February 2021 Murfreesboro Pulse

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FEBRUARY 2021 / VOL. 16, ISSUE 2 / FREE

MUSIC RHONDA VINCENT CHRIS YOUNG JOEY FLETCHER �AND MORE!

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Dine Fine With Your Valentine A Guide to Murfreesboro’s Favorite Flavorful Local Restaurants PAGE 18

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Contents

ON THE COVER: Clockwise from top left—Primrose Table, Parthenon Grill, Five Senses, Bonefish Grill

12 FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

10

5 Events

CHRIS YOUNG CAFE

MTSU opens new performance space, media and entertainment industry classroom in cafe building.

12

CALENDAR Puppy Bowl, Eric Metaxas, Valentine’s Bazaar, Boat and Fishing Expo, Benefit for Van Hill and more

8 Sounds

BLUEGRASS QUEEN

Rhonda Vincent crowned newest Grand Ole Opry member, finally; celebrates at Station Inn, Midnite Jamboree and at church.

MUSIC NOTES Joey Fletcher slides into Hop Springs.

CONCERT CALENDAR

18

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

DINE FINE

Favorite flavorful Murfreesboro dining options make an excellent choice for Valentine’s Day or any time of year.

22

SMOKE AND MIRRORS

Financial advisor Kevin Prendiville dispels some common financial myths in new book.

11 Reviews ALBUM Fable Cry

MOVIE Promising Young Woman BOOK Finding My Yip

Art Director: Sarah Mayo Copy Editor: Steve Morley Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo

15

Advertising: Jared Stuart

15 Art

27 Opinion

EXHIBIT Hosea Lee series on display at MAC.

POSITIVE DISCIPLINE Parent with kindness and firmness, understand a child’s feelings before correction.

PHOTOGRAPHY Gale Stoner to offer free photo classes.

20 Movies ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET Rent a private theater at Murfreesboro’s Premiere 6.

23 News

BUSINESS MOMENTUM MTAR and Candy Joyce offer support for local real estate profession.

BUSINESS BUZZ Ms. Marian’s Cafe, Salads on Demand, Woods Air Movement, Media Rerun, Kroger

Contributors: Larry Burris, Melissa Coker, Michael DeLeon, Jennifer Durand, Delores Elliott, Laura Lindsay, Blaine Little, Zach Maxfield, Reanna Sarieh, Jay Spight, Andrea Stockard

HEALTHY LIVING Chiropractic care can help with heart health.

STEERED STRAIGHT A recovery army LIVE . . . WELL Full body cleanse FREE SPEECH Censorship is hard to stop once it starts.

33 Sports

BLUE RAIDERS Women’s basketball enters February at 11–4.

SPORTS TALK Brady is back in the Super Bowl.

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The Murfreesboro Pulse

IT SEEMS THE RECENT ELECTIONS have caused some anger, heightened emotions and disagreements among many Americans. Most should agree, however—at least, according to the official results—that the country has a roughly equal split. The total votes for the Republican and the Democratic candidates ended up fairly close to one another. No matter how much a voter dislikes the opposing candidate, accept the idea that millions of Americans voted for their ticket.

Some call their political enemies ugly names in order to discredit everything they stand for, sometimes as a deflection of the real issues at hand. Not all who voted for the Republican incumbent are racists, conspiracy theorists, white supremacists and rednecks. Not all who voted for the Democratic challenger are socialists intent upon destroying free enterprise and liberty, baby killers, cheaters and supporters of the swampy establishment elite.

Perhaps try and understand the other side beyond the insults. You may learn something. It may help craft your message in a way that appeals to the reasoning of others.

As of now, Americans can say what they wish.

However, a definite movement opposes the rights of free speech, the press, religion, petitioning the government and assembly. A recent study—conducted by the Knight Foundation, Gallup and the Freedom Forum, and recently shared by the Free Speech Center at MTSU—indicated that about 29 percent of respondents said they believe the First Amendment’s rights go too far, an assertion quite alarming to supporters of free expression.

The Pulse has started to see an increase of events for the community calendar and concert listings.

Both Barrels presented a great Motorama in January in Wilson County. So many people are quite ready to gather for fun times with those who share similar interests.

I continue to try and take steps to keep my immunity and strength at a high level, while still living life and going to see people.

How many of the places in this month’s local dining roundup have you enjoyed? Murfreesboro has some excellent spots, on that listing and beyond.

Many local restaurants have begun to see crowds and sales return close to pre-Corona levels. Many others need your support, though, if you want to see them survive. If there’s a local business that you appreciate, show your support without delay.

Remember, boropulse.com contains all sorts of restaurant features, local art features, healthy living advice, inspirational content, interviews with local entrepreneurs and authors, and information on area nonprofits, charities and more. Spend some time there and you should learn a great deal about our fine community.

Thanks for the support, everyone. Your advertising, carrying the Pulse in your place of business, reading this publication, sharing the stories online, leaving reviews and comments, handing a copy of the paper to an acquaintance, visiting our advertisers—it keeps the publication going. If you would like more information on how the Pulse can help you promote your business, organization or event, please get in touch: contact@boropulse.com.

Peace, BRACKEN MAYO Publisher/Editor in Chief

Events

CALENDAR / FEBRUARY 2021

FEB. 1–7

FEB. 7

CAMPFIRE WEEK

PUPPY BOWL DAYCARE

Pick up a weekly Quest Kit from Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) Feb. 1–7 and make a campfire craft. Each kit contains a fun craft, themed book, material suggestions and an activity sheet relating to the topic. New kits are available every Monday. For more information, visit rclstn.org/ events/campfire-week-linebaugh.

Dogwood Hollow hosts its annual Puppy Bowl Daycare Party for the four-legged fans. No dog will have to sit on the sidelines for this event.

Michael and Karin Vilanova invite pups to Dogwood Hollow for this special doggy daycare party. Everyone will get time on the field, special football-shaped treats and pup cups. The site will also have a football-themed backdrop with props to make for great photo ops. Dog owners can book their dogs to stay the night for a slumber party, so they can enjoy the Super Bowl activities without having to rush home to take care of their pets’ needs.

Dogs at Dogwood Hollow are grouped by size and socialization level and placed in a secure play area. They each get their own private room where they can relax in between play sessions.

Dogs must be evaluated before becoming daycare playgroup pups.

For more on Dogwood Hollow, visit mydogwoodhollow.com or call 615-6243914. Dogwood Hollow is located at 9304 Independent Hill Rd., Arrington.

THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY RACQUETBALL SIGNUPS Murfreesboro Parks and Rec offers competitive and recreational racquetball for experienced players at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.).

The league is separated into A, B and C divisions. Sign-ups are Feb. 1–March 5 with matches beginning March 10. Players are responsible for scheduling their own games throughout the week after the master schedule is posted. The fee is a $15 league entry fee and premium admission to PCC. For more information, contact 615-9072251 or mmcafferty@murfreesborotn.gov.

FEB. 2

BY ANDREA STOCKARD

FEB. 6 BACK TO OUR ROOTS FISH FRY & BAKE SALE Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center (511 Mercury Blvd.) welcomes the community to a drive-up fish fry and bake sale on Saturday, Feb. 6, from noon–4 p.m. Every year the museum hosts various events in February. Bring your appetite and stop by for a delicious fried fish sandwich and a sweet treat. Prices vary by item.

Please purchase presale tickets by Feb. 5.

For more information, contact 615-9628773 or vstembridge@murfreesborotn.gov.

FEB. 6 VALENTINE’S BAZAAR Rustic Lace Events presents the Valentine’s Bazaar on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at the beautiful Cheval Manor (7052 W. Gum Rd.). View over 85 vendors featuring handmade arts and crafts, local small business, boutique and food inside and outside. Dress appropriately to shop outside. For more information, call 931952-02027 or visit rusticlaceevents.com.

FEB. 6–7

MIDTN MAGIC CLUB Join the MidTN Magic Club on Tuesday, Feb. 2 (and the first Tuesday of each month), at 7 p.m. at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) in the first floor Club Room. This chapter is part of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, a nonprofit organization that is one of the oldest and most respected societies of magicians in the world. The goal is to promote, advance and present entertaining magic to all audiences while preserving the heritage of the craft and passing along its timehonored traditions to future generations.

Anyone with an interest in the magical arts is invited. For more information, visit rclstn. org/events/midtn-magic-club-linebaugh.

FEB. 3 WINTER TREASURE HUNT AT CANNONSBURGH Enjoy a colored ice treasure hunt at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) on Wednesday, Feb. 3. Meet at 10:45 a.m. at the Visitor Center; the treasure hunt begins promptly at 11 a.m. Children find colored ice hidden in the village. The ice has a historical question attached to it, and the question and answer are returned to the Visitor Center for a prize. Dress according

to the weather. All school-age children are welcome. Admission is $3 per person. For more information, call 615-890-0355.

FEB. 5–7

FEB. 3

Bring the whole family to the No. 1 boat and fishing expo in Tennessee, put on at the Farm Bureau Exposition Center (945 E. Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon). Enjoy the hottest new boats with dealer incentives, tons of tackle with discount pricing, antique lure display, hourly door prizes and tackle dealers. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors (ages 65 and up) and free for children (ages 12 and younger); 2-for-1 admission is available online. The show is Friday, Feb. 5, from noon–8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6, from 10 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 7, from noon–4 p.m. For more information, visit tnboatexpo.com.

LADIES IN RED Wear red to Two J’s Grille (3242 Memorial Blvd.) on Wednesday, Feb. 3, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Meet host Pamela B at the bar at 5:30 p.m., then find a table at 6 p.m. Choose a table of ladies you haven’t met before and expand your circle. For more information, find Ladies in RED * Night out at Two J’s Grille on meetup.com.

FEB. 4 AFTERNOON BOOK CLUB The Afternoon Book Club meets Thursday, Feb. 4 (and the first Thursday of each month) at 1 p.m. at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.). The club reads a mixture of light and serious novels as well as nonfiction while enjoying outings several times a year. Meet in the Linebaugh Board Room on the second floor. For more information, visit rclstn.org/events/afternoon-book-clublinebaugh.

TENNESSEE BOAT AND FISHING EXPO

FEB. 6 FREE YOGA CLASS Enjoy a free yoga class Saturday, Feb. 6, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at Royal Massage & Yoga Lounge (451 N. Thompson Ln., Suite C). All ages are welcome. For more information on signing up, visit royalmassageandyoga.com.

ERIC METAXAS TO SPEAK Best-selling author and radio host Eric Metaxas serves as the guest speaker at World Outreach Church (1921 State Hwy. 99) on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 7 at 9:30 a.m., as he shares the message of “encouragement, joy and peace despite circumstances.” Metaxas is a New York Times No. 1 bestselling author and is renowned for his biographies of William Wilberforce, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther. He also wrote If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty, Miracles, Seven Women, Seven Men, and more than 30 children’s books, including It’s Time to Sleep. The Eric Metaxas Radio Show is heard in more than 120 cities around the U.S. Signed copies of his latest autobiography entitled Fish Out of Water: A Search for the Meaning of Life, will be available for purchase onsite. For more information, visit wochurch.org.

FEB. 7 WINTER HIKE & COCOA Bundle up and join Murfreesboro Parks and Rec for a guided hike along a portion of Barfield’s Marshall Knob Trail and the Rocky CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 BOROPULSE.COM

* FEBRUARY 2021 * 5

day. Ages 5–17 are welcome 11 a.m.–noon or 1–2 p.m. The event is free. For more information, contact 615-801-2606 or dhunter@murfreesborotn.gov.

FEB. 12 FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS Tri-Star Boxing again hosts live professional boxing featuring local heavyweight Rydell “Super” Mayes Jr. on Friday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m. at The Notes Event Center, 2349A S. Church St. VIP tables are available for $600–$750 (there are no general admission tickets to this event).

For more information, find Friday Night Fights in the Boro on Eventbrite.

FEB. 13 AFFECTION CONNECTION

FEB. 20 BENEFIT FOR VAN HILL It’s time to give back to someone who is always giving to others. Van Hill was diagnosed with Stage 2 prostate cancer, and he has been undergoing expensive treatments. Help donate while enjoying a poker run, auction, raffle, catfish plates and chili as well as live music at Van’s Bar & Grill (2404 Halls Hill Pk.) on Saturday, Feb. 20. Anyone donating items or monies can contact Tina Redmon or Rachel Gray via Facebook. Registration for the ride is at 10 a.m. with kickstands up at 11 a.m. Registration for the ride is $15 for a single person or $25 per couple. All proceeds benefit Van Hill.

Affection Connection is a city-wide scavenger hunt presented by Blackman Community Church of Nazarene. Couples in various phases of their relationship, whether dating, engaged or married, can connect with their significant other on Valentine’s Day weekend. Couples can begin their hunt anytime between 3–8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13, as instructions are texted when the couple is ready to begin. Figure out clues, complete tasks and spend some quality time alone with your date. Register for Affection Connection on tithe.ly.

FEB. 13 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Trail (approximately 2.25 miles) on Sunday, Feb. 7, from 1–3 p.m. Begin at Barfield Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.). Discover intriguing landforms and fossils, winter vegetation and look out for signs of local wildlife. Trails are of moderate difficulty and will cover gradual inclines and declines, cross over crevices, rocky terrain and raised tree roots. End the day by enjoying a hot cup of cocoa. Wear appropriate attire and feel free to bring binoculars, a walking stick or a nature journal. Registration is required.

