April 2024 Murfreesboro Pulse

Murfreesboro’s Catfeine Cat Cafe celebrates five years of finding homes for felines

Contents

feATures

14 gallagher fest

Sweet string sounds return to downtown Murfreesboro, May 4, with Dan Tyminski Band and others.

20

M eow and fur-ever

Murfreesboro’s Catfeine Cat Cafe celebrates five years of feline fun.

22 oaklands park

Identify some trees, watch vintage baseball and visit the springhouse in the heart of downtown.

30

vi C tory events

Upcoming events celebrate weddings, cheesecake, peach cobbler, wings and pecans and more.

32 endure athletiCs

MT Sprint Triathlon and 5K supports nonprofit helping children.

iN eVery issue

5 events Calendar

Lil’ Kickers, Scholastic Chess Tournament, Boro BBQ Festival, Spring Sip & Shop, Wedding Expo, Pioneer Days, and much more!

12 sounds

ConCerts

MusiC notes

Mac Wright

Boro Jazzfest

18 reviews

alBuM

Mize and the Drive Movie

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

24 food restaurant

Ginger Thai Bistro

27 News Business Buzz

Mike’s Pizzeria, Dali Food, TailGate, Luna Latin Food, 1 of 19, Smolicious, La Miscela Vineyard, Yamato and more nonprofit

Special Olympics

Mr. MurfreesBoro

Bullseye Gun & Range

36 opinion sports talk

Calvin Ridley, L’Jarius

Sneed, Lloyd Cushenberry among additions to Titans ahead of draft Business MoMentuM

Constructive criticism teCh talk

Educating students and the community; preventing cyberattacks free your Children

Americans for Propaganda lobbying lawmakers for school choice in Tennessee.

Money Matters

Proactive tax planning for year-round savings living . . . well! Tell your mind to “Shhh . . . !”

GreeTiNGs, eArThliNGs.

What does Murfreesboro have coming up on the horizon?

Well, there’s the inaugural Gallagher Festival celebrating sweet bluegrass string sounds on Walnut Street, the Boro BBQ Fest at its new home at the Miller Coliseum, a wedding expo at Lane Agri Park, the Special Olympics Track Meet at MTSU, JazzFest at the Fountains, a triathlon to benefit Endure Athletics, vintage base ball (yep, two words!) at Oaklands Park and much more! Additionally, this edition of the Pulse celebrates Catfeine Cat Cafe and its mission to connect cats and humans.

Unfortunately, the Mayos had to say our goodbyes to our Shaky Cat recently. Our little orange, spindlylegged, special-needs cat passed away in March. He was a special, loving little guy. Rest easy my friend! Was good to know you.

For a feline friend of your own, pay a visit to Catfeine and learn more about their adoption process.

The things of this earth shall pass away . . . your shoes will get holes, your car will get rusty or smashed, your tech devices will cease to function and your roof will leak.

And the people you love will die.

I don’t see that as being pessimistic. That’s just the way the world works.

Don’t be surprised when these things happen.

But for now—we live!

And it is spring.

I, for one, am ready for some sun.

Otherwise, I continue trying to learn something new every day, and help the children learn; not simply teaching in preparation for taking a test, but to learn how to think, to create, to problem-solve and to live.

What do you have going on? Keep the community information coming the Pulse’s way.

Sincere thanks to the team. A lot of folks are involved in every edition of the Pulse. Many individuals touch it, getting all of the info compiled and keeping it on the rails.

From those most dedicated to the details of its production and distribution, putting long hours into page design, copy editing, writing stories and delivering copies, to all of those who submit events, place advertising, write articles, operate the printing press, share content online and those who spend time with our children and deliver our groceries as we work on the Pulse—thanks to everyone who has a role, large or small, and helps make this community endeavor a reality.

Of course, without all of you readers standing by, eagerly awaiting the arrival of each neatly packaged and presented edition—a guide to the upcoming month in the area—what would be the point?

How can the Pulse be useful in making your vision a reality and communicating your message to the people of Murfreesboro? Keep in

peace, BraCken Mayo publisher/editor in Chief

April 4

show your till

Support the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center at Show Your Till, a charity luncheon at the View at Fountains (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.) on Thursday, April 4, from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. As the center embarks on its 38th anniversary year, this debut event aims to cultivate relationships, both new and old, and to fill those tills with life-changing dollars in the life of a survivor. Show Your Till is replacing the Tip Your Waiter event. The event will feel oddly familiar but present with a new flair. It is a unique luncheon centered around raising funds to assist the agency in providing the healing and protective services needed in the community. Food will be provided by Tasty Table. Single tickets are $50 and a table for 10 is $500. A local survivor will also share her story of healing during this luncheon. Donations are still welcome from those not able to attend, and sponsorship packages are available. For more information, find Show Your Till on Eventbrite, call 615-8967377 or email ericka@dvsacenter.org.

April 4–7

the ruMinants

MTSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance students will present the world premiere of The Ruminants , a play that explores protest, privilege and legacy. It runs Thursday through Saturday April 4–6 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on Sunday, April 7, at 2 p.m. at MTSU’s Tucker Theatre (615 Champion Way). Directed by Lauren Shouse, The Ruminants was written by Dipti Bramhandkar and developed as part of The Farm Theatre’s College Collaboration project, which commissions an early playwright to write a play that multiple schools independently produce throughout the academic year. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $7 for seniors and $5 for students K–12. They can be purchased at the box office of Tucker Theatre before each performance or at app.arts-people.com/index.php . MTSU students, faculty and staff can attend for free. No late entry. After the series of school productions, the collaboration cul -

April 6 And 7

lil’ kiCkers open house

Lil’ Kickers is an award-winning child development program that uses soccer to help children ages 18 months to 9 years reach important developmental milestones through age-appropriate and fun-filled activities. Classes meet weekly for 50 minutes, have low child-to-coach ratios and two convenient locations. The organization will hold free open house events on Saturday, April 6, at Oakland High School (2225 Patriot Dr.) from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and on Sunday, April 7, at MTSU Rec Center (1848 Blue Raider Dr.) from 1–4 p.m. Children will have a blast experiencing Lil’ Kickers firsthand through a free 50-minute trial class. It’s also a perfect opportunity for families to learn more. Plus, you might even score some cool swag. For more information on Lil’ Kickers, visit lilkickers.com or email kickit@lilkickersofmurfreesboro.com.

minates in a trip to New York City in May, where the student actors and production team are invited to rehearse and present a public reading for New York producers and artistic directors. For more information, email deann.hays@mtsu.edu, visit mtsu.edu/theatreanddance/ruminants.php or call 615-898-5385.

April

6

Blazin’ for Bleeders 5k

The Tennessee Hemophilia & Bleeding Disorders Foundation will hold its 5K & Fun Walk on Saturday, April 6, at Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.) at 9 a.m. Registration is $25 for the Fun Walk and $40 for the 5K timed race. This is the foundation’s second annual race; it

provides support, education, and advocacy for the bleeding disorder community in Tennessee and surrounding areas that go to a Tennessee Hemophilia Treatment Center. The day consists of prizes and food. Sponsorships are available. For more information on the April 6 race, visit thbdf.org/thbdf-walk-5k .

April 6

Cannon runs for Children 5k

The Cannon Runs for Children 5K is on Saturday, April 6, at the Arts Center of Cannon County (1424 John Bragg Hwy., Woodbury). Registration starts at 6:45 a.m., opening ceremony is at 7:30 a.m. and the run/walk begins at 8 a.m. Regis-

tration is $25 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for students ages 13–18 and $5 for students under age 13. Scholarships are available for children and youth. For more information, visit cacrutherford.org and find Events or call 615-563-9915.

April 7

Ben’s BBQ

Ben’s BBQ is a special family-friendly event to honor Ben McCloud and to benefit the Tennessee Alzheimer’s Association. Hosts Erin and Josh Drummond make raising awareness and raising funds for Alzheimer’s a “family affair” on Sunday, April 7, from 2–5 p.m. at Mill Creek Brewing (2008 B, Johnson Industrial Blvd., Nolensville). When Erin and Josh first hosted Ben’s BBQ, it was a way to honor the memory of Erin’s father, Ben McCloud, a former Murfreesboro resident who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018 and who passed in 2020. The event features a tasting smorgasbord with barbecue and kettle corn. Enjoy live music from the ’90s cover band Happy Accidents. There will be kids’ activities such as a bounce house, face painting and board breaking with a taekwondo instructor. An onsite silent auction includes autographed guitars from Morgan Wallen and Hardy as well as items from many local businesses. Tickets can be purchased at bensbbq.org or find Ben’s BBQ on Facebook for more information.

April 9

Coffee CluB

Coffee Club with Randy from Edward Jones will be held at St. Clair Senior Center (325 Saint Clair St.) on Tuesday, April 9 from 8:30–9:30 a.m. Learn about the benefits of trusts in estate planning. Light breakfast of donuts and coffee will be served. This event is free and open to the public.

April 9

tennessee trails assoCiation Meeting

The Tennessee Trails Association’s monthly meeting of the Murfreesboro chapter will be held Tuesday, April 9, from 7–8 p.m. at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer

Rd.). Highland Rim Chapter Chair Patty Deen will give a presentation entitled “Iceland Adventure,” showing the highlights of her August 2023 trip to Iceland. For more information, visit tennesseetrails.org or call or text 615-971-8894.

April 9

living sent Ministries

Living Sent Murfreesboro will continue meeting at its new location, Wilson Bank & Trust (3110 Memorial Blvd.), on Tuesday, April 9, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Kristin Demos wears many hats around Rutherford County—founder and president of the consulting firm Foundations First and vice president of brands and marketing for Demos Brands, as well as serving with multiple nonprofit organizations. She will speak about “Success Defined,” how God re-oriented her definition of success through business and personal failures to show her what success really means in God’s economy. Sean Moran spent 15 years as a corporate tax professional and, while he had great financial success, he felt empty because it wasn’t what God called him to. Moran will share how prioritizing family and following God’s calling bring more peace than any amount of professional success. A complimentary lunch will be provided by Chris Bratcher, owner and broker with CBS Realty. RSVP at bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com.

April 9

Business after hours

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce will hold its April Business After Hours networking event outdoors on South Walnut Street between West Main and West Vine Streets (near The Alley) on Tuesday, April 9, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for chamber members and $25 for non-members. For more information on this and other Chamber of Commerce events and ribbon cuttings, visit rutherfordchamber.org and find Events.

April 12

faMily CaMpfire at wilderness station

Gather round the campfire for some fun from 6 to 8 p.m. Meet at the Wilderness at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) and hike out to the campground for a fire, snacks, stories, s’mores and socialization. Cost is $3 for ages 4–17; $5 for ages 18 and up and free for ages 3 and under. For more information call 615642-1103. Register at murfreesborotn. gov/176/wilderness-station.

April 8

solar eC lipse storyti M e and viewing party Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro) will host a special solar eclipse storytime from 12:30–3:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8. Kids and science enthusiasts of all ages will learn about eclipses, have an eclipse-themed snack, play games and make solar eclipse artwork. Solar eclipse glasses will be available for event participants.

April 12

“take root” trivia night for the Journey hoMe

Channel your inner brainiac and play for a cause at the St. Paul’s Community “Take Root” Trivia Night on Friday, April 12, at 6 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (116 N. Academy St.). Proceeds from the event will help fund 10 rooms for homeless families in The Journey Home’s new outreach and resource center. Tickets are $75 each with team tables of eight for $600. Sponsorship opportunities are available. This inaugural event includes drinks and dinner prepared by professional chefs, door prizes, a live auction and a trophy for the winning team. For more information, email susanne.hebden@ stpaulsmurfreesboro.org. To register, visit stpaulsmurfreesboro.org/serve/takeroot

April 12 & 26

funny friday open

M i C C o M edy nights

Panther Creek Brews hosts Open Mic Comedy Night with Josh Fox and Friends every other Friday. Sign-ups are at 6 p.m.; show starts at 7:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. PCB Taproom is open Fridays from 3 to 11 p.m. Panther Creek Brews is located at 714 W. Main St.

Through April 13

volunteer inCoMe tax assistanCe

drop of creative excellence. The event will feature paintings, drawings, photography, literature, digital art, three-dimensional art, textiles and mixed media. Guests can indulge in delicious hors d’oeuvres to complement the artistic experience. Select artwork will be available for purchase, supporting both emerging artists and Liberty’s Station. For more information and for tickets, find Liberty’s Station on social media, visit bit.ly/lsspringgalleryformal or email ivey@libertysstationtn.org

April 13

sCholastiC Chess tournaMent at MtCs

For scholastic chess players in the Murfreesboro community, there will be a scholastic chess tournament on Saturday, April 13, at Middle Tennessee Christian School (100 E. MTCS Rd.). This is a United States Chess Federation-rated tournament. Online registration can be found at payit.nelnet.net/form/OcmaaLD2

United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties has announced the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for the upcoming tax season through April 13, 2024. The United Way VITA program is an IRS-supported tax preparation service, through which trained volunteers prepare taxes at no cost for qualifying individuals and families. The VITA program, along with My Free Taxes, connects community members with eligible credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, a benefit for working people with at least one dependent that can result in more resources for essential needs. This year, in-person appointments will be available at the Boys & Girls Club of Smyrna and Patterson Park Community Center. Additional mobile VITA sites will be available in Cannon County, Bedford County, Motlow’s Smyrna campus and the MTSU Jones College of Business. For more information, visit yourlocaluw.org/vita or email haley.adams@yourlocaluw.org.

April 13

liBerty’s station spring art gallery forMal

Liberty’s Station announces its upcoming Spring Gallery Formal, Saturday, April 13, from 7–9 p.m. Liberty’s Station (850 NW Broad St.) is a food truck and coffee cafe that employs and trains adults with disabilities. This exciting event promises an evening filled with art, mingling and charitable giving, all set against the back-

Age sections are K-3rd grade, 4–6th grade and 7–12th grade. The tournament will utilize a five-round Swiss format with 30/d5 time controls. The entry fee is $20 before Thursday, April 11 and $30 afterwards. Onsite registration and check-in is from 7:45–8:30 a.m. with the first round at 9 a.m. USCF Membership is required for all sections. To join, visit new.uschess. org/join-us-chess. For more information, email adamjohnsonchess@gmail.com or call 615-714-6625.

April 13

national park day

Saturday, April 13, is the 28th Annual National Park Day. The Stones River National Battlefield and Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department are working together to refresh area parks. Volunteers meet at 9 a.m. at Stones River National Battlefield (3501 Old Nashville Hwy.) to help build a cedar rail fence, remove invasive plants or pick up trash. Work will also be conducted on the McFadden Farm battlefield land (2117 N. Thompson Ln.). Participants are encouraged to bring work gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, work pants, closed-toe shoes and a water bottle. Online registration is required to participate. For more information or to sign-up, email jim_b_lewis@nps.gov or call 615-8905333. Sign up at forms.office.com/g/ S5ZwwG3q8F

April 13

adventures in agriCulture

Explore agriculture’s impact on our lives

on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Lane Agri-Park Complex (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). Admission is free. Hosted by members and partners of the Rutherford County Agriculture Community, the event will feature many handson activities for families. The goal is to educate the community about where our food comes from, what farmers do, and how even families that don’t live on a farm can have agricultural adventures at home. Included in the event are farm animals, games, prizes, exhibits, food and more. Donations of any kind of canned or nonperishable food and monetary donations are accepted. For more information, visit rcfarmbureau.org and find Events or find Adventures in Agriculture on Facebook.

April 16

hoMesChool sCienCe

series

Students can explore through science on Tuesday, April 16 from 10–11:30 a.m. at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.). Students will be introduced to the survival strategies of Tennessee’s animals during the winter season and discover the fascinating birds that inhabit the state. There are two classes for ages 5–8 and ages 9–12. Cost is $5. Must register online at murfreesborotn.gov/176/wilderness-station. For more information, call 615-217-3017.

April 16

night sounds hike

Tag along with one of Outdoor Murfreesboro’s naturalists on a night hike to see “whoooo” is up and active. Headlamps will be provided, but bring water and wear closed-toe shoes. Meet on Tuesday, April 16 from 7:30–8 p.m. at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Cost is $3 per person. Registration is required. Register at murfreesboro.gov/176/wilderness-station For more information, call 615-217-3017.

