April 2022 Murfreesboro Pulse by The Murfreesboro Pulse

INSIDE

BIG DADDY WEAVE / JASON LEE MCKINNEY BAND / MR. MURFREESBORO / BLUEBIRD IN THE BORO / BUDDY JEWELL APRIL 2022 / VOL. 17, ISSUE 4 / FREE

MUSIC Middle Tennessee’s Source for Art, Entertainment and Culture News

Jazz Fills the Air: JazzFest Returns to Murfreesboro Square, May 6—7

DOG Friendly IN THE 'BORO

WHERE TO DINE WITH YOUR DOG

OMG Frenchie Mundo Hosts Dog Bark at the Bark Park April 30

LIVING

Find Beautiful Tennessee Feature, Jackson Falls, off Natchez Trace

FOOD

Some of Town’s Best Wings, Soul Food Sundays at Ms. Marian’s

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Contents

22 FEATURES

14 24

IN EVERY ISSUE

5 Events

BLUEBIRD IN THE BORO

Bluebird Cafe presents annual Alive Hospice benefit at Saddle Woods Farm.

MAIN STREET JAZZFEST

Higher Ground, Ben Tankard and more on tap for annual fest, May 6–7.

CALENDAR Underwater Egg Hunt, The Connection, Philharmonic Spring Spectacular, Pioneer Days and more

Ancient medical practice recognized by Tennessee legislature.

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

MUSIC NOTES Jason Lee McKinney Band album release

JACKSON FALLS

Beautiful natural feature flows just off Natchez Trace near Duck River.

LITTLE THEATRE

Murfreesboro Little Theatre playing venue hopscotch in its 60th season.

Buddy Jewell

18 Reviews ALBUM Marlena Minneci MOVIE CODA

BUSINESS MOMENTUM Bill Wilson, a.k.a. Mr. Murfreesboro

Faculty photography display at MTSU

30 Food RECIPE Asparagus Risotto

Big Daddy Weave

April 30 event celebrates the French bulldog breed, welcomes all dogs.

EXHIBITS Oliver Langston art at Smyrna Library

RESTAURANT Ms. Marian’s Cafe

Earth Day Celebration

DOG BARK AT BARK PARK

GARDENING Regenerative Farming

26 Art

CONCERT CALENDAR

MUSIC THERAPY WEEK

34 News

BUSINESS BUZZ TN Meat Co., Kona Ice, Luna’s Night Club, Toluca, The Alley on Main, Pinnacle, Aldi, Acapulco Express

Art Director: Contributors: Tiffany Boyd, A.J. DePriest, Jennifer Durand, Sarah Mayo

Delores Elliott, Jeff England, Bailey Finn,

Copy Editor: Bryce Harmon, Tyler Larrabee, Laura Steve Morley Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo

Advertising: Nneka Sparks

36 Opinion FREE YOUR CHILDREN School choice: Are taxpayers really getting more bang for their buck?

NATURE NEWS Killdeer

9 Sounds

24 Living

Lindsay, Blaine Little, Zach Maxfield, Ashleigh Newnes, Jay Spight, Edwina Shannon, Andrea Stockard, Bill Wilson

THE MR. MURFREESBRO MINUTE The original Mr. Murfreesboro, Tommy Martin PATIENT BILL OF RIGHTS Bill protecting hospital patients’ rights dies on the vine. LIVE . . . WELL Mirror, mirror CYBER SECURITY Protect your business from cyberattack

Copyright © 2022, The Murfreesboro Pulse, 714 W. Main St., #208, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. Proudly owned, operated and published the first Thursday of each month by the Mayo family; printed by Franklin Web Printing Co. The Pulse is a free publication funded by advertisers. Views expressed in the Pulse do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. ISSN: 1940-378X

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The Murfreesboro Pulse

THE PEW RESEARCH CENTER sent your editor a survey on the current state of journalism. In gathering the thoughts of those in media on the current state of media, the survey asked: What is the media doing the best? Getting millions of people to focus on and obsess over the desired topic of the day, whether that be COVID-19, Black Lives Matter or Ukraine, I replied. What is the media doing the worst? Including a variety of voices that do not fit into their predetermined narrative. Then, what gave me pause— Select one: People should be allowed to practice journalism without needing a license People should be required to have a license in order to practice journalism What?! Are there really enough people out there who think a “journalism license” is a good idea to even justify asking that question? Of course journalists should not have to have a license. And I would hope, I would think, most in media would absolutely refuse to entertain the idea of the government granting certain “system approved” individuals a “journalism license” while denying it to others. Nonsense. Unconstitutional. There is no need for government oversight of the free press in such a way in my country. That said, I would highly recommend that all journalists take a moment to reflect upon some of the core principles of the discipline, further their training and renew their commitment to report honestly and completely, ask tough questions, explore various sides of complex and sensitive issues, and engage in telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth rather than engaging in mass manipulation. I am curious to hear your take on the state of the modern media, your concerns about press freedom in the U.S., how social media has impacted journalism, the presence of false and fabricated information and other issues, and to discover the forthcoming results of the survey. Speaking of media freedom issues, certain members of Congress think that somehow they have the authority to regulate what Facebook can or cannot censor, remove, post, flag or allow on its platform. Now, I am really not a huge Facebook fan; its disappearance would probably make my existence better. Neither am I really a huge fan of the government recently. I’d say I am roughly equally skeptical of both big tech and big government at this time, making me something of an unaffiliated observer in this heavyweight fight. But in this case—in considering the idea from Sen. Bill Hagerty and others that Congress, rather than Facebook, should set the rules on what the social media company can or can’t allow on its site—I say “Freedom for Facebook!” The idea that regulating and telling a media outlet what it can share and what rules it must follow is somehow standing up for free speech (possibly because some of the politicians and others want Facebook to share more of their ideas without them paying for the service) seems misguided and, in fact, anti-free-speech. What if they get it in their head that they can tell the Pulse what to print!? Thanks to all of the local candidates for public office who chose to use the Murfreesboro Pulse to communicate with the voters of Rutherford County—specifically, as of this April edition, Royce Johnson, Tom Sissom, Robin Eades Gentry and Virgil Gammon. Your support of a local small business as part of your campaign strategy is noticed and valued. To the candidates who pour their entire marketing budgets into Facebook and the Postal Service, I question their real commitment to the local economy. A happy spring to you all! Look to this edition for ideas on garden centers, farmers markets, wedding venues, outdoor festivals, concerts and other spring-like things to get into.

Peace, BRACKEN MAYO Publisher/Editor in Chief

EVENTS CALENDAR  APRIL 2022  BY ANDREA STOCKARD APRIL 4

APRIL 9

CODE THIRSTY-SIX

SPRING FLING AT BIG CREEK WINERY TASTING ROOM

Come out to The Casual Pint (427 Sam Ridley Pkwy. W., Smyrna) on Monday, April 4 (and the first Monday of every month), at 7 p.m. to enjoy a beer and support the Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The Casual Pint Smyrna is donating 10 percent of proceeds to the Fallen Firefighters Foundation. You might make a new “smoking hot” friend or two. For more information, find the event on Facebook, visit thecasualpint.com or call 615-462-7421.

Big Creek Winery Tasting Room (7027 Main St., Christiana) celebrates its Spring Fling vendor event with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 9, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Come out with the family and shop local vendors of all sorts and get a picture with the Easter Bunny. The Easter Bunny will be available from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Annie’s SnoBiz Snowcones will also be on hand. For more information, call 615-785-2124.

APRIL 6

APRIL 9

SIT & SEW Creative arts have been bringing people together for years. Cannonsburgh Village and UT-TSU Extension Program Assistant Janette Walker present Sit & Sew on Wednesday, April 6, from 1:30–3 p.m. at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). Bring whatever project you are currently working on or a set-aside UFO (Un-Finished-Object) and get re-inspired to finish it. Whether you cross-stitch, sew quilt bindings on by hand, make yo-yos or do embroidery, gather your supplies and spend some time with other creative folks. Ages 18 and over are welcome; admission is free and open to the public. Reservations can be made by calling 615-801-2606 or emailing mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov.

APRIL 6, 13 AND 27 WILD THINGS AT THE WILDERNESS STATION Let the smaller among us get in touch with their wild side at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Wednesdays, April 6, 13, and 27, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. and 10:45–11:45 a.m. Sing songs, read a story, complete a craft and conclude with a short walk. Focus on a different nature theme each week. The cost is $3 per child; pre-registration is required by calling the day before at 615-217-3017. For more information on Wild Things, email dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov.

APRIL 9

SPRING AROUND THE SQUARE

APRIL 9 UNDERWATER EGG HUNT AND SPRING FESTIVAL Bring your basket or bag and see how many eggs you can collect on Saturday, April 9, at Patterson Park Indoor Water Park (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.). Children 3 and under must have a parent in the water with them. Personal flotation devices are required for those who cannot swim. Each session from 10 a.m.–1:45 p.m. will be 30 minutes of hunting eggs and free swim followed by festival-type games and snacks in the gym. The event includes a spoon/egg race, sack race, face painting and popcorn. The cost is $3 per person for the egg hunt; otherwise admission to the festival is free. Register online or in person. For more information, call 615-893-7439 or email cstafford@murfreesborotn.gov. Saturday, April 9, at Copper Ridge Event Venue (3597 Betty Ford Rd.). The Foundation has given over $1 million to benefit the teachers and students at Murfreesboro City Schools since the Foundation’s inception. On average, the Foundation gives $80,000 annually directly to the schools through teacher grants and parity dollars. This school year, The Foundation gave $48,000 in teacher grants and $30,000 in parity funding. The City Schools Foundation is a group of civic and business leaders banding together to benefit Murfreesboro City Schools’ students pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. The foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization. For ticket information, call 615-225-9381.

APRIL 9

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

STORYBOOK BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER FOR UNITED WAY

The City Schools Foundation hosts the 16th Annual Excellence in Education on

MMC Pediatrics presents the Third Annual Storybook Breakfast on Saturday, April 9,

 Send community event information to CONTACT@BOROPULSE.COM

at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). Rutherford County’s youngest residents have the chance to dine with their favorite storybook characters from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. This year’s event is outdoors and includes breakfast from ChickFil-A and Dunkin’ Donuts, Imagination Library story time, photo opportunities with storybook characters and more. Proceeds benefit Imagination Library recipients in Rutherford and Cannon Counties. United Way works in conjunction with Imagination Library to deliver books to approximately 17,000 Rutherford and Cannon County children ages birth to 5 years old every month. This early literacy program helps develop positive social-emotional and behavioral skills, along with creating a parent-child bonding experience through the love of books. Tickets can be purchased at yourlocaluw.org/storybook and are $15 per person (with a $60 household maximum). For more information about sponsorships, call 615-893-7303 or email casey.warren@yourlocaluw.org.

Celebrate the arrival of spring with the merchants on the Woodbury Square at the annual Spring Around the Square event on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The event will include a craft fair, food trucks, great bargains from local businesses and vendors and photos with the Easter Bunny.

APRIL 9 PANTHER CREEK ART MARKET & MUSICFEST Panther Creek Brews will host an Art Market & Musicfest on Saturday, April 9, from noon until 10 p.m. View art from Ryan Frizzell (@the_rhinovirus), Meagan Armes (@meaganarmesart), Amy Elizabeth (@dinkyinkedarts), Jess (@ccolorfulchaos), Jeff Davis (@lawnboyart), Scufflemoss, Roy E. Lee, David Adkins (@artwiremusic), Brett Shafer and Casey Sheffield. The event is free to attend. Artists and Codger’s food truck will be set up all day. Music from Birthday Killroom, Jake Kroll, Bon Mi and Thunderfrog starts about 5 p.m. Panther Creek Brews is located at 714 W. Main St., Murfreesboro.

APRIL 9 BEARD COMPETITION AT MAYDAY BREWERY Get out the pomade and gussy up your beard for the 4th Annual Beard Competition at Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.) on Saturday, April 9, from 6–10 p.m. Categories include: Partial, Women’s (craft a beard out of whatever suits your fancy), Freestyle, Mustache, Full Beard Under 6 CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 BOROPULSE.COM

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Inches and Full Beard Over 6 Inches. The registration fee is $10 to compete or free to just hang out, get some good brews and enjoy the show. Vendors include Woodsviking Barber Shop and Misfit Concepts Hair Studio as well as a food truck onsite. For more information, visit maydaybrewery.com or call 615-603-7699.

tion, email yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com or visit rutherfordcable.org.

APRIL 13 TODDLER ADVENTURE AT CANNONSBURGH: DIRT! Children ages 5 and under can get some outside time at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) while getting their hands in the dirt during story time on Wednesday, April 13, from 10–11 a.m. Admission is $3 per person. Reservations can be made by emailing mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or calling 615-801-2606.

APRIL 10 HIPPITY HOP EGGSTRAVAGANZA: EGG HUNT FOR DOGS Join OpEd and Rebellion Dog Rescue for An Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs at Hop Springs Beer Park (6790 John Bragg Hwy.) on Sunday, April 10. The tap room is open from noon–5 p.m. Small dogs get to hunt for eggs starting at 2 p.m. and medium/large dogs at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 per hunt. Each hunt is for 20 Easter eggs filled with yummy treats or coupons to exchange for toys. Everyone that enters the egg hunt also receives $1 off a drink at the Hop Springs tap room. Once you get your drink, sit or walk around outside with your pup and check out the vendors onsite. There are over 80 acres to explore. For more information, find the event on Facebook or visit bit.ly/hippityhop2022.

APRIL 10, 14 AND 15 SUCCULENT POTTING BAR WORKSHOP Enjoy a succulent bar where you can create your own magnificent centerpiece at Classy Cactus Greenhouse (1527 Rutledge Way) on Sunday, April 10, from 2–3:30 p.m., and Thursday and Friday, April 14 and 15, from 6:30–8 p.m. A wide variety of planters and plants are provided along with additional decorative elements for you to make your own one-of-a-kind succulent arrangement. A succulent specialist will be onsite to show you how to take care of your arrangement for months to come. Everyone in attendance gets an additional 20 percent off purchases the day of the event and coupons for future purchases and workshops. The cost to join is $35. For more information, find the Succulent Potting Bar Workshop event on Facebook or Eventbrite.

APRIL 12 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: ROCK THE BLOCK

APRIL 10 MTSU PANHELLENIC COUNCIL EASTER EGG HUNT MTSU Panhellenic Council’s annual Easter Egg Hunt is set for Sunday, April 10, on the lawn of the MTSU President’s home at the corner of East Main Street and Middle Tennessee Boulevard. Children ages 12 and under are invited to join the fun from 2–4 p.m. They can search the grounds of one of MTSU’s oldest buildings for colorful candy-filled eggs, play games, bounce on an inflatable and visit with the Easter Bunny. The event is again free and open to the public. Guests should park at the MTSU East Main Building, located next to the President’s home, at 1403 E. Main St. MTSU’s Panhellenic Council sponsors the event with support from university sorority and fraternity chapters. For more information, contact Alex Hamilton at anh2af@mtmail.mtsu.edu. organization that provides a positive forum for skill-enhancement training and networking for career sales people. Learn how to become a more polished and successful sales professional by improving your presentation and enhancing your people skills. Everyone from new sales professionals to seasoned road warriors are invited to attend. For more information, visit nashville-nasp.org.

APRIL 12 TENNESSEE TRAILS ASSOCIATION MEETING The Tennessee Trails Association’s monthly meeting of its Murfreesboro chapter is Tuesday, April 12, from 7–8 p.m. at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Road). For more information, visit tennesseetrails.org, or call or text 615-971-8894.

APRIL 11 AND 25

APRIL 12

NASP MURFREESBORO NETWORKING EVENT

DOWNSIZING & SPRINGCLEANING PRESENTATION

The Nashville Association of Sales Professionals hosts its Murfreesboro networking event on Mondays, April 11 and 25 (the second and fourth Monday of each month), at the Burger Bar Restaurant in The Doubletree by Hilton (1850 Old Fort Pkwy.) with networking starting at 11 a.m. and the meeting at 11:30 a.m. NASP is a professional nonprofit

Downsizing a home is an increasingly popular trend among homeowners. Downsizing can offer homeowners several advantages, including less maintenance and significant savings on utilities, taxes and insurance. For older adults, the downsizing process is particularly appealing as it allows for the realization of retirement goals, a simplified

6 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

lifestyle and living closer to family. Join UTTSU Extension Family and Consumer Science Agents Shay Davis and Misty LayneWatkins as they provide simple steps and tips to help you downsize. Reservations are now open for the presentation on Tuesday, April 12, from 10–11 a.m. at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). Ages 18 and over are welcome. Admission is free. Make your reservation by calling 615-801-2606 or emailing mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov.

