Why Folds of Honor, you may ask? I am passionate about our military and first responders, and I chose Folds of Honor to recognize and honor their sacrifices. Folds of Honor provides life-changing educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. The call is powerful, and the mission is simple: HONOR THEIR SACRIFICE. EDUCATE THEIR LEGACY. UNITE AMERICANS AROUND ALL THOSE WHO SERVE.

It began with Lt. Col. Dan Rooney’s flight home from his second tour of duty in Iraq. As an F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, he became painfully aware of the realities families face when a loved one in uniform has fallen or been disabled while protecting our great country. When the flight landed, he witnessed the remains of an American hero being returned to his family. Lt. Col. Rooney watched as the Corporal’s twin brother walked somberly alongside the flag-draped casket to meet his family on the tarmac. Among them was the deceased Corporal’s young son.

Since that moment, Lt. Col. Rooney has been committed to rallying patriotic Americans and meeting sacrifice with hope through Folds of Honor, ensuring those who protect our freedoms and families will know they are not forgotten. By providing educational scholarships to the spouses and children of those who have fallen or been disabled while serving our country, FOH helps ensure that families facing unimaginable loss are given the opportunity for a brighter future through education without having the financial burdens.

Now you know why I am so passionate about Folds of Honor’s mission and why I wanted to give back to this worthy charity. So what’s in store for the open house? The open house is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026, time TBD. Home tour attendees will be greeted with appetizers, drinks, swag bags (limited number), and a chance to register to win a FREE European river cruise, along with other items to be given away. To conclude the event, Music City Publications, Inc. will present Folds of Honor with a check representing funds raised through donations and ticket sales profits.

During the home preview, guests will be able to tour and explore the house at their leisure, get decorating inspiration, and see firsthand the quality work of Carbine & Associates and other contractors involved. And upon finding the mystery room, attendees can enjoy a special whiskey tasting.

The two-story modern European farmhouse home is currently under construction in Williamson County. Amy Montgomery, our recently appointed lifestyle editor, is working diligently throughout the build process to ensure the house is perfectly appointed and the event runs smoothly. B.F. Myers Furniture is also a major contributor, as they will be staging and decorating the home.  

The objective going forward is for our lifestyle editor to share the building process, from start to finish, and everything in between, for the next 12 months. Sharing tips learned along the way, decorating ideas, and how to make a house a home, while highlighting some of the special projects that played a part in making the house a home. Nashville Murphy Beds, OrangeRhino Concrete Coatings, and Atlantic Pools & Spas are a few that are currently working on special projects. It takes an army to put together an event, no pun intended. Still, the intent is to highlight the amazing businesses in Middle Tennessee that helped bring this home to fruition while also giving back to Folds of Honor to recognize the sacrifices made by our military and first responders. Hope to see you at the open house in August!

The post Opening the Doors for a Cause appeared first on Williamson County Living.

But this year’s surprise isn’t just about the garage itself — it starts with the floor. A professionally finished surface from OrangeRhino Concrete Coatings transforms an ordinary garage into a clean, durable, and functional space Dad can truly enjoy. No more dusty concrete, stubborn stains, or worn-out surfaces. Instead, he gets an easy-to-maintain foundation that looks fantastic and is designed to handle everything from weekend projects to everyday life.

While kitchens and living rooms often get the design attention, the garage is quietly becoming one of the most transformed spaces in the modern home — starting from the ground up. A professionally finished garage floor has become the standard of a smarter, cleaner, and more functional space, turning what was once a dusty catch-all into an extension of the home itself.

OrangeRhino specializes in creating impeccably finished concrete floors that offer both striking visual appeal and durability. Every project begins with a meticulously profiled concrete surface, followed by the application of industrial-grade coatings, never the thin, quick-roll alternatives, ensuring a finish built to endure.

There are 16 colors in stock to choose from, and the industrial-grade coatings resist peeling, cracking, and discoloration. The result is a garage floor that feels curated, with a high-performance surface that enhances your home’s overall appeal and value. Additionally, each installation is backed by a true lifetime warranty.