April 17

Chinese MusiC enseMBle: tapestry of sound

The MTSU Chinese Music Ensemble’s Spring Concert: Tapestry of Sound is a mix of improvisational fusion, traditional poetry and instrumental songs of the ancient past. Come out on Wednesday, April 17, at 6 p.m. to MTSU School of Music: Hinton Hall (1439 Faulkinberry Dr.) for traditional poetry sung by students, directed by Dr. Mei Han, as well as special guest Zhang Jianhua. If you cannot attend in person, watch the MTSU School

April 18

tennessee philharMoniC orChestra spring speCtaCular

The Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra presents Spring Spectacular featuring Siegel High School Chamber Choir under the direction of Brenda Gregory on Thursday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at Belle Aire Baptist Church (1307 N. Rutherford Blvd.). For tickets and more information, visit tnphil.org.

of Music livestream on YouTube. For more information, visit mtsu.edu/music or find MTSU School of Music on Facebook.

April 18

the ConneCtion at ChaMpy’s

Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken will host the April 2024 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, April 18. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation networking event, where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. Networking begins at 5 p.m. with introductions at 6 p.m. Champy’s is located at 1290 NW Broad St.

April 19

experienCe worship night

Two times a year, Experience Music hosts Worship Nights in Middle Tennessee. These are opportunities for people of all backgrounds and denominations to come together as a community and lift up the name of Jesus in a time of worship and prayer. The event is free and no registration is required. The next Worship Night is planned for Friday, April 19, from 7–9 p.m. at MTSU’s Murphy Center (1301 E. Main St.). Arrive early to eat at one of the

19, at 6 p.m. with Whine Time, dinner, live and online auctions, music and dancing. The event features drinks from Julie’s Bartending and Tito’s Handmade Vodka, dinner and dessert from Goodness Gracious and Simply Pure Sweets, auctioneers Keith Strain, Vandy VanMeter, Gaylon Perry and Dale Nichols, and entertainment by Larry & Gay Pinkerton & Friends. Purchase tickets or donate at givebutter.com/e/pandp2024 . Beesley provides responsible pet care through community awareness and education and affordable health services for cats and dogs throughout Middle Tennessee. For more information, call 615-217-1030 or visit beesleyanimalfoundation.org .

April 20

Boro BBQ festival

food trucks and visit the merch booths. All proceeds benefit AncoraTN (formerly End Slavery Tennessee). The night will be livestreamed on the Experience Music Facebook and YouTube. For more information, visit experiencemusicofficial.com.

April 19 & 20

third friday CoMMunity rhythM event

Everybody Drum Some continues its third Friday Community Rhythm Event series for those who would like to join their neighbors in some drumming. The next community rhythm session kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 19, at Old Fort Park. There is no cost to attend, and people of all ages are invited to participate in the drumming or to spectate. Participants may bring drums, shakers, tambourines, woodblocks or percussive instruments of any type, but plenty of instruments will also be available for use. Join in the drumming fun again the following day, Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m., to celebrate Earth Day on the Murfreesboro Square. For more information, call or text 615631-7458, find Everybody Drum Some on Facebook or visit everybodydrumsome.com

April 19

paws & pearls

The 13th Annual Paws & Pearls for the Beesley Animal Foundation will take place at Copper Ridge Event Venue (3597 Betty Ford Rd.) on Friday, April

The Boro BBQ Fest is an annual community event presented by the Murfreesboro Breakfast Rotary Club featuring food trucks, craft vendors, KCBS BBQ Competition, live music, a high school steak cook-off and family fun at Tennessee Miller Coliseum on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Festivities and food begin at 10 a.m. The Dr. George Smith KCBS BBQ Brawl features 48 professional and backyard competitors hailing from across the southeast U.S. For $10 (tickets purchased onsite), attendees can taste eight two-ounce pulled pork samples and vote for their favorite. Live music includes jazz and drum ensembles from Rockvale, Oakland, Northfield and Seigel schools. Headliner Phase 6 takes the stage at 2 p.m. for a dynamic set of rock and blues. The event also offers food trucks, shaved ice, craft vendors and a petting zoo, and is free and open to the public. For more information, visit borobbqfest.com or find Boro BBQ Festival on Facebook.

April 20

saddle up with aCe learning Center

Saddle Up is the nonprofit, inclusive preschool’s annual fundraiser. This year's event will have activities, performers, food, silent auction and fun for the whole family. The 15th annual event takes place on Saturday, April 20, from 8:30–11:30 a.m. at MTSU's Tennessee Livestock Center (1720 Greenland Dr.). Children can learn and play at activity stations hosted by Moozie the Kindness Cow, Discovery Center, 4H Club Petting Zoo, Plant a Seed, Steel De Boro, Cowboy Dan, Moon Riders and more. Light breakfast items from Chick-fil-A, Smoothie King, Donut Country and Purity Dairy will be served.

Tickets are $10 per person with a max of $50 per family. Purchase tickets at the door. For more information on Saddle Up, visit mtsu.edu/acelearningcenter

April 20

spring sip & shop

Save the Date for Spring Sip & Shop on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at 1660 Middle Tennessee Blvd. Shop with over 70 vendors showcasing a variety of crafts, jewelry, wreaths, boutique clothing, home decor and more, while enjoying enchanting melodies by steel drum band Nashville Island. Food trucks and a craft drink beverage company will also be on hand to elevate the experience. Admission is free.

April 20

Jazzy Blue sCholarship fundraiser

The ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Chi Zeta Chapter, cordially invite the public to the annual Shannon L. Martin Memorial Scholarship Jazzy Blue Fundraiser on Saturday, April 20, at Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.). The event aims to raise funds for the Shannon L. Martin Scholarship, which helps female high school seniors in Rutherford County prepare to pursue higher education. Enjoy appetizers and live entertainment while mingling with other guests and contributing to a worthy cause. Tickets can be purchased until Sunday, April 7, and scholarship donations can be sent via Zelle to sigmachizetatreasurer@ gmail.com. The event will consist of a silent auction, and DJ T. Quinn will be on the 1’s and 2’s. All-white attire, including white sneakers or sandals, is encouraged. For tickets, find Zeta Phi Beta Sigma Chi Zeta Chapter: Jazzy Blue on the Lawn on Eventbrite. For more information, contact email sxzeventschair@gmail.com

April 20

rutherford County high sChool Chess ChaMpionship

The Rutherford County Board of Education will host a Rutherford County Tournament of High School Chess Champions to crown the ultimate chess champion from Rutherford County high schools. Each Rutherford County high school has until noon on Thursday, April 18, to register their champion. Schools can select their representative through a tournament or nomination process. The inaugural tournament is set for Saturday, April 20, starting at 9 a.m. at the Patterson Park Recre-

April 21

viCtory events wedding expo

Have fun planning your wedding! Mark your calendars and make plans to bring your bridal party, family and friends to Victory Events Wedding Expo on Sunday, April 21, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Lane Agri Park, located at 315 John R. Rice Blvd. in Murfreesboro. Professional wedding vendors, from florists to wedding cake bakers, will be on hand and ready to offer their products and services for your special day at this one-stop wedding shop. There will be free swag bags for the first 65 brides, bride sashes for all brides, free samples and giveaways throughout the event, a bridal fashion show, money grab machine with $1,000 up for grabs from 10–11 a.m. and more. Bring your fiancé to the event to be entered into a drawing to win a free engamement portrait session including a 16x20 photo. One lucky bride will win a wedding dress! The event is free and open to the public, but a ticket is required. Get tickets at brianna-victory-events.com/events.

ation and Event Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.). The competition will follow a Swiss-style format, ensuring a day of strategic thinking and intellectual prowess. Witness the birth of a local champion and celebrate the “chess revolution” sweeping through Rutherford County Schools. For more information, email promotingpawnsrctn@gmail.com or call 615-426-7373, or find Promoting Pawns: A Chess Initiative on Facebook.

April 20

an afternoon ChaMBer series at st. paul’s Enjoy An Afternoon Chamber Series at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with The Middle Tennessee Sinfonietta on Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m. The Middle Tennessee Sinfonietta is a volunteer orchestra that values artistry, collaboration and inclusivity. They are committed to promoting all areas of the fine and performing arts in the community. For more information, visit mtsinfonietta.com and find Upcoming Events or find Middle Tennessee Sinfonietta on Facebook.

For more information on the Bash, visit boroarts.org/2024-bash

April 21

piCk up for a pint

In celebration of Earth Day, Middle Ground Brewing Co. (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.) will host a litter pickup event in the area around the brewery on Sunday, April 21, beginning at noon. All participants will receive a free pint. For more information, find Middle Ground Brewing Company on Facebook.

April 21

poetry in the Boro reading and open MiC

Listen to some poetry or share some writing of your own with Poetry in the Boro at Dapper Owl Coffee Pub (2412 E. Main St.) on Sunday, April 21. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for mingling and refreshments. The feature will be C.T. Salazar at 6 p.m., with open mic to follow. Drip coffee and light snacks will be available at no charge. Open mic readers can share poetry or spoken word: up to two poems or four minutes. Reading a favorite poem by another writer is also fine. Sign up for the open mic online. Please keep pieces PG13. Challenge words will be chosen. There is no cost to attend or to read, though donations are appreciated. For more information, visit poetryintheboro.org

April 22

MurfreesBoro Chess lunCh

Who wants to play a game of chess?

April 20

lego Jr. Maker CluB

The Youth LEGO club meets at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, and continues the third Saturday of every month at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.). Join other enthusiasts for an open-ended LEGO maker-space and see what you can create!

April 20

BaCkstage Bash

The Backstage Bash returns to The Center for the Arts (110 W. College St.) with the main event taking place outdoors (tented) on College Street on Saturday, April 20. Funds that are raised at the Bash allow The Center for the Arts to secure rights to produce high-quality shows and hire top-notch directors, teachers, crew and musicians, as well as continue educating the youth of our community through our Center Stage Academy program. The Backstage Bash also helps maintain and improve the historic 112-year-old Center for the Arts building.

Community members interested in the initiative of teaching others the game of chess, helping raise funds and interest for getting the game in the schools, sharing ideas on how chess can benefit others, involving their organization in promoting the game, or just desiring to gather with other chess enthusiasts to play and discuss chess can come to a Murfreesboro

Chess Lunch at Carmen’s Taqueria (206 W. Northfield Blvd.) from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Monday, April 22. For more information, find an event page for Murfreesboro

Chess Lunch on Facebook, call 615-7966248 or email bracken@boropulse.com.

April 23

BunCo at st. Clair senior Center

Bunco is a dice game with 12 or more players, divided into groups of four, trying to score points while taking turns rolling three dice in a series of six rounds. A bunco is achieved when a person rolls three-of-akind and all three numbers match the round

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEAH NEWHOUSE / PE x ELS

number which is decided at the beginning of the round. Join in the game on Tuesday, April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the St. Clair Street Senior Center, located at 325 Saint Clair St. in Murfreesboro. This event is free and open to the public.

April 23

why did My plant die?

Look at some of the most common causes of decline and death of landscape plants, their signs and symptoms, strategies for prevention and management at “Why Did My Plant Die?” on Tuesday, April 23, at 6 p.m. at the Lane Agri-Park Auditorium (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). To register for this class or for more information, email mmote1@utk.edu.

April 26

hoMetown heroes walk for Children

The Hometown Heroes Walk for Children is scheduled for Friday, April 26, at the Murfreesboro Civic Plaza. Complimentary shuttles will run from Oaklands Park (427 Roberts St.) to Civic Plaza (111 W. Vine St.) from 10:30–11:30 a.m. Registration will start at 10:45 a.m. with the opening ceremony at 11:30 a.m. The walk will begin at noon and conclude with a complimentary picnic lunch at Oaklands Park Pavilion. Sponsorship opportunities and Tshirts are available. For more information, visit cacrutherford.org and find Events.

April 27

MurfreesBoro aniMe & CoMiC kon

The Murfreesboro Comic Show is set for Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. at Clarion Inn (2227 Old Fort Pkwy.). Admission and parking are free, and everyone receives free comics and free posters while supplies last. Talent includes the voice of Peppermint Patty, the artist for Archie, the artist for Heavy Metal Magazine, other comic artists, novelists and vendors with all types of cool stuff. For more information, find Murfreesboro Anime & Comic Kon – MACK on Facebook.

April 27

ChristMas for the Children fish fry

Christmas for the Children is having a fish fry fundraiser at Mayday Brewery (521 Salem Rd.) on Saturday, April 27, from 4–7 p.m. Christmas for the Children was started in the early 1980s by Parks Realty agents who wanted to give back to the community. Each year, Christmas for the Children raises funds through agent

April 27

pioneer days

The annual Pioneer Days celebration will return to Cannonsburgh Village on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Enjoy handmade crafts, hayrides, food trucks, a car show, music by Stones River Bluegrass from 10 a.m. until noon, clogging by the Mid-State Cloggers from noon to 1 p.m., and music by the Jake Leg Stompers from 2–4 p.m. Murfreesboro Art League will have art on display and for sale. Catch demonstrations presented by Rutherford County Blacksmith Association. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Cannonsburgh Village is located at 312 S. Front St. in Murfreesboro. For more information, call 615-890-0355.

donations, lunches and other fundraisers. The money collected provides Christmas for underprivileged children in Rutherford County. Every year the office receives lists of families from the city and county school systems. Boro Fry is the first fundraising event of the year. There will be a soup and chili fundraiser in the fall and donations are accepted throughout the year. Tickets are $25 (or $100 for five tickets) and include a fish dinner, raffle entry and one drink coupon. The raffle prize is a retreat at Deer Lick Falls—a two-night stay at a Monteagle tiny home with access to hiking trails, fire pits, a pavilion and more. Purchase fish fry tickets at Venmo (@parks-realty) and include the name “boro fish fry.” For sponsorship or more information, find Christmas for the Children on Facebook or email c.bailey@ parksathome.com

April 29

Chord Meeting

The next CHORD meeting is Monday, April 29, from 6–7:30 p.m. at Greenhouse Ministries (307 S. Academy St.) in the community meeting room. CHORD’s mission is to help form connections between live local music performance groups, building harmony and partnerships that will help the community reach its full musical potential. All groups and individuals in Rutherford County

Square at 5 a.m. on Tuesdays; at Oakland Middle School (853 Dejarnette Ln.) at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesdays; at the Murfreesboro Medical Clinic/Gateway Island parking lot (1272 Garrison Dr.) at 5 a.m. on Thursdays; and at Old Fort Park (201 Golf Ln., at the north entrance parking lot) at 6 a.m. on Saturdays. In Smyrna, F3 meets for workouts at Cedar Grove Elementary (354 Chaney Rd., Smyrna) at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesdays; at Thurman Francis Arts Academy (221 Todd Ln., Smyrna) at 5:30 a.m. on Thursdays; and at Stewart’s Creek High School (301 Red Hawk Pkwy., Smyrna) at 6 a.m. on Saturdays. The group meets every week, rain or shine, hot or cold. For more information, visit f3murfreesboro.com.

mondAys

ConneCt MurfreesBoro

who value the networking possibilities of connecting with others who produce live local music are invited and encouraged to attend. For more information, email thomchristy@gmail.com or gsc714@ gmail.com .

