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A N N S VUE IO P T LL A THE C PUBLIC VUE Vol 3 Number 12 TheThe Community Community Newspaper Newspaper of of Bellevue Bellevue TN June 30, 2021 Happy Fourth of July! Paisley to Headline 2021 Musical Celebration Downtown

Nashville will once again be home to one of the best fireworks displays in the county this Fourth of July and country superstar Brad Paisley leads an all-star line-up of performers. File photo

Country music superstar Brad Nashville Symphony. give back to our community. As will be located at First and Broad- Paisley will headline Nashville’s “After the year that Nashville has well, our visitors have always sup- way, and the Nashville Symphony July 4th celebration on Lower had, from a tornado to a bombing, ported us through challenges, and will perform at Ascend Amphithe- Broadway, the Nashville Conven- Nashvillians deserve something to this is the perfect way to welcome ater at the conclusion of the multi- tion & Visitors Corp announced look forward to coming out of the them back and welcome live music genre concert. today. The Let Freedom Sing! pre- pandemic,” said Butch Spyridon, back to Music City.” Let Freedom Sing! is expected to sented by Dr Pepper event will fea- President and CEO, Nashville Con- Let Freedom Sing! Music City be Nashville’s first major post-pan- ture the largest fireworks show in vention & Visitors Corp. “More July 4th presented by Dr Pepper is demic event. Paisley, who was pre- Nashville history with the pyrotech- than ever, we want to deliver a a free, family-friendly event. The viously scheduled to headline in nics synchronized to a live perfor- world-class concert and fireworks event has regularly drawn more 2020, agreed to come this year in- mance by the GRAMMY-winning show to commemorate July 4th and than 200,000. The concert stage stead. INSIDE THIS ISSUE

