January 2020 Murfreesboro Pulse by The Murfreesboro Pulse

IN MUSIC

ETHOS YOUTH JAZZ ENSEMBLE / JANARD CROSS / THE LILLISTON EFFECT / MARK HENES / SECRET COMMONWEALTH JANUARY 2020 / VOL. 15, ISSUE 1 / FREE

Middle Tennesseeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Source for Art, Entertainment and Culture News

Paint Flies

PROPERTY OWNERS OPPOSE ROADWAYS THROUGH THE GROVE Life-like artwork by Camille Engel on display this month at City Hall Rotunda

DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST ONSTAGE AT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

WIN TICKETS! TO SEE SAM BUSH AT MARATHON MUSIC WORKS

DR. JOSH MORTER OFFERS SHOPPING AND NUTRITION TIPS

Contents ON THE COVER: Sam Bush by Shelly Swanger

22 FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 Events

GRAMMY AWARDS

Torrance Esmond and Aaron Raitiere among MTSU grads nominated.

NO ROADS IN THE GROVE

Williamson family opposes roadway extension plans targeting their farm.

8 Sounds

MUSIC NOTES Ethos Youth Jazz Ensemble; Karaoke at Ridenour, Sam Bush

BUILDING LEGACY

Habitat for Humanity neighborhood to contain over 70 homes.

CONCERTS The Secret Commonwealth, Guitar Festival and more!

UNLIKELY RUNNER

Josh Wackler releases inspirational book on running and life.

ALBUM REVIEWS The Lilliston Effect, Mark Henes

EAT CLEAN

Dr. Josh Morter encourages local consumers to make the best choices.

BUSINESS MOMENTUM

CALENDAR Polar Bear Plunge, handbell concert, Mike Sparks Chili Cook Off, Henry Horton Hike and more!

Fortified Fitness owner Wayne Burns wants you to set the bar higher.

17 Living

34 News

THEATER Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Center for the Arts, Macbeth at MTSU Tucker Theater

HIGHLIGHTING BUSINESS Floativation: Part IV, Seeking Saltwater Serenity

EXHIBITS Camille Engel at City Hall Rotunda, Chris Schweizer at MTSU Todd Gallery

POETRY Annette Sisson and C.A. Williams at Poetry in the Boro, Jan 19.

Reviews MOVIES Little Women, Uncut Gems

EVENT Southern Invitational Truck and Tractor Pull

NEW RELEASES Underwater, Dolittle, Bad Boys for Life, and more!

GARDENING Planning in winter

VIDEO GAME Arise: A Simple Story

Art Director: Sarah Mayo

Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo

22 Art

Contributors: Melissa Coker, Jennifer Durand, Laura Lindsay,

Copy Editor: Steve Morley

Blaine Little, Joseph Kathmann, Luke Kautzky

Advertising: Leslie Russell-Yost

Edwinna Shannon, Jay Spight, Andrea Stockard,

Angela Loupe, Rick Malone, Zach Maxfield, Phil Valentine, Kory Wells, Michelle Willard

BUSINESS BUZZ Gallagher Guitars, Piccole Bolle, Nutrition Spot, Seasons of Murfreesboro

39 Sports

SPORTS TALK Titans are going to the playoffs; Henry claims 2019 rushing title.

Opinion

PHIL VALENTINE Democrats losing support for impeachment. LIVE . . . WELL! What is okay? SPIRIT MATTERS Clothes make the man.

Copyright © 2020, The Murfreesboro Pulse, 105 N. Maple St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130. Proudly owned, operated and published the first Thursday of each month by the Mayo family; printed by Franklin Web Printing Co. The Pulse is a free publication funded by advertisers. Views expressed in the Pulse do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. ISSN: 1940-378X

