FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES
PROVIDENCE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, DISCOVER THE TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT OF STRONG FINANCIAL PLANNING
LIFE + CULTURE MTSU, CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT PAYS OFF
THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE, WHERE CHILDREN LEARN THE POWER OF KINDNESS
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Investment by definition 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, our relationships, our finances, and our health with the hope that the effort will have a positive impact. We can invest in our community by supporting our local businesses, schools and local 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 involved with future city planning. Investing in our finances helps create wealth, meets long term financial goals and secures our retirement. On a personal level, we can invest in our families and enrich relationships by giving time and effort to the people in our lives that mean the most to us. This type of investment has the most meaningful impact not only to ourselves but to the people closest to us.
As a wife and mother of three children ages 4, 13 and 15 it is extremely important in our home that we share these lessons through participation and conversation. Our lives are filled with opportunities to demonstrate the importance of investing in the places that matter most. It is up to each of us to teach, show and share our passion with those in our homes and communities so others can benefit from the experience. As parents, business owners and community members, my husband James and I are teaching our children Lydia, Jameson and Lincoln that it does not matter how big or small you are, it is the size of your heart that matters.
While investing in ourselves, relationships, community and finances can look very different from person to person, the effort we put into these areas of our lives is done with the common goal of having a positive impact that yields results. In this issue, we wanted to share some of the ways that we can invest in our community, our finances and with those that we love!
AMANDA OAKS, PUBLISHER @BOROCITYLIFESTYLEPUBLISHER
Amanda Oaks | amanda.oaks@citylifestyle.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Cassidy Polman | cassidy.polman@citylifestyle.com PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Matilyn Jennings | matilyn.jennings@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ed Atlas, Cassidy Polman, Lisa Valentine, DeAnn Hays, Tracy Hoft-Louthain
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kimberlee Brooke & Co, Taylor Geist, Paradym Studio
MTSU Biology students peform research that matters as they study all aspects of living organisms, from molecular processes of the cell to how organisms interact with each other and their environments.
Whether it’s a Bachelor of Science degree featuring five concentrations, or our graduate degree programs, Biology students work in a state-of-the-art facility that includes more than 250,000 square feet for teaching, research, and collaborative learning.
mtsu.edu
January 2024, Serenity Smiles Dental Care welcomes their newest team member, Perla Mendez. Mendez is an invaluable addition to Serenity Smiles as a Spanish-speaking dental assistant. "I'm excited about this new opportunity and being part of this wonderful team. As a native Spanish speaker, I'm here to help our community maintain their healthy and beautiful smiles. I look forward to learning and growing with all of you!"- Mendez. Welcome Peral Mendez! www.serenitysmilesdentalcare.com
On a Leap Day afternoon, Tennessee Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, and over 700 community members joined together to celebrate the groundbreaking of the New Nissan Stadium, setting in motion construction of the dynamic facility scheduled to open in 2027.
A waitlist for those interested in PSLs for the new stadium is now open at newnissanstadium.com
John Jones recently celebrated his 31st year in the real estate business. Jones began his career March 1, 1993, with Snow & Wall, where he went on to establish Murfreesboro’s first real estate team. In 2008 he realized his vision of opening a locally-owned, boutique brokerage, John Jones Real Estate. To date, John has helped over 7,500 families buy and sell homes in Rutherford County. Visit murfreesborohomesonline.com to learn more.
ARTICLE BY ED ATLAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS
p hoto providedbyFountainsatGateway
“It was a ‘bet-the-farm’ move at first. But we were able to determine what Murfreesboro was lacking and put our brand on it.”
As Middle Tennessee has grown, so has the demand for upscale amenities in the outlying cities and communities. That’s because frequent jaunts from Murfreesboro to places like Cool Springs or Downtown Nashville aren’t necessarily conducive to a healthy work-life balance.
Efforts to bring such niceties to Rutherford County have been underway since the early 2000s, but things stepped up in class with the advent of Fountains At Gateway, the 31-acre Class A office, retail, entertainment, and condominium development at 1500 Medical Center Parkway.