God’s Words for Warriors Part 2 of Bellevue Pet Series Iroquois Steeplechase Returns Page 2 Page 5 Page 6 2 Nashville Sports Publications June 30, 2021 God’s Words for Warriors Marine Vet Launches Program to Help Returning Warriors By Vince Troia ting people to our classes and open- Vue Contributor ing up. So many just don’t want to. One veteran whose wife finally got Dr. Thomas L. ‘Tom’ Seals left him in class said, ‘God hates me Nashville at 17 to join the U.S. Ma- because to this day I love the smell rines and now in his seventies has of Muslim blood.’ That was intense set up camp in Bellevue to grow his but these people wrestle with these God’s Word for Warriors program moral and spiritual problems with that he helped launched a decade nobody to really share them with.” ago at Lipscomb University. Being a Christian in the mili- Through its veteran’s services tary must seem like a contradic- program, Lipscomb has served hun- tion when your job trains you to be dreds of student veterans through ready to take another person’s life. the Yellow Ribbon Enhancement Is that where the spiritual injuries Program, and Seals, who has earned Dr. Tom Seals has set up camp in Bellevue to grow his God’s Words for occur? three degrees in theology, taught Warriors program. “One of the biggest problems we classes and served as chaplain for Photo by Vince Troia face with God’s Word for Warriors these students. is ‘I carried a weapon and I shot 200 veteran students at Lipscomb. I getting veterans to talk about their Over time, his class transformed people.’ I had one student who had started reaching out to VFW, Amer- experiences. Why do they not want into “Faith and Culture: God’s shot a 12-year-old girl and killed ican Legion, YMCAs, churches to tell their stories? Words for Warriors,” a safe haven her, and prayed the whole time, for help, saying ‘if you have these “Many of them feel you would for Lipscomb vets to deal with their ‘oh, please let her be wired (with an veterans, let’s help them.’ I started never understand. You almost have military experiences while accli- explosive),’ and she was. Even so, training church leaders who were to be there. But never talking about mating back into civilian life. It is they deal with those issues. veterans to become teachers.” (His the experience is the worst thing now much more than that. Leading “Let’s face it, in the military you book, used in these training classes, you can do. I urge veterans, ‘Write up to the Fourth of July holiday are trained to be a killer. You cannot was published in 2016.) your story,’ because it is so import- The Vue sat down with Dr. Seals to take a life without being affected. In the book, you say returning ant to share those stories. learn a little more about him and his I don’t care how justified it is, it is soldiers get a lot of help, medi- “I had a young lady in one of my program: going to change you.” cally and psychologically, but not classes at Lipscomb that was raped When did you decide you were With your ministry, and pro- help morally or spiritually. Is that in the military, then violated again going to dedicate yourself to help- grams such as Operation Stand a hole that the ministry is trying to when the (commanding officer) ing veterans, and is that when the Down, which as you have said is fill? transferred the offender out. She God’s Word for Warriors program working to get homeless vets off “I believe that everyone is creat- would break down in class talking and subsequent book started? the streets, or Rock House Center, ed with a spiritual foundation. We about it, and later wrote her own “Well, first, this is not so much a which offers Biblical counseling are all spiritual people, whether we book about the experience. Now program as it is a ministry for veter- for emotional issues, are we seeing believe in God or whomever. Now that was not me, it is not the book, it ans of all eras – World War II, Viet- a growing trend for this type of vet- most veterans come back okay is God working in their lives, open- nam, Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq -- we eran assistance? without moral or spiritual injuries, ing them up. I was so proud of her. work with all those veterans. “Maybe. I don’t know. There even if they do not like to talk about You see, they need to tell their sto- “Years ago, the president of Lip- are just too many veterans. Even it, but about 30 percent or more do. ries. That is why these classes are so scomb came to me when the univer- though veterans make up only one “Our veterans are spiritually ori- important.” sity was getting a lot of veterans on percent of our population, that’s a ented, almost all are to a certain de- Is it a fault of the military that campus through the Yellow Ribbon lot of veterans. The VA just cannot gree. The Veterans Administration they can train soldiers to kill with- Program and asked if I would be get to them all. (VA) is doing a great job, but they out somehow explaining the psy- their chaplain in addition to the Bi- “Then you have veterans who shut are not touching the moral and the chological repercussions of taking ble classes I taught. So, I said, ‘yes.’ themselves out of services. I myself spiritual aspects. The reason they a life? I started counseling a few of them don’t go to the VA because I don’t are not doing that is because of the “I don’t think so. The military is and quickly thought there should be want to take the place of another separation of church and state. just now beginning to talk about a class for veterans only, that deals veteran that might need it more than “You know, most of our problems moral injury, and that’s good, but it with issues like anger management, I do. However, I get criticized be- stem from what we think about is still different than spiritual injury. depression, survivor’s guilt, rela- cause by not going the government ourselves. A lot of veterans come Moral injury is what you worship, tions with family members, etc. can say it is taking care of our mili- home, and they are fine. They -ac who do you serve, who is your God. when they come home. Here was an tary, when in reality it’s not.” climate back in society, buy homes, Spiritual is more to the core. opportunity to really help these vet- Where are you looking for help get jobs. We are focused on the thir- “Moral