Education

Making Bellevue a Better Place

Bellevue Exchange Club focused on child abuse prevention, youth activities, community events and Patriotism Article by Emma Balkenbush | Photography by Sharon Asby Two Tuesdays a month, you can find John Cooper leading a morning meeting for the volunteers of the Bellevue Exchange Club. He starts each meeting by addressing the group of civic-minded members with the same message. “This is the best way to start your day,” he says.   Cooper became the local non-profit’s president in 2023. He...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Going Beyond Banking

Simmons Bank is a fixture in the Bellevue Community. Article by Kellie Walton | Photography by Sharon Asby When it comes to banking, it’s helpful to have a well-tenured team. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Simmons Bank’s local location. While it may have changed names during its residency in Bellevue, team members have remained on staff to support the community through mortgages, business loans, and a full suite of banking services.   “The local team has been here a long time,” shares...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

A Wealth of Advice

Financial FAQ with Mariner Wealth Advisors Article by Kellie Walton | Photography by Sharon Asby Financial planning and wealth management can be a daunting task, but the financial professionals from Mariner Wealth Advisors' Bellevue office are here to help set clients up for success. The privately held, national wealth advisor team works with each client to create sophisticated, unified financial plans to meet lifelong goals.   We caught up with Christina Horan, managing director and senior...

March 2024

Home + Design

Behind-the-Scenes with one of Bellevue’s Oldest Brands

McCalls Carpet One helped build the foundation for Bellevue…literally.  Article by Kellie Walton | Photography by Sharon Asby Ray McCall followed in his family footsteps – he’s a grandchild of D.T. McCall, founder of a home furnishing empire throughout Tennessee – when he decided to open a pair of businesses in Scottsville and Hartsville in the 1980s. Ray then married Kathy, and the pair made the move down south after welcoming their daughter, Ann Marie.    “I was from Nashville, I went to...

February 2024

Home + Design

How They Do It

With deep ties to the Bellevue area, Howington Construction is emerging as one of the region’s leading custom home builders. Article by Ed Atlas | Photography by Provided In a market that continues to experience a relentless building boom, you can find someone to build your new home in less time than it takes to read this story. But, if you’re in the market for something truly unique that is the manifestation of your vision, you’ll likely want to dig a little deeper.   And that’s the advice...

February 2024

Real Estate

Assessing Bellevue Real Estate with Wyatt Rampy

Poplar Hill Realty’s owner sees continued strength for Bellevue homeowners. Article by Ed Atlas Thirty years ago, Wyatt Rampy moved to Nashville from his hometown of Warrenton, Virginia near Washington, D.C. He says he met his wife, Wendy, “at church, like every mother wants her son to do.”   The Rampy’s originally bought a home in Hermitage but moved to a house on Sneed Road to be closer to Bellevue Church of Christ, where they remain active members. Later they moved to Traceside where they...

February 2024

Food + Beverage

Meet Flour and Forge

Some of Bellevue’s best pizza is served out of a food truck once a week Article by Kellie Walton | Photography by Sharon Asby You know when you meet a new neighbor or your nephew moves into their first home, and you’re tasked with searching for the perfect housewarming gift? A candle, a nice tea towel, or a toaster are classics, but one present changed the trajectory of Derek Walker’s life when he moved into a new California home in the 2010s: a magazine that featured dreamy backyard BBQs.   ...

January 2024

Home + Design

Elevate Your Home with Antiques

Hidden treasures and vintage finds await at Bellevue’s antique mall Article by Kellie Walton | Photography by Ed Atlas Jane Kennedy spent more than 20 years working in oncology, but the importance of that role warranted a hobby just for fun. She started collecting antiques, a passion that would ultimately evolve into her second act career.    Jane developed a particular affinity for collecting depression glass, those stunning translucent, colorful cups and pieces of serving ware often marked...

January 2024

Arts + Culture

House Of Wards

Jenn and Tim Ward are creating authentic, handcrafted, locally-sourced gifts that will be appreciated by residents and visitors alike. Article by Ed Atlas | Photography by Provided What began as a way to unwind from the rigors of work and raising a family has evolved into a second career for Jenn and Tim Ward. They’re the founders and makers at House Of Wards, a craft candle, jewelry, and woodworking business based out of their home on the edge of Bellevue.   “Tim was taking special requests...

January 2024

Arts + Culture

Just What The Doctor Ordered

Nashville-based Musicians On Call delivers the healing power of music nationwide. Article by Ed Atlas | Photography by Provided by Musicians On Call Inherently, music is a two-way street. Whether it’s for entertainment, spiritual, social, or recreational purposes, there’s something of value in it for the musician and the audience.   The same can be said for music in a medical setting. And a Nashville-based organization is spreading that message nationwide.   “I understand that music...

January 2024