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Deck The Halls. Again.
A couple of months ago in this space, I wrote that the holiday season at my house had already arrived. So by the time you're reading this, my home's halls are decked in their third set of decorations in as many months.
Make that four sets! There are two trees: One for Christmas and another for Chanukah. For every bough of holly there's a dreidel. In fact, as I'm writing this Lifestyle Letter, my glorious bride texted me to say she was at Michael's in One Bellevue Place where she was on the hunt for more Thanksgiving decorations! I didn't even know there were such things.
It's an annual ritual for our family: she goes all-in with decorating and I go all-in with incredulity. It's that kind of balance that makes for a healthy relationship.
To be fair, it makes for a fun and festive season, and that's the point. It says a lot about our country that the final two months of the year (and in some cases three) are a season of celebration, reflection and giving.
Over the years, one of the ways we've tried to celebrate is by combining the giving and getting in meaningful ways. For the eight nights of Chanukah (which this year begins on Christmas evening and runs through the new year. Oy!) we'll give our son a "home run" gift on the first and final night. On the second-to-last night, we give a gift as a family. On all other nights, he gets socks.
Last year we added to that by making donations to favorite causes of family members who are no longer here to celebrate with us.
It's good to see that Bellevue is getting into the spirit of things as well. The inaugural Holidays In The Vue parade on December 7 promises to be a must-see event for everyone. And there are so many other ways you can give to others and help make our little corner of Nashville an even better place. You can give the gift of life by stopping by Blood Assurance. And there are plenty of other worthy causes like Soles4Souls where you can help a youngster make it through the day without worrying about the shoes he or she is going to wear.
You can read about them and more in this month's Holidays & Giving issue.
Happy Holidays to all!
And now, time to decorate the trees.
ED ATLAS, EDITOR @BELLEVUECITYLIFESTYLE
December 2024
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 PHOTOGRAPHER
Lindsey Baydoun
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen Learn
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: James Lawson High School theater students performed an adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express in the Lawson Performing Arts Center. Photography by Lindsey Baydoun
TOA Celebrates Grand Opening of One Bellevue Place Location
Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) hosted an open house recently to celebrate the grand opening of its new location in One Bellevue Place. Attendees were invited to tour the facility, meet TOA's team of skilled orthopedic specialists, and enjoy refreshments while learning more about TOA's commitment to quality care and innovation.TOA Bellevue offers a comprehensive range of orthopedic specialties, including sports medicine, joint replacement, spine care, as well as on-site physical therapy. TOA.com
Iroquois Steeplechase Returns To Percy Warner Park, May 10
Tickets are on sale now for the 84th renewal of the Iroquois Steeplechase to be held on May 10, 2025 at Percy Warner Park in Bellevue. From exclusive options like Royal 615 and Hunt Club to private hospitality tents, six unique tailgating areas, and individual admissions, there’s a ticket option for everyone. Tailgating renewals are available through January 15 while box seats may be renewed until February 14. To renew or purchase tickets, visit IroquoisSteeplechase.org/tickets.
BNA Showcases New Local Art in the Flying Solo Series
Nashville International Airport's Fall/Winter Flying Solo series is open now through February 25. The immersive art experience showcases the works of Tennessee artists including Nashville-based artists Barbara Bullard, Anna Togrye, and Ginny Togrye. The artwork on display covers a wide spectrum, ranging from traditional metalworking techniques combined with modern spray paint to dynamic, three-dimensional paintings and intricate stone sculptures.
Painting by Ginny Togrye
Photography by Iroquois Steeplechase
Photography by Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance
Dr. Shawn Lehman-Grimes & Dr. Candice Coleman
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
ARTICLE PROVIDED PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARRISH POTTER
STEPPING INTO GRATITUDE
Heartfelt Thank Yous From Kids Who Walk With Hope, Thanks To Soles4Souls
A new pair of shoes can be much more than that for a young child. New shoes can inspire confidence and joy. Soles4Souls provides shoes to kids in need every day. Some even share how thankful they are for their new shoes with notes and drawings.
“I really want to thank Mrs. Donna for giving me these wonderful shoes that make me feel confident and cool. I didn’t really want to go to school with my old shoes because I felt embarrassed, now it’s different and I can run and play better. Thank you, I love you!”
Sometimes the thank you notes come from parents, grandparents and siblings.
“To Whom it may concern: I wanted to thank you for your donation of shoes. I have two grandkids that I’m raising, and they were very happy with the shoes that they picked out. Thanks for your kindness. I have been told by other children that they love their new shoes, too. Thank you just doesn’t seem like much, but it is from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you. Bless you.”
“I didn’t really want to go to school with my old shoes because I felt embarrassed, now it’s different and I can run and play better. Thank you, I love you!”
When people lack the resources to get through today, it’s difficult for them to focus on tomorrow. As one of the nation’s top-rated nonprofits, Soles 4Souls turns shoes and clothing into opportunities for education and employment that can lead to a more hopeful future. Hosting a Shoe Drive, donating shoes, or volunteering are just some of the ways you can get involved! Additional information and a donation portal are available at Soles4Souls.org
Looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones? Nashville Health Pro has you covered with our versatile gift certificates! Let them choose from various services and products catering to their health and beauty needs.