injury is you shall not do erans from a veteran’s perspective. to advance your God’s Word for ty percent that don’t and why that is. this; you shall not do that – more “I teach biblical principles as part Warriors mission? A lot is guilt. Many see themselves black and white. But you know that of the course, but I am not jamming “Of course, we would love expo- as killers, and they begin to feel like religion is not black and white. God it down students’ throats (as some sure in the media. Word of mouth they are not really worth anything. sets the standard, but nobody can colleagues feared). I am exposing works too. If anyone tells someone So, we have to start with the basic meet that standard. Still, you do not them to The Word and letting The about what we are doing, that is a idea that ‘you are created in the im- lower the standard – that’s where Word do its thing. Then I realized huge help. Or if they see veterans age of God’ and God loves you. grace comes in. that we were just touching the hem You talk about the difficulty of “But part of our outreach is get- of the garment here, and we grew to Continued on Page 3 June 30, 2021 Nashville Sports Publications 3 Program Available for Returning Vets Continued from Page 2 erans only, and their spouses, but I vent suicides. However, she met me told him that I would have to talk a few months ago in Franklin and Or if they see veterans that are to the class. He said, ‘I just want to told me she did not have the qualifi- hurting, tell them about God’s Word get to know them and thank them cations for the spiritual side of this for Warriors. what for they have done.’ At first, and asked for my help. “One of the most difficult plac- the class said no. But then decided “You know the Hebrew word Mike Hastings es we have to get into, and you to let him attend. As the class pro- ‘Shalom?’ It is not ‘Peace, bro!’ It Publisher wouldn’t think so, is churches. We gressed the veterans said that was means I have come to make you [email protected] are in a few. Churches might say the best thing we have done. We got whole – physically, spiritually, ma- they will teach our class for a se- to know him and saw him for who terially, in every way. What we try Editorial Staff mester and then move on to some- he is. to get across to these veterans is that thing else. We want churches to “To me, the military is colorblind. they are not bad people (because Stetson Marlin form a continuing veterans ministry (Whatever skin a soldier is in), you they took a life). They had a re- Contributing Writer where they deal with the issues. depend on them, and they you. Also, sponsibility to their fellow soldiers, Marc Lyon “I was teaching classes in one we now are spearheading a ministry and they had to make a split-second Contributing Writer church and bringing veterans in, and for female veterans, who have their decision. Those are hard decisions.” Vince Troia after about five weeks the leaders own separate issues.” “It’s easy to see they are dealing Contributing Writer of the church came to me and said, Anger management seems to be with pain. I try to teach them not as Paula Underwood Winters ‘you are teaching Catholics, you are a key issue with returning veter- an authority but as someone who Contributing Writer teaching Methodists to teach this ans, but suicide must be a major has walked among them. I hope I Chip Cirillo course. You know what’s going to concern for you and your pro- am the mouth, and eyes, and ears Contributing Writer happen. (They feared conversion to gram, right? of God, and that is what I try to be. Jim Dyes those other religions.) We just don’t “Absolutely. We just had a call That is why I don’t blame myself if Contributing Writer think we can do that.’ So, I finished from a lady in Florida who is work- one of my students takes his life. I out my commitment because I am ing with suicide victims. She lost feel bad but again I did everything I Photography By: not changing my ministry. her son, a veteran, to suicide. Then could to prevent that.” “Our veterans love Jesus. Eighty her youngest son killed himself be- Learn more at Godsword-forwar- Carl Edmondson or ninety percent of them love Je- cause he missed his brother. She riors.org or call (615) 964-7031. www.cejrphotography.com sus, but they don’t all like the has dedicated herself to (a nonprof- The book is available through West- Andrew Atkins church. I understand that. I wasn’t a it) reaching out to veterans to pre- Bow Press and Walmart. Contributing Photographer believer growing up, wasn’t raised Sarah Galloway in a church, and went into the Ma- Contributing Photographer rine Corps without a faith. Interest- John Wilkinson ingly though, the Corps gave us all www.jfw3.com little New Testament books, and ev- Katie Bashaw ery time I went into a mission that Contributing Photographer I was concerned about, I would car- Jennifer Spradlin ry that New Testament like a good Contributing Photographer luck charm. It was only after I left Jan Johnson the Marine Corps that I became a HAMILTON www.imagine--this.com Christian. GORHAM Greg & Jess Photo “We are also reaching into cor- www.gregandjess.com porations, because if you are a cor- & DUNCAN porate leader, you want to hire vet- PLLC Art Director: erans. They typically are mature, good workers. However, a large Renee Phillips percentage of veterans hired do not We are Bellevue’s neighborhood law fi rm last because they have anger issues serving Nashville and surrounding counti es Advertising Sales: and relationship issues that are not Mike Hastings addressed. So, we are offering to with over 60 years of combined experience. [email protected] come in at no charge, if they are willing to give an hour comp time LITIGATION • CRIMINAL DEFENSE • CONSERVATORSHIPS Printing Provided By: a week, and deal with some of these Franklin Web Press issues.” DIVORCE • ESTATE PLANNING • PROBATE I am curious, do you see a di- verse group of veterans taking PERSONAL INJURY • ADOPTION • SMALL BUSINESS 615.579.5774 your classes? “Yes, we have black, white, male, www.NashvilleSports.net female. I even had in one class at 161 Belle Forest Circle Lipscomb a Muslim who was not a Facebook/NashvilleSports15 veteran. He told me he was in Iraq Nashville, TN 37221 Twitter: @15Nashville and lost family members to terror- hgdlegal.com