APRIL 12 RUTHERFORD CABLE APRIL BREAKFAST MEETING Join the April Breakfast Meeting at the Doubletree Murfreesboro (1850 Old Fort Pkwy.) in-person or virtually with guest Beverly Keel on Tuesday, April 12, from 7:15–9 a.m. Keel is dean of the College of Media and Entertainment at MTSU, where she has been a professor since 1995. She is also an award-winning journalist and a music industry consultant who has worked with many famous artists. Members and guests are welcome. In-person registration closes at noon on Friday, April 8, and there is a $5 late fee for walk-up registration afterwards. Virtual registration is available up until the start of the event. Remember to bring plenty of business cards and grab a card from the basket on the way out. For more informa-

First Vision Bank presents Rock the Block, the April edition of the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, on Tuesday, April 12, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. (on South Walnut Street between West Main and West Vine Streets). The Chamber presents this informal social-networking event to connect business professionals from across Rutherford County. Bring plenty of business cards. Admission is $10 for Chamber of Commerce members and $20 for future members. For more information, find Events under rutherfordchamber.org.

APRIL 13 LIVING SENT MINISTRIES The public is invited to the April 2022 Living Sent Murfreesboro meeting on Wednesday, April 13, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Experience (521 Old Salem Rd.). Mat Koenig is an entrepreneur who knows what it’s like to run a business on his own and the difference it makes to have Jesus as a business partner. Koenig says our jobs and careers are full of opportunities to tell others about the best business partner you’ll ever have. He talks about how “your life may be the only Bible someone reads.” Gene Garcia provides his God Story: how constant communication with the Father keeps us Living Sent wherever we are. A complimentary lunch is provided by Sean Moran and Red Barn Financial. RSVP to bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com.

APRIL 13 AND 14 SPRING PET PORTRAITS Wonder Pups Portraits returns to Safari Pet Resort (1635 Lascassas Pk.) on Wednesday and Thursday, April 13 and 14, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Wonder Pups takes spring pet photos at Safari Pet Resort by appointment only. Each session is approximately 15 minutes. Family pets can be photographed together or separately. A $10 deposit per pet is required at the time of booking. Print

and digital photo options are available for purchase via an online album link sent to clients following the appointment. No purchase is required. For more information, visit safaripetresort.com. To schedule an appointment, call or text 615-890-3732 or email helpdesk@safaripetresort.com.

Days at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Enjoy handmade crafts, hayrides, music by The Grass Time Band and clogging by the Mid-State Cloggers. The Murfreesboro Art League features art on display and for sale. Don’t miss blacksmithing demonstrations with the Rutherford County Blacksmith Association and a car show by the Stones River Car Club. The day consists of food trucks, storytelling, handson demonstrations and more. All ages are welcome and admission is free. For more information, call 615-890-0355 or email shodges@murfreesborotn.gov.

APRIL 14 HOMESCHOOL DAYS AT CANNONSBURGH: GARDENS THEN & NOW It is time to prepare the garden for spring planting. Students will learn about what vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers were planted in the garden and discuss what they would plant in their own garden. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes you can get dirty for the Homeschool Day on Thursday, April 14, from 1–2 p.m. at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). Admission is $3 per person; ages 5 and up are welcome. Reservations are required. Make a reservation by calling 615-801-2606 or emailing mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov.

APRIL 16 SOUTHERN SHOPPING SHINDIG Shop over 60 local vendors offering handmade, direct sales and food at the Southern Shopping Shindig Spring Spectacular at Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John Rice Blvd.) on Saturday, April 16, from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Be one of the first 200 shoppers and receive a Mega Goodie Bag with coupons and gifts donated by vendors including a pair of earrings, a car coaster, a wax melt and more. For more information on the event, visit southernshoppingshindig.com.

APRIL 17 EASTER AT THE FOUNTAINS Belle Aire Baptist Church and Zion Christian Ministries will host Easter at The Fountains, a worship service celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, on Sunday, April 17, at 11 a.m. Hear from Belle Aire Lead Pastor Grant Gaines and Zion Lead Pastor Chris Johnson. Following the worship service there will be a helicopter Easter egg drop, bouncy houses and food trucks. The Fountains at Gateway is located at 1500 Medical Center Pkwy. Find more at easteratthefountains.com.

APRIL 21 HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE SERIES: AMPHIBIANS Help your home-school student explore the world through science at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Thursday, April 21, from

APRIL 23 APRIL 22 TENNESSEE PHILHARMONIC SPRING SPECTACULAR The Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra presents the Spring Spectacular Concert on Friday, April 22, at Belle Aire Baptist Church (1307 N. Rutherford Blvd.) beginning at 7 p.m. The concert begins with the annual award presentation for outstanding music students and the TPO is accompanied by the Siegel High School Choir led by Choral Director Brenda Gregory. Robin P. Fountain is the TPO guest conductor for the night. Fountain serves as Professor of Conducting at Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music and conductor of Vanderbilt University Orchestra. Season tickets for the upcoming 2022–23 season will be available for a special one-night-only rate for concert attendees. For more information, visit tnphil.org or call 615-898-1862. 10–11:30 a.m. Students study different topics each class with hands-on demonstrations. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required prior to each class date with in-person or online registration. The cost is $5 per student; ages 9–12 are welcome. For more information, call 615-217-3017 or email lrosser@murfreesborotn.gov.

Wildflower Walk at Horseshoe Glade Natural Area, Watershed Walk at the Murfreesboro Greenway Southridge Trailhead, Resource Management Walk at Flat Rock Cedar Glades and Barren State Natural Area and Resource Management Walk at Stones River National Battlefield. There is no cost to join. For more information, email lmay@murfreesborotn.gov.

APRIL 21

APRIL 23

THE CONNECTION AT CEDAR GLADE BREWS

CONSERVATION DAY AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

Cedar Glade Brews (906 Ridgely Rd.) hosts the April 2022 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming on Thursday, April 21, from 5–7 p.m. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation event where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy.

Building Habitat in a Fragmented World is the focus of this all-day event at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Saturday, April 23, from 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Learn about local wildlife habitats and backyard habitat improvement projects you can do yourself. Discover citizen science projects and volunteer opportunities in and around Murfreesboro. Meet representatives from organizations working on habitat issues. Enjoy a day filled with activities, speakers and exhibits focused on engaging with the natural world, adventures, a native plant sale and hikes. Hikes, activities, and information are geared towards ages 10 and up. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, email lmay@murfreesborotn.gov.

APRIL 22 CONSERVATION DAYS: NATURE WALK WITH NATURALISTS Join Nature Walks with Naturalists and take a hike with an expert while learning about the plants and animals of your choice in several different local ecosystems on Friday, April 22, from 3:30–5:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. Walks include:

APRIL 23 PIONEER DAYS AT CANNONSBURGH VILLAGE Come out Saturday, April 23, for Pioneer

OAKLAND MANSION AR-“BEER”ETUM WETLANDS & GARDEN TOURS Oaklands Park is downtown Murfreesboro’s largest public green space. Join Oaklands Mansion’s Special Events Representative Connor Moss for a unique experience on the grounds of Oaklands Park (901 N. Maney Ave.) on Saturday, April 23, from 4–8 p.m. Explore this nationally registered historic and prehistoric site, now open as a public park. Find beer-sampling stations provided by Liquid Smoke along the trail. Admission for the grounds tour is $30 per person, and include an overview of the arboretum, wetlands and gardens. A portion of the proceeds benefit the maintenance and preservation of the grounds and arboretum. Reservations are required. After your grounds tour, go inside the mansion for a self-guided tour with staff members available to answer questions. Enjoy live music in the mansion’s backyard garden from 5–7 p.m. and get tasty food from the My Roots Curbside Culinary food truck. For tickets and more information, visit oaklandsmansion.org.

APRIL 23 SHABBY LANE “LADIES DAY OUT” SHOPPING EVENT Shabby Lane Shopping Events presents a fabulous Spring shopping event Saturday, April 23, with 80 amazing local small businesses and artisans at Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). The event is from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. and admission is free. There are free goodie bags for the first 200 adult shoppers. Enjoy free popcorn and cookies, shopping, and fun for all ages. For more information on the event, visit shabbylaneshoppingevents.com.

APRIL 23 HOMEBREWER’S COMPETITION AT THE CASUAL PINT Celebrate The Casual Pint’s second Homebrewer’s Competition on Saturday, April CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 BOROPULSE.COM

* APRIL 2022 * 7

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 23, at 2 p.m. (427 Sam Ridley Pwky. W., Smyrna). If you are a home brewer and want to compete, sign up at the store; there is no fee to enter. Judges choose their favorites and finalists will have their beer on the tap wall. Then the general public will then vote on the winner. For more information, find a Homebrewer’s Competition at The Casual Pint event on Facebook or call 615-462-7421.

a casual networking event designed to connect professionals, build relationships, drive referrals and help grow businesses. Please prepare a 60-second pitch about who you are and what you do, as well as a specific referral request for attendees on what can be done to help promote your business. The approximately 20 minutes at the end of each meeting is reserved for members to socialize. For more information or directions, visit connectnashvillenetworking.com/events.

APRIL 28

WEDNESDAYS

HOSPITALITY ASSOCIATION BOWLING TOURNAMENT

BORO 2 SQUARE RUNNERS

It’s that time to see who the best bowlers are in the Rutherford County Hospitality Association. RCHA hosts its annual Bowling Tournament on Thursday, April 28, at Strike and Spare Family Fun Center (1720 Old Fort Pkwy.). This is a best ball format, and teams take the best roll on each frame. If you have any questions, please call 629-201-1199. Individual entry is $35 and team entry is $150; team entry includes a large pizza and soft drinks (5–6 people per team). Lane sponsorships are $150, or team entry plus lane sponsorships is $250. The tournament is from 5–8 p.m. with warmup at 5 p.m. All proceeds benefit the RCHA and PAC contributions for the Tennessee Hospitality Association. For more information, email Jacob Hall at jah4r15@gmail.com.

APRIL 29 SEUSSICAL JR. Carpe Artista Arts Academy presents Seussical Jr. at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 29, at Lifepoint Church (506 Legacy Dr., Smyrna). Seussical Jr. is many Dr. Seuss stories put together onstage to tell a wonderful story of friendship between unlikely characters. Carpe Artista students have been working hard to present this 70-minute musical. Tickets are $10 for ages 18 and up, and $7 for ages 4–17, available online or at the door. For more information, call 615-984-4038 or visit carpeartista.com.

APRIL 29 RUTHERFORD ATHENA AWARDS Rutherford Cable is the founding sponsor of the Athena International Leadership Award for Rutherford County. The 2022 nominees for this year’s awards consists of 12 area women representing 12 Rutherford County organizations alongside seven young professional women. The community-wide celebration is open to the public on Friday, April 29, at the Embassy Suites Hotel (1200 Conference Center Blvd.) with the luncheon beginning at 11:30 8 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

APRIL 23 AND 24 THAI LAOS FOOD FAIR Enjoy over 20 booths of authentic food from area Thai and Laos restaurants and experience a traditional Southeast Asian dance performance on Saturday and Sunday, April 23 and 24, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. at Wat Amphawan (4880 Barfield Crescent Rd.). The cost is $25 per adult; ages 10 and under are free. For more information, visit THAI TN on Facebook or call 615-631-3923. a.m. Tickets are $65 per person or $600 for a table of 10. In addition to honoring the accomplishments and contributions of Rutherford County women, the Rutherford Athena Awards also provides a $3,000 educational scholarship to a Rutherford County non-traditional female student who has been out of high school for at least five years. Rutherford Cable is an organization of more than 200 members promoting the professional advancement of women. Monthly breakfast meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:15–9 a.m. Free networking events are held monthly in addition to special workshops and a yearly mentoring program underwritten by First Horizon Bank. For more information, email yourrutherford cable@gmail.com. To reserve a seat at the luncheon, visit rutherfordcable.org/athena.

abuse victims and their families. In the last 22 years, the Child Advocacy Center has positively impacted the lives of 40,071 Rutherford and Cannon County residents (11.5% of the population). For more information on the event or on sponsorships, visit cacrutherford.org, or call 615-8679000 or email kenzor@cacrutherford.org.

APRIL 29

MAY 1

HOMETOWN HEROES WALK FOR CHILDREN

TENNESSEE VALLEY WINDS FREE PERFORMANCE

The Child Advocacy Center prepares for the 7th Annual Hometown Heroes Walk for Children on Friday, April 29, at Murfreesboro Civic Plaza (111 W. Vine St.). Registration begins at 10:45 a.m. with speakers at 11:30 a.m. and the walk at noon. Complimentary shuttles are available from the Child Advocacy Center to the Civic Plaza from 10:30–11:30 a.m. The walk concludes with a boxed lunch at the Child Advocacy Center (1040 Samsonite Blvd.). April is also Child Abuse Prevention Month, so now is a good time to show support. All of the proceeds support services for child

The Tennessee Valley Winds will perform its annual community concert at Old Fort Park on Sunday, May 1, at 2 p.m. There is no admission charge for this event, though donations are welcome. For more information, visit tnvalleywinds.org or facebook. com/tnvalleywinds or contact band manager Mark Elbaum at markelbaum1@gmail.com.

APRIL 30 DOG BARK AT THE BARK PARK The first Dog Bark at the Bark Park, hosted by local bulldog breeder OMG Frenchie Mundo, is set for Saturday, April 30, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Murfreesboro Bark Park, 1540 W. College St. The social event will continue monthly through July, on the last Saturday of each month. It is open to all dog owners and dogs of all breeds, as well as individuals interested in French bulldogs.

MONDAYS CONNECT MURFREESBORO Join Connect Murfreesboro each Monday from 9–10 a.m. at BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse (2839 Medical Center Pkwy.) for

The Boro 2 Square running group meets at Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.) every Wednesday at 6 p.m. The group welcomes runners of all paces and all individuals looking to get out, run and socialize with other runners. Normal run distances are between 3 and 5 miles. Participants are welcome to hang out and socialize at Mayday following the run. For more information, visit Boro2Square on Facebook.

THURSDAYS AMERICAN VOICES PAST AND PRESENT American Voices Past and Present gives seniors (ages 55 and over) the opportunity to improve their way of life as well as their mental health through life programs at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) Thursdays in April from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Using gerontology, creative writing and visual arts, seniors can embrace and share their life stories. The cost to join is free, and the class is limited to 30 people. For more information, email stysonrich@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-893-7439.

THROUGHOUT APRIL LEARN TO SEW High school students and adults are invited to the Smyrna Hilltop-Rosenwald Community Building (565 Mason Tucker Dr., Smyrna) for Learn to Sew on Thursdays in April, from 5:30–7 p.m. The cost is $50 for all four dates. Take measurements, learn fabric and yardage needed and work with a pattern to machine sew elastic-waist pants or skirt (machine provided). High school students are also invited Tuesdays (April 12, 19, 26 and May 3) from 5:30–7 p.m. at the Lane Agri-Park Auditorium (315 John R. Rice Blvd., Suite 101). The cost of $50 includes all four dates. On Mondays, grades 6–12 can learn to hand-sew a squishy or stuffed lovie by hand. Students work by hand and with needle and thread from 5:30–7 p.m. at Smyrna Assembly Hall (110 Front St., Smyrna). Cost is $10. To learn more, call 615-898-7710 or email jwalk143@utk.edu.

CONCERTS TUES, 4/5

HANK’S Kenna Elpers MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING SCHOLA Virtual Concert

WED, 4/6

HANK’S Krystal King MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Chancellor Christian; Guitar Ensemble Concert

THURS, 4/7 HANDLEBARS Blues Jam HANK’S Ryan Clark HOP SPRINGS Tanner Fussell

FRI, 4/8

CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West HANK’S Taylor Hughes; Jack Finley Band JACK’S PLACE Tony Castellanos MAYDAY BREWERY The Lilliston Effect MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Joseph Gonyea; Seth Finch SEASONS Madman’s Diary (Ozzy tribute) THE BORO Cow Punx; Los Swamp Monsters

SAT, 4/9

BERT DRIVER’S BURLAP ROOM Soul Project NOLA CARMEN’S Joe West CARPE ARTISTA Jason Lee McKinney Band CEDAR SPRINGS RANCH Buddy’s Place with Alyssa Bonagura; Ryan Larkins; Josh Wolfe GALLAGHER UNPLUGGED Clinchfield HANK’S Wester; Krista Dudley HOP SPRINGS The Crue (Motley Crue tribute) MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Maryam Nemati; Joshua

LIVE MUSIC IN THE ’BORO!