• Weight Loss Programs • Functional Medicine • Beauty Treatments
• Waxing Services • Peptide Therapies • Supplements & Skincare • Hormone Therapy
Surprise your loved ones with the gift of choice. Whether it’s rejuvenation, wellness, or beauty, our gift certificates offer something for everyone.
915 Harpeth Valley Pl Nashville, TN (629) 888-3256 www.NashvilleHealthPro.com
BLOOD ASSURANCE IS SEEKING A DIFFERENT KIND OF DONOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
It’s the season of giving, and your to-do list is likely filled with finding the perfect present for a loved one or pledging your end-of-year gift to an organization near and dear. But there’s another way to give to those in need that doesn’t require monetary support or even a large time commitment: Blood Assurance is urgently seeking the community’s support with blood donations this season.
ARTICLE BY KELLIE WALTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Blood Assurance is a full-service blood care center with a brick-and-mortar location in Bellevue Plaza. Here, the team is eagerly accepting donations of blood and plasma from all blood types, and most all the donations collected in the area stay in the area.
“Blood is medicine, and there’s only one way to get it—it can’t be manufactured in a lab,” says Brooke Katz, media relations coordinator for Blood Assurance. “Without these donations, hospitals can’t meet the needs of people in emergency situations, surgeries, or cancer treatments.”
Most individuals over 18 (or 17 with parental consent) and in good health are eligible to donate. But though the majority of people are able to donate, only around three percent actually do. The holiday season is particularly slow for blood collection, as many donations come from area high schools.
“The holidays are the hardest time of year for us, but it’s also the season of giving,” says Katz. “What better gift to give than the gift of life? In 30-45 minutes, you could save a life and make a real difference.”
“BLOOD IS MEDICINE, AND THERE’S ONLY ONE WAY TO GET IT—IT CAN’T BE MANUFACTURED IN A LAB.”
Katz adds that many people don’t think about the need for blood, and blood products, until they’re in an emergency situation themselves: you just hope that blood, a life-saving medicine, will be available.
“If everyone who understands the importance of blood donation committed to donating every 56 days, we wouldn’t face these shortages,” Katz says. “People often think about blood donation after mass tragedies, but routine donations make an ongoing, impactful difference.”
Blood Assurance does offer some perks to those willing to donate, launching special incentives throughout
the year. For individuals with O-negative blood, which is the universal donor and is most commonly used as a firstline response in trauma cases, Blood Assurance has a special “Heart of Gold” club for consistent donors.
“We’re always doing little promotions,” Brooke says. “But the biggest gift you walk away with is knowing you’re saving someone’s life.”
In addition to standard blood collection, Blood Assurance is also seeking plasma and platelets, which are crucial treatments for cancer patients and trauma victims. Those donations take a bit longer – up to 90 minutes.
“A lot of people who regularly donate platelets have family members with cancer. They know firsthand how important it is and make it a habit,” says Katz. These specialized donations are “huge” for families dealing with cancer, she adds, especially for children in need of consistent platelet supplies.
For those unable to donate blood, Katz says spreading the word and supporting the nonprofit on social media is also helpful.
“Follow us on social media, share our posts, and don’t be afraid to be vocal if you’ve had a blood transfusion in the past,” she shares. “When I started posting about my own donations, friends reached out to say how much it meant to them, knowing that people out there are giving.”
As you’re finalizing your plans for annual giving and holiday gifting this season, consider swinging by our local Blood Assurance to give the ultimate gift: a no-cost and surprisingly quick donation that can save a life.
For more information and to keep up with special incentives, donation drives, and community resources, visit BloodAssurance.org
Brooke Katz
nhcplaceatthetrace.com
629-888-5526 | B @nhcplaceatthetrace
GOING FOR THE ONE COMMUNITY
ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Tennessee Titans ONE Community Strengthens The Team’s Bond With Nashville
Nashville will always be Music City but The Tennessee Titans’ arrival more than a quarter of a century ago largely coincided with Nashville’s emergence as a commercial and entertainment hub with a scope far beyond its cultural origins.
The two will always be inextricably intertwined.
One of the ways the leaders of the NFL franchise seek to strengthen that relationship is through the efforts of the Titans ONE Community (ONE). An acronym for Opportunity, Neighborhoods, Education, ONE seeks to enrich the entire Nashville community by fortifying these essential pillars.
ONE’s relationship with local universities and Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) makes it possible for Nashville-area students at every level to benefit from this initiative.
With the assistance of community partners, ONE manifests itself in many ways. This year the organization donated a book to every MNPS first and second grade student. Each child was given his or her own book to take home and enjoy reading with parents and friends. The initiative aims to increase reading proficiency across the community.
