parents of autistic children. JacobsAudible.org/walk
Photography by Jacob’s Audible
Tempo Choir’s Palm Sunday Concert Will Make You Dance
Bellevue-based community choir “Tempo” is collaborating with local dance companies for its concert on Palm Sunday, April 13. BellePAC and the Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville will perform as the choir sings hits such as “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack, “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me, and “I Often Dance” by Gary Hallquist. The show begins at 3 p.m. at Bellevue United Methodist Church, 7501 Old Harding Pike. Admission is free.
Bellevue-based Actor/ Musician Jet Jurgensmeyer Releases New Single
Jet Jurgensmeyer has released a new single, “Midwest Sunset,” co-written with singer/songwriter Ericca Latza. Last year the Bellevue-based entertainer released his album THE RIDE: phase 2, a collection of country, rock, and pop songs. As an actor, Jurgensmeyer has appeared as “Boyd” on FOX’s Last Man Standing as well as lending his voice to the lead character, Pip the Penguin, in the Disney animated series, TOTS. His music is available on all streaming platforms. JetJurgensmeyer.com
Photography by Tempo Community Choir
Photography by Urban Hill Photo
THE INVESTMENT OF Preventative Dentistry
Warner Parks Family Dental Shares Why Routine Dental Care is an Integral Part of Healthcare
ARTICLE BY KELLIE WALTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY BAYDOUN
Dr. Bob Wilson
For many, a trip to the dentist is about routine cleanings and the occasional filling. But for Bob Wilson, DMD, FICOI, dentistry is a crucial part of overall healthcare—sometimes it’s even life-saving.
Dr. Wilson is the owner and primary provider at Bellevue’s Warner Parks Family Dental. While he and his team are passionate about oral health, patient care goes far beyond the smile. Some of his patients have learned this firsthand when Dr. Wilson noticed something concerning during routine head and neck exams. He has found thyroid cancer, oral cancer, and thyroid nodules, then worked hand-in-hand with patients to make all the right follow-up appointments.
“Dr. Wilson bridges my dental issues to overall health and provides preventative tips that are easy to work into our routines,” one patient shares.
Patients see their dentists more often than their primary care physicians at a recommended twice-a-year cadence, making them an integral part of overall health. Because of this, routine cleanings and exams are a great opportunity to look at the full picture.
“I do a full look at medical history, making sure to look at the whole forest, not just the tree,” Dr. Wilson says. From detecting periodontal disease—which is linked to cardiovascular issues—to identifying dental abscesses that could lead to major health complications and oral cancer, he believes that this proactive approach to oral health is, in itself, an investment.
“We’re given the gift of healthy teeth, and just like anything you invest in, you have to maintain it," he says. "Cleanings, flossing, and brushing are like changing the oil or putting air in your tires—you’re preventing more expensive repairs by keeping up with maintenance."
Beyond cleanings every six months, Dr. Wilson shares tips to maintain oral health all year long.
"Only floss the teeth you want to keep," he quips. "Brush at night to keep your teeth, and in the morning to keep your friends."
Beyond that, Dr. Wilson emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy pH in your mouth.
Bob and Anne Wilson
"Dry mouth is like running your car without oil—it can cause significant damage,” Dr. Wilson adds. Simple habits like rinsing with water after eating or drinking can help regulate acidity and reduce plaque buildup. Plus, the Warner Parks Family Dental office stocks probiotics specifically targeting a healthy pH.
“There are even some candies, like Basic Bites, that help keep the pH of your mouth more basic—they taste like chocolate and caramel,” says Anne Walker Wilson, office manager and Dr. Wilson’s wife.
From early cancer detection to everyday preventative care, Dr. Wilson’s approach to dentistry goes far beyond clean teeth—it’s about ensuring longterm health. To help patients prioritize their care, the Warner Parks Family Dental team offers a discounted membership plan for patients without insurance. One annual fee covers cleanings and preventative X-rays for a year.
"We are in the business of saving teeth," he says. "Preventative appointments matter. You can have a cavity before a tooth hurts, and I can treat it before it turns into something more major and expensive."
And in the event a healthcare concern should arise during a cleaning, Dr. Wilson will make all the right calls to get you taken care of.
WarnerParksFamilyDental.com
Dr. Wilson’s practice extends beyond dental care—the team is passionate about investing in the local community.
“We are a member of the Bellevue Chamber, we were in the Belle Meade Christmas Parade, and we sponsored the Friends of Warner Parks Hummingbird Happy Hour,” he says. “We see our dental practice as a way to serve and invest in our community.”