Fountains At Gateway came to life when Hearthstone, a company owned by local developer Scott Graby, agreed to purchase city-owned land where the sprawling campus continues to evolve.
The investment in his hometown has proven to be the manifestation of a longtime dream for the lifelong Murfreesboro resident.
“It’s been gratifying because we didn’t always have the capacity to do what we’re doing,” says Graby. “It was a ‘bet-the-farm’ move at first. But we were able to determine what Murfreesboro was lacking and put our brand on it. We weren’t just looking to build another apartment complex.
We were looking to introduce an upscale condominium lifestyle.”
Phase I of the three-phase project was an instant hit. Phase II is a five-story structure with more than 200,000 feet of Class A office space plus three floors of luxury condominiums known as Atrium at Fountains. The showroom is open, sales are underway, and the first open house was held in March.
The Hearthstone team is very much a family endeavor as Graby’s four children are instrumental in the operation. Sherri works in sales and administration. Nina handles PR, marketing, and social media. Julia has a background in IT management while Scott, Jr., is the owner of Benchmark Companies, a land-clearing firm.
“Real estate has been my hobby since high school and mixed-use has been my passion for the last eight years,” says Graby, who purchased his first duplex as a college freshman. “I began to realize that, if you’re going to do offices, you need to have a retail and residential component. And that’s a missing piece that Fountains At Gateway brings to Murfreesboro.”
FountainsAtGateway.com
AtriumAtFountains.com
Where you can live your best life.
Maybe you work here. Or dine here. Or shop here. Or ice skate here. or attend a concert here. Now, you can live here!
Atrium at Fountains luxury condominiums that are just steps away from all you’ve come to enjoy about Fountains at Gateway.
For more information, visit our website or send us an email to schedule a showroom visit and virtual walkthrough!
www.atriumatfountains.com email live@atriumatfountains.com
The Learning Experience Teaches Young Learners to Make a Difference in Their Community Through Philanthropy
ARTICLE BY CASSIDY POLMAN PHOTOGRAPHYPROVIDED
Among the numerous shops, offices, and businesses that people pass each day on their drive down Franklin Road, there’s one place whose impact on the community is felt but not always seen. The Learning Experience Academy of Early Education, situated in west Murfreesboro, prides itself in the ongoing efforts to change the lives of people in our community who need it most. What’s more, they’re teaching the smallest among us that their voice matters and that you can never be too small to change the world you live in.
Over the years, Lisa LeVitus had always found herself in various jobs and positions aimed at helping children and young people. For ten years she coached gymnastics and enjoyed being a part of the progress that takes place in that arena. But it wasn’t until she had her son that she realized her heart belonged in early childhood education. Guiding her son through big milestones and teaching him along the way ignited something very special in LeVitus- helping children learn is what truly made her happy. So, when the opportunity to open an early childhood education center presented itself, she wasn’t going to let it pass her by. After a few years of construction and a dedication to putting together a top-notch team, The Learning Experience Academy of Early Education in Murfreesboro was ready to open its doors. The Catch? It was June 1st, 2020, and the world was coming to a screeching halt in an effort to shield itself from the complications of Covid 19. LeVitus recounts, “We didn’t do a ribbon cutting, we didn’t have that time to really say ‘Hey, welcome to the community. This is us; this is what we stand for.’ and I feel like
that got missed.” Still, LeVitus and her team ultimately decided that no matter what, they had a job to do and so The Learning Experience pushed on. Eventually, the community began to find its rhythm again and The Learning Experience was in full swing and ready to fulfill what they had set out to do.