April 30

Myp trivia night

Murfreesboro Young Professionals hosts a Trivia Night at Champy’s Chicken (1290 NW. Broad St.) on Tuesday, April 30, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. All proceeds raised from MYP’s 12th Annual Trivia Night will be dispersed to local charities the following year. Past recipients include United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties, Boys and Girls Club of Rutherford County, Liberty’s Station, Nourish Food Bank, Possibility Place, Main Street Murfreesboro and others. Register a team and find more information on the MYP at murfreesboroyp.org/trivia-night.

ongoing

f3 workouts

F3—which stands for fitness, fellowship and faith—holds free, outdoor, peer-led workouts for men across the country. The free weekly workout sessions welcome all men and always end with a “circle of trust,” emphasizing the group’s commitment to faith. In Murfreesboro, F3 holds workouts on the Murfreesboro Public

Join Connect Murfreesboro each Monday from 9–10 a.m. at BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse (2839 Medical Center Pkwy.) for 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-minute period at the end of each meeting is reserved for members to set up one-on-ones and socialize. For more information or directions, visit connectnashvillenetworking.com/events.

mondAys

Monday night history

The Patriot Institute presents free Monday Night History classes every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. at Champy’s Chicken (1290 NW Broad St.). Classes have been covering Western civilization and the American Revolution. The instructor, Galen Walker, formed The Patriot Institute in 2015 and has taught Monday Night History at various locations ever since. Classes started back with the Greek City-States and have progressed through Greece, Rome and the Middle Ages, and were most recently about the Pilgrims and Puritans and the French and Indian War. Classes involve more than just listening to a lecture—they include quality video productions to cover each topics. For more information, visit thepatriotinstitute.org or find The Patriot Institute on Facebook.

TuesdAys

tinyteC

Meet at the Technology Engagement

Center (306 Minerva Dr.) for TinyTEC on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. TinyTEC is a STEAM-based program for pre-K-aged children, but all ages are welcome. Read a book about winter science and perform an experiment or make a craft item. There is no cost to attend. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-225-8312.

WednesdAys

networking for awesoMe people

Are you looking to meet and connect with other local business owners? Do you want to grow your network and pick up some skills along the way? Networking for Awesome People meets each week on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at the Rutherford County Veterans Community Center (439 Rice St.). All you need to bring is a good attitude. Each attendee gets about a minute to explain what they do and what they need, followed by a discussion question of the week. Networking for Awesome People encourages open discussion to help everyone grow. For more information, find a Networking for Awesome People group on Facebook.

WednesdAys

Boro 2 sQuare running group

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 looking to get out to 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 facebook.com/boro2square

WednesdAys

girls who Code

Meet at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr) for Girls Who Code on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. for 6th–12th graders. Girls Who Code is a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. This is a free afterschool computer science program and is not exclusively for girls. Pre-register by calling 615-225-8312.

ThursdAys

Mad Cow trek CluB

The Mad Cow Trek Club running group meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Panther Creek Brews (714 W. Main St.). The group embarks on a route of 4–8 miles and welcomes runners of all paces and abilities. Affiliated with the Mad Cow Running Company in McMin-

April 30

toddler tuesdays at sa M davis ho M e

Ages 1–4 can enjoy games, crafts, hikes, experiments, live animals and more at Sam Davis Home (1339 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna) on the last Tuesday of every month from 10–11 a.m. Each program has a different theme. Cost is $8 for toddlers and siblings, free for parents. For more information call (615) 459-2341. For tickets, visit samdavishome.org/event-tickets/toddler-tuesday

nville, the Trek Club hosts races and free get-togethers to share its love of running with the community. Find Mad Cow Running Company (MCRC) on Facebook for course routes and more details. All runners are encouraged to stay after each run for food and drinks.

ThursdAys

poker at panther Creek

The Murfreesboro Poker League hosts free games of Texas Hold’em each Thursday beginning at 6 p.m. at Panther Creek Brews (714 W. Main St.). Anyone can join during the first round, even after the game has begun, until after the break, when the elimination round starts. Players can receive additional chips with the purchase of food and drink. The winner of the nightly game receives a $50 gift card at Panther Creek and points for league champs are tallied by placement. For more information, find a Murfreesboro Poker League Facebook Group or contact Jeff Pooley at 615-877-4842.

ThursdAys

tinkerteC

Come out to the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.) for TinkerTEC on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. TinkerTEC is a STEAM-based program for elementaryaged children, but all ages are welcome.

sATurdAys

glowforge orientation

GlowForge Orientation is held at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.) on Saturdays at 1 p.m. All ages are welcome; a parent/guardian must accompany makers under 13 at all times. Orientation covers the basics of the GlowForge laser cutter, including best practices, basic procedures, policies and an overview of the software. This orientation is required for using the TEC’s GlowForge. Advance registration is required by emailing info-tec@rclstn.org. There is no cost to attend. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-225-8312.

sATurdAys

historiCal soCiety Coffee & Conversation

The Rutherford County Historical Society aims to be a community resource for those researching their family, property or perhaps just old fun facts. The Historical Society hosts Coffee & Conversation each Saturday morning from 9 a.m.–noon at the Ransom School House Museum (717 N. Academy St.). Bring old photos or questions about the past to ask members, and enjoy free coffee and donuts. For more information, visit rutherfordtnhistory.org

Read a book about winter science and perform an experiment or make a craft item. There is no cost to attend. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615225-8312.

FridAys

C3 networking at prohiBition hoMe Brewing

C3 is an open networking group for local business professionals at Prohibition Home Brewing (906 Ridgley Rd.) held on Fridays from 8:30–10:30 a.m. The mission is to build relationships, connect local businesses with potential clients, support each other’s professional growth and educate people on how to participate in the local community. Complimentary coffee and snacks are provided. For more information, find Prohibition Home Brewing on Facebook.

FridAys

MurfreesBoro CoMMunity Chess

Murfreesboro Community Chess meets at McAlister’s Deli (2357 Medical Center Pkwy.) every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Organizers invite those of all ages and skill levels to this casual chess meetup each week. Those attending may bring a board and a clock if they can, but there should be plenty of supplies on hand.

sATurdAys And sundAys

MusiC in the vines

Enjoy live jazz and bluegrass bands, vineyard views and tasty food every Saturday and Sunday on the Hillside Stage from 3–7 p.m at Arrington Vineyards (6211 Patton Rd., Arrington). Food will be available for purchase. No reservations required.

sundAys

Coffee/Breakfast with a veteran

All are welcome to join local veterans for coffee or breakfast and conversation on Sunday mornings from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Joanie’s, located on the Public Square in downtown Murfreesboro.

sundAys

3d printer orientation

The Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.) hosts its 3D Printer Orientation on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. All ages are welcome; a parent/guardian must accompany users under 13 at all times. Orientation covers the basics of 3D printing, including best practices, basic procedures, policies, and an overview of the software. This orientation is required for using the TEC’s 3D printers. There is no cost to attend. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-225-8312.

Wed, 4/3

BourBon & Brews

Gray Daniels hank’s honky tonk

Kenna Elpers panther Creek

Brews

Muddy Boots puCkett’s

Carson Mac

Thurs, 4/4

Boro BourBon & Brews

Glenn Brown

hank’s honky tonk

Sir Anthony

Fri, 4/5

BourBon & Brews

Soulshine; C.J. Conklin

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn hank’s honky tonk

Delyn Christian; In Cahoots happy’s

Aimee Jane Williams Duo

JaCk’s plaCe

Tony Castellanos

Mayday Brewery

Tony Hartman

Mtsu wright

MusiC Building

MTSU Opera puCkett’s

Tim Chandler Trio

sMyrna vfw

Shane & the Money Makers

sAT, 4/6

Big daddy’s handleBar

Crossroads Band

BourBon & Brews

Justin Bowman Band City Cafe

Everette Brown Trio

hank’s honky tonk

Slice of American Pie; Leigh Hutchins Trio happy’s

Stretta hop springs

Bumpin Uglies; Bikini Trill; Plainview Vibes

Mtsu wright

MusiC Building

MTSU Opera panther Creek

Brews

Zentrance; Baja Erik puCkett’s Steven Cade

sMyrna vfw

Shane & the Money Makers

sun, 4/7

BourBon & Brews

Travis Franklin hank’s honky tonk

Crosstown hop springs

Badfish; The Quasi Kings; afternoon Blues Jam

sMyrna vfw

Cootie Scratch the puBliC house

Unfinished Business

mon, 4/8

Burlap rooM

DJ Robb

BourBon & Brews

Peter K

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn hank’s honky tonk

Open Mic Night with Toast

Mtsu wright

MusiC Building

MTSU Steel Pan

sMyrna vfw

Randy and Friends

Tues, 4/9

BourBon & Brews

Jeremy Michael hank’s honky tonk

Joe Hooper seasons

Chazz Wesley

Wed, 4/10

BourBon & Brews

Gray Daniels grindstone

CowBoy

Jeremy McComb hank’s honky tonk

Robyn Taylor

Mtsu wright

MusiC Building

Percussion Ensemble puCkett’s

Maddie Rose

Thurs, 4/11

BourBon & Brews

Jason Acy hank’s honky tonk

Cary & Sherrie Lynn hop springs

Chris Chapman

Fri, 4/12

BourBon & Brews

Silent Ruckus

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn hank’s honky tonk

Bailey Rose; Doc Flannel happy’s New Binge hop springs

Pony Bradshaw; Rachel Baiman

JaCk’s plaCe

Tony Castellanos

Mayday Brewery

Roland Justice puCkett’s

Karli & James sMyrna vfw

Shane & the Money Makers

sAT, 4/13

Big daddy’s handleBar

Evil Twin

BourBon & Brews

Chuck Harvill Band;

Justin Bowman

Cedar springs ranCh

Sean Kennedy; Dez Duron; Jamie Floyd

CarMen’s taQueria

Jeff Lysyczyn

City Cafe

Everette Brown Trio

hank’s honky tonk

Blake Esse; Mikki Zip Band happy’s Escape Band hop springs

Paul McDonald

Middle ground Brewing Co.

Miguel Dakota panther Creek

Brews

The 725 Band puCkett’s Justin & Tab with the Sidewalk Saints sMyrna vfw

Tony and the Attitude the puBliC house

Memory Train

sun, 4/14

BourBon & Brews

Dirt Road Daisies hank’s honky tonk

The O’Donnells hop springs

Blues Jam

Mtsu wright

MusiC Building

Logan Stewart; Flute

Studio recital; MTSU Chamber Orchestra

mon, 4/15

BourBon & Brews

xoe Miles

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn hank’s honky tonk

Open Mic Night with Toast

Mtsu wright

MusiC Building

MTSU Concert Band sMyrna vfw

Randy and Friends

Tues, 4/16

BourBon & Brews

Fun with Dick and Jane hank’s honky tonk

Jesse Black

Mtsu wright

MusiC Building

Symphonic Band; Wind Ensemble seasons

Chazz Wesley

Wed, 4/17

BourBon & Brews

Shane Douglas grindstone CowBoy

Bryan White

hank’s honky tonk

Izzy Grace

Mtsu wright

MusiC Building

Chinese Music Ensemble; Will Hicks panther Creek

Brews

Muddy Boots puCkett’s

Ashley Dawn

Thurs, 4/18

BourBon & Brews

Jeff Wood Duo hank’s honky tonk

Will King

hop springs

Chris Chapman

Mtsu wright

MusiC Building

Air Force Band Clarinet Quartet; Harp Studio

Fri, 4/19

BourBon & Brews Unfinished Business grindstone CowBoy

Marci Mitchell

hank’s honky tonk

Sara Simmons; Jeff Caron Band happy’s

Rudge Powell Band harvester

Sam Lewis featuring Judy Blank; Cam Pierce

JaCk’s plaCe

Tony Castellanos

Mayday Brewery

Brandon Scott puCkett’s

The Jenkins Twins sMyrna vfw

Shane & the Money Makers

sAT, 4/20

Big daddy’s handleBar

Junkbox

BourBon & Brews

Tony Hartman

City Cafe

Everette Brown Trio hank’s honky tonk

The Hammonds; Cooter River Band happy’s

Polly’s Pocket hop springs

Punk Rock Flea Market panther Creek

Brews

The Joey Fletcher Band Mayday Brewery

Mize and the Drive

Mtsu wright

MusiC Building Symphony Orchestra puCkett’s

Kevin Sport; Mark Narmore; Bobby Tomberlin the Boro State of Bliss

sMyrna vfw

Gregg and Company

the puBliC house

Doc Flannel

sun, 4/21

BourBon & Brews

Bailey Rose hank’s honky tonk

Emily Miller hop springs

Blues Jam

hop springs

Young Dubliners, Dylan Walshe

mon, 4/22

BourBon & Brews

Chris Cort

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn hank’s honky tonk

Open Mic Night with Toast Mtsu wright MusiC

Building Commercial Music

Ensemble

Mtsu wright

MusiC Building

MTSU Concert Orchestra

sMyrna vfw

Randy and Friends

Tues, 4/23

BourBon & Brews

Crosstown hank’s honky tonk

Delyn Christian seasons

Chazz Wesley the Boro

Bryan Raymond

Wed, 4/24

BourBon & Brews

Gray Daniels hank’s honky tonk

Brooklyn Ray hop springs

Jackyl

Mtsu wright

MusiC Building

MTSU Salsa Band puCkett’s

Paul Rosewood

Thurs, 4/25

BourBon & Brews

Jesse Black hank’s honky tonk

Silent Ruckus

Fri, 4/26

BourBon & Brews

Zone Status; Kyle Elliott

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn fountains at gateway

JazzFest

hank’s honky tonk

Taylor Hughes; Justin Dukes happy’s

Anna LaPrad Duo

JaCk’s plaCe

Tony Castellanos

Mayday Brewery

Stephen Simmons puCkett’s

Golden Soul Revue sMyrna vfw

Shane & the Money Makers the Boro Cow Punx; Los Swamp Monsters

sAT, 4/27

Big daddy’s handleBar

Soulshine

BourBon & Brews

Southbound Crows

CarMen’s taQueria

Jeff Lysyczyn City Cafe

Everette Brown Trio fountains at gateway JazzFest hank’s honky tonk

Robert Abernathy; Whiskey Smoke happy’s Trifecta

hop springs

Chapel Hart

If You Go

Big daddy’s handleBar

2601 E. Main St.

Boro BourBon & Brews

124 N. Maple

Sounds

Pickin’ days

g allagher fest to fill downtown with sweet string sounds m ay 4; d an Tyminski Band closes fest with Walnut House concert

By logan langlois

Bluegrass and folk music fans can find a festival home in Murfreesboro this May, as organizers prepare to host the inaugural Gallagher Fest in celebration of the internationally recognized local Gallagher Guitar Company. Festival organizers have said the upcoming festival is not just about the music, but is a celebration of people coming together as well as the founding of the independently owned and operated Gallagher Guitars.

Current Gallagher Guitar co-owner and operator David Mathis said the festival will be open, free to the public, and will feature live, onstage entertainment including an open jam, several instrument competitions and live performances from hot musical artists.

“It’s been like a dream,” Mathis told the Pulse. “I’ve had to pinch myself and say ‘Is this really happening?’”

Gallagher Fest will be spanning the course of two dates, kicking off with an open jam on the night of Friday, May 3. The next day will host four thrilling contests featuring the fiddle, mandolin, banjo and guitar. In what Gallagher calls the “ultimate test of guitar prowess,” the guitar competition will judge each contestant’s flatpicking skills, with the winner claiming the grand prize donated by Gallagher Guitar Co., a Gallagher G-50 (an instrument that retails for $4,200).

Winners of the other contests stand to win prizes as well, including a cash prize for the event’s top fiddler, an F-Style mandolin donated by Eastman Guitars for the best mandolin player, and a 24-fret Mastertone banjo provided by Gold Tone for the day’s top banjo jammer.

Saturday, May 4, will also feature daytime performances from local talent such as Jim Hurst, Scott Heuston and many more. Indoor activities include a guitar workshop hosted

by Hurst, a songwriting workshop hosted by Chris Jones along with Heuston, and a presentation covering the early days of Gallagher Guitars by Don Gallagher and David Tipton.

The music will continue into the evening with a concert featuring the Dan Tyminski Band held within the Walnut House, located next door to Gallagher on Murfreesboro’s Walnut Street. Laura Orshaw and Josh Rinkel of the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys will open that show; tickets for Saturday’s evening concert will be sold separately, though other Gallagher Fest activities are free to attend.

Mathis said May has always been a big month for Gallagher Guitars, as the independent brand was first launched by skilled wood worker J.W. Gallagher and legendary guitarist Doc Watson in May of 1965. He said it was also in May, of 2019, that Gallagher closed its doors in its original city of Wartrace, only to be reopened in downtown Murfreesboro after being bought by David and Reina Mathis with the blessing and assistance of the Gallagher team. After the purchase, the new owners decided to continue circulating the Gallagher Guitar designs customers have fallen in love with over the years, even keeping some of the same equipment first employed by J.W. Gallagher.

