December 2021 Murfreesboro Pulse by The Murfreesboro Pulse

INSIDE

THE NUTCRACKER / SARAH DARLING / THE JOURNEY HOME / JIM BRICKMAN / FALL CREEK FALLS / AND MUCH MORE! DECEMBER 2021 / VOL. 16, ISSUE 12 / FREE

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

Secret Santas, Holiday Events, New Year's Celebrations and More!

Merry

Christmas

MURFREESBORO Enter to Win!

FOOD

Find Fantastic, Creative Flavor Combinations at The Local Taco

SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE GIVEAWAY SEE DETAILS ON PAGE 18

ART

Murfreesboro Laureates Exhibit at City Hall Rotunda through Jan. 6

 WE SELL AIRPLANES!  FLIGHT TRAINING  PRIVATE PILOT  AIRLINE CAREERS  DISCOVERY FLIGHTS

615-494-1900 • 1936 Memorial Blvd. • Murfreesboro • MurfreesboroAviation.com

THANK YOU MURFREESBORO! From all of us to all of you—we are so grateful for your support and loyalty. We are proud to be Murfreesboro’s most awarded and longest serving martial arts school and we pledge to continue to serve you and our community.

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r dC te om m cial Ex er

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In Celebration of Winning

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KARATE OR CARDIO KICKBOXING

N. M’BORO | 1820 NW Broad Street | 615-893-6003 S. M’BORO | 1911 Business Campus Drive | 615-890-6755

B S KO N L I N E . C O M

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2805 Old Fort Pkwy. Ste. M • Murfreesboro • 615-898-0850 • Open Monday–Saturday 9a–9p • Sunday Closed

Come Eat Barbecue and Beans . . . And Get Gas.

M AS LIGH T S I R TS H C Installation

Fried or Smoked TURKEYS and Smoked HAMS

DO YOU want to spend an entire weekend

hanging Christmas lights?  NO! DO YOU want your husband falling off a ladder trying to install Christmas lights?  NO!

CATERING AVAILABLE

& KWIK SAK

Let us cook for you during the holidays! 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday (food) 6 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Friday (store) 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday (food and store)

904 NW Broad St., Murfreesboro

615-318-6602

(KWIK SAK between Toot’s and Hardee’s)

Installation Packages

$ STARTING AT 1,000  Lights Included perty  Custom Cut for Your Pro  Tree Lights

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Service Includes

Install  Take Down  Storage  Installed Again Next Year! Call or Text

JEREMY FORD with CURB APPEAL SOFTWASH

26 Sitz Dr. Manchester, TN 931-954-6121

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Keeping the Planet Enchanted Since 1994

350 & Up

THOR’S L

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Small Cedar Chest / Jewelry Box $69.99

Train Conductor Hats $15  Complete Indoor/Outdoor

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G-SCALE TRAIN SET

416-F. Medical Center Pkwy.

MON.–SAT. 10 A.M.–4 P.M. Porch Rocker $ 119.99 Table/Stool $ 69.99

★ 7 Trains

 COMMEMORATIVE 2020 National Garden Railway Convention G-Scale Car $110

Running In-Store!

DROP IN FOR ALL OF YOUR

MODEL TRAIN NEEDS!

Nightstand  $165.84

36" x 32" Bookcase $255.13

Great for the home office!

Bed Steps $75.99

Prices and availability subject to change

Everyone Welcome! Open to the Public!

 Small Bookcase $165.84

6-Drawer Dresser $286.11

T RA I

615-542-9304

4-Door Pantry $290

 TennesseeMade Cedar Children’s Rocker $ 119.99

MODELS

PENNSYLVANIA KEYSTONE SPECIAL O-GAUGE SET 

WESTERN RAILWAY Battery Operated Train Set O NLY $25 

Contents

Enter to Win!

SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE GIVEAWAY PAGE 18

15 16 FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

5 Events

COUNTRY DARLING

CALENDAR Winterfest, New Year’s Day 5K, Murfreesboro Christmas Parade and more

Chart-topping Sarah Darling among trio to play Buddy’s Place in Lascassas for Christmas show.

12 18 Sounds 2021 SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE & GIVEAWAY Enter to win items and services from great local businesses.

ANGEL’S STORY

Nonprofit Spotlight: How The Journey Home helps change lives.

FALL CREEK FALLS

Descend to the base of towering Tennessee waterfall and take in other scenery at Fall Creek Falls State Park.

CONCERT CALENDAR Departure, Jolly String Quartet, Mixtape, The Piano Men and more ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

16 Reviews

Copy Editor: Steve Morley Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo

Advertising: Nneka Sparks

20 Food RESTAURANT The Local Taco

EXHIBITS Shaping Identity at MTSU Baldwin Gallery

Middle Tennessee Sinfonietta

Art Director: Sarah Mayo

FREE YOUR CHILDREN The real cost of home schooling.

22 Art

MUSIC NOTES Jim Brickman

ALBUMS Heru Heru Kendall Fudge

30 Opinion

MOVIE Home Sweet Home Alone

Murfreesboro Laureates at City Hall Rotunda

28 News

SPORTS TALK Merry Christmas to all! LIVE . . . WELL Embrace change.

BUSINESS BUZZ SaBaiDee Cafe, Jay’s Smoqued BBQ, Hank’2, Domino’s Pizza, Tag’z 5 Star Meats, Recyclops, Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers and more

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

BUSINESS MOMENTUM Those in the hospitality industry work 24/7 to make guests comfortable.

NATURE NEWS Squirrels active as weather gets colder

Copyright © 2021, The Murfreesboro Pulse 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

714 W. Main St., Suite 208, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-796-6248 To carry the PULSE at your business, or to submit letters, stories and photography: bracken@boropulse.com SIGN UP for the Pulse Weekly Digital Newsletter at BOROPULSE.COM/NEWSLETTER FOLLOW:

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The Murfreesboro Pulse

IT HAS BEEN ANOTHER GOOD MONTH, filled with tacos, Fall Creek Falls, football, karate and Thanksgiving feasts. Good stuff. Thanksgiving really is one of my favorite times of the year, though I try to remain grateful all year long. I am grateful to be in business. I am grateful to be in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, U.S.A. I am grateful that Sarah and I can support our family with this local and independent business, doing something for ourselves. I am grateful that I do not have to work for some corporation that I care nothing about, that tells me what to do, where to be, when to be there and what vaccine to take. I am grateful for our wonderful roster of advertisers and grateful that I get to do something meaningful to the community. It is a peculiar time in the economy in regard to employment and pricing within the food service industry. Restaurants—and other businesses of various types—are seeing costs go up, workers expecting more money, somewhat of a shortage of workers, the need to limit their hours and in many cases raising prices. One local restaurant owner recently said that he has never had as much trouble staffing his business in the past three decades as he has in late 2021. Further, he has little hope the situation will improve much anytime soon. Another area restaurant owner who is attempting to hire staff says he sees many individuals filling out applications in order to satisfy unemployment requirements, and then not even show up for an interview or show much interest in reporting for the job. Multiple restaurants are saying they have demand from customers but simply do not have the human resources to service that demand. Businesses and consumers hope that prices do not spiral out of control. Keep on working hard and doing what you do. It is hard to believe the Home Alone franchise now has six films in its arsenal. Disney is obviously open to far-fetched ideas, so the newest title has me already planning a seventh—Home Sweet Home Alabama Alone, in which the opulent lifestyle of the typical Home Alone families is switched for a burglarized mobile home in a trailer park down South. Anyway, may you have someone to play chess with, someone to spar with, someone to share your life with, to walk with, to cook with, to do all of the things you want to do with another. If your teammate goes down (from a foot injury or otherwise), keep on pushing! Be ready to step up and fill the void. Seize the opportunity and propel your team to its highest possible level of success in honor of those who can no longer play the game.

Peace, BRACKEN MAYO Publisher/Editor in Chief

EVENTS CALENDAR  DECEMBER 2021  BY ANDREA STOCKARD THROUGHOUT DECEMBER FINE-FREE DECEMBER The Rutherford County Library System has announced that for a limited time, all RCLS branch libraries are going fine-free. For the month of December, patrons can return any undamaged overdue materials to the library and have fines waived. This is a thank-you to the communities that support the libraries. As a plus, any overdue fines on your account will be waived if you come in, call or email the library. Linebaugh Public Library is located at 105 W. Vine St. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

DEC. 1 AND 15 COMMUNITY BINGO Join Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation for community bingo on the ﬁrst and third Wednesday of the month (and some additional Fridays) from 10–11 a.m. at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.). The cost to join is $4 for adults and $3 for seniors. For more information, call 615-893-7439 or email stysonrich@murfreesborotn.gov.

DEC. 2 THE NORTH POLE EXPRESS

THROUGHOUT DECEMBER WINTERFEST AT FOUNTAINS AT GATEWAY The ﬁfth annual Winterfest at Fountains at Gateway is now open through Jan. 30, 2022. Winterfest creates a magical experience for all ages with festive holiday lights, decorations and music on the central plaza. The festival offers ice skating in addition to concerts, school spirit skate nights and pictures with Santa. All ages are welcome to participate as skaters or spectators. Skating admission is $15 for teens and adults, $12 for kids ages 4–12, and free for kids 3 and under. Ticket prices include tax and skate rental, although skaters can bring their own skates. Spectators may view the fun from outside the rink at no charge. Rink and Plaza Room rentals are also available for parties, church and youth events and corporate events. Winterfest is open Thursdays through Sundays, and will be open every day* from Dec. 16 through Jan. 3 (*closed on Christmas Day). View a complete schedule and more information at fountainswinterfest.com.

The North Pole Express returns to Saddle Woods Farm (9522 Franklin Rd.). To make it even better, the event facility will join with the Special Kids organization, donating proceeds to them. Enjoy crafts of various kinds, music, food, train rides and photos with Santa. Experience the Polar Express in real life, and don’t forget to wear your pajamas! Children 2 and under are free. Santa photos are sold in packages. For more information, visit saddlewoodsfarm.com.

DEC. 2 CLASSIC COCKTAILS AND APPETIZERS CLASS Shaken or stirred? Either way, visit The Curious Kitchen (327 E. State St.) for an awesome Cocktail Party on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. In this three-hour class, a skilled mixologist teaches you how to whip up popular cocktails and create an array of delicious appetizers. After this class, you will be prepared to throw your own cocktail party. All participants must be at least 21. The menu includes tomato and mozzarella caprese, grilled veggie ﬂatbreads, a mojito,

French 75 and more. For more information, visit thecuriouskitchen.net.

DEC. 3 FIRST FRIDAYS WITH CAT CHOREOGRAPHY C.A.T. Choreography offers two fun hip-hop classes every ﬁrst Friday of the month at no charge. Dancers ages 8 and older are welcome to bust a move Friday, Dec. 3, (and Friday, Jan. 7) at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) from 4–5 p.m. or 5–6 p.m. For more information, call 615-893-7439 or email cellis@murfreesborotn.gov.

