Mount Juliet, TN December 2025

BUSTING JOINT REPLACEMENT MYTHS

with Dr. Jon Cornelius

Orthopaedic Surgeon - Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics

Myth 1: I have to be a certain age to receive a joint replacement.

FALSE

Dr. Cornelius: It was founded in the fact that joint replacements back then typically lasted 10 to 15 years, and the idea was you didn’t want to sign the patient up for multiple surgeries over the rest of their life. Today, the manufacturing is better. These implants are lasting longer. I’ve done this 15 years in the same place, and I’m not seeing the same patients 15 years later. To me, if a patient has a worn-out joint and they’re 48, that’s almost 20 good years of life to be in pain and waiting to have a joint replaced. I absolutely would not make someone wait.

Myth 2: I can’t participate in athletic activities after a joint replacement.

FALSE

Dr. Cornelius: You certainly can be active after joint replacement. I have lots of patients playing golf, playing tennis, hiking, and even a few joggers. The one thing I ask my patients not to do is take up marathon running. But in terms of—by and large—most activities, I want you to be active. The more active you are, the better you can feel, and the healthier you’re going to be. That’s the reason I do the surgery in the first place.

Myth 3: I won’t be able to walk for weeks after joint-replacement surgery.

FALSE

Dr. Cornelius: That is a myth. I will have you up and walking about 30 minutes after the surgery is over. Walking is a big part of recovery after joint-replacement surgery-the longer you lie around, the longer it takes to get better.

Myth 4: I need to wait as long as possible to get joint-replacement surgery.

FALSE

Dr. Cornelius: I don’t think you need to wait as long as possible to have your joint replaced. I do feel like you should exhaust all your other options. If you get to the point where you’ve tried treatments and nothing is helping you live your life well, then it’s time to have a joint replacement. I don’t think you need to continue to suffer and wait longer.

Myth 5: Robotic joint replacements are done by actual robots.

FALSE

Dr. Cornelius: Robotic joint replacements are not actually done by the robot. I teach robotic surgery,

Myth 5 Continued...

and I tell everybody: robots help a surgeon take their natural skill set and improve it. The robot is run by me and I’m in the operating room with the patient. The power of robotic joint replacement is in the planning and individualization we can do for each patient. We will scan their knee or their hip before surgery and sit at a computer program to plan each joint replacement for each patient. The robot is really the device that carries out that plan.

Ann Beadle, RN, ACNP

Jonathan P. Cornelius, MD

William N. Melton, MD

Kristina Moore, PA-C

Shawn P. Mountain, DO

Jennifer M. O’Donnell, MD

Lucas B, Richie, MD

Matthew P. Rupert, MD

100 Physicians Way, Suite 110 (615) 547-6700

Leaning into Nostalgia

Remember Christmas in the 90’s? There was nothing like it. Growing up most of my holidays were spent with so many of my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Somehow, even then, I knew I was rich with family.

Memories are not the same without the people you love. I was so aware that our family was unique. I remember many holidays our family would adopt a local family in need. It broke me inside knowing that some of these families don’t have a soul in their corner, let alone a warm bed to sleep in every night. To this day, our family continues to give back.

As moms and wives, Kourtney and I want nothing but to savor all the moments we can now with our families. This is why together, Kourtney & I have assembled a bucket list throughout some of the most festive suburbs in the Nashville area for all the families that want to engulf themselves and their loved ones in community and the holiday spirit.

Our hearts are always with those who serve and give back, which is why we were compelled to share a few stories this month about a few different local organizations, both centered around the outdoors, with the same compassion serving different purposes. Learn more about "Simply Golf" and Dylan's gratitude for the Mount Juliet Community.

Learn more about what Sam Mackey (retired Navy Seal) and Jay Cutler (retired NFL Player) ‘together’ they have formed a unique branding company that shares their love and compassion for the outdoors, while they continue to serve their military community by giving back.

We hope you lean into a local bookkeeper, Gregory Martin (House of Standard), this month as he shares the importance of clean books and building your family legacy.