While The Learning Experience is well known for its highly effective, play-based educational programs including L.E.A.P ® (Learning Experience Academic Program), people are pleasantly surprised to learn that The Learning Experience is the only childcare facility franchise whose curriculum is based out of philanthropy. Throughout the year, staff, family, and students are given opportunities to reach out into the community and become involved in an impactful way. And this is done with the help of some very unique characters! A special cast of over 90 characters developed by The Learning Experience are each tasked with guiding children through the different parts of their curriculum and has proven to be a powerfully constructive learning tool. For example, Lionstein® the Lion keeps kids engaged in science and experimenting, Two Plus Toucan® is there to help with math skills, and Penny Polite® helps children learn the importance of manners. The characters who were designed to teach children the meaning of philanthropy and why it’s important in our communities are Grace the Greyhound® and Charity Chihuahua®. Their motto, “It doesn’t matter how big or small you are; it’s the size of your heart that matters®,” effectively teaches children of all ages that their actions can make a difference. (1)
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“I JUST LOVE THAT WE’RE ABLE TO GIVE BACK... WE’RE GOING TO SEND THESE CHILDREN OUT AND THEY’RE GOING TO HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY.”
Lisa LeVitus and her expert team practice what they preach as they show their students what it means to lead with a philanthropic mindset. Every month they learn new ideas as it pertains to giving, and charity. “Kids are able to directly impact the communities that they’re in. And helping kids understand their role in a community is, at this age, I think is so vital,” LeVitus explains. Children get to participate in Toys for Tots during holiday seasons as well as send letters to Veterans to celebrate Veteran’s Day. Recently, they also hosted a toy drive to give directly to the families in Clarksville that were affected by the devastating tornadoes.
The Learning Experience notably partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and developed the fundraising campaign, Let’s Grant Wishes, which allows children to put what they’ve learned into action. A singer-songwriter event featuring local artists Ava Paige, Trey Ackerman, Joe Bizelli, and Greg Wilson is set for May 6th with all proceeds going
to support the Rutherford County Make-a-Wish chapter. Fundraisers like scholastic book fairs and spring/fall photo sessions are also hosted in hopes of raising money for Let’s Grant Wishes. The campaign is held through April 30th where they then get to reveal the contributions made throughout the year and how many wishes will be granted through the diligent efforts of their students.
According to its website, The Learning Experience states, “To date, TLE centers, families, team members, and community partners have raised more than $5.5 million for the Make-A-Wish through Let's Grant Wishes.” (2) Helping and actively participating in giving back to the community in this way leaves an invaluable footprint on the hearts of these children as they race towards developmental milestones and forge through their formative years. LeVitus notes, “I just love that we’re able to give back... we’re going to send these children out and they’re going to have an impact on the community. It’s just really understanding that the service we’re providing is doing more than just keeping the children safe here, it’s really helping this community grow.”
Braided within the fabric of our community are little learners who are beginning to understand how powerful their actions can be and that a small gesture can make a big impact. Through this, Lisa LeVitus and the entire Murfreesboro team continue to work as a source of good in the community; Essentially providing our community with the ultimate learning experience.
Visit www.thelearningexperience.com to learn more.
(1) https://thelearningexperience.com/programs/ meet-our-characters/
(2) https://thelearningexperience.com/community-impact/
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER UTILIZED PROVIDENCE FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT YOU DO FOR YOUR CLIENTS? Providence Financial Solutions delivers specialized financial planning and advisory services, helping clients manage their financial future. We provide personalized guidance on wealth management, retirement planning, investments, and tax efficiency, tailored to each client's specific needs and goals. Our clients’ financial futures are strengthened through our personalized financial guidance which relies on getting to know them at a deep level. Understanding our clients’ values and purpose helps us consider the best strategies to help pursue their long-term financial stability and growth.
WHAT TYPES OF SERVICES DO YOU OFFER CLIENTS? While we provide holistic planning and wealth management services to a broad range of clients, we specialize in retirement strategies, and asset growth and accumulation for individuals and business owners.
CAN YOU SHARE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE IN HELPING YOUR CLIENTS AND THE COMMUNITY LEARN TO INVEST IN THEIR FUTURE? Our mission is something I’m truly passionate about. At Providence Financial Solutions, we embrace the principle that we're stewards of our clients' retirement dreams, a responsibility that lends significant meaning to my work and energizes me every morning.