What distinguishes OrangeRhino is the strength of its team. No sub-contractors. No temporary labor. Each project is assigned a trained lead installation associate. OrangeRhino safeguards your investment by being fully insured, providing peace of mind.

“The service was right on target with the date and professionalism. The garage floor looks awesome, and the men explained everything about how long to let it cure and how to clean it. What a difference it makes in the look of a concrete floor! Very classy garage and I love it!” -Customer Testimonial

There’s something satisfying about opening the garage door and seeing a clean, finished space rather than unfinished concrete. For many dads, today’s garage serves a multitude of purposes. One day it’s a home gym, the next it’s a DIY headquarters, and by Saturday afternoon, it might be the gathering spot for neighbors watching the big game. As homes continue to adapt to modern lifestyles, homeowners are realizing that comfort and durability matter just as much in the garage as they do inside the house.

OrangeRhinospecializes in transforming ordinary concrete into a finished surface that looks refined while performing under pressure. A professionally finished floor elevates the entire experience. Lighting reflects better, storage looks sharper, and the space feels more like part of the home rather than an afterthought. It’s about luxury and usability. The result isn’t just cosmetic — it’s practical. Just what Dad needs, and Mom, too!

The garage isn’t the only place where OrangeRhino’s concrete coatings make an impact. Areas such as front porches, driveways, basement floors, and pool decks are also ideal spaces for the durable finish. Adding color, texture, and lasting protection to them is the perfect way to enhance curb appeal and make outdoor spaces feel more welcoming.

Consider giving Dad that new garage floor this Father’s Day. It’s something he will cherish for years to come, and it’s a gift that says thank you in a meaningful way — because sometimes the best Father’s Day gifts aren’t wrapped in a box.

OrangeRhino is committed to delivering better-looking concrete and providing a great experience throughout the process. Visit goorangerhino.com for additional information or call (855) 30RHINO to schedule a free consultation.

The post A Father’s Day Surprise — Dad Will Actually Use appeared first on Williamson County Living.

There’s an old saying that the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. Often used for overwhelming seasons of life, it reminds us that even the most significant transitions can be managed thoughtfully and steadily. For Amy Montgomery, that idea has become both philosophy and practice.

For four years, customers and friends have walked into Amy Montgomery Home in Columbia, Tennessee, greeted by warmth, southern charm and hospitality, and beautifully curated pieces for entertaining and home goods. This January, she closed the shop and pivoted back to her roots in interior design.

While she focused on retail, Montgomery intentionally paused taking design clients. Now, she’s returning to the work she has loved for more than three decades: helping people see what a space can become. “I’ve never stopped being a designer. I just stopped saying yes for a while.” The pause wasn’t an ending; it was a deep breath to a new beginning.

Her design career began organically in the early 1990s, when word of mouth was everything. Montgomery loved to invite people into her home and entertained often. Guests visited her West Nashville home and left inspired, often asking for help recreating the warmth and balance they experienced there. These guests left saying the same thing, “Whatever this is, I want it.” Then, somewhere between dinner parties and conversations over coffee, design requests began to pile up. Bookshelves and living rooms soon grew into full-home projects.

Early opportunities came with challenges: staging homes on tight budgets, selecting finishes for stalled builder projects, and transforming uninspired spaces into inviting ones. The results spoke for themselves — homes sold, clients returned, and referrals multiplied. “I designed things that made sense,” said Montgomery, and practical, honest design quickly became her signature.

When she moved to Columbia and opened her shop, it wasn’t part of a master plan. The transition was difficult at first. Life felt unfamiliar, but something unexpected happened: people lingered. They talked. They shared life’s milestones, celebrations, losses, and everyday moments. Montgomery took great pleasure in helping her customers one-on-one.