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The Murfreesboro Pulse

ANOTHER YEAR BEGINS. Set your goals and stick to a realistic, incremental plan to accomplish them. One step at a time. I remain thoroughly grateful the Pulse is still around, and that my life involves producing this publication for the readers and the sponsors. Pulse co-founder Sarah and I began this thing way back in January of 2006. We didn’t know for certain what the future would hold, whether the publication would fizzle out after a year or two, or if it would grow to become a real part of the fabric of Murfreesboro and meaningful to many people’s lives and businesses. But we thought it had a good chance to succeed, that a demand existed for it, and we gave it a shot. It is not always easy. Occasionally, the time required to make it happen, the wide variety of tasks that need to be accomplished, the always-looming deadline, the financial balancing, the unexpected, all combine to make it quite challenging and frustrating. But it’s still Pulsing right along, thanks to all who support it. Simply observing people around town reading it, or hearing an encouraging word here or there, can result in powerful motivation. I have often compared the growth of the Pulse to walking up a trail on a mountainside. It didn’t all happen immediately, but step by step, look how far we’ve come now! Honestly, there’s still a long way to go before we reach the top, but we’ve certainly gone a long way up the trail. Some may come from great wealth and have a helicopter that zips them straight up to the pinnacle, flying over those trudging along below. Hey, be thankful and joyful for the blessing of two legs! The situation could always be more challenging. Pause for a moment after some hard work. Maybe you get to see the expanse of the Smokies down below. Enjoy the view; then, keep on moving forward. Enjoy the challenge; solve the puzzle. Even in difficult parts, it may seem hard to enjoy, but know that when you are navigating some of the challenges, when it may not be a lot of fun, when it’s steep and your legs ache but you keep on going, you are getting yourself to a better place. One step at a time. Staying on the trail. Climb your rock, as The Ascent says. Take in a collection of lovely bird paintings from Camille Engel this month at the City Hall rotunda. That’s a big part of what we enjoy having in the Pulse—a celebration of local color and creativity. Bracken Jr. and I enjoyed the Tennessee Valley Winds’ holiday performance at Patterson Park last month. A little “Sleigh Ride” and a Christmas-carol singalong got us in the holiday spirit. Thanks to the musicians in that volunteer wind band for doing something neat for the community. It seems that many appreciated the piece on the local group Operation Saving Life last month. Many others did not react so favorably, though I get the feeling that a lot of them did not make an effort to really read the story or consider what it was truly about. It was a profile on a group dedicated to encouraging mothers and saving lives, which, aside from any reason regarding religion or the sacred nature of life, is a patriotic thing to do. Early Americans pledged to protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and how could one have liberty or happiness without life?

Peace, BRACKEN MAYO Publisher/Editor in Chief

Events GUARDIANS OF THE GREENWAY Help care for the beautiful Greenway system the first Friday of each month at a Greenway trailhead to do an hour of cleanup. Winter is a great time to do cleanups since there is less foliage. Gloves, trash bags and “pickers” are provided. T-shirts are provided for those who help at all dates. All ages are welcome. On Friday, Jan. 3, meet at General Bragg Trailhead (1540 W. College St.) at 9 a.m. For more information, contact 615-2173017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

JAN. 4 NATURE PAINTING Local artist Bobbie Ventura leads participants in painting a beautiful nature scene on canvas beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.). Ages 10 and up are welcome, though those under 13 should be accompanied by an adult. To register or for more information, call 615-217-3017.

JAN. 4 WHO IS HIBERNATING? Feel some animal pelts and look at cool biofacts as a group discusses the different ways that animals get ready for the cold at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park, 401 Volunteer Rd. This activity is free and ages 4 and up are welcome. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or slinell@murfreesborotn.gov.

JAN. 5 EPIPHANY RING Internationally acclaimed conductor, composer and performance arts educator Tim Waugh is the massed ringing director at the 28th Annual Epiphany Ring Sunday, Jan. 5, at 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church (1267 N. Rutherford Blvd.). Well known in many performance mediums, including handbells, choral, church music and musical theater, Waugh currently is the artistic director and founding conductor of Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble. Admission is free and open to the public. The massed handbell group, totaling about 100 ringers from seven churches, presents four selections together with solo selections 4 * JANUARY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

BY ANDREA STOCKARD

JAN. 4

from several individual choirs. For more information, contact epeterson@fumcm .org or 615-893-1322.

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

JAN. 6 STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING WITH RUTHERFORD COUNTY DELEGATION The scheduled time for the first Rutherford County Steering Committee Meeting of 2020 has been moved to 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6, to accommodate Rutherford County legislative delegates’ schedules at the main chamber of the Courthouse (1 S. Public Square). State of Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson is in attendance to hear Rutherford County Commissioners’ concerns regarding planning in a high growth county. Senator Johnson is very familiar with the subject, hailing from neighboring Williamson County. Other local leaders are expected to attend. As with any committee meeting, the public is invited. For more information, contact 615-849-0340 or amcdonald@rutherfordcountytn.gov.

JAN. 7 IMPROVE WITH IMPROV We’re all improvisers, not just comedians, jazz musicians and politicians. Every conversation is an improvisation. This class for ages 16 and up is for individuals and groups trying to learn new ways of looking at communication, and the art of improv, while having fun. Improve with Improv will be held from 6–7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.). Cost is $10. For more information, contact dhunter@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-801-2606.

