August 2021 Murfreesboro Pulse

MUSIC IV AND THE STRANGE BAND THE WEEKS SAVING ABEL

AUGUST 2021 / VOL. 16, ISSUE 8 / FREE

EVENTS SPECIAL KIDS BANQUET THE CONNECTION WILSON CO. FAIR

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

D L I W T E G

View an Abundance of Native Wildlife Within the Murfreesboro City Limits

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Contents

ON THE COVER: Photos by Ashleigh Newnes

22

20

28

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

12

6 Events

FAMILY TRADITION

Hank’s great-grandson continues the musical legacy at Muddy Roots.

18

FAIR DAYS ARE HERE

Wilson Co. Fair merges with state fair to feature Opry members and more family entertainment.

20

GET WILD

View wildlife at many different Murfreesboro locations.

22

MACHINE FALLS

Hike downhill and upstream to view a striking Tennessee waterfall.

24

LOCAL NONPROFITS

Where to volunteer or donate in Rutherford County to assist the community.

CALENDAR Friday Night Live, Middle of Somewhere Hemp Fest, Special Kids Banquet, The Connection, Smyrna Depot Market

ALBUMS Piglett Lava Gulls

26 Art

EXHIBIT Celebration: Creative Voices, Creative Visions

Sounds

MUSIC NOTES Saving Abel at Ridenour Studios

THEATER Spring Awakening at Walnut House

CONCERT CALENDAR Wil Van Winkle & the Sixpins, Borostock, The Smoky Nights, Jolly String Quartet

30 News

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Copy Editor: Steve Morley Advertising: Now Hiring

Opinion

RESTAURANT Lions Pizza Den

The Weeks headline Hemp Fest at Bert Driver’s Burlap Room

BUSINESS BUZZ Peacock Apothecary, Cedar Glade Brews, Mariscos Mexican Seafood Bar & Grill,

Contributors: Melissa Coker, Jennifer Durand, Delores Elliott, Bryce Harmon, Laura Lindsay, Blaine Little, Zach Maxfield, Ashleigh Newnes, Jason Pickle, Jay Spight, Andrea Stockard

NEWS Tennessee Legislators aim to stop administering and marketing vaccines to minors without parental consent.

36

28 Food

Inspiritus Concert at Hop Springs

Dance Instructor Kristofer Speer, Morter Family Chiropractic and more BUSINESS MOMENTUM NexGen Barbershop: A cool, comfortable place for community.

MOVIE Werewolves Within

10

Art Director: Sarah Mayo

Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo

16 Reviews

SPORTS TALK NFL won’t require vaccines, will only bully players into it.

LIVE . . . WELL Hug a tree.

HEALTH Free the plant.

Copyright © 2021, The Murfreesboro Pulse, 714 W. Main St., #208, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.

Proudly owned, operated and published the first Thursday of each month by the Mayo family; printed by Franklin Web Printing Co. The Pulse is a free publication funded by advertisers. Views expressed in the Pulse do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. ISSN: 1940-378X

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The Murfreesboro Pulse

THE OLYMPIC GAMES ARE HAPPENING. Still billed as the 2020 Olympics, and with competitions held in front of very few spectators, organizers refused to postpone the gathering of world’s greatest athletes any longer.

We have badminton, trampolining, surfing, kayaking, water polo, shot put, tennis, and hours and hours of these and many other disciplines to entertain the TV-watching sports fans around the world. I could watch almost any kind of competition, at the highest level, whether I understand the rules or not. I’ll figure out some of them. Great stuff as highly skilled competitors come together from all over the globe to engage in friendly athletic competition.

It has been an excellent July for the Mayos. This little Beckett takes a lot of time and care and energy, but we found some time to get in a creek, swim in a pool, go down a water slide, view some fireworks and otherwise observe some 4th of July festivities, go visit Machine Falls, attend a fun Blue Raider-sponsored bowling event at Strike and Spare, and even get the kayak into Cordell Hull Lake for a bit in the midst of all of your publishing family’s other activities: dental crowns, pulled pork, home improvement projects, karate, salmon, flowerbeds, apple trees and playing with the 10-month-old. Wonderful times. I hope the summer is great for your family.

Go take advantage of the nearby natural lands to view some animals and birds sometime; check out page 20 for some suggestions where to go.

Also find more in this issue about watching the next chapter of the legendary Williams country music family tradition unfold right here in Murfreesboro, the Middle of Somewhere Hemp Fest, the Creative Voices, Creative Visions art show, NexGen Barbershop and much more.

Thanks to all of those who support this little community endeavor. Everyone loves the Pulse!

The Connection is back. Many local business owners have inquired about the monthly networking function’s return over the past months, and Aug. 19 at Notes will be the next opportunity to attend for those who would like to help grow the local small business community.

What’s your small business concept? Dive right in.

Plenty of others in town will help.

You may be the next Musk, Bezos or Branson whose business idea grows so wildly you can someday take a joyride to an altitude without gravity.

Or, consider using your energy and talents to help one of the existing local businesses or organizations to achieve their full potential. Many of the grassroots organizations in Murfreesboro could really use some quality team members.

Peace, BRACKEN MAYO Publisher/Editor in Chief

EVENTS CALENDAR  AUGUST 2021  BY ANDREA STOCKARD AUG. 5

AUG. 10

CANNONSBURGH VILLAGE SCAVENGER HUNT

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS End your day with Business After Hours, an informal, social networking event designed to connect participants with business professionals across Rutherford County. Bring plenty of business cards to Murfreesboro Municipal Airport (1930 Memorial Blvd.) Tuesday, Aug. 10, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for chamber members and $20 for future members. No registration is required. For more information on chamber events, visit web.rutherfordchamber.org/events.

Explore the Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) by completing a scavenger hunt on Thursday, Aug. 5, from 1–2 p.m. Visit each of the buildings around the village in search of answers to the questions. Grab a friend and find all the hidden gems in the collection. All ages are welcome. The cost is $3. For reservations, contact 615-8012606 or mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov.

AUG. 7 ADULT KAYAK FLOAT ON THE DUCK RIVER Enjoy a summer float on a section of the Duck River on Saturday, Aug. 7, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Kayaks, paddles and life vest are provided. Ages 15 and up are welcome. The cost is $16 per person. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks. com. Transportation is not provided. Due to water conditions, the location is determined the week of the float. For more information, contact 615-217-2017 or clipscomb@murfreesborotn.gov.

AUG. 7 BACK TO SCHOOL BASH AT SATURDAY MARKET The Main Street Saturday Market will present a “Back to School Bash” during the Aug. 7 market. Enjoy family-friendly activities free of charge on the grassy lot beside Shacklett’s Photography. Read to Succeed gives away books, Wild Goose Chase conducts a downtown scavenger hunt and Everybody Drum Some sets up for participation with drumming from 9:30–10:30 a.m. Shacklett’s Photography sets up a “back in time: back to school” storyboard and interactive vintage games for kids. If you are interested in getting your business name out to the community, donate prizes for children who complete the scavenger hunt. For more information, contact 615-895-1887 or sarah@downtownmurfreesboro.com, or visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org.

AUG. 7 BARNABAS VISION CELEBRATION Help Barnabas Vision celebrate its 10th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 7, at The 6 * AUGUST 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

AUG. 11 LIVING SENT MINISTRIES MEETING

AUG. 6 FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE Main Street Murfreesboro will continue its free Friday Night Live concert series on Friday, Aug. 6, on the Murfreesboro Public Square. From 6:30–9:30 p.m.

Higher Ground will perform. The free concerts have become a monthly community party downtown, and the 2021 show series will continue the first Friday of September. Bring your lawn chairs and join the fun. For more information, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org.

Grove at Williamson Family Farm (3250 Wilkinson Pk.) in hopes of reaching the 2021 fundraising goal of $370,000. The event will include food from The Alley, live music, a silent auction, ice cream and more. Those wanting to support Barnabas Vision can drop in anytime between 5–8 p.m. Pledges are also welcome. The Barnabas Vision is a Christ-focused organization committed to bringing hope to a lost and broken world. For more information, find Barnabas Vision on Facebook.

AUG. 9 LINEBAUGH HOSTS AUTHOR C.J. HAMOEL Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) welcomes local author C.J. Hamoel for a book signing on Monday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Hamoel will be selling and signing copies of his book Hamoel Photography: An Introduction, published in Aug. 2020. The book, full of beautiful images, is an introduction to the photo-

graphic journey of C.J. Hamoel. Many of the award-winning photos have previously been released only on competition websites. Get drawn into the beauty of Middle Tennessee. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

AUG. 10 HOMESCHOOL DAY IN THE ONE-ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) kelps kick off local homeschoolers’ “back to school” with a trip back to a one-room schoolhouse on Tuesday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Learn the rules of the classroom and the subjects taught. Two time slots are available, as seating is limited.

This is the first of several homeschool days planned for the 2021–22 school year. All ages are welcome. The cost is $5. Reservations are required; reservations can be made by contacting 615-8012606 or mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov.

Join the August 2021 Living Sent Ministries Murfreesboro meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 11, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at The Experience (521 Old Salem Rd.). Gene Garcia was addicted to drugs for many years. God miraculously changed his life, and today he helps others overcome their addictions. Murfreesboro businessman Jim Furbush also shares his God story and talks about “The Choice.” Enjoy a complimentary lunch provided by Budget Blinds of Murfreesboro. RSVP and get more information on the group by emailing bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com.

AUG. 12 FLOWERPOT PAINTING AND TOUR OF HERB GARDEN Decorate a flowerpot to take home and fill with flowers or herbs at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) on Thursday, Aug. 12, from 10–11 a.m. After painting, the class enjoys a guided tour of the herb garden and discusses favorite recipes that use fresh herbs. Ages 12 and up are welcome. The cost is $5. For reservations, contact mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-801-2606.

AUG. 14 CREEK STOMPIN’ Meet at Overall Creek Trailhead at Old Fort Park (410 Overall St., near Kids Castle) Saturday, Aug. 14, from 10–11 a.m. for fun in the sun. Enjoy a great grassy area and set up blankets for hangouts or CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 snacks. Get in the creek with nets and see what kind of critters can be caught and released. Find snails, crawfish and minnows. Water shoes are required. The event is dependent on weather and the water level. Please call the day prior to check program status. Admission is free.

For more information, contact 615-2173017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

off their menu and Integridation Concrete will sponsor soft drinks, beer and wine.

Door prizes will be awarded and those who register for the event in advance at bbbintegrityfoundation.org/register will be eligible for an exclusive prize drawing.

AUG. 19 THE CONNECTION Notes Lounge will host the August 2021 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation event, where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. Notes Lounge is located at 2349 S. Church St.

AUG. 14 ADULT KAYAK FLOAT TO FANCHER FALLS Enjoy a summer float on Saturday, Aug. 14, from 4:30–7 p.m. at Center Hill Lake.

Kayaks, paddles and life vests are provided. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com; transportation is not provided. Ages 15 and up are welcome.

Admission is $16 per person. For more information, contact 615-217-2017 or clipscomb@murfreesborotn.gov.

AUG. 14 DISCOVER INDIA DAY Join the Discovery Center (502 S.E. Broad St.) on Saturday, Aug. 14, for the ninth annual Discover India Day from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Families can “travel” to India and take pictures in front of the Taj Mahal, go on a Gandhi walk and make Raksha Bandhan friendship bracelets. Admission is free and open to the public; capacity is limited. For more information, call 615-8902300 or visit explorethedc.org/india-day.

AUG. 16 NEW LIONS CLUB IN MURFREESBORO Since Lions Club International no longer includes Lioness Clubs or provides them with insurance, the Murfreesboro Lioness Club that was chartered 44 years ago is converting into the new Murfreesboro Lioness Lions Club (all women) and is chartered by the same Murfreesboro Night Lions Club that chartered them in 1977.

The motto is “We Serve.” They continue to meet the third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. (Aug. 16 this month) at the Lions Clubhouse in Cannonsburgh (312 S. Front St.). Their fundraising continues to be their Annual Apples for Sight in October.

Proceeds benefit a MTSU scholarship to help a blind or sight-impaired student, for rehab for a sightless person, a leader dog, eye screening of children and corrective surgeries for the indigent in the area. To order apples (to be delivered in October), call 615-427-8388. For more information, call 615-896-107 or 615-893-6030. New members are invited; Lions International has waived the membership fee to join.

AUG. 12–21

AUG. 19

WILSON COUNTY FAIR

A LOOK AT INSECTS

Tickets are on sale now for the 2021 Wilson County Fair-Tennessee State Fair Aug. 12–21 at the James E. Ward Ag Center (945 E. Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon).

Get ready for 10 days of great family fun and entertainment with the theme of honoring hometown heroes and celebrating the “year of beef” as the agriculture commodity. Tickets are on sale online and at the Ag Center office. Many special deals are offered. Regular admission during the fair is $12 for adults, $6 for children 6–12 years of age and free for children 5 and under. Season tickets are $45 and good for admission on all 10 days of the fair. Have fun at the Euro Slide, a 65-foot-tall slide with seven lanes of fun. Learn how to be “powered by beef” from Lance Pekus, the Cowboy Ninja Warrior. The fair features many big-time competitions with hefty prizes, like the new Ninja Warrior Course (register at befitaf.com/beef), the Taste of Tennessee Big Beef Showdown and the Tennessee Apple Pie contest, as well as lots of concerts and shows. There will be competitions, exhibits, entertainers, thrilling rides, livestock and exotic animals at this year’s fair. For more information, visit wilsoncountyfair.net.

Visit the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) for a monthly homeschool program to learn all about insects. Talk about insect characteristics and body parts, meet the Wilderness Station’s insect ambassador animals, and go outside for a hike and some insect catch-and-release. Drop off the kids (or, parents can stay) Thursday, Aug. 19, from 10–11:30 a.m. Ages 5–8 are welcome.