Just like that, Columbia was home. The shop became a gathering place. “There’s not a day that goes by that someone in Columbia doesn’t check on me,” Montgomery said. “You don’t leave a place like that.” Though the storefront has closed, the relationships remain. She continues her involvement in community events, including the Maury County Benefit Ball, the Polk Home, and The Polk Ball, carrying forward the connections that matter most.

As her professional life evolved, so did her personal life. Montgomery navigated divorce with intention and reflection. “There’s no blueprint for life after divorce, but redesigning your life is possible, one thoughtful decision at a time.”

Rather than viewing the change as loss, she approached it as refinement. “I was still me — just a different, happier me.” Balance became central: balance in work, relationships, and personal well-being. Daily walks, mindful meals, quiet mornings, and deepened friendships became foundational rather than optional.

Divorce changes the relationship status and rearranges the architecture of life. It isn’t about erasing the past or starting from scratch. It’s about meeting yourself where you are and moving forward with intention. “Over and over, friends and strangers have commented that I am glowing, my smile is brighter,” Montgomery said. “Yes, I think that what you feel inside definitely reflects how you are feeling emotionally, spiritually, and physically.”

The art of presence is equally important to Montgomery. “Dressing with intention and leaving the house composed even on ordinary days is a quiet declaration of self-respect and can easily raise my mood. I show respect for myself and my surroundings by choosing to dress mindfully. I think a woman who moves through the world with a little polish is dignified, poised, and quietly confident.”

Equally important has been community. Letters, notes, and gestures of kindness from friends became tangible reminders of support. “Strength isn’t measured by solitude alone,” she said. “It’s measured by the wisdom to reach out.” Those expressions of care reinforced her faith, which she says has been refined rather than diminished. “Divorce has not weakened my faith; it has deepened it.”

Today, Montgomery is stepping back into design not as reinvention, but as a return. Her approach remains consistent: take something that isn’t working and shape it into what it should be. That philosophy also extends to hosting flower tutorials again in her Columbia home. She has created a welcoming home that reflects her signature warmth. Built-in bookshelves anchor a thoughtfully designed library. A refreshed kitchen supports her love of cooking and entertaining. Family antiques hold places of honor. “Nothing has to be finished to be meaningful,” she said. “You just start.”

Beginning in March, she will host intimate private gatherings in her home; dinners, floral workshops, pop-ups with guest artists, and brunches centered around conversation and the art of hospitality. Evenings will begin with appetizers in the library, followed by shared meals and discussions about entertaining and design. “It’s what I’ve always done,” she said. “Just more intentional.”

She has also launched a refreshed website, featuring longtime collaborators who are picking up where she left off and updating it to reflect where she is headed. Her designer pillow line was re-launched in July. The locally made pillows will be available exclusively at her Nashville shop, Gas Lamp, Too, and are made with materials sourced in the United States. The pillow collection reflects her belief that beauty should feel welcoming and lived-in.

Alongside her product offerings, she consults on renovations and new builds, guiding homeowners and realtors in thoughtfully elevating spaces. Most recently, she has partnered on a new home build in Williamson County and will be showcasing a behind-the-scenes look at creating a luxe home from the ground up.

This design is about presence — about showing up with clarity, confidence, and gratitude. It’s about honoring the past while embracing what’s ahead. “There’s freedom in starting again, and power in knowing who you are,” Montgomery concluded.

And so, the elephant is tackled. Slowly. Purposefully. With intention and at a beautifully set table.

AMY MONTGOMERY has over 25 years of design experience and is the owner of Amy Montgomery Home, located in Nashville. Her Columbia design studio is available by appointment only at (931) 982-4988. Montgomery’s curated collection of entertaining essentials is available online, along with a selection of her many design services and a calendar of events. Visit amymontgomeryhome.com to learn more.

The post Setting the Table for What’s Next in Life appeared first on Williamson County Living.