JAN. 8 RUTHERFORD COUNTY DELEGATION TO HOST SPEAKER CAMERON SEXTON AND LOCAL OFFICIALS The Rutherford County General Assembly Delegation hosts a meeting with the Rutherford County Commission and both city and county school board officials on Wednesday, Jan. 8 from 6–8 p.m. at the Smyrna Town Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy.). The guest speaker is Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton (R–Crossville). The delegation includes Senators Shane Reeves (R–Murfreesboro) and Dawn White (R–Murfreesboro) and Rep-

PHOTO BY JIM DAVIS/MURFREESBORO PARKS AND REC

JAN. 3

CALENDAR / JANUARY 2020

resentatives Charlie Baum (R–Murfreesboro), Tim Rudd (R–Murfreesboro), Mike Sparks (R–Smyrna) and Bryan Terry, MD (R–Murfreesboro). The goal is to provide open, productive dialogue and an exchange of ideas between elected officials at the state and local levels. For more information, call 615-459-4444.

JAN. 8 LIVING SENT MEETING Join Living Sent Murfreesboro on Wednesday, Jan. 8, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Experience (521 Old Salem Rd.). Dennis Phillips is a managing partner at iServe Residential Lending in Murfreesboro. He currently serves as the national VP of sales as well as national sales coach. Phillips shares his story of having it all, having it all taken away, and what God taught him before putting everything back together. Emily Pegg will also share her God story. Pegg is operations manager for Tenn Star Fire Protection and Safety Co. and an active volunteer with Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center as well as the Alzheimer’s

There is not a better way to ring in the New Year than plunging into Sports*Com’s (2310 Memorial Blvd.) frigid outdoor pool. Participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable foods to benefit Greenhouse Ministries. At 8:30 a.m., the Sports*Com gym is transformed into an Arctic Adventure for families to play games, play on inﬂatables, drink coffee or hot chocolate, eat donuts and register for the plunge. At 10 a.m., plungers and spectators make their way to the outdoor pool for the plunge. T-shirts to commemorate the plunge are available for purchase on the day of the event. All ages are welcome. Admission is free with a nonperishable food donation. For more information, call 615-895-5040 or visit murfreesborotn.gov/993/ Parks-Recreation. Association. A lunch will be provided at the meeting. RSVP to Bob Williams, LSM Murfreesboro Team Leader, at bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com.

JAN. 8 AND 22 RAPTOR RHAPSODY Have you ever looked an owl in the eye, glared at a red-tailed hawk up close or checked out a falcon’s wings? Here is your chance to get up-close and personal with a live bird of prey and learn about these master predators of the sky. The Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) hosts Raptor Rhapsody a 4 p.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 8 and 22. The program is all-ages, rain or shine, and will move inside during inclement weather or darkness outdoors. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov.

JAN. 9 MIKE SPARKS CHILI COOK OFF CONTEST The Mike Sparks 9th Annual Chili Cook Off Contest is Thursday, Jan. 9, beginning

at 5:30 p.m. at the Smyrna Train Depot (98 Front St., Smyrna). Entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. Jan. 9, and judging begins at 6 p.m. The first-place prize is $100 cash, second place is $50 cash and third place is a $25 gift card from Gil’s Ace Hardware. Please bring canned food to support Smyrna’s Nourish Food Bank. Admission is free; contributions are greatly appreciated. The cook-off is paid for by Citizens to Elect Mike Sparks. Enjoy music by J.T. Cooper, Founder of Warrior Rounds. The Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton is the featured speaker. To enter, call or text 615-878-0884.

Her books are $15 each; cash and checks are accepted. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

JAN. 14 ALL-ACCESS NIGHT Join The Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St.) Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 5:30–8 p.m., for an evening tailored to specialneeds families free of charge. Reservations for this program are suggested but not required. For more information, visit explorethedc.org/allaccess, or contact ksmith@explorethedc.org or mpurcell@ explorethedc.org.

JAN. 15

JANUARY 10 LUNCH AND LEARN Alive Hospice (1629 Williams Dr.) welcomes the community to its monthly free lunch and learn program on Friday, Jan. 10, from noon–1 p.m. As always, lunch is provided and parking is free. Everyone is welcome. Learn about the Introduction to Palliative Care: The Who, What, Where, When and Why. Discuss what exactly palliative care is as distinct from hospice, what types of patients may benefit and what services and support they may receive. For more information, contact 615-290-2916 or anbrown@alivehospice.org.

JAN. 11 SENSORY SATURDAY AT BRADLEY Sensory stations are ways to allow children to meet their sensory needs. It opens the door for free play. Creating time for your child of any age to engage in sensory play is imperative for their longtime learning and health. The entire family can tour the Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center (415 S. Academy St.) while visiting sensory stations throughout the facility from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11. Free for kids, $4 per adult. For more information, contact 615-962-8773 or apratt@murfreesborotn.gov.