DEC. 3–12 DRIVE-THROUGH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS For the second year, Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) features a Drive-Through Christmas Lights event Fridays, Dec. 3 and 10, Saturdays, Dec. 4 and 11 and Sundays, Dec. 5 and 12, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Load the kids in the car and enjoy a festive way to add to those holiday memories free of charge and open to all ages. For more information, call 615-890-0355 or email shodges@murfreesborotn.gov.

DEC. 4 FROSTY FUN RUN The 13th annual Frosty Fun Run is back with a new venue, Hop Springs (6709 John Bragg Hwy.), on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m.–noon. This year’s event is a 5K fun run/ walk. As in previous years, proceeds from this event are donated to CASA and Parks Christmas for the Children, both benefiting children in the local communities and providing Christmas gifts that they would otherwise go without. After the race, enjoy pizza and beer, raffles, and music with Santa as the DJ. The cost is $35 per runner or $125 for a family of four. Every donated unwrapped toy gets two raffle tickets. Sign up at Fleet Feet Murfreesboro or runsignup.com, or find the Frosty Fun Run event on Facebook.

DEC. 4 HOLLYDAY MARKETPLACE The 16th annual Hollyday Marketplace, presented by the Junior League of Murfreesboro, will be held Saturday, Dec. 4, at the CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 BOROPULSE.COM

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Tennessee Miller Coliseum (304B West Thompson Ln.) from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Special event tickets for Mistletoe & Mimosas ($30, 21 and up) can be purchased separately. General admission tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. The event features more than 100 merchants showcasing decor items, clothing and seasonal gifts. This annual fundraiser beneﬁts the Junior League of Murfreesboro’s community impact area of health and wellness. 100 percent of proceeds are invested into local programs and services that nurture and improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of the Rutherford County community. Some of the programs supported by the Junior League include CAC, Kids in the Kitchen and other grassroots efforts. For more information, visit murfreesboro.jl.org.

Center (502 S.E. Broad St.) on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Sponsored by the Nissan Foundation and PM Pediatrics, this is free and open to the public. For more information, visit explorethedc.org/openhouse or call 615-890-2300.

Shop over 60 local vendors right in time for Christmas at the Southern Shopping Shindig Holiday Extravaganza on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John Rice Blvd.). The Audiology Club of MTSU offers gift wrapping for donations. For more information, visit southernshoppingshindig.com or ﬁnd Southern Shopping Shindig on Facebook.

DEC. 3

DEC. 4

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DOWNTOWN

DISCOVERY CENTER HOLIDAY FREE DAY

STEWARTS CREEK HOSA MARKETPLACE

Learn how others celebrate around the world and have some holiday fun while taking a picture with Santa, decorating the giant gingerbread house and more at the Discovery

The Health Occupations Students of America Club at Stewarts Creek High School presents a Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at Stewarts

DEC. 4 SHOPPING SHINDIG HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA

Main Street Murfreesboro presents the 2021 Celebrate Christmas Downtown, the ofﬁcial lighting of the Rutherford County Christmas Tree, on Friday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Join the community downtown to kick off the holidays with this annual event and be entertained in front of the historic courthouse. Watch performances from a student choir, ballet from The Nutcracker performed by MTSU Dance, two songs and scenes from the Center for the Arts’ Elf the Musical, Christmas carols led by Belle Aire Baptist Community choir and, of course, a grand entrance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, thanks to the Murfreesboro Fire Department. 103.3 Country air personalities Big B and Bubba emcee and are sure to provide lots of entertainment. At 7:30 p.m., Murfreesboro Parks and Rec plays The Santa Clause movie. Bring your chairs and blankets and ﬁnd a spot early. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus start at 7:30 p.m. Many shops and restaurants downtown are open late and food trucks are open around the courthouse. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus continue the following three Saturdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, from noon–4 p.m. in the historic Rutherford County Courthouse. For more information, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org/celebrate-christmas-downtown. Creek High School (301 Red Hawk Pkwy., Smyrna). Find arts, crafts, direct sales vendors, food, a petting zoo and much more. For more information, call 615-892-4284.

DEC. 4 FILIPINO-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS PARTY

DEC. 4 SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO DONUT COUNTRY Share sweet photos, sweet treats, and sweet memories with your family at Donut Country on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 6 p.m. Receive a ticket to see Santa with any purchase at the Memorial Boulevard Donut Country location. This is one of Donut Country’s most popular events of the year. Parents may take their own pictures for free or may purchase photos from onsite photographer Sarah Lawrence of Little Tots Photography. The photo package includes three edited digital images with a 48-hour turnaround for $20.

Join the 2021 Christmas Party presented by Filipino-American Association of Tennessee on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 5–11 p.m. at Royal Palace Events Center (5385 Mt. View Rd., Antioch). Enjoy food, music, dancing, a cash bar and Christmas gifts with Santa. Seating is limited, so tickets must be purchased in advance. Adult admission (13 years and up) is $25, child admission (5–12) are $15, and children 4 and under are admitted free (but still require a ticket). For more information, visit filamoftn.org or ﬁnd the event on Eventbrite.

DEC. 6 AND 13 PROJECT FEEDERWATCH Once again Outdoor Murfreesboro par-

6 * DECEMBER 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

ticipates in Project Feederwatch through Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology, a 30-plus year dataset tracking backyard birds and their movements. This information contributes to a larger body of knowledge about bird populations and migration patterns. Join in at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) at any time between 2:30–4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Dec. 6 and 13, to spend some time tallying birds at the feeders. You can do this from an outside or an inside vantage point. You don’t need to have much knowledge on bird species; staff members and field guides are available to assist. You can help contribute to scientific knowledge and instill in yourself or others a passion for research and the pursuit of new knowledge. The event is free. For more information, email hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

DEC. 7 WREATH MAKING CLASS Create a beautiful holiday work of art CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

for your home at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Tuesday, Dec. 7, from 6–7:30 p.m. Start with a grapevine base before decorating it with aromatic cedar boughs, sustainably harvested in the park, and other decorations. These wreaths smell great and last through the new year indoors or outdoors. All supplies are provided. The cost is $20 per wreath; ages 18 and up are welcome. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com or contact hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov. For more information, call 615-217-3017.

DEC. 8 CHRISTINE ISLEY-FARMER BOOK SIGNING Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) hosts local author Christine Isley-Farmer for a book signing on Wednesday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Isley-Farmer signs and sells copies of her books, Finding My Yip and A Hard Nut to Crack, both published in 2021. She is the author of the children’s book series Boomer’s Tales. Her books, for children ages 7–12, feature a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as the narrator. The series emphasizes the close bonds between humans and

animals, kindness, teamwork, friendship, family and music. As a professional singer, the stories in opera and song have always fascinated and inspired Isley-Farmer. She is professor emerita in the School of Music at MTSU where she served as a vocal instructor. Prior to her writing and academic career, she sang professionally in Europe and the United States. The books are $8 each or $14 for both. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

DEC. 10 SANTA SPLASH AND DASH Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can’t have fun at a holiday pool party. Celebrate the holiday season on Friday, Dec. 10, from 5–8 p.m. at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) with an ornament craft, a meal and lots of swimming. The cost is $5 per person with pre-registration or $7 the day of the event; ages 8–14 are welcome. For more information, call 615-893-7439 or email cstafford@murfreesborotn.gov.

DEC. 11 SHABBY LANE HOLIDAY

DEC. 18 WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA Stones River National Battleﬁeld (3501 Old Nashville Hwy.) takes part in Wreaths Across America with a ceremony at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18. The local event is sponsored by the Civil Air Patrol and assisted by National Park Service staff to mark the laying of Remembrance Wreaths on graves at the National Cemetery. This year, 709 wreaths have been sponsored; the goal is to have a wreath placed on each of the 7,000 headstones by students and volunteers. The ceremony is free, but reservations are required; ﬁnd the event on Eventbrite. To sponsor a $15 wreath, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org. For more information, call 615-893-9501.

SHOPPING EVENT Shabby Lane Shopping presents a holiday shopping event with 80 local small businesses and artisans for its ninth annual holiday splendor Saturday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). Admission is free, plus complementary popcorn. There are free goodie bags for the ﬁrst 300 adult shoppers. For more information, visit shabbylaneshoppingevents.com.

DEC. 16 THE CONNECTION AT PROHIBITION HOME BREWING

DEC. 12 MURFREESBORO CHRISTMAS PARADE The Murfreesboro Christmas Parade, takes place Sunday, Dec. 12. This year the event is co-hosted by WGNS Radio and the City of Murfreesboro. This year’s theme is “The Spirit of Christmas.” The parade route begins at MTSU’s campus on East Main Street and ends at the historic square. For more information, contact 615-6423723 or rsinger@murfreesborotn.gov.

 Send community event information to CONTACT@BOROPULSE.COM

Prohibition Home Brewing will host the December 2021 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16. 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. Prohibition Home Brewing is located at 906 Ridgley Rd.

DEC. 17–18 MID-TENN ANTIQUES & UNIQUES EXPO Enjoy good old-fashioned treasure hunting at the Mid-Tenn Antiques & Uniques Expo, held noon–6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 17, and 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John Rice Blvd). Shoppers can ﬁnd a mix of antique and custom-built furniture, estate items, artisan products, vintage toys, clothing, new and vintage jewelry, sterling silver, advertising items, automotive collectibles, jams, jellies, home-baked goods, candles, handmade soaps and so much more. Find the perfect gift for that special someone on your Christmas list. Admission is $5. This is an indoor event. For more information, call 615-364-1828, visit bothbarrels.us or ﬁnd Mid-Tenn Antiques & Uniques Expo on Facebook.

DEC. 21 WINTER SOLSTICE CRAFT PARTY Celebrate the shortest day of the year with a craft party by candlelight at General Bragg CONTINUED ON PAGE 8 BOROPULSE.COM

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 Trailhead (1540 W. College St.) on Tuesday, Dec. 21, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. Enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows while brieﬂy discussing what the solstice is. All ages are welcome; the cost is $3 per child. For more information, call 615-217-3017 or email hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

DEC. 31 COUNTDOWN TO NOON Come to the biggest pajama party in Murfreesboro on Friday, Dec. 31, at the Discovery Center (502 S.E. Broad St.) from 10 a.m.–noon. Kick off 2022 with fun New Year’s activities like a dance party, glow game room, art activities and the iconic balloon drop at noon. Admission is free for members. For more information, visit explorethedc.org/countdown or call 615-890-2300.

DEC. 31 ST. CLAIR NOON YEAR’S EVE PARTY Enjoy fun, dancing, music and good snacks,

and greet 2022 with friends at St. Clair Senior Center (325 Saint Clair St.) on Friday, Dec. 31, from 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Ages 60 and up sing “Auld Lang Syne” and salute with sparkling cider. James Satterwhite of Nashtones provides the entertainment. The event is limited to 100 participants. (Please cancel your reservation if you cannot attend.) For more information, call 615-8482550 or email kherod@murfreesborotn.gov.

DEC. 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE AT SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Spend your New Year’s Eve at Seasons of Murfreesboro Restaurant & Lounge (2227 Old Fort Pkwy.). Backlit and StaticPop take turns playing on both stages from 7 p.m.–12:30 a.m. The after-show DJ dance party is at 12:30 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at seasonsofmurfreesboro.com or on Eventbrite. Tickets are $75 each or $120 for couples (only 150 will be sold), and they include food, live music, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight.