In this issue, the cover features Amy Montgomery as she steps into a new chapter following the closing of her retail shop, Amy Montgomery Home. Read about her journey and what is in store for the future now that she has opened her private design studio. Franklin resident Lee Pepper shares the secrets of his success in his new book, Never Outmatched. From the riverbanks to the private runway, discover why the extraordinary farm of Island Bend Farms, along the Tennessee River, might be perfect for you. Gallery 48 spotlights artist Mary Lehner, learn about the new 2026 tax changes, and, fitting for spring, read why your gut is like a garden. Start planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta now and go explore why they say there’s never a bad day there. Learn how stress can take a toll on your oral health, and meet Florian Kober, an exchange student from Austria whose dream of playing American football came true, and how the Spring Hill community embraced him.

In this issue, the cover features Amy Montgomery as she steps into a new chapter following the closing of her retail shop, Amy Montgomery Home. Read about her journey and what is in store for the future now that she has opened her private design studio. Franklin resident Lee Pepper shares the secrets of his success in his new book, Never Outmatched. From the riverbanks to the private runway, discover why the extraordinary farm of Island Bend Farms, along the Tennessee River, might be perfect for you. Gallery 48 spotlights artist Mary Lehner, learn about the new 2026 tax changes, and, fitting for spring, read why your gut is like a garden. Start planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta now and go explore why they say there’s never a bad day there. Learn how stress can take a toll on your oral health, and meet Florian Kober, an exchange student from Austria whose dream of playing American football came true, and how the Spring Hill community embraced him.

Articles Inside

• 

  COVER FEATURE: Setting the Table for What's Next in Life

  There’s an old saying that the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. Often used for overwhelming seasons of life,.

• 

  From Runway to Riverbank

  A Sportsman’s Paradise at Island Bend Farms Set along the sweeping bends of Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River, Island Bend Farms is a rare.

• 

  Q & A with Lee Pepper

  Never Outmatched In a world where leadership is constantly tested by change, pressure, and uncertainty, Lee Pepper has built a reputation for meeting every challenge.

• 

  Seeing Beauty Through Art — Gallery 48

  Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder — and at Gallery 48 in downtown Columbia, Tennessee, beauty unfolds in layers of.

• 

  411 on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — 6 Key Provisions

  In the ever-evolving world of tax policy and economic incentives, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, stands out.

• 

  Spring Cleaning for Your Body Why Your Gut is Like a Garden

  Spring invites renewal. Windows open, clutter clears, and many head outside to prepare gardens. Yet in all this external renewal, the most important garden gets.

• 

  How Football Made America Feel Like Home For #45 Florian Kober

  When Florian Kober arrived in America last July as an exchange student with EF High School Exchange, the scale of everything struck him immediately —.

• 

  Never a Bad Day in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

  “Never a Bad Day.” That is Puerto Vallarta’s promotional slogan, which is more than hype. It’s a mindset, especially in the Zona Romantica, a bustling.

• 

  The Silent Impact of Stress On Your Oral Health

  In today’s always-on world, stress seems to have become an accepted part of modern life. Between professional demands, family life, and the constant digital distraction,.

• 

  COVER FEATURE: Setting the Table for What's Next in Life

  Kathy Fox Cover Story
• 

  From Runway to Riverbank

  Katie Baker Culture & Community
• 

  Q & A with Lee Pepper

  Williamson County Living Profiles
• 

  Seeing Beauty Through Art — Gallery 48

  Kathy Fox Culture & Community
• 

  411 on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — 6 Key Provisions

  Allen Buckley Finance & Career
• 

  Spring Cleaning for Your Body Why Your Gut is Like a Garden

  Williamson County Living Wellness
• 

  How Football Made America Feel Like Home For #45 Florian Kober

  Williamson County Living Culture & Community
• 

  Never a Bad Day in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

  Tom Adkinson Travel & Leisure
• 

  The Silent Impact of Stress On Your Oral Health

  Kathy Fox Wellness

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The post Williamson County Living March/April 2026 appeared first on Williamson County Living.

In today’s always-on world, stress seems to have become an accepted part of modern life. Between professional demands, family life, and the constant digital distraction, stress bombards us every day. Though it is most commonly linked to negatively impacting mental and cardiovascular health, stress’s effect on oral health is frequently overlooked—yet significant.