Mariner advisors have access to an in-house team of wealth management professionals. Because when advisors have access to a more collaborative approach, you get access to more sophisticated solutions. Welcome to Wealth On Your Level™. Access our team at mariner.com
Mariner, LLC offers its services through the brand names Mariner, Mariner Wealth, Mariner Independent, Mariner Institutional, Mariner Ultra, and Mariner Workplace. For additional information about Mariner, including fees and services, please contact Mariner or refer to Form ADV Part 2A which is available on the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Sound
Advice
ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
How His Grandmother’s Lessons Inspired Alan Thornton’s Career As A Mariner Wealth Advisor.
As a youngster growing up in Albany, Georgia, Alan Thornton’s grandmother, Laura Bob, introduced him to the idea that, if you want to make the world a better place, investing in one’s local community is a great place to start. Though he didn’t know it at the time, those valuable lessons would have a lasting impact.
“As a kid, when you no longer need or want something, you’ll throw it away,” says Thornton. “But I literally remember my grandma gathering coats and shoes that we no longer wore so she could donate them to local organizations. I didn’t know it at the time, but she was [setting an example] for us. And I noticed. And as I got older, it all began to make sense as to why she did that. Because it doesn’t matter what your means or resources are, everyone can do something to help a person who is less fortunate. My heart to serve, teach and ultimately become a financial planner really started from observing those acts of kindness.”
With those lessons learned, he and his wife, Jen, continued to do the same. They partnered with organizations that mattered to them when they lived in Texas, where Alan worked in fundraising for the University of North Texas. And they continued to do so after he left that profession to pursue a career in wealth management and financial services.
By 2022 the Thorntons had three children–twins Micah and Noel (now 10) and Asher (now 8)–making it an ideal time to relocate their young family to Nashville, Jen’s hometown. “Jen was born and raised here so we had been to Nashville to visit over the years,” says Thornton. “And timing
wise, it was good to make the move before the kids became established in their schools.”
Once they were settled into their new home, the Thorntons continued to dedicate as much time as they could to organizations and causes that are important to them. And for Alan, that also meant growing his career with a company whose mission aligned with his personal values.
He found it at Mariner, a leading national financial services firm with offices in 43 states.
Mariner has a presence in five Tennessee cities, including the Nashville office at 905 Harpeth Valley Place in Bellevue, where Thornton serves as senior wealth advisor. His clients include executives, small-business owners and those who are
The Mariner team on location for a Mariner Foundation Service Day.
Photo by Sharon Asby
looking for differentiated investment opportunities that thrive during times of economic uncertainty.
The Mariner Foundation is the manifestation of the company’s core value, To whom much is given, much is expected. It starts at the top with company founder and CEO Marty Bicknell, and every Mariner office across the country is empowered to act in the best interest of the communities they serve. At the corporate level, Mariner matches every dollar raised by the local offices. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated more than $8 million nationally.
“We have weekly office meetings and every year we’ll select an ‘office champion’ to represent us to the Foundation,” says Thornton. “We’ll decide on which organizations we want to serve this year, and we’ll schedule a day where we shut down the office so that we can go volunteer.
“It’s a great way for all of us to have a shared experience in something bigger than ourselves. It builds camaraderie, but more than that, it shows our support for the community.”
Last year the Mariner Foundation bestowed $61,000 in grants to organizations across Tennessee including Empowering Neighborhoods Partnership, Hands On Nashville, Room At The Inn and The Hope Station in the Nashville area.
“Mariner was founded to be a different kind of financial firm,” says Thornton. “Our true heart is to put client interests ahead of our own.”
They do it by providing access to a team of advisors that evaluates every aspect of a client’s wealth–investments, taxes, estate planning, trusts, risk management–and how they can be optimized to help them save more, pay less in taxes, and ultimately achieve their goals.
“We want to be the trusted advisor that can present the big picture to our clients,” says Thornton. “By understanding the totality of their situation, we can put together a plan that encompasses all parts of their financial lives. Whether they want to build generational wealth, start a business, or maximize their compensation and benefits package, they’ll feel confident that their plan, ultimately, will enable them to live out their dreams, and leave a legacy of their choosing.”
Just as Laura Bob would have wanted.
Alan Thornton and the Mariner team welcome the opportunity to serve new clients. Whether you’re well established or just starting out, call the office at 615.673.7795 to schedule your personal consultation, or visit MarinerWealthAdvisors.com/location/ nashville-tennessee/
Alan and Jen Thornton
SPIRITUAL HEALING FOR AMERICA’S VETERANS
BELLEVUE-BASED
GOD’S WORD FOR WARRIORS IS PROVIDING AN UNMET NEED FOR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN
Decades ago, while working for the federal government, Tom Seals was sent overseas to meet with a man that his department was trying to recruit. The mission proved to be unsuccessful professionally, but profoundly life-changing for Seals on a personal level.