The Sports Weekly is published by Nashville Sports ists. He said, ‘I would love to be Tel: (615) 467-3232 Publicastions LLC, 142 Belle Forest Circle, Nash- part of your class.’ Fax: (615) 646-3350 ville TN 37221. All rights reserved. “Now these classes are for vet- 4 Nashville Sports Publications June 30, 2021

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Now offering DeltaVision® in partnership with VSP®. Protect your eyes and smile with Delta Dental®. DeltaDentalTN.com June 30, 2021 Nashville Sports Publications 5 Bellevue Pet Series - Part 2 Pets Enjoying Greater Quality of Life and Longer Lifespan (The Vue is pleased to continue a game changer.” with our series of locally focused In addition to advances in preven- stories on pet care in Bellevue. To- tive care, Parham said prospective day’s publication offers another in pet owners can now easily research a series of stories that focuses on the different breeds available and emerging trends, issues and chang- compare probable health outcomes es in pet care.) and life expectancy. “The biggest issue with pets is By Marc Lyon prospective owners wanting a spe- Vue Contributor cific breed because it’s cute or pop- ular,” said Parham. “People don’t Industry studies conducted over consider activity level or health the past two decades show both issues that some breeds are predis- dogs and cats are living longer than posed to.” ever. Bellevue’s oldest operating vet- Changes in owner perspectives erinarian practice, Bellevue Ani- and advances in veterinary care are Studies show that dogs are living longer, on average from 10.5 to 12 mal Hospital, has been serving the years, which is good news for the owners who love them. some of the major forces driving File photo needs of animals in the community the increased lifespan among pets. for nearly 40 years. Dogquality.com reports studies their pets. In the past, animals were ventive healthcare, have led to an Drs. Jeff and Susan Abelt, who show dogs are living longer, with narrowly cast as pets — now, 95 improved quality of life for pets. own the clinic, say advances in ma- the average life expectancy increas- percent of people consider them to “Preventative care has improved jor life-saving medical procedures ing from 10.5 years to almost 12 be family according to pet owner tremendously,” said Bellevue vet- have also played an important role years since the start of the 21st cen- surveys. erinarian Jennifer Parham, DVM, in lengthening the lives of pets. tury. Cats are living up to a year Another major factor is the prog- who has been practicing for 20 “We not only have more surgical longer on average, with life expec- ress that’s been made in veterinary years. “Vaccines, heartworm and and medical options today, but also tancy that can climb as high as 20 approaches and treatments over the flea/tick prevention and other pre- more extensive diagnostics avail- years. past 20 to 30 years according to ventive measures have made a big able,” said Susan Abelt. “The vet- This is partly due to a shift in Bellevue veterinarians. difference in the care of pets. Also, erinarian’s clinic is much more on perspective in how people think of Just as with humans, gains in pre- advances in pain control have been par with what a human hospital has to offer. Pets are living longer, and more comfortably, as a result.” Surgeries to repair failed back disc, knee tears, arthritic joints and internal organs are being performed more frequently by veterinarian surgeons compared to what was be- ing done decades ago. “Depending on the health of the pet and the presence of other co-morbidities, we can add to the quality and length of a pet’s life by performing high level surgeries,” said Parham. Euthanizing a pet, who is seriously ill or injured, is no longer the only option available to emotionally attached owners ac- cording to Parham. However, Parham said she is ready to have difficult “end of life” discussions in regard to pets with owners when necessary. “Euthanizing a pet isn’t the worst part of my job,” said Parham. “I have had many wonderful experi- ences euthanizing some of my long West Side Taekwondo term patients. It’s sad but I’m hap- 8150 Sawyer Brown Rd py to facilitate that experience. My Nashville, TN 37221 worst experiences are when clients 615-891-7184 refuse to treat based on their lack of preparedness.” 7-31-21 6 Nashville Sports Publications June 30, 2021 T

TheThe omeHome ofof ometownHometown eroesHeroes! Iroquois Steeplechase 80th Annual Classic Race Returns Better Than Ever The 80th anniversary of the Ir- oquois Steeplechase took place Saturday, June 26 at Percy Warner Park. The race, which benefits the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospi- tal at Vanderbilt, exceeded goals set by organizers. “This year’s race couldn’t have gone better,” said Dwight Hall, Chairman of the Iroquois Stee- plechase. “Thank you to all of our sponsors for their help in making this race possible. Congratulations to all the winners and their horses.” Iroquois Steeplechase President Marianne Byrd said, ”It appeared the crowd was more dense than it Organizers were thrilled with the return of the 80th Annual Iroquois Steeplechase after missing last year due to has been in a decade. Our communi- the Covid-19 pandemic. Courtesy Photo ty raced to participate in Nashville’s first major event in 18 months.” ley Solutions, Andrews Transportation Lifestyles, Phillips Toy Mart, Per- There were new additions to this Race 4: Keri’s Find trained by Group, AT&T, Berry Farms Animal formance Food Group, Pro Comp, year’s race festivities, including the Keri Brion and ridden by Parker Hospital & Spa, Brown Advisory, Publix Super Market Charities, Pur- Taverns on the Turf, the Action 24/7 Hendricks Brown Forman/Jack Daniel Distill- year & Noonan, CPA’s, RH Boyd, “Free to Play” contest and Diamond Race 5: The Mean Queen trained ery, Christine A Moore Millinery, Row & Associates, Seabrook Is- Cellar’s Hermes Lounge. by Keri Brion and ridden by Thom- Coca-Cola Consolidated, Compass land Real Estate, Signs First, So- Highlights as Garner Real Estate, Concord Road Animal phisticated Living, StyleBlueprint, The winners of this years Iroquois Race 6: Storm Team trained by Hospital, Core Civic Foundation, Tennessee Equine Hospital, The Steeplechase are; Jack Fisher and ridden by Graham Diamond Cellar & Hermès, Do615, Houghland Foundation, The Jus- Race 1: Mighty Mark trained by Watters Ernst & Young, FarmVet, Fusion tin Valere Blair Potter Foundation, Katherine Neilson and ridden by Race 7: Snap Decision trained by Site, Gus Mayer, Hyatt House Cool The Motor Enclave, The Nashville Skylar McKenna Jack Fisher and ridden by Graham Springs, Lipman Brother LLC/RS Sign, The Tennessean, TriGreen Race 2: Chief Justice trained by Watters Lipman Co, Mars Equestrian, Mr. Equipment, TVV Capital, Westlight Cyril Murphy and ridden by Jamie Organizers would like to thank and Mrs. Alex Wade, Mr. Lowry Studios, WTVF News Channel 5, Bargary the sponsors; Action 24/7, Aloom- Watkins Jr., Ms. DeeDee Wade, Your Williamson, 95.5, 99.7, 103.3, Race 3: Princeville trained by pa, Amazon, American Business Nfocus, NashComm, Nashville 104.5, 92.Q. Doug Fout and ridden by Barry Fo- 3.5” x 2”