JAN. 12 LIVE 4 TAY CHILI COOK OFF Come out to Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.) for the second annual Live 4 Tay Chili Cook Off on Sunday, Jan. 12, from 1–4 p.m. If you would like to enter your chili recipe or for more information, contact ariana@maydaybrewery.com. Tickets are $5 for Live 4 Tay Foundation.

JAN. 12 ARTS LAUREATE RECEPTION Visit the Community Gallery in the Wash-

HOW TO HELP OUR OUTDOOR FRIENDS

JAN. 9 CHURCH PAINTING CLASS FOR ADULTS Paint a church scene with acrylics in an easy and relaxing class for adults at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, at Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.). The fee is $20 and all materials are provided. For more information or to register, contact 615-8932141 or aacla@murfreesborotn.gov. ington Theatre at Patterson Park (521 Mercury Blvd.) on Sunday, Jan. 12, for a reception from 2–4 p.m. to honor the new laureates for Murfreesboro Cultural Arts, a notable honor for local artists, providing recipients with further opportunities to educate, advocate and represent the community through their own creative initiatives. Laureates serve for one year with an optional one-year renewal. The City of Murfreesboro recognizes its third painter, poet and photographer laureates. The 2020 Painter Laureate is Dawna Kinne Magliacano, the photographer laureate is Tommy Womack and the poet laureate is Amie Whittemore. For more information, contact dhunter@murfreesborotn.gov.

featuring local artists, a drink-and-draw and a sip-and-color featuring custom coloring pages along with karaoke from 7–9 p.m. For more information, contact worldofwoohoo@gmail.com or visit hopspringstn.com.

JAN. 14

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

NAVITA GUNTER BOOK SIGNING

Business After Hours, presented by and held at Roscoe Brown (959 N. Thompson Ln.), is Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 4:30– 6:30 p.m. This informal, social networking event is designed to connect guests with business professionals from across Rutherford County. Bring plenty of business cards. Admission is $10 for members and $20 for future members. No registration is required. For more information, visit web.rutherfordchamber.org/events.

JAN. 14 THE HOPPENING Hop Springs Beer Park (6790 John Bragg Hwy.) hosts an art show the second Tuesday of every month from 5–9 p.m.

 Send community event information to CONTACT@BOROPULSE.COM

JAN. 14 & 28 BINGO! Bingo is the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, at 10 a.m. on Jan. 14 and 28 at Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center (415 S. Academy St.). Meet people in the community who enjoy friendly competition. $4 for adults, $3 for seniors. For more information, contact 615-962-8773 or vstembridge@murfreesborotn.gov.

Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) welcomes local author Navita Gunter for a book signing on Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Gunter signs and sells copies of her book, The Day My Vagina Tried to Kill Me. The book highlights cervical cancer. Gunter boldly shares her story and her emotional struggle through and fight against cervical cancer. She wants other women to know that this is a disease they can survive, just like she did. Diagnosed with cervical cancer at age 27, Gunter is the founder of the Cervical Cancer Coalition of Tennessee. She co-founded the poetry troupe Generation and has been honored as the Queen of Nashville Poetry.

Learn how to help four-legged and feathered creatures we call our friends while enjoying a potluck lunch at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Bring a food item to share. Participants will create a pine cone bird feeder. Call 615-890-0355 to reserve your seat or for more information.

JAN. 16 THE CONNECTION Local small business owners will gather for The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 219 Broad Street Mixed Cuisine (219 NW Broad St.). All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation event, where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. A discussion will encourage participation from those in attendance, asking them to articulate their vision for their business and calling for examples of some of the business challenges and solutions they are experiencing. The series will continue the third Thursday of each month.

JAN. 16 WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE EDUCATIONAL FORUM The women’s suffrage movement was the struggle for the right of women to vote and run for office. Tennessee became the last battleground state for ratification. In 1920, women’s right to vote was achieved through the national and local efforts of the National Woman Suffrage Association. Join a forum with a panel of women in the community’s workforce featuring an open discussion and artists displaying art. Light CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 BOROPULSE.COM

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 refreshments are served. Ages 14–adult are welcome. Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center (415 S. Academy St.) welcomes the public Thursday, Jan. 16, from 6–8 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, contact 615-962-8773 or vstembridge@murfreesborotn.gov.

JAN. 16–19 LIFEGUARD CLASS Learn skills and knowledge to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies at lifeguard classes Jan. 16–19. Upon course completion, candidates will be certified in lifeguarding and first aid, CPR/AED for the professional rescuer and oxygen administration. Registration is required. For more information contact 615-895-5040 or csaffel@murfreesborotn.gov.