Mathis said he was shocked at how many of the people he reached out to for help immediately gave passionate responses wanting to make the festival a reality. Mathis said he has the dedication and loyalty the Gallagher brand has acquired through its quality products and heartfelt mission to thank for the eagerness of many to help put on the festival.

Jim Hurst, for example, as one of the premiere artists being featured at the festival, said he has been playing on a Gallagher guitar since 1986. Hurst said he saw Doc and Merle Watson play a Gallagher guitar at a festival in Hurst’s hometown in southern Ohio when he was young, and remarked

dan tyminSki

Jim hur St

kriSten ford

Galla G her fest schedule

f riday, m ay 3

7 p.m. - Open Jam at Gallagher Guitar Co., 118 N. Walnut St.

s aT urday, m ay 4

8 a.m. - Gallagher Guitar Co. open for tours

9:30 a.m. - Presentation by David Tipton and Don Gallagher at Walnut House

11:30 a.m. - Guitar Workshop with Jim Hurst at Walnut House

12:30 p.m. - Songwriting Workshop with Scott Heuston and Chris Jones at Walnut House

Walnut street outdoor festival:

10:10 a.m. - Fiddle Contest

11 a.m. - Mandolin Contest

12 p.m. - Asher Cataldo & Bryce Reeg, David DeVaul, Kristen Ford, Jesse Black

12:40 p.m. - Banjo Contest

1:45 p.m. - Jim Hurst

2:15 p.m. - Flatpicking Contest

3:15 p.m. - Chris Jones and Paolo Ercoli

4 p.m. - Scott Heuston & Erica Flom

4:35 p.m. - Uncle Shuffelo & His Haint Hollow Hootenanny

Ticketed show at Walnut House:

7:30 p.m. - Josh Rinkel & Laura Orshaw

8:15 p.m. - Dan Tyminski Band

that the instrument’s tone was the best he had ever heard in a live concert. After that, he asked the operator of his local guitar store to order the same model he had just seen played, and has since been playing his Doc Watson signature Gallagher Guitar all over the world.

Hurst said he has been participating in celebrations paying homage to the legacy of Gallagher Guitars since the Mathises established Gallagher Day in 2021. He said he is excited to play in Murfreesboro for the first time since last year at the inaugural Gallagher Fest, a grander, expanded street festival version of what Gallagher Day has evolved into.

Known for his skilled slide guitar and flatpicking style, Tyminski has been a longtime member of Alison Krauss’s band, Union Station.

Many have sung along with Tyminski and the Soggy Bottom Boys in their popular “Man of Constant Sorrow,” featured in the 2000 movie O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Hurst said events such as Gallagher Fest serve as an inspiration in continuing to carry the spirit of bluegrass.

Gallagher fest begins with an open jam at Gallagher Guitars (118 N. Walnut st.) at 7 p.m. on friday, May 3. Music at the outdoor festival on Walnut street begins at 10 a.m. on saturday, May 4, with the evening Walnut house concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. find tickets for the dan Tyminski concert, a full schedule of the day’s events, information on entering the instrument contests and more details on Gallagher fest at gallagherfest.com.

Sounds

May the 4 Mixtape s ho W s upports

a lzhei M er’s t ennessee

Mix TA pe ’80s Tri B u T e BAN d will play another Hop Springs show this year to benefit the Alzheimer’s Tennessee organization. Set for Saturday, May 4 (May the 4th be with you . . .), Be the Force will raise money and awareness for fighting Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and to support Alzheimer’s patients in the state.

Expect to hear tunes originally recorded by Journey, Bon Jovi, Toto, Huey Lewis and the News, Van Halen, Peter Gabriel and other artists of the hairmetal and power-ballad eras during the totally tubular blast to the past.

Alzheimer’s Tennessee serves those facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, promotes brain health through education, champions global research, prevention and treatment efforts, provides family support and financial assistance, offers community and professional education, and advocates for the needs and rights of those with Alzheimer’s disease.

The all-ages show kicks off at 7 p.m. Find tickets for $22.60, on Ticketweb. Hop Springs is located at 6790 John Bragg Hwy. For more information on Alzheimer’s Tennessee, visit alztennessee.org

Mac Wright n a M ed to t ennessee Music e ducation a ssociation Modern Band

M AC Wri G h T, A 16-ye A r-old homeschool student and Perform Murfreesboro participant, was selected to the Tennessee Music Education Association Modern Band in 2024.

The second annual TMEA event was held March 21 through 23 at Battle Ground Academy.

“This is a time for talented musicians to be showcased in a high-quality performance with incredible modern music,” said Angela Beale, music director of Perform Murfreesboro and TMEA teacher. “And unlike choirs with hundreds of students, only 12 students were chosen.”

Of those 12 students selected, Wright was the only one from Rutherford County.

“I am so excited about this live performance. It’s very different with modern versus classical,” Wright said. “I really like the buildup of rehearsals; it’s thrilling to me. I am actually relaxed when performing.”

Wright has been involved in performing live since he was 3 years old and has been with Perform Murfreesboro for as long as he can

remember. Perform Murfreesboro is operated under Cultural Arts, a division of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation, dedicated to engaging local individuals and strengthening the quality of life in the Murfreesboro community. For more information on Perform Murfreesboro, contact Lynn Caldwell at lcaldwell@murfreesborotn.gov

music notes

B oro JazzFest returns to Fountains a pril 26

and 27 F or another year o F sho W casing r uther F ord c ounty student ense MB les

MurfreesBoro’s JAzzfesT reTurNs to the Fountains at Gateway for another weekend of music starting on Friday, April 26.

Known for showcasing student jazz ensembles and professional talent, JazzFest has been an annual Murfreesboro tradition for over 25 years. Previously held in the spring on the Murfreesboro Public Square for many years, JazzFest moved to the Fountains in 2023.

Main Street Murfreesboro concluded its coordination of JazzFest last year, but other volunteers came together to continue the local outdoor musical tradition, and the festival resumes at its new venue.

Various local middle and high school jazz bands from schools in Murfreesboro, La Vergne and Smyrna will be participating in JazzFest. Public and private schools take part in the opportunity to highlight musical students as young as 12 years old.

Rutherford County Fine Arts Coordinator Lindsay Halford has been providing support to participating band directors to help ensure the success of JazzFest.

“This is an important opportunity for students to perform on a big stage, for a larger crowd. It’s a premier performance opportunity for them,” Halford said.

JazzFest has been a large motivating factor in curating strong jazz programs within the local schools, according to instructors. When JazzFest began, local and professional jazz acts would perform, as well as the student groups. For now, schools are primarily being featured at the event with 14 Rutherford County middle and high schools, two private schools and a community drumline participating in 2024.

The community music festival is free for the public to attend; attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets if they wish.

The Fountains at Gateway is located at 1500 Medical Center Pkwy., Murfreesboro. For more information on the 2024 Murfreesboro JazzFest, visit borojazzfest.com.

— ANNAB elle C r AN fill

J A zzFest s chedule

 friday, april 26

6 p . m . Victory Drumline



11

11:30

12

1

2

4

Mize and the drive

Louie and the Short-Time Angels

Twelve and a half years since its debut, Irene, with only the release of Robin (2015) in between, longstanding Murfreesboro funk and groove outfit Mize and the Drive has released its third full-length, studio album, Louie and the Short-Time Angels, out of Nashville’s Welcome to 1979 Studios.

With finessed earworms and off-thechest lyrics, Louie runs a testament to Mize and the Drive’s “local, staple band” evolution over space and time, touring from Ohio to Georgia over the years and appearing locally at The Roosters (both Red and Blue), The Boro and Wall Street—even contributing to bowing the second floor of that downtown Murfreesboro restaurant and bar, as anyone who has attended a good show with a large crowd during its era of hosting local bands in its upstairs space has experienced.

The release holds true to the band’s Coldplay-meets-Funkadelic musicality and feel, blending groove and ambiance, and

its vocal stylings, which nod to Jason Isbell and Incubus’s Brandon Boyd.

Mize and the Drive recorded Louie and the Short-Time Angels as “live” as possible, steamrolling through eight songs in two days, without overdubs, according to the group.

A tearjerker is softened by the wellrising, disciplined arrangement in “Mason’s Song,” while, inversely, a calming atmospheric ambience in “Doppelganger” is hyped up to a saxophone-funked “Won’t Get Fooled Again”-type intensity, showcasing saxophonist Alex Stevenson’s capabilities duetting with skilled funk-bass placement or crescendoing guitar solo work. Yes, while riffing in the realm of jamfunk, Mize and the Drive’s real talent lies in the intertwining breaths of the various members building and crescendoing with one another in the moment in these liverecorded arrangements.

“It’s so therapeutic. It’s therapy that’d be priceless to try to even pay for it all. These guys keep it going, for sure,” frontman Lee Ramsay says.

“Premeditated” delivers a more ominous lyrical approach from Ramsay, but the flowing song structure and the smooth sounds of his backing brothers’ groove easily lighten the track in the moment. It’s an emotional roller coaster, but therapeutic for both the listener and band members, as Mize jam-reverses emotional polarity on its drive.

And that’s just the first three songs.

“Delorean” is back from the Irene album, and reworked, if you’re into this kind of time travel. Take me back . . .

Find Mize and the Drive’s Louie and the Short-Time Angels on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. The band plans a vinyl release for the album scheduled to coincide with its appearance at Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.) on Saturday, April 20.

— B ryC e har M o n

GhoStbuSterS: frozen empire

direCTor Gil Kenan

sTArriNG pual rudd, Carrie Coon, Kumail Nanjiani rATed pG-13

Whereas Ghostbusters (2016) veered too far in a “new” direction, and Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) veered even harder in the “legacy” direction, feeling grossly reactionary and emotionally predatory—all but literally digging up Harold Ramis’ corpse in a cheap ploy for your money and your tears—Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire at least figured it out: the banal balance between appealing to nostalgia-heads and reaching a new audience by creating a new legacy, the nostalgia for which can be mined by the corporate memory mongers in another 40 years or so.

The fifth film bearing the Ghostbusters title finds the new quartet of phantom police in an old and familiar location: New York. After the Spengler family saved the world in Oklahoma, they followed their namesake’s legacy back to the NY firehouse where they continue to wrangle specters while trying not to destroy the city in the process. William Atherton is back, no longer with the “evil” EPA but now as the mayor, not so much as a statement against governmental overreach endangering those it’s meant to protect, but more because, “hey, remember him?” Other “legacy” characters return, shoehorned in with varying degrees of grace, the least of which being Annie Potts’ Janine

Melnitz and Bill Murray’s Peter Venkman.

The ball really gets rolling when newcomer to the franchise Kumail Nanjiani brings a haunted bocce ball to Ray Stantz’s (Dan Aykroyd) paranormal oddities shop. Inside is a villain-of-the-week, Gubar or some such, a ghost that can not only control the powers of frost (!) but can also command other ghosts to do its bidding. Thankfully, the film shows restraint with Gulgub, or whatever, by not revealing him until the final act, allowing for some semblance of rising stakes and intrigue. Patton Oswalt shows up briefly as a librarian to exposition-dump Grognog’s history.

If my tone is a little flippant, it’s because I’m having more fun writing about Frozen Empire than I did watching it. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Nanjiani is a standout, and his interactions with Dan Aykroyd garner the biggest laughs of the movie (these used to be comedies, remember?). The inclusion of James Acaster is a welcome one as well, playing a lab techie at Winston Zeddemore’s (Ernie Hudson) ghost research company. Both of these plot threads feel more interesting and fruitful than the rest, but get short shrift because every movie has to have a “heartfelt” family drama at its core. In fact, some of the best parts are when the Spengler family and step-dad Gary (Paul Rudd) aren’t apprehending apparitions, or settling squabbles, but instead just shooting the spit at the firehouse.

I think that’s what these new movies forget. The appeal of Ghostbusters (1984)— and to some, Ghostbusters II (guilty)—is the goofy interplay between the four leads; the spirit snatching comes secondary.

— Jay spight

DICK & MARTHA CURL PRESENTED BY SWANSON COMPANIES

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living 

meow and Fur-ever

MurfreesBoro’s BeloVed CATfeiNe Cat Cafe is gearing up to celebrate a significant milestone: five years of purr-fection. Founded by the dedicated duo Taura and Curtis Byrd, Catfeine has become a cherished sanctuary for both cats and cat lovers since its doors opened in 2019.

The Byrds and their feline friends are eagerly preparing to commemorate this special occasion on Saturday, April 6, from 12 to 5 p.m., hosting a day of celebration filled with treats, giveaways and games. Catfeine will offer halfhour visits to the cat cafe that day for $5.

Reflecting on the journey of the past five years, Taura and Curtis express profound gratitude for the support of the community, especially during challenging times.

“The outpouring of support during 2020 was truly awesome,” Taura says.

If the pandemic wasn’t enough for a small business to navigate, the cafe saw and survived multiple other significant challenges during its early years: an unexpected relocation and a robbery, to name just two.

“The only reason we’re still here is be-

cause of the community,” Curtis says.

Serving as a foster home for rescue cats, Catfeine partners with four nonprofit rescues—All Aboard, Puurrrfect Paws, the Rutherford County Cat Rescue and Spay It Forward—providing a nurturing environment where cats can flourish until they find their forever homes.

“They get to stay here in a no-cage environment until they are ready to be adopted,” Curtis said. “Our guests help to rehabilitate the cats.”

Over the past five years, Catfeine has facilitated over 850 adoptions, providing a second chance at happiness for many feline companions. Despite the challenges, the cafe operators have remained steadfast in their dedication to connecting cats with loving local families.

Taura highlights the advantages of adopting from Catfeine, emphasizing the opportunity for potential adopters to interact with cats in a homelike environment and get to know their personalities firsthand, before committing to adoption.

Murfreesboro’s Catfeine Cat Cafe celebrates five years of feline fun

story and photos

In addition to adoption, there are various ways for the community to support Catfeine’s mission, including making donations through their Amazon wish list and other avenues outlined on their website.

Catfeine Cat Cafe isn’t just a haven for cats—it’s also a sanctuary for people. Taura

By ashleigh newnes

emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of spending time with cats, describing Catfeine as a “happy place” and a stress reliever for visitors. The environment not only provides cats with a chance to blossom and socialize before going to their forever home but also offers visitors the opportunity to unwind after a long day.

“It is therapeutic both ways,” Curtis said. Guests can hang out with cats while enjoying a coffee or a cold drink of their choice, and snack on locally made cat-shaped cookies and pastries.

As Murfreesboro’s Catfeine Cat Cafe prepares to commemorate its fifth anniversary, it’s not just a milestone for one cafe—it’s a celebration of community (and cats . . . and coffee). Here’s to five years of purrs, cuddles and numerous lives touched by Catfeine’s mission of love, rescue and feline fun!

Catfeine Cat Cafe is located at 517 Cason ln. d. for more information, for adoption applications or to schedule a visit to Catfeine, visit catfeine.net.

living  travel e xplore o aklands Park

If You Go

oaklands park

427 roberts st., Murfreesboro Closes each day at sunset for pavilion rental and more information, call 615-890-5333

b urn some energy, identify some trees, watch vintage baseball and visit the springhouse in the heart of downtown

story By B raC ken M ayo p hotos

By s arah Mayo

f or TH ose in TH e area who may need some room to run around, or for all enthusiasts of trees, history or baseball, check out Oaklands Park, located at the corner of Highland Avenue and Roberts Street.

Adjacent to the Oaklands Mansion property, the City of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department operates Oaklands Park. A playground and picnic shelter sit near the parking lot, and from here a paved trail winds downhill to a creek and the former site of a spring house.

A stone foundation supporting a metal frame occupies the site today, providing an outline of the full structure that once stood over the spring, which serves as the head of Sinking Creek.

On nearby land, most likely due in large part to the abundantly flowing fresh spring, the Maney family constructed the elegant Oaklands Mansion in the early 1800s. In July of 1862 the site was a Civil War battlefield, with Union and Confederate forces at war on the grounds as children looked on from the mansion.