All ages are welcome. The fee is $3 per person or $10 per family. For more information, contact apool@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-217-3017.

FEB. 8–12 HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE CAMP Children ages 7–12 are invited to the Wilderness Station at Barfield Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) for the annual Winter Science Camp for homeschooled students Monday-Friday, Feb. 8–12, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Cover curriculum standards in many different areas, such as ecology, astronomy and geology. Enjoy classic camp activities like games, hiking, archery and a bonfire lunch with s’mores. Registration 6 * FEBRUARY 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

is required at murfreesboroparks.com. The fee to join is $75. For more information on this activity, contact 615-217-3017 or outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesborotn.gov.

FEB. 10 MAKE BIRD FEEDERS If you love wildlife, spend time with the staff making bird feeders to entice various species of birds into your backyard on Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 10–11:30 a.m. at the Cannonsburgh Visitor Center (312 S. Front St.). All supplies are provided and all ages are welcome. Dress according to the weather. The fee is $3 per person. For more information, call 615-890-0355.

FEB. 10 CULTURAL ARTS POP-UP Join Cultural Arts Murfreesboro on Wednesday, Feb. 10 (and the second Wednesday of each month) at the Gateway Island Reception Center (1875 W. College St.) for an opportunity to get creative. Preschoolers can create a craft and learn something new. There is a different surprise activity each month. Class size is limited, so sign up early. You can also take a chance and just show up (10 students max). The class repeats itself each pop-up

RIDGE AND WEST SLOPE TRAIL Join Murfreesboro Parks and Rec on Saturday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., for a winter hike at one of the more difficult trails of Franklin; the 4.3-mile trail is moderately strenuous (1606 Grassmere Rd.). Transportation is not provided.

Further information about the location is disclosed to registrants. Registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com. Ages 15 and up are welcome. The fee is $8. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or clipscomb@murfreesborotn.gov.

FEB. 13 CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Learn, experience and participate in the traditions of the Lunar New Year on Saturday, Feb. 13, at the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring (502 SE Broad St.).

Celebrate the Year of the Ox and explore Chinese culture, including music and arts, all sponsored by the Nissan Foundation.

Admission is free and open to the public.

The available time blocks are from 9–11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 2–4 p.m. for a first-come, first-served basis up to 100 people. For more information, visit

explorethedc.org/chinesenewyear.

FEB. 16 FUN-DAMENTAL PHYSICS Learn about physics and why the ceiling light turns off when you flip the switch or why the pencil falls to the ground when you drop it. Play with magnets and squishy circuits to explore density, circuits, magnetism and gravity. Children ages 6–12 are invited to Wilderness Station at Barfield Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 10–11 a.m. Admission is free. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

FEB. 16–21 SHARK WEEK AT LINEBAUGH Pick up a weekly Quest Kit at Linebaugh and make a shark craft. Each kit contains a fun craft, themed book, material suggestions and an activity sheet relating to the topic. New kits are available every Monday.

For more information on Shark Week, visit rclstn.org/events/shark-week-linebaugh.

FEB. 20 LET’S GO PLOGGING Plogging is a combination of jogging and picking up trash, a Swedish fitness craze catching on all over the world. Plogging, part workout and part social responsibility, is a combination of two words, “plocka,” which means “to pick,” and “jogging.” Jog while picking up trash along the greenway on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 8 a.m. Ages 13 and up are welcome. Admission is free.

Meet at the bridge at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). For more information, call 615-890-0355.

FEB. 22 NATURE CRAFTS Complete a trio of nature crafts in the back room of the Wilderness Station at Barfield Park (401 Volunteer Rd.). Children ages 2–8 enjoy activities including gemstone wind chimes, pine cone bird feeders and nature faces on Monday, Feb. 22, from 9–10 a.m. Register as space is limited.

The fee is $3 per participant. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

FEB. 25 COMMUNITY CAFE DAY Every fourth Thursday of the month, lunch is provided for The Journey Home at Community Cafe Day. The Journey Home is a daytime homeless mission that provides meals, clothing, showers and laundry.

There are two crews, but you can sign up for either or both. The cooking and prepping crew works from 8:30–11 a.m. to

prepare the meal, set the room and make sure everything is in place to serve the nearly 100 guests. No skills are required.

The serving crew is scheduled from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Community Cafe is set up to provide a full-service meal for guests.

Volunteers make plates, fill glasses, deliver food to the table, and clean the dining room and kitchen after the meal. Register to participate in the Community Cafe at The Journey Home at fumcboro.churchcenter. com (click on events).

FEB. 25 LEARN WEATHER What causes things like rain, clouds and tornadoes? Explore different weather events with hands-on experiments, and then head outside for a weather walk at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Park (401 Volunteer Rd.). Ages 5 and up are welcome Thursday, Feb. 25, from 10–11 a.m. Admission is free.

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

W Vine St.). Hear science fiction, poetry, alternate reality, memoir, fantasy, mystery and literary fiction. For more information, find Murfreesboro Writers Group on Facebook. To inquire about attending, contact sayhello@murfreesborowritersgroup.com.

THURSDAYS GUARDIANS OF THE GREENWAY

THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY BE THE LOVE In honor of Valentine’s Day, be the love and light for someone healing from intimate partner violence or sexual abuse. Running throughout the entire month of February, the “Be the Love” campaign, presented by the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center, allows for people in the community to donate a Valentine’s Day card, a single-stem rose or a bouquet of flowers to remind a survivor that they are being thought of and are worthy of love. A $14 donation provides a handmade “you are loved” card, a $35 donation provides a single-stem rose and a card, and $100 donation provides a bouquet of flowers and a card. To donate or for more information, visit dvsacenter.org/events.

FEB. 26 ADULT PAINTING NIGHT With the spring rains and storms fast approaching, join Smyrna Parks and Recreation at the Train Depot (98 Front St., Smyrna) to learn techniques in painting your own lightning storm scene. All supplies are provided. Ages 14 and up are welcome on Friday, Feb. 26, from 6–8 p.m. The cost is $10. Registration is required through Community Pass. For more information, contact michelle.nicholson@townofsmyrna.org.

FEB. 27 HIKE AT GREAT STONE DOOR Join Murfreesboro Parks and Rec on a winter hike at one of the nine separate areas in South Cumberland State Park of Tennessee at Stone Door Nature Center (1183 Stone Door Rd.) on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Hike approximately 7.4 miles on a trail that can be difficult in spots. Enjoy the sheer sandstone cliffs, rugged canyons and extraordinary views. Transportation is not provided.

Online registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com. Further information about location is disclosed to registrants. Ages 15 and up are welcome. The fee is $8. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or clipscomb@murfreesborotn.gov.

FEB. 28 BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring features music, puppet shows, storytelling and hands-on activities celebrating black history, arts and culture on Sunday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Sponsored

by the Nissan Foundation, this special day includes both onsite and virtual programming options for connecting at home. Admission is free and open to the public. Time slots are from 9–11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 2–4 p.m. for a first-come, first-served basis for up to 100 people. For more information, visit explorethedc.org/blackhistory.

FEB. 28 NATURALIST: BEATRIX POTTER Beatrix Potter is a name that many associate with children’s stories such as The Tale of Peter Rabbit, but did you know that she was also a naturalist? Learn about Potter’s naturalist endeavors and the ways in which she has contributed to our understanding of the natural world while visiting at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Sunday, Feb. 28, from 2–3 p.m. Ages 8 and up are welcome. Registration is required; contact 615-217-3017 or apool@murfreeborotn.gov.

MONDAYS ADULT COED VOLLEYBALL The Recreation Department at Patterson Park (521 Mercury Blvd.) offers recreational volleyball Monday nights for those players who are out to have fun. Social interaction and fun are a big part of the league. Individuals can be added to a team, so call if you are interested in playing. Games begin at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. The fee is $4 per player per visit or premium pass. For more information, contact 615-

 Send community event information to CONTACT@BOROPULSE.COM

907-2251 or shull@murfreesborotn.gov.

WEDNESDAYS ADULT BASKETBALL LEAGUE Sports*Com Adult Basketball League (2310 Memorial Blvd.) is a great way for adult athletes to stay in shape, socialize and play the game. The league offers fullcourt games with trained officials one day per week. Games begin at 6, 7 and 8 p.m.

Teams interested in participating in the league should contact 615-907-2251 or mmcafferty@murfreesborotn.gov. A list of interested individuals is kept, and efforts are made to assist individuals in finding a team. Fee is $4 per player per visit or premium pass.

WEDNESDAYS OUTDOOR WILD THINGS The classic Wild Things program is back.

Children ages 1–4 sing songs, read a story, complete a craft and conclude with a short walk Wednesdays in Feb. at Barfield Park, Pavilion 9 (697 Veterans Pkwy.) from 9:30–10:30 p.m. Focus on a different nature theme each week. Registration is required the day before the activity by contacting hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-217-3017. The fee is $3 per child.

WEDNESDAYS WRITERS GROUP The Murfreesboro Writers Group is a group of local writers who seek to improve their work through mutual critique. Meet every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the second floor Board Room at Linebaugh Library (105

Help keep the Greenway clean for the plants, animals and people that love it by picking up trash Thursdays in February from 9–10 a.m. Pickers, gloves and trash bags are provided. Get your volunteer hours in.

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

Feb. 4 at General Bragg Trailhead (1540 W. College St.) Feb. 11 at Barfield Road Trailhead (1989 Barfield Rd.) Feb. 18 at Broad St. Trailhead (1921 NW Broad St.) Feb. 25 at Fortress Rosecrans Trailhead (1916 Golf Ln.)

THURSDAYS ADULT COED VOLLEYBALL Murfreesboro Parks and Rec offers competitive volleyball for experienced players.

Meet at Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.) Thursday nights for stiff competition. Individual players can be placed on teams. Games begin at 6, 7 and 8 p.m.

Fee is $4 per player per visit or premium pass. For more information, contact 615907-2251 or shull@murfreesborotn.gov.

THURSDAYS YOUTH VOLLEYBALL CLASS Bump, set and spike it at Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.) Thursdays from 4:30–6 p.m. as qualified coaches give instructions on every aspect of the game of volleyball. From beginners to advanced, youth volleyball players get the opportunity to develop and refine their skills. Class is limited, so call the day before or day of class to reserve your spot. Ages 8–15 are welcome. The fee is $3 per visit. For more information, contact 615-907-2251 or shull@murfreesborotn.gov.

FRIDAYS WINTER HIKES Enjoy a hike any time of the year. Participate in a staff-guided educational hike on the greenway every Friday in February from 10–11 a.m. Dress according to the weather. All ages are welcome and admission is free. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Cannonsburgh Visitor Center (312 S. Front St.). For more information, call 615890-0355.

BOROPULSE.COM

* FEBRUARY 2021 * 7

Sounds

Read more about local music at

boropulse.com/category/music

GUITARIST JOEY FLETCHER SLIDES INTO HOP SPRINGS ON FEB. 12 MURFREESBORO’S SLIDE GUITAR sweetheart Joey Fletcher is sliding into town at Hop Springs this month. As one of the most respected artists at his craft in the country, he has toured the nation and shared the stage with some of music’s most notable players.

Whether laying down an electrified take on the gospel classic “I’ll Fly Away,” charming a special lady in Mayberry (“Thelma Lou”) or winging it with the stomachchurning fan favorite “Chicken Wing” (and everything in between) Fletcher’s well-seasoned skill set is sure to bring in a flock-sized following.

So if your significant other is into the sounds of Southern rock and sweet soul shellac, you’re in luck. Even if you’re all tapped out you can call it a date night (without even spending a buck). Fletcher plays Friday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. at Hop Springs taproom; no cover.

Hop Springs Beer Park is located at 6790 John Bragg Hwy. Find more on Joey Fletcher at joeyfletcher.com or facebook.com/ joeyfletchermusic. For more on Hop Springs, visit hopspringstn.com.

MUSIC NOTE

PHOTO BY ZACH SANDERS

Murfreesboro’s Hottest Live Concert & Entertainment Venue 2227 Old Fort Pkwy., Murfreesboro • Inside Clarion Inn

Great Southern Cooking, Burgers, Wings & More!

SAT, 2/13  BACKLIT SAT, 2/20 MIXTAPE 

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TRAFFIC LIGHT TUESDAYS Penny Draft Beer / $1 Longnecks $ 5 at the door INCLUDES KOOZIE COLOR OF YOUR CHOICE: Red = Taken / Green = Single / Yellow = It’s Complicated

Karaoke ~ Pool Tables ~ Darts ~ Wii

MONDAY: Service Industry Night THURSDAY: Texas Hold’em

HAPPY HOUR DAILY, 3–6 P.M.