THROUGHOUT DECEMBER SECRET SANTAS WANTED If your family, business, church or civic organization is looking for a way to help others this holiday season, consider becoming a Secret Santa to a needy family through the Child Advocacy Center. Every year heartbroken families reach out, unsure of how they are going to provide their children with gifts and food for Christmas. There are three ways to get involved: the CAC provides you with the family’s wish list and you shop for Christmas gifts; provide gift cards for the family to purchase Christmas gifts and food (this is a great option if you don’t have time to shop); or make a contribution to the Child Advocacy Center building fund. For more information, visit cacrutherford.org/secret-santa.

DEC. 31 NYE AT THE WALNUT HOUSE Celebrate New Year’s with the Walnut House (116 N. Walnut St.) and Endure Athletics for a new New Year’s Eve fundraiser party. Beginning at 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 31, drive up to valet parking in front of the beautiful Walnut House in downtown Murfreesboro. Step onto the red carpet and smile for the paparazzi while discussing your attire with the scene host. After all the flashes have died down, enter into the beautiful lobby and drop off your coats. Stay downstairs and enjoy a lovely vocalist with band accompaniment while having a cocktail. Or, follow the sounds of dance music upstairs and get down on the dance floor. Celebrate midnight in different time zones and locales, including Argentina and NYC, with an outdoor cigar lounge, drinks, appetizers, a ball drop and confetti. VIP ticket holders have their own area with a dedicated bartender, casino games, heavy appetizers and a place to relax and unwind. Celebrate midnight in the ’Boro with fireworks and a balloon drop. Admission is $150 per person. For more information, call 615-904-4359 or visit endureathletics.org.

DEC. 31 NYE PARTY WITH MIXTAPE Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Mixtape, 8 * DECEMBER 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

Murfreesboro’s favorite 1980s party, at Hop Springs (6790 John Bragg Hwy.). Many of Mixtape’s shows sell out and even fewer tickets are available for New Year’s Eve, as only 200 guests are allowed; capacity is first-come, first-served. Tickets include free parking and a champagne toast at midnight. The DJ starts at 7 p.m. and Mixtape performs from 9:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. Get a meet-and-greet and photo op with the band at 8 p.m. Food trucks will be available onsite (all food and drinks must be purchased at Hop Springs). Admission is $50. For more information, call 615-450-1907, or find the event on Eventbrite or Facebook.

THURSDAYS GUARDIANS OF THE GREENWAY Help keep the Murfreesboro Greenway clean for the plants, animals and people who love it. Pickers, gloves and trash bags are provided. You can also have volunteer hours signed off on. All ages are welcome from 9–10 a.m. each Thursday at different Greenway locations: Dec. 2 – Broad Street Trailhead (1921 NW Broad St.) Dec. 9 – General Bragg Trailhead (1540 W. College St.) Dec. 16 – Southridge Boulevard Trailhead (Southridge Boulevard at Player Drive) CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

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Dec. 23 – Redoubt Brannan Trailhead (1300 W. College St.) For more information, call 615-217-3017 or email hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov, or ﬁnd Murfreesboro Greenway System at murfreesborotn.gov.

THURSDAYS AMERICAN VOICES PAST AND PRESENT

JAN. 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY 5K

SATURDAYS ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS Each week visit the Wilderness Station at Barﬁeld Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) to look at one of the resident education animals for a mini-lesson of animals

ONGOING JOURNEY HOME SEEKS STAFF FOR COLDEST NIGHTS The Journey Home is seeking staff members for the Coldest Nights program, an overnight emergency shelter program serving our community’s homeless adults. Coldest Nights operates two shelters, one for men and one for women, during the cold weather season when the forecasted low temperature is below freezing. Participants are offered a meal, safe sleeping accommodations and fellowship. Staff members are responsible for the general program operation, maintaining a safe and orderly environment for program participants and making sure the facilities are kept clean. The Journey Home needs to ﬁll part-time, seasonal positions working overnight shifts as well as nightly shifts to assist with supper and check-in and morning cleaning shifts. For more information or to submit an application or resume, contact sfoster@lovegodservepeople.org.

THE

Registration is now open for the city’s annual New Year’s Day 5K, organized by Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department. Beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1, runners start at the ball fields at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) and wind 3.1 miles through streets and trails within the park. Every participant receives a long-sleeve souvenir T-shirt, and every finisher receives a finisher’s medal. Overall and age group winners receive awards. There is a $25 fee for all ages. To register, visit runsignup.com. For more information, contact 615-893-7439 chill@murfreesborotn.gov.

American Voices Past and Present gives seniors (ages 55 and over) the opportunity to improve their way of life as well as their mental health through life programs at Patterson Park Community Center on Thursdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Using gerontology (the study of aging), creative writing and visual arts, seniors embrace and share their life stories. This class is limited to 30 participants; there is no charge to join. For more information, call 615-893-7439 or email stysonrich@murfreesborotn.gov.

that call Tennessee home. Meet the best teachers we have, the animals, on Saturdays Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 1:30–2 p.m. The activity is free for all ages. For more information, call 615-217-3017 or email hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

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boropulse.com/category/music be coming very soon. This will be her first new collection of songs since Wonderland, which was released in June 2019 and earned the number one country album slot on the U.K. Official Country Charts that year. By collaborating with writers and producers in Nashville, Los Angeles and the U.K., and performing in Europe and the U.S., Darling has been attracting ever-larger audiences to her pure vocals and unique brand.

Country Darling Chart-topping Sarah Darling among trio to play Lascassas for Christmas show BY MELISSA COKER

he’s a commonplace face to regular viewers of any CMT video platform (with plenty more TV accolades where that came from) plus has several December U.K. dates on the books of things to come. But just before she travels across the pond, this month’s gathering of the laid-back songwriting showcase Buddy’s Place is poised to welcome a true media darling into its well-versed mix. Sarah Darling has over 20 million streams on Spotify and Apple Music and has made nearly 100 appearances on the Grand Ole Opry stage. She has appeared on BBC Breakfast, BBC One Sunday Morning Live, iTV Weekend, Conan, Fox & Friends, HLN Morning Express with Robin Meade, The Bachelor and, in 2003, was a finalist on the Wayne Newton-hosted The Entertainer. It seems fitting that Buddy’s is an outdoor event: in August, Darling closed out her Campﬁre Sessions— steady digital releases of covers

throughout the past two years—with the release of her mini–EP Dreams. “This last Campﬁre release is particularly special to me because each song has had a significant impact on my life,” the artist said. Fresh off of her recent single “Waves,” the grand supreme little Darling joins Bobby Hamrick and Stevenson Elliot for night one of a two-night 8th annual Christmas at Buddy’s Place celebration. A new EP containing both “Waves” and “Song Still Gets Me” is promised to

“I kind of feel like the international girl next door,” she says. “I’ve spent a lot of time abroad now. Every little nugget of wisdom, all the ups and downs, I’ve kept with me. And this [upcoming] collection of songs is my perspective on it all. There’s a newfound strength added to my palette of colors. I’m grateful my story has been a unique one.” Find Sarah Darling on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; pre-save “Song Still Gets Me” at tonetree.ffm. to/songstillgetsme. Tickets to the 8th Annual Christmas at Buddy’s Place (their 10th year of shows overall) are $30 and include warm beverages, snacks and a special take-home gift. But be warned that tickets for Buddy’s super shows often sell out super quickly. However, there is a wait list for anyone wanting to try that option. Bring chairs and blankets. Sarah Darling, Bobby Hamrick and Stevenson Elliot play Buddy’s Place from 7–10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10. Paige Rose, Dakota Striplin and American Idol winner Kris Allen are featured for the second round on Saturday, Dec. 11. Buddy’s Place shows take place at Cedar Springs Ranch, 9638 Rocky Hill Rd., Lascassas, Tennessee. Visit buddysplacenashville.com/ reservations for more information.

ENTERTAINMENT NIGHTS in the Boro

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 MONDAYS AHARTS PIZZA GARDEN Trivia 7 p.m. HANK’S Open Mic Night 6–9 p.m. JACK BROWN’S Trivia Night 7 p.m. LEVEL III Trivia 7 p.m. THE BORO Karaoke 8 p.m. THE FISH HOUSE Bingo 7 p.m. THE WHEEL Pool Tournament 7 p.m.

 TUESDAYS COCONUT BAY Trivia 7:30 p.m. FRONT STREET PUB Acoustic jam session NACHO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Trivia 7 p.m. SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Poker 7 p.m. Karaoke 8 p.m.–12 a.m.

 WEDNESDAYS BURGER REPUBLIC Trivia 7 p.m. EL TORO Trivia 7 p.m. GEORGIA’S SPORTS BAR Karaoke 8 p.m.–12 a.m. JONATHAN’S GRILLE Trivia 7:30 p.m. JUST LOVE COFFEE CAFE EAST Trivia 5 p.m. SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Trivia 7 p.m. THE BOULEVAR Trivia 8 p.m.

FRONT STREET PUB Line Dancing NOTES LOUNGE Cocktails and Karaoke 7 p.m. PARTY FOWL Trivia 7 p.m. SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Poker 7 p.m.; Karaoke 8 p.m.–12 a.m. STARS AND STRIKES Trivia 6:30 p.m. THE FISH HOUSE Bingo 7 p.m.

 FRIDAYS BOOMBOZZ PIZZA Trivia 8:30 p.m. FRONT STREET PUB Karaoke GEORGIA’S SPORTS BAR Karaoke 9 p.m.–1 a.m. MARGARITAS Karaoke 7 p.m.–12 a.m. THE WHEEL Karaoke 8 p.m.

 SATURDAYS CARMEN MEXICAN RESTAURANT Karaoke 9 p.m. CORE LIFE Trivia 7 p.m. FRONT STREET PUB Karaoke GEORGIA’S SPORTS BAR Karaoke 9 p.m.–1 a.m. HOTSHOTZ Karaoke MARGARITAS Karaoke 7 p.m.–12 a.m. SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Latin DJ Nights 10 p.m.–3 a.m.

 SUNDAYS

THE WHEEL Trivia 7 p.m.

 THURSDAYS 219 MIXED CUISINE Trivia 7 p.m.

SAM’S SPORTS GRILL Trivia 8 p.m.