“He was a clergyman, and I was so impressed by him, the way he spoke and how he carried himself,” says Seals, a Nashville native and Bellevue resident. “I was so impressed by his lifestyle that I couldn’t recruit him. Instead, he recruited me. That’s how I became a Christian.”
It marked the beginning of the end of Seals’ career in government service. “I enlisted in the Marines after graduating from high school,
Laurel Bowman and Tom Seals
then continued to work for the government after that. But I couldn’t do it anymore,” he says.
Seals turned his attention to education and the ministry. He earned degrees from Lipscomb University and Wesley Seminary and in 1999, at the age of 59, received a DMin degree from Memphis Theological Seminary. He’s been a pulpit minister in several states and recently retired from Lipscomb where he served as a professor for 28 years.
While teaching at Lipscomb, Seals led a class that addressed the spiritual needs of America’s veterans. In 2016, he published God’s Word For Warriors, a book that served as a text for the course. Shortly thereafter, he founded a nonprofit corporation by the same name. Today, at the age of 85, Seals serves as president of God’s Word For Warriors (GWFW) which has its office at 912 Harpeth Valley Place in Bellevue.
Seals recently welcomed Laurel Bowman as his executive assistant. Though not a veteran, Bowman was raised by her grandfather who served in the military for 25 years. “That’s where my passion for outreach to military veterans was born,” she says. “I became a nurse and cared for veterans and when I married, my father-in-law was a Vietnam veteran. He found it difficult to apply for and receive his benefits. It was traumatizing for him but I was able to help him navigate through that process.”
That experience inspired her to form VetLinx, a foundation that helps veterans, like her father-in-law, access their benefits.
“Veterans have access to tremendous resources including medical care and other services, but the Army is not equipped to treat spiritual injuries,” Seals says. “Their salvation lies in the camaraderie that they share in combat and with their fellow veterans. They have a mission, they work as a team and they do it together. It’s why so
CONTINUED >
“Most veterans keep stories to themselves that even their spouses haven’t heard,” says Seals. “But they come to this class and they open up to each other. Because they’ve been there. And that’s where the healing starts.”
many volunteer for multiple deployments. Then, when they come home it can be difficult to open up.
“Veterans don’t ask for help, but they come home, and no one understands their culture, so they shut down. And that’s the worst thing they can do.”
At GWFW, Seals and Bowman address the spiritual component by hosting a series of events and classes throughout the year. In each class, where attendance is capped at 15, students are encouraged to speak about their personal stories and, in doing so, their spiritual needs begin to be met. Other educational events include a luncheon on the second Tuesday of each month at Lawson High School.
“Most veterans keep stories to themselves that even their spouses haven’t heard,” says Seals. “But they
come to this class and they open up to each other. Because they’ve been there. And that’s where the healing starts.”
When necessary, GWFW will connect veterans with professional counselors who Seals knows personally.
GWFW is non-denominational, but it is upfront about the spiritual component and its religious foundation. “I always told my students at Lipscomb, and I do the same here, ‘the standard has to be God’s word,’” says Seals. “My understanding of that word is not the standard. You search it out for yourself. We do not tell people what they need to believe or how to believe.”
Most classes and meetings are held at VFW posts, libraries or similar community centers. Veterans can register for the class for a nominal fee, plus the cost of God’s Word For Warriors, which serves as the class text. Proceeds from the book go directly to GWFW, not to Seals, who is not paid by the organization.
“I’m 85. What am I going to do with money?” he quips.
Additional information, including a donation portal, is available at GodsWordForWarriors.org.
Tom Seals
INVEST IN YOUR GREENS
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
JANIE JONES
Boost your health by adding a generous serving of fresh greens to your daily diet. While both cooked and raw vegetables offer health benefits, consuming them raw often provides the most nutrients. Raw greens are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, helping to lower inflammation and reduce the risk of disease.
DANDELION GREENS:
Dandelion greens are a nutritious and easy addition to any meal, perfect for salads or cooked dishes. They are rich in vitamins A, C, K, chlorophyll, and fiber, making them a great choice for digestion and overall health. Their light flavor and texture enhance salads and sandwiches.
BROCCOLI:
Broccoli is often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Known for being high in vitamins A, C, and K, it also contains important minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium. In addition, it’s a rich source of beta-carotene, flavonoids, and fiber. Whether raw or cooked, broccoli is an excellent choice for immune system support, making it one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables available.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS:
Brussels sprouts are a highly nutritious cruciferous vegetable, known for their vitamin C, K, and folate content, as well as carotenoids and fiber. These vegetables can be shaved, sliced, sautéed, boiled, or grilled, offering a range of flavors from mild to bitter, depending on preparation.