TUESDAY: Traffic Light Tuesdays & Mic Drop Karaoke

FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS: Live Bands

WEDNESDAY: Ladies Night with Salsa & Bachata Dance DJ

Mon.–Thurs. 5 p.m.–12 a.m. Fri. 5 p.m.–2 a.m. Sat. 11 a.m.–2 a.m.

seasonsofmurfreesboro.com 615-895-5471 8 * FEBRUARY 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

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Krystal King SEASONS

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Blues Jam HANK’S

Jordan Carter

VAN’S

Open Jam

WED, 2/10 SEASONS

New Binge

WED, 2/17

Delyn Christian

THURS, 2/11 HANDLEBARS

Blues Jam HANK’S

Tawnya Reynolds CARMEN’S TAQUERIA

Joe West

COCONUT BAY

COCONUT BAY

HANK’S

HANK’S

HOP SPRINGS

Pickin Party with Jameson Rodgers, Adam Doleac and Kameron Marlowe; Jasco Duende MAYDAY BREWERY

Violet Moons

THE BORO

Zach Pine Friday Nite Jam VAN’S

Kelson Buck and The Buck Wild Band

SAT, 2/6 COCONUT BAY

Graham Anthem Band HANK’S

A Slice of American Pie; Zach Neil HOP SPRINGS

Swole Mates

PUCKETT’S

Brianna Alomar SEASONS

Rubiks Groove

VAN’S

Krazee D

Bailey Rose; Jack Finley Band HOP SPRINGS

Joey Fletcher

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Glenn Brown

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WED, 2/24

Brent Miller SEASONS

Bailey Rose

THURS, 2/18 HANDLEBARS

Blues Jam HANK’S

Spencer Maige THE BORO

Open Mic Talent Night

FRI, 2/19 CARMEN’S TAQUERIA

Justice Colt

Joe West

MAYDAY BREWERY

Escape Band

Brother Trouble SEASONS

Underrated

THE BORO

Zach Pine Jam VAN’S

Van Winkle & The Six Pins

Sara Simmons; The Wentzel Brothers HOP SPRINGS

Tenn-Nineteen SEASONS

HANDLEBARS

Blues Jam HANK’S

Phil Valdez

FRI, 2/26 CARMEN’S TAQUERIA

Joe West

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HOTSHOTZ

Mother Legacy

MAYDAY

TopHouse

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Zach Pine Jam

Skipper Grace

Zach Pine Jam

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Reggie White & Friends

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Doug Riley Band

SAT, 2/27

HOP SPRINGS

SAT, 2/20

Karaoke with DJ Ceiz

SAT, 2/13 COCONUT BAY

Graham Anthem Band HANK’S

Joe Hooper; Phil Valdez PUCKETT’S

Cassidy Daniels SEASONS

Backlit

THE BORO

COCONUT BAY

Karaoke with The Hitman Walker HANK’S

HunterGirl PUCKETT’S

Larysa

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SUN, 2/28

Rubiks Groove Herrick

SEASONS

The O’Donnells HOP SPRINGS

HANK’S

THE BORO

HOP SPRINGS

Emily Miller

Dave Massey Flamenco

Americana Jam

TUES, 2/9

MON, 2/15

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Dave Massey Flamenco

Open Mic Night

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SUN, 2/21

Americana Jam

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Shawn & Caralyn Hammonds; Cherry Avenue

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George Dunn

THURS, 2/25

Cooter River Band; Alysha Nyx

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Open Mic Night

Carly Evans

Blake Esse; Justin Dukes

Mixtape

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SEASONS

HANK’S

SUN, 2/14

MON, 2/8

Will King

Zone Status

Crosstown Dave Massey Flamenco

HANK’S

COCONUT BAY

PUCKETT’S

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HANK’S

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Lady Alibi & Jeremy Pinell

SUN, 2/7

Open Mic Night

TUES, 2/23

CARMEN’S TAQUERIA

Delyn Christian; Lefty Ferguson

HANK’S

HunterGirl Open Jam

FRI, 2/12

Jack Finley Band

MON, 2/22

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Dakota Leigh

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FRI, 2/5 Joe West

TUES, 2/16

THE BORO

Derailed

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Karree J. Phillips HOP SPRINGS

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Dave Massey Flamenco

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KARAOKE, TRIVIA AND DJ NIGHTS IN MURFREESBORO  ONLINE AT BOROPULSE.COM/KARAOKE

 Mondays AHARTS PIZZA GARDEN Trivia Night 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.

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

NACHO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Trivia 7 p.m.

SEASONS Karaoke and Songwriters Night

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

 Thursdays 219 MIXED CUISINE Trivia 7 p.m.

PARTY FOWL Trivia Night 7 p.m.

SEASONS Free poker STARS & STRIKES Trivia 6:30 p.m.

VAN’S BAR & GRILL Pool Tournament 7 p.m.

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

VAN’S BAR & GRILL Open Jam hosted by Southside Saints 7 p.m.

GEORGIA’S SPORTS BAR Karaoke 9 p.m.–1 a.m.

 Wednesdays

CORELIFE EATERY Trivia Night 7 p.m.

BURGER REPUBLIC 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 EAST Trivia 5 p.m.

SEASONS Salsa and Bachata with DJ Julian 9 p.m.–1:30 a.m.

BOULEVARD Trivia 8 p.m.

 Saturdays

GEORGIA’S SPORTS BAR Karaoke 9 p.m.–1 a.m.

NACHO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT Trivia Night 7 p.m.

VAN’S BAR & GRILL Karaoke 7 p.m.

 Sundays SAM’S SPORTS GRILL Trivia Night 8 p.m.

BOROPULSE.COM

* FEBRUARY 2021 * 9

Sounds

Read more about local music at

boropulse.com/category/music

Chris Young Cafe Opens at MTSU PHOTOS BY ANDY HEIDT / MTSU

10 * FEBRUARY 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

MULTIPLATINUM ENTERTAINER and former Middle Tennessee State University student Chris Young returned to his hometown on Jan. 27 for the grand opening of a MTSU learning lab and live entertainment venue that bears his name.

The Chris Young Cafe, a renovated cafeteria tucked amid MTSU dormitories alongside the university’s library, also features an eye-catching “Famous Friends” outdoor mural honoring influential MTSU graduates and former students and faculty, designed

by Leslie Haines, a professor of visual communication in the college’s School of Journalism and Strategic Media, and Jonathan Coulter Trundle, a professor of photography in the Department of Media Arts, plus a new Tennessee Music Pathways marker unveiled at the ceremony to mark Young’s success.

Young, an RCA Nashville country artist and member of the Grand Ole Opry, helped cut the blue ribbon to formally reveal the renovated facility on the campus where he spent time as an undergraduate student.

“So many things have happened in my career that I never expected, and really and truly, this Tennessee Music Pathways Marker is one of those things,” said Young, a Billboard Top 20 Country Artist of the Decade who attended MTSU in 2005.

“I remember standing on this campus trying to write music, meeting other people that I’ve continued to work alongside in music, and I am absolutely blown away,” Young continued. “This means the world to me . . . I hope everyone finds a use for this space.”

The refurbished cafe, expanded from its previous 3,200 square feet of usable space

to nearly 4,100 square feet, features a large stage along its east-facing windows, backed by a custom LED video wall. Visitors will find two club-type seating areas for listeners that feature artwork, framed gold and platinum records and other memorabilia.

Inside the facility, students will learn skills from nearly every facet of the business of entertainment: music business, audio production, songwriting, venue management, sound reinforcement and lighting and rigging, along with radio broadcasts, comedy shows and other events produced with help from all of MTSU’s academic colleges.

Young donated $50,000 to update the Woodmore Building as a teaching and rehearsal space for College of Media and Entertainment students and as a performance venue to put those students’ training to use.

“The Chris Young Cafe will encourage our students to dream bigger. Every time they see his name on the cafe, their aspirations will seem a little more obtainable, if they follow in his footsteps and work as hard as he has,” MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said.

Frank Baird, an assistant professor of audio production at MTSU and the director of the Chris Young Cafe, will teach three sections of his Sound Reinforcement course there this spring, plus an advanced class that delves deep into live event setup, performance and load-out.

“We’re trying to find a balance between using it during the day for classes and then have these labs in the evenings where we want to bring in bands and give the students more opportunities,” Baird said.

Reviews

FABLE CRY FOOL ME ONCE

Fable Cry, a “theatrical rock” group based in Middle Tennessee, had quite a vision with its Fool Me Once project, an innovative concept album released in late 2020.

Combining music, a story, a visual book, stage theatrics and costumes, Fool Me Once alternates between songs and spoken dialogue, carrying a detective story along and managing to blend artistic qualities of Vivaldi, prohibition-era swing, smarmy jazz, film noir and vampires with soaring, over-the-top heavy metal, driving punk-rock, sleazy darkness and swinging fun.

The music and lyrics, written by band members Zach Ferrin and Jo Cleary, contain a robust variety of musical styles, interspersed with a spoken-word skit, dramatic bits in the style of an old radio play.

The album swings from subdued, vintage material to the wild, epic, theatrical power of Avenged Sevenfold and nods to late-1990s groups that injected 1930s swing with punk energy (Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Squirrel Nut Zippers and those guys) to some sprinklings of accordion.

The driving, swinging, rocking “Swinging in Hell” makes a good representation of the group (don’t miss the lively piano work, supplied by Sky White, at the beginning of this one). This track begins with a straightforward but powerful beat from drummer Andrew Core and later pushes into epic metal with double-kick-drum-driven passages.

ALBUM

Contrast this with the gentle and delicate “Who’s Got Who,” a more restrained nightclub jazz number.

“All Night to Find You” gets back into slamming rock territory—There are more like me with black wings and sharp teeth—and the wacky but dark, banjo-led “Breakfast, Lunch and Sinner” marks another shift in direction, as does the quirky “I’m Calling It; You’re a Phony.”

“Here Comes Trouble” starts with a toneddown, spooky carnival feel, but then gets into some intense, violin-driven metal chugging.

Wherever it goes, Fool Me Once maintains a fairly creepy vibe throughout as the group invites the listener to join its army of the undead, shifting from discussion of graverobbing to bass wizard Scott Fernandez’s Flea-type slap here and there, all the while oozing elements of classic black-and-white noir detective film.

In addition to the theme of death, a repeated musical theme helps tie everything together. A minor-key harmony introduced in the opener, “Sleep, Oh Sleep,” reappears in various ways in “Intermission” and “Max Pays His Respects” before making a grand awesome reprise on “Six Feet.”

A digital companion book will accompany a Fool Me Once CD or digital track purchase.

The vivid book offers live band photos, song lyrics, the script to the story, illustrations, album credits, artwork and more.

Many of the musical pieces on Fool Me Once are quite interesting and worthy of multiple repeated listens for many. Once one gets through the story a few times, I am not certain how interesting the detective mystery will become as far as repeated listens, but Fable Cry has produced a truly creative and immersive experience.

I appreciate the vision, but once I hear about the fate of ole’ Diamond Eyes once or get the point that the nightclub is violent, I don’t care to necessarily hear the work in its entirety at that point. But I can absolutely see how a listener’s favorite tunes on the album might make it onto an often-repeated playlist.

The group has created all sorts of great songs and has made violin-driven metal and film noir vampire rock opera into artistic things.

Possibly Fable Cry can perform some of its reportedly elaborate and energetic stage shows live in the area before 2021 is out.

— BRACKEN MAYO

MOVIE

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN DIRECTOR Emerald Fennell STARRING Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Laverne Cox RATED R

Promising Young Woman is the feature film debut of actor-turned-director Emerald Fennell. The young Londoner has appeared in a handful of movies and TV shows, from The Danish Girl to The Crown, and produced and written a notable number of episodes of the Phoebe Waller-Bridge-created Killing Eve. That last credit is probably the best touchstone for Promising Young Woman, a whip-smart, wickedly funny, often terrifying tale of femme fatale revenge that inverts and subverts the nearly ubiquitous cinematic male gaze.

Disclaimer: this movie is great, even if you resemble some of the men in this biting social critique (as I do).

They range from kinda okay to not-sogreat to horrible human beings. Growing can be uncomfortable, and this movie definitely aims to discomfort.

Carey Mulligan, in a career-defining performance, is Cassandra, a dry, prickly med-school drop-out working at a coffee shop who spends her nights pretending to be overly inebriated at the club, waiting for some nice young man to try to take advantage of her.

When said man finally takes things too far, she lifts the veil and . . . well, watch to find out. After each night, Cassandra makes another mark in her notebook denoting how many men she’s coaxed to be hoisted by their own petards.

This high concept hook is what grabs you, but Fennell isn’t content with just genre exploitation (not that there’s anything wrong with it). Her script, her sharp and colorful direction, and Mulligan’s performance bring Cassandra’s un-caped crusader to life.

Her strange nocturnal hobby is the act of a broken and desperate person, a person traumatized not by her own experience (not that she lacks any), but by something that happened to her best friend. She’s 30-something, lives with her parents who just miss who she used to be, and has no romantic life to speak of (her nightly missions most certainly do not count).

So when an old classmate shows up at her coffee shop and starts flirting with her, it takes Cassandra considerable time and effort to warm up. Ryan (Bo Burnham) and Cassie’s budding relationship takes the film into unexpected rom-com territory in the purest sense of the genre. The balancing act Fennell pulls off, between thriller, drama, comedy, romance and social commentary is truly a great feat, all anchored by its strong central performance, and buoyed too by excellent supporting roles across the board by too many to name—Laverne Cox, Alison Brie, Jennifer Coolidge, Connie Britton, Alfred Molina, Clancy Brown . . . I could go on.

The climax in the final act is a helluva gut punch in a film that pulls few punches. And though the satisfying, and mercifully tension-relieving, denouement raises a few logistical questions, it’s the fearless filmmaking of Fennell, and the uncompromising portrayal from Mulligan, that make Promising Young Woman a truly modern classic.

— JAY SPIGHT BOROPULSE.COM

* FEBRUARY 2021 * 11

Sounds

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PHOTO BY REBECCA SHARP

Rhonda Vincent Bluegrass Queen Crowned Newest Opry Member; Celebrates at Station Inn, Midnite Jamboree and at Church BY MELISSA COKER

M

andolin virtuoso Rhonda Vincent has a way of pulling at strings— including those connected to the heart. And throughout the past year, this respected past recipient of the Uncle Dave Macon Days’ “Trailblazer” award has traveled a long and winding road. But finally this February she can once again take the stage to proudly prove that long and winding road leads back to the Opry House’s door. Maybe even that road is a country one, taking her home, to the place where she belongs.