Dr. Cone, with OMS Nashville, is Dual-Board Certified, a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and the National Board of Dental Anesthesiology, and is very familiar with the effects of stress on oral health.

Stress can quietly manifest in the mouth long before patients realize anything is wrong. “Oral health is deeply connected to what’s happening elsewhere in the body,” Dr. Cone explained. “When stress becomes chronic, it doesn’t just alter sleep or mood—it shows up in jaw tension, inflammation, decreased immunity, and even infection.”

One of the most common stress-related conditions dentists and oral surgeons encounter is bruxism, or teeth grinding. Often occurring during sleep, bruxism can wear down enamel, fracture teeth and restorations, and place excessive strain on the jaw joint. Patients may wake up with headaches, facial soreness, or stiffness without immediately connecting those symptoms to stress.

One of the best ways to prevent grinding teeth at night is to wear a mouthguard while sleeping. Without treatment for teeth grinding, one can break or crack teeth or wear them down, which may ultimately lead to damage that cannot be repaired. Teeth may require surgical removal or dental implants to replace them.

Beyond grinding, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can also be exacerbated by stress. TMJ disorders include a variety of conditions affecting the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull, as well as the muscles responsible for chewing. Symptoms may include jaw pain, stiffness, or clicking and popping sounds during movement. These issues arise when the jaw joints and the muscles of mastication (chewing muscles) are not functioning correctly together.

Advances in diagnostic techniques and treatment options have made TMJ disorders more readily identifiable and manageable. It should be noted that certain TMJ conditions can progress if left untreated, making early evaluation and appropriate care an essential role in preventing more serious complications. “The jaw is a natural place where people hold tension,” Dr. Cone noted. “When stress isn’t addressed, the constant muscle tension can lead to headaches, facial pain, and joint discomfort.”

Even though occasional periods of stress occur every day, prolonged daily stress can gradually undermine the body’s immune defenses. Cortisol plays an essential role in regulating the body’s inflammation, but when chronic stress disrupts that normal function, inflammatory responses can become out of control.

Over time, this imbalance may affect overall health and the condition of the mouth and gums, making the gums more susceptible to infection and slower to heal after dental procedures. This can increase the risk of periodontal disease, which has been linked not only to tooth loss but also to broader systemic conditions such as high blood pressure, gastrointestinal issues, or back pain, to mention a few.

A warning sign that is regularly overlooked is dry mouth, which can be caused by stress or by medications used to manage anxiety. With less saliva to naturally protect teeth and gums, bacteria can multiply more easily, increasing the risk of cavities and leaving the mouth feeling uncomfortable and dry.

At OMS Nashville, Dr. Cone takes a comprehensive approach—one that looks beyond isolated symptoms. “We encourage patients to see oral health as part of their overall wellness,” he said. “Sometimes treating the physical issue also means addressing the lifestyle factors contributing to it.”

That approach may include custom oral appliances to protect teeth from grinding, minimally invasive surgical procedures when necessary, and close coordination with general dentists and other healthcare providers. Equally important is patient education. Helping patients understand the connection between stress and oral health equips people to make life changes and adopt habits that go far beyond the dental chair.

Simple strategies—like improving sleep quality, managing daily stress, and maintaining consistent oral hygiene—can have a meaningful impact. Routine dental checkups are also an integral part, enabling early detection of potential issues before they become more serious.

In a time when holistic wellness is gaining more attention, oral health deserves a seat at the table. With proper oral care and awareness, it can lead to improved habits, lasting comfort, and a stronger foundation for overall well-being and oral health. As Dr. Cone emphasized, “The mouth is not isolated from the rest of the body—it is an integral part of overall health. When we listen carefully to the signs it provides, we often identify conditions that extend well beyond the teeth and gums. Routine dental care is critical to detect and manage oral disease early, often preventing the need for more invasive surgical intervention and reducing the risk of systemic health consequences.”