Students at two of the benefiting schools, Cumberland Elementary School and Shwab Elementary School, received their books in a special delivery from Titans players, cheerleaders and T-Rac, the team’s raccoon-costumed mascot. Participating players included OL Daniel Brunskill, DL Keondre Coburn, C Lloyd Cushenberry, DL Isaiah Iton, QB Will Levis, LB Kenneth Murray, Jr., OL John Ojukwu and LB Otis Reese.
“It felt awesome,” says Levis. “I remember when I was a little kid whenever anybody came to speak to us, whether it was a football player, fireman, really just any adult that any of us could look up to, it was so exciting. Hopefully we encouraged some kids to do a little more reading.”
There was even some one-on-one bonding between students and players.
“I got two bookmarks,” one honest student informed Levis. “Don’t tell anyone,” replied Levis. “It’s our secret.”
It was a rewarding experience for the second-year NFL quarterback. “I just saw the signup sheet and saw a few of my teammates had signed up and I wanted to be a part of it,” says Levis. “Anytime you get to get out into the community and just connect with people, especially kids like this, how much they look up to you and how much of an impact you can make on them, you just try to take advantage of those opportunities whenever you can.”
Cumberland principal Jeresther Thorpe-Page talked about what Titans ONE Community means to the students in her school.
“We talk so much about how reading is important…and [how it] opens up so much access and opportunities for our kiddos,” says Thorpe-Page. “So, when they see the players coming and bringing books and encouraging them to read, then they know that they are part of this community. They know that…people are investing in them and caring for them and counting on them to do the right things: to take school seriously and to take advantage of every opportunity that is afforded to them.”
It was a similar experience for the Shwab school community.
“We’re all about literacy so whenever we can get more books into the hands of our boys and girls, it's an awesome opportunity,” says principal Cheryl Bowman. “But for them to see the champions of our city, the Tennessee Titans, just warms my heart. We are elated for any opportunity for our community to be a part of the teaching and learning at our school. We thank them for embracing the whole notion of literacy in the city of Nashville.”
TennesseeTitans.com/community/one-community
BEGINNING DECEMBER 1ST
Tennessee Titans And Nashville Predators
NISSAN STADIUM (TITANS), BRIDGESTONE ARENA (PREDATORS)
Nashville’s NFL and NHL franchises are home for 7 dates in December. TITANS (Game times 12 p.m.): Sunday 1 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday 15 vs. Cincinnati Bengals. PREDATORS (Game times 7 p.m. unless noted): Tuesday 10 vs. Calgary Flames, Tuesday 17 vs. New York Rangers, Thursday 19 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, Saturday 21 vs. Los Angeles Kings (12:30 p.m.), Wednesday 27 vs. Philadelphia Flyers, Monday 23 vs Carolina Hurricanes. TennesseeTitans.com
NHL.com/predators
BEGINNING DECEMBER 2
Nashville Symphony
SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER, DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE
From classical to pop, the Nashville Symphony plays something for everyone in December. Monday 2: Ben Folds Paper Airplane Request Tour; Tuesday 3: Elf in Concert; Wednesday 4: Girl Named Tom: The Joy of Christmas Tour; Friday 6-Sunday 8: Home Alone in Concert; Wednesday 11-Thursday 12: Leslie Odom, Jr.; Sunday 15: Holiday Brass Spectacular; Friday 20-Sunday 22: Handel’s Messiah. NashvilleSymphony.org
BEGINNING DECEMBER 5TH
Concerts At
Bridgestone Arena
501 BROADWAY, DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE
Thursday 5: Pentatonix; Saturday 7 and Sunday 8: Kacey Musgraves; Monday 9: Rod Wave; Wednesday 11:
realty report
CONTINUED
Trans-Siberian Orchestra; Thursday 12: Justin Timberlake; Friday 13: Little Big Town and Sugarland; Saturday 14: Fuerza Regida; Friday 20: Brett Eldredge.
DECEMBER 7TH
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.
Holidays In The Vue Parade Presented By
Alliance Pressure Washing
BELLEVUE MIDDLE SCHOOL TO ONE BELLEVUE PLACE | 10:00 AM
Be there as Bellevue celebrates the holiday season with the Holidays in the Vue Parade, presented by Allegiance Pressure Washing. The parade is designed to offer Bellevue an inclusive, family-oriented event that portrays the goodwill associated with the holiday season. The parade begins at Bellevue Middle School and continues west on Highway 70 South to One Bellevue Place.
DECEMBER 10TH
Stella Prince At Anzie Blue
ANZIE BLUE, 2111 BELCOURT AVENUE | 7:00 PM
Singer/songwriter and Bellevue resident Stella Prince hits the stage for an acoustic set at Anzie Blue, Nashville’s only women-owned music and event venue.
DECEMBER 19TH
Vue In The Round
FORD ICE CENTER, ONE BELLEVUE PLACE | 7:00 PM
Arts Bellevue presents Vue in the Round, an intimate singer-songwriter concert, in the second floor Listening Lounge at Ford Ice Center. Kick back and listen to some of Nashville’s most talented singers, songwriters, and musicians as they play, sing, and spin tales from their lives and careers. Most artists provide their music for sale at the event. ArtsBellevue.org
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.
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