On Feb. 28, 2020, fate (in the form of Opry member Jeannie Seely) found a 12 * FEBRUARY 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

gasping, “thank you Lord”-ing Vincent surprised with an invitation to join the storied institution of the Grand Ole Opry.

Her gloriously ravishing Facebook cover photo serves well in capturing the elation of that moment. Initially, that official induction ceremony was set to happen one month later. Fast forward (almost) one full year . . . and that membership still remains unofficial.

This Queen of Bluegrass is one woman who’s earned those membership dues.

Vincent shared her thankful thoughts about the Opry induction, new music, involvement with movie soundtracks and much

more in this exclusive Pulse interview.

But the waiting is the hardest part. The sold-out induction show takes place Feb. 6 and can be seen via Circle All Access on TV, online and of course heard around the world on 650 AM, WSM. “It’s kind of cool. It’s historic,” she says of the wait with a smile. “I was hoping that the Opry would be open completely— but hey, I’m just glad to become a member, so whenever they want to do it is fine with me,” she says with a joyful laugh. “I waited this long, so I was happy when they called [with a tentative time frame] . . . people are coming in from everywhere. They’re coming from New York State, Oregon . . .

It’s crazy! I mean, my childhood friends, people that I just never would even expect . . . from every aspect of my life, from my personal life to my public life. Every aspect. How amazing is it that these people have all come together? I would have never dreamed it all.”

When plans don’t pan out, she says, she has a very optimistic by-the-numbers reason to blame as to why.

“Most everything I do, it’s never the norm. And I was born on Friday the 13th.

So I always credit that and say, ‘Well, that’s my lucky day. It’s the rest of the days I have trouble with. That’s usually my reasoning for the answer to ‘what’s happened now?’.”

When asked before the induction what songs she’d perform for the grand event, she admits “that I haven’t decided. I have a new album that’s coming out and people say, ‘Well, you should do songs from the new album,’ but then someone says (I) should do (my) most popular song, like

‘Kentucky Borderline,’ so, I haven’t decided on that. And I don’t use a set list. So I might switch it up literally before I walk out.

“Now, I recorded a bluegrass version of ‘Unchained Melody’ [complete with banjo!] on the new album. I would love to be able to do that. I’ve only sang it once on stage and they gave me a standing ovation.

So it was a really good time. But I was shaking when I got done singing it and I don’t really want to go out there and do something where I might just fall into the floor because my nerves would take over,” she said in anticipation. “But then on the other hand what a great place to debut a brand new song, and ‘Unchained Melody’ of all songs.”

Vincent chalks up some of the nervousness to her and her band the Rage being off of the road over the past few months.

Despite the lack of road Rage, though, Vincent’s kept herself busy with musical endeavors aplenty. She was an integral part of 2020’s digital-only Roots Rendezvous festival (organized by the folks behind the Uncle Dave Macon Days festival) and elsewhere in the interim has helped fill another niche’s virtual void by offering mandolin webinars.

“I’d never done it before,” the picker says excitedly. “My daughter kept urging me to do something like that. And I’m so glad I did. People are inquiring, like, ‘What are we doing for the next one?’ Because they want to learn more chords. And I also had hosted last time a jam night where I just sat and played songs and we used the chords that we learned to play some songs.”

During some recent season’s greetings

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confirmed she “will be in the crowd that night”). Then it’s time for the big night . . . but after, she’s hatched plans to play right across the street to record a full hour with special guest Vernon Lee Johnson for WSM 650’s radio show The Midnite Jamboree (coincidentally, the world’s longest-running radio show second to only the Grand Ole Opry) at the Texas Troubadour Theatre on Music Valley Drive.

The taping will take place at 10 p.m., and is free and open to the public, complete with meetand-greet. That show will hit the air soon after (at, you guessed it, the stroke of midnight).

There’s more—Vincent invites fans to “join her at church” in Lebanon at Family Baptist on 81 Franklin Rd. that Sunday morning. So she may just be requested to join in with the choir on a song or two.

Following her No. 1 bluegrass hit “Like I Could,” written by Jeannie Seely, Erin Enderlin and Bobby Tomberlin, Vincent is currently closing in on a sound decision as to what her next single will be and hopes to release her new album shortly.

Other planned shows in the area include Park Theatre in McMinnville on May 21 and in August at The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee.

Re s i d

Vincent sang on a song with Justin Peters in the opening scene for the TV movie The Farmer and the Belle: Saving Santaland (and its soundtrack) which was released last year.

But that’s not her first brush with Hollywood. Before Belle she dipped her toes into the movie business with Dumplin’, the acclaimed 2018 Netflix original movie starring Jennifer Aniston and featuring songs

by Dolly Parton.

“This is two years in a row that I have had my voice in a movie,” Vincent says. “In Dumplin’ we sang the song ‘If We Don’t’ and I did the song with Dolly.

It ended up being a trio. I played mandolin and sang harmony and then Alison Krauss also played fiddle and sang harmony on it. So it was a trio with Dolly, Alison and I. I knew it was in the soundtrack for the movie. But I had no idea that the song would be in the movie.

I’m watching the movie and 40 minutes into the movie, that song comes on. I said, ‘Now, this is cool. Wow.’” But back to the basics of merriment in lands a little less far away—the Opry jubilation is cause for plenty of celebration and, as luck would have it, Vincent and the Rage are in for a Middle Tennessee music-making triple-play. On the Friday night prior to the induction, the Rage takes the stage at Nashville’s infamous bluegrass haunt The Station Inn (and Vincent has

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 MUSIC BOOK

Tale for Children by MTSU Music Professor Christine Isley-Farmer Demonstrates Trust and Teamwork

Listener Supported Public Radio

MTSU MUSIC PROFESSOR CHRISTINE ISLEYFARMER weaves together a charming tale featuring a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as the story’s narrator in Finding My Yip, the first book in her Boomer’s Tales series.

Boomer is a puppy who is unable to yip like his mother and sisters. Boomer lives with Nana Weathers, a musician who possesses a magical ring that helps them communicate. Boomer quickly bonds with Nana’s 9-year-old granddaughter Chloe, who has a stutter. Chloe’s big wish is to sing beautifully like Nana. Chloe and Boomer make new friends at dog obedience school and grow their confidence together. By teaming up in the music room and gaining a little help from their friends, Chloe and Boomer try to find their voices.

The stories found in opera and song have always fascinated and inspired Christine. The power of storytelling and music’s healing qualities have woven their way through her life and found a voice in this series. Chloe and Boomer seek to develop confidence, make friends and strengthen their bond while challenging their greatest fears.

Christine Isley-Farmer, professor emerita of music at MTSU, has a broad performance history including opera, operetta, musical theatre, oratorio and concerts in the United States and Europe. Since 1997, Dr. Isley-Farmer has been a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique and her articles on Alexander Technique and singing have been published in professional journals.

How does your choice of 9-year-old Chloe having a stutter and young puppy Boomer, who is unable to bark, create a bond and empathetic relationship between the two?

CHRISTINE ISLEY-FARMER: Chloe and Boomer instinctively understand and connect with one another, because they are dealing with similar problems. Chloe immediately recognizes Boomer’s inability to yip, but she isn’t judgmental. She accepts Boomer as he is, because his problem mirrors the ones she has making friends, speaking and 14 * FEBRUARY 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

singing. Chloe bonds with Boomer and is selfless in her pursuit to find out about his problem, spending extra time with him, reading to him from her poetry notebook, and sharing her true feelings with him. This interaction builds a bond of trust between the two—a model of true friendship.

What do you want the children who read this book to learn?

In the process of growing, the dog and the child have to contend with self-doubt at pivotal points. Learning to trust one’s instincts and others, teamwork and growing self-confidence are lessons in my book.

How did you become interested in writing children’s stories, and why did you choose this topic?

I have a great-nephew and great-niece to whom Finding My Yip is dedicated. I wanted to write this book and series as a part of an artistic legacy. I had once read a man should plant a tree, have a child and write a book. As a woman, I have accomplished two of these, so writing books for children substitutes for having a child in my case. Additionally, the freedom I experienced singing, dancing (being expressive) and reading took me out of the dysfunctional atmosphere in my home.

I chose the topic of stuttering because it inhibits full and free vocal expression. As a child, I found it difficult to express what I was feeling (although I didn’t have a stutter).

How did you first become interested in singing?

My first singing experiences as a child were in church, but I loved making up my own songs and dancing and singing by myself in my yard. I also studied piano and took tap and ballet classes. In high school, I sang in choir and became interested in opera after seeing a performance of The Barber of Seville. I borrowed some opera recordings from my cousin and fell deeply in love with the genre. I also began voice lessons the summer before my senior year.

My high school had by then a dynamic choral director who took an interest in my voice and encouraged me to audition for music scholarships.

Find Finding My Yip on Amazon and other online retailers.

Art

 PHOTOGRAPHY  Flag by Phyllis Tatum  Sidewalk by Rick Wise

SCHEDULE OF PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS CLASSES: FEB. 9 Know Your Camera * Break from “Auto” Setting * Master the Controls * Customize Your Camera

MARCH 9 Introduction to Composition * Discover Your Subject * Less Is More * Guides to Composition

APRIL 13 “Good” vs. “Great Images” * Create “Tack-sharp” Images * Selecting Focus Points * Controlling Depth of Field

MAY 11 Introduction to Flower Photography * Pattern of Threes * Depth of Field * Controlling the Light

Gale Stoner to Offer Free Photography Classes Through Brentwood Photography Group BRENTWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP will offer a series of seven free classes on photography basics to be taught

by Gale Stoner, a longtime professional photographer based in Murfreesboro.

“These classes are targeted to help photographers of all skill levels become better photographers,” said BPG President Jeremy Teran. “Whether you’re just getting started in photography or have been working at it for years, Gale will include something for you in every class. Some of our members have been serious photographers for decades, but they still find a lot of information to help them enhance their skills.”

Brentwood Photography Group has offered these classes in photography basics to

the group’s members for years but is opening them to the public at no cost for 2021.

Initially, the classes will be offered online via Zoom and require advance registration. To register, go to brentwoodphotographygroup.org/photography-basics and click on the “Register Here” link.

The classes will be presented at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month from February through August. The classes will also be archived on the Brentwood Photography Group YouTube channel.

“Later in the year, we hope to be able to present the classes live,” Teran said.

The classes will cover a broad range of topics including getting to know your camera, basics of composition, digital

JUNE 8 photo processing and how to shoot landscapes, flowers and sports.

Gale Stoner has more than 50 years of experience in photography. He loves to photograph people, places and things. He began photographing landscapes in the mid-’60s while stationed in Duluth, Minnesota. After a 21-year career in the Air Force and a stint as a professional speaker, Gale returned to his love of photography.

He now operates a commercial photography business in Murfreesboro, specializing in landscape and fine art photography.

The Brentwood Photography Group was founded by Dick Dougall in 1998 and has grown to become a leading resource for photographers in the Middle Tennessee area. Today it includes nearly 200 members at all skill levels.

For more information on the Brentwood Photography Group, email president@ brentwoodphotographygroup.com or visit brentwoodphotographygroup.org/join-bpg.

Intro to Water Photography * Selecting Shutter Speed * Managing the Light * Filter Selection

JULY 13 Introduction to Action/Sports Photography * Camera Settings * Lens Choice * Shooting Positions

AUG. 10 Post-processing With Lightroom In this class, Stoner will address basic adjustments in Adobe’s Lightroom software. He will discuss the “why,” as well as the “how” in his own workflow.

Using Lightroom, he will process several landscape images submitted by participants. Even if you are not a Lightroom user, the same adjustments can be used in Camera Raw. BOROPULSE.COM

* FEBRUARY 2021 * 15

Art

 EXHIBIT

Fitness Art by Hosea Lee on Display at the MAC MURFREESBORO ATHLETIC CLUB has some colorful original artwork hanging in its free weight area to help motivate its members and bring some energy to the walls.

The works, in a neat blend of creativity and fitness produced by MAC member Hosea Lee, feature individuals exercising.

After speaking with MAC general manager Rick Canada about art, Canada offered some wall space in the gym for some of Lee’s work.

“I’ve been drawing and painting for a while,” Lee said, but the creations hanging at the MAC are digital pieces.

“I think digital art is the future of art. It’s more convenient than traditional art, in my opinion,” Lee said. “You can do the same with digital as traditional art.”

16 * FEBRUARY 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

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STEAKHOUSE FIVE

1500 Medical Center Pkwy., 1K 615-396-3225 The second local restaurant owned and operated by Five Senses founder Mitchell Murphree, Steakhouse Five, located in Fountains at Gateway, serves quality steaks, wines and whiskeys at its bright new location. Local consumers say expect fine, high-end steaks, but highend prices to match.

x

Dine Fine With Your Valentine A Guide to Murfreesboro’s Favorite Flavorful Local Restaurants

PRIMROSE TABLE

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STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO

asual dining, fast food, sports bars and dives are certainly quite popular in the Murfreesboro area. Sometimes though, particularly around Valentine’s Day, many may want to impress their date with a more elegant experience and take them for a fantastic meal—perhaps without having to travel to that slightly larger city just to the northwest, which may still be keeping restaurants under partial shutdown. While these eateries comprise the most upscale of dining in Murfreesboro, and all certainly have great reasons to pay them a visit sometime, most are still quite casual and unpretentious. Don’t worry about a strict dress code or too much snobbiness in Murfreesboro for the most part.