The cost is $3. Register at 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

AUG. 17

AUG. 17

GOOD SCOUT EVENT

LEMONADE STROLL THROUGH THE VILLAGE

The Middle Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America presents the 2021 Good Scout Event at The View at Fountains (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.) on Tuesday, Aug. 17, beginning at 11:30 a.m. with the program following at noon. The council honors the 2021 Good Scout Award recipient, John Floyd, a community leader and founder and owner of Ole South Properties. Floyd has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career leading Ole South to become the largest home builder in Tennessee. Floyd says he feels a responsibility to give back to his community, especially helping children in need. Sean Henry, president and CEO of the Nashville Predators, speaks at the event, sharing from his experiences throughout his NHL career. Attendees also hear from Taylor Bell, one of Rutherford County’s first female Eagle Scouts, who shares her thoughts on Scouting. For more information, contact 931581-3894 or phillip.heikkinen@scouting.org.

 Send community event information to CONTACT@BOROPULSE.COM

Enjoy lemonade while strolling through the Cannonsburgh Village lawn and enjoying the buildings, tractors and grounds on Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Bring a lunch to enjoy on the picnic tables under the shade trees. Admission is free. For more information, call 615-890-0355.

AUG. 17 OPEN MIC NETWORKING The Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky will present on open mic networking event on Tuesday, Aug. 17, beginning at 4 p.m. at Lanes, Trains and Automobiles (450 Butler Dr.). This event is open to all businesses. Business participants will get an open mic to talk about their business for 60 seconds, so practice your elevator speech and make an impact. Lanes, Trains and Automobiles will provide a select buffet

AUG. 20–29 THE RANSOM OF RED CHIEF Bravo Boro present The Ransom of Red Chief at Mills-Pate Arts Center (7120 Old Nashville Hwy.) Aug. 20–29. Stephen Thompson directs this production based on O. Henry’s humorous classic about Bill and Sam, who make the mistake of kidnapping a brat known as “Red Chief.” While Sam sets about collecting the ransom, Bill tries to entertain Red Chief. Never before have two hapless criminals been so bitterly taken advantage of. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Fridays, Aug. 20 and 27, and Saturdays, Aug. 21 and 28, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays, Aug. 22 and 29. For tickets and more information, visit bravoboro.com.

AUG. 21 MIDDLE OF SOMEWHERE HEMP FEST Enjoy the great outdoors with plenty of space to spread out while enjoying food from local food trucks, craft beer from rural Tennessee breweries, items and information from local hemp producers and local artisans at Bert Driver’s Nursery CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 BOROPULSE.COM

* AUGUST 2021 * 7

adult athletes to stay in shape, socialize and play. The league offers full-court games with trained officials one day a week. Games begin at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Teams interested in participating in the league should call 615-907-2251. A list of interested individuals is kept, and efforts are made to help individuals find a team. The fee is $4 per player per visit or premium pass. For more information, contact mmccafferty@murfreesborotn.gov.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

(175 Hurricane Ridge Rd., Smithville) on Saturday, Aug. 21. Feel free to bring your own chair (no outside food or beverages are permitted). This is a kid- and petfriendly event. Kids 10 and under are free with a paid adult. Gates open at 4 p.m. with live music at 6 p.m. The Weeks, a raucous Mississippi rock combo, kicks off at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of (can be purchased at Eventbrite). For more information, visit bertdriver.com.

WEDNESDAYS WILD THINGS

AUG. 21 FAMILY KAYAK FLOAT Enjoy a summer family kayaking trip with sun and blue spaces to lift your spirits Saturday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Kayaks, paddles and life vest are provided. Ages 8 and up are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult).

The cost is $16 per person. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com.

Transportation is not provided. Due to water conditions, the location is determined the week of the event. For more information, contact clipscomb@murfreesborotn. gov or 615-217-2017.

AUG. 22 MYP CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT Warm up your throwing arm Sunday, Aug. 22, and join Murfreesboro Young Professionals at MTSU’s Floyd Stadium (1500 Greenland Dr.) from 5–8 p.m. for the fifth Annual Cornhole Tournament, sponsored

by Colten Mortgage and in partnership with MT Athletics. All proceeds from this annual event benefit the MYP Charitable Contributions Fund, serving local nonprofits like Possibility Place, Center for the Arts and Main Street Murfreesboro. Have fun, network and give back all while competing for a great prize and bragging rights. Attendees must be over 21, and all tickets include drinks and food. Tickets are $250 for a two-player team with lane sponsorship, $75 for a twoplayer team and $25 for spectators. Team registration deadline is Aug. 15. Networking begins at 5 p.m. with the tournament at 5:30 p.m. Find the event on Facebook and register at murfreesboroyp.org/cornhole.

AUG. 24 GROUP KNIT & CROCHET Grab your knitting and crochet gear and join Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) for a time of visiting and sharing current projects. Start a new piece of work or pick up and complete unfinished projects on Tuesday, Aug. 24, from 10–11 a.m. Admission is free. For reservations, 8 * AUGUST 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

AUG. 26 SPECIAL KIDS BANQUET Save your seat for the 2021 Special Kids Banquet, featuring Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton, on Thursday, Aug. 26, at 6:30 p.m. As a humanitarian, cancer survivor and renowned member of the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, Scott has inspired the world around him both on and off the ice. This year’s banquet is offered as both an in-person and virtual event hosted by Belle Aire Baptist Church (1307 N. Rutherford Blvd.). Each in-person ticket includes a seat for dinner and the banquet program along with a “meet and greet” opportunity with Scott Hamilton. Each virtual ticket includes access to the live stream and a meal from Chickfil-A of Murfreesboro that can be picked up before the program begins (4–6 p.m.) at the venue via a drive-through. A virtual table includes eight individual virtual tickets to share with whomever you’d like. A link is sent the week of the banquet.

The silent auction features some amazing items graciously donated by community partners. Bidding ends the evening of the banquet. For more information, visit specialkidstn.com/2021banquet. contact mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-801-2606.

AUG. 29 FREE CLOGGING LESSONS Cripple Creek Cloggers starts teaching sessions at the Smyrna Senior Center (100 Raikes St., Smyrna) on Sunday, Aug. 29, at 4:30 p.m. All are welcome.

No dance experience is necessary, and all lessons are free. For 54 years, Cripple Creek Cloggers has promoted the preservation and teaching of traditional, Appalachian-style square dancing with a clogging step. The mission also includes the performing of another Tennessee folk tradition, the old-time music of the guitar, banjo, fiddle, bass and mandolin. In 1982 the group began its own international folkloric festival, International Folkfest, taking place in Rutherford County during June 2022. For more information, contact 615-896-3559 or appdancer@aol.com.

TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS RUTHERFORD COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET

The Rutherford County Farmers’ Market is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m.– noon until Oct. 29 at the Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). The RCFM is the only 100 percent producer-only market in the county. Patrons can find produce that’s in season—freshly harvested vegetables, fruit and mushrooms alongside baked goods like breads, cookies, muffins, pies and cakes, candy, fudge, mixes and dips along with jams, jellies, fruit butters and honey. Take home flavorful beef, pork, chicken and eggs. Shoppers can purchase from local nurseries and plant dealers to grow herbs, produce, flowers, shrubs and trees or enjoy a beautiful bouquet to brighten your day. New this year are “Come & Go” informative sessions from 9–11 a.m.

Find the full schedule and more information at rutherford.tennessee.edu/farmers-market or by calling 615-898-7710.

WEDNESDAYS SPORTS*COM ADULT BASKETBALL LEAGUE The Sports*Com Adult Basketball League (2310 Memorial Blvd.) is a great way for

Learn about the wilderness at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Wednesdays from 9:30–10:15 a.m. and 10:45–11:30 a.m.

Sing songs, read a story, complete a craft and conclude with a short walk. Focus on a different nature theme each week.

Ages 1–4 are welcome. The cost is $3.

Registration is required the day prior to the program by contacting 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

THURSDAYS GUARDIANS OF THE GREENWAY On Thursdays in August at 9 a.m., help keep the Greenway clean for the plants, animals and people that love it. Pickers, gloves and trash bags are provided. All ages are welcome to volunteer. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

Locations: Aug. 5 – Overall Creek Aug. 12 – Thompson Lane Aug. 19 – Manson Pike Aug. 26 – Fortress Rosecrans

FRIDAYS AUGUST NATURE PLAY Free play in nature has many proven benefits for children such as improved motor skills, increased confidence and better self-awareness and risk management.

Dress your kid in outdoor clothes and meet in front of the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Fridays in Aug., from 10–11 a.m. The ever-popular Nature Play program includes mud painting, shaving cream insanity, kiddie pool, water beads, paint stamping and chalk. The event is free.

For more information, contact 615-2173017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

SATURDAYS SATURDAY MARKET The 2021 Main Street Saturday Farmers Market takes place every Saturday until Oct. 30 from 8 a.m.–noon at the Murfreesboro Public Square. Shop from more than 50

 Send community event information to CONTACT@BOROPULSE.COM

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SATURDAYS SMYRNA DEPOT FARMERS MARKET Carpe Artista, a local arts education nonprofit, hosts the Smyrna Depot Farmers Market in partnership with the Town of Smyrna. The 2021 season runs until Sept.

18 from 8 a.m.–noon each Saturday at the Historic Smyrna Front Street Depot District (98 Front St.). During cooking demonstrations, learn about kitchen skills and dishes throughout the season. The market manager, Nikki, sets up shop on the south end of the depot and cooks a meal with items gathered from the vendors present.

The End of Season Celebration is the last market day, and the organization thanks the vendors and the community by providing grilled burgers, hot dogs and live music for donations to Carpe Artista. For more information, call 615-984-4038 or visit carpeartista.com/farmers-market. food vendors offering fresh vegetables, fruits, homemade cakes and pies, beef, pork, chicken, farm-fresh eggs, honey, newly cut flowers, jams and jellies. Walk around to visit unique shops and restaurants on the Square.

No pets are allowed at the market. Enjoy special musical guests each week. For more information, call 615-895-1887 or visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org, or find Murfreesboro Saturday Market on Facebook.

SATURDAYS ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS What is that crawling, slithering, sliding, flying and hopping across the trail? Each week at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.), look at one of the resident educational animals for a mini-lesson. Meet the best teachers there—the animals! All ages are welcome on Saturdays in August from 1:30–2 p.m.

The event is free. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesborotn.gov.

THROUGHOUT AUGUST FALL RACQUETBALL LEAGUE REGISTRATION Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation offers competitive and recreational racquetball for experienced players at Patterson Park

Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.).

The league is separated into A, B and C divisions. Ages 18 and up are welcome.

Registration is Aug. 1–31 with matches beginning the week of Sept. 9; games are Thursday nights. Players are responsible for scheduling their own games throughout each week of the season after the master schedule is posted. The fee is $15 for a league entry fee and premium Patterson Park admission. For more information, contact 615-907-2251 or mmccafferty@ murfreesborotn.gov.

Wishing All Students A Successful School Year!

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THROUGHOUT AUGUST MURFREESBORO ADULT BASKETBALL LEAGUE Murfreesboro Adult Basketball League is a great way for athletes to stay in shape and continue to play the game. This league offers full-court games for ages 18 and up with qualified officials and scorekeepers weekly. The league is divided into two divisions: an A (competitive) division and a B (recreational) division. Games are at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. at McFadden Community Center (211 Bridge Ave.). The fee is $4 per visit per person or premium park pass. Individuals wishing to enter the league should contact 615-907-2251 or mmccafferty@murfreesborotn.gov.

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JARED WEEKS REUNITES WITH SAVING ABEL AT RIDENOUR AUG. 6 MULTI-PLATINUM BAND SAVING ABEL announced in July that original vocalist Jared Weeks had returned to the hard-edged Southern rock quintet. The band’s premiere performance since reuniting with Weeks, its first show together since 2013, will be held at Murfreesboro’s Ridenour Rehearsal Studios on Friday, Aug. 6. Billed as part of Ridenour’s “Intimate Night in the Alley” series, promoters call it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A 6:45 p.m. meet-and-greet will precede the live show at 8:15 p.m.

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AUGUST CONCERTS WED, 8/4

TUES, 8/10

HANK’S HONKY TONK Krystal King

HANK’S HONKY TONK Sir Anthony

THURS, 8/5

WED, 8/11

HANK’S HONKY TONK Becki McLeod HOP SPRINGS Broadway in the Boro with Brett Westgrove Band

HANK’S HONKY TONK Robyn Taylor

FRI, 8/6 CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West HANK’S HONKY TONK Delyn Christian; Lefty Ferguson HOP SPRINGS Gwen Levy Trio MAYDAY BREWERY Tom Davison MURFREESBORO PUBLIC SQUARE Higher Ground PUCKETT’S GROCERY Radio Farm RIDENOUR REHEARSAL STUDIOS Saving Abel SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Legacy; The Cooter River Band

SAT, 8/7 BERT DRIVER’S BURLAP ROOM The Smoky Nights (Fleetwood Mac Tribute) HANK’S HONKY TONK Slice of American Pie; Zach Neil HOP SPRINGS 103.3 Country Pickin Party with Lily Rose and Caitlyn Smith MAYDAY BREWERY The Brad Frazier Band PUCKETT’S GROCERY Matt Nicholls Trio

SUN, 8/8 HANK’S HONKY TONK The O’Donnells HOP SPRINGS Americana Sunday with Justin Walden

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THURS, 8/12 HANK’S HONKY TONK Tawnya Reynolds HOP SPRINGS Broadway in the Boro with Randy Ross & the Rip Roarin Band; Brandon Brinley PUCKETT’S GROCERY The Jolly String Quartet THE BORO BAR & GRILL Borostock with Shane Davis; Ian West; RockAFeller

FRI, 8/13 CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West HANK’S HONKY TONK Bailey Rose; Jack Finley Band HOTSHOTZ Wil Van Winkle & the Sixpins MAYDAY BREWERY The Dangerous Method PUCKETT’S GROCERY Herrick SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Ultimate McGraw Tribute Show THE BORO BAR & GRILL Borostock with Los Swamp Monsters; Cow Punx; Steady Rotation; The Dangerous Method

SAT, 8/14 HANK’S HONKY TONK Cherry Avenue; Phil Valdez PUCKETT’S GROCERY Smith & Gone SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Sound Dawgs THE BORO BAR & GRILL

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Borostock with Sedona; Aye Mammoth; The Craig Murphy Experience; 7Descent

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SUN, 8/15 HANK’S HONKY TONK Emily Miller HOP SPRINGS Americana Sunday with C.B. Blue THE BORO BAR & GRILL Borostock with Logan Wheat; Narwhal; Empire Dragness; Mad Cabbage; Oakhaven

MON, 8/16 THE BORO BAR & GRILL Clayton Kaiser

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AUG. 12–15 @ THE BORO BAR & GRILL The Boro Bar & Grill will hold Borostock, its four-day, free-admission annual festival featuring local rock bands, Aug. 12–15. Catch a variety of energetic area groups throughout Borostock, including Los Swamp Monsters—performing its own brand of swampcore, a big gumbo where blues, Tex-Mex, south Louisiana music, punk and country come together on a rock ’n’ roll chassis, as the band puts it—performing on Friday the 13th. The Boro is located at 1211 Greenland Dr.