Dr. Cone joined OMS Nashville in 2020 and enjoys practicing a full scope of oral surgery, including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, orthognathic surgery, facial cosmetics, TMJ, and oral pathology. To make an appointment, call (931) 208-0216 or visit omsnashville.com.

The post The Silent Impact of Stress On Your Oral Health appeared first on Williamson County Living.

Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder — and at Gallery 48 in downtown Columbia, Tennessee, beauty unfolds in layers of color, texture, and story. The gallery showcases a vibrant mix of local and international artists, each offering a unique perspective on the world around them. Among those artists is Columbia-based painter Mary Lehner, whose original art captures still lifes, seascapes, and landscapes.

Art has been part of Lehner’s life for as long as she can remember. Raised in a creative household, she was surrounded by visual thinking and design from an early age, as her father worked in construction and drafting. Her passion for art followed her through high school and into college, where she earned a degree in illustration. Painting became a deeper passion after the birth of her oldest daughter, when a watercolor workshop sparked a lasting love for painting outdoors while living in Hawaii.

Primarily working in watercolor, with oils and acrylics splashed into the mix, Lehner describes her style as interpretive realism. While her work is grounded in realism, it is guided by intuition and emotion rather than strict representation. Color plays a central role in her paintings — bold, expressive, and unapologetic. Trends toward monochromatic palettes have never tempted her. “If it doesn’t have color, it feels lifeless to me,” she stated.

Her goal is simple yet profound: to show beauty and allow others to experience it the way she does. “There is a sensation in experiencing God’s creation that I infuse into my pieces by painting from life and also reinterpreting those pieces in my studio. Psalm 19:1-4 continues to be my inspiration. ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.’  What an amazing reason to paint!”

Lehner took a scenic route to Columbia in 2021, with her life’s journey taking her through Hawaii, California, Washington, Oregon, and even Canada before finally landing in the South. Much of that movement followed family, as she and her husband prioritized staying close to their children and grandchildren.

Along the way, Lehner became involved in the art communities where she lived. She first taught watercolor classes in Spokane in 2005 and, after a 7-year hiatus, returned to teaching in Portland in 2018. Teaching challenged her to slow down and articulate what had long been instinctive. Watching students discover their own artistic styles became one of the most rewarding parts of her career. “I love seeing students come into their own and watch them develop their own style.”

Watercolor, Lehner admits, can be an unforgiving medium — especially for beginners. She encourages her students to give themselves grace, reminding them that growth comes through both successes and failures. That same lesson has stayed with her personally, especially during recent seasons of life marked by profound change and loss.

Lehner took a scenic route to Columbia in 2021, with her life’s journey taking her through Hawaii, California, Washington, Oregon, and even Canada before finally landing in the South. Much of that movement followed family, as she and her husband prioritized staying close to their children and grandchildren.

Along the way, Lehner became involved in the art communities where she lived. She first taught watercolor classes in Spokane in 2005 and, after a 7-year hiatus, returned to teaching in Portland in 2018. Teaching challenged her to slow down and articulate what had long been instinctive. Watching students discover their own artistic styles became one of the most rewarding parts of her career. “I love seeing students come into their own and watch them develop their own style.”

Watercolor, Lehner admits, can be an unforgiving medium — especially for beginners. She encourages her students to give themselves grace, reminding them that growth comes through both successes and failures. That same lesson has stayed with her personally, especially during recent seasons of life marked by profound change and loss.

Lehner’s work will be featured at Gallery 48 throughout April, with a meet and greet at the Opening Reception on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Lehner will also be in gallery on Friday, April 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. as part of Columbia’s First Friday festivities. Wine and small bites will be served, and visitors are invited to experience her work up close — color, story, and all.

Gallery 48 is located at 107 West 7^th Street, Columbia, Tennessee. For additional information on featured artists such as Mary Lehner, visit gallery48.art. Follow on social media @gallery48.art.

The post Seeing Beauty Through Art — Gallery 48 appeared first on Williamson County Living.