Consider taking a date or a group to one of these excellent Murfreesboro restaurants (any time of the year, if you do not get a Valentine’s Day reservation).

MILANO II

114 E College St. • 615-624-7390 This Italian-themed restaurant, located in a large, old house on College Street in downtown Murfreesboro, offers veal, pasta, steaks, martinis, fish, chicken marsala, wine, desserts and more. Find a fireplace in the dining room, soft opera, classical or jazz music generally fills the air and the establishment also contains a small bar, Jack’s Place, and a private room upstairs.

18 * FEBRUARY 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

1650 Memorial Blvd.

615-900-5790 This Murfreesboro restaurant, which serves some fantastically flavorful creations, all presented beautifully, opened in 2019 and has quickly earned some pleased and loyal customers.

Selections include lamb chops, filet, pork belly, steak tips, a chicken Wellington and a special Sunday brunch menu.

THE ALLEY ON MAIN

223 W. Main St. • 615-203-3498 Known for tenderloin kabobs, massive meatballs, steaks, whiskey, a rotating selection of sushi-grade seafood, goat cheese bruschetta, pork chops, wine, pasta, gumbo and more, The Alley on Main has become a hoppin’ Murfreesboro spot. The local establishment occasionally hosts special dinners for charitable causes, and also has a food truck that visits different area neighborhoods.

PARTHENON GRILLE

1962 S. Church St. 615-895-2665 A Murfreesboro mainstay for over 30 years, Parthenon Grille grills some fine steaks and lamb chops and also offers delicious seafood, Greek items, calamari, oysters Rockefeller, pasta, sandwiches and crab cakes. The restaurant has a nice outdoor patio area, a popular Sunday brunch and on Wednesday all appetizers— including fried mushrooms, spankopita, smoked salmon, bacon-wrapped scallops, Parthenon dip (a veggie cream dip served with fried pita), oysters Rockefeller and raw oysters—are only $6.

FIVE SENSES 1602 W. Northfield Blvd., Suite 515 • 615-867-4155

TANDOOR INDIAN RESTAURANT

529 N. Thompson Ln. 615-907-9555 Vindaloo and tikka masala may not be the most common American fare, but for some beautifully presented and well-spiced dishes in a nice atmosphere, many will suggest Tandoor. The Indian restaurant has pleasantly surprised some local diners with its somewhat elegant ambiance. Tandoor offers a wide variety of lamb dishes, shrimp tandoori and other seafood selections and the staff can adjust spice level to taste.

MARINA’S ON THE SQUARE

125 N. Maple St. 615-849-8881 Marina’s menu is packed with pasta —spaghetti, fettuccini, eggplant parmesan, ziti, shrimp pasta and ravioli, to name a few, as well as delicious pizzas and calzones. The downtown Murfreesboro restaurant also offers a popular Thursday date night special, featuring two entrees, an appetizer and a choice of two glasses of wine or two desserts for $32. Dessert selections include tiramisu, cannoli, molten chocolate cake, spumoni (a blend of cherry, chocolate and pistachio ice creams) and cheesecake.

Always in the conversation of Murfreesboro’s top restaurant, Five Senses sources many of the ingredients for its creative dishes locally, and changes its menu seasonally. Find scallops, grouper, duck breast and filet mignon on the current menu. Monday is date night (get one appetizer, two entrees and one dessert for $60) at Five Senses, a restaurant founded upon the idea that mastering the art of cooking requires the use of all five senses.

BONEFISH GRILL 505 N. Thompson Ln. • 615-217-1883 Not exactly a local establishment, but for a fine seafood dinner in Middle Tennessee, try the local Bonefish Grill, one of over 200 locations nationwide.

Selections include tuna sashimi, lobster tail, mahi-mahi, sea bass, scallops and lobster thermidor gnocchi, along with the famous Bang Bang Shrimp.

HICKORY FALLS

999 Industrial Blvd., Smyrna 615-459-3900 With steaks, cedar-planked salmon, bacon-wrapped scallops, pasta, prime rib, rotisserie chicken, desserts, tacos, burgers, soups, shrimp & grits and more, Hickory Falls, one of the top independent restaurants in Smyrna, has something for just about anyone. Guests can go with filet mignon, cocktails and scallops if they wish for a splurge, but the majority of items at Hickory Falls are reasonably priced yet delicious.

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PREMIERE 6 THEATRE NOW OFFERS private group rentals of their auditoriums for screenings—and patrons can choose from a predetermined list of movies or possibly even provide a picture show of their own choosing.

“We had almost every available time slot filled for December. Families couldn’t wait to see Elf or Christmas Vacation on the big screen during the holiday season,” said Premiere 6 general manager Shelby Brantly. “I hope that this will continue to be a major source of income for us. It is very hard to plan anything in the movie industry right now . . . we can show a DVD if someone wants to rent the auditorium for a movie we don’t have. I try to have a wide variety of movies to pick from, but sometimes they need a very specific movie; I have even had someone surprise their family with old home videos!”

Some DVDs and Blu-rays can present some potential issues, though, Brantly added, “so we always prefer to show something that I know will work.”

That said, consider spending an evening with a classic movie, home videos or hitting the right note with a concert film. Premiere recently screened Elvis: That’s The Way It Is in celebration of the movie’s original 1970 release and has also stayed busy with $5 classic movie showings of titles such as Back to the Future, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Singing in the Rain, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Fried Green Tomatoes, Die Hard, Steel Magnolias, Forrest Gump, Ghostbusters, Grease and others.

“This summer we were able to introduce our teen and tween cousins to Back to the Future and Ghostbusters,” one moviegoer said. “It was so much fun sharing movies from when we were the same age and to be able to do it on the big screen.”

February’s selections (which can be booked on 20 * FEBRUARY 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

Premiere’s website) include E.T., Back to the Future, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Sabrina, Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Remember the Titans, Shawshank Redemption, Hidden Figures, The Bodyguard and No Country for Old Men. Prefer to leave the past behind and stay focused on the future? New releases available for rentals are News of the World, Wonder Woman 1984 and Promising Young Woman.

“I ask on social media what people want to see and I do my very best to make it happen,” Brantly said. “Film companies are hesitant to release new movies because some of their biggest markets are still under lockdowns, so release dates are constantly changing. As soon as I plan on a certain movie or get a schedule of which movies I will show for a month it all changes. We have been fortunate enough to have the community support us and come see ‘classic’ movies for $5 for the majority of 2020.”

The theatre also learned to butter up patrons during the downtime of 2020 by subsisting on gift card sales and heaps and bags of fresh popcorn. The community’s support is not taken lightly.

“Thank you for being open almost the whole time,” one patron said. “I have several people who have said ‘I miss going to the movies’ and I always tell them ‘I don’t know why you miss it, I have been going to the movies almost the whole time at Premiere 6.”

“I was so excited to see my favorite movie, To Kill a Mockingbird, over the summer. I never thought I would get the chance to see it on the big screen,” another patron said.

Premiere’s private projections project began when TrustPoint hospital wanted to rent out the entire theatre for their employees after weather canceled an outdoor movie night, Brantly said.

“It was the busiest we had been in months. I then had a father reach out to me and request to buy out an auditorium so that his family could watch a movie safely without having to worry about anyone else in there,” she said. These private screenings, when groups can make some special moments together and take in the big picture have been met with tremendous support, she said.

The classic movie screening cost is $100 for up to 20 people and $5 for each additional person, with a 40-person maximum. New releases are $120 for up to 20 people and $6 for each additional person (also with a 40-person maximum).

Premiere 6 Theatre is located at 810 NW Broad St., Suite 200, Murfreesboro. For information about upcoming film releases, regular movie pricing, private rentals or to order popcorn, visit murfreesboromovies.com.

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SMOKE AND MIRRORS Use compound interest, other people’s money to build wealth, Prendiville says

BY LAURA LINDSAY KEVIN PRENDIVILLE, owner of the company Financial Transitions, works with investor clients in Middle Tennessee and has recently written a book on financial freedom called Smoke and Mirrors.

In his book, he encourages others to maximize their wealth and harness the power of compound interest, he explains what financial freedom is and then he reveals many financial myths.

“My goal is not to promise riches or a flashy get-rich-quick scheme, but to reinvigorate the idea that America is our land of opportunity,” he writes. The author, who wants others to expand their view of wealth building, says he aims to “dispel the biggest financial myths in the industry today.”

“I know that you can identify for yourself tens of thousands of dollars that all of us are unknowingly and unnecessarily sending away to the federal government, financial institutions and Wall Street,” Prendiville writes in Smoke and Mirrors.

He said he believes people shouldn’t have to jump through a lot of hoops to have access to their money, but unfortunately there is often red tape surrounding one’s money as soon as it is placed in a financial product or banking solution. In Smoke and Mirrors, he discusses how this is done by banks, other financial institutions and the federal government.

22 * FEBRUARY 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

In a quest to free up peoples’ money and increase their wealth, Prendiville explains the concepts of wealth control, opportunity cost, compound wealth, inflation, accumulated wealth, transferred wealth, the circle of wealth, collateralization and the use of other peoples’ money (OPM).

He also discusses debt, and the idea of a debt-free lifestyle as he poses the question: “Is our objective to have more money, or is it to be debt-free?”

In an interview with the Murfreesboro Pulse, Prendiville talked about his mission and about wealth building.

“I believe that true freedom begins with financial freedom,” he said. “I help educate on how, unknowingly and unnecessarily, we are giving money to a number of different institutions,” he said. “Knowing this, we can build better, stronger, more usable wealth. One of things I touch on is how where our money may actually be can be more important than what it can earn us in terms of percentages.

“It’s not just a strategy of getting 12 versus 8 percent, it is having access to the money that you have already earned,” he said. “We are very blessed in this country in the sense that a lot of us know how to make money, whether it is working with a skill, working with our minds, working with our hands. The problem is maximizing our own

money that we have earned. That is the essence of the education that I look to provide all of my clients with and the reason behind Smoke and Mirrors.”

Prendiville emphasizes three building blocks when it comes to wealth.

“One objective is to minimize opportunity cost. Opportunity cost is the basic measure of how much money you’ve lost by making one decision. This comes into effect obviously when we borrow money from an institution. We are doing something as simple as buying a car and we transfer our wealth to an institution, a bank for instance, and the money that we spend on that asset will never again be able to be used for our advantage. That’s because the money that could have been invested in—even if you calculate the average market rate of return against what that cost was over the 10, 15, 20, 30 years—it ends up being a much larger number than what we end up actually spending. And the same principle applies when we pay for something with cash, which is why I’m not a proponent of being completely debt-free.

“I think that is a bit of a fallacy because when you pay for something with cash, the opportunity cost still applies,” Prendiville said. He asks consumers to consider the idea of taking out a loan on a car, for example, and then compare the total amount spent to the total amount their invested money would yield if it had been allowed to continue to compound in their favor.

“The next principle is uninterrupted compound interest, and this is what Albert Einstein called the Eighth Wonder of the World. It works on an exponential curve and the basic principles that money will continue to compound on itself and will essentially build momentum the longer it stays accumulating.”

Whenever the compound effect on your money stops, like when there is a market crash or when you go and take money out to pay for something with cash, for instance, Prendiville explains, then the compound effect stops and it has to restart.

“So, if you are already 15 years in accumulating interest and then you take money out or the market crashes and it comes to a dead stop, now it’s going to have to rebuild

that momentum and in 15 years you will be nowhere near where you would have been [with uninterrupted interest].”

The final principle is the principle of other peoples’ money—or “OPM.” The way you maximize this is by borrowing against an appreciating asset, and there are many different ways that you can do this. This is how you look at debt differently.

While there are certain types of debt that you definitely want to be wary of that will sink a financial plan, there is also a bit of debt known as good debt and that is usually measured by using debt in order to purchase an appreciating asset. So if I had an account that was compounding and I borrowed against it because I am using other peoples’ money, I am not taking from the account and I’m not contributing to my opportunity costs.”

The consumer can then use that borrowed money to buy an asset—real estate or to buy a business or to get in the stock market.

“I can use the profits from that asset to pay down the loan on my appreciating asset, and once I’ve cleared that debt I have two assets: one that has continued to compound for the whole time and the other one that is just beginning on its journey,” Prendiville says. “I have two assets, I have not contributed to opportunity costs and I have allowed compound interest to begin to take effect in the new asset and to continue without interruption in my original asset.”

For those who want assistance with their finances, and further explanation of these principles, Financial Transitions offers three main services: cash flow mapping, which serves business owners and individuals by taking a look at where where money is being allocated and maximizing the amount of cash flow; basic disabilities coverage, offered for small businesses because, Prendiville says, the number-one reason people with wealth die without it is because they become disabled and have to draw from the money they have; and private reserve strategy, offered for both business owners and individuals, essentially enabling people’s money to work for them similar to how it works for the banks.

Private reserve means you aren’t transferring wealth to different institutions, and you are able to maximize your uninterrupted compound interest and minimize your opportunity costs.

For more information, contact Kevin Prendiville at 978-501-2236, visit kevinprendiville.com or find Smoke and Mirrors on Amazon.