Get nostalgic with Moss’ Flower Shop as we take you on a stroll back in time when they first planted their roots here in Mount Juliet.

Most of all, we hope you embrace the magic in every corner of your world this season and remember the reason. Remember to shop and eat local and find ways to give back to Mt. Juliet!

AND KOURTNEY, PUBLISHER AND PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

December 2025

PUBLISHER

Kimberly Thomas | kimberly.thomas@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Kourtney McComb | kourtney.mccomb@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Lindsey Conder

COPY EDITOR

Summer Thomas

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Karly Thomas

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kourney McComb, Paige Turner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

LindseKourtneyy Conder, Gracie Hall Photography, Carlie Wickliffe, Coast to Coast & Co.

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas Learn

First wellness shot FREE when purchased with another ser vice!

$500 off first Morpheus8 treatment

$500 OFF all vTone + Tone packages for the month December

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

business monthly

Ideas Meet Reality with Anderson Architects

Designed by Anderson Architects, the new Red Carpet Liquors location brings vision to life through elegant design and thoughtful details. Sunlit spaces, smooth flow, and curated displays create a premium browsing experience. A signature bourbon tasting room and educational space invite both enthusiasts and experts to connect. Warm brick, wood accents, and timeless style set the stage for showcasing exceptional wines and spirits. Cheers to new beginnings and great taste!

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Cumberland University Expands Global Reach with New Palla Center

Cumberland University has unveiled the Palla Center for International Programs in Memorial Hall, marking a major step in its global expansion. The new hub brings international admissions, student services, global partnerships, and study-abroad opportunities under one roof. Named for Dr. Anil Palla—whose collaboration helped grow international enrollment to 20%—the center strengthens Cumberland’s seven worldwide partnerships and reinforces the university’s commitment to connection, cultural exchange, and a globally enriched campus experience.

Dr. Richie offers Regeneten bioinductive implant at Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics

Dr. Lucas Richie, a surgeon with Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics, has practiced locally for 12 years and serves as team physician at Mt. Juliet High School. He uses innovative biologic techniques and now offers the Regeneten bioinductive implant to promote tendon healing after rotator cuff repair. As one of the nation’s top users of this implant, his patients may be out of a sling just 48 hours after surgery. Visit tn.hughston.com/richie or call 615-547-6700. Scan

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Glow into the holidays

All products are 20% off this December – our gift to you for a season of glow. Treat yourself or someone you love to a little extra self-care! Indulge in luxe skincare, stocking-stuffer favorites, and glow-boosting essentials to keep you radiant all winter long. Find more on our Instagram @glowwilcoaesthetics!

VUMC Expands Care with Clarksville Hospital Acquisition

Vanderbilt University Medical Center is set to acquire full ownership of Tennova Healthcare–Clarksville, expanding its reach and bringing more adult and pediatric services to Montgomery County. The 270-bed hospital will join Vanderbilt’s network of community medical centers, with current staff expected to stay. This strategic move strengthens VUMC’s ability to provide high-quality, closeto-home care for the region’s rapidly growing population.

Simply Golf:

Building Community, One Swing at a Time

When Dylan Waters talks about golf, it’s clear he’s not just talking about a sport. For him, the game has always been about something bigger—connection, laughter, and the kind of friendships that last a lifetime.

That perspective took root during his college years. After transferring from Lipscomb University to Trevecca Nazarene University, Dylan found himself the “new guy” walking into a close-knit golf team. Instead of being treated as an outsider, his new teammates welcomed him in with open arms. “It showed me that golf isn’t just about competition; it’s about community,” he recalls. That moment of acceptance planted a seed, one that would eventually grow into Simply Golf.

Years later, the camaraderie Dylan shared with his college buddies sparked the idea of creating a place where others could experience the same thing. “For us, golf wasn’t only about practice or competition,” he says. “It was about the laughter, the encouragement, and the sense of belonging.” The transition from friends playing golf to building a facility around it wasn’t a sharp leap, but a natural extension of the joy they found together.