JAN. 17–MARCH 1 WEDDING DRESSES THROUGH THE DECADES Stories of the community come to life through wedding gowns on display at Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.) Jan. 17–March 1. Step back in time and experience the common threads that weave many lives together as guests explore women’s history, fashion history, cultural history and the history of the community. Over 50 gowns are placed on loan and exhibited, most for the first time. Vintage gowns from the past 100 years are on display along with brides’ photos and stories from their wedding day. View elegant and fashionable wedding dresses worn by ladies from Murfreesboro and around the country as well as wedding ring quilts on loan from members of the community. The exhibit is open daily, Monday–Saturday. from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sundays 1–4 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and is open to the public. For more information, contact 615-8930022 or mb@oaklandsmansion.org.

JAN. 25 HIKE AT HENRY HORTON STATE PARK Explore Tennessee’s amazing state park system. A group will leave from Murfreesboro at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, and will travel to Henry Horton State Park. The Hickory Ridge Loop is a 1.5-mile dirt trail rated easy to moderate. Ages 7 and up are welcome, though those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.). The fee is $10. To register or for more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

tion, contact efann@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-217-3017.

JAN. 23 DISTRESSED FRAME CLASS Participants will paint and distress two 8-by10 pieces of wood then decorate them to make a one-of-a-kind photo display at a class for adults at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23, at Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.). Stencils and lots of ribbons and bows will be provided. The fee is $25. Call and register to save your spot; space is limited. To register or for more information, contact aacla@ murfreesborotn.gov or 615-893-2141.

JAN. 18

JAN. 23

LONG HUNTER HIKE

CITY SCHOOLS AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL NIGHT

Explore Tennessee’s amazing state park system. A group will leave from Murfreesboro at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, and will travel to Long Hunter State Park. The Long Hunter loop paved trail meanders along Couchville Lake with the crosscountry hike to the Bryant’s Grove area and back. The 6-mile hike is rated easy to moderate. Sinkholes and cedar glades are just a few cool features on this hike. Ages 10 and up are welcome, though those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.). The fee is $10. To register or for more informa6 * JANUARY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

Patterson Park Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.) partners with the Murfreesboro City Schools to celebrate African American culture Thursday, Jan. 23, from 4–7 p.m. Every year city school students take in art, authentic food, music and an educational interactive performance about local history of AfricanAmerican culture. Admission is free. For more information, contact 615-893-7439 or cellis@murfreesborotn.gov.

JAN. 24 LANTERN TOUR AND HAYRIDE

Join the Stones River Paranormal Group for a lantern tour and hayride at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24. The tour will include stories and history of life in the 1800s. It is open to all ages and $5 per person. For more information, call 615-890-0355.

JAN. 24 ARTIST NIGHT Enjoy live music, spoken word, different styles of dance and artwork at Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center (415 S. Academy St.) beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24. Admission is free. For more information, contact 615-962-8773 or apratt@murfreesborotn.gov.

JAN. 25 JANUARY JAZZ II January Jazz II features performances by the Stones River Jazz Group plus Ethos Youth Jazz Ensemble Saturday, Jan. 25, from 4–6 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall (116 N. Academy St.). Tickets for January Jazz II are available through Eventbrite. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for students through 12th grade. This event is sponsored by the Murfreesboro Symphony Guild to benefit the Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra of Murfreesboro, Ethos Youth Ensembles, Student Music Scholarships and Commu-

nity Outreach. For more information, call 615-273-2233.

JAN. 28 CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION CONCERT Join MTSU in celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year at their concert featuring international musicians on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hinton Hall, Wright Music Building, MTSU (1439 Faulkinberry Dr.). The Jinling Dragon Chinese Ensemble from Nanjing, China, is a group of award-wining musicians led by erhu master Jinming Dong. This four-piece ensemble includes historic Chinese instruments: yangqin erhu, dizi and pipa. Admission is free. For more information, call 615-8985718 or visit mtsu.edu/chinesemusic/events.

JAN. 29 & 31 AUDITIONS FOR FROZEN JR.

Ages 6–17 can audition for Frozen Jr. from 4–9 p.m. on Jan. 29 and 31 at Washington Theatre at Patterson Park Community Center, 521 Mercury Blvd. Frozen Jr. will bring Elsa, Anna and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. Performance dates will be in April. For more information, contact lwright@murfreesborotn.gov.

JAN. 31 VARIETY SHOW AT ST. CLAIR

St. Clair Senior Center (325 St. Clair St.) will host a variety show at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31. Bring your friends and family to this glorious event. The program is free and all ages are welcome. Light snacks will be offered. For more information, contact kherod@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-848-2550.