BUSINESS MOMENTUM

BY BLAINE LITTLE

MTAR and Candy Joyce Offer Support for the Local Real Estate Profession IT MAY BE COLD OUTSIDE, but if you ask any Realtor, mortgage lender, title agent or anyone related to real estate, they will tell you it is hot! At least real estate, anyway. All markets are cyclical, but with low interest rates and so many people moving right now, the Murfreesboro real estate market can’t help but be on fire!

That being said, a lot of people are also getting their real estate licenses right now and joining a local professional association.

But with that comes the need to support all those professionals. One of the resources the pros look to is the Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors (MTAR) located on Butler Drive. This organization serves nine counties in the mid-state.

MTAR is an arm of the National Association of Realtors but operates locally to provide support to its members, real estate clients and the public in general in Middle Tennessee. Only those agents who subscribe to the NAR Code of Ethics may call themselves a Realtor.

The lady in charge of the day-to-day operations at MTAR is Candy Roberts Joyce, who has been in real estate since the mid 1990s. She and her staff offer guidance for buyers and sellers, provide community outreach and professional training for its membership, and enforce the Code of Ethics. Joyce also keeps her ear to the ground to watch for any new regulations or taxes that may be detrimental to agents as well as local homeowners. So, there is always something going on.

Professionally, MTAR offers statistics and additional insights as to the health of the market and how to better serve clients looking to buy or sell. It is important for agents to keep up to date on new trends and technology.

Someone has to tell the seller

a bright orange living room with purple shag carpeting and five cats may be a hindrance to marketing that property. There are also many different types of septic systems in Rutherford County due to all the rock. This sparks several common questions from clients living in other markets.

Once a year, Realtors from all across Tennessee will meet at the State Capital to voice any concerns they may have. This has averted several taxes over the years for the professional, as well as homeowners and buyers.

The Butler Drive facility also provides a place for members to discuss local issues as well as meet political candidates, and other needed professionals such as home inspectors, electricians, plumbers and mortgage lenders.

The Association calendar is filled with continuing education and other training opportunities.

It also serves as a public voting site several times a year.

Realtors know it is important to be involved with the community in order to help it grow.

Through the years, they have been instrumental in such projects as Meals on Wheels, Make a Difference Day, the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity, just to name a few. Though COVID may have hindered in-person activity, there is still the ability to help the community financially such as creating goody bags for retirees at the Alvin C. York VA Hospital. Some of Murfreesboro’s impoverished children were not able to receive a school lunch due to the pandemic. MTAR donated funds to keep the “chow wagon” up and running to provide kids the nutrition they need. The pros know that when they help

their community it helps their industry as well.

With so much happening in the local market and within the industry, it is necessary for MTAR to keep up. Late last year, the MTAR building began a long-overdue transformation, though the building will remain the same size. The remodel will provide different spaces for training, more restrooms, a lager lobby and a store for agents to purchase books, marketing tools and those all-important “SOLD” sign riders. The project hopes to be completed in the late spring, but Candy and her staff will continue working for its members and the community in the meantime.

For more information on the Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors, visit mtar.org.

Blaine Little is the founder and CEO of Momentum Seminars Training and Coaching, helping companies remain profitable by investing in their people. Learn more at momentumseminars.com.

Be sure to get his new book Managerial Mistakes, Missteps & Misunderstandings, available now on Amazon in paperback or Kindle format.

Check out the podcast at bit.ly/toastcaster143.

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* FEBRUARY 2021 * 23

AROUND TOWN ’BORO BUSINESS BUZZ

Ms. Marian’s, Woods Air Movement, Salads on Demand, A Special Touch, Blue Eyed Daisy, Maddy’s, Yankee Candle

BY DELORES ELLIOTT WOODS AIR MOVEMENT announced in January that the company plans to establish a U.S. facility in Murfreesboro.

Woods Air Movement will re-establish its North American presence by investing over $3 million in the community, creating a reported 27 jobs in Rutherford County.

“Woods Air Movement’s decision to locate its North American headquarters in our state underscores Tennessee’s probusiness environment, central location

and talented workforce. We thank the company for investing and creating new family-wage jobs in Rutherford County,” said Bob Rolfe, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

Swanson Inc. will build a new facility for Woods, located in the 80-acre Parkway Place industrial park on Joe B. Jackson Parkway near Amazon, and will lease the building to the company.

The building will serve as a manufacturing and testing facility for industrial ventilation products used in road and rail tunnels, non-residential buildings and underground parking garages.

The Murfreesboro City Council and Rutherford Chamber of Commerce are excited to offer higher-paying jobs to locals and MTSU graduates.

“We look forward to welcoming Woods’ leadership and nearly 30 engineering jobs to our growing and livable community,” said Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland in a recent press release.

 A new salad restaurant has opened at 2137 NW Broad St., formerly the home of an appliance store. SALADS ON DEMAND offers a variety of hand-crafted salads with tasty dressing options.

The restaurant offers salads for pickup, and customers may also order delivery through GrubHub, Uber Eats and Door Dash.

“God gave the vision and the owners paired their love for feeding people plenty with their desire for a real good salad. God has been faithful!” ownership posted on Salads on Demand social media.

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Murfreesboro’s newest hot chicken and soul food restaurant, MS. MARIAN’S CAFE, has opened at 1513 E. Main St. near MTSU. The restaurant hosted a soft opening on Jan. 15, and is now open from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m.–1 a.m. on the weekends. Ms. Marian’s specializes in fried fish, wings and chicken tenders, all of which can be tossed in various sauces.

CULTIVATION NETWORK, a digital marketing agency that works with The Blue Eyed Daisy and other local businesses will move its business into the former boutique space at 423 N. Walnut St.

days left in my little yellow house. Life has a way of throwing us curves. I am staying positive and look forward to what’s ahead,” Austin said in mid-January.

To shop, visit theblueeyeddaisy.com.

THAI PATTAYA, home of Asian cuisine located at 810 NW Broad St., will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in February. For the past few months, the restaurant has offered takeout, curbside and delivery as a COVID precaution.

According to Thai Pattaya ownership, the restaurant may offer a special deal on takeout for the 10-year anniversary. However, it is likely that the dining room will remain temporarily closed.

 CLOSING CORNER

THE BLUE EYED DAISY BOUTIQUE will move out of its building on North Walnut Street, though business owner Diane Austin plans to keep the clothing, jewelry and gift business alive online.

Austin announced that the boutique officially closed its doors on Jan. 23.

In a recent post on The Blue Eyed Daisy’s Facebook page, Austin said that she will stay positive about what’s to come.

“It’s hard to believe that I have just a few

After serving Rutherford County for almost 20 years, A SPECIAL TOUCH, located at 1715 Old Fort Pkwy., is going out of business. The bridal shop offered services including alterations, custom designs to order, consignment and bridal gowns, consultations and supply rentals.

“Unfortunately, since we moved last February, our sales have all but disappeared.

Amazon and COVID hit us bad. We are transitioning to a thrift shop in hopes to survive the next two years on our lease,” said business owner Joni Winsett.

“God’s got it,” she added.

The business announced via its Facebook page that the store will remain open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. as it sells its remaining inventory.

The Stones River Mall will be losing a favorite as GAMESTOP closes. The company began losing big money in 2013 with the

MEDIA RERUN announced that the store will close its doors for good on Feb. 28.

“This place changed my life,” Etheridge Kip Gunnells posted upon seeing the news.

“Beyond devastated. Thankful for all the memories and the longtime friends I now have because of [the store].”

For 18 years, the store on Rutherford Boulevard carried a treasure trove of used music, video games, consoles, movies, instruments, posters, toys and other pop culture and entertainment related items.

“I started taking my kids there 15 years ago,” Carrie Richards said. “They grew up knowing that Media Rerun was the place to go with birthday and Christmas money.”

Store owner John Judkins and the Media Rerun crew invite everyone to stop in before the store’s final day.

“We’ve had an amazing run, and serving our customers for the past 18 years has been a great honor,” according to a farewell post on the Media Rerun Facebook page.

“We’ve helped decorate dorm rooms and apartments. We’ve assisted Santa Claus with presents in stockings and under Christmas trees. We’ve filled stereo speakers with music and turned movie nights into movie weekends. We’ve hosted musicians from all over the country and from right here in our city,” the post continued. “It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Ryan Baker called Media Rerun the “best store in the world.”

And Aurelia Christiana Langford said “I had some of the best memories and shows at Media Rerun. Met so many incredible people and I will always be grateful for you guys for that.” launch of the Xbox One and Playstation 4 (platforms where players can download games online), and since then GameStop sales have continued to go downhill.

GameStop previously excelled in the sale of used games, their buy and sell options, and being a niche. As technology progressed and digital game downloads became more common, gamers stopped needing GameStop’s services.

The company announced at a presentation in December that it would close over 1,000 stores by March of 2021.(In a curious case of market speculation, GameStop stock shot up 1,700 percent in January, even as company sales were tanking.) For the Stones River Mall, the closing is unfortunate as it has already lost some of its appeal, and tenants, over the last few years.

However, the mall has gained Murfreesboro’s Strike & Spare, which recently moved to the old Sears location.

After fighting to stay afloat during COVID, YANKEE CANDLE at The Avenue has closed. Many attempts were made in hopes of keeping the location open, including laying off many of its employees, limiting store hours and moving sales to their

website, but it wasn’t enough. The location closed in early January, as have multiple other Yankee Candle retail stores across the country over the past months.

KROGER announced that it would close its Middle Tennessee Boulevard store at the end of February.

A company spokeperson said the location’s pharmacy and fuel center would remain open, but the grocery portion of the business would close.

Kroger operates stores nearby on Lascassas Pike and South Church Street, as well as on Memorial Boulevard, Northfield Boulevard, Old Fort Parkway and Veterans Parkway in Murfreesboro.

The building that formerly housed the Camino Real and later the AZTECA Mexican restaurants on Broad Street has been torn down. Stay tuned for more news on this lot.

Although it just opened for business in 2020, MADDY’S RESTAURANT in Smyrna did not survive the year of pandemic. Ownership of the burger and hot dog joint elected to close in January.

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Chiropractic Health

BY MORTER FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

Chiropractic Care Can Help With Heart Health; Proper Spinal Alignment Affects Every Function of the Body DID YOU KNOW . . . February is Na-

tional Heart Month? This month Morter Family Chiropractic would like to highlight chiropractic care and how it can help with heart health.

I am sure you are thinking wait a minute, what?! How?! How do heart health and chiropractic care go hand in hand?

The nervous system controls every function of the body. Let us make this easy: the central nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. Off the spinal cord come the nerves that run throughout our body. This system controls every function of the body. So, is it safe to say that if any of those nerves coming off the spinal cord experience interference or “kinks,” the function of the attached organ may be compromised?

Think of a water hose when you roll it out. If it is straight, the water will flow through it properly with no issues. However, if your put a little pressure on it or even fully fold the hose, what happens?

The water flow is restricted. Once, you release the pressure, the water flow is restored. The nerves that come off the spinal cord work in this same way.

We have seen a patient who did not

spine is misaligned. Dr. Josh uses this method, which strings together multiple Xray images to make a moving image of the spine, to focus on correcting the problem.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing any other health issues that you may not initially think a chiropractor could help with, give us a call. We are happy to do an exam and help guide you to better health. If it is not a chiropractic issue, Dr. Josh will get you connected with the right health professional for you.

Dr. Josh also recommends staying active, walking, swimming, riding a bike. Just move! We love challenging our patients to have better health. Often, Morter Family Chiropractic will do a walking challenge with its patients, talk to them about the

want to be put on medication for his high blood pressure. He had researched ways to avoid medication. He had also suffered from neck pain and headaches for a while but never connected the two. Once he started researching, he found that chiropractic care could help. So, he gave it a shot.

Sure enough, his neck was in bad shape. After a month of care, he was able to return to his primary care physician with normal blood pressure levels. And, after finishing his corrective care recommendation, this individual became a longtime patient.

Does it now make a little more sense that our office has seen some patients see better heart health results after receiving chiropractic care? If the spine in their neck or mid-back is misaligned, that puts pressure on the nerves that control the function of the circulatory system. Once that spine is in proper alignment, the function is restored and the patient can experience overall better health.

Dr. Josh Morter, who takes a specific approach—motion X-ray analysis—is in the top 1 percent of chiropractors in the United States who use motion X-ray analysis to show him exactly where your BOROPULSE.COM

* FEBRUARY 2021 * 27

importance of sleep or take part in a water challenge with them. Dr. Josh always wins this one. Never race Dr. Josh in a gallon-aday challenge. His army instincts kick in and he will be done before we get through the morning shift.

Our hope is that each month we continue to provide you with information that you did not know about chiropractic care and educate you a bit about overall health. Morter Chiropractic strives to show that we care about our community and that we are here to help!

Until next time: Stay Healthy, Friends.

For more information on how chiropractic care can help with blood pressure and other benefits, visit tnchiro.com.

Morter Family Chiropractic is located at 221C Castlewood Dr., Murfreesboro. For more information about how Dr. Josh Morter can help restore your health so that you can better experience life, call 615-900-3770 or visit morterchiro.com.

Opinion Positive Discipline

 Good and Balanced Nutrition Every Day  Unstructured Playtime

Parent with kindness and firmness, and understand a child’s feelings before correction

 Boundaries that are consistent, respectful, and enforced  Connection Before Correction (validate your child’s feelings before offering correction)  Solid Sleep Routines with the recommended amount of sleep each night

BY REANNA SARIEH PARENTING IS HARD. Just when you think you have it all figured out, your child enters a new developmental phase with its own new sets of challenges and lessons.