ARTICLE BY PAIGE TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY COAST TO COAST & CO.

Simply Golf was born from that vision, a space designed to be welcoming, not intimidating, and to help people form connections through the game.

Part of what makes golf such a strong connector, Dylan believes, is that it allows people of different skill levels to share the same experience. “You can have a scratch golfer and a total beginner on the same course, and both will feel the same highs and lows, the thrill of a perfect shot and the frustration of a miss,” he explains. “The beauty is that everyone plays their own ball at their own pace, but they’re still together. That shared journey bridges the gap.”

Community has continued to play a central role in Simply Golf’s story. This past June, Dylan was invited to help sponsor a golf tournament benefiting the American Cancer Society. The opportunity was deeply personal, his father passed away from cancer eight years ago, and the chance to honor him through the game he loved

was powerful. Thanks to a friendship that grew out of a customer’s interest in Simply Golf, Dylan’s small business was able to join major sponsors like Deloitte, Pinnacle, and KPMG in supporting the event. “Without his support, Simply Golf could never have been part of something on that scale,” Dylan says. “It meant the world to me.”

The tournament left him with lasting memories, not only of the impact made for cancer research, but also of the moments shared with family and friends that day. For Dylan, it was yet

another reminder of golf’s unique ability to bring people together in meaningful ways.

While running a business comes with its share of challenges, what keeps Dylan going is watching others fall in love with the game. “Seeing someone hit a pure shot for the first time or walk out after their best round, it never gets old,” he says. “That joy makes everything worth it.”

Looking ahead, Dylan admits he doesn’t have every detail mapped out, but he’s certain about his heart for the mission. “I want Simply Golf to grow into a place Mount Juliet can be proud of,” he says. “A gathering place where community, friendship, and the love of the game come together.”

At Simply Golf, it turns out the true scorecard isn’t measured in strokes or stats, but in the friendships and memories made along the way.

LIVING Boldly, GIVING BACK

Some partnerships are born from branding meetings. Others are born from life, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of service. For Sam Mackey, co-owner of Outsider and a recently retired Navy SEAL, the company’s relationship with the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Gold Star Wives is as personal as it gets.

Mackey spent 20 years in the SEAL Teams-years defined by grit, brotherhood, and sacrifice. He knows the weight of service not just in deployments, but in the families left behind.

“NSW Gold Star Wives are the widows of fallen Navy SEALs,” he explains. “Most of these amazing women we host at our hunting retreat were married to friends of mine or I had worked with their husbands in some capacity while I was in the SEAL Teams.”

Outsider Honors

ARTICLE BY PAIGE TURNER

The idea for the annual Gold Star Wives Hunt began four years ago at Jay Cutler’s ranch in Kentucky. Cutler-former NFL quarterback, fellow outdoorsman, and co-owner of Outsider-shared Sam's desire to create more than a gesture. They wanted to offer peace, laughter, and a kind of healing only the outdoors can deliver.

Mackey called his close friend Brooke Keating, widow of Charles “Charlie” Keating IV, a beloved SEAL and friend who was killed in action. Together, they organized that first gathering—hosting five Gold Star Wives, a deer hunt, and a new tradition. “Everyone was floored at how awesome these women are,” Sam says, recalling their resilience, sharp wit, and humor forged in the darkest of circumstances. “I truly don’t think there is a more resilient group of women on earth.”

For Mackey, nature isn’t a hobby, it’s therapy. “I call it ‘tree stand therapy,’ and Mother Nature is my therapist,” he says happily. It’s a gift he wants to share, so others can feel the same grounding and freedom he found after years of high-stakes service.

That spirit of adventure, resilience, community, and living boldly drives Outsider as a brand. “We love camaraderie, adventure, and having a damn good time,” Mackey says. “Live free, be bold, have fun, take the risk; that is what you can do to honor these resilient women and their late husbands.”