Those interested in learning more about this rich history can do so at Oaklands Mansion and from watching for historical markers located around the park.

Additionally, an arboretum offers the chance for visitors to spot numerous types of trees at the park. This “trail of trees” features all sorts of tree specimens that are indigenous across Tennessee, including the paw paw, bald cypress, American beech, black cherry, peach, yellowwood, red maple, sycamore, possumhaw, clammy locust, various types of pine and ash trees

and 17 different varieties of oak trees!

(Perhaps that’s why the Oaklands name has endured.)

Find a map of the Oaklands Park Arboretum Trail of Trees, detailing the locations of 74 different species of trees located on the property, at murfreesborotn.gov/881/ oaklands-park.

Many tree identification markers along the Oaklands Park walking trails can help outdoorspeople learn about and appreciate the wide variety of trees found in the state.

As squirrels dart from tree to tree, a variety of colorful flowers also bloom at the park.

A few visitors enjoy their lunch hour in a lovely setting under the large picnic pavilion, just less than a mile from the Murfreesboro Public Square.

Aside from the botanical and historical attraction of the grounds, some may just need a big field in which to run—and Oaklands Park has this, too. An expansive grassy area sits between the playground and Highland Avenue, just across the street from the Murfreesboro Police Department headquarters and the large Evergreen Cemetery.

This makes a great place to throw a ball or Frisbee, to let dogs (or humans) run wild and expend some energy or fly a kite.

In fact, the Stones River Scouts claim this grassy area as its home field when it plays other teams of the Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball, which celebrates

the origin of the game and uses the rules and equipment of 1860s base ball.

The Stones River Scouts open their 2024 slate in Murfreesboro with a Sunday, April 7, contest against the Franklin Farriers. The game begins at 1 p.m. at Oaklands Park.

Other upcoming games at Oaklands include a May 5 game versus the Nashville

Maroons. On June 2, the Scouts will host the Quicksteps of Spring Hill.

for more on the Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball, visit tennessee vintagebaseball.com; for more on oaklands Mansion visit oaklandsmansion. org; for more on Murfreesboro parks, visit murfreesborotn.gov.

HOURS : MONDAY–FRIDAY 8 AM –5 PM v SATURDAY 8 AM –4 PM

food  restaurant

Yf resh f lavor

g inger thai Bistro offers wide selection of southeast Asian curry, noodle and soup dishes, boba tea and gelato

et another worthy entry among the Thai and Lao restaurants of Murfreesboro, Ginger Thai Bistro offers the flavors of Southeast Asia, carefully crafted and beautifully presented, at its Thompson Lane eatery.

The place smells very nice within—ginger and soy scents fill the air, mingling with gently thumping, energetic Asian-flavored music.

Ginger, which opened in 2018, has a variety of boba teas for those desiring something sweet to start their dining experience: mango, taro, coconut, lavender, banana, pomegranate and red guava, among other flavors.

“The best bubble tea in the area! My favorite is strawberry and taro,” said Ginger Thai Bistro diner Jin. “Their red curry seafood is so delicious. Their noodle soup is so good too.”

The Thai tea is not overly sweet, but tasty and herbal; on the other hand, Ginger’s honeydew bubble tea packs a sugary wallop.

Ginger Thai Bistro serves all of the Thai favorites: pad Thai along with a wide assortment of noodle, fried rice, curry and soup selections.

“The tom kha ki soup was rich, coconut-

ty, lemongrassy, chock full of chicken goodness,” said another pleased local customer, Kendall, who posted a review following a positive experience at the spot.

The menu can be a little overwhelming for those unfamiliar with Thai cuisine, but English descriptions accompany the Thai titles listed: Kao Pad Prik Pow (fried rice with Thai basil, bell peppers and onions in a mild spicy sauce), Lad Nah (flat noodles, broccoli, Chinese broccoli and carrots topped with brown gravy), Pad Himapane

The Dish restaurant

Ginger Thai Bistro loCation

536 N. Thompson ln., A phone

615-624-8881 hours

11 a.m.–8:30 p.m., 7 days a week priCes

pad Thai, basil lo mein, lad nah or pad se-ew with chicken: $14.95; pho with beef: $13.95; fresh rolls with shrimp: $6.45; Green, red, massaman, panang or pineapple curry with shrimp: $16.95 online

gingerthairestaurant.org

(snow peas, mushrooms, water chestnuts, onions and carrots topped with cashew nuts, served with steamed rice), Pad Se Ew (flat noodles, eggs, broccoli, Chinese broccoli and carrot with sweet seasoning soy sauce) and Priew Wan (cucumber, pineapple, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, celery and carrots with homemade priew wan sauce, served with steamed rice), among others. The customer can choose their protein with any of these dishes, selecting from chicken, pork, tofu, beef, shrimp, squid or a

combination of any of these.

“The pad kee mao, woon sen and pad Thai were all delicious,” said a diner from Georgia visiting the area. She did say that she would have liked more fish sauce flavor within the papaya salad; “I was missing that spicy and funky taste you normally get with papaya salads. I would definitely come back here though!”

Area Realtor and supporter of local restaurants Del Delbridge said he ordered the pad himapane to accompany some fresh rolls, which were served with a “detectable peanut sauce.”

“Ginger Thai Bistro provided generous portions and beautiful presentation. Cashews and water chestnuts make the dish!” he said of the himapane. “It really was gorgeous.”

Other house specialties include mussels & basil, a BBQ pork fried rice, and a dish of stir-fried Chinese broccoli with crispy pork belly known as kana moo krob. This Chinese broccoli dish contains “little bits of crispy, or at least pretty well done, pork belly. Yum,” said Mark K., an Elite Yelper.

“A savory brown sauce, tender flavorful veggies, chunks of tasty pork belly. It wasn’t a small portion, but I still wished for

story By BraCken Mayo

photos By sarah Mayo

more,” he said, also complimenting the establishment’s attractive and comfortable dining area.

The ginger fried rice, with shrimp, tomato, small bits of pork sausage, ginger, carrots, onion and black fungus mushrooms, is not very spicy by way of peppers but is quite gingery, with some very thin slices of black fungus mushroom.

Ginger Thai doesn’t make most of its dishes very spicy, unless the diner requests it, but the dark red chili oil can crank up the heat very quickly.

What better to order at Ginger Thai than the ginger fried rice?

This customer found the creation excellent and beautifully presented, with all ingredients sliced in small, even, pleasingto-eat pieces with some artistic carrot ornamentation designs arranged on top. A crown of carrot slices adorns the white rice served alongside a curry, and some lovely carrot butterflies (or a winged creature of some type) perch on top of the gingery dish.

One local diner familiar with the local massaman curry scene said the richly flavored coconutty, peanutty dish at Ginger Thai ranks right up there with the best in town.

Also among the selections are pork or shrimp dumplings and larb dishes with chopped beef or minced chicken.

Ginger Thai Bistro owner Noy Phongsavan opened her first restaurant location in Nashville in 2010. In 2018 she brought Ginger Thai to Murfreesboro, opening the second location for the brand in the unit at the Oaks shopping center at Thompson Lane and Medical Center Parkway that once housed JoZoara Coffee Shop.

“I got the tofu pad Thai, which was cooked to perfection. It’s definitely on the sweeter side of the spectrum with a perfect kick to it,” said yet another pleased Ginger customer, Taylor. “The tofu was packed

with flavor and the perfect texture. A lot of peanut taste in the best way with extra sauce and lime.”

Additionally, the large menu offers sukiyaki (a Japanese hot-pot dish with seafood, egg and bean sprouts), udon (a Lao chicken noodle soup), a “Three Flavor Wing” (fried chicken wings tossed in sauce containing sweet, sour and spicy elements) and two types of papaya salad (Thai and Lao).

“Try the beef jerky!” Ericka Sims-Hall reports. “Holy moly, I was so impressed and never had fresh Korean beef jerky before. The beef jerky here was killer! Beefy jerky, crab rangoons and egg rolls were great to start as appetizers. Their pad Thai and pork fried rice was delicious as well.”

In another special touch, Ginger Thai wraps its blanket shrimp (often wrapped in a wonton wrapper) within crunchy, fried noodles.

Even those not looking for a full dinner can swing in Ginger for some gelato or a bubble tea while out shopping.

Look for various special deals each month; in March, Ginger offered a $2 discount on all entrees during lunch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Some local eaters say that, among the abundant Asian eateries in Murfreesboro, they don’t find the dishes at Ginger Thai Bistro to be the most flavorful or spicy. Some are very loyal to their preferred Thai or bubble tea spot.

But while Ginger may not end up being the go-to for your particular tastebuds, its swell options are certainly worth exploring.

Pay Ginger a visit at its Murfreesboro location in the Oaks or in Nashville on Logan Street, near the Thompson Lane and Nolensville Pike intersection.

“This is easily one of our favorite Asian places in town,” said another recent customer, David. “Definitely get the pad Thai and tom ka kai soup!”

around toWn

’ B oro Business B uzz

Mike’s p izzeria, d ali food, TailGate, luna l atin food, 1 of 19, s molicious, l a Miscela Vineyard, d el Webb s outhern h armony, yamato and More

By delores elliot t

Mike’s pizzeriA has opened at 1612 Memorial Blvd. offering a variety of woodfired pizzas with red and white sauces.

The former home of Juicy’s on Medical Center Parkway will soon become dAli food, which offers a variety of authentic Venezuelan food options, including pastelitos, tequeños, arapas, empanadas and hamburgers.

Dali has been operating a food truck location at the Shell at 2125 NW Broad St.

The brewery, owned and operated by Wesley Keegan, will offer menu options including fried green tomatoes, pretzel bites, pork rinds, loaded taco fries, wings, sandwiches, pizzas and more. Other plans include offering a location for weekly trivia and a pet-friendly patio.

“Murfreesboro has been far and away our most-requested taproom location, and we’ve been working on finding the perfect home here for years,” according to TailGate marketing. “We’re so very excited to join

TAilGATe BreWery has announced that it will open a Murfreesboro location at the former Coconut Bay Cafe located at 210 Stones River Mall Blvd. This makes the ninth TailGate location in Tennessee.

Country rapper Smo, formerly known as Big Smo, will open his sMoliCious MoBile eATery this spring, with an expected opening date of April 22. The food truck will offer salads and warm bowls, specialty sweets, smoothies blended with filtered water, oil-free, gluten-free and plant-based foods, soups, made-fromscratch dressings, overnight oats, whole foods and more.

Find the food truck at 401 N. Cannon Blvd. in Shelbyville.

Smo’s decision to live a healthier lifestyle came just a few years ago when he learned that he would have to have open heart surgery and a quadruple bypass at a young age. He decided to ditch the bad habits and turn his attention to hobbies like swimming and hiking, as well as going vegetarian.

After losing 200 pounds, he realized his calling included helping those around him to feel better as well, and began experimenting with healthier food options and eventually decided to start a food truck venture. For more information and menu options, visit smolicious.com.

A ramen and hibachi restaurant called yAMATo has opened at 1636 New Salem Hwy., and offers a variety of hibachi and ramen options with the choice of a tonkotsu, miso, shoyu and chicken bases. Hours are daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., except Tuesday, when the restaurant is closed. Visit yamatomurfreesboro. com for more information.

the community here!”

The spot will offer 30 craft beers on draft and an outdoor seating area overlooking Stones River.

For further information on TailGate, visit tailgatebeer.com.

luNA lATiN food has opened in the former Jack in the Box at 2181 Old Fort Pkwy. in the gas station just off of I-24. The restaurant offers empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, birria tacos, pastelitos, arepas, cheeseburgers, pollo con queso and more. Food can be ordered for delivery and pickup, as well as dine-in.

Luna’s hours are Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, call 615-617-3205.

Christy and Shawn Hackinson, who own and operate The Alley on Main, recently purchased the building located at 103 N. Maple St. in downtown Murfreesboro with plans to open 1 of 19 CoCkTAils

ANd rAW BAr this summer.

“The Hackinsons did a thing,” they shared in a social media post in March. “We purchased 103 North Maple on the Murfreesboro square! Very shortly Dow Smith Company, Inc will be putting finishing touches on 1 of 19 Cocktails and Raw Bar, located in the basement.”

The new establishment will offer craft cocktails, fresh oysters and other delicious bites, they say. For more information and updates, visit facebook.com/1of19cocktails

Owner and operator of Affi Pest and Wildlife and Prohibition Home Brewing, Jim Africano, has taken over operations at lA MisCelA ViNeyArd located at 3510 Almaville Rd.

The winery will begin winemaking classes in April, and plans to soon open its wine tasting room as well as hosting themed events.

The winery is located on more than 30 acres, and sources a wide selection of

CoNTiNued froM pAGe 27 premium grapes from local and worldwide vineyards. For more information, visit facebook.com/lamiscelavineyard

fiVe oN BlACk kiTCheN ANd spiriT house will open a new restaurant at 215 N. Church St. in the former B McNeel’s and Tasty Table location.

so-CAli TACo shop, located at 2805 Old Fort Pkwy., has added a mobile taco truck, which can be found at 1257 NW Broad St. The taco shop and truck offer authentic Californian and Mexican cuisine from shop owners who moved to Murfreesboro more than 10 years ago and offer more than 20 years of culinary expertise.

“Our story begins in 2018 when Edgar Moreno, a passionate and determined entrepreneur, fulfilled his dream of bringing the vibrant flavors of Southern California to the heart of Murfreesboro, Tennessee,” according to the owners. “With a deep love for Mexican cuisine and a desire to share his 20+ years of culinary expertise with the local community, Edgar, Adrianna and their family opened the doors to So-Cali Taco Shop, a restaurant that quickly became a beloved dining destination.”

Find dishes including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tostadas, fajitas and sopes. For more information, visit socalitacoshop.com

Joe ANd douGh, located at 1220 E.

Northfield Blvd. recently announced that it has rebranded to BruNCh ANd BreW CAfe to reflect the change to the menu, which includes even more brunch items.

Meanwhile, the same crew, food, drinks and restaurant owner remain.

Some of the added items include vegan lunch burritos, protein bowls and burgers, $9.99 all-day specials and more.

Visit brunchandbrewcafe.com for more information.

Fulin’s has changed its name to JA sM i N e Asi AN Cuisi N e . Still located at 417 N. Thompson Ln. and still offering a variety of Chinese, sushi and Thai items, the change is simply a re-name, according to management. Find more information at jasminemurfreesboro.com

Del Webb, a builder of active adult communities for those 55 and older, recently announced the grand opening of d el We BB s ou T her N hA r M o N y , a 576-acre, 55-plus community located at 7079 Franklin Rd. that includes 1,111 homes, a 21,516-square-foot clubhouse with a fitness center, pickleball and bocce ball courts, an amphitheater, a large outdoor resort pool, more than 10 acres of freshwater ponds and miles of paved sidewalks and walking trails.

The community will be showcasing six designer model homes featuring the latest

The fouNTAiNs AT GATeWAy recently broke ground on TWo fouNTAiNs plAzA Its upcoming five-story building will be situated in phase two of the development, directly across from the fully leased One Fountains Plaza four-story building.

Two Fountains Plaza will include underground parking, the Studio at Fountains corporate office suites and meeting space on the first and second floors, and Atrium at Fountains, a 52unit luxury condominium community on the top three floors.

It will be Murfreesboro’s first luxury, European-style condominium development. Pricing will start in the mid$500,000s, and will feature one- to three-bedroom floor plans. Each residence will include an open living and dining area that adjoins a sleek kitchen with an island and a large primary suite with a bath. Most residences will feature a floorto-ceiling glass wall system that opens to a large, private, covered terrace. It will also include secure underground parking, a private lobby and access-controlled traction elevators to their floor.

architectural features and finishes. The first wave of buyers can expect to close in late 2024. Home prices will start in the $500,000s.

Del Webb will offer 10 customizable single-family home designs across three price levels in sizes ranging from 1,345 to 2,712 square feet. Through Del Webb’s unique home-building experience, residents can personalize details of their dream homes utilizing interactive design tools and insight from its team of experts. Del Webb homes are equipped with smart home capabilities, Energy Star certification and industry-leading 10-year home warranties.

uNiTed CoMMuNiCATioNs ANd Middle TeNNessee

eleCTriC recently celebrated the grand opening for their new Rutherford Operations Center at 1010 Haley Rd.