BOROPULSE.COM

* DECEMBER 2021 * 15

Reviews

HERU HERU The Legacy

ALBUMS

BY BRYCE HARMON

KENDALL FUDGE Narcissist

MOVIE

HOME SWEET HOME ALONE DIRECTOR Dan Mazer

With beginnings tied to the freestyle rap sessions that popped up around MTSU’s library, West Nashvillian hip-hop duo Heru Heru (along with producer and DJ Konscience Beatz), has released its second full-length album, The Legacy, conveying Heru Heru’s thoughtful brand of “heal-hop,” relatable wisdom and comfort through “the healing power of hip-hop.” Heru Heru presents rap stylings likened to Yasiin Bey and Talib Kwali’s Black Star, The Roots, Run the Jewels and other acclaimed intellectual rappers, resembling acts like these more than typical Nashville rappers. Individually, Foundation Mecca brings the culture of a modern, Nashvillian black man, supplying ﬂows similar to Common and Drake (but not at the same time). Ah-Deli is of Persian descent, and also brings a well-read and traveled aspect. That unique diversity is part of Heru Heru’s unifying intrigue. We bring the truth to make the devil hide, Ah-Deli says in The Legacy’s outstanding, minute-and-a-half lyrical oasis “Make the Devil Hide.” A large portion of the “truth” in The Legacy seemingly revolves around the duo touting accomplishments and expressing class-jumping ambitions, which could poke a hole in the “heal-hop” bubble. The Legacy’s cultural references, intellectual presentation and “heal-hop” label come across at times as the frilly stereotypical hubris young men can develop after navigating the hip-hop world for a couple of years. Al-Deli’s lyrics in “Letting Me In” are an example of ethics that dismiss opportunity to relieve community hardship, or direct unification, as “heal-hop” boasts it can do. The album sounds great, in most respects, though. DJ Konscience Beatz crafts drum machine ticks to a speedy arrhythmia around the corners, giving the album power to hold the listener’s breath in anticipation before Foundation Mecca or Al-Deli proceed into the next bar. Diversity appears in Beatz’ reach for samples, too, ranging from Brazilian artist Dyza’s 2020 “The Heresy of Sainte Germaine” all the way to Andy Gibb’s 1977 hit “Love Is Thicker Than Water.”

16 * DECEMBER 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

With Seattle, Los Angeles and Las Vegas in his wake, alternative rock/metal axeman Kendall Fudge takes a swing in the South with his solo debut, Narcissist, now in area circulation a few years after its initial release. Musically, Narcissist holds up to any turn-of-the-century, alt-rock-fueled, high school kid’s personal mix CD, proudly filled with early cuts from Primus, Butthole Surfers, Alice in Chains, Tool and Stone Temple Pilots. Fudge’s auto-pilot vocal style, while suggesting a droning Layne Staley or playful Les Claypool, is almost always buried under echo and megaphone-type effects. The themes of Fudge’s tracks document a scattered “wayward man’s destiny,” peppered with clever bursts of Fudgey logic and dark anecdotes mostly motivated by deteriorated relationships. As an axeman, Fudge nods to the previously mentioned inﬂuences’ respective sounds by layering individual guitars from his collection during production, to form each song’s rhythm and borrowed identity, sprinkled with melody and accent riffs that display evidence of Fudge’s still-emerging personal style. No bona fide guitar solo appears until the end of the second song, and similar instrumental forays are brief and seldom heard throughout Narcissist. The guitar work does, however, include some pretty busy finger-picking on “Possum Hollow” and the rousing “Ashley’s Song.” Detours from Narcissist’s general “going away” theme include solid yet comedic paternal advice in the long-winded, two-chord strummer “Livin This Way,” while an anti-capitalist, pro-Earth and somewhat libertarian message fuels “Sell a Friend,” a track in the vein of Stone Temple Pilots. For area musicians interested in working with Kendall Fudge in upcoming Southeastern U.S.-area projects, using both material from Narcissist as well as new work, Murfreesboro guitarist Jonathan Perriotti is currently reviewing candidates; contact him at dethmega2150@gmail.com.

STARRING Ellie Kemper, Rob Delaney, Archie Yates RATED PG

Home Sweet Home Alone is the sixth film sharing the Home Alone title and premise. Exclusive to the streaming behemoth Disney+, the film’s tagline reads, “Holiday classics were meant to be broken.” (Remove the word “holiday” and you might have Disney’s corporate M.O.) The film’s self-awareness of meddling with a beloved cultural touchstone raises the question: Does that self-awareness justify the remake/sequel? Home Sweet Home Alone feels like the first in the series to be made by people who grew up on the first film. Nowhere is this more evident than the shift in focus from the abandoned child (Archie Yates as Max) to the home invaders themselves as the main characters, i.e. people who are now roughly the age of someone who saw Home Alone (1991) when they were Kevin McCallister’s age. It’s an interesting take, but it clashes with the slapstick aspects of the franchise, and ﬂirts with turning Max into the bad guy. Ellie Kemper and Rob Delaney play Pam and Jeff McKenzie, an upper-middle-class couple who must sell their house due to financial struggles (he’s an IT guy who hasn’t embraced “the cloud” yet). When they suspect the precocious young Brit Max Mercer of stealing an extremely rare and valuable doll from their open house, they hatch a plan to retrieve it,

thereby no longer having to sell their house or be almost poor ever again. There are some tone-deaf class issues at play, because as far as I can tell, everyone in this movie is rich. The film’s creators have some comedy chops; director Dan Mazer has been a collaborator with Sacha Baron Cohen since Ali G, and the two credited writers have TV and web experience, but it only amounts to a handful of funny lines and little else. The cast is full of good comedians, but aside from Rob Delaney and Aisling Bea (as Max’s mom) every actor feels misused. Kenan Thompson provides some early energy as the McKenzies’ realtor, but serves little purpose to the plot. Chris Parnell and Andy Daly play Max’s uncle and father respectively and have two lines in less than a minute of screen time collectively! Why are they even there? Is it too soon to ask for the Mazer cut? It doesn’t help that Archie Yates as the Kevin stand-in can’t hold a candle to the young Macaulay Culkin, but he’s also not given a chance (though I did like when he went all Scarface on a mound of Skittles). This is Pam and Jeff McKenzie’s film, and when a young, posh twerp inﬂicts Looney Tunes levels of violence on characters the audience is supposed to care about, rather than two lovable criminals, the laughs turn into groans. There’s a scene in Home Sweet Home Alone where a character is watching an old sci-fi B-movie, but the lines being spoken are from Angels With Filthy Souls. The character responds, “Ugh, this is garbage! I don’t know why they’re always trying to remake the classics. Never as good as the originals.” Why indeed. — JAY SPIGHT

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SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE GIVEAWAY 2021

Keep it local as you are doing your holiday shopping this season, and enter to win prizes from each of these Murfreesboro businesses at BoroPulse.com/Win

TASTE OF THE TROPICS

Empanada Sonata offers homemade empanadas from classic beef to mac and cheese to various daily special empanadas. Along with a wide range of empanadas, guests can choose from many different dipping sauces. Also offering classic plantains, sweet plantains and delicious Cuban and Puerto Rican classics, Empanada Sonata is located at 211 W. Main St. ENTER TO WIN a $50 Empanada Sonata gift card

TOYS FOR UNDER THE TREE

Lionel Train sets have been treasured Christmas gifts for over 100 years now. At Thor’s Furniture and Trains, the only ofﬁcial Lionel dealer in town, you can get a set of Christmas nostalgia to send chugging around your tree. The shop also offers a selection of American handcrafted furniture, including their popular porch rockers. Find lots of other toys, models, diecast cars, antiques and more at Thor’s Furniture and Lionel Trains, located at 416 Medical Center Pkwy. ENTER TO WIN two model sets from Thor’s, a Star Wars First Order Special Forces Tie Fighter kit AND a Walter Rose/Verena Rescue Boat Kit 18 * DECEMBER 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

Crying Cat Books and Records opened earlier in 2021, and the store provides an inviting environment for the local community of music, art and book lovers. The location’s collection of gently used books and records is constantly growing and customers can also trade in their media for store credit or cash. Located in downtown Murfreesboro at 504 N. Maney Ave., Crying Cat also hosts occasional band performances, book and poetry readings, and a variety of work by local artists. ENTER TO WIN a $20 gift certificate

from Crying Cat Books and Records

SWEETEN YOUR HOLIDAY

Choose from many delicious Bundt ﬂavors like lemon, chocolate chocolate chip, carrot, white chocolate raspberry and red velvet, at Nothing Bundt Cakes, topped with a signature cream cheese frosting. To elevate your occasion, select from more than 60 unique handcrafted cake designs themed around holidays and celebrations throughout the year. They can be customized for any occasion, including birthdays, showers, weddings and graduations. Nothing Bundt Cakes is located at The Fountains, 1440 Medical Center Pkwy. To order, call 615900-1747 or visit order.nothingbundtcakes.com. ENTER TO WIN an 8-inch frosted and boxed cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes

LET IT GO

A massage, facial or pedicure, and a gift card to the Nurture Nook Day Spa & Gift Shoppe would make a great stocking stuffer. In addition to spa services, the boutique offers candles, bathrobes, essential oils and other items to help the people of Murfreesboro ﬁnd their “Ahh . . . ” ENTER TO WIN a $100 gift certificate to Nurture Nook

A GREAT ESCAPE

Find new, used and collectible items such as records, Pokemon and Magic cards, DVDs and Blu-Rays, toys, new and back-issue comic books, posters, apparel, CDs, video games and more at The Great Escape. The store is both a bargain store—with CDs and DVDs starting at 99 cents, comics for 50 cents and up and many gaming cards starting at 5 cents each. The Murfreesboro store, located at 810 NW Broad St. Suite 202 in Jackson Heights, by Premiere 6 Theatre, is open Wednesday through Sunday, 12 to 7 p.m. For more information, visit thegreatescapeonline.com. ENTER TO WIN a $50 gift certificate from The Great Escape

DANCE FEVER

FESTIVE MUSIC

Dance Murfreesboro, located in The Warehouse, 730-A Middle Tennessee Blvd., Murfreesboro, has plenty of space to spread out in the 3,000-square-foot facility which features an 1,800-squarefoot dance ﬂoor. The studio, owned by Becky and Steve Lanham, offers ballroom, Latin and swing dancing classes and social dancing in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. ENTER TO WIN a punch card from Dance Murfreesboro, good for five classes with open dance sessions ($60 value)

Century 21 carries lots of music on vinyl, CD and cassette, along with turntables, incense, vaporizers, wall hangings, tie-dye, Zippos and all sorts of fun treasures. The store, just off Main Street near MTSU, also stocks clothing, soap and jewelry, and receives new vinyl every week. Get in the holiday spirit with some old favorites, or maybe discover some new treasures this year. C21 has music to please every member of your family! ENTER TO WIN a $50 gift certificate from Century 21

HOLIDAY MAGIC

A MEAL DELIVERED

Relax and get your favorite meals delivered from Murfreesboro’s hometown food delivery service, Hometown Delivery. The business delivers food from Spooky’s Pizza, Carmen’s, Sylvan Park, So-Cali, Slick Pig, Nacho’s, Wasabi, The Local Taco, Fat Guy BBQ, Empanada Sonata, Hank’s, Marina’s, Clay Pit, and nearly every local restaurant to all of Rutherford County. To learn more, visit hometowndelivery.org. ENTER TO WIN a $25 Hometown Delivery gift card

REST & REJUVINATE

Experience total peace and quiet while ﬂoating on skin-temperature water loaded with over 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt. Relax, free of gravity, while banishing pain and stress at Float Alchemy, Murfreesboro’s ﬂotation therapy headquarters. ENTER TO WIN two 60-minute float therapy sessions at Float Alchemy Additionally at Float Alchemy, 131 Cason Ln., the new Alchemy Room Candle Bar is now open for individual and group pour experiences. Create your own signature scent from over 80 fragrance oils and make soy candles, reed diffusers, wax melts, bath salts, body scrubs and more. ENTER TO WIN a $35 gift card to the Alchemy Room Candle Bar