Parenting through a pandemic creates additional challenges along with worries about future impacts of all that we have been through. It can be overwhelming and can cause our focus to veer in unplanned directions every day. When we are balancing so many challenges and burdens, we can forget about all the beautiful things that we want our children to learn. We can forget that we are making decisions each day that will shape and forge our adult children of the future.

Fast forward 15 to 20 years; what type of person do you want to see walking through your door coming home for the holidays?

Are your daily parenting decisions creating the path helping your child become that future adult you hope to see? These can be hard questions, especially when there are so many obstacles to overcome each day. We must, however, stay the course. We must decide the type of parenting foundation that we wish to have and make an intentional effort to make decisions that support that foundation along with the developmental needs of our children.

As a director of a Montessori school, the question that I am asked most frequently is how to get children to behave better.

Montessori classrooms are often known for their peaceful and tranquil environment, an environment that supports children’s development of independence and confidence. Children in Montessori schools do not have sticker charts or time-outs, so how does that peaceful atmosphere last with children ages 3 through 6? How do we help to develop positive behaviors in children?

The answer is: positive discipline.

Positive discipline is a parenting strategy that combines being both firm and kind.

28 * FEBRUARY 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

 Limited Use of Screens (for those in virtual school, this can be a challenge, but it is important to continue to limit use of screens in your child’s free time)

It is about having “tools” to help develop good choice-making skills in children, and about having and maintaining appropriate parental boundaries (i.e. being parents, not friends, to our children).

One of the most important components of the positive discipline parenting philosophy is the ability to be both firm and kind when guiding our students and children. Parents that are too kind, will often have challenges gaining cooperation and respect from their children. Parents that are too firm will often find that their children rebel or comply out of fear or from threats instead of developing the ability to make good choices. The key, according to Dr. Jane Nelsen, the creator of the positive discipline philosophy and author of the book Positive Discipline, is the balance of being kind and firm at the same time. How does this translate into daily interactions with your child? Effective parents try and stay ahead of the curve, understanding and

researching what developmental phases their child will be entering next. By having the information on the front end, parents can shift from a place of reactive parenting to a place of proactive parenting. Learning new strategies that are effective and supportive of your child’s behavioral goals is a way to incorporate positive discipline into your home. As our children grow and develop, our parenting strategies will need to grow as well.

As our children returned to their school campus in September after quarantine while still living through the pandemic, our teachers discussed how we were going to help our students return to joyful learning and living. Of course, their academic education is important, but joyful and happy children are eager to learn and it shows. We made it our mission this year to help our students return to some of that joy.

Some of the ways that we approach joyful learning with our students include many of the positive discipline strategies and framework for parenting along with our Montessori ideals.

These include:  Positive Time-Outs

“Fast forward 15 to 20 years; what type of person do you want to see walking through your door coming home for the holidays? Are your daily parenting decisions creating the path helping your child become that future adult you hope to see?”

 Outdoor Playtime (even in cold and rainy conditions children should have plenty of movement and outdoor play and very minimal time with screens)  Quality Time with Parents or Caregivers Children need dedicated and uninterrupted one-on-one attention each day with their parents or caregivers. Even if it is only 15–20 minutes of uninterrupted time, your child will benefit from this. Sometimes, when a child is acting out, it is a clue that they actually need more of your attention, not less.

Good caregivers understand how these components directly impact a child’s joyfulness. Sometimes we forget that we as parents are in charge and that the decisions that we make with our children will ultimately guide and develop the people that they will become.

Next time, we will look at specific positive discipline tools that can be used to help gain cooperation with your child along with the language of this philosophy of parenting.

Reanna Sarieh is the founder and directress of Bambini Village Montessori school in Murfreesboro. She received a B.A. in anthropology from MTSU, a MAT in teaching and AMS certification from Belmont University, and is a certified Positive Discipline facilitator. Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate degree in education administration. 17 years ago, she and her husband decided to incorporate the Positive Discipline philosophy into their family, and it made all the difference in the world!

 STEERED STRAIGHT

BY MICHAEL DELEON

Hope Through a Pandemic Recovery Army Aims to Tell Stories of Healing and Hope “There are two types of pain; one that hurts you and one that changes you.”

MY NAME IS MICHAEL DELEON,

CEO and founder of a nonprofit prevention organization called Steered Straight. I am the No. 1booked drug prevention lecturer in U.S. schools. I am an ex-offender, recovered addict, former gang member and now a national leader in prevention and addiction, recovery advocacy and criminal justice reform. I make Middle Tennessee my home and it has become ground zero for our prevention efforts to the youth and families of America.

The “COVID crisis” has become an attack upon American youth.

Purposefully or collaterally, youths are the demographic that will be hurt the most.

Emergency room non-injury visits for youth are up 24 percent for ages 7 to 14; that jumps to 34 percent from ages 10 to 17. There is a mental health crisis festering up in our kids and it is becoming a burgeoning emergency for which America is ill prepared, but one that we are going to have to fix.

I am recovered from addiction for 18 years in May. I work with as many people still struggling with addiction and those in recovery from that struggle as I do with kids.

Our work at Steered Straight is with both sides of the pandemic spectrum. I can tell you with 45 years of personal experience that addiction has its origin in adolescence. It’s an accepted truth. Very few people find addiction anew in their adult years. It begins, 90 percent of the time, between the ages of 10 and 17.

Much of that origin is made with trauma and threaded with isolation and loss of connection—much of what is threading this COVID crisis for children. In fact, I take suicide crisis calls. A year ago, I was talking

to three or four kids on a bad week.

Now it’s five or six on a nightly basis. It’s a very real crisis.

Steered Straight spends every day educating people about how to enhance protective factors in their children. We provide the best drug education and support that with curriculum and continuing education that is available to students, parents, educators and community members. Education is the key to navigating through the damage which will inevitably be something many families face, although most don’t expect to be “that family” because most parents believe that it “won’t be their kid.” Having interviewed more than 1,000 recovering addicts and more than 500 parents who have lost their children to an overdose or a suicide, I can tell you that virtually no one thought it was going to happen to them.

When I embraced my mission to become part of the solution instead of part of the problem, I had no idea where the journey would take me. In 2010, I had lost four young adults on my counseling caseload to drug overdoses, and it was some of the worst pain I had ever experienced. They were not my biological children and in no way can the pain and loss I experienced be compared to their family’s pain and loss, but it shook me to my core. I felt I had failed them miserably. I felt that I could’ve done more. I couldn’t have imagined then how that pain was going to change me.

The proverbial “War on Drugs” was in reality, a war on drug addicts, not on drugs. It created a prison industrial complex in America as we ballooned our state and federal prison systems from a little more than 400,000 prisoners in 1980 to over 2.4 million in 2020. Not to mention county jails, correctional programs, treatment, probation, parole, drug courts . . . It’s an escalating problem

with catastrophic results.

Handcuffs and prison personally saved my life. We need jails and prisons. Sometimes, the threat of criminal consequences can be the catalyst to urge an addict to take that first step—that “Nudge from the Judge.” But locking people up in and of itself doesn’t rehabilitate.

Incarceration for addiction or for committing an addiction-related crime without treatment is futile.

Most of the current news about the “opioid pandemic” was dismal.

Now it’s become the “pandemic” everyone forgot, but it’s festering worse than ever right underneath the one everyone is talking about. I predict more than 100,000 overdose deaths this year. I hope I’m wrong, but with a year of continued societal isolation and livelihoods destroyed, the pace of fatalities now is unfortunately worse.

More people are dying from an overdose to drugs and suicide than ever before. More people are being affected. More families are being affected. But is it even discussed?

Within all the numbers and statistics, within the loss and family tragedy, there are real stories of survival. There are people who have battled their addiction and won.

It’s been estimated that there are more than 23.5 million Americans in recovery from addiction. Millions and millions of men and women have overcome their addictions. The more we show those who struggle the truth about those who struggle no more, the more we will inspire people to find their road to recovery.

It is hope!

Recovery is happening all around us, and I set out to capture those stories that only those survivors could tell. I began a television talk show on recovery in the Philadelphia market before moving to Tennessee and it lasted five seasons.

I captured hundreds more stories of

hope and strength collectively called The Road to Recovery. I was able to share people’s stories and struggles at recoveryarmy.com and I urge you to watch some of them. I urge you to share them with everyone you know, because everyone you know knows someone that is struggling right now. You don’t have to admit it, but it’s true. There are people in recovery who need to find some hope. Sometimes you must find some hope in other people in order to find the hope within.

That is what these stories can do—help people see hope. Isn’t that what we all need right now?

Many believe that the “War on Drugs” was a failure. I knew we needed a new “war” and it needed to be a war on addiction, not on

drugs or on addicts. And we needed a new “army,” a Recovery Army. I was determined to build this Recovery Army. I wanted to recruit people into this army and I knew that the best way to do it was to go out there and build it. So, I worked over the past year through this COVID crisis to capture as many people’s stories of recovery and hope as possible.

I want to capture the beautiful stories of recovery across Tennessee and across America. I want to share these stories with those who are still struggling. I want to push advocacy efforts further than they have ever been pushed before. I want to bring prevention efforts into schools everywhere.

Join the Recovery Army. Help us reach more people. Go to our website at recoveryarmy.com and get involved. It will take all of us to turn the tide on this American pandemic.

Michael DeLeon is the CEO and Founder of Steered Straight. For more information, visit steeredstraight.org or call 615-962-7539.

Visit the Steered Straight Thrift Store at 845 Middle Tennessee Blvd., Murfreesboro. There you can also pick up a copy of the book Table Talks and Dashboard Conversations.

BOROPULSE.COM

* FEBRUARY 2021 * 29

Live Exceptionally...Well!

BY JENNIFER DURAND

Full Body Cleanse HAVE YOU EVER FELT the desire for a “do over” or “fresh start,” or to “wash away your cares”? Daily, we take in information, requests, changes and the unexpected, and many times our mental and physical reservoirs just keep packing things in with little time to fully process or comprehend, let alone decompress and let go of those dozens of messages that occupied our thoughts throughout the day.

What can you do simply to prevent thoughts and information from mentally and physically piling up and blocking your creative and energetic flow? Good news! There are several things you can do to facilitate this. One of my favorites is doing a “full body cleanse.” This requires active, disciplined participation of mind and body. It comes from my Qigong practice, as guided by Jeff Primack of Supreme Science Qigong Foundation. The word Qigong means “energy flow” or “working with the energy of life.”

This exercise is to improve the flow of Qi and remove blockages along the body. First, the exercise opens with a gesture of receiving Qi (energy) with palms facing up. The arms rise upward from the shoulder and the palms “pass through the Qi.” At the top you spiral, expand and look to the sky with gratitude. This is a key moment in the practice.

“Pressing” on Qi, we ask for and receive a gift from the divine source. During the descent along the front of the body we employ visualization of light or a waterfall cleansing us. Heat and pulsation follows your mind down, and out the soles of your feet.

Yes! It’s that good.

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”

— Nikola Tesla PREPARATION: Choose a space to do this practice where you won’t have distractions or be disturbed. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for grounding. Stand with feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, arms at your sides, palms open (fingers separated) and facing each other. Now, bring hands out to side, palms facing up. Keep a nice bend in the elbow. Take a moment to feel the energy connection between your arms.

INHALE: Lift your arms from your shoulders without moving from the elbow. Hands and arms move straight up until they get to chest. Now arc arms up overhead. As you raise your arms, think as though your hands are moving through a mist.

Slower movements are better—you can gather energy more effectively. When moving past the chest

30 * FEBRUARY 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

make sure your arms are rounded to “scoop” the energy upward. Round shape allows you to contain the energy before using it to move out.

EXHALE: Relax the shoulders and spiral upwards using small circular motions from the shoulders that move the entire arm, gathering the Qi, three times.

INHALE: Expand space between palms and gently look up 45 degrees. When you expand your hands, make a slight wrist adjustment to stimulate Qi. When you lean back, it is minimal. Don’t compress your neck too far back. The arms should be “rounded” and not in a V shape. You can choose to make this movement sacred by being in a state of mind to receive the energy as a blessing washing over you (encouraged).

EXHALE: Bend at elbows, bend knees and root down solid. Head is level once again, and look out to the horizon.

INHALE: Raise hands a few inches. “Press” on Qi and focus your mind.

LONG EXHALE: Begin by focusing attention at the crown of your head. As you slowly lower the hands, visualize the Qi is washing your face, chest and downward over your entire body. See the area where the light hits your body “crackling and burning” any stress you might have inside you.

It is also important to “press on Qi” while lowering.

Follow it down with your mind. See it blast out the soles of your feet. When your mind reaches your feet, they will feel hot and pulse with blood and Qi. That is how you know the exercise is working!

Finish by spiraling the hands at the sides, as in the opening posture, three times. Close your eyes and think about connecting with the center of the earth.

Feel the earth’s internal energy rise up to meet the energy you’ve gathered in your palms. You will feel its vibration. Hold to the practice you just did and let the results carry you through your day with grace and peace, knowing you can handle whatever comes your way with greater ease.

“The energy of the mind is the essence of life.”

— Aristotle Jennifer Durand is the owner and operator of The Nurture Nook Day Spa & Gift Shoppe; a certified QiGong and Breathe Empowerment instructor, and is licensed in massage therapy, body work and somatic integration. Visit nurturenook.com or call 615-896-7110.

Who Will Speak Out for You If Free Speech Is Suppressed?