Cook; Symphony Orchestra PANTHER CREEK BREWS Birthday Killroom; Jake Kroll; Bon Mi; Thunderfrog PUCKETT’S Cassidy Daniels THE BORO State of Bliss

Delyn Christian PUCKETT’S Herrick SEASONS Jason Minton Band THE BORO Dystopian; Meditator; Sydewynder

SUN, 4/10

CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West FRONT STREET PUB Buddy Jewell GALLAGHER UNPLUGGED JP Cormier PANTHER CREEK BREWS Jason Saitta HANK’S The Hammonds; Cooter River Band PUCKETT’S Larysa SEASONS Brian Holder THE BORO Moru; Shear; Vital Part; Gwitch; Dew Kane

HANK’S The O’Donnells HOP SPRINGS Americana Sunday Jam MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Jack Crowley; Jacob Campbell; String Studio recital; Brass Ensembles

MON, 4/11

HANK’S Open Mic Night MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Concert Band; MTSU Saxophone Ensemble; Flute Studio Recital 1

TUES, 4/12

HANK’S Sir Anthony MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING MTSU Salsa Band

SAT, 4/16

SUN, 4/17

WED, 4/13

HANK’S Emily Miller HOP SPRINGS Americana Sunday Jam

THURS, 4/14

HANK’S Open Mic Night MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Flute Studio Recital 2

HANK’S Robyn Taylor MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Blaise Hearn

MON, 4/18

HANDLEBARS Blues Jam HANK’S Cary Wat MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Percussion Ensemble PUCKETT’S The Jolly String Quartet

TUES, 4/19

FRI, 4/15

HANK’S Darryl & Julie O’Donnell

CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West HANK’S Sara Simmons; Jeff Caron Band JACK’S PLACE Tony Castellanos MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Catheryn Bolick; MTSU Chamber Orchestra MAYDAY BREWERY

HANK’S Will King MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Delta Omicron Musicale; Jesse Gibens

WED, 4/20

THURS, 4/21

HANDLEBARS Blues Jam HANK’S Spencer Maige MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Band of Blue HOF Inductee Concert

FRI, 4/22 BELLE AIRE

 View the Concert Calendar online at BOROPULSE.COM/CALENDAR

BAPTIST CHURCH TN Philharmonic Orchestra CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West HANK’S Blake Esse; Justin Dukes HOP SPRINGS Mixtape 80s Tribute JACK’S PLACE Tony Castellanos MAYDAY BREWERY Roland Justice MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Choral; Opera Theater PUCKETT’S Matt Nicholls SEASONS Backlit THE BORO Steady Rotation

SAT, 4/23

CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West GALLAGHER UNPLUGGED Remy Neal with Chaz Kiss HANK’S HunterGirl; Whiskey Smoke MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING MTSU Opera Theater PUCKETT’S Runaway Home SEASONS The Wentzel Brothers THE BORO Murfreesboro Music Scene Documentary Night featuring Seth Timbs and more

SUN, 4/24

HANK’S Silent Ruckus HOP SPRINGS Americana Sunday Jam MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Women’s Chorale; Men’s Chorale; Robin Scheufele; Flute Choir; Nick Hmeljack NEW VISION BAPTIST CHURCH Big Daddy Weave

MON, 4/25

HANK’S Open Mic Night MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Commercial Ensemble

TUES, 4/26 HANK’S Delyn Christian

 ONLINE AT

BOROPULSE.COM/CALENDAR

If You Go

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING MTSU Singers

BELLE AIRE BAPTIST CHURCH

WED, 4/27

1307 N. Rutherford Blvd. 615-890-6977

HANK’S Phil Valdez MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Chinese Music Ensemble; Clarinet Marathon recital; MTSU Steel Drum Band

BERT DRIVER'S BURLAP ROOM

175 Hurricane Ridge Rd., Smithville, 615-597-9560 CARMEN’S TAQUERIA

THURS, 4/28

206 W. Northfield Blvd. 615-848-9003

HANDLEBARS Blues Jam HANK’S Joe Hooper HOP SPRINGS Adam McClelland MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Strings and Friends PUCKETT’S The Jolly String Quartet SADDLE WOODS FARM Bluebird in the Boro with Tim James, Dan Couch and Rivers Rutherford

CEDAR SPRINGS RANCH

9638 Rocky Hill Rd., Lascassas, 615-719-3674 GALLAGHER UNPLUGGED

118 N. Walnut St. 615-624-4196 HANDLEBARS

2601 E. Main St. 615-890-5661

HANK’S HONKY TONK

2341 Memorial Blvd. 615-410-7747

FRI, 4/29

CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West HANK’S Jesse Black; Ryan Clark HOP SPRINGS Sabbath (Black Sabbath tribute) JACK’S PLACE Tony Castellanos MAYDAY BREWERY Miguel Dakota PUCKETT’S The Deltaz SEASONS Cooter River Band

SAT, 4/30

HOP SPRINGS

6670 John Bragg Hwy. 615-450-1907 JACK’S PLACE AT MILANO II

114 E. College St. 615-624-7390

MAYDAY BREWERY

521 Old Salen Rd. 615-603-7699

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

1439 Faulkinberry Dr. 615-898-2469

CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West HANK’S Lonnie Cook; Wentzel Bros. HOP SPRINGS The Kings of Queen (Queen tribute) PANTHER CREEK BREWS Comedy Night PUCKETT’S Joyanna McDonald & Friends THE BORO Parkway South Band SEASONS Night Flyer Band (Eagles tribute)

NEW VISION BAPTIST CHURCH

1750 N. Thompson Ln. 615-895-7167 PANTHER CREEK BREWS

714 W. Main St. 615-203-5089

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

114 N. Church St. 629-201-6916 SEASONS

2227 Old Fort Pkwy. 615-895-5471 THE BORO BAR & GRILL

1211 Greenland Dr. 615-895-4800

BOROPULSE.COM

* APRIL 2022 * 9

Sounds

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TIM JAMES

DAN COUCH

ENTERTAINMENT NIGHTS in the Boro

 ONLINE AT BOROPULSE.COM/KARAOKE

 MONDAYS

AHART’S PIZZA GARDEN Trivia 6:30–8:30 p.m. HANK’S Open Mic Night 6–9 p.m. JACK BROWN’S Trivia Night 7 p.m. LEVEL III Trivia 7 p.m. THE FISH HOUSE Bingo 7 p.m.

Bluebird

Back in the Boro RIVERS RUTHERFORD

Bluebird Cafe and Alive Hospice present benefit concert on April 28 at Saddle Woods Farm

he Bluebird Cafe along with the country’s top songwriters and Alive Hospice are raising funds for hospice patients and their families for the 29th year in a row. The only nonprofit hospice in Middle Tennessee, Alive provides nearly $2 million each year so that all who need care can receive it and no one has to die alone. Proceeds from the Alive & The Bluebird concert series support Alive’s community services: grief support, financial assistance for patients when insurance doesn’t cover everything, education for families and professionals, grief camps for kids and more. Throughout the month of January, 25 shows raised funds at The Bluebird Cafe. The spring show takes place April 28 in Murfreesboro—Alive & The Bluebird in the Boro—and features longtime supporter and local songwriting star Tim James along with Dan Couch and Rivers Rutherford. Performances will also be held later in the year at Amy Grant’s Hidden Trace Farm and at Green Door Gourmet. “Financial support from the community is what allows us to go above and beyond standard Medicare offerings to provide financial assistance to hospice and palliative patients as well as professional grief counseling and education for the whole community,” said Kimberly Goessele, Alive’s President and CEO. “We are incredibly grateful to the artists who donate their time, The Bluebird Cafe and our sponsors.” 10 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

Alive is currently raising funds to expand services in Rutherford County and add six new rooms to the Murfreesboro residence. Alive & The Bluebird in the Boro featuring Tim James, Dan Couch and Rivers Rutherford will be held Thursday, April 28, at Saddle Woods Farm, 9522 Franklin Rd., Murfreesboro. Individual tickets to Alive & The Bluebird in the Boro start at $150; find tickets at alivehospice.org. Tim James is a Murfreesboro native and hit songwriter. He wrote “My List” recorded by Toby Keith, “It’s Good to Be Us” by Bucky Covington, “Holler Back” by the Lost Trailers, “All I Ask for Anymore” by Trace Adkins, “Love Like Crazy” by Lee Brice and others. Each year, a local artist creates the designs for Alive & The Bluebird souvenir merchandise. This year’s collection was designed by Alive’s own graphic designer, Christine Stiles. Find souvenir shirts, wine glasses, posters, koozies and more at alivehospice.org/shop. Alive’s mission is to provide loving care for people with life-threatening illnesses, support to their families and service to the community in a spirit of enriching lives. A pioneer in the “good death” movement, Alive established the third hospice in the nation in 1975. To learn more or volunteer, call 615-675-9578. Numerous aspiring artists and songwriters have been discovered and countless songs were first heard by artists, A&R execs, producers and others in the small but influential 90-seat Bluebird Cafe, just south of downtown Nashville. Outside of its home base, The Bluebird Cafe continues a host of events that bear the iconic name: Bluebird on the Mountain at Vanderbilt’s Dyer Observatory, The Bluebird Cafe at London’s Country2Country Festival, among others.

 TUESDAYS

COCONUT BAY Trivia 7:30 p.m. FRONT STREET PUB Acoustic jam session NACHO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Trivia 7 p.m. SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Karaoke 7–11 p.m.  WEDNESDAYS

BOOMBOZZ Trivia 7 p.m. EL TORO Trivia 7 p.m. GEORGIA’S SPORTS BAR Karaoke 8 p.m.–12 a.m. JACK BROWN’S Steal-a-pint night 6 p.m. SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Open Jam 6–9 p.m. THE BOULEVARD Trivia 7 p.m.  THURSDAYS

219 MIXED CUISINE Trivia 7 p.m.

FRONT STREET PUB Trivia MARGARITAS Karaoke 6–10 p.m. PARTY FOWL Trivia 7 p.m. SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Karaoke 8 p.m.–12 a.m. THE FISH HOUSE Bingo 7 p.m.  FRIDAYS

FRONT STREET PUB Karaoke 7 p.m. GEORGIA’S SPORTS BAR Karaoke 9 p.m.–1 a.m. HOTSHOTZ Karaoke MARGARITAS Karaoke 7 p.m.–12 a.m.  SATURDAYS

FRONT STREET PUB Karaoke 7 p.m. GEORGIA’S SPORTS BAR Karaoke 7 p.m. MARGARITAS Karaoke 7 p.m.–12 a.m. MS. MARIAN’S CAFE Bingo 5–8 p.m. NACHO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Survey Time Showdown 7 p.m. SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Latin DJ Nights 10 p.m.–3 a.m.  SUNDAYS

SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Karaoke 7–11 p.m.

presents

2022

tribute to

DAY

featuring SAT

 live in concert

HAPPY HOUR DAILY, 3–6 P.M.

Y 14 MA



THE

UPPER CUMBERLAND ALL-STARS

SATURDAY

ON THE GROUNDS OF BERT DRIVER NURSERY

Read more about local music at

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HIGHER GROUND

THANE SHEARON & FRIENDS

BEN TANKARD

Jazz Fills the Square

Higher Ground, Ben Tankard, Jake Leg Stompers on tap for 2022 Main Street JazzFest May 6–7 MAIN STREET JAZZFEST, the annual spring celebration held the first weekend of May on the Murfreesboro Public Square, has announced performers for its 2022 concert. Held Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7, the free outdoor event remains one of the most popular annual activities for all ages in Rutherford County. Encompassing a broad range and definition of American jazz, the 2022 installment features tinges of blues, gospel, jug band, funk and big-band sounds from Higher Ground, Jake Leg Stompers, The Establishment, the Judson Jazz Orchestra, Thane Shearon and Friends and Ben Tankard. JazzFest also traditionally includes a wealth of local student ensembles, giving area youth musicians an opportunity to share a concert bill with professional players. Music kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, and again at 10 a.m. on Saturday, for a jam-packed second day on the Murfreesboro Square. In addition to all of the talented musicians, JazzFest offers lots of food vendors and a Kids’ Alley with free hands-on activities for children. A smaller children’s stage will also host performances, while local percussion collective Everybody Drum Some will give attendees a chance to participate in some group rhythm sessions. In a JazzFest first, the Mid-State Brew Crew will bring beer vendors to an onsite 12 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

craft beer garden. Attendees can purchase an armband for $20 on Saturday for access to the craft beer garden.

The Tennessee-based HIGHER GROUND BAND has been influenced by funk, hip-hop, R&B, soul, neo-soul and jazz music. The hard-hitting group plays music from the ’60s to today at weddings and other events around the region. Van Bradshaw, formerly with touring group Sisqo, put Higher Ground together in 2000.

Recently inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the talented BEN TANKARD— the Godfather of Gospel-jazz—is also a former professional basketball player, a pastor, motivational speaker, record company CEO and TV star with the hit family reality TV show Thicker Than Water: The Tankards. Tankard’s newest instrumental CD release, Shine!, provides a follow-up to his chart-topping Rise! He wants it to provide a musical backdrop for the listener to dream, meditate and spiritually shine, he says. Key moments from the release include Tankard’s take on Kirk Franklin’s “Melodies from Heaven” and “How Deep Is Your Love,” a remake of the Bee Gees’ pop hit from the late 1970s.

Over a span of 18 years, Murfreesboro’s JAKE LEG STOMPERS recorded and released four albums, performed on street corners, small clubs and venues, and played festivals across the mid-South, including the National Jug Band Jubilee in Louisville, Kentucky, the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and the Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival in Franklin, Tennessee. The band—consisting of Bill Steber (vocals, harmonica, guitar, banjo, ukulele, saw), Ron Bombardi (guitar, vocals, fiddle, mandolin), Lisa Law Fatzinger (vocals), Sammy Baker (bass, vocals, jug) and Sam Rorex (percussion, guitar, vocals, washboard)—recreate the jug band and early blues sounds from the early decades of the 1900s.

Growing up in Murfreesboro, Thane Shearon went on to perform and record with Southern-rock music legends such as Ed King, Artimus Pyle (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Greg Martin (Kentucky Headhunters) and Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie), as well as with his own band, Cold Truth. He now joins forces with legendary jazz guitarist Stan Lassiter and his power trio, consisting of veteran musicians Larry Goad on drums and Bill Francis on bass guitar. While classically trained, Lassiter is considered by many to be one of Nashville’s premier jazz guitarists. In addition to being a veteran drummer, Goad has also produced numerous albums, while Francis, an accomplished bass scholar, has studied at the Bass Collective with John Pattituci in New York. This soulful power-blues-meets-jazz ensemble THANE SHEARON & FRIENDS should catch the attention of listeners from many musical genres. Under the direction of Camp Kirkland, JUDSON JAZZ channels the classic depth and style of the big bands of the 1940s. The band plays many American big band standards like “Jump Jive and Wail,” “It’s Time to Move,” “Blue Skies” and “Jumpin’ East of Java,” plus some new unexpected versions of hymns and classic gospel songs. Kirkland’s more than 40 years in the music business include the creation of thousands of arrangements and recordings, heard often in venues from Carnegie Hall to widely varied houses of worship. In 1970, a diverse group of Nashville musicians who loved big-band music came together to form THE ESTABLISHMENT, an ensemble devoted to performing a wide array of jazz orchestra music. Today, this skilled 20-piece band with an extensive repertoire plays throughout the mid-South, including at the Opryland Hotel’s New Year’s Eve Gala and aboard the showboat General Jackson. Del Sawyer, dean emeritus of Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music, founded the group. In 1998, Sawyer handed over the baton to Blair educator and seasoned session player Billy Adair, and Cole Burgess became the director in 2014. A nonprofit organization, The Establishment generates scholarships for musically talented children to receive individualized instruction at Blair School of Music and at the W.O. Smith Nashville Community Music School.