HANK’S HONKY TONK Will King

MAYDAY BREWERY Apache Jericho; Electric Frazier Band; The Tim Turner Band

WED, 8/18

SUN, 8/22

HANK’S HONKY TONK Jesse Morgan

THURS, 8/19 HANK’S HONKY TONK Spencer Maige HOP SPRINGS Broadway in the Boro

FRI, 8/20 CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West HANK’S HONKY TONK Sara Simmons; Jeff Caron Band MAYDAY BREWERY Delyn Christian SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Derailed; StaticPop

SAT, 8/21 BERT DRIVER’S BURLAP ROOM The Weeks HANK’S HONKY TONK The Hammonds; Cooter River Band HOP SPRINGS World Turning Band (Fleetwood Mac tribute)

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HANK’S HONKY TONK Karree J. Phillips HOP SPRINGS Americana Sunday with Stellar Daze

TUES, 8/24 HANK’S HONKY TONK Delyn Christian

WED, 8/25 HANK’S HONKY TONK Phil Valdez

THURS, 8/26 HANK’S HONKY TONK Joe Hooper PUCKETT’S GROCERY The Jolly String Quartet

FRI, 8/27 CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West HANK’S HONKY TONK Blake Esse; Justin Dukes HOP SPRINGS Stuart Montez HOTSHOTZ The Stoopid Kool & The Kiss My Brass Horns

MAIN STREET MUSIC Rubiks Groove MAYDAY BREWERY Sam Gyllenhaal Band PUCKETT’S GROCERY Karianne Jean THE BORO BAR & GRILL RockAFeller

SAT, 8/28 HANK’S HONKY TONK Hunter Girl; Whiskey Smoke MAIN STREET MUSIC Tim James & Friends SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Shane & the Money Makers THE BORO BAR & GRILL Thunderfrog; Hurts to Laugh

SUN, 8/29 HANK’S HONKY TONK Cecil Shields THE BORO BAR & GRILL Greg Hoy

TUES, 8/31 HANK’S HONKY TONK Nich Wright

HOP SPRINGS 6670 John Bragg Hwy. 615-450-1907 HOTSHOTZ 1208 S. Lowry St., Smyrna 629-255-8296 MAIN STREET MUSIC 527 W. Main St. 615-440-2425 MAYDAY BREWERY 521 Old Salem Rd. 615-479-9722 NACHO’S 2962 S. Rutherford Blvd.

615-907-2700 NOTES LOUNGE 2349 S. Church St. 615-528-3303 PUCKETT’S GROCERY 114 N. Church St. 629-201-6916 RIDENOUR STUDIOS 1203 Park Ave. 615-956-7413 SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO 2227 Old Fort Pkwy.

615-895-5471 THE BORO BAR & GRILL 1211 Greenland Dr. 615-895-4800 THE BOULEVARD 2154 Middle Tennessee Blvd.

615-624-8002 THE WHEEL 534 SE Broad St. 615-295-2862 VAN’S BAR & GRILL 2404 Halls Hill Pk. 615-624-7767 WALNUT HOUSE 116 N. Walnut St. 615-705-7897

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* AUGUST 2021 * 11

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Coleman Williams Carries on Musical Legacy

IV & The Strange Band Perform at Muddy Roots Festival in September

S

BY BRYCE HARMON

eemingly, with the oversight of a guardian angel, Murfreesboroarea musician Coleman Williams, accompanied by locally-sourced backing group The Strange Band (or at scaled-down appearances, The Strange Banjo), introduce themselves to the world this 2021 as IV & The Strange Band.

They are currently navigating a rapidly evolving debut-album concept and social experiment that IV & The Strange Band concocted last November at area producer/ Strange Band bassist Jason Dietz’s Twin Oak Recordings.

Their concoction will ultimately come to fruition as a live, in-person performance at this year’s Muddy Roots Music Festival

12 * AUGUST 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

outside of Cookeville, Tennessee planned for Sept. 3–5.

The forthcoming IV & The Strange Band album, under an undetermined working title kept sadistically pocketed (jokingly, Coleman Sings Folk Songs, as of May) has the potential to combine the re-introduction of the East Nashville rock scene circa 2010 with the influence of a long-percolating, dirty, Middle Tennessee-outskirts sect of Nashville country, slightly metal-ized and slyly popularized over the life of the Muddy Roots Music Festival. Take that combination and throw in traditional Nashville country, whose popularity and practice are to this day rightfully attributed to the life and songs of the iconic Hank Williams Sr.;

then, with IV & The Strange Band potatomashing that mixture at Twin Oak Recordings, you have a Coleman Williams’ debut album that has been cooking right here in Murfreesboro.

Pertaining to the bloodline of Coleman (born Coleman Finchum, but now performing under the Williams name), in order for the Williams family legacy to fall upon our local boy Coleman, current country-metalpsychobilly-punk poster-child, Shelton Hank Williams (a.k.a. Hank 3 / Hank Williams III), would have to have had a son about 30 years ago in Middle Tennessee.

In 1996, Hank 3 signed his first record deal with Curb Records out of Nashville right after he discovered he had a 5-yearold son. So, Hank 3, opting into the family business, supported his son while figuring out his own Jekyll-and-Hyde musical legacy.

Back in 1952 Hank Williams Sr. was found deceased in the back seat of a Cadillac traveling to a big New Year’s show. Hiram “Hank” Williams was in the thick of being one of the first Nashville country music superstars. He was 29 years old, and also one of the first country superstars who represented the philosophy “Die young and leave a good looking corpse.” Coleman, his great-grandson, was also 29 years old in late 2020 when he began seriously considering the formation of IV & The Strange Band, the vehicle that will carry IV, musically, from age 29 on.

While a young Coleman was making this monstrous life decision to opt into his family legacy, he fell into acting as a double agent.

By introducing a postmodern, Colemanspecific lyric style to his great-grandfather’s country legacy, IV & The Strange Band is bridging the dichotomy between the fandoms of two sub-genres (the concept of the upcoming album): the globally popular Nashville country music and Coleman’s sub-sect of a hybrid niche genre. That is the social experiment, conceptualizing a genre shift and movement to blend 100 years of traditional Nashville C&W with its estranged country-punk son from down the interstate, just to see how that works out.

The entire plan to debut IV & The Strange Band to the world as that determinedly

raucous Muddy Roots brand of Coleman’s personality was paired with the group’s appearance on W.B. Walker’s Old Soul Radio Show, broadcast out of Huntington, West Virginia, club The Loud on July 30.

W.B. is more in the vein of Hank 3’s preservationist nature and the Hank Sr. crowd.

W.B. Walker’s Old Soul Radio Show can be found at wbwalker.com. It’s worth getting into. He’s the guy that has the drop on current Nashville country.

So, Coleman’s got this. IV will sign merchandise that he personally ships out, when he’s not too busy. That’s what he likes to do, Dietz says. When you think about it, his double agency is kind of obligatory in Coleman’s Tennessean lot.

The concept of IV & The Strange Band’s debut record is to “make music that would be accepted as a Friday show at The Muse or a Tuesday night at the Ryman,” as the artist puts it, and to bridge the musical genres bound by Coleman’s four-generation legacy, actually presenting the same song in two styles, like A- and B-sides of a 7-inch vinyl, for example, containing a more traditional country version on one side and a modern, Muddy version of the same composition on the other. IV & The Strange Band—a project that also includes Dietz’s Hardin Draw mates, guitarist David Talley and fiddler Laura Beth Jewell—will give listeners the power to globalize a heavy Tennessee sentiment with the release of such a record. All we have to do is put the needle down.

IV & The Strange Band reported some progress in April of this year with the Bandcamp drop of the single “Son of Sin,” in which IV offers some thoughts on how he’s coping with Williams family lineage. There are videos for both stylings—Coleman’s vulnerable, Hank Sr.-influenced approach, and The Strange Band version. Hearing both versions should motivate plenty of music fans to look up ticket prices so they can experience this in person. Find other videos on IV & The Strange Band’s YouTube channel, where Coleman croons acoustic Replacements songs next to a campfire, or hear a couple of completed versions of album tracks “Inbred” and “Southern Despair.”

Find more information at facebook.com/ ivsonofiii and instagram.com/ivsonofiii.

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HOP SPRINGS HOSTS AUG. 29 INSPIRITUS CONCERT TO SUPPORT MIDDLE TENNESSEE HOMEOWNERS AFFECTED BY SEVERE WEATHER Records as its first artist.

They have wasted no time in becoming fast-rising fixtures on the CMT 12-Pack Countdown and even joined in the fun at the recent RomaDrama movie special fan event in Franklin.

CJ Solar, Mark McKay and Liam Coleman are CRAIG CAMPBELL set to perform at the benefit as well, and coCOUNTRY ARTIST median Reno Collier will CRAIG CAMPBELL serve as the guest host croons those words in and MC. his song “Family Man.” “It’s crazy,” says pubAnd it’s no secret that, all licist B. Craig Campbell across Middle Tennes(not the artist performing see, many families still at the show), “but there struggle daily—a fact are still a lot of people which also isn’t lost on with tarps on their roofs the nonprofit Inspiriand other unresolved tus. In fact, Inspiritus damage from 16 months Disaster Relief makes ago. Covid has been a big it its mission to turn part of that, both with the “surviving to thriving” PRESLEY & TAYLOR ability to assess and fix and they’re continuing damage and also the prices of building materito demonstrate that through a concert this als that skyrocketed last year.” month at Murfreesboro’s Hop Springs Beer Inspiritus provides long-term recovery Park and Brewery. assistance for families and individuals who “Many households in Middle Tennessee have unmet needs following a natural disashave had a hard year, working to recover from the tornado or the floods, while navigat- ter. The nonprofit’s work includes assessing ing COVID-19 health and economic disasters, each family’s or individual’s comprehensive needs after a storm, and ensuring those too. Inspiritus staff and volunteers are comneeds are met by providing free services such mitted to providing home repair assistance as debris removal, home repair or home reto ensure these families are able to go from build construction management when home surviving to thriving again,” said Virginia owners are unable to financially recover on Spencer of Inspiritus. “This event will protheir own. Donations for disaster relief will vide hope to many families who are still be accepted at the event. recovering from the tornado and the floods.”

Campbell (whose other hits include “Fish,” “Outskirts of Heaven,” “Keep Them Kisses Adult tickets start at $20 with add-on Comin’” and “Outta My Head”) will headline options and commemorative items availthe Sunday, Aug. 29 event, joined by rising able via Eventbrite. The Aug. 29 benefit, country artists/sister duo Presley & Taylor. an all-ages show, runs from 2–7:30 Presley & Taylor have sung alongside Trick p.m., with a $5 donation for parking.

Pony’s Keith Burns on the twists and turns in Hop Springs Beer Park and Brewery is “Everybody Loves a Comeback” and recently located at 6790 John Bragg Hwy. signed a record deal with White Mustang — MELISSA COKER They’re the world my world revolves around My sacred piece of solid ground The flesh and bone that gives me strength to stand They’re the fire in my drivin’ on The drive behind my comin’ home The livin’, breathin’, reason that I am A family man

14 * AUGUST 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

MUSIC NOTES THE WEEKS TO ROCK OUT AT AUG. 21 MIDDLE OF SOMEWHERE HEMP FEST THE 2021 MIDDLE OF SOMEWHERE HEMP FEST at Bert Driver’s Burlap Room and Nursery, a celebration spotlighting the Tennessee hemp industry, will feature special musical guest The Weeks, bringing its swaggering, sludgy and slightly Southern indie-rock.

The very productive rock group got its start in 2006 while all four members—twin brothers Cyle and Cain Barnes along with Samuel Williams and Damien Bone—were still in high school.

The boys’ Southern hearts are still pumping blood.

The Weeks’ latest project, Inside the Covers, pays tribute to a variety of artists who have inspired The Weeks.

Here the band moves from “Do You Believe in Magic” and “Gimme Three Steps” to The Hold Steady’s “Your Little Hoodrat Friend,” Billie Eilish’s “bad guy” and Saul Williams’ “List of Demands (Reparations).”

These guys enjoy playing energetic, bluesy, raucous rock ’n’ roll, it seems.

We’d like to play one more, they sing on the 2017 release, Easy.

The Middle of Somewhere Hemp Fest will be Saturday, Aug. 21. Bert Driver’s Burlap Room and Nursery is located at 175 Hurricane Ridge Rd., Smithville. For more information, visit bertdriver.com.