GO HIGHER

Life and business strategist Megha Bradley works with clients on a one-on-one basis to help them identify their life purpose, achieve balance and ﬁnd a pathway to achieve joy, love and money. Programs offered include Personal Power By Design, a six-module course recorded with live Q&A support calls about becoming more self-conﬁdent and assertive and learning to trust yourself, and Catalyst Coaching Sessions, designed to help someone move forward in their life, business or relationship. For more information, visit higherhumanity.com. ENTER TO WIN your choice of the Personal Power By Design course OR Catalyst Coaching Session from Megha Bradley ($297 value)

YUMMY COFFEE

The Fox & Goat Coffee Company, based in Middle Tennessee, offers small-batch coffee roasted fresh and shipped to your door. The company, founded by a veteran and his wife (the goat and the fox), imports its beans from ethical growers located all around the world, and roasts them with love. Order online at foxandgoatcoffeecompany.com. ENTER TO WIN a Fox & Goat gift basket with some of the coffee roasts, coffee scented candles and more

Wand & Willow Day Spa, located at 109 W. College St., Murfreesboro, believes that there is a little magic inside all of us. Give a little Christmas magic to a loved one you want to treat, and gift one of Wand & Willow’s indulgence packages, massages, signature facials or something from its collection of potions, lotions, skincare products or bath salts, so they may experience a moment of relaxation with a dash of whimsical charm. ENTER TO WIN a custom corrective facial at Wand & Willow

DOUGHNUTS FOR SANTA?

Donut Country has been a local legend for decades, and magical things happen in the middle of the night at this 24-hour Memorial Boulevard establishment. The people of Murfreesboro buy the made-in-house doughnuts, twists, eclairs, cinnamon rolls and more by the dozen, and the shop also serves sandwiches, chicken salad, and other breakfast and lunch items. Drive right through and grab some doughnuts for someone on your list anytime. ENTER TO WIN a $50 Donut

Country gift card

FRUIT OF THE VINE

Big Creek Winery Tasting Room in Christiana offers Muscadine, Niagara, Concord, Catawba, peach, blackberry, cherry, apple and other varieties from Pulaski’s Big Creek Winery. Drop by to shop for Tennessee products in a historic small-town setting. ENTER TO WIN a bottle of wine from Big Creek Winery Tasting Room BOROPULSE.COM

* DECEMBER 2021 * 19

Food

 RESTAURANT

When in Doubt

Eat Tacos Find Fantastic Flavor Combinations at Local Taco

STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO

PHOTOS BY SARAH MAYO

Clockwise from top: Korean BBQ Taco, Steak Taco, Fish Taco

20 * DECEMBER 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

The spicy shrimp taco includes a nice, he Local Taco, a Murfreesboro resspicy mayo with a good kick and some jalataurant located near the center of peño coleslaw. It packs some heat, as does town on Broad Street, serves some the fish taco, which contains lots of pickled fantastic and creative taco options packed jalapeño on top, as well as a jalapeño tartar with flavor. sauce. Watch out! The establishment, which also has a The steak taco boasts a surprising burst Brentwood location, offers lots of different of horseradish flavor from the crema. Antaco options—some twists on typical taco other diner, Sarah, said she would rank this types, some of them somewhat unexpected. one as her favorite after having sampled “There are many taco combos for everymany of the tacos on one in the family. Give the Local Taco menu. them a try. You won’t “My go-to is defibe disappointed,” Local nitely the spicy shrimp Taco customer Brittany taco,” Lonnitha said. said after a meal. RESTAURANT The Local Taco “Each bite is packed The Korean BBQ taco with flavorful goodness. has a sweet, teriyaki-sesLOCATION The hot chicken tacos ame flavor and comes 521 NW Broad St. are another good choice loaded with thin strips PHONE and with just enough of carrots. I’m not the 615-624-7722 kick.” only one who likes to HOURS While tasty, this place carrots on tacos! Mon.–Thurs.: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Nashville hot chicken “The Korean BBQ Fri.–Sat.: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. taco is certainly not was my favorite,” stated PRICES the hottest taco on the another customer, Sara. Any taco: $4; menu. This taco with “The chips and queso The Local Nachos: $16; a Middle Tennessee were phenomenal,” she Smoked chicken bowl: $12; Small chips and queso: $4; twist is pretty mild by added. Street corn, black beans, Nashville-hot standards, Plenty of other taco rice or any side: $3 really. It exhibits more enthusiasts appreciate ONLINE of a vinegary twang this fusion of Mexican thelocaltaco.com than an extreme heat. and Asian cuisine. “The unique combi“The Korean BBQ nation of flavors the Nashville Hot oftaco contains a foundation of incredibly fers—the subtle heat of the chicken being well-marinated, tender pieces of beef that perfectly juxtaposed by the sweetness of the really take the taco to the next level. This Wickle Pickles, and topped off with a tasty isn’t your average, quickly-tossed-in-sauce slaw and burst of cilantro—is outstanding. taco. You can taste the lengthy preparedA powerhouse of flavor,” Nneka continued. ness in every bite,” Nneka Sparks said of “I’m torn between liking the Nashville Hot the taco, topped with crunchy cabbage-cartaco or the Korean BBQ taco better.” rot-sesame slaw and an ample amount of Anyone should be able to find a taco green onions. “A fantastic punch of sesame flavor to suit them at Local Taco. Grab four flavor and go-to Asian staples, like ginger different tacos for $14. and soy, round out this taco!” If you still can’t seem to decide, though, get a platter of all 13 taco options for $40 for a group to split; true taco lovers won’t judge, though, should a single diner want to tackle this taco extravaganza on their own. The Local Nachos, a massive pile of dips, chips, sauces and veggies, makes a popular group choice at Local Taco also. On this $16 creation, served on a large, pizza-pan-like platter The Local Taco piles high beans, ground beef, cheese, pico de gallo, queso, jalapeños, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole as well as large fried corn tortillas . “Truly a nacho masterpiece!” Matt Ward said of this giant nacho platter. “I’ve never

The Dish

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eaten nachos like this in my life. Next level! No other way to put it.” Other options include street corn, borracho beans and some very interesting sounding salads, such as a smoked chicken salad featuring, romaine, mixed greens, raisins, cranberries and peanuts with sherry walnut vinaigrette; and a beet salad (using fried beets, no less), with ginger goat cheese, toasted almonds, bacon and cranberries with agave hot sauce vinaigrette. The Local Taco offers very thin, crispy tortilla chips. These have a great crunch to them, but they may be just a bit too thin for scooping up much queso or salsa without breaking apart. The queso is a little on the spicy side, which many say is a good thing. It’s delicious. The restaurant has a broad kids’ menu, with mac and cheese, rice, quesadillas, a taco with ground beef and shredded cheese only, and chicken strips.

The Local Taco really boasts a taco taste for any tongue. If you don’t care for the flavors in the first one you try . . . try something else! “Generous portions, well developed flavor profiles,” reported a traveling Texan diner, April. “The street corn is on par with what you find at the taquerias in Dallas.” So whether it’s taco time, or someone is searching for a salad, some tequila, a smoked chicken plate, soup or a huge silver platter of nachos, give this local eatery a shot. “Go to Local Taco. It’s delicious,” a Murfreesboro diner named Michael said. “The Korean BBQ taco and the steak taco with horseradish crema are amazing. Both times I’ve been, they have had live music. If you don’t like gourmet tacos, cold beer and live music . . . go eat at some boring chain restaurant. Otherwise, support this local gem and keep them slinging these banging tacos for years to come!” BOROPULSE.COM

* DECEMBER 2021 * 21

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* DECEMBER 2021 * 21

Art

 EXHIBIT

Shaping Identity Exhibit at Baldwin Gallery Showcases Work from Five Artists VISITORS AT MIDDLE TENNESSEE State University’s renowned Baldwin Photographic Gallery can view the perspectives of ﬁve multifaceted artists in a new exhibit, Shaping Identity: A Non-Linear Journey, showcasing nearly 100 examples of their work. Shaping Identity is on display through Feb. 3 in the gallery, located in the university’s Bragg Media and Entertainment Building, at the top of the stairwell in the building’s interior courtyard. It features photos by Maggie Carson Jurow, Birthe Piontek, Serrah Russell, Aaron Turner and Irene Antonia Diane Reece. The ﬁve artists are also set to discuss their work in a public lecture on Saturday, Jan. 22, at 3 p.m. in Room 103 of the Bragg Building, followed by a reception upstairs in the gallery. Baldwin Gallery curator Shannon Randol, also an assistant professor of photography in the Department of Media Arts, says this exhibit is part of his plan to “widen the scope” of the Baldwin’s focus and feature

artists at all stages of their careers. “We’re bringing the emerging artists, established artists, bringing people that make a living off their work and some people who do it because they love it so much,” Randol said. “This particular group, they’re all very young artists, in their age and their careers as well, so it’s nice to have a different perspective, looking at the world through those younger artists’ eyes, dealing with some contemporary issues. There’s a lot of good work in this show.” Jurow is a senior product designer at VSCO, the Oakland, California-based social media network and photo/video editing app. Her career includes experience as an e-commerce art director, studio director and ﬂoral designer as well as an artist who works in sculpting, installations, photography and videography.

Piontek is a visual artist living in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, who’s also an assistant professor at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Time magazine nominated her second published project, Abendlied, as one of the best photo books of 2019, and her work often combines two-dimensional photographic surfaces and 3D spaces.

Reece, a Houston, Texas-based artist and visual activist, has incorporated her family’s historic photo archives into original projects that feature portraits, images, word art and other items to address civil rights, racial discrimination, police brutality and black identity. Russell is a visual artist and curator in Seattle, Washington, and serves as codirector of Vignettes, a curatorial collective for emerging and underrepresented artists and writers. Her projects use collage and appropriation to express the relationship between emotions and surroundings. Turner is a photographer and educator at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he also is founder of the Center for Photographers of Color. He uses photography to understand home and resilience in two main areas of the United States—the Arkansas and Mississippi Deltas—and creates still-life studies on identity, history and abstraction with a 4-inch-by-5-inch view camera. For more information about Baldwin Photographic Gallery, visit baldwinphotogallery.com.