The 18,000-square-foot facility will serve as a local hub to support United’s $85 million fiber internet expansion to reach an additional 77,000 Middle Tennessee Electric members in Murfreesboro and surrounding areas. The new building will be home to 60 local employees when fully staffed, with many more field employees dedicated to serving Murfreesboro and Rutherford County.

According to United Communications’ Chief Financial Officer Kristin Jackson, the company’s high-speed fiber network has al-

Atrium owners will enter their residence via an exclusive 40-by-120-foot, three-story tropical atrium featuring a 30-foot waterfall, fire pit seating area, a gazebo, walkways

ready been expanded to reach 6,000 homes and businesses in Murfreesboro.

United offers residential customers monthly fiber internet plans starting at $49.95 with residential speeds of up to 2 Gbps with no contracts. For more information, visit united.net.

C losings

CoACh T’s in Eagleville has closed.

St. Patrick’s Day weekend was the final time in operation for the local establishment.

“After a thorough and thoughtful deliberation process, my wife and I have reached the decision to sell our beloved restaurant. We are pleased to announce that it will be acquired by Studio 18,” Coach T’s owner Bill Tollett stated in a social media post. “It is with mixed emotions that we make this difficult decision, but at this stage of our lives, we believe it is best for us.”

loNGhorN liquor announced in late March that it will be closing and that it will place all inventory on sale in preparation for the closing.

The City of Murfreesboro has acquired the property at 223 NW Broad St. and will tear down the building—as it has the neighboring buildings—to make room for the road widening and Daylighting of Town Creek park project, which will stretch from Church Street to Cannonsburgh.

and hidden seating areas throughout the gardens. The Gallery space features a linear fireplace, comfortable seating and an art installation that reaches the glass dome. It also features an exclusive owners’ lounge, which includes a 12-person dining room, a warming kitchen, and a big screen viewing area. Additional amenities include a fitness center, a pet wash station and secure dog walking area, concierge and package pickup, and complimentary access to Studio at Fountains meeting space and cafe.

Subsequent development plans for Fountains at Gateway Phase Two include a five-story boutique hotel connected by skybridge to the atrium level of the condominiums. The hotel fitness center and plunge pool on the skybridge will be shared with condominium owners. According to Graby, he has discussed adding another restaurant on the ground floor of the hotel with two local chefs, and an additional venue space that will increase capacity for events at the View at Fountains. Street-facing retail or health services will complete the ground floor.

The project is expected to be complete by 2025.

For more information, visit fountainsatgateway.com/news.

e At, shop & B e

mA rried

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

Brianna victory events presents Wedding e xpo on April 21; upcoming festivals celebrate cheesecake, peach cobbler, wings and pecans and more

By laura lindsay

siNCe iTs iNCepTioN, Brianna Victory Events has given business owners more places to showcase and sell their products. The events have drawn large crowds, and this spring, the company will host its first wedding expo.

Brianna Hale (formerly Brianna Victory, who since launching and naming her company has gotten married and taken the last name Hale) says her passion is bringing people together and coming up with new ideas for the community.

“My goal is to create an environment for multiple disciplines of vendors to thrive and promote their businesses,” says Hale, who developed her own business, quickly shifting from craft fairs to other popular events including a peach cobbler festival.

stage to go in it and catch as much money as they can.”

From 11 a.m. to noon, everyone will get a free mocktail to sip and enjoy during the bridal fashion show, sponsored by Belle & Beaus Formal, a shop located in Decherd. The vendor event will follow, running from noon to 4 p.m., including more than 30 vendors.

Prizes from area businesses will include an engagement photo session from Shacklett’s Photography, a Mary Kay pampering party, a wedding dress from Liz Leigh Bridal Studio, a $100 Amazon gift card from Simply Southern Events, a bridal bouquet, groom boutonniere and corsages from Canaima Floral Design, a wedding cake from Js Sweet Bakes, a groom’s wedding band from Platinum and Gold Jewelers, a photo enlargement and boudoir enlargement from K. Elizabeth Photography and a free honeymoon from Tilt Your World Travel.

u pcoming 2024 v ictory e vents

AT lANe AGri-pArk

april 21 Wedding expo

June 29

shop Til you drop Craft fair

aug. 10

3rd Annual peach Cobbler festival

aug. 17

football & Wings festival

sept. 28 pecan festival

“I work on these events every day, all the time,” she says.

This year Hale has seven events on the books. All are free to attend, including the wedding expo, set for Sunday, April 21 from 10 a.m. 4 p.m. at Lane Agri-Park, 315 John Rice Blvd., Murfreesboro.

The expo is a free event to attend, “but it is ticketed so we can give the vendors an idea of how many people are coming,” adds Hale, a mother of two with a business degree.

Tickets can be reserved at brianna-victory-events.com prior to the event.

“The first 65 brides will get free swag bags, and all brides will get a free sash to wear,” Hale says. “From 10 to 11 a.m. we will have a money machine onstage with $1,000 inside. Brides will be called on-

Hale’s next event in Murfreesboro is a cheesecake festival on May 18, also at Lane Agri-Park.

“There is going to be lots and lots of cheesecake for sale from 100 vendors,” Hale says. “I am looking for more judges. It is $100 to be a judge. Each judge gets 20 slices of cheesecake, and you get to take home what you don’t finish. The contest is based on who has the best-tasting cheesecake.”

The cost to enter a cheesecake in the contest is $30, and that event is still accepting vendors. The festival will include a free petting zoo from CW Farms of Clinton, Tennessee. There will also be a special education artwork auction. All money raised in the auction will be donated to Westwood Elementary.

on May 5, Brianna Victory events will hold a Mother’s day Craft fair in the parking lot of the hobby lobby in Tullahoma, located at 1806 N. Jackson st.

for more details on all of these events, a list of vendors, and to book tickets for the wedding expo, visit brianna-victoryevents.com.

Fight the g ood Fight, Finish the rA ce

Mt sprint triathlon and 5k supports endure athletics

By destiny Mizell

The ANNuAl MT spriNT TriAThloN and 5K event benefiting Endure Athletics will return to Murfreesboro on Sunday, April 21, raising funds for the local organization and giving Middle Tennessee athletes the opportunity to participate in a sprint distance triathlon.

Endure Athletics provides disadvantaged children of all ages with everyday necessities, unconditional support and Christ-centered mentorship. It started with hosting Saturday morning games for area homeless children. The program quickly grew to include enrichment activities, afterschool programming, academic support and providing meals throughout the week. Outside of basic needs such as safe shelter, food, transportation, tutoring and more, the nonprofit helps give children what they perhaps desire the most: hope, a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen.

“Most of our kids just want to have a conversation. They just want to talk. They want somebody to pay attention to them. They want to talk about their day at school. They want to have friends. I think that’s been really big in what we do because you can see them bonding together,” Endure founder and Executive Director Joel Bigelow said. “You can see them going, ‘We’re all in this together.’”

When Bigelow was in high school, he aspired to be a kindergarten teacher. Unable to pursue that dream at that time, his wishes to help educate youngsters have since come full circle. Endure Athletics started with eight

children in 2015. Now, Endure serves over 50 kids at a time and an average of around 150 per year.

Instead of a classroom, Bigelow got a family. “God is good. He has blessed us with everything we need to succeed each and every day,” Bigelow said about the nonprofit’s growth. “We live in a very, very generous community. We are a 100% donation-based organization. Without that, we couldn’t do the work that we do.”

Endure Athletics gets its namesake from the fitness activities promoted in the environment. Not only does it help adolescents physically and mentally, it builds comradery. Bigelow said it makes it easier for kids to open up and connect when they’re participating in a game of catch or another activity.

The annual MT Sprint Triathlon and 5K event has become the biggest fundraiser for Endure Athletics, to no surprise, as the fundraiser event itself also fosters fitness, as does the year-round mission of Endure. The triathlon offers a unique challenge with a 300-yard pool swim, 10-mile bike ride and 5K run through Middle Tennessee State University’s campus. Open to seasoned athletes and beginners alike, participants can opt for individual or team entry and college students can get a discounted rate.

Groups of three participating as a team can complete the triathlon as a relay, with a different athlete participating in the swim, bike and run portions.

As a former triathlete himself, Bigelow said, his favorite parts of the triathlon involve interacting with first-timers.

The event will recognize top performers across various categories, including overall male and female finishers, individual age divisions for both genders and top finishers in

the team division. In addition to these main awards, there will be further categories and prizes available. Additionally, those who want to run but are not ready for the triathlon experience can opt to join the 5K run portion of the event only.

Endure Athletics caps the MT Sprint Triathlon at 325 athletes, and all proceeds benefit the nonprofit.

“We want people to know that the reason why they’re there is not necessarily to finish that race, but to support the local homeless children and youth that we pray for here in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County,” Bigelow said. “I want them to know that every dollar raised can go back and pour into our community.”

participants can sign up for the race at endureathletics.org. Those otherwise interested in supporting the endure Athletics mission can also sign up for their Champion Club to directly sponsor a child. email info@endureathletics.org for more volunteer opportunities.

Area 16 s pecial o lympics track m eet s et for m ay 6 and 7

By annaBelle Cranfill

As ruNNers prepAre to line up on the track on May 6 and 7 to compete in the Area 16 Special Olympics track meet, organizers are inviting the public to pack the stands and cheer on the athletes.

Special Olympics provides yearround sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. One of the biggest events of the year is the track and field meet.

Elementary and middle schoolers race on Monday, May 6; high school and adult Special Olympic athletes compete on Tuesday, May 7.

To help each of the participants prepare, training is offered in the form of personalized approaches, certified coaches and dedicated volunteers.

During the track meet, each participant is paired with a student athlete from different area high schools and universities who volunteers to help with the participant’s confidence in social interactions during the event.

Every athlete is given a T-shirt, is able to participate in two events (so they receive two medals and are recognized twice throughout the event), and Area 16 provides each participant with a meal from McDonald’s through a partnership with the McGuire Group.

Come out to support the Area 16 special olympics at Middle Tennessee state university’s dean A. hayes Track and soccer stadium at 1568 Greenland dr., Murfreesboro, on Monday, May 6, and Tuesday, May 7. for more information on the special olympics, visit specialolympicstn.org.

i G oT T he oppor T u N i T y To V isi T with the new owners of Bullseye Gun & Range, located at 130 Shelby St. here in Murfreesboro, and ask them about themselves and their thoughts regarding firearms. The new owners are husband and wife Caleb and Alex Gregory and their business partner, Matthew Smitty.

I remember growing up on the farm until the age of 13 or so where guns were in my house and my grandparents’ house. I knew where they were kept but was taught to leave them alone. I remember going rabbit hunting and dove hunting there on the farm, or maybe even possum hunting late at night with my brother and grandfather. It was a real treat to get to hold the flashlight so I could spot a possum in the persimmon tree on the back part of the farm.

The

Mr. MurfreesBoro: tell me first, where are y’all from?

Matthew sMitty: Eagleville, Tennessee, 37060, and proud of it!

CaleB gregory: I was actually born in California but my parents moved to Tennessee when I was 3, so I’ve been in Tennessee almost my whole life. how did Caleb and alex meet?

gregory: We actually met at the Sonic on Cason Lane when we were both in high school.

where does smitty come into the picture?

gregory: I met Smitty from the gun shop. I was actually part owner of Bullseye before (as a minority owner). Bullseye has been in the community for nine years. I guess I’m the one who drug my wife and Smitty into the firearms industry. He is a gun guy as well and would come in regularly and we became friends and had done a couple of real estate deals together. When the opportunity [to purchase the store] arose I knew we had to jump on it. Knowing he enjoys firearms and a good business opportunity I gave him a shout. It’s a great store with great customers, and the people in the community love it. Plus, who doesn’t love working around guns all day?

why guns?

time I ever fired a weapon.

gregory: At 7 years old my dad bought me a single shot .410 and I had a single shot .22 long rifle that was passed down through the family. I started buying my own firearms as soon as I was of legal age, which is 18.

do y’all like to hunt, or shoot skeet or clay targets?

sMitty: I enjoy target shooting. However, I’m actually not a hunter at all. Just a collector, dealer and advocate.

gregory: Yes, I’m pretty big into hunting and enjoy the time in the woods. I have also done some competitive shooting as well.

what’s your thoughts on gun safety?

sMitty: Gun safety should start the minute a gun is purchased and at all times thereafter.

what’s too young or old to own a gun and operate one?

sMitty: The age is dependent on the person. A child with a parent that is well versed in guns may start shooting as early as 5 years old. And like driving or any other task, once you lose your abilities to do so, you should stop for your own safety and the safety of others. should a gun be taken away from a person for any reason?

Minute

by Bill wilson

I also remember getting a BB gun for Christmas, like so many other 10-to-12-year-olds, and the anticipation of shooting my first bird. I remember one summer day I saw a woodpecker pecking away at a tree and I thought of the red, white and blue Woody Woodpecker. I sighted my BB gun and pulled the trigger and all I heard was a snap when the BB hit him and the poor fella fell from the tree. I ran as fast as I could to where the woodpecker had fallen and I looked down and he was dead. At that moment I began bawling and crying like a baby at what I had done to this defenseless woodpecker. I also thought about Opie Taylor when he shot the bird with his slingshot. Neither bird flew away. I had guilt after this and I never again intentionally killed anything in my life.

But I remember in high school many of the boys had gun racks in the back windows of their trucks. After school they would head to the fields to hunt dove. Growing up, many folks around here carried guns, mainly for hunting. Heck, I remember on Saturday afternoons folks would show up on the Square and shoot blackbirds off the courthouse because of all their poop messing things up.

Whether you have a firearm or not, we live in a society that has the right to bear and own arms. I believe it’s up to each individual to take ownership of their guns, including the safety precautions of owning them. To be honest, I am not a big gun person; however, I do carry with a permit to protect myself and loved ones. I do not hunt. You can thank Woody Woodpecker for that.

But on to the story, a conversation with the owners of Bullseye Gun & Range:

sMitty: Math. Per a Gallup poll in 2020, 44 percent of Americans polled said they were gun owners. My goal is to see that every law-abiding, able and willing American owns a gun for self defense, and to keep in check the ever-growing tyranny of government.

gregory: I do love firearms! Also, though, I believe it is a very important part of being an American citizen to have the right and ability to own firearms. We have a right as Americans to have the ability to defend ourselves and our loved ones. were guns always around or a part of your lives?

gregory: Yes, my parents always owned guns and my dad got me into hunting at a young age.

sMitty: No, they were not. I would say my father never owned a gun. I became interested in gun collecting, buying and selling guns around 15 years ago. how old were you when you first bought or owned your first gun?

sMitty: I purchased my first .22 handgun, which I still have, when I was 18 years old, from my cousin. That’s the first

gregory: I believe in everyone’s right to be able to defend themselves. However, if the person doesn’t have the mental capability, then the firearm should be taken away for their own protection and others around them.

where do most criminals get their guns from?

gregory: Off the streets and from other criminals.

sMitty: Theft is a major contributor to the ownership of guns by criminals. what are your thoughts on a background check?

sMitty: The Second Amendment reads, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” A background check “infringes” the right of the citizen to freely purchase a firearm. A background check is just a hindrance to a law abiding citizen. The people that “shouldn’t” have a gun do not purchase guns from places that are required to run a background check. who influenced you the most?

sMitty: My parents, grandparents,

sister and close friends have all had a great influence in my life, including the great Bill Wilson himself! In my professional life Dale Sanford, a farmer and business owner and Mr. Frank Crosslin Jr., past owner of Crosslin Supply Company, had a profound impact on my professional career.

gregory: Probably my grandfather and my dad and mom. how old are y’all?

sMitty: 44.

gregory: 34.

what’s it like being a young business owner and entrepreneur?

gregory: It’s great but it’s also a lot of work. It is very rewarding building and shaping something into a reality from a vision you had. It feels great when people come in and tell you how they have enjoyed the experience. why did y’all buy Bullseye gun & range?

gregory: With me being part of Bullseye before and helping build it, I had a passion for it.

sMitty: Buying Bullseye was a great opportunity to keep a business with a strong foundation moving forward. We all enjoy the gun business so much, it only took us literally 10 minutes to make the decision. what do you think is different from the days of Minutemen till today?

sMitty: I’ll begin with a quote. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead. Unlike in the times of the Minutemen, we have a much harder time pulling 100 people together all of one strong accord in any cause. That’s why they are remembered.

gregory: Now, we live in a world of distractions, instant gratification, lies, constant comparing of people on social media. Back then, keeping your word and stand-

ing for something true and important was something people took serious and even to the grave. Nowadays there isn’t much that people take serious and would actually put their lives on the line for. what are your passions in life?

gregory: Family, firearms, farming, golf, entrepreneurship.

sMitty: Auctions, real estate, firearms, agriculture and my nieces and nephews. What are your hobbies when you are not working or tending to family?

sMitty: Attending auctions, farming, shop work, gardening and collecting. gregory: Messing around on the farm, hunting, shooting, hanging out on the lake.

what do you think is the answer to all the gun violence and public shootings that happen today?

sMitty: If more people were armed, criminals would be much less likely to attempt violence in public or otherwise. gregory: Well, this problem is not a gun problem, it’s a people problem. Guns are just a tool, no different than a hammer or saw. People want to kill other people because of something in them and how they feel. If it’s not a gun, then they would use a knife or a car. I can’t say what exactly would fix it, but I do believe a lot of this is caused by the technology we have at our fingertips and social media. A lot of people live a fake life just to try and impress people on social media. It blows me away!