The transformations we’ve witnessed are compelling. Often, when we begin our journey with clients, their financial strategies are fragmented and lacking in clear direction. Which makes perfect sense in a world where everything and everyone is fighting for our attention, overwhelming our senses. This overstimulation often leads to procrastination and inaction, where little gets done. This is where my work becomes essential: My job is to enhance the financial planning process with clear, strategic guidance, instilling confidence through our
expertise in wealth management, retirement planning, investment management, and tax planning.
The driving force behind our dedication to this work is to help ensure that our clients maintain their dignity and independence from now and into the future.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE TO INVEST AND PLAN FOR THE YEARS AHEAD? There is a myriad of reasons why it is important to invest and plan for the years ahead. I believe that the primary reason to invest rather than save money in a bank account is inflation. Inflation is perhaps the most insidious robber of wealth that must be considered, making the act of growing our wealth at a greater rate than inflation over time imperative.
WHY ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE WITH THEIR FINANCES? Most of us were educated in a wide variety of subjects that we rarely use today. Conversely, many of us were not properly educated in financial matters. Which is unfortunate given that having financial acumen or employing someone that does, becomes more important with each passing day. America’s lack of financial education was one of the biggest reasons I decided to pursue a career in financial and wealth advising. It fills me with joy knowing that I get to wake up each morning and look forward to a day where I get to help educate and empower individuals to work towards their financial dreams. I’m so grateful that I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to witness the transformative impact of sound financial planning on my clients’ lives. I love that I get the opportunity to help folks with some of life's most important milestones, from buying a home, to saving for college for kids and grandkids and retiring comfortably.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.
“I’m so grateful that I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to witness the transformative impact of sound financial planning on my clients’ lives.”
DEANN HAYS
Located in the Davis Science Building on Middle Tennessee State University’s campus, the Center for Environmental Education, or CEE, is part of the university’s Biology Department and focuses on improving environmental education in Middle Tennessee.
“We want to raise awareness about the environment and then impart knowledge and teach people the skills that will help them live well and help the environment,” explained Dr. Kim Cleary Sadler. “We want to make people aware of how they need to be responsible for the choices they make. It really does drill down to the ‘power of one.’”
Sadler began her career at MTSU as an adjunct instructor in the Biology Department in 1989. Now, she is a professor of biology education, the director of the Center for Environmental Education and co-director of the Center for Cedar Glade Studies. She has spent her career at MTSU as principal or co-principal investigator on projects totaling more than $6.7 million focused on teaching and learning in formal and non-formal settings.
Dr. Cindi Smith-Walters, former CEE director, now retired and a CEE volunteer, first began working at MTSU in 1993. Founded in the late 1980s, the center operates only on the “soft money.” It can be captured through grant writing. SmithWalters garnered more than $3 million in grants, which support programs in water quality, solid waste recycling and energy education, amphibian monitoring, invasive pest plants/planting native plants, resource trunks and microscope loan programs, and related curriculum materials, to just name of few.
“We developed the booklet, ‘Discover the Waters of Tennessee,’ which looks at watersheds and has activities and content information that’s presented in a comic
book format, so it’s very attractive for kids,” explained Smith-Walters.
The CEE offers workshops for educators, activities, programs, and partners with multiple agencies to share opportunities for the community to take part in.
The CEE also promotes things people can do at home to help the environment.
“The wonderful thing about people doing things at home to help the environment – recycle, reduce, reuse, and rethink – is they are also saving themselves money,” Sadler continued. “It is a win for the planet and people.”
On campus, the CEE established MTSU as a Level 2 Arboretum; selected trees have QR tags to scan. In collaboration with Vanderbilt University, there is a digital walking tour of the trees. The Science Building
courtyard has a native plant Monarch Way Station to attract important pollinators.
Another opportunity for the public is the Tennessee Amphibian Monitoring Program or TAMP. Participants get trained to listen for the calls of frogs and toads before traveling specific assigned routes in Tennessee to stop, listen, and record the species they hear.
For more information about the TAMP program, contact Bob English at 615-2108774 or by email at engc205@aol.com.