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ALBUMS

BY BRYCE HARMON

LAVA GULLS

PIGLETT

Nashville-area indie-tronica producer-singer-songwriter Jonathan Bailey, a.k.a. Lava Gulls, released his third EP, Transience, on New Jersey’s Good Authority records earlier in 2021. Lava Gulls’ Transience stands as a six-track, ambient dance-techno release composed on the drum machine and busted piano of Bailey’s mind.

Transience gives a nod to the uptempo stylings of Four Tet and, more so, the vocal sentiments of Thom Yorke—when it comes to modern, popular ambient-techno—and the influence of experimental, avant-garde composer John Cage. Listeners will nod their heads in time while wondering “where’d this kid get his pipes?”

Lava Gulls’ plucking and bowing of the repurposed piano’s strings to create a drone and harp-like texture also serve as an apt metaphor for the deconstruction and re-contextualization of the artist’s spiritual experiences, according to Bailey. He also went to town on the drum machine with tight layering and mixing. The precision and accuracy of both allows multiple layers to sound like one, creating a fullness that must make Lava Gulls’ job in the studio more like directing a flock of migrating birds instead of merely several lost ones.

On “Work,” the EP’s outstanding pop-banger, Lava Gulls shines in all of Transience’s strong suits while depicting the feel of an ’80s movie soundtrack, dropping Lava Gulls’ fans (or “Gullettes”) into a mildly frantic, late-’80s downtown-shopping-girl movie sequence. This track is where the understanding head-nodding turns into a “repeat song” swipe.

“The music functions as a diary entry on religious baggage and relational decay,” according to information included in promotional materials. “More broadly, it’s dance music”—dance music birthed in sweaty basements and darkened clubs, recorded, produced and mixed in between bedrooms in Nashville and Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Find Lava Gulls’ Transience, along with previous Lava Gulls releases, at lavagulls.bandcamp.com.

Murfreesboro “local-fi” bedroom-rock artist Andrew Pinson has had a strong, productive 2021, rapidly scatter-releasing teasers, singles, an EP and a full-length album under the stage name Piglett.

The 32-minute Full Length Album stands as a nostalgic head-nod to the lo-fi, garage-rock days of the early Weezer, Pixies and Jayhawks albums, with shout-outs to Soundtrack of Our Lives (on tracks “LA, TN” and “Memory”), Built to Spill (“All of Her,” “White Lights”) and They Might Be Giants (“I Love Who You’ve Become [A Little Keyboard Song]”) tweaked into the release.

Piglett explores processing the emotional depth of teenage angst, similarly heard in other DIYproducers such as Fort Worth’s Day Glow. Pinson nails Full Length Album’s overall sentiment with the Cali-grunge “Built to Last” lyric I can’t process words that fast . . . thus, Andrew found women.

Vocally, over the Weezer/Pixies musicality and pertaining to production quality as well, Piglett seemingly leans towards a throwback to The Jayhawks’ dual vocals, be it intentional or not. If not, Piglett seemed to be layering on harmony vocals to his lead that wound up sounding like The Jayhawks’ dual vocal approach, post-production.

Piglett threw in some surprises in with “Home Bound,” wandering into The Go! Team’s enthusiastic Thunder, Lightning, Strike territory; “White Light” incorporates a cacophonous Sonic Youth vibe, and “LA, TN” dives into a missed home harboring a left love, which makes sense if Pinson has recently moved to Tennessee from California.

And that’s what Full Length Album is here for: processing high school love and life through the lens of Weezer and The Pixies. The kid’s in motion, I tell ya, and he processes words just fine.

“This is what happens when forced isolation meets unbridled want,” said Piglett representation (the artist’s father, Stephen Pinson).

Stream Piglett’s Full Length Album, and new single “Pork and Beans,” at piglett.bandcamp.com.

Transience

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Full Length Album

MOVIE

BY JAY SPIGHT

WEREWOLVES WITHIN DIRECTOR Josh Ruben STARRING Sam Richardson, Milana Vayntrub, Sarah Burns RATED R

In my last review I prematurely exclaimed that “the movies are back!” And while I wasn’t wrong per se, something that rhymes with “smelt a hairy ant” is also “back,” making me question the decision of many studios eagerly returning to the “only in theaters” model of film releases.

While Scarlett Johansson is suing Disney for releasing Black Widow simultaneously in theaters and on their streaming app, this reviewer is wishing more studios would do just that (without screwing over their stars, of course) so I could write about The Green Knight or Old without a stranger’s cough in the dark sending chills down my spine.

Which brings me to yet another “hidden gem” in the Amazon early access queue.

Werewolves Within is a horror comedy overflowing with familiar faces whose names will hopefully become commonplace sooner than later, but for now are best known as “What’re they from again?” That guy from Veep and I Think You Should Leave (Sam Richardson) plays forest ranger Finn Wheeler, freshly moved to the town of Beaverfield. He meets postal worker Cecily (Milana Vayntrub), that woman from the AT&T commercials and This Is Us, who is living at the mansion bed and breakfast where Finn is staying. There’s the hippie guy from that

comedian’s show on HBO, the woman that starred in that Hulu show, Guillermo from What We Do In the Shadows, and many, many more, each a thinly drawn caricature of a different “type” of American.

Every actor in Werewolves Within has done standout work before, but for the first half of the film, it feels like they were all given free rein to be as big and as loud as possible, often all at once. See, a snowstorm has blown in, and there appears to be a large beast on the prowl that killed the dog of Hulu show woman (Michaela Watkins, who is usually very good). With the backup generators down, everyone is holed up in the lovely B&B, where the body of the owner’s husband has just been found buried under the porch, so the histrionics are understandable. But the high tension of this werewolfinfused mansion murder mystery (a cozy genre if ever there was one) is often played for laughs that miss their mark.

It’s not until the second half of the film, when all of the paranoia and personal differences come to a head, that the movie grows into its tone (and its title), with the townsfolk of Beaverfield going gonzo cuckoo bananas on each other through sheer craven self-preservation. Meanwhile, the fun of guessing who the werewolf is, or if there even is one, keeps all the insanity from going off the rails. It’s a good time.

Strangely enough, Werewolves Within is an adaptation of a multiplayer VR videogame from 2016, and, according to Wikipedia, surpassed The Angry Birds Movie 2 as “the highest-praised film based on a video game” with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 86%. If that endorsement and this review can’t convince you to check it out, then I don’t know what will.

BOROPULSE.COM

* AUGUST 2021 * 17

Sounds

Read more about local music at

boropulse.com/category/music

Fair Days Are Here Again Opry artists, American Idol finalist, Frontmen of Country front and center at Wilson County Fair-Tennessee State Fair

BY MELISSA COKER THE NEWLY MERGED WILSON County Fair-Tennessee State Fair (Tennessee’s largest) will get the ball rolling in Lebanon on Aug 12 and will not bid a funnel-caked farewell until Aug 21.

That said, if you’d rather take only your ears for a thrill ride, fair enough. Strap in for exceedingly good music night after night, with several separate stages for a metaphorical musical merry-goround of sound.  The Frontmen of Country with Janelle Arthur appear on the Enter-

18 * AUGUST 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

tainment Stage on Monday, Aug. 16, at 7 p.m. The group features three singers known for their stints with three top country bands: Larry Stewart (currently of Restless Heart), Tim Rushlow (formerly of Little Texas) and Richie McDonald (formerly of Lonestar). You could certainly say they’ve seen the roller coaster ride that is the music biz.

Collectively, these three have sold over 30 million records and have had over 50 Top 40 hits among them. The Frontmen deliver a high-energy show packed with fan favorites, trading verses, choruses (and barbs) from their trio of award-winning and critically-acclaimed careers. Arthur is an American Idol top-five finalist who grew up in the Smoky Mountains. She’s blessed to have had a relatively un-rocky start, performing early on at Dollywood as a young Dolly Parton, and in 2018 starring in and writing the title track for the faith-based film Runnin’ From My Roots. She even got to record and release her co-written “Hand Me Downs” with Parton herself earlier in 2021 (with a portion of its sales benefiting Parton’s Imagination Library).

With so many stages of entertainment

during the 10 days of the fair, every night will be filled with an abundance of things to see and do. Hank’s Honky Tonk favorite Karree Phillips is among the approximately 30 performers to take to the Community Stage, while “Jukebox Junkie” Ken Mellons and young son Kash sing on Saturday, Aug. 14 (chances are good they’ll sing the one that brought them and earned Ken his “Junkie” nickname) as one of the artists scheduled for the distinguished Opry Stage.

The next night is dubbed “WSM Night”; in other words, it’s a bag of mystery. Wednesday, Aug. 18, spotlights Grammy Award winner and longtime Grand Ole Opry member  Jeannie Seely with (MTSU alum) Erin Enderlin. Friday, Aug. 20, catch Grand Ole Opry veteran and piano showman Tim Atwood and guests, including fiddler extraordinaire Megan Mullins (member of the band Side Piece and fresh off the road touring with the boys in the band Alabama). All shows on the Opry Stage start at 6:45 p.m. There’ll even be beefcake on hand (if you’re into that kind of thing) in the form of Lance Pekus, who is headed to the finals in Season 13 of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior. The Cowboy Ninja Warrior will be on site for meet-and-greets as well as showcasing the “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner Ninja Course” during the entire fair.

So come on out for a chance to listen to the bluegrass (plenty of which will be taking place on the historic Fiddler’s Grove Backporch Stage) and country music, watch the clogging and squaredancing competitions, tractor pulls, the demolition derby and everything in between. (Rumor is there’s even a sphelling bea).

Regular daily admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children, with children 5 and under admitted free.

A $45 season ticket is good for admission on all 10 days.

The Wilson County Fair-Tennessee State Fair is located at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center, 945 E. Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon. Gates open weekdays at 5 p.m., Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Sunday at noon. For more information, and a full schedule of entertainment, visit wilsoncountyfair.net.

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 Mondays

 Thursdays

AHARTS PIZZA GARDEN Trivia Night, 7 p.m.

FRONT ST PUB Line Dancing

HANK’S Open Mic Night 6–9 p.m.

JACK BROWN’S Trivia Night, 7 p.m.

LEVEL III Trivia, 7 p.m.

THE BORO Karaoke, 8 p.m.

THE WHEEL Pool Tournament 7 p.m.

 Tuesdays COCONUT BAY Trivia, 7:30 p.m.

FRONT STREET PUB Acoustic Jam NACHO’S Trivia, 7 p.m.

SEASONS Poker, 7 p.m.

Karaoke, 8 p.m.

 Wednesdays BURGER REPUBLIC Trivia, 7 p.m.

NOTES Karaoke, 5 p.m.

PARTY FOWL Trivia Night, 7 p.m.

SEASONS Poker, 7 p.m.

Karaoke, 8 p.m.

STARS & STRIKES Trivia, 6:30 p.m.

VAN’S BAR & GRILL Pool Tournament 6 p.m.

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CUISINE Trivia, 7 p.m.

 Fridays BOOMBOZZ PIZZA Trivia Night 8:30 p.m.

FRONT STREET PUB Karaoke GEORGIA’S SPORTS BAR Karaoke, 9 p.m.

MARGARITAS Karaoke, 7 p.m.

EL TORO Trivia, 7 p.m.

THE WHEEL Karaoke. 8 p.m.

GEORGIA’S SPORTS BAR Karaoke 8 p.m.–12 a.m.

VAN’S BAR & GRILL Karaoke. 7 p.m.

JONATHAN’S GRILLE Trivia, 7:30 p.m.

JUST LOVE EAST Trivia, 5 p.m.

SEASONS Trivia, 7 p.m.

THE BOULEVARD Trivia, 8 p.m.

THE WHEEL Trivia, 7 p.m.

VAN’S BAR & GRILL Bike Night, Karaoke, 6 p.m.

 Saturdays CARMEN MEXICAN RESTAURANT Karaoke, 9 p.m.

FRONT STREET PUB Karaoke MARGARITAS Karaoke, 7 p.m.

SEASONS Latin DJ Night 10 p.m.—3 a.m.

VAN’S BAR & GRILL Karaoke, 7 p.m.

Living

If You Go Murfree Spring Wetlands 460 SE Broad St. Barfield Crescent Park 697 Veterans Pkwy.

Oaklands Park 423 Roberts St. Richard Siegel Park 515 Cherry Ln. GREENWAY TRAILHEADS:

GET WILD View an Abundance of Native Animals Within the Murfreesboro City Limits STORY AND PHOTOS BY ASHLEIGH NEWNES

T

he people of Middle Tennessee are so lucky to have such an abundant array of wildlife. Tennessee is one of the most biodiverse states in the country.

From the most interesting of insects, such as the praying mantis or the lightning bug, to the regal great horned owl or the elusive bobcat, there is always something to see and something to learn about, even right here within the city. The town has a haven for wildlife and many convenient areas for viewing native flora and fauna species.

Murfree Spring Wetlands is a highly diverse wildlife habitat. The 25-acre city owned park is a hotspot for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. It is a very easy walk across the paved paths and boardwalk with effortless viewing of the ecosystem all around. At any time of day, visitors are sure to see some sort

20 * AUGUST 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

of wildlife, whether that be a group of turtles basking in the sun, a heron expertly catching his lunch or, my personal favorite, a boisterous family of otters. Yes—otters—right near the busy corner of Maney Avenue and Broad Street.

Although the wetland—a vital resource for educating our community about local wildlife and a cornerstone for connecting us back to nature—is extremely convenient to visit, being in the middle of the city has its drawbacks.

The Outdoor Murfreesboro Natural Resources team, with the help of volunteers, is constantly striving to find ways to keep the ecosystem the healthiest it can possibly be. This is no easy feat, with large amounts of trash pollution coming from multiple inlets from around the city. The team recently installed a new trashcatch system, created by Bruce Ross from Murfreesboro Water Resources Department,

to help stem the flow of debris. The Natural Resources team is also working on an ongoing restoration project to remove invasive and exotic plant species from the banks of the wetlands and replace them with an abundance of native plant species. This is important in the conservation of the native insects and wildlife here in Middle Tennessee. It is a long process, and the team asks the public to be patient as it will be worth it in the long run.