Get to Know Murfreesboro Arts Laureates at City Hall Rotunda Exhibit MURFREESBORO CITY HALL will feature the work of current Arts Laureates—actor Cameron Mitchell, poet Amie Whittemore and dancer Meg Brooker—through Jan. 6. The exhibit, titled The Hope Effect, will also include work from previous arts laureates as well as an interactive video full of Laureate intros, performances and Learning with the Laureate video segments. The Murfreesboro Cultural Arts Laureate Program is an honor bestowed upon select local artists, providing recipients with further opportunities to educate, advocate and represent the community through their own creative initiatives. The city charges these artistic individuals with completing several arts-related community outreach projects speciﬁcally targeting non-traditional or under-served audiences during their tenure, which impact the community in a rewarding way. Come meet the laureates at a reception on Friday, Dec. 10. Murfreesboro City Hall is located at 111 W. Vine St. Gallery viewing is free and open to the public Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. For more information on City Hall and on the Murfreesboro Arts Laureates program, visit murfreesborotn.gov. 22 * DECEMBER 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

Living

SPOTLIGHT ON NONPROFIT

GROWING UP

I was raised in an alcoholic and drug-induced atmosphere. I was nurtured into an environment where crime and hate were encouraged. I felt shunned, or should I say degraded, and looked down upon all my life by the one person I wanted the most attention and approval from on this Earth—my mother. She worked two to three jobs at a time to make sure that she supported us, but they were always bars. That fed her addiction. My father lived in a different state and that was where I would spend my summers. I did good in school up until high school. This is when I began smoking weed. I started skipping school. That eventually led to me being placed in state custody and ultimately put into an alternative school where my parole officer’s office was upstairs. During this time, I also ended up in abusive relationships. If I wasn’t being abused, I would be the abuser. I had my first daughter when I was 21. That’s when I started my addiction to pain medication; the doctors started prescribing them to me after giving birth. I stayed in my addiction and had my second daughter at 26. My second daughter was given Suboxone to detox after being born because of my addiction. I eventually 24 * DECEMBER 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK CAPERTON / FRANKCAPERTON.COM

he Journey Home helps Rutherford County individuals and families who are facing homelessness find an affordable place to live. The Christian ministry provides resources and relationships that encourage faith, economic stability, wholeness and reintegration into community life. Being homeless brings daily challenges that impact every aspect of a person’s life. The Journey Home team says that lasting change happens when we meet a person at their point of need, help them set goals, enhance their life skills, address their health and self-worth, and secure jobs and stable housing. The Journey Home meets the most basic needs with day-to-day resources like meals and food staples, laundry and shower facilities, restrooms and hygiene products, clothing, mail service, phones, internet access, coaching services and referrals through its outreach center. In 2020 The Journey Home served more than 1,200 people, with 240 of those individuals transitioning from homelessness into permanent housing. A local woman, Angel, shared her experience with the organization at a Journey Home fundraiser event earlier in 2021.

Angel’s Story

How The Journey Home Helps Change Lives ended up down and out and hopeless. While experimenting with heavier drugs, I fell deep into human trafficking, selling drugs, but using more than I would sell. I ended up in a rough crowd—gangs taught me how to steal cars and run drugs across state lines, sleeping in cars and living from motel to motel. I again wound up down and out, just like I had always done. I ended up losing everything I owned. I knew I needed help. I turned to my family and asked them to help me by caring for my children so that I could go to rehab and get help. They denied me and said they didn’t have the money or time to take care of my girls. My friend offered to take me to his parents’ house and said that it would be a safe place, so I went. They were Christians. They were like angels in my life. They helped me find a 30-day rehab and offered to keep my girls. I was so broken and confused and in the darkest part of my life. They took me to rehab in Alabama and dropped me off. I felt like there was hope. Four days after I arrived, I received a call from the State of Tennessee telling me that there is a no-contact order in place with my daughters. They explained that leaving my daughters was ruled as neglect. The people I trusted the most—why would they do this? I didn’t understand. I was devastated. I was the rudest and worst while in rehab because

I was worried about my kids. I completed treatment only to get out and come home with nowhere to go. The only people I knew who would come and get me were my drug dealers. So, I called them. I became homeless and went deeper into human trafficking. I don’t remember much about this time. I stayed on drugs, using them to numb my pain. I would sleep outside, from motel to motel, from car to car. I would come to The Journey Home so I could eat and shower and have people to talk to. I had given up. I thought I would never see my girls again. I felt like I was grieving their death. Seven months later, I was arrested and put in jail. There were six warrants in four counties. My sobriety was forced upon me, but I later learned that’s the only way it would work for me. I remember that something came over me as I was being booked into jail. I remember just looking up and saying, “Thank you God, this is where I’m supposed to be.” A few months later, I was transported from Rutherford County Jail to Bedford County Jail, where I met a correctional officer named Star. She handed me a Bible and that’s where my faith began to grow and become stronger. I learned to pray again. When I was finally released, again, I found myself in the same predicament: nowhere to go. This time though, I stayed clean and a month later was accepted into Doors of

Hope. I learned about Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, life skills, intense therapy and programs, and learned how to be humble. They guided me through the process of getting my kids back and the legal steps I needed to take. I held a full-time job, paid my rent and more. That program saved my life. Eight months into the program, it was time to graduate, and once again, I didn’t know where I was going to go. That’s when Doors of Hope set me up an appointment with The Journey Home. As a requirement of getting custody of my daughters, I needed a stable place to live—quickly. Six days later, The Journey Home came through for me. They had me a home and moved me in. That was hope! That was God! They did more than that, though. They taught me how to budget. If I needed my oil changed in my car, they would help me. If I needed assistance with Christmas for my kids, they would help. They helped with clothing for me and my girls, food for us, and gas. They helped me get back on my feet. This program was there for me at my worst. I look back and think about how they loved me. They let me take showers, they fed me and they loved me, despite the way I was conducting myself. This is the only program like this in Rutherford County and I thank God for them. I am currently four years clean; I have my own place as a single mother with my girls. I have a full-time job working at a treatment center helping others. I actively work a 12-step program. I am a sponsor, life coach and mentor. I am working to enroll in school for social work and life management. To this day, The Journey Home stays in touch with me to make sure I’m okay and ask if I need anything. My dream has always been to do something like what they do. I want to also own a homeless shelter and sober living facility to help others in our community because the homeless rate is rising so fast. I don’t know if I would even have custody of my daughters if they had not trusted me enough to be in their housing. They changed my life. “A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” — Jesus (John 13:34) Do you know someone who needs help finding housing? Contact the Journey Home at lovegodservepeople.org or 615-809-2644.

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Living

 TRAVEL

Fall Creek Falls

Descend to the base of towering Tennessee waterfall and take in other scenery at Fall Creek Falls State Park STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO PHOTOS BY SARAH MAYO

egardless of what’s going on in the outside world, or what season it is, visitors can view and enjoy Fall Creek Falls, one of the unique natural treasures of Tennessee, any time of year. While Hawaii and Yosemite have some waterfalls that dwarf the height of Fall Creek Falls, the 256-foot-tall Fall Creek Falls is in fact the tallest U.S. waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Coming from Murfreesboro, those wanting to check out Fall Creek Falls, and 26 * DECEMBER 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

scenery at the surrounding Fall Creek Falls State Park, can travel about an hour and a half through the towns of Woodbury and McMinnville to reach the park. After ascending the ridge of the Cumberland Plateau, take Highway 111 to the north, and signs will soon take campers, hikers and waterfall enthusiasts towards the state park. A roadway leads through a few miles of thick trees right into the park. This road winds by a golf course and then a beautiful lake; view a lodge overlooking the lake

on the far side. A visitor’s center sits near the lake where sightseers can get more information on the state park and its ample campsites and cabins. Here, a fork in the road allows visitors to choose their adventure. Going to the right leads through the camping area, to the nature center, and on to Cane Creek Cascades and Cane Creek Falls and the popular shaky bridge high over this creek. From this nature center and bridge point, an approximately one-mile hiking trail leads to the top of the majestic Fall Creek Falls. Or, driving to the left at the earlier fork in the road allows motorists to drive right up to an overlook of the crown jewel of the park, with lots of places to stop and sightsee along the way, such as where this road crosses over the dam holding back the Fall Creek Falls Lake. It’s noteworthy that cars can pull into a parking lot just next to the overlook to Fall Creek Falls. Even those in wheelchairs or strollers can roll right up to the overlook and behold the view of the falls from above. A trail leading down the hillside takes those who want to descend to the base of this unique natural spectacle. It’s not an incredibly long trail, less than half a mile. It obviously travels a significant change in elevation over this brief distance

but, while steep at points, has helpful handrails for much of the way, and even stairs part of the way (though this descent is in no way stroller- or wheelchair-friendly). Go to the bottom, sit on the rocks; listen to the waterfall and feel its cool breeze. Those willing to get a little wet can circle the rocky bowl which catches the waterfall and let the water hit them if they wish. Fall Creek joins Cane Creek just downstream from Fall Creek Falls, and this water continues to ﬂow north to the Caney Fork River. After leaving the parking lot at the Fall Creek Falls overlook, perhaps drive along the one-way Scenic Loop Road, which continues to follow the edge of the massive gorge below and offers some stunning views of faraway hillsides. Otherwise, Fall Creek Falls State Park is loaded with other creeks, gorges, animals, trees, cascades and attractions. Explorers can travel more than 56 miles of total trail length, including two long-distance overnight trails.

If You Go FALL CREEK FALLS

For more information on Fall Creek Falls and other Tennessee state parks, visit tnstateparks.com.

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SaBaiDee, Jay’s Smoqued BBQ, Hank’2, Domino’s Pizza, Tag’z 5 Star Meats, Recyclops, Freddy’s, Cici’s BY DELORES ELLIOTT HANK’2 DOORS DOWN has opened just two doors down from Hank’s Honky Tonk at 2341 Memorial Blvd. The new location was originally advertised to be a second bar, but owners Ken, Gina and Liz Strode decided to operate the new facility as a private event space instead. The space is available for rentals. Events held at this new location include private concerts, album release parties, birthday parties, receptions, fundraisers and more. This new location also offers a 100-square-foot stage, full-service bar and seating for up to 40 people with a max capacity of 50. For booking information, call 773-8411113, or visit hankshonkytonk.com. DOMINO’S PIZZA has opened another location at 3940 Shelbyville Hwy. at the former site of MT Bottle Restaurant and Lounge. This new location is the seventh Domino’s store in Rutherford County. TINT WORLD has opened a fourth Tennessee location at 1610 NW Broad St., Murfreesboro, in addition to its other

FREDDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD AND STEAKBURGERS recently opened at 590 Sam Ridley Pkwy. W. in Smyrna. This location is the restaurant’s 15th location in Tennessee. Freddy’s serves steakburgers, hot dogs, a variety of frozen custard ﬂavors, malts and shakes as well as toppings and mix-in options for its custard and shakes. Freddy’s also offers pints and quarts of ice cream. The Smyrna location offers seating for 72 people, with additional seating on the patio. Visit freddysusa.com/store/smyrna for more information.

28 * DECEMBER 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

locations in Chattanooga, Memphis and Goodlettsville. According to Tint World’s website, the company was created out of the need for a clean, well-run window tinting and auto accessory center. Tint World has served its customers since 1982 and intends to continue to grow the business with honest and reasonable services and prices. Tint World offers a lifetime warranty. For more information, call 615-538-1881 or visit tintworld.com. TAG’Z 5 STAR MEATS has opened its new location at 1862 Memorial Blvd. in Murfreesboro. Tag’z 5 Star Meats provides customers with a variety of fresh meats and sauces, including free-range and all-natural chicken, grass-fed-only beef, farm-raised and wild seafood, blend marinades, cherry balsamic sauce, pork chops, lamb chops, salmon seasoning, citrus sauce and more. All meats come from the United States and the business also works with and offers products from local businesses including Hatcher’s Dairy, Carl’s All Purpose Seasoning, Marcy Jams, Bates Eggs, Tennessee Tea, Blue Porch Cheeses and Billy Allen Honey. For more information on products available, visit tagz5starmeats.com. CRUMBL COOKIES has opened its second Rutherford County location at 817 Industrial Blvd. in Smyrna. The location is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 615-625-2447. or visit crumblcookies.com/tnsmyrna.