“We want to take people from awareness to action in their daily lives,” SmithWalters said. “If a person is not aware, then they’re not going to take action, so if we can create that awareness, then the possibility of someone doing something to meet the need is so much greater.”
A beach vacation is a time-tested family tradition, and investing your precious time and resources in beach memories will earn returns for a lifetime. The beaches of 30A and Destin, Florida are a short 10-hour drive where sun-kissed cheeks, salty hair, sandy toes, and the sounds of seagulls and laughter await.
Whether investing in a beach vacation rental home or renting one for the week, a Destin vacation rental home or condominium provides a home-away-from-home at the beach. With a fully stocked kitchen (and often scenic views), the same meals you cook at home simply taste better at the beach. Investors can lessen their contribution by joining together with other family members or friends in a large vacation rental home to help reduce costs and increase the reward of enjoying time with loved ones.
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“In order to get the most out of your investment, plan new activities and try new restaurants.
From dolphin cruises and watersports to art galleries and chic rooftop bars, new adventures await.”
In order to get the most out of your investment, plan new activities and try new restaurants. From dolphin cruises and watersports to art galleries and chic rooftop bars, new adventures await. Some companies such as Newman-Dailey Resort Properties, provide complimentary daily beach service and free and discounted passes for area attractions.
The best part is that family vacations are time-tested and have been a kid favorite for decades. The smiles and memories made are the ultimate payout on your investment and the sunset photo of everyone at this age is priceless.
Not
NOW THROUGH APRIL 14TH
Lucky Ladd Farms 4374 Rocky Glade Rd Eagleville, TN | 12:00 PM
"Farmer Ladd and his dedicated crew have meticulously planted more than 700,000 tulip bulbs, showcasing over 100 different varieties of tulips. As the largest pick-your-own tulip farm in Tennessee and even the entire Southeastern United States, Lucky Ladd Farms offers an unparalleled tulip picking and field viewing experience."- luckyladdfarms.com, visit for more information and to purchase festival tickets!
APRIL 2ND-6TH
*www.tinpansouth.com to see full list of participating venues*
Don't miss the highly anticipated, 32nd annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival in downtown Nashville. This is the world's largest songwriters festival dedicated to the art of songwriting! Throughout the week, attendees can enjoy over 400 performers and 98 shows spread across 10 different venues throughout the city! To view a full list of venues, performers, and line-ups and to purchase festival tickets, visit www.tinpansouth.com
APRIL 13TH
Northside Baptist Church 655 West Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro | 9:00 AM
Join Isaiah 117 House Rutherford County for their first Car Show for a fun morning of fellowship as they continue to change the way foster care begins in Rutherford County! There will be a DJ, food trucks,
and awards given for multiple categories including Top Contributor, Top Jeep, Top Truck, Fan Favorite and more! For more information contact email lindsey.broich@isaiah117house.com or call 423.518.3760 ext. 638.
APRIL 19TH
Beesley Animal Foundation Hosts 13th Annual Paws & Pearls Fundraiser
Copper Ridge Event Venue, 3597 Betty Ford Rd, Murfreesboro, TN | 6:00 PM
The 13th Annual Paws & Pearls is the largest and longest-running fundraiser for the Beesley Animal Foundation. Beesley Animal Foundation programs promote the prevention of unwanted cats and dogs through the Beesley Animal Clinic, Education Program, Outreach, Financial Assistance, and the Oliver Pet Assistance Fund. For more information about Paws & Pearls, please visit: https://givebutter. com/pandp2024 or https://www.bee sleyanimalclinic.com/
APRIL 20TH
Centennial Park Bandshell | 11:00 AM
Centennial Park Conservancy Presents Nashville Earth Day in Partnership with Urban Green Lab. "This free family event brings the Nashville community together to celebrate our planet, inspire positive environmental change, and support sustainable small businesses & nonprofits. Nashville Earth Day will feature engaging & educational activities from a variety of exhibitors and vendors." Visit www.nashvilleearthday.org for more information.
mor e. With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only. Expir es 4/30/24. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