Outsider puts that mission into action. The brand donates a portion of proceeds to the Navy SEAL Foundation, supporting the NSW Gold Star Family Program, and remains committed to expanding the annual hunt and other initiatives for the women and families of fallen SEALs.

Sam doesn’t take his own homecoming for granted. “I know I am one of the lucky ones,” he reflects. “Many men in our line of work no longer have these opportunities. The least we can do is support their widows and families.”

With Outsider, giving back isn’t charity-it’s a promise, a tradition, and a way of living.

Outsider supports NSW Gold Star Families through Navy SEAL Foundation donations and annual outdoor retreats. Co-owner and retired Navy SEAL Sam Mackey shares his “tree stand therapy,” offering the healing power of nature to honor the resilience and sacrifice of Gold Star Wives.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE MUST-SEE EVENTS In December

December in Middle Tennessee is a time when towns sparkle with lights, streets echo with carols, and communities gather to celebrate the magic of the season. If you’re planning a visit—or even just looking for festive outings close to home—these six suburbs each offer signature holiday experiences you won’t want to miss. From parades to markets, tree lightings to boat cruises, here’s your ultimate checklist of seasonal events to explore.

Mount Juliet kicks off the season with “Christmas in the Park” at Charlie Daniels Park on December 1. Families stroll among twinkling lights, enjoying the festive atmosphere and the chance to soak in the community spirit. Then, on Saturday, December 13 at 11 a.m., the city’s beloved Christmas Parade marches from West Wilson Middle School to East Division. An exciting addition to this year's parade? Mount Juliet native and astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore will lead the parade as Grand Marshal! Together, these events offer small-town warmth and sparkle that perfectly welcome the holiday season.

In  Old Hickory, tradition and festive cheer combine. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Veterans Memorial Park (first Saturday in December) sets a cozy, music-filled tone for the month, drawing neighbors together under the glow of twinkling lights. Complementing the lighting is the Holiday Night Market at the Shoppes at Old Hickory, where visitors can shop local vendors, meet Santa, enjoy seasonal treats, and revel in the charm of this historic village.

Hermitage brings both parade excitement and boutique holiday shopping. The Donelson-Hermitage Christmas Parade winds along Donelson Pike with floats, community cheer, and a visit from Santa. Meanwhile, the Holiday Market at a historic mansion offers a curated shopping experience with local artisans and festive photo opportunities with Santa. This pairing of parade and market makes Hermitage ideal for visitors looking to combine tradition and small-town charm.

In Franklin, the historic downtown transforms into a winter wonderland during Dickens of a Christmas (December 13–14). Strolling through Main Street, you’ll encounter Victorian characters, carolers, craft vendors, and live performances, all set against the backdrop of Franklin’s nostalgic architecture. Adding to the festive scene is the Christmas Tree Lighting on The Square, where the downtown is bathed in holiday glow, perfect for shopping, dining, or simply soaking up the charm of this picturesque town.

month, the “A Merry Little Christmas Market” on the Public Square offers a quaint shopping experience with local artisans, hot cocoa, and festive cheer. Together, these events make Gallatin a delightful destination for holiday fun with friends and family.

HOLIDAY OUTING CHECKLIST

Mount Juliet – Christmas in the Park at Charlie Daniels

Park (Beginning December 1st)

Mount Juliet – Christmas Parade (December 13th at 11 a.m.)

Old Hickory – Historic Village Christmas Tree Lighting (First Saturday in December)

“Whether you’re chasing twinkling lights, festive parades, or cozy markets, these Middle

Tennessee suburbs offer a rich tapestry of holiday gatherings!”

Hendersonville offers a unique waterfront twist on holiday celebrations. The Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony brings downtown to life with floats, music, and community cheer. On December 6th, the Christmas Boat Parade on Old Hickory Lake dazzles with decorated vessels gliding under lakeside lights—a truly memorable experience that combines traditional parade sights with waterside wonder.