Jim Dyes Financial Advisor 7516 Highway 70 S Ste 150 Nashville, TN 37221 615-662-8037

615-662-8849 www.mooreandmoore.com 8216 Highway 100 edwardjones.com Cultivating Lifestyles Nashville, TN 37221 MKT-5894K-A June 30, 2021 Nashville Sports Publications 7 Nashville Sports Council Volunteer Now for Big Machine Music City Grand Prix By Aldo Amado sponsible for providing directions, hotels associated with the Big Ma- yard and lapel pin) for the weekend. Nashville Sports Council information and other assistance chine Music City Grand Prix. These The Big Machine Music City to fans attending the Big Machine individuals will make sure volun- Grand Prix will take place on a Multiple volunteer positions are Music City Grand Prix. teers show up for their shift and that temporary grand prix circuit in open for the inaugural Big Machine Hospitality: Hospitality volun- they have all the necessary materi- downtown Nashville that will wrap Music City Grand Prix featuring the teers will assist patrons in different als at their tables. around Nissan Stadium. The 2.17- NTT INDYCAR SERIES which hospitality areas located throughout Additionally, spots are open for mile temporary street circuit will is slated to take place Aug. 6-8 in the event. These volunteers will as- general volunteers, access control, race across the Korean Veterans downtown Nashville. sist with check-in, wrist-banding (as Fan Zone, operations, production, Memorial Bridge into downtown The race is in most need of the needed) and other duties as needed. special events and volunteer ser- Nashville and back. It will be the following positions: Hotel Ambassador: Hotel ambas- vices. A $50 registration fee covers first INDYCAR street course in Race Day Ambassador: The Race sadors will oversee all of the infor- meals during shifts as well as appar- eight years and will feature 11 turns Day Ambassador team will be re- mation tables at certain downtown el (hat, t-shirt, two polo shirts, lan- and a number of straightaways for overtaking. Additionally, the three-day festi- val will include live music perfor- mances, chef-curated food experi- ences and additional entertainment opportunities for racing fans. For more information on how to volunteer, visit Nashville Sports. com. About the Nashville Sports Council REGISTER The Nashville Sports Council is a private, non-profit, member- ship-based organization of area corporations and individual sports enthusiasts. Created in 1992, the Nashville Sports Council’s mission TODAY is to positively impact the economy and quality of life of the Greater Nashville Area by attracting and promoting professional and ama- teur sporting events. The Nashville Sports Council has hosted hundreds of major sporting events that have produced more than $930 million AUGUST 6-8, 2021 in direct economic impact for the region. For more information call 615-743-3120 or visit NashvilleS- ports.com. Follow the Nashville Sports Council on Facebook and Twitter.

Volunteer Positions: About the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Race Day Ambassadors The Big Machine Music City Hospitality Fanzone Grand Prix is a three-day interna- Access Control tional festival of speed and sound featuring an NTT INDYCAR® SERIES event. The event aims to create a comprehensive world-class Volunteer Benefits: international destination event that highlights Nashville, Tenn., the Mu- Meals provided sic City and the Mid-South region lanyard including music, food, culture and pin hat, t-shirt and 2 polos entertainment that centers on the speed, technology, skill and excite- ment of up-close urban INDYCAR racing. As a privately funded event, Music City Grand Prix is owned and operated by 615GP, LLC. 8 Nashville Sports Publications June 30, 2021