SABAIDEE CAFE at 505 Cason Ln., Suite E, closed temporarily at the end of August for renovations. The business posted an update on its Facebook page on Oct. 23 explaining that progress on the building’s renovations had been paused due to awaiting approval of codes permits. The original date for re-opening was set for early November but has since been further delayed. “Apparently, we are no longer a small ‘cafe’ anymore, we are now an assembly. This change requires more details, more approvals and more time. Good food will come to those who wait,” according to the post from SaBaiDee management. SaBaiDee serves authentic Lao food, according to the restaurant’s website. “We were founded on the premise of making good Lao food from scratch. Our food is made fresh to order, we do not have pre-made soups or appetizers. We love sharing our home-cooked meals with our community and want everyone to experience the love of Lao food and culture that has brought us so much happiness.” SaBaiDee also includes Thai cuisine among its offerings. A customer recently left a handwritten sign on the door of SaBaiDee reading: “When will you all open back up? It is bad to have a craving for Thai tea for two months.” For more information on the restaurant and renovations, visit sabaideecafe.com or facebook.com/sabaideeboro. RECYCLOPS recently opened a location in Murfreesboro to provide recycling services to the area. Recyclops is a technology startup that innovates solutions for sustainability, starting with recycling. The company started in 2013 when founder and CEO Ryan Smith developed the idea while in college in Utah. At the time, his apartment didn’t offer onsite recycling, and he realized that recycling couldn’t be considered a universal luxury. After that realization, he invested in a few large bins and a small ﬂeet of dumpster

trucks, and by 2014 he had launched Recyclops. Recyclops offered recycling services to residents and businesses around Utah. Until 2017, the company sought revenue through monthly subscriptions and the resale of used cardboard. After some unforeseen circumstances resulting in a significant reduction in the amount earned for each ton of cardboard sold, Smith began investing in an Uber-like model for recycling. He began work on new technology that would support his methods, and by March 2018, the new version of Recyclops was born. Recyclops has since reached over 100 cities. By applying technology to recycling logistics using a smart-routing app, the company has managed to replicate the model CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

The

efficiently in some of the most rural and remote regions of the U.S. Recyclops has been sought out by other similarly-minded organizations, like Grove and Imperfect Foods, to help them solve some of their most challenging sustainability issues and to find solutions for their hard-to-recycle items. For more information regarding subscription packages and services offered, visit recyclops.com/locations/tennessee/ rutherford.

in Rutherford County

CLOSED After a few decades in business, the Murfreesboro and Smyrna locations of CICI’S PIZZA have closed. The local Cici’s recently announced via its Facebook page that it does not have plans to reopen after it announced a temporary closure just a few months ago. HUNGRY BEAR, a cheesesteak restaurant located at 2830 Middle Tennessee Blvd., closed suddenly near the beginning of November. The restaurant was located just behind the Shell station by the corner of Greenland Drive. Fans said the restaurant had a college hangout vibe with Philadelphia-themed decor.

JAY’S SMOQUED BBQ has opened at 2804 S. Rutherford Blvd., in the space formerly occupied by Tennessee Hemp Supply and OK Jose, near Walmart and CNG Liquor. The business formerly operated as a food truck known as Papa J BBQ. For more on the restaurant, which aims “to provide excellent down-home Southern BBQ,” visit jaysmoquedbbq.com.

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Opinion The Real Cost of Home Schooling Any family can home school if they choose to THE SAYING GOES: “if it’s important years ago and we were swimming against enough you will find a way, or if not, you will the tide. From our church, to our family and find an excuse.” friends, they all thought we were making a I think of that every time someone big mistake. reminds me of how privileged I am to be Even though we were convicted, every time able to home school. The life threw us a curve ball, the reality is that I know zero unsolicited advice was always home-school families the same. It was always, “just who are privileged, input them back in school.” cluding ours. Their solution was intended BY TIFFANY BOYD Eighteen years ago, to make life “easier” for us. our family made a life-changing decision. I After all, that’s the American way. walked away from a tenured teaching posiThankfully, we didn’t listen to that tion. We sold our new cars and recreational advice. We continued on through chronic vehicles and pulled up our bootstraps. We illness, two more children, a work injury soon went from a two-income family down that put my husband out of work for six to one, with three kids in tow. Everyone months, and the deaths of our parents. We thought we were crazy. Home schooling in made sacrifices, tightened our purse strings our area wasn’t popular or trendy all those even more, and kept going.

#FREE YOUR

CHILDREN

PHOTO COURTESY OF ADREA PIACQUADIO/PEXELS

When we first began our home-school journey, home-school support was limited. Trying to find other home-school families was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. The only social media we had in our arsenal was email. Today, home schoolers are fortunate to have a plethora of support services available. With the click of a button, they can connect with home schoolers locally and all over the world. Our calendars are filled with local events and there are home-schooling options to fit the need of every family. It is truly a customizable educational model that prioritizes the family, if the family is willing to prioritize the family. Our story isn’t special or unique in the homeschool community. It’s actually one you will hear repeated over and over. Time and again you will hear families explain how they have made major sacrifices to home school their children. In our local home-school support group we have single parents, parents with chronic illness and disabilities, parents with children who have special needs and parents who struggle financially, and they are all phenomenal home-school parents. They have all found a way to home educate their children. Many have only one car or drive older cars, have downsized their homes and drastically cut their expenses to make home schooling a reality. I plan to interview many

of these parents and share their stories. Each one is inspiring, offering proof that home-schooling families are anything but privileged, and yet they have found a way to do what some say can’t be done. What most people mean when they say they can’t afford to home school is that they aren’t willing to give up their standard of living. They don’t want to sell their new cars and recreational vehicles, they don’t want to give up their luxury vacations, new clothes, trips to the salon or their “me” time. They don’t want to give up their privileges. The real cost of home schooling involves dying to self and rearranging your priorities. It’s about sacrifice. So, when someone reminds me of how privileged I am to be able to home school, I always respond by saying, “It was important enough to make a way.”

“What most people mean when they say they can’t afford to home school is that they aren’t willing to give up their standard of living.”

30 * DECEMBER 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

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

BUSINESS MOMENTUM

BY BLAINE LITTLE

Hospitality Is 24/7 Customer Service Jacob Hall and others in the industry work to make guests comfortable

WITHIN ANY INDUSTRY, there are those people who are top of mind when it comes to their respective field. They’re not just professional, they truly have a passion for the work they do. They seem to know all the answers, are helpful to colleagues, and do it all with a smile on their faces. When it comes to the hospitality industry in Rutherford County, Jacob Hall is one of those people. I sat down with him to hear about his career journey, how business is coming back in Middle Tennessee, and the professional organization over which he presides. We met at the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Smyrna, the property he manages. Located just off of Sam Ridley Parkway, the Verandas is a development with several lodging facilities. I have known Jacob for a few years and was glad for the opportunity to learn more about his take on the hospitality industry and how it is recovering from the COVID pandemic. Jacob told me he’s always been in the business. “Hospitality isn’t just hotels, it’s restaurants and the vendors who support the industry,” he said, and he has done just about all of it. He worked in restaurants through college and was one of the first cooks at Embassy Suites when that property opened in 2009. From there, he became the director of sales with another hotel franchise and eventually grew into management. He has kept his finger on the pulse of the business sector he so loves. I asked him if things are starting to turn around for the better. “In Rutherford County, we have been bouncing back since the beginning of March. We have seen business travelers come back. We have seen various travel sports leagues come back,” Hall told the Pulse. However, Rutherford County has seen more business from transferees and those in new construction. In fact, construction of the new WoodSpring Suites was underway across the street from our interview. “Construction never stopped during COVID,” Hall stated. He went on to point out the debut of luxury hotels such as the Joseph, Virgin Hotel and the W Nashville. No doubt, when travel activity gets back to pre-pandemic levels, hotels in the area will be ready. For the most part, these ships are built and ready to sail, though they have yet to be crewed.

The biggest challenge right now is staffing. Like many businesses, restaurants and hotels are suffering from a shortage of employees. This is a current source of frustration for businesses, with many Murfreesboro restaurants being forced to close one or two days a week, or scaling back hours every day, so the handful of cooks and servers can have some time off. As it relates to lodging, a staff member has to be at a hotel front desk around the clock, a 24-hour concern most businesses do not have to worry about. When you think about it, a hotel or motel must provide constant customer service. People looking for part-time or temporary work this holiday season might be a saving grace, though. Most managers and owners are willing to offer ﬂexible schedules to hire the help they need. One organization that has been instrumental in offering support to the industry is the Rutherford County Hospitality Association. Hall serves as president of that organization this year. The RCHA is one of a network of many local hospitality associations. The organization’s leadership tries to remain mindful of things that could impact travel and tourism, such as government regulations, additional taxation and health concerns. Statewide, the hospitality association was instrumental in to-go cocktail drinks from restaurants. “That was a source of revenue for restaurants that might not have been able to afford being open otherwise,” Hall told me. Those little drinks could have made all the difference for some businesses. When asked what gives Jacob Hall his momentum, he replied, “For me to be able to make a difference in people’s lives, from [providing] a good night’s sleep to [hosting] a family with the financial crisis of being in between real estate.” Customer service, when done right, is being happy about making others happy. To find out more about Jacob Hall and the Rutherford County Hospitality Association, visit facebook.com/rutherfordcohospitalityassociation. Blaine Little is the founder and CEO of Momentum Seminars Training and Coaching. Learn more at momentumseminars.com. BOROPULSE.COM