Barfield Crescent Park is another place to reconnect with nature. The hiking trails are simply beautiful—there is a paved path for a gentle hike down to the river, a rocky path for a little more difficult hiking and some advanced hiking trails for the serious ramblers. On a recent walk down the paved path one cool morning, I saw deer, a box turtle, crawdads, a woodpecker and a heron (not to men-

Thompson Lane Trailhead 2240 N. Thompson Ln. Broad Street Trailhead 1921 NW Broad St. General Bragg Trailhead 1540 W. College St. Redoubt Brannan Trailhead 1300 W. College St. Manson Pike Trailhead 1208 Searcy St. Overall Street Trailhead 264 Overall St. Cannonsburgh Trailhead 312 S. Front St. Old Fort Trailhead 275 Golf Ln. Fortress Rosecrans Trailhead Golf Lane Cason Trailhead 1100 Cason Trl. Barfield Road Trailhead 1989 Barfield Rd. Southridge Blvd. Trailhead Southridge Blvd. at Player Dr. Barfield Crescent Trailhead 697 Veterans Pkwy.

Central Valley Trailhead near 1171 Central Valley Rd. Walter Hill Trailhead Highway 231 at the East Fork Stones River tion all the beautiful woodland flora) all within 45 minutes. Very well worth it. The park’s Wilderness Station has plenty of wildlife to visit including the locally famous red-tailed hawk Sadie, the adorable opossum Wilbur, Atticus the eastern screech owl, Rada the kestrel and multiple turtles, snakes and other creatures.

Staff are extremely knowledgeable and love to talk about their animal friends.

Murfreesboro has many more places to visit wildlife including, but not limited to, Oaklands Park, Siegel Wilderness Trail and areas all along the Greenway. Get out and visit some of these wonderful places.

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Living

 TRAVEL

Machine Falls Hike downhill then upstream for a striking Middle Tennessee waterfall experience STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO

O

nly three miles or so away from the beloved Rutledge Falls, in a heavily wooded Tennessee holler, Machine Falls plunges 60 feet down a jagged rock face to the enjoyment of many visitors.

The water from the falls, located in the Short Springs Natural Area in Coffee County—a couple miles northeast of downtown Tullahoma—empties into Normandy Lake, just downstream from the falls.

Natural Area visitors can find a parking lot on Short Springs Road next to a large water tower; this is actually located within the Tullahoma city limits. Cross the road for the trailhead leading to Machine Falls and other natural sights.

The first portion of the trail, on both the Trailhead Loop and the Machine Falls Loop, makes for an easy stroll through the woods.

Offshoot trails lead to Bobo Creek and upper and lower Busby Falls, smaller waterfalls viewable from trail overlooks.

“I highly recommend doing these trails as well if you have enough time. They aren’t as heavily trafficked and are very pretty hikes,” 22 * AUGUST 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

PHOTO BY SARAH MAYO

reported hiker Chase Howell after a visit.

“There is also an alternate route to Busby Falls following Bobo Creek Trail, which is another loop trail that leads you down to Bobo Creek, where you can choose to do the 1.2-mile Laurel Bluff trail. This loops back to the Bobo Creek Trail,” he said.

Back on the Machine Falls Loop, continuing on this route will lead to a steep downhill staircase. Park officials have formed a staircase to make the significant descent in elevation more manageable, but it is quite steep in portions. Arriving at these stairs means a hiker is getting close to the jewel of the park.

A creek awaits at the bottom of this downhill climb. The remainder of the trip to Machine Falls is level, but travelers should prepare to get their feet wet during this leg of the journey. The last little stretch to the falls requires actually walking upstream through the creek.

“This hike is truly beautiful. Be prepared for a bit of an adventure trying to get down to the falls,” another visitor, Max Withrow, posted. “I would recommend bringing water-

proof boots or shoes to get there as you might need to walk through some shallow water.”

Yes, hikers should be aware this section will most likely get their shoes wet. Mind the footing on the sometimes slippery rocks, but “it’s worth it,” a park visitor told a group of hikers almost to the falls.

Nearby this point, Normandy Lake is deep enough for boats to pull up and unload some Machine Falls visitors.

Arriving at the scenic feature, waterfall enthusiasts can climb up the rocks comprising the lower portion of Machine Falls, only approximately five feet, to a spacious ledge. The majority of the falls above this point pour down the rock face onto a very shallow pool atop this large ledge.

Machine Falls is an impressive, wide waterfall and the ledge below makes a nice place to have a break and cool off for a good photo op, to dip a youngster’s toes into the water or to explore some of the steep but scalable areas surrounding the falls.

The air in this lower basin area is significantly cooler than up top on the main trail.

For those who desire a longer walk, continue north from Machine Falls and take the Adams Falls trail for another hiking loop.

The natural area provides excellent contrast between the Highland Rim and Central Basin geology and vegetation, according to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, which manages the falls cooperatively with the City of Tullahoma and the Tennessee Valley Authority.

“When descending along the Machine Falls trail, a visitor can observe exposed black Chattanooga shale at mid-slope, which is a formation that delineates the Central Basin from the Highland Rim. Thickets of mountain laurel grow on the upper slopes under a dry oak-hickory forest canopy that is characteristic of Highland Rim vegetation.

The lower slopes and riparian areas along Bobo Creek support towering sycamore, buckeye, magnolia, beech and tulip poplar trees with a rich shrub layer and herbaceous cover,” TDEC literature says.

Some report the area also makes a lovely spot to view wildflowers in the spring.

Parking can be limited at Short Springs State Natural Area. If the small parking area near the water tower has no spots available, officials ask hikers to leave and return at a different time rather than parking in non-designated areas. Consider visiting this attraction during weekdays.

“You’ll be lucky to find a [parking] spot.

Recently, all overflow and off-pavement parking is prohibited in an attempt to limit ecodamage. Get there early, or on a weekday . . . I’ve had to skip the hike several times due to lack of parking,” Andrew Altschuler said.

Even during off times, expect to “see lots of families and dogs on the trail. Don’t expect solitude,” the visitor continued, but added that it is a pretty hike to a secluded waterfall.

Additionally, the trails at the Short Springs State Natural Area are wellmarked, making the land surrounding Machine Falls a fine place for a walk into the Tennessee deep before pausing to take in a striking Tennessee waterfall.

If You Go SHORT SPRINGS STATE NATURAL AREA Short Springs Road, Tullahoma Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Natural Areas 615-532-0431, tn.gov/environment

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Living

 LOCAL

HELPING HEARTS & HANDS Rutherford County Nonprofits Where to Volunteer or Donate to Assist Others in the Community

T

ennessee is known for its volunteer spirit, and there are numerous ways to give and to serve our community in Rutherford County. Many want to donate used items to a worthy cause, but are not sure where to take it, or who may need it. These are just some of the organizations helping people in the Murfreesboro area, and a few of the ways those wanting to get involved can become a part of their mission.

1

GREENHOUSE MINISTRIES helps people meet immediate needs such as food, clothing and toiletries.

The ministry provides long-term help by educating and connecting people. They offer classes including, and not limited to, computer skills, anger management, parenting, sewing and professional development. Other resources include job and housing opportunities and connecting clients with other local nonprofit partners.

Volunteer opportunities exist for individuals and groups on a regular or occasional basis within multiple areas of the ministry. Greenhouse also accepts financial donations as well as donations of food, clothing, toiletries, large appliances, bicycles and household goods.

Greenhouse Ministries is located at 309 S. Church St., Murfreesboro. For assistance, to schedule a tour, for information or to volunteer, call 615-494-0499 or visit greenhousemin.org.

Greenhouse Ministries also has an upscale consignment shop. It is located at 309 S. Spring St. Sales benefit Greenhouse Ministries and the shop is open Tuesday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. for donations and shopping.

2

THE SALVATION ARMY helps the homeless with food, clothing, shelter and job placement. The Salvation Army is located at 1137 W. Main St., Murfreesboro. For assistance or more information, call 615-895-7071 or visit salvationarmymurfreesboro.org.

3

SALVATION ARMY CENTER OF HOPE offers long-term supportive housing programs and life skills

24 * AUGUST 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

training to help people move from crisis to independent lives. The program provides safe housing and intensive case management for single men, women and families who are experiencing homelessness or who are victims of abuse and neglect. They attempt to keep families connected, housing entire families, no matter the makeup.

The goal of the program is to assist those experiencing homelessness in gaining employment and the personal skills necessary to achieve financial and personal stability enabling a move to permanent housing. Those wanting to donate work boots can give them to the Salvation Army’s work program.

For assistance, information or to volunteer, visit salvationarmymurfreesboro.org or call 615-895-7071.

4

STEERED STRAIGHT is a nonprofit organization providing educational programs and materials to youth, families and communities across the country and around the world. Donations and support through your purchases help educate youth on choices and consequences of drugs, bullying, suicide and other difficult topics. All proceeds from the Steered Straight Thrift Store benefit youth education programs.

The thrift store accepts donations of clothing, shoes, household items, sporting goods, books, small appliances and collectables. For those who have leftovers after a yard sale or garage sale, or need to get rid of some items before moving, Steered Straight will come and pick up donations.

The thrift store is located at 845 Middle Tennessee Blvd., Ste. C. It is open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and

Sundays, 12–5 p.m.

Additionally, Steered Straight Too, 903 Mercury Blvd., focuses primarily on large furniture items, for those willing to donate couches, chairs, tables and other furniture pieces and home decor.

For more information, call 856-6916676 or visit steeredstraight.org.

5

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM in Murfreesboro helps with legal advocacy, emergency shelter, children’s services, assistance after sexual assault or elder abuse, hospital accompaniment and counseling. The program has a 24-hour call center.

For assistance, information or to donate, call 615-896-2012.

6

LAST CALL 4 GRACE is a faithbased program that serves disadvantaged people with food, clothing, shelter and other needs. Most of their work is done on the streets and food is also prepared by volunteers. They accept donations of clothing, blankets and coats as well as some food for preparation.

For assistance, information or to donate to Last Call 4 Grace, call 615-900-1786 or visit lastcall4grace.org.

7

THE WAY OF HOPE’s mission is for every homeless woman and child in Murfreesboro to have a comfortable and safe place to sleep. It is an emergency overflow shelter program, with locations that vary from night to night in different churches throughout the community.

The churches and their volunteers provide the safe place to sleep, a good meal, breakfast and sometimes a sack lunch.

Opportunities to serve offsite include fundraising, event volunteering, food box delivery, furniture delivery and van and bus drivers. Donation needs include paper products, plastic cutlery, laundry supplies, office supplies, personal care items, cleaning supplies and rolling suitcases.

To volunteer, call 615-653-8027, and for more information on this program, visit opendoorsofhope.org.

8

MID-CUMBERLAND COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY provides assistance with rent, utilities and bills. Located at 412 E. Vine St. in Murfreesboro, the agency helps those with low incomes by providing home energy assistance, nutrition programs and home

weatherization assistance. The agency has elderly, disabled and veterans service programs; a case management program; and an emergency services program.

For assistance or to make a donation to the agency, contact Debra Holmes at 615-742-1113. For more information, visit midcumberland.org.

9

JOURNEY HOME helps the homeless and others in need with a community cafe with sit-down, restaurant-style dining room. Journey Home is open for meals (excluding breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays). They also help with clothes, laundry service, shower facilities and day services.

The Journey Home is located at 308 W. Castle St. For assistance, information or to volunteer, call 615-809-2644 or visit lovegodservepeople.org.

10

PORTICO is a pregnancy care center serving local women and their families.

Confidential, cost-free services offered

by Portico include adoption agency referrals, adoption education, medical referrals, pregnancy options education, abortion education, pregnancy tests, prenatal vitamins, STD/STI education and ultrasound to determine pregnancy.

Education and support include the Earn While Your Learn Program, maternity and infant supplies, a mom and dad group, men’s support, one-on-one budgeting education, a teen mom group and postabortion support.

Spanish speaking assistance is available.

Portico’s mobile unit has a free consultation, pregnancy test and ultrasound exam to confirm pregnancy and is regularly parked in Murfreesboro, Smyrna and Nashville.

Donation needs are for the Baby Bottle Campaign as well as new and used items for the Baby Boutique such as car seats, clothing and other baby gear. Portico accepts one-time and monthly financial donations and is also assisted through Amazon Smile and Kroger Rewards.

Portico has an informational meeting on the second Tuesday of every other month, offering an opportunity to learn more about the organization and find out how to volunteer. Volunteer opportunities range from being a community or client advocate to hosting a baby shower.

Portico has an office at 745 S. Church St., Ste. 801, Murfreesboro.

For assistance, information or to volunteer, call 615-893-0228, or visit porticostory.org.

11

OPERATION SAVING LIFE is a ministry of people who serve as sidewalk counselors working directly on the front lines at abortion clinics to share the gospel and help people make the decision to choose life and to meet the needs of parents who have considered abortion and chosen life.

Operation Saving Life helps mothers-to-be build life skills and assists with practical needs while discipling.

Volunteers can host events like baby showers and informational dinners or coffee breaks. Monetary donations for tangible resources and some donations of new baby items are also accepted.

For assistance, information or to volunteer, email engage@operationsavinglife.org or visit operationsavinglife.org.

12

JOURNEYS IN COMMUNITY LIVING supports adults with disabilities in Rutherford County in choosing and realizing their visions of where and how they live, work and socialize.

They need volunteer help from individuals or companies to complete outdoor improvements (structural and landscaping). Journeys also accepts financial donations.

Journeys is supported in part by the United Way so they are helped by donations to the United Way and are also supported through Amazon Smile and Kroger Rewards.