Failure to Recognize Opportunities and Unwillingness to Seize Opportunities Limits What We Can Do

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AIRSHOW

 BURLAP ROOM CELEBRATES EARTH DAY WITH AIRSHOW JASON LEE McKINNEY BAND

 CARPE ARTISTA HOSTS JASON LEE McKINNEY BAND ALBUM RELEASE ON APRIL 9 JASON LEE MCKINNEY BAND will hold an album release show at Carpe Artista Arts Academy on Saturday, April 9. The event will also serve as a fundraiser for Carpe Artista’s Carpe Studio, an entertainment career training program. The band will debut material from its new album, One Last Thing, kicking off its set at 7 p.m. The Jason Lee McKinney Band aims to provide “mini-sermons of healing delivered by prophets with microphones, guitars, basses, drums and keyboards .

WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR EARTH DAY? Wouldn’t it be nice to spend it surrounded by live trees and plants, listening to live music? Join with other terra-firma siblings at the Earth Day Celebration at Bert Driver’s Burlap Room on Saturday, April 23. Local folk legends Airshow will be playing the outdoor stage in the beer garden, adjacent to a plant nursery and hemp farm. Call it an “Earthshow” if you will. Airshow’s dramatic bluegrass-and-jam-inspired collage runs from the roots to the leaves—and includes the band’s interpretation of Grateful Dead and Widespread Panic classics in addition to its original material—and Airshow’s Earth Day performance will be an immersion in some of Mother Nature’s most precious blessings: plants, music, friendship and beer. Gates open at 4 p.m., with an opening band playing at 6 p.m. and Airshow taking flight at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $25, and day-of tickets are $30. Bert Driver’s Burlap Room is located in Smithville, Tennessee, on the grounds of Bert Driver Nursery. For more information, visit bertdriver.com. — TYLER LARRABEE

MUSIC NOTES

. . sonic balms that energize just as they soothe,” according to a band statement. Carpe Artista Arts Academy is located at 1334 Hazelwood Dr., Smyrna. Admission to the show is $10 at the door. Carpe Studio offers collegiate-level program tracks for high school juniors and seniors aimed to prepare students for a long-term career in music, dance, drama, visual arts, film or any creative occupation. For more information on Carpe Artista’s Carpe Studio, relaunching in the Fall of 2022, call 615984-4038 or visit carpeartista.com/carpe-studio. To RSVP to the April 9 event, find a Facebook event page for the One Last Thing Album Release and Carpe Studio Fundraiser Show.

 BIG DADDY WEAVE BRINGS ALL THINGS NEW TOUR TO NEW VISION BAPTIST CHURCH ON APRIL 24

BIG DADDY WEAVE

14 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

BIG DADDY WEAVE has been a beloved fixture of the contemporary Christian music scene for nearly two decades. The band’s personnel has been consistent, and while the culture and their personal lives have changed drastically, they have ridden wave after wave, dedicated to spreading a message about the powerful love of Christ, and have persevered. Whether or not you’re a believer, anyone can appreciate the way Big Daddy Weave presents the truth of their honest, lived-out experience—one that includes both huge successes and crushing heartbreak. Following the tragic loss of bassist and founding member Jay Weaver early in 2022, the group has chosen to continue sharing its music in concert, and upcoming shows promise to be an emotional and uplifting experience. See Big Daddy Weave on the All Things New Tour with Ryan Ellis at New Vision Baptist Church (1750 N Thompson Ln., Murfreesboro) on Sunday, April 24, at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $20. Find more at bigdaddyweave.com. — TYLER LARRABEE

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TN State Rep. Mike Sparks with Carrie Friddell, who leads the Peterson Voices, a singing group for Parkinson’s patients that meets in Franklin, Tenn.

Music Heals Ancient medical practice showing positive results; state legislature recognizes music therapy week BY TYLER LARRABEE

nowledge of medicine and the human body has changed substantially over time. Sometimes it’s funny to look back at medicinal practices of the past and read about the crazy things doctors and physicians were trying out. But as we have progressed and developed new technologies to treat sickness and disability, some techniques have proven to be worth keeping around. One treatment people have studied for thousands of years is the relationship between humans and art. We have always had a desire to create it and enjoy it, and music has always had a deep influence on listeners. It’s probably been a part of every culture since the beginning of recorded history. Because of the strong connection to music, it has long been thought that music and sound could be used to treat certain physical and mental illnesses. In Greek mythology, Apollo, god of music, had a son named Aesculapius who could cure diseases of the mind through song. Egyptian priests are said to have healed people with music. The great philosopher Aristotle had reason to believe music puri-

fied emotions. And in the Bible, David plays a harp to free King Saul of an evil spirit. The first uses of music in modern medicine were recorded in several books in the 18th century. It was in this period that we transitioned from a medieval understanding of music having an effect on the soul to a more sophisticated understanding of its direct effects on the nervous system. Since then, music therapy has continued to be developed throughout the world to treat physical and mental illness. Musicians would visit soldiers in hospitals and homes in the U.S. and U.K. after World War I to play songs for them, noticeably alleviating the effects of their trauma. Music-based therapies are still used to treat PTSD and aid in the healing process for returning veterans. We now know that music therapy can treat a wide range of medical issues, including Alzheimer’s, anxiety, insomnia, depression, headaches, substance abuse and addiction, brain trauma, and OCD by helping patients develop motor skills, cope with emotional trauma, increase concentration, improve social skills and more. Scientists have observed a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension in patients during exposure to music. Engaging with music also activates regions of the brain that affect memory, emotion, movement and decision-making. Music causes the brain to release rushes of endorphins, a happiness chemical that relieves stress. An advantage to music therapy is that it is highly personalized, customizable and suitable for all ages and abilities. It crosses language and communi-

MUSIC NOTE

cation barriers and helps people with developmental and learning disabilities. Sound and vibration therapy, derived from ancient Southeast Asian practices, also relieve stress and pain, but they are based on a separate theoretical framework. Some music therapy techniques are as simple as listening to different genres of music, while others may require a patient to write or play a song based on the desired emotional effect. Some sessions may be community-based, and others may be intentionally isolating. The point is that there is massive variety among the models and implementations for music therapy. Now, 130 board-certified therapists work in the state of Tennessee, and advocates for music therapy have asked legislators to promote and encourage its use. Tennessee State Representative Mike Sparks from Smyrna was first introduced to the concept of music therapy when his sister fell and hit her head, causing permanent brain damage. Later, Sparks reported, “I heard her singing a song . . . It was John Denver, ‘Take Me Home Country Roads’,” Sparks told the Tennessee General Assembly on March 28. “I walked up to see her about two years ago and I said ‘Hey, how ya doing?’ She didn’t know my name but she knew the words to that song, and I started thinking, ‘Man there has gotta be something here with the power of music.’” Sparks, who also supports the use of music therapy for its ability to heal and reduce suicides among military veterans, sponsored a bill to make the week of Feb. 28 Music Therapy Awareness Week. The House Joint Resolution 740 aims to help promote music therapy in the state, encourage more graduates in the field—Belmont, Austin Peay and UTC offer degrees in music therapy—with the ultimate effect of improving mental and physical health in the state. “Music therapy can help individuals express emotions, improve social skills, increase self confidence, cope with loss, develop motor skills, improve relaxation skills and increase concentration,” the bill reads. The Tennessee House voted unanimously on March 28 to adopt Sparks’ proposed Music Therapy Awareness Week, which is bi-partisanly co-sponsored by 18 other members of the house. It will now transition to the Tennessee Senate. For more information on music therapy in Tennessee, visit tnmusictherapy.org.

BUDDY JEWELL PLAYS SOLD-OUT SHOW AT FRONT STREET PUB AFTER RE-OPENING the longtime Smyrna hangout spot Ron’s Tavern as the spruced-up (but, wisely, not too sprucedup) Front Street Pub, proprietor Thomas Williams continues to make good on his promise to add music to the genial atmosphere and vintage-tavern vibe that has found much local favor in the Depot District. With Monday-night blues, jam sessions and open-mic nights, karaoke, country and singer-songwriters on tap alongside cold suds and killer burgers, Front Street Pub is a prime location for fun-seekers in Smyrna. Williams recently announced that country singer and recording artist Buddy Jewell is due to make an appearance at the Pub. Jewell, who in the early 2000s was the first winner of the hit TV reality show Nashville Star, beat out numerous contenders including thenfledgling artist Miranda Lambert. With his commanding and emotive baritone voice, Jewell stormed out of the newcomer gate, scoring the consecutive Top 5 country hits “Help Pour Out the Rain” and “Sweet Southern Comfort.” Jewell has maintained a somewhat quieter career in the years since, releasing new music while most recently veering hard toward inspirational country—just when we might need it the most. That said, the Saturday, April 16 show is plum-sold-out. But Williams tells the Pulse he hopes “this is the start of many other shows like this. I personally am excited about him playing here,” Williams adds, “because it was always my vision to make the Pub a music venue. This feels like we are accomplishing that, along with the many other talented local artists who play here.” The Front Street Pub is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until midnight. — STEVE MORLEY BOROPULSE.COM

* APRIL 2022 * 17

Reviews

MARLENA MINNECI Just Vibez

From Crossville, Tennessee’s, Stone Memorial High School softball diamond to the art-student life at Middle Tennessee State University, alternative R&B/hip-hop singer-songwriter-rapper Marlena Minneci localizes the style of America’s “billion-play” streaming solo female artists (Grande, Minaj, O-Rod) with a grounded lyricism on her debut EP, Just Vibez, written through the modern emotional observations of a young Middle Tennessean taking stock of her life. B.B.O. Records released Just Vibez in 2021, with Marlena Minneci composing the music and lyrics, Shamira Hawkins engineering, Trent Waters mixing and beats by Born Hero, Denz Beats and Young Socrates. Minneci presents herself as a triple threat for Just Vibez, in similar fashion to Mary J. Blige’s 1992 debut What’s the 411?, covering a vocal range and intensity level from a crisp, high, songbird register to the lower, smokier deliveries heard in Billie Eilish’s throaty young jazz singer style. Of course, the third threat factor being Minneci’s tight and neat pen-tap rap, matching Born Hero’s drum machine tempo, showing off Minneci’s variety of these vocal styling combinations. Minneci softly croons a reminder to live in the moment on “The Last Time,” as life is ephemeral. She recounts memories of friends and family left behind while losing herself in growing up. A drowsy, three-string-picked descending bass line guides Minneci’s croon as the drum machine speeds into uptempo, allowing Minneci to lay down quick-spit

ALBUM punch rhymes about starting over, lost and uncertain. There’s a possibility she’s just sitting on the couch, waiting for someone, though. I can’t see through the door . . . I wonder if you’ll come home. The vocalist emphasizes the “soul” part of her chosen blend of hip-hop/soul/ alternative/R&B in “Better by Myself,” but lyrically the track stands as the EP’s “My man is ‘a demon, a monster’” kind of song (a given topic for all hip-hop/soul/ alternative/R&B artists) composed with down-tempo, picked major chords, drum machine accompaniment and out-front vocals. It’s safe to say whomever was supposed to be coming home that night didn’t show. Minneci’s observations continue in “Subconsciously,” proclaiming being over this whole EP, until Minecci flips it with the lines Nobody cares, they just want the fame, and music’s not the same as it was before. That slyly creates the context that turns Minneci’s musical disinterest during an obligatory school project into an astute social commentary, as well as validates the conversation she’s recorded having with her father as the song’s intro, saying, “It’s about how music, I think, is really shallow today and everybody just cares about cash versus the art.” Colton Tincher supplies the lone, deftly strummed palm-muted acoustic guitar for this one—no drum machine, as Minneci’s in her Eilish jazz voice on this pop-folk track. Minneci’s father makes another appearance in the bonus track at the end of the EP, a personal, 15-minute recording of Marlena talking about life, her music, her schooling, and new autonomy with her hero: her Dad. He’s out there on the porch with her, sharing paternal guidance, understanding and, as all great fathers do, his ears. And, if “The Waitress Rap” doesn’t make it into at least a short film produced at MTSU by some of Minneci’s peers, this whole EP’s brilliance—be it simply finding one’s self growing with new experiences— is a waste; Minneci goes to town flowing about a waitress job she works, becoming a waitresses’ waitress the way people refer to Dylan as “a songwriter’s songwriter,” but in a jovial, Digital Underground Humpty rap run. It’s streaming on her Bandcamp page right now; go listen. Find links to Marlena Minneci’s Just Vibez record on other streaming platforms at linktr.ee/marlenaminneci. — BRYCE HARMON

A CLASSIC

18 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

OUTSTANDING

MOVIE

CODA DIRECTORS Siân Heder STARRING Emilia Jones, Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur RATED PG-13

A remake of a French film, CODA was given the award for Best Picture at the 2022 Academy Awards, surely the only memorable thing to happen during the ceremony. Jabs aside, the word “coda” can refer to the ending or final segment of a piece of music. It can also be an acronym for “child of deaf adults,” which makes CODA the perfect title for this heartwarming, feel-good and formulaic film about the only hearing daughter in a deaf family who discovers a love of singing. The Rossis are a deaf fishing family made up of Frank and Jackie (Kotsur and Matlin) and their son Leo (Daniel Durant). The youngest is their 17-year-old-daughter Ruby (Jones), the only member of the family born with hearing. The film opens with Frank, Leo and Ruby on their fishing boat early in the morning, with Ruby singing along to Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold on Me.” At the docks, Ruby acts as interpreter for her father and brother to sell their catch at a fair price. Then, stinking of fish, Ruby goes to school where she is made fun of for her smell and for having deaf parents. When she sees the boy she likes signing up for choir, she impulsively signs up too, even though she’s never sung in front of other hearing people before. The story is beat-for-beat coming-ofage boilerplate, made only slightly new in AVERAGE

that it revolves around a deaf family, an underrepresented group that gets a chance at some humanizing representation here, while also still being kept down by a narrative told for a hearing perspective. CODA is Ruby’s story, and while it is great that her parents and brother are all played by deaf actors (Kotsur won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his endearing portrayal), the film still struggles with the conflict inherent in being a movie about deafness and a movie about singing. Because ultimately, CODA isn’t a movie for deaf people so much as a movie for hearing people to feel inspired. For much of the movie, Ruby’s embarrassed by her family and sick of their reliance on her (a gross misrepresentation of the independence of deaf people to be sure), and the film never truly confronts her feelings towards them, putting the onus of acceptance and growth on the family, not her, often treating their deafness as a burden that must be overcome. It’s drama for drama’s sake, so it rings untrue, but it’s also potentially harmful. Does that mean I didn’t choke up a couple times during the film’s coda? Of course I did, even as someone who has come to realize they hate singing movies. (Seriously, Ruby listens to Etta James, The Clash, Marvin Gaye, and The Shaggs, of all bands, yet she and everyone in the film sings like Christina Aguilera performing the national anthem?) Because for all its clichés and for all it doesn’t get right about being deaf, CODA is a very well-made, well-acted and effective version of a very standard teen drama. But, Best Picture . . . ? CODA is streaming on Apple TV+. — JAY SPIGHT

BELOW AVERAGE

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Living

 TRAVEL

Jackson Falls

STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO PHOTOS BY SARAH MAYO

Beautiful natural feature ﬂows just off Natchez Trace near Tennessee’s Duck River

If You Go

ust off the Natchez Trace, near its crossing of the Duck River, a beautiful area known as Jackson Falls sits in the Tennessee forest. Here, a creek plummets in elevation, in two stages, before feeding into the Duck. Pulling off of the Natchez Trace into the Jackson Falls parking lot, an expansive view of the valley below greets visitors. They can see the mighty Duck River looking directly below near the base of the steep hillside and a few farms far off in the distance. To get to Jackson Falls a group must travel a good ways down this steep hillside. The trail from the parking lot to the falls is paved, and not long at all—only a 900foot journey. It also has handrails installed most of the way. But portions of it are quite steep. According to alltrails.com, the trail only has an elevation change of 49 feet from top to bottom, but that is fairly significant when contained within a 900-foot trail. It really does provide a very quick trip to a wonderful waterfall, considering the 20 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

JACKSON FALLS

time and distance some hikers must go for a waterfall excursion. It is so brief that some serious hikers question whether this short walk down a sidewalk should even be considered a “hike.” Nevertheless, the path leads to a very beautiful natural Tennessee feature well worth visiting. Just a few minutes after leaving the parking area, there it is: Jackson Falls. Approaching the falls and examining it closer, a nature enthusiast notices it begins with an upper portion from which the creek flows downhill at a gentle, maybe 45-degree, angle for a piece. A large, flat portion of the creek sits between the two waterfall areas, and then Jackson plunges another 15 feet or so down as a proper waterfall. Members of a visiting party appreciate the serene, unique scene, finding themselves in a giant bowl carved out of rocks with the waterfall and creek flowing through. One could probably follow the creek all the way to the Duck River without much difficulty if they didn’t mind getting their feet wet. To lengthen the hike a bit, Jackson Falls

Located about 30 minutes southwest of Franklin, Tennessee, near mile 405 on the historic Natchez Trace, which is 405 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, or approximately 39 miles from the 444-mile-long road’s northern terminus in Nashville, Tennessee.

sightseers can park in the Baker’s Bluff Overlook area, located just one-third of a mile up the road from the Jackson Falls parking lot. Traveling on Natchez Trace, coming in from the north, motorists will arrive at this pull-off area just before the main parking area. A trail leads from here to the paved Jackson Falls trailhead, following the upper ridgeline, offering a view of the impressive Tennessee valley before beginning the descent down to Jackson. To further explore the area, the Historic Gordon House sits a couple of miles further to the north. This former home of a river ferry operator still stands strong and tall, a striking, large two-story brick structure. The fields, creek and trails around this area provide plenty more room to roam in natural Tennessee beauty.