KALE:
Kale is loaded with essential nutrients such as vitamins C, B6, E, K, and manganese. It contains twice as much selenium as spinach and is an excellent source of calcium. Kale’s unique properties help bind to cholesterol and lower oxalate levels, which promotes calcium absorption and makes it suitable for those prone to kidney stones. Additionally, it provides eye health benefits, thanks to lutein, and its disease-fighting properties make it a great addition to salads, smoothies, and more.
A Very Indian Affair
“The best Indian food in Nashville!” -Bellevue City Lifestyle
ARTICHOKES:
Artichokes are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, which aids in digestion. They are a great source of plant protein, potassium, and antioxidants like polyphenols. Artichokes also provide essential nutrients, including vitamins C, K, folate, magnesium, and B vitamins.
ASPARAGUS:
Asparagus is versatile and can be enjoyed grilled, sautéed, baked, or even raw. Packed with vitamins C, E, B, K, folate, and copper, it’s a great source of fiber. It also helps lower cholesterol and provides a variety of antioxidants that aid in healing. Asparagus is a perfect side dish that complements both light and robustly flavored meals.
SPINACH:
Spinach is a popular green known for its mild flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Rich in vitamins A, C, K, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron, spinach is great for overall health. It also provides antioxidants that support eye health and includes calcium for stronger bones. However, because spinach has a higher oxalate content, it should be consumed in moderation by those with a history of kidney stones.
realty report
A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY SOLD PROPERTIES IN BELLEVUE.
APRIL 3RD
Nashville Symphony
SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER, DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE
From classical to pop, the Nashville Symphony plays something for everyone in April. Thursday 3-Saturday 5: Lyle Lovett; Friday 11-Saturday 12: Mendelssohn's Fifth; Thursday 24-Saturday 26: Tchaikovsky Celebration; Wednesday 30: Jazz Series featuring Lettuce. NashvilleSymphony.org
APRIL 5TH
April Events At Warner Parks Nature Center
7311 HIGHWAY 100
Saturday 5: Spring Cleaning Litter Pick-Up, 10 a.m.; Tuesday 15 and 22: Spring Bird Branding, 8 a.m.; Thursday 17: Bird Walk, 7 a.m.; Friday 18: Pot Your Own Native Plant, 9 a.m.; Wednesday 23: Evening Cave Tour, 6:30 p.m.; Friday 25: Lantern Hike, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 26: Ask A Master Gardner, 10 a.m., Old Time Jam, 1 p.m. WarnerParks.org/upcoming-events/
APRIL 6TH
Nashville Predators Hockey
BRIDGESTONE ARENA, DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE
The Nashville Predators close out the season with 4 dates in April. Sunday 6 vs. Montreal Canadians, 6 p.m.; Tuesday 8 vs. New York Islanders, 7 p.m.; Monday 14 vs. Utah Hockey Club, 7 p.m.; Wednesday 16 vs. Dallas Stars, 7 p.m. NHL.com/predators
APRIL 8TH
Nashville Sounds Baseball
FIRST HORIZON PARK, 19 JUNIOR GILLIAM WAY
The Nashville Sounds open the 2025 season with 12 home games in April. Tuesday 8-Sunday 13 vs. Memphis Redbirds; Tuesday 22-Sunday 27 vs. Durham Bulls. Game times are 6:35 p.m., 2:05 p.m. on September 8, 6:05 p.m. on September 15. Every Friday is Fox 17 Fireworks night. Tickets and a complete list of promotions are available online. www.milb.com/nashville
APRIL 14TH
Nashville Area Concerts
VENUES AROUND TOWN
RYMAN AUDITORIUM: Monday 14: Cece Winans; Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17: Amos Lee; Wednesday 23: Tom Jones; Saturday 26: Rodney Atkins. BRIDGESTONE ARENA: Friday 11-Saturday 12: Kane Brown; Wednesday 23: Mary J. Blige; Sunday 27: Staind and Breaking Benjamin. THE PINNACLE: Friday 4: Rodney Carrington; Tuesday 29: Santana. ASCEND AMPHITHEATER: Saturday 19: Cake; Thursday 24-Saturday 26: Widespread Panic.
APRIL 26TH
St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Running Series
LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT NASHVILLE | 7:00 AM
The St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Nashville is jam-packed with authentic music at every turn. Whether you're a recreational runner or an elite international class competitor, the event features multiple courses for everyone. Experience a legendary tour of Music City filled with iconic landmarks such as Broadway, Music Row, The Gulch, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and more. RunRocknRollNashville.com