For information or to volunteer, call 615-8904389 or visit journeystn.org.

13

ISAIAH 117 HOUSE provides physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children awaiting foster care placement. In Rutherford County, Isaiah 117 House hosts fundraiser events to spread awareness and raise money to construct a house to care for foster children in the community. These events include lemonade stands, food truck fests, golf tournaments and more.

For information and to donate or volunteer, contact AlLee Dauenhauer at 423-518-3760 ext. 618 or allee@isaiah117house.com. Also, visit Isaiah 117 House Rutherford Co TN on Facebook and isaiah117house.com.

14

RIGHT ROAD MINISTRIES in La Vergne works to assist the homeless, as well as men and women with lifecontrolling issues. They aim to let this population know they are not alone and that there are people willing to stand with them and encourage them through the hard times. Elements of acceptance, affirmation, honesty, transparency, industry and accountability are included in their approach. They assist with life skills to help individuals gain employment, move back into mainstream society and reproduce in others what

they have learned.

Volunteers can serve as mentors. Donations of cleaning supplies and toiletries are also needed.

For assistance, more information or to volunteer, contact Renee Beecham at 615-853-4851 or renee.beecham@aol.com. Also visit Right Road Ministries on Facebook.

15

AMELIA’S CLOSET provides professional apparel and hope to women who are re-entering the workforce by providing interview outfits, tips, makeovers and wardrobes.

They provide a safe environment for adults experiencing employment obstacles to learn skills and gain experience for long-term employment.

Amelia’s Closet is open by appointment only.

For information, to shop or to volunteer, call 615-584-9029 or visit ameliascloset.org.

16

LIBERTY’S STATION is a progressive workforce pipeline where 90 percent of the employees have intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities or other employment barriers. Employees are assessed, trained and given opportunities to gain work experience to help them confidently acquire long-term employment.

For information or to volunteer, call 615-5849029 or visit libertysstation.org.

17

THE SWEET ADDICTION works with local agencies to employ women who have been incarcerated, have been victims of human trafficking or victims of domestic violence. Some of these women may also be considered “not employable” due to background.

The Sweet Addiction accepts financial donations on its website to purchase coats, hats, scarves, long underwear, sweaters, heaters, propane, blankets, bedding and food.

Donations of fabric, elastic and thread are also needed and the organization also needs volunteer seamstresses.

For assistance, information or to volunteer, email info@thesweetaddiction.com, call 615-5808001 and visit thesweetaddiction.com.

18

NOURISH FOOD BANK exists to feed the community and nourish local families through compassionate service and a network of care. Nourish Food Bank has been working to end hunger for nearly 40 years, initially as the Smyrna-La Vergne Food Bank and now with additional networks in Murfreesboro and the Glencliff neighborhood of Nashville.

Each client receives a grocery cart full of food as well as personal care items and baby supplies, if needed. Nourish always needs volunteers to pack carts with items, assist with deliveries and to sort, stock, organize and transport items within the distribution centers.

For more on getting involved, call 615-3550697 or visit nourishfoodbanks.org.

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Art

 EXHIBIT

Celebration: Creative Voices, Creative Visions Features Work From Latin American Artists CELEBRATION: CREATIVE VOICES, CREATIVE VISIONS, curated by Leroy and Dr. Barbara Hodges, will be on display through Aug. 14 at the MTSU Todd Art Gallery, MTSU Todd Hall, Room 224A. The collaborative art exhibition of regional, national and international artists is shown in conjunction with the MTSU Department of Art and Design.

Premier Latin American and Hispanic modern contemporary artists skillfully convey the artistic diversity that is occurring within the Latin American art community. Celebration: Creative Voices, Creative Visions celebrates the histories, cultures, creative expressions and contributions of Americans with Hispanic and Latin American heritage.

One can’t generalize all Latin cultures simply because of the common Spanish language, according to exhibit organizers. Art is very different between countries even in the same regions of the world.

Art is a common universal language, the curators say, one that promotes and embraces creative voices and creative visions. Art can express a wide spectrum of emotions, life experiences and viewpoints, and can help promote cultural awareness and appreciation.

Celebration: Creative Voices, Creative Visions demonstrates how artists can maintain very distinct aesthetics despite sharing similar heritage. The artists involved incorporate a variety of artistic styles, methods, materials and influences, thus creating a dynamic, fluid and thought-provoking show filled with a gamut of textures, color, vibrancy and collage elements.

This exhibit features the works of artists Dalia Garcia, Orlando GarciaCamacho, Jairo Prado, Christian Rodriguez, Ruben Torres and Liliana Velez. The Hodgeses describe all of these individuals as immensely intuitive, perceptive and receptive.

MTSU Todd Art Gallery hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. For more information or directions, contact Eric Snyder at 615-898-5532, 615898-2455 or eric.snyder@mtsu.edu.

26 * AUGUST 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

 “Children of the Andes”

by Jairo Prado  “Ophelia”

by Christian Rodriguez  “Rise and Shine” by Dalia Garcia

 THEATER

Elite Studio Works Presents Spring Awakening at the Walnut House Aug. 5–7 ELITE STUDIO WORKS, a Murfreesboro-based theatrical company, will present Spring Awakening, The Musical at Walnut House Aug. 5–7.

Based on Frank Wedekind’s groundbreaking play, the musical, with a brilliant rock score by Duncan Sheik and lyrics and book by Sheik and Steven Sater, takes the emotional story of awakening, revolt and selfdiscovery into a new century.

It’s 1891, and grown-ups hold all the cards. Headstrong Melchior and naive Wendla stumble into each others’ arms, passionate and curious, while anxious Moritz struggles to live up to the expectations of society.

With only each other for guidance, these and other youths travel the rocky path of adolescence, discovering themselves along the way.

An electric, vibrant celebration of youth and rebellion, Spring Awakening fuses issues of morality, sexuality and rock ’n’ roll into a story that packs a powerful punch.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, Friday, Aug. 6, and Saturday, Aug. 7, with additional 2 p.m. shows on Aug. 6 and 7.

The Walnut House is located at 116 N. Walnut St., Murfreesboro.

Advance tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students. Find tickets for Spring Awakening at the Walnut House at showtix4u.com.

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

RECIPE OF THE MONTH FEATURING: HIDDEN HOLLER FARMS, T&L HONEY JAMS AND JELLY & MINI FUSION SAUCE

Honey Garlic Chicken INGREDIENTS: 2 pounds Hidden Holler Farms boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs Salt and Black pepper Garlic powder 4 Tbsp. avocado oil 6 tsp. minced garlic HONEY GARLIC SAUCE ¾ Cups T&L Honey ¼ Cup soy sauce ¼ Cup Mini Fusion Sauce 2 Tbsp. Avocado oil 2 Tbsp. Hoisin sauce

INSTRUCTIONS: HONEY GARLIC SAUCE: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, Mini Fusion Sauce, avocado oil and hoisin sauce in a small bowl. Set aside for later.

Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder.

Heat oil on med/high heat, add chicken and cook for six minutes. Add minced garlic, stir and cook for two minutes.

Turn heat to medium and add the honey garlic sauce. Stir and cook 3–5 minutes.

Serve over rice.

OPTIONAL: Add broccoli when you add the sauce. You can also top with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.

BOROPULSE.COM

* AUGUST 2021 * 27

Food

 RESTAURANT

Lions Pizza Den

King of pies, get some down-home hospitality and cheesy pizza at Woodbury restaurant STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO

L

ocated on the Woodbury Square, Lions Pizza Den produces some deliciously cheesy pizza pies, along with a wide variety of other great hot meal selections.

The local and independent establishment, owned and operated by Jeannie and Randy Durham for 18 years now, is a hometown favorite for the folks of Cannon County.

Word has spread beyond the county line, with some traveling from other communities to make Lions their pizza restaurant of preference.

“Lions Pizza Den makes their own dough from scratch—the pizza I had, and the baskets of fresh-baked breadsticks, were out of this world,” one Lions patron, Shayna Matthews, stated after a recent visit. “You have to try their pizzas!”

The restaurant serves these breadsticks with all dine-in orders Another recent customer, Joe, said his pie of choice is the extra-large Lions Special with pepperoni, ham, beef, sausage, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, black olives and extra cheese.

28 * AUGUST 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

PHOTOS BY SARAH MAYO

“I’m over 50 and have eaten several pizzas in my day. I can’t think of a better one in Tennessee,” he posted.

Named after the Cannon County High School Lions, Lions Pizza Den makes available a fantastic, homemade stuffed crust.

They are very generous with the cheese in the stuffed crust, as some other restaurants have become stingier with the amount of cheese in their own stuffed-crust pizzas.

It is awesomely cheesy and tasty.

Numerous diners say they highly recommend the buffalo chicken pizza and the pepperoni rolls, while a customer named Hunter says “their best work is pepperoni, bell peppers and onions.” He also acknowledged that the small business is pricier than some chain pizza places, but Lions makes quality pizzas along with a huge assortment of other dining options.

More Lions Pizza Den specialty pizzas include the taco pizza, with taco-seasoned beef, lettuce, tomato and cheddar cheese, served with sides of salsa and sour cream, or the steak pizza with seasoned steak, green peppers and onion with a choice of ranch or

alfredo sauce instead of marinara. The onion and pepper in this steak pizza are diced very small, good for those who do not like very large chunks of vegetables on pizza. They

The Dish RESTAURANT

Lions Pizza Den LOCATION

113 N. Cannon St., Woodbury PHONE

615-563-1212 HOURS

Monday–Thursday: 3–9 p.m.

Friday: 3–10 p.m.

Saturday: 2–10 p.m.

PRICES

Large two-topping pizza: $17.67; Cheeseburger with fries: $6.59; Medium Lions Special, steak, BBQ chicken, Hawaiian or other specialty pizza: $16.49; Chicken tenders (half pound): $4.94; Personal cheese pizza: $6.59; Meat and 3 plate: $7.50

cook more evenly this way. And the steak is shaved nice and thin.

Flips are calzone-like creations, a pizza with one side flipped over, making a halfmoon shape. Lions offers these with all of the pizza toppings available to combine.

Pasta dishes include lasagna, chicken alfredo and spaghetti. Even for those who don’t want pizza or pasta, the menu has a lot to pick from. Lions additionally serves cheeseburgers, fries, subs, wraps, Philly cheesesteaks and other sandwiches.

The Durhams value all of the customer support from Woodbury and surrounding areas over the years, as well as the opportunity to continue serving food even during the stranger periods of 2020.

“We have been very blessed,” Jeannie said.

While Jeannie can be found at the restaurant most every day—other than Sunday— Randy holds a factory job in Nashville, he says, working seven out of every 14 days.

On his days off from that gig, though, he can be found at Lions.

“I just work for her,” Randy says. “I’m trying to get her to fire me,” he jokes.

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The two seem to work together just fine, and even into parts of Rutherford. producing all sorts of delicious things in the “It’s reasonably priced,” Derrick MorLions kitchen, from cakes and pies to steaks rison said. “And the owner was very nice.” and potatoes.

Cindy Parsley Richmond agrees and ap“Watch out for exploding cans of carapreciates that “the owner takes time to come mel,” Randy warns with a laugh. Speaking and talk and make you feel welcomed. of those sweet caramel “I believe it to be the pies, the restaurant best place in Woodbury “I believe it to be has all sorts of dessert to eat,” she continued. the best place in creations, including “Food is amazing and Woodbury to eat. chocolate or apple desall homemade; I’ll be sert pizzas. back many times.”

Food is amazing If the pizza, pasta, diner reportand all homemade; ed Another sandwiches, flips and that the pizza, flips I’ll be back chicken aren’t enough, and pasta are all good, diners can also find plate but her only complaint many times.” lunches at Lions Den would be that delivery Pizza, country fried steaks, baked tilapia, time can sometimes be lengthy. hamburger steaks and veggies and such, But Lions continues to earn customers truly making the available selections at and produce pizzas, causing another cusLions Den a very large variety of choices. tomer, Angelo, to proclaim it as “one of the Lions delivers to all of Cannon County, best BBQ chicken pizzas I have ever had.”

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

7

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AROUND TOWN

’BORO BUSINESS BUZZ

Peacock Apothecary, Cedar Glade Brews, Kristofer Speer, The Connection, Isaiah 117 House, Business After Hours

BY DELORES ELLIOTT MARISCOS SAYULITA NAYARIT MEXICAN SEAFOOD BAR AND GRILL has put up a sign at the old Mellow Mushroom location on South Rutherford Boulevard. The restaurant has another location in North Carolina, which offers Nayarit Style Seafood and live music. (Sayulita Nayarit is a city and state in Mexico.)

introductory first lesson offer, call 203-9132862 or email kristoferdancer@gmail.com.

CAPTAIN D’S plans to open a new Murfreesboro location by the end of summer at the former Grandy’s location at 3114 S. Church St., which celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 31 of 2020. The new location will not have a drive-thru, but will offer to-go and curbside, as well as a thirdparty delivery service. Captain D’s is the parent company of Grandy’s.

CALIBER COLLISION is opening a new location on Aug. 16 at 2044 S. Church St., by the Knights Inn. This will be the business’s second Murfreesboro location.

Notes Lounge will host the August 2021 installment of THE CONNECTION: AN EVENING OF PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING AND BUSINESS BRAINSTORMING from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 19. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation event, where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. Notes Lounge is located at 2349 S. Church St.

Experienced ballroom dance instructor KRISTOFER SPEER will begin teaching at Dance Murfreesboro on Middle Tennessee Boulevard after relocating from Texas to Murfreesboro. He is experienced in the art of social, Latin and ballroom dance. For more information about an

The Chamber of Commerce’s BUSINESS AFTER HOURS is returning after a hiatus. The event is set to resume on Tuesday, Aug. 10, at MURFREESBORO MUNICIPAL AIRPORT from 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Business After Hours is an informal, social networking event designed to connect

THE PEACOCK APOTHECARY moved into its new space at 406 W. Burton St. in July. The apothecary specializes in hand-crafting small-batch skincare products, herbal teas and holistic remedies.