FEB. 1 WORLD WETLANDS DAY CELEBRATION The Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) will celebrate World Wetlands Day at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. Take an in-depth look at what wetlands are and why they are so important. Then participants will load up in the Outdoor Murfreesboro vans for a 15-minute drive to Murfree Spring wetland for a walk on the boardwalk. If they are lucky, they will see the resident river otters. Registration is required, as space is limited. For more information, contact 615217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.

FEB. 4 2020 BUSINESS AT ITS BEST The 2020 Business at its Best celebrates the best of businesses while honoring worthy award winners Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Embassy Suites Murfreesboro Hotel & Conference Center (1200 Conference Center Blvd.) from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Registration is now open. The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce’s annual gathering presents the 2019 Business Legend Award, 2019 Business Person Award and Leadership Rutherford Pinnacle Award. Sponsorships available. For more information, please contact sbrackman@rutherfordchamber.org or visit rutherfordchamber.org./events.

1112 N Rutherford Blvd.) every Monday evening with dinner at 6 p.m. ($2), praise time at 7 p.m. and a small share group at 8 p.m. Newcomers are always welcome. This is a Biblical and balanced program that helps people overcome life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups in a confidential and secure setting. For more information, contact 615-631-2640 or tholt@nblvd.org.

TUESDAYS WATER POLO

WEDNESDAYS

Are you looking for a unique way to get an intense workout? Come play water polo on Tuesday nights. This is for swimmers age 13 and up who are comfortable in the deep end of the pool. Games begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Sports*Com Indoor Pool (2310 Memorial Blvd.). $4 per player. For more information, contact csaffel@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-895-5040.

BORO2SQUARE RUNNERS Boro2Square Runners is a running group for individuals interested in running and socializing with other runners. Weekly runs begin at 6 p.m. each Wednesday, starting from the Boulevard Bar and Grill, 2154 Middle Tennessee Blvd. Distances covered are 3–5 miles, with runners of all paces welcome to participate. For more information, visit facebook.com/boro2square.

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

HEART OF TENNESSEE TOASTMASTERS

WILD THINGS

The Heart of Tennessee Toastmasters is an international organization devoted to helping others advance their communication and leadership skills. Through participation in a variety of roles at each meeting, learn better listening skills, critical thinking, goal setting and public speaking. Meet at 7 p.m. on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of each month at Keller Williams Realty (450 St. Andrews Dr.). For more information, visit heartoftennessee.toastmastersclubs.org.

TUESDAYS ENSEMBLE SHOW CHOIR

The Recreation Department offers recreational volleyball for players ages 16 and up who are out to have fun. The league plays at Patterson Park (521 Mercury Blvd.) on Monday nights in a laid-back atmosphere. Teams and individuals without a team are welcome. Games begin at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. each Monday. $4 per player per visit. For more information, contact shull@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-907-2251.

Perform Murfreesboro’s Ensemble Choir and Show Choir are combining this semester on Tuesday evenings to prepare for a spring performance of American Pop Forever. This high-energy musical revue features songs from the 1950s to today and includes favorites by Elvis, Joan Jett, Billy Joel, Paula Abdul, Boyz II Men, Janet Jackson and many more. This class is open to both homeschool and traditional school students and will meet each Tuesday evening from 5–6 p.m. at Washington Theatre at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.). For more information, contact 615-893-7439 or shicks@murfreesborotn.gov.

MONDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

CELEBRATE RECOVERY IN THE FILLING STATION

ALIVE VOLUNTEER OPEN HOUSE

Celebrate Recovery in the Filling Station (North Boulevard Church of Christ,

Stop in to the volunteer open house to find out how you can make a difference at

MONDAYS ADULT RECREATIONAL VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE

Alive Hospice (1629 Williams Dr.) Wednesdays in Jan. from 1–2 p.m. Whatever your interest, there is an opportunity to help. Volunteers are respected team members who participate in many different ways. You can make music, visit patients with a therapy animal, greet visitors, raise funds, sit with patients, or help out in the office. For more information, find Murfreesboro Volunteer Open House on Facebook.

Welcome to the Wilderness! Introduce your child (ages 1–4 years old) to the wonders of nature in this fun-filled class Wednesdays in December at 9:30 a.m. at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.). Each week the adventure starts with unique songs and a discussion about the animal of the week. Learn about the topics with a simple craft and a nature hike or fun activity each Wednesday while learning about the wonderful, wacky wildlife that lives in Tennessee. Registration is required. Please call the Tuesday before class to register. Admission is $3. For more information, contact hmeyer@ murfreesborotn.gov or 615-217-3017.