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Living

Pups onthePatio WHERE TO DINE WITH YOUR DOG BY BAILEY FINN

DOG BARK at the BARK PARK April 30 event celebrates the French bulldog breed, welcomes all dogs BY LAURA LINDSAY THE FIRST DOG BARK at the Bark Park, hosted by local French bulldog breeder B. Cannon, is set for Saturday, April 30, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Murfreesboro Bark Park, 1540 W. College St. The social event will continue monthly through July, on the last Saturday of each month. It is open to all dog owners and dogs of all breeds, as well as individuals interested in French bulldogs—the event, sponsored by Cannon’s OMG Frenchie Mundo, will showcase the French bulldog. “I am doing this to bring awareness to the Frenchie dog breed,” Cannon said. “It is an amazing dog that we are raising, and if people are interested then they can get on the waiting list to purchase dogs.” The French bulldog can not usually breed on its own due to its short legs, compact body and narrow hips; and it takes 60 days for a 22 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

puppy to come into the world, so the popular dogs are often already sold before they are born, Cannon said. “They are unique in how they are bred because they have to be artificially inseminated, and the female dogs have to have C-sections to bring the puppies into the world,” he said. “They are high-demand dogs. We want to push the culture forward with the dogs here in Middle Tennessee, and I believe we have some of the best temperament and best dogs.” The French bulldog is a French breed of a companion dog or toy dog that appeared in Paris in the mid-19th century. Parisians knew and loved the French bulldog, a breed which “became a staple of city life in Paris,” according to caninejournal.com. The Frenchie’s temperament is bright, playful, easygoing, affectionate, sociable, lively, keen, alert, athletic and patient. They generally have a lifespan of 10–14 years and the average weight is 16–28 pounds. “The French bulldogs are very caring and sensitive,” Cannon said. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1898. The club notes “it is one of the world’s most popular small-dog breeds, especially among city dwellers.” “The bright, affectionate Frenchie is a charmer,” according to akc.org. “Dogs of few

words, Frenchies don’t bark much, but their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs. They happily adapt to life with singles, couples or families, and do not require a lot of outdoor exercise. They get on well with other animals and enjoy making new friends of the human variety.” Frenchies do require some exercise to stay in shape, like a short walk or outdoor play session, owners report. They also enjoy training and sports that require obedience and agility. Owners should know that, because they are a flat-faced dog breed, they are prone to breathing difficulties and “should never be allowed to exert themselves in hot or humid weather.” Most Frenchies also cannot swim, and should never be left unattended near tubs, pools or bodies of water. Cannon says the dogs adapt well to whomever the homeowner is. “If you are someone that is energetic, expect your dog to become energetic,” he said. “If you are someone who is more mild, laid-back and relaxed, that’s how your dog is going to be. They are really tailor-made to the owner’s personality.” Manny the Frenchie is becoming “quite the modern-day social media celebrity,” Catherine Clifford wrote for cnbc.com. This French bulldog, spreading the popularity of the breed, has over 1 million followers on Instagram and 1.8 million on Facebook. “He’s something of a media darling—he’s been featured in Buzzfeed and appeared on the Steve Harvey Show,” Clifford wrote. Frenchies have become so highdemand that some have been targeted by dognappers. In 2021, someone stole Lady Gaga’s French bulldogs, Koji and Gustav. She put out a $500,000 reward to retrieve her dogs and the dogs were found safe. For more information about French bulldog ownership and details about the Dog Bark at the Bark Park event, contact Cannon at 629-238-8491 or omgfrenchiemundo@gmail.com.

IT’S PATIO SEASON here in Murfreesboro. Patio sitting and sipping has long been a love language in the South. And one thing for dog owners that tops the blissful feeling of sharing a meal—and maybe a beer or three—in the open air with the people you love, is sharing it with your pup, too! Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken enthusiastically welcomes canine customers. “We want everyone to come sit, stay and have a good time with their pups on our back porch all summer long,” says Rachael Goonan, owner of Champy’s. Kirsten Wojo, a waitress at Champy’s, says that “When I get to serve a table that has their dog, it makes my entire shift 10 times better!” Here’s a list of local dog-friendly patios (for well-behaved pups, of course)  219 Mixed Cuisine Ahart’s Pizza The Alley on Main Applebee’s Bar-B-Cutie Bar Louie Blaze Pizza Blue Coast Burrito BoomBazz Craft Pizza & Taphouse The Boro Bar & Grill Boro Bowls The Boulevard Burger Republic Buster’s Place Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken Cinco de Mayo Culver’s (provides pup cups) Dairy Queen (pup cups in drive-thru only) Firehouse Subs First Watch Five Guys Float Alchemy Kombucha Taproom The Goat Hattie Jane’s Creamery The Hangout Nutrition & Energy (provides pup cups) Hop Springs (dog park and walking trails onsite)

Jason’s Deli Jefferson’s Jim N’ Nick’s BBQ Jonathan’s Grille Karin’s Kustard & Hamburgers Liquid Smoke (welcome inside; ask the server for a dog water bowl!) Maple Street Biscuit Company Mayday Brewery McAllister’s Miller’s Ale House Mimi’s Cafe Mission BBQ Moe’s Nacho’s Mexican Restaurant Newk’s Party Fowl Puckett’s Red Bicycle Salvo’s Pizza Sam’s Sports Grill Simply Pure Sweets Slick Pig BBQ Slim Chickens All Sonic locations Starbucks locations with outdoor seating (pup cups available) Spooky’s Pizza & Grill Uncle Maddio’s Pizza

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Protective Killdeer Put on Oscar-Worthy Acting Performances to Distract Predators STORY AND PHOTOS BY ASHLEIGH NEWNES IT WAS AROUND this time of year, almost four years ago, when I met my first killdeer. I had walked by a nest of theirs that a friend had pointed out to me, and to my amazement, I got to watch their parental charade play out before my eyes. Like a well-rehearsed theatrical piece, one bird ran in one direction away from the nest, dropping to the ground, fluttering its wings, revealing its orange body and calling out as if it were hurt, while the other bird quietly ran a few steps, paused, then ran a few more, in the opposite direction. I wanted to immediately go and help the killdeer flapping around on the ground calling out for help. That’s when my friend told me, “See! It’s working. You are distracted from the nest.” Their acting had worked, I had moved away from their nest and their eggs were safe. This encounter made me fall in love with nature even more and that was the day the killdeer stole my heart. Unfortunately, killdeer nests are often found in dangerous places, like driveways, gravel parking lots or fields that are to be worked. That was the case for the couple I met all those years ago. They had created their nest in a field that was soon to be tilled. From then on, I vowed to protect those two and their eggs—my own little conservation project. In an attempt to prevent the tractor from running over the nest, I put metal garden row hoops over their nest in a criss-cross pattern. Every other day, I’d go out there to check on them, worrying that the tractor or 24 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

predator had gotten them. In time, the pair got used to me, but they never allowed me to get too close to the nest without taking to the stage for their Oscar-worthy performance. They did, however, get comfortable enough to let me check the eggs from a respectful distance. As time went on, I started to worry that the eggs or the birds would get too hot out in a wide-open field in the blazing Tennessee sun. I did some research and learned that the adults take turns soaking their belly feathers to cool down their eggs. How do they get cuter every time I read about them? Every day I got more and more anxious that something wasn’t right. Why haven’t they hatched yet? Are the babies okay? They were way overdue from what I read online. I finally came to the conclusion that the eggs must not be fertilized. One scorching day, I dutifully headed out there to check on them and was stunned by three little fuzzy heads in the nest. They had hatched! The parents let me get close enough to the nest to photograph the babies, and shortly after, they started their performance. I like to think that they were letting me have my moment like a family member getting their turn to hold the newborn. The parents and babies only stuck around for a few days after that, but they come back to the same spot every year to lay their eggs. I have since moved on but I think about them every time I hear a distinctive killdeer call from the skies or a neighboring field, and it always brings a smile to my face.

PHOTO BY BINYAMIN MELLISH/PEXELS

Gardening Education BY EDWINA SHANNON

Regenerative Farming Farm to Honor Natural Balance of Soil, Water and Air

“REGENERATIVE FARMING” seems to be a trending phrase these days. What is it? What does it mean? Regenerative farming is a direct effort that focuses on rebuilding soils and recreating biodiversity within soils. It is the polar opposite of big agri-business. Several generations have passed since farming methods morphed into chemically applied improvements instead of the rich, generational farming practices. Enough time has passed that these improvements, which started just after WWII, can be measurably assessed for profitability, nutritional variants and environmental impacts. Many studies have done as much. A scientific, logical assessment and the charted numbers, devoid of emotional responses, will show an increase in profits while decreasing nutritional value of the food produced as well as a death sentence on the native species that once balanced our farmland. With this data, individuals can make choices that affect the individual backyard garden, the couple-of-acre minifarm, the larger farm entity and the corporate farm: Yes, the ability to choose what is important is available to you whether you farm, garden or buy food. Regenerative work is an approach to growing food that honors the natural balance of the soil while recognizing the interconnectedness of soil with water and air: an earth balance. It starts with focusing on rebuilding topsoil. As rich topsoil develops, carbon in the atmosphere gets caught in the soil. Healthy soil acts as a filtration system, so nearby water sources improve in quality. I am a minimal-effort gardener. Happily

for me, the regenerative farming practices do not include disturbing the soil with regular tillage. Regenerative farming allows the microorganisms in the soil to develop their own networks in the ground. Costs for fertilizer are reduced as regenerative farming rebuilds the natural nutrients in the soil. A well-balanced topsoil is rich in naturally occurring nutrients, which feed the crops. There are many studies that show a higher, usable nutritional level from food produced from naturally made “fertilizers.” All vegetables are not created with equal nutritional value. Where do you start? Compost. The basic rules of compost are pretty simple. Keep meat and bones out of it. The compost pile should consist of a balance of “greens” and “browns.” I think of it as the soggy garbage, newsprint paper and clean yard waste. I keep branches out of it. You want to turn the pile over and stir things up occasionally. I am very simple with this and admit to it possibly being more effective with more organized effort. On John R. Rice Boulevard is the Lane Agri-Park. The Rutherford County Master Gardeners have demo areas there, including a superb example of a three-step composting process located by the gardens. Minimize Mt. Trashmore a little by returning your garbage to the soil. Every effort helps—helps reduce waste, helps improve the soil which then helps the air and water. We, humans, are a part of this cycle. It is important for us to enhance the natural process which was set up by someone or something smarter than us. Step up and do your part. BOROPULSE.COM

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Art

Smyrna Library Displays Artwork from Oliver Langston in April

 EXHIBITS

Panther Creek Art Market & Musicfest, Set for April 9 PANTHER CREEK BREWS WILL HOST an Art Market & Musicfest on Saturday, April 9, from noon until 10 p.m. View art from Ryan Frizzell (@ the_rhinovirus), Meagan Armes (@meaganarmesart), Jess (@ccolorfulchaos), Jeff Davis (@lawnboyart), E. Roy Lee, Amy Elizabeth (@dinkyinkedarts), Brett Shafer, Scufflemoss, David Adkins (@artwiremusic) and Casey Sheffield. The event is free to attend. Artists and Codger’s food truck will be set up all day. Music from Birthday Killroom, Jake Kroll, Bon Mi and Thunderfrog starts about 5 p.m. Panther Creek Brews is located at 714 W. Main St., Murfreesboro.

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SMYRNA PUBLIC LIBRARY will host an art exhibit from area artist J. Oliver Langston in April. Langston did not start his art career until later in life, but the artist has created and sold hundreds of works over the past decade. He employs various creative methods and textures in his art, from using melted crayon as a medium to painting on both sides of a pane of glass for a depth effect to generously piling on the paint in a work to create visible peaks on the canvas. The library exhibit should contain about 30 works, Langston says, including some sketches. Art fans in the area can also view some of Langston’s work—often featuring forests or seas in bold and vibrant colors—at the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center in Smyrna and at Burning Acre in Columbia, Tennessee. The Smyrna Public Library is located at 400 Enon Springs Rd. W., Smyrna; it is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.–8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

MTSU Faculty Displays Photography in April at Baldwin Gallery SIX MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE University photographers are showcasing their visions in a new exhibit open through Friday, April 15, at the university’s Baldwin Photographic Gallery. Chuck Arlund, Elijah Barrett, Alex Crawford, Kristine Potter, Jonathan Trundle and gallery curator Shannon Randol all teach in MTSU’s Department of Media Arts in the College of Media and Entertainment. Their work on display in the new exhibit shows interests ranging from capturing portraits to focusing on spaces. The 2022 MTSU Photography Faculty Exhibition will be on display weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through April 15 in the Baldwin Gallery, in Room 269 of the Bragg Media and Entertainment Building. Arlund, an adjunct professor and MTSU photography alumnus, has worked as a commercial photographer since 1998. He’s taught photography since 2007 at both the university level and worldwide at imaging conventions, schools and workshops, and is a founding member of the photography salon Southlight. 26 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

Barrett, an adjunct photography professor, earned a bachelor’s degree in art from Yale and a Master of Fine Arts in photography from the University of Hartford. His work has been featured in exhibitions ranging from the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans to the Baxter St. at the Camera Club of New York. Crawford, an adjunct photo professor at MTSU, is a Nashville-based commercial photographer specializing in portrait, lifestyle, still life and food photography. He began carrying a spare 35mm film camera with him about 10 years ago. Potter, an assistant professor of photography at MTSU, earned her Master of Fine Arts at Yale and is a 2018 recipient of the Guggenheim Fellowship in Photography. Randol, an MTSU photography graduate who earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from Washington University in St. Louis, is an assistant professor at MTSU. His contributions to this faculty exhibit focus on spatial relation—in this case, how the viewer is positioned in relation to other objects. Trundle, an associate professor of photography, also is an MTSU alumnus and earned his MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art. For moreinformation on MTSU’s Baldwin Photographic Gallery, visit baldwinphotogallery.com.