Bullseye Gun & range is located at 130 shelby st., Murfreesboro, just behind the Cracker Barrel off of south Church street. for more information, visit bullseyeboro.com.

Call Mr. Murfreesboro, a.k.a. Bill Wilson, for all of your local real estate needs at 615-406-5872.

c alvin r idley, l ’Jarius s need, l loyd c ushenberry

Among Additions to t itans Ahead of d raft

The TrAiN dAddy is BACk with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard!

I want to break down all these moves the Tennessee Titans have made in this busy off-season—moves that, for once, the national media has applauded. Normally the small-market Tennessee Titans gets the shaft as far as respect due on the national NFL stage, but Ran “the man” Carthon has the Titans making moves!

But real quick before we jump into Titans talk, let me shout-out the Ten-

nessee Vols basketball squad and the Nashville Predators.

The Vols, led by Dalton Knecht and that stout defense, made a respectable run to the Elite 8, where it all ended versus the Purdue Boilermakers and that giant 7'4" robot Zach Edey. Tennessee was nearly helpless stopping him in his 40-point, 16-rebound effort.

I am under no illusion—Zach is a great player, but it’s maddening and daggum almost feels unfair watching that big monster get the whistle every time he touches the ball. DK of the Vols put up

a big game as well, throwing down 37 points in the loss. This Vols team was special and they fought hard in this Elite 8 run. Respect!

Shout-out to the Nashville Predators as we get down the stretch, nearing playoff hockey. What a run for Nashville, as they came away with standings points in a franchise-record 18 straight games. The Preds were 16-0-2 in those 18 games before the streak ended versus the ’Yotes on the road. I am looking forward to playoff hockey from a team that was rumored to be sellers at the trade deadline and instead the team said “let’s turn into the hottest team in the NHL.”

Alright, this is the part of the article where I ramble about the moves the Tennessee Titans made. Let me first say, King Henry, I will miss you. The franchise great signed with the Ravens, and that move officially marked a new era here in Nashville.

I can cry about the past or we can talk about the future.

General manager Ran Carthon and new head coach Brian Callahan are doing everything possible to make life easier for year-two QB Will Levis. I believe in Levis, but don’t get it twisted. If he doesn’t show competent play this season, all these moves will quickly fall apart. The Titans also added to their QB room Mason Rudolph, the former Steeler who played well down the stretch, on a cheap backup deal. He may have something to offer, but I believe it’s the Will Levis show or bust in 2024.

Let’s start with the big-splash signing of new superstar receiver Calvin Ridley to pair with the legendary DeAndre Hopkins! Do I love the signing? HELL YES!

It may be a little concerning that the Titans gave bro the bag on a four-year deal, but this is smallmarket Tennessee on a makeover, and you must pay to play. Ridley is a burner and a star receiver who should do wonders for the development of Will Levis.

What was the number-one problem for this team heading into

the off-season? Clearly it was that disastrous offensive line. Thankfully, Ran ended the shameful disaster that was left tackle Andre Dillard; no player in the NFL was worse. Bro gave up sacks like nobody else. Tennessee took a big dead salary-cap hit letting him go, but good riddance! There was nobody to blame but the young GM Ran Carthon for that disaster signing last season, but Ran may have redeemed himself by going out and grabbing Lloyd Cushenberry, the top center on the open market, and giving the Titans some size and stability at the center position with a proven starter.

The Titans also went and added another OL piece in Saahdiq Charles, who has started at both right and left guard for Washington. Charles has a history of injuries, but he comes in on a small deal and will compete for playing time. Fun fact: he and Cushenberry were teammates on that 2019 LSU national championship team, so that chemistry has value.

The unfortunate part is that, aside from Peter Skoronski and Cushenberry, the Titans have a bunch of dudes sitting around that are giant question marks. They’ve started, but haven’t been overly impressive. Dudes like NPF, Brunskill, Radunz and Charles.

I do believe Callahan will get away from the heavy run game and get the ball out faster. That changes up the needs some, but you still need a competent line.

Ask Joe Burrow!

I am hoping with that very important pick at 7 overall in the NFL Draft this month that the Titans grab Big Joe Alt, a 6-foot-7 offensive tackle out of Notre Dame and a possible immediate best friend for the young QB Will Levis.

I am also hoping with the departure of Derrick Henry that the team can find trust in what is still one of the best pair of running backs in the NFL. The Titans added the multi-talented former Cowboys RB Tony Pollard to pair with the already multi-talented star Tyjae Spears. These backs

don’t need 30 carries to find success—spread them out and get the ball in their hands!

Kicker, punter and long snapper—the Titans are set! And it doesn’t get better than that. They re-signed kicker Nick Folk, who has been one of the most accurate kickers in the game. I was thrilled they didn’t let him walk. The Titans also re-signed the best long snapper in the game, Morgan Cox, and they got the services of arguably the best punter in the game, Ryan Stonehouse.

The Titans didn’t ignore defense, although seeing Denico Autry and Azeez leave in free agency hurt. Denico has been a gem for this team since we stole him from the Colts. Reportedly they tried re-signing him but given his old age it may be for the best. They also tried re-signing linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair; that one hurts. I expected Ran to lock that up, but at the end of the day if a player doesn’t want to be here it opens opportunity for someone who does. With them both becoming Texans, it’s easy to label them enemies!

The Titans did go and make a splash signing on defense as well, signing superstar cornerback L’Jarius Sneed in a trade with the champs. Good riddance to the cornerback mess that was Kristin Fulton and Murphy-Bunting in 2023. The Titans also added CB Chidobe Awuzie from the Bengals, another proven baller.

The Titans added a linebacker in former first-round pick Kenneth Murray. He might be the most athletic player on the field and will bring some electricity with him.

Oh yeah, they re-signed my dude, receiver NWI. Respect to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who may not be a superstar but he is a player who is quietly racking up yards in his career here in Tennessee and hopefully creating some chemistry with Levis.

Looking at next month’s issue after the NFL Draft, I have a feeling I will have plenty to talk about. Titan Up!

sneed

By B laine little

iN TodAy’s BusiNess World, giving feedback can be a very delicate thing. When one offers to give us constructive feedback, it may very well be an attempt to help us grow. But the receiving end of that suggestion only hears one word, and it’s not the word, constructive. All we focus on is “criticism.”

Is it wrong to be critiqued? No, of course not! Otherwise, we would never learn, and will only be successful at far fewer things.

So why does the thought of us being criticized make us cringe? Perhaps it’s just being human, but we do not like to admit we have flaws. Mommy told us we were perfect little angels, and we don’t want anything to upset that narrative we hold about ourselves. But eventually, we grow up and realize we are not so perfect after all. Well, most of us learn the truth, anyway.

Not all criticism is viewed as constructive, though. Giving and receiving feedback can be tricky, especially when there are emotions involved. Generally, there are a lot of bad feelings with the term “constructive criticism” in any case. But is the feedback warranted nonetheless? If so, it is best to stick with cold, hard facts and avoid personal opinions when it comes to being critical.

In many organizations, it is normal to hear feedback from management or even our colleagues about our own job performance. It can be a bit of a shock if we believe our work to be good, yet others find fault with it. Perhaps we are simply having a bad day, or it could be that the one offering a critique of our work has missed the point of what we do. Either way, it is important to hear them out before responding. Use the following steps the next time you receive feedback.

1 heAr TheM ouT. Suspend judgment on whether they are right or wrong until you have heard the entire critique. Make an attempt to hear the opinion itself and separate the message from the messenger.

2 keep your Cool. Anger may only spark more anger and nothing is accomplished. Tears may spark pity but not necessarily respect. If management continually views an employee as emotional or given to temper tantrums, they may

feel that worker is not a good fit for their team.

3 Ask for speCifiC s. Try to get a better understanding of what error may have been committed. It could be that there is a misunderstanding of who did what, or what the standard was to be.

4

eVAluATe The oTher persoN’s poiNT. If you truly were the one in error, admit it. Owning up to a mistake and offering to make corrections in the future can actually add to the respect your boss has for you. However, if you feel you are not at fault, explain why. Again, there may simply be a misunderstanding.

5

CreATe A plAN for The fuTure. If you think you are not to blame, ask for instructions and repeat them back. Be specific and take notes if necessary. This way, you and the other person will truly be on the same page. But there is a sense of dread to think we are about to be critiqued, even if it is said to be “constructive.” That’s because most people don’t buy it. Often, it’s just a soft opener for someone to lay into us about all our flaws. Constructive criticism has become a cliché, and a bad one at that. Far too often the subject is torn down and never built back up as the word “construction” implies. Perhaps we should use the terms “analysis” or “assessment.” Yes, even offering tips or advice is better than having to hear someone’s list of negatives against us. And that is the reality of it; feedback is a waste of time if no one is listening. So, take what you think helps you grow and leave the negativity behind.

Blaine little is founder and Ceo of Momentum seminars Training and Coaching, a veteran owned business, helping companies remain profitable by investing in their people. he trains and coaches the power skills of leadership, team building and communication. learn more at momentumseminars.com. his book Managerial Mistakes, Missteps & Misunderstandings, is available on Amazon. Check out his podcast at bit.ly/ toastcaster143. c

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAVIL DANILYUK / PE x ELS

Constitution Study

By paul engel

i s r efusing to w ear a m ask u nconstitutional?

i’Ve spokeN repeATedly about the unconstitutionality of most mask mandates. Recently, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals was asked to review two cases where people were punished for attending school board meetings while refusing to wear masks. Sadly, the cases, as described in the Circuit Court opinion, seem poorly founded, thus leading to decisions against the plaintiffs. I think a closer look will not only show the flaws in the case but will help others build better ones in the future.

COVID-19 mask mandates were not only unconstitutional, but illegal as well. However, we need to start where the Circuit Court started: with their own assumptions. The court stated their opinion with some background on the two cases being reviewed.

On March 9, 2020, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in response to the quickly spreading coronavirus known as COVID-19. . . . As we now know, it primarily spreads through airborne particles that accumulate in enclosed spaces, respiratory droplets produced when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and occasionally through contact with objects contaminated with the virus. [How COVID-19 Spreads, CDC (Aug. 11, 2022)] — Falcone v. Dickstein et. al. (222701) Opinion & Gwyneth K. Murray-Nolan et. al. (22-2702) Circuit Court Opinion

In order to perform a fair review, we must take into consideration what was known back in 2020, even though much of it has since been proven false. We must also consider what is fact and what is opinion. For example, the court points to a statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about how COVID-19 spreads. However, nothing in the document referenced even suggests that there are studies showing that this is how COVID spreads. This “common knowledge” may be based in some reason and logic, but that does not make it true. While later studies such as one known as the Cochrane Report found that, in general, masking made little, if any, difference in the transmission of SARSCOV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Individuals infected with COVID-19 can spread the disease while asymptomatic or

pre-symptomatic, making the virus difficult to control. — Falcone v. Dickstein

Once again, we see decisions being driven by assumptions that later turned out to be untrue. For example, Asymptomatic Transmission of COVID-19 was published in December of 2020, and stated:

Earlier estimates that 80% of infections are asymptomatic were too high and have since been revised down to between 17% and 20% of people with infections.

How are people supposed to make informed decisions with so many opinions being treated as scientific facts? In part because of these assumptions, Governor Murphy took several steps.

Over the course of the ensuing months, Governor Murphy issued a series of Executive Orders to monitor and curb its spread. One of them mandated that New Jersey schools “maintain a policy regarding mandatory use of face masks by staff, students, and visitors in the indoor portion of the school district premises” . . .

In preparation for the 2021–2022 school year, New Jersey School Districts—including the Freehold Township and Cranford Township School Districts—implemented mandatory indoor masking policies consistent with the Executive Order. — Falcone v. Dickstein

Both Mr. Falcone and Ms. Murray-Nolan objected to the New Jersey mask mandate in schools. Both attended school board meetings unmasked, were confronted by members of the school board, and threatened by the board with contacting law enforcement. Both stated that attending the board meeting maskless was constitutionally protected political speech, and that the boards had retaliated against them for it; Mr. Falcone by the board canceling subsequent meetings and Ms. Murray-Nolan by her being arrested. Both eventually sued their respective school boards and law enforcement under 42 USC § 1983, Civil action for deprivation of rights and New Jersey Statutes Title 10. Civil Rights 10 § 6-2.

The District Court dismissed the amended complaint on the ground that Falcone had no standing to sue. It found his alleged injuries—the receipt of a summons and the Board’s meeting cancellation—were not “traceable” to the BOE or Police Defendants but instead to Governor Murphy’s Executive Order that the Board had to obey. . . . It followed, in the District Court’s view, that Falcone’s alleged injuries also were not “redressable” by injunctive relief because “an injunction directed at Defendants would not enjoin the Governor from implementing or enforcing a mask man-

date.” — Falcone v. Dickstein

The Circuit Court reversed that decision on standing, and remanded the case back to the District Court.

In Ms. Murray-Nolan’s case: The District Court rejected the Cranford Defendants’ standing arguments but agreed Murray-Nolan failed to state a claim for First Amendment retaliation. . . . Her alleged “right to appear without a mask” was not “inherently expressive” conduct, it reasoned, but rather was expressive only “because she told Defendants that it was, and sued to prove it.” — Falcone v. Dickstein

The Circuit Court found: Amid valid government-mandated health and safety measures, refusing to wear a face mask is not expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment. Murray-Nolan’s retaliation claim also fails because the police had probable cause to arrest her, and she does not link her constitutionally protected speech activities (e.g., her social media posts) to any of the Cranford Defendants’ allegedly retaliatory actions. We thus affirm the District Court’s dismissal of her amended complaint. — Falcone v. Dickstein

a nalyzing the Cases

In both cases, the plaintiffs sued under both state and federal laws, claiming a deprivation of rights under the First Amendment.

Rather, what we have here is a deprivation of both liberty and property without due process of law.

. . . nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; — U.S. Constitution, Amendment XIV

While this argument can be laid at the feet of the school boards, it would more properly be extended to Gov. Murphy.

r ights v iolated

There’s still one very serious problem with Gov. Murphy’s executive order: It deprives people of both their liberty and the property they have in their own body without due process of law.

An established course for judicial proceedings or other governmental activities designed to safeguard the legal rights of the individual.

— Due Process, The Free Legal Dictionary

Blanket mandates, such as those used by the State of New Jersey, violate due process because they do not safeguard the rights of the individual. As shown earlier in this article, the assumptions that supported the mask mandates were not based in rigorous scientific studies, but unsubstantiated state-

ments from government agencies that do not legally exist (The Constitution does not delegate to the United States the power to regulate public health, food or drugs).