WEDNESDAYS WRITERS GROUP The Murfreesboro Writers Group, comprised of local writers who seek to improve their work through mutual critique, meets every Wednesday at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) from 6–8 p.m. You might hear science fiction, poetry, alternate reality, memoir, fantasy, mystery, literary fiction, or more. For more information, find Murfreesboro Writers Group on Facebook, email sayhello@murfreesborowritersgroup.com, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

THURSDAYS CHESS CLUB The Murfreesboro Chess Club meets each Thursday at 6 p.m. at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church (907 E. Main St.). Chess players of all levels are invited to come meet and play against other local chess enthusiasts. For more information,

email murfreesborochess@gmail.com or call 615-713-9256.

SATURDAYS ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS Join the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Saturdays in December at 1:30 p.m. for a short program introducing one of the education animals, their cool adaptations and natural history. All ages are welcome. Admission is free. For more information, contact outdoormurfreesboro@murfreesborotn.gov or 615-217-3017.

SATURDAYS HISTORICAL SOCIETY OPENS RANSOM SCHOOL The Rutherford County Historical Society invites everyone to visit Ransom School (717 N. Academy St.) Saturday mornings from 9 a.m.–noon to discuss history over a cup of coffee. Bring old photos and memorabilia, and leave with a better understanding of, and appreciation for, your past. Volunteers needed. For more information on Ransom School, visit rutherfordtnhistory.org.

ONGOING ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Alcoholics Anonymous 615-831-1050 aa.org

ONGOING AL-ANON Attend Al-Anon meetings, a fellowship program for the families and friends of alcoholics, weekly at 435 S. Molloy Ave. (off of Bridge Ave.). Meeting times include 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays; 6:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and noon on Saturdays. For more information, contact 270-293-5201.

ONGOING ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUE REGISTRATION Get your softball team ready for the 2020 season. The Murfreesboro Spring Adult Softball League is designed for adults, 18 years of age and older, to compete against other players. Both men’s and women’s divisions will be offered. Players without a team may contact the organizers to be placed on the free agent list. The fee is $550 per team. A coaches’ meeting will be at 2 p.m. on Feb. 23 at the McFadden Community Center Gym (211 Bridge Ave.). For more information on the league, contact 615-9072251 or shull@murfreesborotn.gov. BOROPULSE.COM

* JANUARY 2020 * 7

Sounds

JANARD CROSS HOSTS KARAOKE NIGHT AT RIDENOUR ON JAN. 24

Read more about local music at

boropulse.com/category/music

WIN TICKETS! SAM BUSH AT MARATHON MUSIC WORKS ON JAN. 11 MAKING A RARE appearance at the magniﬁcent Marathon Music Works, mandolin master Sam Bush will be paired with The Travelin’ McCourys in what is certain to be 2020’s ﬁrst Nashville newgrass revival. This ain’t yer daddy’s bluegrass, son. A double dose of progressive, jam-based acoustic fare is what you’ll be in for at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11. Doors open at 6:30, and more info can be found at marathonmusicworks.com. Visit boropulse.com/sambush to enter to win a pair of tickets to the show! SAM BUSH PHOTO BY SHELLY SWANGER

Living EDITOR’S NOTE: In the last few months of 2019 Murfreesboro city officials rekindled a discussion to extend two roadways in the Medical Center Parkway area, Wilkinson Pike and Conference Center Boulevard. City Engineers claim this plan could alleviate some of the traffic congestion in the busy area, and allow better access to a nearby home development planned for the nearby corner of Asbury Lane and Asbury Road. However, the plan would effectively quarter the farmland property known as The Grove at Williamson Place. While officials say the road extensions would offer the property a “better front door and much better access,” as the Murfreesboro development services executive director put it, property owners Mark Williamson and Toni Williamson Turner are not as enthsiastic about the plan for new roadways to encroach upon their land and for a busy road intersection to sit in the midst of their farmland. IT’S NO SECRET that Murfreesboro is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. The luxuries that affords, as well as the afflictions it imposes, are all part of the growing pains that come with such a title. However, being such a quickly growing city has blindsided the town in some areas that were ill-prepared. In addition to lethargic planning and execution of necessary infrastructure, which has led to more traffic and delays, there are other equally pressing considerations. The Grove at Williamson Place is a 200-plus-acre tract of land that is located directly across from The Avenue shopping center on Medical Center Parkway. It is a nice retreat maintained by the original owners’ children, who have worked hard to continue their parents’ legacy. While some families are familiar with The Grove through its strawberry patches or sunflower fields, others know it through a host of other events held at this lovely local pastoral getaway, including weddings, corn mazes, festivals, craft shows, picnics, private parties, prom gatherings and songwriter’s retreats. The farm also hosts a variety of philanthropic events benefitting local organizations and charities. The family and its history in the community dates back almost 70 years. In the early 1950s, Bascom Williamson purchased the land that The Grove currently occupies, and he established himself as a pillar of the community, running a family-operated dairy