Owner and founder Grace Kelly began her business about 10 years ago as a solution to the struggles of finding affordable products for sensitive skin. Some of her first products included soaps, lotions and serums. She now provides her family and customers with an assortment of other products including body butters, health, hair and aromatherapy items and bath products. Kelly also offers her wares at the Murfreesboro Saturday Market on the Square. For more information about The Peacock Apothecary, visit thepeacockapo.com. people with business professionals from across Rutherford County. Event admission is $10 for Chamber members and $20 for future members.

CEDAR GLADE BREWS plans to open its own brewery facility and taproom early this fall. The new location will be right behind Chuy’s in Murfreesboro, at 906 Ridgely Rd., and the building will also include a cigar shop. Even though the business has not had a public location until now, the Cedar Glade team has still been producing its beverages to provide at local charity festivals, events and private parties over the past years. For information about Cedar Glade Brews, visit cedargladebrews.com.

30 * AUGUST 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

BURLINGTON will open a new store at the former Best Buy location between Ulta and Sports Clips at The Avenue in Murfreesboro (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.).

This new location will open sometime this fall and will bring the total number of Burlington locations in Tennessee to 11.

Burlington offers a wide selection of ladies’ apparel and accessories, menswear, comfortable and casual finds for kids, footwear, baby products, home decor items and pet care and toys.

The store is currently hiring, and candidates interested in joining the team can visit burlingtonstores.jobs for more information.

MORTER FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC will celebrate a ribbon cutting on Thursday, Aug. 12 at 4 p.m. The business is located at 221 Castlewood Dr., behind Kroger.

If you are struggling with neck or back pain, headaches or migraines, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome or any other health condition, call Morter Family Chiropractic at 615900-3770 to schedule an appointment.

On Thursday, Aug. 19, MICHAEL’S HOMES will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event will begin at 11 a.m. and will take place at the new location at 234 W. Northfield Blvd. beside the Domino’s Pizza on MTCS Road.

Michael’s Homes has an additional location in Chattanooga, and the business was voted No. 1 for Best Master Suite and CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

Most Livable Home in 2016 by Rutherford County Home Builders Association, Chattanooga’s 2017 Home Showcase winner and 2018’s Best of the Best as Chattanooga’s No. 1 Home Builder.

The business offers homeowners over 30 years of experience in new home construction with professional home builders and realtors, and provides a variety of custom options to create the perfect home design.

For more information on the business, visit mymichaelshomestn.com.

ISAIAH 117 HOUSE began construction on its Rutherford County home on Aug. 2 when the nonprofit organization hosted its groundbreaking ceremony at 611 Indian Park Dr. The Tennessee-based organization is dedicated to caring for children awaiting foster placement while providing physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home.

“We are so grateful to this community for coming alongside to bring us one step closer to making this dream a reality for Rutherford County,” said Rhonda Paulson, founder and executive director of 117 Isaiah House.

Pamela Guthrie of Murfreesboro, a WOODMENLIFE Representative, has earned the professional designation of Fraternal Insurance Counselor.

The designation, conferred by the Fraternal Field Managers’ Association (FFMA), is awarded to candidates who successfully complete the coursework and pass the certification exams for four levels of insurancerelated courses related to life underwriting principles, ethics, total needs planning and

working in the advanced markets. Pamela is a local Representative of WoodmenLife and serves members in and around the Nashville area. For more information about WoodmenLife, contact her at 615-274-6823.

7-ELEVEN, which has been taking over existing Exxon locations in the market, has debuted Tennessee’s first new-build 7-Eleven store in Murfreesboro. This location, at 1509 Joe B. Jackson Pkwy., marks the very first 7-Eleven in the country to feature the convenience retailer’s two most popular restaurant concepts under one roof—the LAREDO TACO COMPANY and RAISE THE ROOST CHICKEN AND BISCUITS. While 7-Eleven now operates more than 40 stores in Tennessee, seven with Laredo Taco Company restaurants, the Murfreesboro store will house the state’s first Raise the Roost.

After just one year in business, the BEE HIVE BISTRO has closed. The business itself has not provided much public information regarding the reason for its closure, but fans of the restaurant have suggested on social media that, while the establishment on Mercury Boulevard served great food, the restaurant’s location and lack of advertising may have kept it hidden from much of the public.

DON RAMON has closed. Reports indicate the Mexican restaurant, which operated on Lascassas Pike across from Kroger, may open at a different location in the future. Along with the recent move of Station Grill, this has left a restaurant void in the Lascassas/Rutherford neighborhood.

Open Mic Networking

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The plan and surplus designation have been approved by the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Commission, the Murfreesboro Planning Commission and the Murfreesboro City Council.

Preservation of natural areas for the conservation of natural habitat for wildlife and native plants will be managed through the Parks Department’s Natural Resources division.

“The newly added Oakwood Farm property has woodland areas, open fields, ponds, streams and wetlands,” said Murfreesboro Parks Executive Director Angela Jackson. “The western property boundary is along the West Fork of the Stones River, allowing the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department to develop hiking trails to connect with the existing trail system at Barfield Crescent Park and use the site for outdoor recreation programs.”

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BUSINESS MOMENTUM

BY BLAINE LITTLE

A Good Haircut Is Always In Style Tim Buckner molds NexGen into cool, comfortable place for the community

IF YOU ARE A MAN OF A CERTAIN age, you will remember the old-fashioned barber shops of the past century. It was a place our fathers took us once a month when we were small boys. For me, it was an old storefront with creaking wooden floors and a little bell that rung overhead when the door was opened. I’m not sure about the purpose of that bell, as the whole place wasn’t bigger than 400 square feet with three gentlemen sitting in chairs lining the wall who looked up from their papers and waved at everyone who entered.

Funny how the same three guys were there month after month reading the newspaper.

They were always nice enough to let me cut the line while they waited, though.

There was a sense of community in those old establishments. It was a place where business owners could hear about what

their competition was doing, and local politicians would deliver a stump speech while sitting down. Many of those independent establishments with a sense of community are gone now, but there is at least one still in Murfreesboro. It’s the NexGen Barber Shop at 2705 Old Fort Pkwy.

The business was started back in 2000 by a local minister and his wife. NexGen later received national exposure when it was featured on the Bravo TV reality show Tabatha Takes Over in 2013. At that time, the reality host Tabatha Coffey called the shop a “train wreck.” But the old business model was dropped and personnel and other changes were made, establishing NexGen as a successful enterprise.

One of the employees in that episode was Tim Buckner. A few years ago, Tim had the opportunity to buy the shop and to infuse

his own eclectic personality into it. Originally from Omaha, he would cut his friends’ hair for free as a teenager. When he moved to Tennessee, it was suggested he study old-school barbering from some pros with a shop in Fayetteville. Still living in Murfreesboro, Buckner said it was a grind, but he learned what it truly meant to be a barber.

He says working for those old barbers gave him the skill set to do what he does today.

He didn’t hesitate when I asked him for a flat-top, a haircut many stylists avoid.

From the 19th-century barber station to the posters of Willie Nelson, the shop floor is a reflection of the owner and his interests.

The 1957 Oldsmobile Rocket out front is his, too. Tim jokes that he packed up souvenirs from home and brought his “man cave” to work. One minute you may hear rockabilly and the next minute the blues, country or electronic music. It’s a style that is hard to pin down, but in a word, NexGen is . . . cool.

The barbers use some of the older clippers and attachments such as a central vacuum, if it means a good cut and better service.

As we finished up the interview—and my flat-top—Tim gave me a hot towel and a neck shave. That’s an old-fashioned treatment, but standard for these professionals.

But it’s not a complete step back in time.

The business used to only take walk-ins, but COVID changed all that. In order to be compliant with state regulations, clients were required to enter by appointment only for a portion of 2020, so a new online registration was put into place. NexGen now accepts both walk-ins and appointments.

The pandemic was a tough time for the shop, as it was for all businesses. Though he had to go through much of his savings to remain open, Buckner attributes the shop’s persistence to employees who worked tirelessly to maintain the new standards.

When I visited, the place was pretty packed for a Thursday afternoon. NexGen is once again fully open to foot traffic, but you can still set an appointment if you like.

So give them a call at 615-907-4006, schedule online at nexgenbarbers.com or just walk in. They will be happy to give you great service no matter how you get there.

Blaine Little is the founder and CEO of Momentum Seminars Training and Coaching. Learn more at momentumseminars.com. Be sure to get his new book Managerial Mistakes, Missteps & Misunderstandings, available now on Amazon in paperback or Kindle format. Check out his podcast at bit.ly/toastcaster143.

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* AUGUST 2021 * 33

 NEWS

Tennessee Representatives Aim to Stop Health Officials From Marketing and Administering Vaccines to Minors Without Parental Consent TENNESSEE General Assembly Joint Government Operations Committee Chairman Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield) made a statement before the Rule Review Committee meeting in July concerning the Department of Health. The announcement addressed concerns regarding the administration of COVID-19 vaccines to minors without parental consent.

Rep. Roberts stated that he is not discouraging Tennesseans from being vaccinated nor discouraging Tennesseans from having their children vaccinated, that he does not want all vaccines for children to come to a halt, only that he aims for the marketing and administering of COVID-19 vaccines to children without parental consent to cease.

Further, he says requiring parental consent for giving this medical treatment to children is not an “anti-vaccine” stance.

The full statement from Rep. Kerry Roberts is below: The Committee for Government Operations legislatively creates, renews and oversees the 262 entities that comprise Tennessee state government. The Committee also approves rules promulgated by any of the entities with rule-making authority.

The entities include departments (such as the departments of health, education and transportation), commissions, boards, agencies and councils. The entities also include the University of Tennessee, Tennessee Tech, University of Memphis and our other state universities.

The Department of Health was created by the General Assembly on behalf of Tennesseans. The Government Operations Committee functions like a board of directors while the executive branch, under the leadership of the governor’s appointed commissioner, manages the department.

It is not uncommon for a commissioner to appear before the Government Operations Committee to answer questions or address issues that are of concern to the committee.

At the June meeting of the Joint Committee for Government Operations, Chairman John Ragan and I, along with other committee members, expressed two concerns 34 * AUGUST 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

to Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey: administering the COVID-19 vaccine—which the FDA considers an unapproved product under emergency use authorization—without parental consent and marketing to minors instead of to parents.

Although committee members expressed additional concerns, the primary focus was on COVID-19 vaccination without parental consent and marketing directly to minors.

Near the conclusion of a rather robust discussion, Rep. Scott Cepicky made a motion to invite the Tennessee Department of Health to the July meeting. The Tennessee Department of Health is represented here today.

After June’s meeting, Commissioner Lisa Piercey informed Chairman Ragan and myself of a preexisting conflict and asked to appear at the August meeting.

Before agreeing to a deferral, Chairman Ragan and I requested a meeting with Dr. Piercey and a representative of the governor’s office.

During that meeting, Dr. Piercey and the governor’s office confirmed that it is not the policy of Tennessee Department of Health, Tennessee Department of Education, or our 89 county health departments to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to children without parental consent. She further detailed the steps taken to stop any marketing directed at minors.

To be clear, the Tennessee Department of Health was not asked to stop vaccinating children, nor have they stopped vaccinating children for COVID-19 or any other disease.

Rather, they were asked to stop vaccinating children for COVID-19 without parental consent and stop marketing to minors.

At this point, our unified position is no state-related entity should be administering the COVID-19 vaccine without parental consent or marketing to minors.

Tennessee is blessed with thousands of dedicated state employees working in our county health departments, local education associations and universities. Although we, in partnership with Dr. Piercey and the Governor’s office, are making it abundantly clear that state employees are not to vaccinate children for COVID-19 without parental consent (subject to certain common law exceptions) nor is there to be marketing to minors, let me address various allegations related to bullying, bribing, shaming, coercing or cajoling in order to entice or compel either children or adults to take vaccines.

It is imperative that our county health departments, local education associations, universities and vaccine partners understand that the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine must comply with additional federal requirements because it is an “unapproved product.” In other words, the FDA considers it an unapproved product authorized only for use in emergencies.

21 U.S. Code §360bbb-3 “Authorization for medical products for use in emergencies” details the conditions of authorization of an unapproved product. Specifically, when an unapproved product is administered under emergency use authorization any of the following are violations of federal law per 21 U.S. Code §360bbb-3(e)(1)(A)(ii): • failing to identify the significant known and potential benefits and risks of the vaccine, or • failing to provide an option to refuse, or • failing to identify alternatives that are available To anyone bullying, bribing, shaming, coercing or cajoling an individual into taking the vaccine, I strongly urge you to consult with your legal counsel for potential violations of federal law.

“It is imperative that our county health departments, local education associations, universities and vaccine partners understand that the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine must comply with additional federal requirements because it is an unapproved product.”

It is not appropriate for a state employee to use their influence or authority to coerce a student into receiving the vaccine. Here are some examples of what we consider unacceptable behavior: – A football coach must not coerce players into being vaccinated by demanding that they wear masks and be tested weekly at their own expense until they are vaccinated.

– A band director must not suspend marching band members from a half-time show unless they get vaccinated.

– A teacher must not shame children by segregating the vaccinated children from the unvaccinated ones in the classroom.

– A county health department must not pay or incentivize parents to vaccinate children.

Entering a parent into a drawing for a car if they vaccinate their child is reprehensible, immoral and likely illegal.

– Our six independent county health departments failing to align with the position of Tennessee Department of Health on these issues.