Furthermore, in the United States, the government is supposed to have the burden of proof before it infringes on your rights. Since no probable cause was established that Mr. Falcone or Ms. Murray-Nolan were a danger to others, requiring them to wear masks violated their liberty. Even if we accept that at the time of these incidents, the medical establishment believed in the efficacy of wearing masks, the logic of mandates contradicts that assumption. After all, if masks were really that effective, why do they only work if everyone is wearing one? Since there was no due process either in the executive order creating the mask mandate or in its implementation, then the government-mandated health and safety measure was not, as the Circuit Court claimed, valid, and the school districts were not required to enforce them.

Con C lusion

Imagine the scene where Mr. Falcone or Ms. Murray-Nolan entered the board meeting without masks. What if, rather than a general claim of speaking maskless being a constitutionally protected right, they could have provided both the board and law enforcement with a simple 1–2 page document pointing out that the governor’s executive order was unconstitutional and therefore void?

An unconstitutional act is not a law; it confers no rights; it imposes no duties; it affords no protection; it creates no office; it is in legal contemplation as inoperative as though it had never been passed. — Norton v. Shelby County :: 118 U.S. 425 (1886)

What if they could have stood in front of their boards, articulated their points in detail and provided evidence both constitutional and judicial of the rightness of their point? What if, should law enforcement still have been engaged, they could show not only the unconstitutionality of the acts of the governor and the board, but their criminality as well?

Would the outcome of their situations have been different? We will never know. However, I have found that a well-reasoned and supported case, especially with documentation, can have a profound impact on those we are trying to persuade.

paul engel is the founder of The Constitution study and encourages discourse. Contact him at paul@constitutionstudy.com.

By Byron glenn

vice hostage, threatening to keep it locked or worse unless the victim pays a ransom.

As Middle TeNNessee continues to embrace technology and cyberattacks on businesses are on the rise, there is more of a need for tech education for everyone from students to business owners.

One local company has made it part of its mission to educate as many people as possible about keeping small business owners protected from cyberattacks. In March, Business System Solutions, a local IT-managed service provider, partnered with The Fountains of Gateway and ConnectWise to host a Lunch and Learn on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity education for small business owners.

According to CompTIA, managed service providers (MSPs) provide information technology support to companies that lack the necessary in-house resources to maintain their systems. Businesses usually outsource IT services if they do not have the budget for a full-scale IT team or a consistent need for full-time IT help on their team.

For over 25 years, Business System Solutions has provided education and solutions to the communities they have served in.

“I have enjoyed working with technology and applying it to solve business problems. With my degree in agricultural economics and agribusiness, I saw a need to help many different small businesses, including construction, health care, nonprofit, legal, and other business-to-business organizations with their technology and providing the right solutions to increase their productivity,” said Bill Ooms, owner of Business System Solutions.

Turn on the news, and you may well hear about cyberattacks and ransomware. Cisco defines cyberattacks as a malicious and deliberate attempt by an individual or organization to breach the information system of another individual or organization. Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that holds a victim’s data or de-

“Cyber security is important to protect businesses from threat actors [individuals or groups who intentionally cause harm to digital devices or systems]. More than 94 percent of incidents are from compromised passwords, users clicking on links, or opening infected attachments. In the past year, AI has given both the threat actors more tools to attack with and the IT/MSP community more tools to protect the small business,” said Ooms.

Nobody wants to receive the “your information was found in a data breach” email or letter. Although usually connected to large businesses, small and midsize businesses are not exempt. One of the misconceptions of small business owners is that they are not big enough for a data breach, nor do they have anything at risk. However, “all businesses have invoices, personally identifiable information, payroll, and data on their computers they need to run their business. Sending phishing emails and compromised users is almost a no-cost option for threat actors, and they use databases of email addresses and passwords,” said Ooms.

Every business needs to take steps to protect its company from cyberattacks.

When asked what simple steps a business owner can take to improve their cybersecurity posture, even without a large IT budget, Ooms suggests using multi-factor authentication (MFA) on email as well as all applications (especially on all website logins), and when logging on to your computer.

He also recommends that sound businesses should utilize a good IT/MSP company to keep things updated with all the latest security patches, train their users properly, and monitor for suspicious activity on their internal computer’s environment.

Bill ooms is the owner of Business system solutions, which has locations in West lafayette, indiana; Grand rapids, Michigan; and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. for more information, call 615-8090021 or visit bssconsulting.com

Byron Glenn is a speaker, business consultant, nonprofit co-founder, and Murfreesboro Tech Council board member. if you are looking for iT-managed services for your business, call 615-400-8595 or visit bssconsulting.com.

opinion

By tiffany B oyd

paying his $48,000 a year salary.

Interestingly enough, Lotfi also owns Red Ivory Strategies, LLC. Who are his clients? None other than a number of our Republican lawmakers. Though just recently, the website won’t pull up and the Facebook page now seems to be locked down. In 2019 Michael Lotfi and Red Ivory Strategies made the Montgomery County News. According to an article on mocotnnews.com, this was in regard to a threat made against a governmentappointed commission member.

Then there is AFP lobbyist Tori Venable, who was recently recorded telling Representative Todd Warner, who has voted against the voucher legislation, “I can’t protect you if you ain’t on the right side of this.”

wealthy lobbying group Americans for p rosperity pressuring lawmakers and public to support school vouchers

hAVe you seeN the school choice ads circulating on social media, or received a flyer in the mail or a visit from an Americans for Prosperity door knocker? AFP is the lobbying group behind the expansive propaganda push for school choice in Tennessee.

who exActly is AFp?

A deep dive into the key players proved interesting.

The Koch brothers (David and Charles) are the founders of AFP. The Koch family made their money in the oil industry and, according to Forbes, “Charles Koch remains chairman and co-CEO of Koch Industries . . . David Koch was executive vice president until about a year before his death in 2019; his family and Charles each have 42% voting stakes in the firm.” Charles Koch is listed as the 16th richest man on the Forbes 400 Richest People in America list.

As you can see, Americans for Prosperity is well funded, and in Tennessee that money seems to be behind the push for voucher legislation.

AFP has two key lobbyists on Capitol Hill who have been at the center of media firestorms for quite some time. First let’s start with Michael Lotfi. Glen Casada hired Lotfi in 2019, and even though he wasn’t required to work 40 hours a week, show up at the office, or submit time cards, taxpayers were

Venable recently approached me and several other individuals with Free YOUR Children at the Capitol after the voucher committee meeting. She wanted to know how she could work with me and what would make us happy. My response was that the only thing that would make me happy would be to see the bill killed, as I am fundamentally opposed to their version of school choice. She assured me that wasn’t going to happen and, as the conversation progressed, she mentioned that a lot could be done with money and door knockers. No kidding, Tori, we see evidence of that happening in our legislature, but I digress. She also informed us that if we wanted someone voted out of office, AFP would pay for us to make that happen as long as we did the work. (No thanks, Tori. I have no interest in partnering with AFP.) She also mentioned what had happened in Texas to the Republicans that were opposed to school choice.

Have I painted a clear picture of what is happening in Tennessee?

If not, you need to understand that AFP’s tentacles run even deeper.

Did you know that the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) secondlargest donor is Charles Koch? He’s the same Koch brother who founded Americans for Prosperity.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the industry’s primary trade association, topped all trade group contributions to ALEC with $504,000 (2017–21) in funding. Like Koch Industries, PhRMA has held a seat on ALEC’s Private Enterprise Advisory Council for decades.

ALEC is a corporate funded charity that

pays for lawmakers’ lucrative trips taken to get them ready to pass bills.

One of their main goals is to privatize education.

Then there is Alliance Defending Freedom. Did you know Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is behind the dangerous parental rights bills in Tennessee? They have been a private member of ALEC since 2018. They also support school choice. Charles Koch and Betsy Devos have been major donors.

controlling the n A rr Ative

It appears to me that AFP owns the vast majority of our legislature. Legislators aren’t listening to their constituents. They are listening to lobbyists with big money behind them. It isn’t just the legislature, though. They also appear to be buying up multiple platforms in order to promote their agenda.

From local radio shows to “conservative publications,” AFP is running ads and controlling the narrative. It is up to the citizens to weed through the propaganda and research the truth about school choice. I encourage everyone reading this to get engaged. Contact your legislators and, most importantly, show up at the Capitol.

Do we really want our state being run by lobbyists and wealthy special interest groups?

This legislative session has been a

 afptn state director tori venable, afp deputy director Michael lotfi and afp ambassador robby starbuck

home schooling and private schooling families hold signs in opposition to vouchers at the house government operations Committee hearing on March 18.

great example of political theater and a complete waste of taxpayer dollars. There is no need for committees, agendas or calendars if our legislators have already made their minds up before the vote is taken, or oftentimes before the bill is even filed. If representatives aren’t listening to the people who elected them, why continue the charade of a Constitutional Republic? When will the citizens of Tennessee finally have enough?

This legislative session is a tipping point for this state. Most are blissfully unaware that they have been sold out and that the state is being run largely by those who care more about their future political aspirations and their wallets than about those they were elected to serve. They are blissfully unaware

“There is no need for committees, agendas or calendars if our legislators have already made their minds up before the vote is taken, or oftentimes before the bill is even filed.”

that the vast majority of our legislators haven’t read through the mountains of bills and amendments that they are voting on. Buried deep in those pages are plans to take away your rights, your children and your freedoms.

Tiffany Boyd is the founder of free your Children, a homeschool advocate, consultant, speaker and the founder and administrator of Middle Tennessee Christian homeschool Connection. she holds a B.s. degree in interdisciplinary studies from MTsu. she is a wife of 30 years and mother to five children, grandmother to two. she is a former tenured public school teacher. she and her husband have home educated for 18 years. Contact her at freeyourchildren@gmail.com.

By

as a financial advisor with a tax background, I often help my clients with their taxes and regularly get asked tax questions, some of which are unique and interesting.

When April starts, many of us have already filed our tax returns and moved on. Most folks will not think about taxes again until 2025, but that could be a mistake. If I ask most people how much they got for a refund, they can tell me the exact amount, or within $500. If I ask how much tax you actually paid, meaning the amount the IRS kept, most are hard pressed to answer. That’s exactly what the government wants, because you might be mad if you knew the answer. Your refund is only the amount you overpaid, but how much of your money did the government actually keep?

I recently heard a tax professional say that there are two tax systems: one for the informed and one for the uninformed. In my 15 years as a tax professional before becoming a financial advisor, I never heard of the IRS auditing people because they paid too much. You are permitted to report your gross income and choose to take none of the deductions you are entitled to, and choose to simply pay taxes on all the money you make.

Some people are in a position where they will make less income during a year, or none at all, and this is a great time to take steps to lower taxes in a future year. It could be that you lost your job, you took time off to care for a baby or parent, or perhaps you retired—so your income will be less. In any of these cases, it may be a great time to convert retirement dollars from traditional to Roth. It could also be a good year to incur some capital gains by selling appreciated property that could be taxed at 0%.

I have a client who inherited stock from a parent which was worth only a fraction of what the parent paid. They sold the stock at a loss. This was the opportunity to proactively generate gains of a similar amount and offset the capital gains with the losses they were already planning to take. This is because the IRS allows you to offset capital gains with capital losses and then you can buy the gain stock back immediately for the current market price and not have to pay taxes on it in the future. Here is an example of how this works: Assume you have one stock that

you bought for $6,000 and it’s now worth $10,000. You also have a different stock that has lost $4,000 that you don’t think will rebound. You end up selling the loss shares, and the gain stock as well. This means you can then use the loss to wipe out the gain and then immediately buy the gain stock back for $10,000 and now you don’t have to pay taxes on that stock until it goes up above $10,000.

On the other side of the planning spectrum, two different people who didn’t consult with me ahead of time cashed out part of their retirement accounts prior to age 59.5 (after which you avoid a 10% early withdrawal penalty). One of them ended up giving over 50% of the cashed-out amount to the government in taxes and penalties. How does that happen? He ended up in the 37% tax bracket, incurred the 10% early withdrawal penalty and owed their home state 5% income taxes. Taking a loan out on their property would have been a much better strategy.

There are a lot of other strategies you can take advantage of, assuming you are actively planning during the year rather than waiting until next year when there is no opportunity to plan for 2024.

Understanding the tax brackets and how you can take advantage of them is important to discuss with your financial advisor and your accountant, should you have any questions.

One misconception is that your tax professional/CPA will be able to get you the largest deduction. This is only based on what actually happened, not what you didn’t plan for. Most people don’t hire a CPA to do planning, but rather to prepare their tax returns. Ideally you would be working with both your financial advisor and your CPA to get to the optimal result. In the end, the fees you pay to your financial planning team can pay you back in tax savings. disclaimer:

Live Exceptionally...Well!

By Jennifer durand

s hhh...! h ow to Quiet the Mind

Have you ever found yourself so far into another person’s “story” that you are the jury, the judge, the court reporter and the audience? You can see everything so clearly and know all of the right answers for someone else’s situation. You replay the tape over and over again in your mind, leaving no stone unturned. If only they would make a different decision or listen to the advice they’ve been given, the whole story would make life so much simpler. You have to ask yourself why you are investing so much of your thought in another person’s life story.

Can you feel a shift in your body, attitude or mood when caught up in thinking this way? Tension affects your body, mind, spirit and being just as relaxation or harmony affects them in the opposite manner. How do you prefer to feel? If you are always mentally, physically or emotionally involved in someone else’s business this will not bring about harmony. It will steal time and

productivity as well. When you mind your business, life is way less stressful.

Worry is a culprit that drains the energy tank and never replaces what is takes away. When you find yourself worrying over events that have not occurred you are not only sending out negative energy, you are actually blocking the positive receptors and depleting the energetic reservoir. Perhaps someone has done something upsetting and you lament over the who, what, where, when and why of it all? How could they do this to you? What will happen next? What does it all mean?

Our minds are powerful instruments capable of shaping our reality. By cultivating positive, focused and empowering thoughts, we initiate a transformative process within ourselves.

The broken record of endless worrisome thoughts happens to everyone. So how can you shift your focus mid-thought? When you feel yourself replaying a scenario over and over, or you seem to be filled with

aggressive mental suggestions (he did me wrong, she shouldn’t act that way, I deserve better and so on), one quick, immediate practice to quiet the mind is to audibly or silently say “Shhh! Shhh! Shhh!” Allow the word to fill your mind, detract your thoughts from the constant barrage of suggestions that bring you down or stimulate unwanted feelings or thought patterns. Shhh! Shhh! Shhh!

Repeated thoughts can include turmoil, anger, conflict, judgment, shame, guilt, ill will or fear. Regardless of the attachment to these you do not need to be a victim. Stand up for yourself and what you think. If it is anything but good, it sabotages and robs us and others of the good that exists. We simply can’t see it if we are too busy being caught up in the lies that need to be Shhh’ed instead!

Sometimes it’s so hard to stop the unwelcome thoughts from flooding your consciousness. This simple word combined with some intentional deep breathing can be invaluable and incredibly useful. Once you quiet the mind, you can either enjoy the momentary silence or you can actually make space for healthier thoughts to emerge. Don’t be surprised if you have to say this word over and over. It can be a tall order to get thoughts under control, but it is possible. Shhh!

The quieter you become, the more you

can hear. Another useful tool is from the Bible. You can break it down to its simplest form:

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.

Be. Shhh! Shhh! Shhh! Sit with the silence that follows. Stay consistent with this simple message as the dark thoughts creep their way back in. You are in charge of your thinking and actions. Having easy access to a pure word or easy thought creates a natural break in the otherwise worrisome or stressful thoughts that were there moments before. Repeat the process as necessary, until you increase the amount of time and space in between the energy-exhausting litany.

The bottom line is, you must replace the negative thought pattern with its positive opposite, or with silence. Reject the stressful thinking that leads to stressful feeling.

Jennifer durand is the owner and operator of The Nurture Nook day spa & Gift shoppe; she is a certified qiGong and Breathe empowerment instructor, a skin care and makeup specialist. Visit nurturenook.com or facebook.com/nurturenookdayspa or by calling (615) 896-7110.