Art

 THEATRE

Left: The Curious Case of the Dog in the Night; Above: MLT Camp

Entertaining and Educating

Murfreesboro Little Theatre deftly playing venue hopscotch in its 60th season BY STEVE MORLEY THE MURFREESBORO LITTLE THEATRE, in recent months, has pivoted as gracefully as possible since losing its longtime venue, the unique log structure known as The Playhouse. The 80-year-old former Scout lodge, razed in September 2019 due to safety concerns, had hosted scores of performances from the community theater group going back to the early 1960s. The still-itinerant but unsinkable MLT “will be popping up all over Murfreesboro,” according to president Shane Lowery, with two shows remaining in this, the group’s 60th year. 28 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

Lowery told the Pulse that MLT’s free outdoor production of the Shakespeare classic Macbeth will commence at Oaklands Mansion on Wednesday, May 11, at 7 p.m., with performances to follow on May 12, 13 and 15 as well as June 2, 3, and 5, all at 7 p.m. The group will appear at Discovery Center’s sometimes-bawdy Bard-’n’brew-fest, Shakesbeer, on May 14. Moving over to Mills-Pate Arts Center on Old Nashville Highway from June 16–19, MLT will stage a seasonably suitable production of Always a Bridesmaid. Most recently, MLT took up residence for its third time this season at intimate venue The Walnut House to present The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night. The daring production—helmed by Catherine Burford along with Lowery—penetrated the unfathomable autism spectrum with no holds barred. While the play’s author, British writer Mark Haddon, has stated that the story’s brilliant and behaviorally challenged protagonist, Christopher, is meant to represent the unique view of

an outsider, and not a specific diagnosis, high-functioning autism was nonetheless clearly implied. The dark and disturbing plot ultimately turns redemptive, spotlighting the sensitivity and value inherent in society’s most misunderstood members. The lean-and-mean, currently mobile MLT is versatile enough to tackle more typical all-ages fare, but the group should be praised for also pushing boundary lines like the ones touched in the not-quitefamily-friendly Curious Incident, which effectively utilized a large projection screen to facilitate otherwise impractical set changes (like, say, a star-populated night sky, or the Swindon, England, railway station). Additionally, a black-clad multipurpose supporting cast depicted everything from minor characters to kitchen appliances in the home shared by lead character Christopher and single dad Ed. Seeing human refrigerators and microwave ovens in use, arms swinging as doors, was not only novel, but it also brought a welcome bit of oddball humor, offsetting the anxious mood of the emotionally fraught, mystery-based story. “Throughout the past year, MLT has proven that we can still put on meaningful and moving shows, without having a permanent home,” Lowery said, adding that “we have consistently provided theatrical opportunities for people of all ages across Rutherford County.” Last June’s successful summer camp, for instance, had almost 30 participants and ended with a production of an originally written adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The free Shakespeare show drew around 200 attendees, Lowery said, adding that he hopes for an even better showing for this summer’s Macbeth event, the culmination of two 2022 summer camp theater sessions. The first session, for ages 10 and under, will be held June 6–10, while the second session, for ages 10–17, will take place June 13–17. Another initiative benefiting Rutherford’s younger set was last fall’s partnership with memorial nonprofit The First Noelle to stage Miss Nelson Is Missing, which helped raise over 100 children’s books to be donated to local classrooms. “We have also produced thought-provoking productions, like Constellations, which tackled the topic of cancer and assisted suicide, through an interesting script using string theory, performed at Gallagher Guitars,” Lowery said. “We have also provided opportunities for local playwrights to see their scripts performed on stage, first with our 2021 production of The Volunteer, written by Andy Landis, and our 2022 production of Grande Finale, written by Lauren Street, both performed at Walnut House.” In conclusion, the theater troupe’s genial leader had this to tell Pulse readers, especially those who support local arts: “MLT is strong and here to stay. We are striving to create quality, affordable theatrical experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. We are striving to create partnerships within our community that will benefit the community as a whole.” The group’s website, with information on upcoming productions, can be found at mltarts.com.

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Food

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F Sugar + Spice

Deep-fried, country-fied spice and soul at Ms. Marian’s, home of wings, Kool-Aid, ox tail, pork chops

Try all sorts of other various wing opor Sunday Southern soul food, latetions such as sweet chili, teriyaki, sweet night wings, Kool-Aid, ox tail, sweet and spicy, mango habanero and honey gold potatoes, banana pudding and all at the cafe also. sorts of fried things, Ms. Marian’s Cafe is Longtime local resident Bill Wilson your source. proclaimed that Ms. Marian’s has “the best Located on East Main Street just off of the MTSU campus, Markita Medaries opened the catfish in town.” One customer in the Ms. Marian’s dining eatery in 2021. Medaries also owns and operroom during a recent lunchtime says he ates four wings restaurants in Nashville, as loves the meatloaf, but it wasn’t ready yet well as Murfreesboro’s new 615 District. that day and he was on a The Murfreesboro tight schedule so he had community has already to pick something else. been giving the Ms. The menu offers plenty Marian’s wings some of other options. very good reports. RESTAURANT “These folks put “Don’t bother getting Ms. Marian’s Cafe absolute passion in the wings anywhere else,” LOCATION quality of their food,” Destiny Miller said 1513 E. Main St. Andrew McKnight comfollowing a visit to Ms. PHONE mented. “The fried okra Marian’s. “The honey 615-890-1413 and catfish was amazhot is amazing.” HOURS ing.” These sticky things Sunday–Thursday: Some may want their pack a tasty balance 11 a.m.– 11 p.m.; pork chops a little more of sweet and heat; the Friday–Saturday: done, but others say honey hot sauce is ban11 a.m.– 1 a.m. they are just perfect, gin’! Excellent. PRICES still very juicy on the inKicking up the heat, 8-piece wings with one side: side (not overdone and the restaurant serves $9; Catfish sandwich: $7; Chicken and Waffles: $8.99; dry) and nice and crisp Marian’s Way wings Cheeseburger: $9.99 on the outside. similar to Nashville hotA colorfully beautiful chicken style, coated in a ONLINE marianscafe.com display of various Koolspicy rub, placed on some Aid flavors in bottles white bread to soak up sits in a cooler to the right of the ordering the greasy spice. There’s some sweet flavors line. Many customers appreciate the wide going on with this rub as well, and the Marian’s Way chicken wings may not seem too hot selection of Kool-Aid varieties, which add some fun color to a meal, and some sweetat first, but the spice can sneak up on you. ness to cut some of the spice and salt. “I love spicy, so I really enjoyed the “I am excited that I got to take my kids honey hot and the Ms. Marian’s Way. The somewhere that had the type of small-town Ms. Marian’s Way are really hot!” accordcharm I remember from the mom-and-pop ing to diner Dana Smith. “Great wings—I shops I’d ride my bike to decades ago,” a love the lemon pepper wings as well.” Murfreesboro resident named Kyle posted after trying Ms. Marian’s. “The fact that you can order homemade Kool-Aid and fruit tea enhance this appeal tremendously.” For a very sugary, fruity, sweet red burst, try the Marian’s Way Kool-Aid. It’s ridiculously sweet—as if someone made red Kool-Aid using Hawaiian Punch rather than water while still doubling the sugar. Get creative at Ms. Marian’s Cafe and make your own tossed combination. Try some chicken tenders or shrimp tossed in any sauce, or a pork chop if you want. Markita suggests trying the catfish seasoned Marian’s Way. Ms. Marian’s originally opened as a chicken joint, but then soon added the soul

The Dish

STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO

30 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

PHOTOS BY SARAH MAYO

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CATERING  BACKYARD PARTIES • WEDDINGS • CHURCH EVENTS food and veggies a few days each week, according to Medaries. Now, “The soul food is the main thing,” she said, adding that the place is generally packed on Sunday for Soul Food Sundays. Come in and eat some fine sweet and soft sweet potato chunks, fried pork chops, turnip greens, the cakey and sweet banana pudding and more. Kristina-Rene’ Massey gave it some high praise as well. “This is by far the best soul food I have eaten in years that wasn’t my mom’s,” she said. Another diner said that upon first glance the chicken and dressing appeared dry, but “don’t let looks deceive.” “It was delicious! The turnip greens were the best I ever ate, and the spaghetti was to die for,” according to Phyllis Dodd. “Very good food.” The Ms. Marian’s menu does rotate throughout the week. Many of the soul food options are only available on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays. But wings, fish, burgers and tenders remain on the menu all through the week. And some local night owls appreci-

ate the late hours. Ms. Marian’s serves food until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The eatery offers various daily specials—$2 leg quarters on Mondays, $2 beef tacos on Tuesdays, 60-cent wings on Wednesdays, $5 pork chop sandwiches on Thursdays and seafood on Fridays. Ms. Marian’s also hosts Bingo every Saturday beginning at 5 p.m., and offers some special discounts for MTSU students. On Mondays, students presenting a MTSU student ID can get a 6-piece wings with fries meal for $5, and on Tuesdays the cafe offers a 3-piece tenders with fries as a $5 student option. As far as drawbacks, getting your order could take a while. The food is fried to order, so call ahead if you are in a rush. And for those on strict diets, Ms. Marian’s may not be the place to find a lot of low-sodium, low-carb, non-fried, raw or vegan choices . . . but, again, it does have fried chicken, sweet potatoes, spicy fish, banana pudding, Kool-Aid, fried okra, cheeseburgers—the good stuff. “These honey hot wings are a blessing,” a diner named Savannah commented. BOROPULSE.COM

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SMYRNA DEPOT FARMERS MARKET RECIPE OF THE MONTH:

Instant Pot Asparagus Risotto SERVINGS: 4 • Prep time: 5 minutes • COOK TIME: 19 minutes PRESSURIZING/DEPRESSURIZING: 7 minutes

INGREDIENTS: 3 Tablespoons Butter 1⁄3 Cup White Onion (chopped) 3 Cloves Garlic (minced) ¼ Cup White Wine 2¼ Cup Chicken Broth ¼ Cup Half and Half 1 Cup Arborio Rice Salt and Pepper (to taste) Italian Seasoning (to taste) Lemon Pepper (to taste) 1 Pound Asparagus (trimmed and cut into 1.5-inch pieces) ½ Cup Shredded Parmesan

DIRECTIONS:

Set your Instant Pot to sauté. Melt the butter and sauté the garlic and onion until soft (about 2–3 minutes). Add the white wine and 2 cups chicken broth (saving ¼ cup for later). Scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot and then add rice, salt, pepper and other seasonings. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the vent to seal. Set pressure to high for 5 minutes. Allow to natural release pres-

PHOTO BY SIX SISTERS

sure for 2 minutes then quick release the valve to remove any additional pressure. Add remaining ¼ cup chicken stock and half and half and stir well, lifting the rice from the bottom of the pot. The risotto will look soupy at this point. Place asparagus on the top of the rice (DO NOT STIR), put the lid back on, set vent to seal. Set pressure to high pressure with 0 cook time. When the Instant Pot is finished with the 0-minute process, quick release the vent. Open the lid and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let risotto sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken, then serve.

NOTE: If you double the recipe the

cook times will remain the same, but it may take longer for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.

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a complete rebuild from the ground up after demolition of its original building, constructed in 1974. The new building was designed so that the interior matches the uniform style of most other Pinnacle branches, with large amounts of natural light and a water feature. The building also features Pinnacle’s signature Learning Center with full audio-visual capabilities for financial education events with clients and community meetings. “It was really something to watch the progress of this new jewel in downtown Murfreesboro from start to finish with anticipation for the moment we would open the doors to our clients and the community,” said Office Leader Russell Creech. “We’re grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to the character of downtown with a beautiful modern space that reflects Pinnacle’s brand.” The new Pinnacle office is two stories tall and offers 12,250 square feet of space as well as onsite parking, with additional spaces in the back. It also offers a drive-thru and ATM.

BY DELORES ELLIOTT TN MEAT CO. has opened in Murfreesboro; located at 2926 Old Fort Pkwy., beside Little Caesar’s Pizza, TN Meat Co. serves as West Murfreesboro’s first butcher shop, and features prime cuts and Wagyu as well as exotic meats like buffalo, elk and kangaroo meat. The idea is that the meat options should be as unique as the atmosphere. In addition to the variety of meats, TN Meat Co. sells an array of home decor and gifts including custom knives, skillets from Smithey Ironware Company, cutting boards and custom TN Meat Co. hats and other clothing items. “Our atmosphere is really cool and inviting. We’re hoping people will come in and find something to cook and hang out and get to know each other,” said owner Andy Holmes. Future plans for the business include events dedicated to bringing culinary experts together for cooking classes and bourbon tastings, where those interested can learn what pairs well with each type of meat. Hours for TN Meat Co. are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit facebook.com/tnmeatco or call 615-962-9321. ALDI at 3439 S. Church St. reportedly plans to open on April 13 after a few years in development. ACAPULCO EXPRESS MEXICAN FOOD will open a drive-thru Mexican restaurant in the former Rick’s BBQ building at 3364 Memorial Blvd., just down the street from the VA, Taco Bell and Camino Real. RHK HIBACHI GRILL AND SEAFOOD has opened at 2035 Lascassas Pk., in the old Food Lion shopping plaza across from Kroger. RHK offers a variety of chicken options, spring and egg rolls, fried and steamed dumplings, fried chicken, shrimp and oysters, bubble tea, salad, boiled seafood and hibachi. RHK offers in-store pickup for those who do not wish to dine in. 34 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

After 11 years in business, Middle Tennessee’s KONA ICE manager Mike Woods has stepped down from his position and sold the business. Local Kona Ice trucks are now owned by Will and Sarah Rodriguez, who say they are committed to pursuing Woods’ vision for the business. Rodriguez said that within his few months in the business, he has turned three employees and trucks into 23 employees and multiple trucks. Rodriguez also noted that he intends to have at least six trucks and a mini truck this year. He plans to acquire some Kona Ice kiosks, and depending on the turnout with local city parks this year, he may add a few more trucks. “We just updated one of the trucks we got from Mike, so no one has seen it yet, but it’s my new favorite truck,” said Rodriguez in a recent email. Rodriguez mentioned that the area he manages may be the largest of the Kona Ice franchisees in Tennessee; in addition to the Middle Tennessee area, the territory covers some of Kentucky and into the Soddy-Daisy and Chattanooga area. “Mike established some good relationships within the community and always gave back. We carried on the tradition and always donate 20 percent back to schools and sports within our community, so anytime you purchase a Kona from us at a soccer game or a high school football game, 20 percent of that is going to the school,” according to Rodriguez. Since 2014 alone, Kona Ice of Middle Tennessee has given back $280,000 to schools and community groups. “Mike is still very involved; he stops by the trucks often to check on things and say ‘hi,’ but this time he’s on the other side of the serving window, and he’s loving life.” RHK is open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed on Tuesday). For more information, call 615-624-7539, or visit rhktn.m988.com. LUNA’S NIGHT CLUB AND EVENT CENTER has opened at 527 W. Main St. The new nightclub serves adults 18 and up, hosts popular DJs, national and international musicians, and karaoke events open to all ages. The club also features a bar, pool

tables and a second floor. The nightclub’s Google page notes that it is Murfreesboro’s first Latin nightclub. Hours of operation are 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Thursday through Sunday. For more information, call 615-5566402 or visit facebook.com/lunasnightclub. PINNACLE FINANCIAL PARTNERS has reopened its main office and administrative building at 114 W. College St. after closing for construction. The site underwent

MIND MATTERS CAREER INSTITUTE has opened in Murfreesboro, offering enrollment for a variety of online and in-person courses. Mind Matters Career Institute specializes in providing outstanding in-class training, tools and highly effective programs ethically, innovatively and professionally. Mind Matters’ program will begin by welcoming students into a virtual learning environment, and will eventually progress to a point where coursework will take place in person. According to a recent press release from the institute, students of all ages will be accepted. Current courses offered by the institute include virtual piano lessons, tutoring for math, reading, history and writing; and in-person real estate certifications. Future courses will include drum lessons, software coding for beginners, customer service training, and leadership and development training for businesses. “I am confident that this institute will help mold and develop brilliant and talented men and women who will positively impact industries across the world,” said founder Deswick Bonds Jr. For more information, call 615-933-9714 or email info@mindmatterscareer.com. Middle Tennessee State University recently announced that it plans to shift all student flight operations from the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport to the SHELBYVILLE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT due to the ever-

growing number of aerospace students. With this decision, MTSU and the Murfreesboro Municipal Airport will end their almost 75-year-old partnership. The shift, however, will not take place for another three years. During the last few years, the program has been exceptionally popular and is not expected to slow down anytime soon. The Shelbyville airport will provide a larger space for incoming and current students. Additional benefits to this decision include a significant reduction of air traffic, better access to the airport for non-student aviators, and much more room for students. THE ALLEY ON MAIN has plans to open an outdoor food truck concept just outside its restaurant location. More information to come. The Alley is currently hiring full- and part-time employees to work as line cook, grill cook and expo. Those interested can apply in person at 223 W. Main St. DEL WEBB SOUTHERN HARMONY has announced that it will bring around 1,100 new homes and an array of vacationinspired amenities to Murfreesboro. This will be the company’s first 55-and-up community in Murfreesboro, and will open around the end of the year in 2023. It will be located at 7079 Franklin Rd. During the groundbreaking in the beginning of March, the developer announced they would donate two acres of land to Rutherford County, with plans to provide another public health and safety building. The new building will offer room for another Fire and Rescue and EMS station. The homes at this new Del Webb community will be situated on over 500 acres of land, previously owned by former Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess. Del Webb Southern Harmony will offer 12 single-story home designs. These innovative floor plans are the result of extensive research and consumer feedback focused on how today’s 55+ buyers live and what features they want in their homes. Del Webb Southern Harmony will feature a residents’ clubhouse with a large patio and event lawn with fire feature, a fully equipped fitness and aerobic area, an indoor pool, a multi-purpose room for group events, an outside pool with cabanas, walking trails, bocci and an outdoor kitchen area. Interested buyers can visit delwebb.com, email tennessee@delwebb.com or call 615729-7029. Carmen Mexican Restaurant at 1935 S. Church St. is temporarily closed due to rebranding. The restaurant plans to celebrate

its grand reopening under the name of TOLUCA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, and has noted on its Facebook that the restaurant will be under new management.