* DECEMBER 2021 * 31

SPORTS

TALK

COLUMN BY “Z-TRAIN”

titanman1984@gmail.com

Merry Christmas to All! Merry Christmas Tannehill, Henry, Rock, Fisher and NSC THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! Without doubt, this annual Christmas piece has become my favorite article of the year. It’s an honor to write for the Murfreesboro Pulse and a little bafﬂing to think I have been doing this now for over a decade! Life is good and time keeps on ticking. Having trouble with romance? For the single folk, here are a few pickup lines. Shouldn’t you be on top of the tree, angel? Wanna Scrooge? Even Santa can’t make candy as sweet as you. How about I shimmy

down your chimney tonight? Let’s make this a not-so-silent night. I might be a grinch, but that just means I’ve got something that grows three sizes. I’ve checked twice, and I’m sure you’re on my naughty list. I have the stamina of a jolly, round man—I can go all night. That’s not a candy cane in my pocket, I’m just glad to see you! Wanna meet Santa’s little helper? Most of those may get you slapped, but if you try and try again, you may eventually find true love. It’s become tradition that I give you, the reader, my annual Christmas article. I give shout-outs and

say Merry Christmas to random folk! So, let’s get into it. Merry Christmas to the Titans! It’s been a tough season regarding injuries, as Tennessee has broken the NFL record for most total players a team has used in a season—not a good record. With all that said, the Titans still hold essentially a three-game division lead on the Colts with only five games left in the season. The AFC South is firmly in the Titans’ control. While the Titans have looked really bad in the last two games of November against the Texans and Patriots, there is some reason for optimism. So many starters sit on injured reserve right now with the potential for these players to all come back healthy right before the playoffs start. If the Titans can manage to hang on to the AFC South, this team could look very different as it prepares for a playoff push. Merry Christmas to Ryan Tannehill! I can’t imagine how hard your job is right now. It’s Ryan Tannehill surrounded by practice squad players. Respect! Bro, you lead the league in interceptions and sacks, and you need some help. Stay the course, Tannehill. Ignore the doubters, protect the football! Can I say that again? Protect the football! Ryan needs Julio and A.J. on the field, and hopefully the recent addition of receiver Golden Tate helps, too. Stay strong, Air Tannehill. Merry Christmas to Derrick Henry! It was a sad day in Tennessee when you went down with a foot injury. You were leading the NFL in rushing yards and on pace for an historic second straight 2,000-yard season and third straight rushing title. It was a reminder to us all that you are human; I wasn’t so sure. I wish you a speedy recovery! This Titans offense has hit a roadblock with you off the field. Rumors say you could be back for the playoffs—sketchy rumors at best—but please, get well soon! Merry Christmas to the Mayo Family! Husband, wife and two strong, healthy boys are the brains that make this free publication

32 * DECEMBER 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

possible in Murfreesboro. It’s serious work keeping the Murfreesboro Pulse rolling as many years as it has. Murfreesboro is lucky to have this family and I wish them a Happy New Year and an exciting 2021 full of many blessings and good health. I am thankful to call the Mayo family friends of my family. Merry Christmas to My Family! I won’t name you all here, but I give thanks to God everyday for giving me such a compassionate, loving family and two amazing dogs. Merry Christmas to the Rock! It’s about drive, it’s about power / We stay hungry, we devour / Put in the work, put in the hours, and take what’s ours. Thank you for that phenomenal 2021 rap. Merry Christmas to the Nashville Predators! Anyone who saw my last article read my rant on the Predators’ vaccine proof requirement for attending games. Take a merry walk around the city of Nashville and you realize how ridiculous that policy truly was. Well, good news. Just days after that article hit the stands, Bridgestone announced they were getting rid of the policy. So, I can attend games once again. I bet they were feeling it where it hurts. Money talks! Fact is I love this team; I’ve been cheering for this team for over 20 years passionately and I am very happy they ended that nonsense. Merry Christmas to Colin Kaepernick! I wonder if Kaepernick thinks Christmas is racist, or even merry? Colin in Black & White, streaming on Netﬂix, is a ridiculous TV show in which Kaepernick recently compared the NFL to slavery—the same NFL he has been crying about for years and was trying to get back into. That’s right, he compared the NFL to slavery, and for some reason he still wants back in. Colin also went on a rant, calling legends like Carlton Banks and Urkle “acceptable Negroes.” Do people still support this race-baiting POS? Kaepernick is an utter disgrace. But still, Merry Christmas, bro!

Merry Christmas to the Nashville Soccer Club! Such a young club, but with big results. The boys in gold have now played in five postseason matches in their first two years in MLS. The team had a disappointing end to this season in Philadelphia in a nasty shootout, but Nashville became only the seventh team in MLS history to finish a regular season without a home loss. Respect! Nashville will get a chance for revenge as the Club opens the 2022 season versus Philadelphia on May 1, 2022, in the inaugural match in its new home stadium, the largest soccer-specific stadium in America, with a seating capacity of 30,000. Better believe the Train Daddy will be present for that game! Merry Christmas to Joe Biden! Joe is probably walking around the White House telling folk Merry Easter and handing out candy, but I wish him a Merry Christmas all the same. Merry Christmas to You, the Reader! Thank you. Without you, this doesn’t exist. I know I rufﬂe a few feathers here and there, but it’s not my intention. I just like to give my opinion. At the end of the day, this is America, and freedom is something we should never take for granted, because many countries around the world aren’t so fortunate. Merry Christmas to Jeff Fisher! The former Titans coach was honored at the Week 11 matchup against the Texans. The ceremony took place at halftime in the pouring rain. I was there and, as much as that game result sucked, it was great to hear Jeff talk. The late Floyd Reese was also honored that afternoon. Reese and Fisher hold the franchise records for most wins by a general manager and coach. They also took the team to its only Super Bowl appearance. My love affair with football started with the team those two men helped create. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night. Choo-choo!

Live Exceptionally...Well! BY JENNIFER DURAND

Embrace Change This time of year our focus tends to shift to thoughts of gatherings that bring loved ones together. It can also be a difficult time for some who have no family, significant other or many friends. What I have witnessed in my lifetime is that family comes in many forms. To coin a portmanteau, the word “framily” is an example of such a form— friends who feel like family. They share the ups and downs, the life changes and relationship changes and celebrate being together for special occasions or no occasion at all. One thing in life that is constant is change. The good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, only have their moments. The practice of embracing change as it comes offers a mental life raft to hang on to when it feels like you’re drowning, or when you feel like you’re ﬂoating. Remembering that the moments are just that—moments—you can hold on loosely to whatever is happening while appreciating the life lesson that it brings. Spending time with friends and their families, I’ve witnessed the challenges and triumphs that have come from holding on to that mental life raft. Divorce, death, broken relationships, moving far from one’s longtime home, job losses and illness are only a few of the life changes that I’ve seen. Experiencing events as a part of a blended family might initially bring feelings of isolation, judgement, shame, frustration, misunderstanding, fear and doubt. You’d rather do anything other than have to spend time with family and face any of those feelings. Something, or someone, however, compels you to forget your “self ” and show up to be part of the whole. Maybe this will be the time that something wonderful happens. Or, perhaps you don’t show up and instead face the possibility of being talked about for not showing up. Regardless of the circumstance, you are a part of something or someone. “Life is ﬂeeting, yes, but also eternal; it will always find a way to begin again.” — Kelseyleigh Reber, If I Resist Maybe the sting of a fresh divorce or being “the other person” makes it difficult to feel like you belong in a new family. Everyone tries their best to include you, but even their best at the moment may appear to be cold and distant. Maybe some are not quite as ready as others to accept the new reality. Keeping in mind that nothing stays the same, you can ride the wave of change until the dust settles and new ideals take form. Remember to be yourself, and to be patient. Time and experience bring new views. For those without a significant other who

sometimes feel lonely—you are not alone. When you do feel loneliness creep in, again know that it is temporary. It’s okay to embrace the loneliness and learn from it. Be kind to yourself during this time. Do something that you love, something that feeds you. My dad, after divorce, often said “I’m as lonely as I want to be.” This meant he didn’t mind being alone, and that he had friends that he could call and spend time with if he wanted company. I thought that was a healthy way of looking at relationships—not being co-dependent, and embracing the changes with an independent nature. “Forgetting is something time alone takes care of, but forgiveness is an act of volition, and only the sufferer is qualified to make the decision.” — Simon Wiesenthal This quote by Simon Wiesenthal applies to anyone who needs to forgive. It might be the person who has to accept a new family member that they don’t care for. Then that new family member has to find a way to forgive the confusion or misunderstanding of not being accepted. Ultimately it is up to us to make the decision to let it go and forgive. Remember to exude love during these times. Love yourself, and love others where they are. After all, they want to feel better about their relationships, too. Let patience and understanding be your guide. Another thing to remember is it’s not all about you! While you’re having your own pity party or feeling like you don’t belong, keep in mind that other people are feeling this way too. So, what can you forgive and let go of ? Practice this othercentered perspective when you are feeling any agitation or uncertainty arising this season (or any time of the year). It’s important to know that when life feels amazing or feels like you’re ﬂoating, that too is a moment. Savor it. Enjoy it. Embrace it. It will change, and you want to be ready for this by being able to let the moment go when it’s time and keep moving with your mental life raft, staying prepared for the next change. “When you can tell the story and it doesn’t bring up any pain, you know it is healed.” — Iyanla Vanzant 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. BOROPULSE.COM

* DECEMBER 2021 * 33

 NATURE NEWS

Squirrels Actively Hiding Nuts and Chasing Thieves as Weather Gets Colder

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RECENTLY, I HAVE BEEN TAKING LOTS of walks at Barfield Crescent Park, where the squirrel activity is abundant and I’m guaranteed to meet some of them along the way. I love watching squirrels any time of year but the fall is my favorite. This is when they pull out all the stops and put on a such a great show. The forest drama that plays out has everything for any kind of viewer; there are high-speed chases, loud disapprovals with no holding back, intense how-to demonstrations on how to crack open a nut and— my personal favorite—the deceitful trickery. In the fall, squirrels frantically gather and store food. They eat a wide range of foods such as tree buds, seeds, acorns and many other types of nuts. They gather these food items from the forests and bury them in small caches they make in the ground for later recovery. Using their very accurate spatial memory, they then use landmarks and smell to recover their caches. Thievery, however, is inevitable and many squirrels are opportunists, which can lead to high-speed chases up and down the trunks of trees. These chases are hard to keep up with as the squirrels climb from one tree to the next in the blink of an eye. Squirrels are one of few mammals that can scale down a tree head-first. They do this by rotating their ankles 180 degrees and turn their hind paws backwards. Some squirrels that I come across don’t seem to mind my presence at all. As long as I keep sufficient distance between the two of us and don’t make any sudden movements, I get to be up close while they continue with whatever activity they are currently engaged in. This is when I most 34 * DECEMBER 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

often get to see them breaking apart the husk of a nut using a combination of their teeth and their human-like fingers. Other squirrels, however, won’t stand for the presence of a human visitor. They let me know loud and clear with continuous chirping that I am absolutely not wanted and they won’t stop until I am far enough away and they no longer feel their food or territory are being threatened. My favorite of all squirrel behavior is their trickery. If they sense that they are being watched while storing their food, they will do their very best to mislead the onlooker. They will open up and prepare their small cache as they normally would, pretend to place the nut or piece of food into the ground, but in fact hide it in their mouths, then cover the cache back over and move onto the next spot. It is an incredible thing to witness, this type of calculated thinking from these creatures. Squirrels sometimes get a bad rap and are often the reason property owners call upon exterminators. Sometimes squirrels can cause damage to homes when trying to find a suitable place to nest. Try to remember that squirrels, like many other creatures, are being dislodged from their natural homes due to overdevelopment and habitat loss. Squirrels are in fact “the most prodigious and ecologically essential natural forest regenerator” in North America (according to the Canadian Journal of Zoology) and that is exactly what we need right now. Additionally, here in Murfreesboro, we have a local small mammal rehabilitator at Ziggy’s Tree Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (ziggystree.org) that can help with dislodged or injured squirrels, including newborns.

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