BY DR. LARRY BURRIS “FIRST THEY CAME” is a poem written by German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller in regards to the cowardice of German intellectuals following the Nazis’ rise to power and subsequent purging of their chosen targets, group after group: FIRST THEY CAME

By Martin Niemöller First they came for the Communists And I did not speak out Because I was not a Communist Then they came for the Socialists And I did not speak out Because I was not a Socialist Then they came for the trade unionists And I did not speak out Because I was not a trade unionist Then they came for the Jews And I did not speak out Because I was not a Jew Then they came for me And there was no one left To speak out for me.

Here’s a quotation from Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes: “If there is any principle of the Constitution that more imperatively calls for attachment than any other it is the principle of free thought— not free thought for those who agree with us but freedom for the thought that we hate.”

NIEMÖLLER

How willing are you to listen to ideas you don’t like? Or, put another way, how opposed are you to big tech deciding what you can, or cannot, listen to?

Even for ideas you hate?

Try this quote from Winston Churchill:

HOLMES

“Everyone is in favor of free speech. Hardly a day passes without its being extolled. But some people’s idea of it is that they are free to say what they like, but if anyone else says anything back, that is an outrage.”

People need to realize there is not a speech, or kind of speech, on the planet that someone else does not consider outrageous. It may come as a surprise, but I bet there is someone who considers your speech to be outrageous, and would like to censor it.

CHURCHILL So here’s a question for those of you who seem to favor banning Once censorship starts, it is speech: What are you going to do when big tech almost impossible to stop it—that is, unless evdecides to cancel your account because someone eryone supports the idea, and the practice, of free doesn’t like what you have to say? speech for everyone.

What are you going to do when there is no one left to protect your right to speak out?

Dr. Larry Burris is a professor at MTSU

So here’s a question for those of you who seem to favor banning speech: What are you going to do when big tech decides to cancel your account because someone doesn’t like what you have to say?

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Makes a Great Valentine’s Gift! Couples Can Train Together!

Sports 

MTSU MEN’S BASKETBALL UPCOMING SCHEDULE

BLUE RAIDERS wins,” head women’s basketball coach Rick Insell said. “It’s never easy to win at Diddle Arena so to get two wins in two days is pretty special for our group.”

Contributions from Deja Cage have helped MTSU find its groove as well. As of Jan. 29, Cage had hit 35 3-point field goals on the season and had three games of at least 20 points. Cage transferred last summer to Middle Tennessee from Ole Miss, where she spent the last two seasons after beginning her college career at her hometown school, DePaul in Chicago.

In addition to bringing her sweet shooting stroke to Murfreesboro, Cage also brought her leadership qualities and coolheadedness. In the Lady Raiders’ first taste of C-USA competition this season, a backto-back against FAU, the team found itself trailing by 10 with six minutes left in the fourth quarter. After whittling the lead all the way down, MT took possession with 23 seconds remaining. Anastasia Hayes bled the clock before taking off down the lane, where she was met by a couple of defenders, leaving Cage wide open on a backdoor cut. Cage received the pass and calmly put in a layup with .9 showing on the clock, clinching a 66–64 victory. Six days later in the Blue Raiders’ first of two games at FIU, Cage hit a clutch free throw with 18 seconds left to help secure a 69–65 win.

“It’s been an exciting start to our conference season, for sure,” Cage said.

Anastasia Hayes

Limited Attendance Allowed During Final MTSU Basketball Games IN FEBRUARY, MTSU basketball teams will once again have the sound of cheering fans in the stands after Director of Athletics Chris Massaro announced on Jan. 30 that doors would reopen to a limited number of fans at indoor university sporting events. The re-opening of Murphy Center for sporting events will be limited to 10 percent capacity and will initially include only season ticket holders and MTSU students.

Men’s and women’s tennis at the Adams Tennis Complex and volleyball matches at Alumni Memorial Gymnasium will also open to limited capacity.

Men’s and women’s basketball squads will each have four home games in February before their seasons end. The Murphy Center will host a game every Friday and Saturday in February.

her career high with six steals, while also dishing out four assists and collecting three rebounds. MTSU needed every one of her points to capture the road win; the team ended up three points ahead of its opponent at the end of overtime.

“I just told our team going into overtime that we were not going to lose this game,” Hayes said.

Earlier in the month, MTSU took a seven-game winning streak into Southern Mississippi, but a Golden Eagle rally snapped the streak. The team got right back to winning, though. MTSU swept rival Western Kentucky in two games at Diddle Arena in Kentucky.

“It feels great to get out of here with two

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE VAN HORN

THE WOMEN’S TEAM will enter the month at 11–4 on the season. Anastasia Hayes comes into the final month of the season leading the entire nation in scoring, averaging 28.1 points per game.

The sensational junior guard poured in a career-high 42 points as the Lady Raiders won a riveting overtime contest at University of Alabama at Birmingham on Jan. 28. In addition to the eye-popping 42 points, Hayes also had a career-high six 3-pointers (on eight attempts) and tied

THE MEN’S TEAM was not able to find the success and consistency the women’s team did in January.

After a tough conference-opening loss to Florida International, MTSU responded in a big way in the second game of that series on Jan. 9. The Blue Raiders got out to a 22-point lead in the first 10 minutes and cruised to a 67—56 victory over FIU. “To be able to come out of here with a good win, I was really proud of our group,” said following that contest.

But the men’s team could not keep up the momentum, and dropped six consecutive games, two apiece against Southern Mississippi, Western Kentucky and UAB. In the first game against UAB, MTSU held a 10-point lead with under 10 minutes to play, but the Blazers erased the deficit and took over with a 29–8 run to close out a 70–59 road win.

Still, in the midst of the losses, head coach Nick McDevitt said he was not disappointed in his team’s fight and resiliency.

CHARLOTTE Friday, Feb. 5 Murfreesboro, 6 p.m.

CHARLOTTE Saturday, Feb. 6 Murfreesboro, 4 p.m.

MARSHALL Friday, Feb. 12 Huntington, West Virginia, 5 p.m.

MARSHALL Saturday, Feb. 13 Huntington, West Virginia, 3 p.m.

LOUISIANA TECH Friday, Feb. 19 Murfreesboro, 6 p.m.

LOUISIANA TECH Saturday, Feb. 20 Murfreesboro, 4 p.m.

OLD DOMINION Friday, Feb. 26 Norfolk, Virginia, 6 p.m.

OLD DOMINION Saturday, Feb. 27 Norfolk, Virginia, 6 p.m.

MTSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL UPCOMING SCHEDULE CHARLOTTE Friday, Feb. 5 Charlotte, North Carolina, 2 p.m.

CHARLOTTE Saturday, Feb. 6 Charlotte, North Carolina, 1 p.m.

MARSHALL Friday, Feb. 12 Murfreesboro, 6 p.m.

MARSHALL Saturday, Feb. 13 Murfreesboro, 4 p.m.

LOUISIANA TECH Friday, Feb. 19 Ruston, Louisiana, 6:30 p.m.

LOUISIANA TECH Saturday, Feb. 20 Ruston, Louisiana, 4 p.m.

OLD DOMINION Friday, Feb. 26 Murfreesboro, 6 p.m.

OLD DOMINION Saturday, Feb. 27 Murfreesboro, 4 p.m.

Jordan Davis BOROPULSE.COM

* FEBRUARY 2021 * 33

SPORTS

TALK

COLUMN BY “Z-TRAIN”

titanman1984@gmail.com

TOM BRADY IS BACK IN THE SUPERBOWL American Sports Fans Eat a Lot, and Biden Allows Student Athletes to Choose Their Gender THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard!

Live your life. Smile! Stop letting these “do as I say, not as I do” politicians have a say in how you live it. Screw them and their regulations! It has been a year now of COVID-this-COVID-that, and the mental health concerns of everyone far outweigh however many actual deaths we have had to date. Yeah, I said that.

Sometimes a passionate opinion just smacks! And I hope that one smacked the hell out of you, excuse my language. Many Americans believe this country should be opened now and schools all over this country need to be in class. 2021 is here and it is a chance for us all to be better. And hiding in our homes for another year isn’t the answer!

Let me rant about one more thing before I shoutout the 2020 Tennessee Titans and hit you all with some fun Super Bowl facts.

First, just one more controversial topic.

A recent executive order signed by Joe Biden now gives transgender athletes across the country the ability to participate as their identified gender in high school and college.

Joe Biden has now essentially guaranteed the end of fair competition in female athletics. We have gender separation in sports for a reason—that reason being men are faster and stronger than women. If we are okay with transgender athletes competing 34 * FEBRUARY 2021 * BOROPULSE.COM

Kansas City Chiefs to a possible second straight title. If Mahomes can accomplish this, the Chiefs will be the first back-toback champions since Tom’s Patriots did it in 2003–04.

DID YOU KNOW PATRICK MAHOMES’  1.7 million Twitter followers make him the most followed player in this game? In comparison, Donald Trump had near 90 million Twitter followers before big tech decided it was okay to censor free speech and ban Trump.

in sport opposite of their biological sex than we should all just admit the idea of gender separation in sports is pointless, right? I bet more female athletes would finally speak out in response to that point. Why? Because there would be little female representation in sports if we canceled gender separation!

How many feminists are too frightened to speak out right now due to cancel culture? I will say I have seen a few high-profile women in the sports world speak out against this, but not very many. I have no doubt if we allow this to continue, the integrity of female athletics will be destroyed.

Enough of that nonsense. It’s so stupid it’s almost sickening.

This season was a strange one indeed with COVID making its mark upon football.

We had games rescheduled, players testing positive and contact tracing that left many superstars sidelined. But the fact is we made it to the end despite the voices of many, pre-season, saying it was irresponsible and impossible. Yet here we are just before the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers being the first team in the Super Bowl era to play the big game in their home stadium. The Bucs had to win three consecutive road games to get there.

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT Tom Brady, at age 43, would accomplish this? Brady is the GOAT and now the only QB to play in a Super Bowl in three different decades. I see the arguments for Aaron Rodgers or Peyton Manning as the best quarterback to play the game. Nope! Tom Brady gets the nod from me. Longevity, as he enters his tenth Super Bowl and possible seventh ring.

That’s GOAT material my friends!

His opponent and the much younger superstar Patrick Mahomes is leading the

MY SUPER BOWL PREDICTION? The Chiefs win 34–31 over the Bucs. We will see! Regarding the Super Bowl, 22,000 will be in attendance (30 percent capacity), 14,500 paid fans plus 7,500 vaccinated healthcare workers there as guests. The Weeknd will headline the halftime show. I like a few of his songs, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s a boring halftime show in comparison to past shows and possible other talent available.

Nearly 26 million Americans will legally gamble on this game. Did you know only 20 states in America allow this and, yes, Tennessee recently became one of those 20.

LET’S TALK ABOUT FOOD! The Super Bowl is the second largest food holiday in America, second only to Thanksgiving. Experts say nearly 1.4 billion chicken wings will be eaten on game day. That’s over 100 million pounds. Over half of these chicken eaters say they prefer ranch dressing to dip the tasty chicken in.

Only 10 percent of Americans will use their grill in the cold month of February. I am one of those people. We use the grill three times a week every week of the year.

Fans will also consume 12 million slices of pizza and 12 million pounds of potato chips, and nearly 12 million pounds of avocados will be purchased. That goes with four million pounds of pretzels and four million pounds of popcorn. All that salty goodness creates quite a thirst, and America will guzzle close to 325 million gallons of beer on Super Bowl Sunday.

That’s enough to fill an Olympic-sized pool almost 2,000 times. Up to 60 million cases of beer will be consumed.

By the time the game is done, the average football fan will have eaten almost

2,000 calories; the average me will have eaten nearly 10,000 calories!

A FEW MORE RANDOM FACTS ABOUT THE SUPER BOWL: The average cost of a ticket the past five years has been $5,506 dollars. This will also be the first year in nearly 37 years that Budweiser won’t air an ad during the game! My brain was like “why?”

Call me a cynical person but I found out it was so they could use those marketing dollars to support COVID-19 vaccine awareness! That is a crock of poo and you all know it, but hey, it’s smart PR and everyone will be talking about how Budweiser isn’t just nasty beer that causes liver damage, it’s saving lives with beer money going toward vaccine research.

THANK YOU TITANS! Let me finish this article by saying “thank you” to my Tennessee Titans! “All Hail the King!” Welcome to the 2K-plus rushing club, King Henry—a small group indeed.

The Titans are now the only team in NFL history with two players—Chris Johnson and Derrick Henry—who have rushed over 2,000 yards in a season. I have a feeling that Henry has a great chance at reaching this milestone again. He is unique in size and speed and still young and hungry enough. Titan up!

The Titans finished the season 11–5, finally getting that AFC South title. The loss to the Ravens at home in the wildcard round hurt, but all in all, it was a season to be proud of. Let’s be honest—the defense for the 2020 Titans was historically awful.

This team would have been in trouble if not for the fact that the offense was a top unit in the NFL in 2020.

As we prepare for next season, I believe we can expect the offense to look similar to how it did 2020 with some changes here and there, depending upon free agency. I really hope Coach Vrabel can get this defense turned around, because as a fan it was agonizing watching them on third downs. Like I said, we were historically awful. And the recent promotion of Shane Bowen to defensive coordinator is impossible to rationalize. He seems like the absolute wrong man for this job. But the fact is Jon Robinson and Coach Vrabel have been winning, and until that changes I will not question their decisions too much. Have faith, Tennessee fans!

So that’s it, let’s wrap this article up!

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