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LA MICHOACANA, located at 810 NW Broad St., is temporarily closed for remodeling. La Michoacana provides ice cream that is made fresh daily and includes only natural ingredients, many of which include fresh fruits. The owner of the business hopes to reopen very soon, though a date has not been confirmed. The FLOAT-A-BOAT location in Wartrace, Tennessee, has closed permanently. Float-A-Boat was known as one of the closest canoe rental businesses in Murfreesboro, aside from Stones River Kayak and Canoe Rental, a mobile business that serves the area. The current Float-A-Boat location can be found in Normandy, Tennessee, and is called FAB on the Duck, a reference to the Duck River—which hosts the excursions launching from the business. More information can be found at fabontheduck.com. Other nearby canoe rental businesses in operation include Higher Pursuits at 3114 Cheeks Bend Rd. in Columbia, and Bones Canoe and Campground at 16520 Bakerville Rd. in Hurricane Mills. After 23 years in business, COCONUT BAY CAFE at 210 Stones River Blvd. has closed “until further notice.” The announcement was made on the restaurant’s Facebook page on March 22, just a couple days after a fundraiser event hosted by Coconut Bay. The event’s purpose was to help raise funds for Coconut Bay manager Willy Funk, who suffered from a stroke earlier this year. While Coconut Bay’s customers are saddened by the recent closure—with comments coming in from many who have patronized the Bay over the past decades— most understand that times have been tough for the restaurant’s staff and Willy since the beginning of the year. As of now, the restaurant has not mentioned any plans to reopen in the future. For more information find Coconut Bay Cafe on Facebook.

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ACAPULCO BURRITO at 1312 NW Broad St. announced its permanent closure on its Facebook page at the beginning of February. Although the building still appears to be fully furnished, there are not yet any solid plans announced for it. LOCAL TACO has closed its Murfreesboro location after about two years in business. However, fans of the restaurant can still visit the Brentwood location at 146 Pewitt Dr. BOROPULSE.COM

* APRIL 2022 * 35

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Opinion School Choice Exposed Are taxpayers really getting more bang for their buck? WITH ALL THE BUZZ AROUND this case, by way of the Republican party. SCHOOL CHOICE, I decided to take a Are taxpayers really getting more bang for look at some of the key points that school their buck or are private corporations and choice proponents pose. charities reaping the largest benefit? Will school choice really save taxpayers “When you look at the [charter] schools money? If we allow the “money to follow . . . They look more like private schools, and the child,” does that really ensure a better so, what we think is really happening here, education than traditional public schools can is that these schools that should be priprovide? Are school choice vate schools are accessing programs a safety net for public funds,” said Integrity the socioeconomically disFlorida’s research director advantaged? Will children Ben Wilcox. with special needs benefit “They are giving parents BY TIFFANY BOYD from school choice? and students more choices,” Let’s start by followhe added, “but that choice ing the money. In 2006 the Florida Supreme comes at a cost. And I don’t think our taxpayCourt found the Opportunity Scholarship ers in Florida are aware of what they are being Program unconstitutional. “But the ruling asked to spend their education resources on.” didn’t kill vouchers. It just made voucher The Integrity Florida report notes that the entrepreneurs more crafty, and meant that the boom in charters may lead to an issue with public dollars being siphoned to private—and Florida’s Constitution, which requires a “unioften religious—schools would have to be form, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality managed with the same bit of clever opacity system of free public schools that allows stuthat drug dealers employ when laundering dents to obtain a high quality education;” as the their riches,” according to Palm Beach Post number of charters has grown, with different columnist Frank Cerabino. “In Florida, that rules than traditional schools, the report questook the form of the Florida Tax Credit Scholtions whether a uniform system actually exists. arship Program and a group called Step Up In 2020, an audit claimed Oklahoma Epic for Students, which is organized as a charity.” charter schools owed the state $8.9 million Their clever maneuvering involved corporate dollars. donations to charities that then pass money on “For years, the pair of public charter schools to students looking for grants. These charities have been the subject of a criminal investigathen skim 3 percent off the top of the diverted tion into allegations that include embezzletax dollars for administrative fees. Of course, ment, obtaining money by false pretenses and these charities had their own lobbying group racketeering. The schools have also been acto make sure they secured partisan support, in cused of enrolling ‘ghost students’ to increase

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“This is just a small sampling of how school choice initiatives are costly to taxpayers. These programs are a breeding ground for fraud due to the lack of oversight.”

their share of state aid,” according to nondoc.com. This is just a small sampling of how school choice initiatives are costly to taxpayers. These programs are a breeding ground for fraud due to the lack of oversight. Taxpayers should also be aware, as reported by the Hampton Institute, “According to a 2018 state-by-state information chart from the Education Commission of the States, more than 25 states (including Washington, D.C.) either do not require charter school teachers to be certified or allow charter schools to hire a large portion of teachers with no teaching certification. It should also be noted that, on average, charter school teachers have fewer years of teaching experience and fewer credentials than their public school counterparts.” The documentary Killing Ed also exposes the lack of credentials of teachers employed by the Gülen charter school network, which is one of the largest in the U.S. Learn more at killinged.com. School choice has been touted by some as “The civil rights issue of this century.” “This has become the battle cry for many conservative politicians seeking election, yet, it has been proven that vouchers increase racial and socioeconomic segregation,” this from a 2019 paper titled Socioeconomic Segregation and School Choice in American Public Schools. It makes me stop and wonder how many of these politicians have read the data in regards to the programs they are actually pedaling. This is a slap in the face to the individuals that fought for the desegregation of schools during the Civil Rights movement. U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor expressed her concern about charter schools and segregation, particularly “findings from a 2019 Urban Institute report which concluded that growth in charter school enrollment increases the segregation of black, Latino and white students,” as she worked to secure legislation to increase oversight. Special needs students, especially those with severe disabilities, are more costly to educate. The majority of those students are left in traditional public schools, which, when school choice is adopted, are even more underfunded. “Especially in Florida, where the governor and legislature are intentionally undercutting 36 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

our public school students and local control,” Rep. Castor continued. “Florida, the third largest state in the country, ranks 43rd in per-pupil funding and it diverts an enormous amount of public money to for-profit charter schools that are not accountable and often fail to provide the full range of educational services required by law like those for special needs and disabled students.” Robert Garda Jr., a professor at Loyola University of New Orleans School of Law, sounds the alarm. “One thing is certain—charter schools struggle to enroll and appropriately serve students with disabilities such as mental retardation; serious emotional disturbance; autism; specific learning disabilities; and hearing, speech, language, or orthopedic or visual impairments. The harm to disabled students is obvious: they are denied equal educational choices and opportunities in violation of their civil rights. The harm to the charter movement is more subtle,” Garda wrote. “Chester Finn, a staunch charter advocate, predicted early in the movement that ‘special education may turn out to be the most dangerous land-mine buried on the charter school’s property.’ This premonition is proving to be correct. Charter schools’ violation of disabled students’ civil rights undermines their viability as a widespread alternative to traditional schools,” Garda’s paper continued. When we look at the big picture in regard to school choice, we discover that the system is riddled with fraud, employs teachers without teaching credentials, facilitates segregation, and fails to serve society’s most vulnerable. What are school choice proponents fighting for, then? Are proponents more concerned about serving students or lining their pockets? We all need to “follow the money” for that answer. Tiffany Boyd is the founder of Free YOUR Children, a home school advocate, consultant, speaker and the founder of Middle Tennessee Christian Homeschool Connection. She is a wife of 30 years and mother to five children, grandmother to two. She and her husband have home educated for 18 years. Contact her at freeyourchildren@gmail.com.

BUSINESS MOMENTUM BY BLAINE LITTLE

▲ Bill Wilson with his co-host Michael Linn White. The Mr. Murfreesboro Show airs on Sundays at 9 p.m. on WGNS, 101.9FM.

▲ Sheriff Bill Wilson Sr. makes a moonshine bust in 1960.

Mr. Murfreesboro Is Everywhere! Bill Wilson tells the stories of local history WHAT DO MURFREESBORO and Las Vegas have in common? Well, for one, both cities have a high number of restaurants per capita. Another commonality is that only a minority of either population can claim being a native. Few in the Murfreesboro area, or throughout Rutherford County, for that matter, can say they were born and raised here. Bill Wilson, also known as “Mr. Murfreesboro,” is one individual who can make that claim. He comes from a long line of Rutherford County residents, many of whom have served publicly. His father served as a county commissioner and then, as it was called at that time, the county executive. His grandfather, Bill Wilson Sr., served as sheriff in the ’50s and ’60s and then road superintendent. So, the Wilson family has long had a love for, and is invested in, the area. But the original “Mr. Murfreesboro” was Tommy Martin, a local businessman and philanthropist. He was bestowed the title by the city council decades ago in recognition for all the good he did within the community. When Bill had the idea of creating a Facebook page to keep the public, especially those of us who are transplants, apprised of local history, he asked permission of the Martin family to use the moniker in his posts. That was back in 2015. Wilson has a love for local history. In addition to talking all things Middle Tennessee, he is also involved in the Rutherford County Historical Society. Through his social media outlet, facebook.com/ mrmurfreesboro, he is able to reach a wide audience. His posts include interviewing local dignitaries, walkthroughs of buildings from the Civil War era, the history of the Square or pictures of the old Opryland USA amusement park in Nashville. It’s not just a stroll down memory lane, it’s educational and interesting. Find Mr. Murfreesboro on Instagram as well. Another way he is able to share what is happening locally is The Mr. Murfreesboro Show, which airs

on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on WGNS (found at 100.5 and 101.9FM, and at 1450AM). Wilson, along with his co-host Michael Linn White, speak to local people of interest on the hour-long program. When I visited the show, they were interviewing Virgil Gammon, candidate for sheriff. The show was informative, engaging and, as with anything Bill does, also humorous. Listeners have the opportunity to call in to the live show and ask questions on the air. But if they miss it, the audience can still catch the podcast at wgnsradio.com. The two on-air personalities schedule a variety of guests to keep the show fresh. “Why are people moving here?” Wilson asks. “It’s because we have a great education system, public and private. We have the largest undergraduate university in the state here. We’re 30 minutes from Nashville and three hours from Atlanta. If you take a pin in a map and go out 500 miles, you are within a day’s drive of 75 percent of the U.S. population.” Those are all great reminders about the access we enjoy in the ’Boro, and are points considered by new commerce. Currently, just under 100 are moving to Murfreesboro and surrounding areas every day. It is fun to reminisce about the “good old days,” but for someone new to the area, that act of reminiscing can be a vital resource and insight into a place they now call home. As a Tennessee senator recently said, “We want people to come here, but we want you to become Tennesseans.” Mr. Murfreesboro offers a way to help the public to do just that. Blaine Little is the founder and CEO of Momentum Seminars Training and Coaching, helping companies remain profitable by investing in their people. BOROPULSE.COM

* APRIL 2022 * 37

The

Minute by BILL WILSON with MEREDITH THOMAS

Tommy Martin, left, at the future site of State Farm Insurance, Broad St. in Murfreesboro, 1954 Photo courtesy of Ferrell's Studio

Tommy Martin

The Original Mr. Murfreesboro DID YOU KNOW . . .? The original “Mr. Murfreesboro” was a kind-hearted and benevolent local insurance agent by the name of Mr. Tommy Martin. Tommy earned the Mr. Murfreesboro moniker by being a great ambassador for our fair city and helping to usher in a sustained period of prosperity and growth during the 1950s and ’60s. He was a dear friend of my grandfather, Bill Wilson, who served as county sheriff and road superintendent during this time. It was the efforts of these men and other local business leaders that helped bring a number of corporate industry and manufacturing jobs to Murfreesboro with the expansion of State Farm, General Electric and Chromolox, with Nissan soon to follow. Mr. Martin was known for his generosity and goodwill, and he always went out of his way to send folks handwritten notes of encouragement or support. His most frequent parting words were always “Jesus loves you and so do I.” It was in the vein of this remarkable man and his enduring legacy that the new iteration of “Mr. Murfreesboro” was born. It began as a personal love letter to my home38 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

town and a way to share its rich history with so many—both young and old, near or far. As a lifelong resident of Murfreesboro, my family history consists of five generations who have lived, worked with and served the great people of this community. With the continued growth of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, I want to be able to share—with newcomers and lifelong locals alike—the history of this area and all of the people, places and things that make it so unique. I am grateful for the Martin family for giving their blessing and allowing me to carry on the “Mr. Murfreesboro” name. I hope that through the coming pages, photographs and shared stories, that I am able to preserve my own family’s history of service and honor Tommy Martin’s legacy as an ambassador of goodwill for the city of Murfreesboro. Tune into WGNS at 100.5 FM or 1450 AM each Sunday at 9 p.m. for The Mr. Murfreesboro Show or on Apple Podcasts. Call Mr. Murfreesboro, a.k.a. Bill Wilson, for all of your local real estate needs at 615-406-5872.

Live Exceptionally...Well! BY JENNIFER DURAND

Mirror, Mirror

“Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it.” — Ernest Holmes So it is with images of ourselves. We don’t need to ever worry about what others are thinking about us—we do plenty of self-judgment all the time, without giving much thought to the outcome. Like the examples in the mirror maze, we can feel like any one of those “false” images on a given day. Here’s the higher thought, though: if you know what the original really looks like, feels like, acts like and actually is like, why would you entertain a self image that you know is not you? Keep thinking higher now. To turn the “stinking thinking” around you simply focus on what you know to be true. Other thoughts will try to come in and steal the show and try to boom louder in your

mind. You must resist those thoughts, close the door on them, so to speak, and continue to replace them with the truth of who you are. Look in the mirror again. It isn’t what’s in the mirror that is you at all. You are the original. The mirror is only doing what you tell it to do. Just like your mind. It believes what you tell it. “How others see you is not as important as how you see yourself!” — Bohdi Sanders So, what will you tell your mind? That you are ignorant, lazy, lonely, deprived, unworthy? Or will you tell it that you are capable, strong, resilient, lovely, funny, disciplined and so on? Remember, no matter how all the maze of mirrors try to suggest you are something you’re not, you are never changed by them. Not even a little. Just remember this when you are having doubts. Another thing to note is that the thoughts you are looking for are the ones that feel good. They are light, bright and inspiring. If you are feeling anything less than that, continue to replace those thoughts with what is good about you. Do you feel like you have to dig really deep to find something good? That’s okay. Keep digging. I guarantee there is more good. Another mental example of unchanging value and worth: take a new crisp dollar bill. What is it worth? A dollar, right? Now write the words ugly, dumb, worthless on it. Crumple the bill up. Drop it on the floor and step on it. Put it in the mud and squish it around. Now pick it back up. Looks a lot different than it originally did doesn’t it? How much is it worth now that it’s been through the wringer? Yes, a dollar. It has not lost its value or worth no matter how much outside forces tried to change it. Your value and worth are always intact. Nothing outside of your thought can disrupt that fact. “If you’re searching for that one person who will change your life, take a look in the mirror and SMILE.” — Jennifer Durand Jennifer Durand is the owner and operator of The Nurture Nook Day Spa & Gift Shoppe; she is a certified QiGong and Breathe Empowerment instructor, and is licensed in massage therapy, body work and somatic integration. Visit nurturenook.com or facebook.com/ nurturenookdayspa or call 615-896-7110. BOROPULSE.COM

PHOTO BY PAVEL DANILYUK/PEXELS

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN to one of the funhouse mirrors or carnival mazes where there are many types of mirrors that distort how you look? You will see yourself super-fat, super-skinny, twisted, your upper body enlarged while your lower body is tiny; ugly, covered in mud, beautiful, normal and so on. What do you think when you are faced with this distortion of yourself ? Do you think you have changed, or that you are flawed in some way? Does it scare you that you can be ugly or even beautiful? You have one advantage going into the maze. You know what the original really looks like! No amount of distortion in the mirrors is going to change the outcome of reality when you leave the maze. Something interesting happens, though, when we start to fantasize about “what if ” I really looked like that? Then you start thinking about how it would feel if you were huge, ugly, skinny, contorted, twisted, or more beautiful. Experiment: Picture a steak, doughnut, or something else you love to eat. Visualize the smell, the texture. Is it hot or cold? Next thing you know, your mouth is actually salivating at the thought of that food. Do you have the food in front of you? Are you eating it? No. So how can you be salivating over it? That’s the power of suggestion. The power of your thinking. Now, picture something you don’t like the taste of. Or think of biting into a lemon. You can literally imagine your lips pursing up at the thought of the tartness. Just that fast your thought can suggest a reaction to something that you aren’t even physically experiencing!