In  Gallatin, the second Saturday in December marks the annual Christmas Parade, themed “Christmas Is… faith, family, music, magic, lights, laughter.” Earlier in the

(December 13th at noon)

Old Hickory – Holiday Night Market & Santa Photos at The Shoppes Hermitage

– Donelson Hermitage

Christmas Parade

Hermitage – Holiday Market at historic mansion

Franklin – Dickens of a Christmas festival (December 13th & 14th)

Franklin – Christmas Tree

Lighting on The Square

Hendersonville –Christmas Parade & Tree

Lighting Ceremony

Hendersonville – Christmas

Boat Parad e on Old Hickory Lake (December 6th)

Gallatin – Christmas Parade

Gallatin – A Merry Little Christmas Market(December 6th)

Whether you’re chasing twinkling lights, festive parades, or cozy markets, these Middle Tennessee suburbs offer a rich tapestry of holiday gatherings. Use this checklist to plan your December outings, soak in the local charm, and experience the magic of the season across the region.

Holiday Giving Starts at Home

This season, Ferguson Home celebrates the joy of giving, from warm gatherings to thoughtful touches that make every space feel special.

Let your home shine with comfort, beauty, and intention as you share the magic of the holidays with those you love. Find inspiration for every room at fergusonhome.com.

BLOOMING THROUGH Generations

A Nostalgic Moss’ Family Christmas

If you grew up in Mount Juliet, chances are Moss’ Flower Shop is woven into your holiday memories. For the Moss family, those memories span more than seven decades of Christmas magic. The shop was established in 1952-before the city was even incorporated-by Charles Moss and his two brothers. Their legacy continued with Hale and Brenda Moss, and in December 2016, Joe and Lauren Moss became the third-generation owners, moving the shop from its historic Lebanon Road location to its current home across from Charlie Daniels Park.

“When I think back to Christmastime at Moss’ Flower Shop,” Joe recalls, “I think about helping build floats for the Mt. Juliet Christmas parade and getting the greenhouse ready for our wreath decorating classes by cutting fresh greenery. I also remember setting up fresh Christmas trees outside the shop that we would flock for customers in many different colors.”

The shop’s beloved Holiday Open House has evolved with the times, yet its heart remains the same. In earlier years it was a Sunday afternoon gathering with “elaborate themes, hand-drawn programs, live performances by local musicians, and an array of homemade cookies and treats. We even had special appearances by Santa Claus.” Today, it spans multiple days, allowing more families to enjoy the décor inspiration, door prizes, and festive treats Moss' is known for.

Some memories sparkle brighter than twinkle lights. Joe fondly remembers the “mouse house,” an imaginative display he built as a child. “We created a ‘hole’ in the wall, allowing the mouse family to move from one room to another within the shop. It was a magical addition that brought so much joy to our family and guests.”

At home, the Moss’ still adorn their table with fresh pine arrangements and collect meaningful ornaments. Their legacy also holds a special tie to Nashville’s music community, beginning with Charlie Daniels and continuing through floral designs for artists and events. One particularly touching memory: delivering weekly bouquets to Naomi Judd as a retirement gift from her manager.

Through every season, the Moss family hopes to continue blending tradition with fresh inspiration, adding beauty, warmth, and a sense of togetherness to each Christmas in Mount Juliet.

The Pulse of a Legacy

HOW BOOKKEEPING BECOMES A FAMILY’S FOUNDATION

ARTICLE BY PAIGE TURNER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY CONDER

Most people hear the word  bookkeeping and feel their energy drop a few notches. Spreadsheets, receipts, reconciliations,  “Accounting? Ew!” as Gregory Martin, owner of House of Standard, says jokingly.  “I get it, it’s just a bunch of numbers and transactions. How boring. But it’s actually the foundation most choices are built on.”