Before closing, I want to reiterate: The only two concerns Chairman Ragan and I expressed were vaccinating children with an unapproved product authorized for emergency use only without parental consent, and marketing to minors. Interpreting us as being antivaxxers based on those two concerns is intellectually dishonest and wrong. We have not discouraged Tennesseans from being vaccinated nor have we discouraged Tennesseans from having their children vaccinated.

Further, it has been widely misrepresented that all children’s vaccines have come to a halt. To be absolutely clear, Tennessee’s efforts on childhood vaccinations are unchanged.

The only exception is administering a COVID-19 vaccination without parental consent.

In closing, I want to thank Dr. Piercey and the governor’s team for responding so quickly to the committee’s concerns. This is an exceptionally difficult topic, with many Tennesseans pushing for a vaccine mandate and many more Tennesseans pushing back—and many, many more in the middle. Chairman Ragan and I enjoy an excellent relationship with both the Department of Health and the governor’s office, and we will continue working together for the citizens of the Great State of Tennessee.

Learn more about business before the Tennessee General Assembly and how to contact your representative and senator about the issues that matter to you at capitol.tn.gov/legislators.

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* AUGUST 2021 * 35

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COLE BEASLEY

The NFL Won’t Require Players to Get Vaccinated, Just Bully Them Into It THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard!

I hope you all have been enjoying this beautiful Tennessee summer. I do my best to turn off all that noise going on in the world and social media. It’s why I do not have a Facebook page. Much of the noise is pointless. The media claims COVID is mutating like a Ninja Turtle, and I could honestly care less. I feel for those who have lost loved ones, but at the end of the day my life must go on regardless, and so should yours.

The damage psychologically to America’s children and even some adults, in my opinion, is just as significant as the lives lost. We talk about restricting this, restricting that, and don’t give much thought to how this will affect the next generation. I am very thankful I live in Tennessee, open for business for the most part, while many other parts of this country struggle to find any sense of normalcy.

I broke my rule! I told you months ago I would never again talk about COVID in these articles. But I said my piece!

So, at this time last year I was complaining about a comment Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill made. He stated that America was founded upon racist ideas and that those ideas have persisted throughout the last 200 years. He made these comments after athletes across the country protested the shooting of Jacob Blake.

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These comments came shortly after Tannehill signed his four-year, $118 million contract extension. I feel Tannehill is probably a very caring individual and genuine family man. But regarding this sentiment, I believe he is speaking pure ignorance.

Unfortunately, we were not completely living up to the ideals of freedom in 1776, with slavery being common in a young America.

Fortunately, we set such high ideals when this country was born that we eventually realized we were lacking. It was the basis that America was founded upon that ultimately helped end the atrocities of slavery. If you do not see it that way, open your eyes!

Here we are a year later, and Tannehill has managed to make another comment that is riling some folk up once again.

Tannehill recently admitted to the press that he had no plans to get vaccinated until the NFL forced his hand. “I’m currently in the [vaccination] process right now,” he said.

“The NFL has kind of made it clear what they want to happen. If you don’t fall in line, they’re going to make your life miserable with all the protocols.”

The NFL recently announced strict penalties for players and teams who don’t reach a certain vaccination rate. Restrictions that include separate travel and numerous other tidbits that would make life much more difficult for a professional athlete.

As with many businesses, schools, places

of employment and medical facilities these days, the NFL has unveiled different sets of rules for players who are and who are not vaccinated.

Players who have not been vaccinated are not permitted to eat meals with teammates.

Unvaccinated players would have to take a COVID test every single day!

The unvaccinated cannot travel on a plane with the rest of their teammates.

If an unvaccinated player tests positive for COVID, he must wait a mandatory 10 days before returning to team activities. Fully vaccinated asymptomatic players can return to team activities after two negative tests, regardless of the time frame.

Teams must use colored wristbands or some way to visually distinguish unvaccinated from vaccinated players.

Unvaccinated players may not be able to leave their hotel room during away game trips, other than to go to the stadium.

The NFL is not “requiring” that its players get vaccinated, just shaming and bullying them into compliance.

Tannehill later stated, “I wouldn’t have gotten the vaccine without the protocols that they’re enforcing on us. I think it’s a personal decision for everyone. Everyone has to make the best decision for them and their families.”

At the end of the day the NFL is a business, and they made a business decision. Do not believe for one second the NFL gives two craps about these players’ health. It’s about money and it is about appeasing a loud progressive scream the NFL is too cowardly to ignore. If the NFL had some balls, they would just mandate the vaccine, right? Instead, they bully, and they bully, and they push this vaccine so aggressively that they make the unvaccinated players feel insignificant!

Go read former ESPN analyst Jemele Hill.

Yeah, the same moronic Hill who recently compared modern-day America to something worse than Nazi Germany. Go read her piece in The Atlantic on the NFL and vaccines; she sadly represents many.

Some coaches and assistants have already quit or wink-wink been fired due to how hard the NFL has pushed with these restrictions. It’s still a minority, but some big-time players like DeAndre Hopkins, arguably the best receiver in the NFL, are speaking out. Hopkins tweeted this: “Never thought I would say this but being put in a position to hurt my team because I don’t want to partake in the vaccine is making me question my future in the NFL.” Super Bowl champion Leonard Fournette

simply tweeted “Vaccine I can’t do it.” Jalen Ramsey, arguably the best cornerback in the game, wrote “the NFL is pressuring guys to get the vaccine. They are saying if there is an outbreak, the team will be penalized heavily.

My point is no teammate of mine will feel pressure from me.”

I have mad respect for Jalen after making that comment. Every player in the NFL should be saying the exact same thing. Every owner! Every coach! Yet half these people hide like cowards afraid of the backlash from the media and league itself.

Cole Beasley of the Bills remains the face of the “vaccine should be a choice” movement in the NFL. “I’m not anti- or pro-vax. I’m pro-choice. The issue at hand is information is being withheld from players in order to be swayed in a direction that [they] may not be comfortable with,” he said.

He also stirred the pot with this tweet: “If you’re scared of me then steer clear. Point.

Blank. Period. I may die of COVID, but I’d rather die actually living.”

Hate Beasley or love him, he stood up and is continuing to stand up in the face of heavy scrutiny. Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill took a different approach, stating, “I want to be able to compete and do things I think are important to build chemistry and win football games. Ultimately that forced my hand into getting the vaccine.”

Many outlets will not cover this minority.

I 100-percent believe the vaccine should be a choice. I don’t believe it is your business or mine who is or isn’t vaccinated. But sadly, we are in the bullying stage of the vaccines, and what sucks is many Americans would be okay with jumping right to the stage where we force, and without shame would admit as much.

So, enough said! I felt the need to get that off my chest this issue. I may not agree with everything that goes on surrounding the game of football, but I have always loved this game and will continue to love this game, even if I am part of the silent majority regarding my opinions.

This is America, right? This is a country where opposing viewpoints can crash into each other with no harm done and maybe both sides come away from the incident better off. It seems to me people who hold many of the opinions I seem to hold get ridiculed, canceled, sadly. I just typed that sentence with a smile on my face because at the end of the day I don’t care what you think about me. I am what I am—a code-blue-bleeding Titans fan who lives by this motto: The 5 F’s: Faith, Family, Football, Food and Friends!

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Hug a tree. Ever done it? You can only comment on it if you have actually done it and experienced it. You may not mumble under your breath, or out loud, until you have tried it. I was encouraged to do this in a class I took several years ago. It certainly sounded different, and I couldn’t quite grasp the intellectual why or what for. I reminded myself that I am an adventurer and love to explore all kinds of things. Since I signed up for the experiential class and this assignment was part of it, I jumped in with a mixture of hesitance and anticipation. I remember enjoying the experience even though I initially felt awkward and silly.

Fast-forward several years later. As a teacher and continuing student of meditative practices including qigong, breath work, metaphysics and mind-body connection, I have been taking another weekly series of classes to deepen my understanding and practice of these topics. One of the assignments for me personally was to be in nature as much as possible, to do my meditation practice with my back against a tree (or to just sit with the tree). I keep my journal with me to jot down whatever comes to mind during this time.

“In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect. Trees can be contorted, bent in weird ways, and they’re still beautiful.” – Alice Walker My first morning meditation with the tree in my yard was good. I sat on the ground against the tree and as soon as my back connected to the trunk I felt its strong support inviting me to lean on it. Nestling into the ground was surprisingly comfortable. I closed my eyes and told myself to just listen and feel. I was surprised how quickly I felt it. The sense of strength, soundness and oneness came to mind. I could literally feel a gentle vibration of energy coming from the ground, surging through the trunk of the tree. I continued to feel this during the quiet time of meditation. I wrote some notes in my journal, and was grateful to the tree for being there. I stood up and ended by wrapping my arms around the tree. Again, I was surprised by what I felt. It literally felt like the tree was hugging me back with warmth, acceptance and assurance. Wow. Day 3 came and I was more hesitant on this day.

Each day I changed trees wanting to gain different perspectives. During my class series, this sitting with trees was to be done daily. I was having doubts about how many different things I could actually feel or experience. I got quiet, snuggled into my position and listened intently for what would come.

Once I opened my eyes, I simply looked at nature.

I noticed the other trees, the grass, the flowers, the leaves, the ants, birds, dirt. I heard the wind as it blew through the tree leaves, the birds as they sang.

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“Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.”

— Khalil Gibran The observation revealed such a strong message: Nature simply exists. It was formed with its own unique shapes, colors, function and purpose. It just is what it is. The grass doesn’t cry to be a flower. The flower doesn’t wish it was a different color or design, the tree isn’t disappointed that it isn’t a bush. I watched a bird land on the branch of the tree. It lingered a moment and then flew away. The tree didn’t shout out “wait, don’t go. Don’t leave me.” The tree is simply there for the birds to come visit. Each part of nature expresses itself the way it was naturally created. It accepts its role as creation intended it. It simultaneously occurred to me how much humans want to change who they were created to be, not being happy to express their true nature. We like to complicate our existence, cover it up, change it or complain about it rather than simply be with our unique individuality. Lately we often hear the phrases “be in the moment” or “just be,” but these get thrown around like people are supposed to know what it really means, and many times they don’t. It means to be in harmony with what is right where you are, in that moment. The moment you challenge what is in front of you is the moment you are out of harmony with existence.

These were observations that came from a simple meditation practice in nature. What will nature tell you? Hug a tree every day for 30 days. Do this for at least five minutes each day. I’d love to hear what your experience reveals.

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” – Lao Tzu Jennifer Durand is the owner of The Nurture Nook, a certified qigong and breath empowerment instructor and is licensed in massage therapy, body work and somatic integration. For more on finding your personal “ahh . . .”, visit nurturenook.com or call 615-896-7110.

 HEALTH

Free the Plant Tennessee Continues Dragging Its Feet With Cannabis Legalization TENNESSEE IS ONE OF THE LAST states in the U.S. still holding on to outdated prohibition laws. Many politicians in neighboring states are finally realizing what the public has known for years: legalizing cannabis can positively support economies, communities and people. Tennesseans are ready to free the plant. Just ask them.

For the last five years, cannabis-friendly states have proven a solid track record for creating jobs, increasing substantial tax revenue, providing relief for those with serious health issues and even reworking old, outdated laws.

Why does every bill that serves all Tennesseans get defeated?

This is a question I think you should be asking your representatives.

Recent polling shows the majority of the state supports some sort of legalization or decriminalization. Most Tennesseans have

had their own interaction with the plant due to the legal hemp program in the state. CBD products are now common in many homes.

The word cannabis encompasses both hemp and marijuana, the latter being a slang term assigned to cannabis in the early 1900s. The only difference is the Delta 9 THC content.

If you were to look at the plants side by side, you couldn’t tell them apart. The simple difference comes down to one tiny ingredient found inside it. That’s it. Why are lawmakers making this such a big deal?

Today we know the pros far outweigh the cons, and we can now look to neighboring states for proof. The data is out for those who care to look.

Many pro-cannabis U.S. senators on both sides of party lines are working with the White House to get President Biden on board.

Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey recently stated, “now that a discussion draft of our legislation has been released, we will start having conversations with the White House to get them behind our proposal.” We may see federal legalization before Tennessee figures it out.

Free the plant. What does that mean?

If Tennessee chooses to free the plant, we can now open up medical research in the public and private sectors. It really gives us a chance to understand how to use it and how to dose it properly.

One of the biggest misconceptions of the plant comes from the act of smoking it.

If a consumer smokes cannabis, whether that is hemp or marijuana, the effects felt are nearly instantaneous. It’s the fastest way to get relief. But it gets a bad rap.

Technology and innovation have paved a new path for more medicinal approaches to the plant. Volunteer Botanicals has technology that turns oils into powders and water-based ingredients for more precise, consumer-friendly products.

“If a consumer needs two milligrams of Delta 9 THC, we could build that into a discreet mini-tablet,” explains Derek Odette, CEO of Volunteer Botanicals.

“When we free the plant, we remove unneeded restrictions in the development of new products, new industries, new research and ultimately new, safer approaches to medicine. Everyone is getting tired of large pharmaceutical companies and the fallout of legal, addictive drugs like opioids. We all want a more natural approach to healing.”

If we do things the same way, we will always get what we have always had.

Every day we are hearing stories from cannabis-friendly states that prove the plant is helping. Veterans are getting relief from pain and PTSD. Children with seizures are finding incredibly positive results. Even animals have systems in their bodies that respond well to the plant.

When we free the plant, we open up to new perspectives. The truth is what we all seek. With so much misinformation floating around these days, the only way to find truth is through your own personal discovery.

So why is Tennessee one of the last states to make a move toward legalizing cannabis?

It’s time to let your representatives know. Call them. Email them. Call them again. Voice your concerns and passions on social media outlets and tag them.

Real change happens from the bottom up, not the top down.

Free the plant. She has so much to teach us.

Jason Pickle is the co-founder of Volunteer Botanicals. For more information, contact Volunteer Botanicals at volunteerbotanicals.com or 1-833-CBD-TABS.

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