* APRIL 2022 * 41

Patient Bill of Rights Bill Dies on the Vine in Tennessee House Health Subcommittee BY A.J. DEPRIEST

HB2486 (PATIENT BILL OF RIGHTS ACT) died on the vine March 1, before it was even heard in the Tennessee House Health Subcommittee. Rep. David Byrd motioned to hear the bill. No other member of the committee seconded the motion— and the bill was dead. Dead. Big med/big pharma organizations in Tennessee applauded the bill’s death, saying it was “dangerous” legislation and citizens would have abused the tenets of the proposed law. What was so “dangerous” about this bill? Let’s take a brief look: – Hospital treatment protocols. Patients and their families would have a right to refuse a particular course of treatment (medications, devices) and choose another. Hospitalists who do not agree with the patient’s choice can decline their assistance and another doctor can step in. Hospitalists who choose to agree with the patient’s choices cannot be punished by the hospital or by overreaching regulatory agencies. Currently, patients in all U.S. hospitals are only administered one protocol via National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and are refused any other treatments. In many cases, patients are forced to take medications and devices against their will, after having refused in writing and verbally. In the last two years, doctors all across America have been punished and fired from hospitals for attempting to provide alternate treatments to patients. – Emergency Use Authorized treatments. Patients would have a right to choose treatments from among ALL available treatments, not just treatments forced on them via NIH/CDC guidelines. Currently, patients have only one choice for treatment, and despite Emergency Use Authorization laws, they are not told of other treatments and are not given the option to refuse one in favor of another. – Transfer or release from care. Patients would be allowed to transfer to a different hospital or leave the hospital via hospice or “against medical advice.” Currently, patients are refused transfer to any other hospital and are refused release (to hospice, for example), even when families have power of attorney and conservatorships. Patients are held in hospitals against their will. – 24/7 advocate support. Patients would have the ability to choose an advocate to be by their side 24/7 in any area of the hospital, and this advocate would speak for the patient if he or she becomes incapacitated. Currently, patients are not allowed to have a personal advocate; or a patient advocate is assigned by the hospital. This means the advocate works for the hospital. Patients have a right to choose their own 40 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

advocate who will act in his or her best interest. This has always been a mainstay for healthcare— prior to January 2020. – Freedom from restraint and sedation. Patients and their advocates would have the ability to refuse restraints and sedation and would not be forced to accept them against their will. Currently, patients are routinely sedated and restrained against their will and without prior knowledge and consent. More egregiously, patients are sedated, restrained and then left alone for up to two days at a time with no food or water and no personal care, leaving patients lying in their own waste. – Rooming with family. Patients with a family member in the hospital would be able to room with that family member. Currently, if more than one member of a family are hospitalized, they are separated in different rooms. – Organ transplant rights protection. Patients who choose not to get the COVID shot would not be discriminated against by removing him or her from transplant wait lists. Currently, thousands of transplant hopefuls across the country have been removed from transplant lists and refused transplants because they chose not to get the shot. – No discrimination for hospital admission or treatment. Patients who choose not to get the COV-

ID shot would not be refused treatment or mistreated or treated differently because of their right to choose. Currently, patients across the nation are being treated differently and even mistreated in hospitals because of their shot status. – Patient rights notification. Hospitals would have to reinstate their pre-COVID patient bill of rights; patients would be given the hospital’s patient bill of rights on admission; and those rights would be publicly posted throughout the hospital. Currently, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services granted waivers to U.S. hospitals to disregard and ignore their patient bill of rights. Some hospitals have even told patients and families they do not have a patient bill of rights. Do you see anything “dangerous” in this proposed legislation? No? Of course not. It’s all common sense material. It’s shocking that we even have to try and legislate these ideas. But there is plenty in this bill that high-paid lobbyists and globalist organizations like the American (and Tennessee) Hospital Association should fear. Why? Because every one of these tenets would bring the torrential flow of cash into hospitals to a screeching halt. Every needless COVID death in our hospitals would come to an abrupt end with the passage of HB2486/SB2276.

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IMAGE COURTESY UTSPORTS.COM

Blake Burke and Chase Burns of UT baseball

Integrity of Female Athletics Under Attack; UT Baseball Dominating in 2022 THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! I want this article to be happy, with just a sprinkle of controversy—especially with the beauty of spring just around the corner. Spring is the season during which the natural world revives and reinvigorates after the cold winter months. That’s beautiful, but first let’s sprinkle the controversy at the beginning of this article, and we will end on something a tad more inspiring! My last article was for the most part about transgender athletics. My stance is simple—I believe allowing anyone born with a penis to compete with those not born with a penis creates an unfair advantage. Seems a reasonable point. Biological differences exist, and one of them, without doubt, is a competitive advantage for natural-born males. In my last article I mentioned the Ivy League trans swimmer Lia Thomas who competed as “Will” for three years, putting up times that ranked around 500th nationally for the men. Then, boom—as a female we have Lia as the number one swimmer in the country! Make sense? Yeah, it doesn’t. Weeks after I wrote that article, Lia became the first transgender athlete to win a Division I Championship. All I can say is, I told you! I was writing about this topic over a decade ago. I was once a true fan of female sports, and I gave it my attention back in the early ’00s, and passionately rooted for the strong women of Team USA. I hate saying this, but I am officially done with anything involving women’s sports. The integrity of female athletics is dead!

Gotta feel sorry for these women. I guarantee, 90-percent-plus have a problem with transgender athletes competing willy-nilly with them. Yet most of these females keep quiet because cancel culture is real and it’s toxic. But there comes a time when you need to stand up and call stupid stupid, and that time is now, before this becomes more prevalent than it already is. What’s sad is I have no intention to hurt the feelings of any transgender individual. I respect everyone’s right to live as they see fit to be free and happy and treated with due respect. And I wish happiness to every transgender person reading this. But that doesn’t mean the integrity of female athletics can be destroyed to satisfy the feelings of some. I am baffled we have come this far. I will continue to voice my opinion on this. I end on this: I would recommend those of you who agree with me yet keep quiet due to potential backlash, stop being cowards and speak up, but in a respectful manner, of course. Dag-gum! I had no intention of my first 500 words of this article being about that. Hot topics get me passionate, I guess, but let’s talk about something a little more positive. If you are a fan of Ole Miss or Vanderbilt, then you should stop reading now! University of Tennessee baseball is your Daddy here in the year 2022. Sweep, sweep! I am in absolute awe of this Tennessee baseball team. Tennessee just made it through the toughest stretch of the season, and what did they do? Well, they went to Oxford against the at-the-time-number-1-ranked Rebels and swept them up. Ole Miss football coach BOROPULSE.COM

* APRIL 2022 * 41

Lane Kiffin thought it would be cute to throw the first pitch out Game 1 with a golf ball after that wild unfortunate night in Knoxville back in football season. That backfired as the Vols pounded the Rebels 12–1. Tennessee Baseball is off to a historic start to the season. Tennessee is the first SEC team in 28 years to start 9–0 in conference play. The Vols stand currently after the recent Vandy series at 27–1 and are the unanimous number one team in college baseball. After securing the sweep vs. Vanderbilt, the first series sweep in Nashville since 2009, the Vols now have 19 straight wins, a program record. The Vandy Boys have been one of the most dominant baseball programs in college baseball this entire decade, winning the tournament in 2014 and ’19 and runner-up in ’15 and ’21. Tennessee was a runner-up in 1951 and made an impressive World Series appearance last season, but clearly this program is enjoying new success under Vols coach Tony V. Vandy’s one thing it has over Tennessee has been baseball. This series probably hurt worse for the diehard ’Dores than they would have you believe. This rivalry though, this almosthatred brewing is great! After the ridiculous Game 1 bat incident with Jordan Beck, I mean Mike Honcho . . . stickers on bats, stickers falling off? Appropriate stickers? I don’t know who is to blame, but it was unfortunate—the umpires ruled Beck out after he hit a home run

because he did not have a sticker designating his bat as legal. At the end of the day, it was clearly something stupid. All I know is Vols Coach Tony Vitello, dude is a GOAT! This rivalry is good for baseball in the state of Tennessee and for generating interest in the game. Make no doubt about it, Rocky Top has some of the best, most loyal fans in the entire country. There are a lot of people who enjoy seeing Tennessee fans lose, yet one thing rings true. No matter what these Tennessee fans stay loyal. Everyone knows this to be true, and nationally Tennessee’s loyal fan base is well known. Its impossible to argue; it doesn’t matter, football, basketball, baseball, Big Orange shows up. Did Tennessee fans go a little overboard that night vs. Ole Miss football when they were marked short of the first down? I’d say mustard bottles and golf balls equals going overboard . . . crazy passion! Tennessee football hasn’t given its fans the proper return, given the fans’ investment over these long years. But make no doubt, the time will come and it will be that much sweeter for all these Tennessee fans who have been nothing but loyal through these hard times. That’s it, the Train Daddy is rolling into the station! Yee-yee Tennessee! Rocky Top! And it wouldn’t be an article if I didn’t shout out my Tennessee Titans as well. Titan Up! Can’t wait for some FOOTBALL!!!

Cyber Security Protecting Your Business BY JEFF ENGLAND

PHOTO BY ANETE LUCINA/PEXELS

IF YOU’VE WATCHED or read the news, you’ve probably seen stories about companies who have reported data breaches and ransomware attacks. Sony, Home Depot, Colonial Pipeline, JPS Foods, Equifax and several other large companies have all reported some form of cyberattack in which either customer data was stolen, or the companies were hit with ransomware attacks. It seems that only large businesses are being targeted by cybercriminals because the large corporations are the ones that make the news headlines. But, that’s not necessarily true.

THE

 Types of Cyberattacks

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Cybercriminals target both small and large businesses everyday using phishing techniques that involve ransomware, trojan horses and viruses to attempt to trick employees into clicking a link that looks legitimate—only to find out after clicking the link that it was not a good idea. Computer worms are also an issue for businesses because worms can replicate themselves. Computer worms are often used to target particular software systems like public water systems, power and other utility companies. Companies can also face distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks and cyberattacks that involve the takeover of the company’s website. In a DDoS attack, a website is unresponsive or slow to respond because of the amount of traffic being directed at the website. In a website takeover attack, the website is often defaced with promoting products and services unrelated to the business or the website is replaced with a message from the cyberattack.

 Ransomware Attack The biggest threat to businesses these days are ransomware attacks. In a ransomware attack, cybercriminals will copy system files and documents before the ransomware software locks and encrypts the business’ computer systems, subsequently requesting a ransom payment in Bitcoin or another type of cryptocurrency. Cybercriminals will request bitcoin or another form of cryptocurrency as payment for a ransomware attack because it’s more difficult to trace cryptocurrencies once the ransomware payment has been made. It is more difficult to trace a cryptocurrency or Bitcoin transaction because the transaction detail does not contain the user or account information that shows who the parties were in the transaction. The FBI has reported in the past few months that they have had some success in tracking and recovering Bitcoins after Colonial Pipeline was hit with ransomware attack and paid the ransom to receive the encryption key to restore their system 42 * APRIL 2022 * BOROPULSE.COM

 Cyberattack Insurance Businesses have turned to purchasing cyberattack insurance, which can lead to a belief that if the business pays a cybercriminal, they can get their system back online and request a refund from the insurance company by filing a claim. However, if you pay the ransomware, there is a probability that the key the cybercriminal provides in exchange may not work and all the files may not be completely restored or accessible. Additionally, if you pay the ransomware, you become a target for the cybercriminal or the cybercriminals to use ransomware against your business multiple times. Before purchasing the cyberattack insurance, business owners need to read the policy details. Some insurance companies have made it difficult to file a cyberattack claim while other carriers require companies to keep their systems security up to date.

 Keeping System and Security Software Up to Date It’s important for business owners to keep their system updated with security patches and software upgrades. Hackers look for known vulnerabilities to infiltrate business systems and servers. While most businesses are moving to the cloud for software services, it’s important to know that businesses still face the possibilities of cyberattacks even on the cloud. It’s important for businesses to require strong passwords to access cloud software services. Even with limited resources, it’s still important for the small businesses to have some type of virus detection, internet security, and malware detection software, and to regularly update the computer’s operation system software with software updates. Before clicking on a link in an email, hover your mouse over the link to see if the link is associated with a website that you are familiar with. Some targeted companies have tried to restore their computers and systems from backups. But unless you update your computer’s operation system software and applications, you are still vulnerable. If your business is a victim of a cyberattack involving a data breach or ransomware attack, the law requires you to report the attack to the FBI by contacting the local FBI field office or by filing a criminal complaint through Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Jeff England hosts the Twisted Money Podcast to help listeners become better informed on fraud, scams, deceptions and cyber attacks; he is a CPA and a member of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of Certified Fraud Examiners.

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Pro-Life Pro-Freedom (NO Mandates) Pro-Constitution Pro-Second Amendment Pro-Fiscal Responsibility Pro-Low Taxes Pro-Law Enforcement Pro-Business Pro-Legal Immigration

Tom Sissom is the Most Qualified Candidate for Rutherford County’s Next Sheriff Tom Sissom is not a politician. He’s a highly respected law enforcement professional with over three decades of honorable service with the Murfreesboro Police Department. Tom’s accomplishments include rising from patrol officer to lieutenant and overseeing dozens of fellow officers, submitting budget proposals, coordinating with local government officials for various initiatives, working within the Murfreesboro Police Department to improve community relations, and most importantly—making our community a safer place.

Dear Rutherford County Taxpayer, Hello, my name is Royce Olen Johnson. I am your neighbor and lifelong Rutherford County resident. I am not a career politician. I am a Constitutional Conservative running to be your next County Mayor and would treasure your vote on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022. As a child growing up here, my family was poor and received food stamps, government cheese and the free lunch program. I understand the challenges and impact of hard times and struggles. As a product of the local public schools, I received my education attending Bradley Elementary, Central Middle School and graduated from Riverdale High School. After high school, I worked days and attended MTSU and Ashford University taking classes at night where I obtained: * A bachelor’s degree in business administration * A bachelor’s degree in public administration * A master’s degree in criminal justice As a lifelong learner, I have obtained the knowledge and experience to best serve our county. I am successful in the corporate world and have over 20 years of management experience. My wife and I are also small business owners. I have a heart to serve our community and give back. I put God FIRST, then family, serving others and freedom. I believe in the American Dream. As a Republican Constitutional Conservative, I believe in putting America first! Together, we can keep America first and keep Rutherford County FREE by voting our values and supporting like-minded neighbors to serve in public office. If you support truth, transparency and access at all levels of county government, if you want to keep Rutherford free, if you’re tired of political bickering, career politicians and wasteful government, vote for me to be your next county mayor. I am humbled by this opportunity and I look forward to serving you. You will have my ear, and my door will always be open to the taxpayers of our county. Very truly yours, your neighbor —

Royce Johnson royceforrutherford.com | 615-605-9067 Royce Johnson for Rutherford County Mayor | Jeffrey Bandy, Treasurer

 34 years at Murfreesboro Police Department, retired with rank of lieutenant  Effectively led a team of 40–45 sergeants and patrol officers daily  Nashville School of Law graduate, Doctor of Jurisprudence  MTSU, Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration  FBI LEEDA Training: Trilogy (Supervisor, Command and Executive Leadership), Public Information Officer and Internal Affairs Investigations  Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy  Middle Tennessee native, raised working on family farm  Southeastern Command & Leadership Academy, UT Chattanooga  Advanced Supervision, UT Martin  Lawsuit Prevention Training for Supervisors, UT Martin  Response to Terrorism Training  Search and Seizure Training  World Outreach Church Security Team, 22 years, Small Group Leader  Scout Leader and Merit Badge Instructor

Paid for by Tom Sissom for Rutherford County Sheriff, Mary Jo O’Neil, Treasurer

 Proud husband, father and grandfather

IT HAS BEEN OVER 50 YEARS since there has been anyone sworn in as Rutherford County Sheriff who did not previously work at the Sheriff’s Department!

April 2022 Murfreesboro Pulse

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