For Gregory, bookkeeping isn’t just paperwork or business logistics, it’s a vital sign.  “Personally, I see it more as vitals-a pulse,” he says. It’s a theme he returns to often: bookkeeping as the heartbeat of a business, a reading of financial health that determines whether a company is thriving, stressed, or in need of a reset.  “Just like when we’re unhealthy, there are tools and tricks-often in the form of ideas from the right people-that can get us to a position that’s a little firmer, a more solid foundation.”

He believes clarity creates calm, not just in business, but at home. When money is muddy, tension rises. But when it’s clear? Space opens. Space for joy, for imagination, for legacy.

“When you have your ducks in a row, you live from a center of honesty. Your mind isn’t as distracted or overwhelmed, and when you’re in that space, you can see your moves more clearly. That gives you the ability to make smarter decisions.”

And smarter decisions today, he says, build legacies tomorrow.

Gregory isn’t shy about the “L” word.  “I’m huge on legacy. How many people can honestly say they’re leaving one?” He isn’t speaking from a pedestal, he’s building his own, brick by brick.  “Granted, I’m just getting started-and anyone else can feel free to get started with me. Why not you? Why not now?”

His vision for House of Standard stretches beyond bookkeeping as a service and into

guidance as a partnership.  “We’re not here to bother or hound our clients. Our job is to make their lives easier so they can focus on what’s important to them.” He remarks about bookkeeping’s reputation for dullness, yet sees something poetic in it-“Accounting can be a tricky and dull field, and to me, it’s fascinating that something so dull is so important.”

The way he describes a healthy bookkeeping rhythm borders on philosophical: don’t let things pile up, stay organized, create discipline, then, importantly, rest.  “Once you’re caught up and organized, breathe and coast. Take some time to look around and enjoy things. You built something—and it works. Good job.” But rest, he warns, is brief; growth calls quickly.  “Welcome back to human nature! You’re about to get bored again… because now it’s time to start dreaming.”

Dreams need grounding, though, and he circles back to the pulse.  “There’s an anchor-your numbers. What’s true? What can you do with them now that you’ve cleaned them up, gotten organized, and had your rest period? Ask yourself: what’s true? Live there, and keep building.”

Gregory sees bookkeeping not as restriction, but as freedom. Freedom to be generous. Freedom to build for the next generation. Freedom to enjoy a family, not just provide for one.  “Any healthy practice you work on will make those highs less high and those lows less low. There’ll be a greater balance than a rollercoaster.”

And that, in his view, is what legacy is: responsibility, pride, and impact-both now and later.

“Welcome to House of Standard,” Gregory says with confidence. It’s not an invitation to bookkeeping. It’s an invitation to build something that lasts.

“Just like when we’re unhealthy, there are tools and tricks-often in the form of ideas from the right people-that can get us to a position that’s a little firmer, a more solid foundation.”

events

DECEMBER 5TH

Paint Your Pet Party At Breeden's Orchard

631 Beckwith Road, Mt. Juliet, TN | 5:30 PM

Turn your furry friend into a work of art! This guided class includes all supplies, expert instruction, and a pre-drawn 11"x14" canvas of your pet—perfect for beginners. Spots are limited, visit breedensorchard.com for more information.

DECEMBER 6TH

Deck the Hulls-Hendersonville's annual Christmas Boat Parade

Drake's Creek to Mallard Point to Sanders Ferry Park | 5:30 PM

Hendersonville’s annual “Deck the Hulls” Boat Parade brings a festive fleet of brightly lit, holiday-themed boats to Old Hickory Lake. Enjoy fun commentary from celebrity emcees, warm drinks, and tasty treats from local vendors at Mallard Point and Sanders Ferry Park. Stick around as boats are judged on creativity, theme, and holiday spirit!

DECEMBER 6TH

Old

Hickory

Village Christmas Tree Lighting

Veterans Memorial Park | 5:00 PM

Kick off the season in Historic Old Hickory Village as the community gathers at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5 PM. Enjoy hot chocolate by the gazebo, festive cheer with neighbors, and the magical tree lighting around 6 PM to welcome the holidays in The Village.

mor e With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only Expir es 12/31/25. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.