Strawberry Fields Forever Owners of The Grove at Williamson Place want to keep proposed roadway off of farm BY ANGELA LOUPE farm. He was well-known for his ingenuity and integrity, and he did his best to not only develop a sense of community, but also to emphasize the importance of it to his children. Indeed, his two children, Mark Williamson and Toni Williamson Turner, exude a warmth and humanity fitting of their parents’ legacy. Having recently had an opportunity to

THE GROVE

WILLIAMSON PLACE

PROPOSED ROADWAYS

PECAN GROVE GROVE BARNS

I-24

Wilkinson Pk.

Asbury Ln. GROVE PARKING

Medical Center Pkwy. Map Courtesy of Google

16 * JANUARY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

sit down and speak with Mark, Toni, Kristal Rowlett (The Grove’s operational manager) and John Mark (Mark’s son), I was able to discuss the eminent domain plans that the City of Murfreesboro is currently considering, and how the construction of a roadway through the property might affect the local family farm if those plans were to proceed.

“It would take our parents’ legacy, and it would destroy it,” Mark said. And this is the focus of the rest of our conversation. In a world where many would “take the money and run,” Mark and his family have opted for the ideology that communities aren’t only comprised of buildings and commerce, but rather, that community is centered around people and nature, and being involved in the lives of your neighbors in a tangible and meaningful way. While it’s obvious from the location of the plot of land that it would be monetarily advantageous to just sell the property, the Williamsons see it in a different light, through the lens of their parents. They see the land and wildlife and all the farm has to offer to their neighbors and community. They see it as an opportunity for a quiet respite, a small reprieve from the bustle of the city. They see it as something sacred and worth protecting. It is reminiscent of Central Park and

Conference Center Blvd.

Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center

Southern Invitational Truck and Tractor Pull Returns to the ’Boro BY ANGELA LOUPE its relaxing presence in New York City. African-American settlement. That piece of land was similarly met with As John Mark poignantly noted durresistance, and the city still managed to ing our interview, it’s not as though preserve its small piece of green in the The Grove land isn’t being used. On the concrete jungle. contrary, it enriches our community in According to an article by Barbara very tangible ways, with intangible ripples Speed, New York City once found itself that can be witnessed in the photographs in a similar situation to Murfreesboro, of children in strawberry fields, brides in quickly spilling out of its former paramwhite under pecan trees and young adults eters. In an effort to learn from its own enjoying nature together. predecessors, realizing that Europeans Additionally, there are other considhad seen the wisdom in preserving its erations. The land is home to the second own parkland as cities had been built up, largest pecan tree in the county, according the affluent New Yorkers who supported to Mark’s understanding. There is a lot of the land respite preservation idea lobbied history on that plot of land. in favor of it and Mark asks, “What rallied the support did our parents of the mayor, who teach us? There is agreed to create a health; there is vitallocal park. ity; there is a need As that article to have that respite, states, there was that place to go to another side to the be able to walk, and story. Ironically, the relax and decomvery same plot of press.” land that Central “I just have great Park currently occumemories of growpies was once home ing up as a child, to what a plaque following my dad now refers to as a around everywhere “unique community,” on the farm,” Toni — MARK WILLIAMSON but in her article, mentions “getting Owner of The Grove Barbara Speed claristuck trying to climb fies it “may well have been ‘Manhattan’s into the loft, needing help to get up or first prominent community of Africandown in my trek to follow my dad.” American property owners.’” As it turns out, eminent domain was For more information on The Grove at exercised without due consideration of Williamson Place, visit thegroveatwilthe impact on the community or the posliamsonplace.com or email thegrovesible historical significance of the site, atwilliamsonplace@gmail.com. For and as a result, the city was robbed of questions or comments on the issue, a now irretrievable piece of history that contact information for Murfreesboro could have made a profound difference in City Council members can be found at the preservation of the heritage of early murfreesborotn.gov/496/city-council.

“What did our parents teach us? There is health; there is vitality; there is a need to have that respite, that place to go to be able to walk, and relax and decompress.”

IF YOU’RE LOOKING for some family fun, look no further than Murfreesboro’s 2020 Southern Invitational Indoor Truck and Tractor Pull, going on Jan. 31–Feb. 1. This year’s event, to be held in the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, is gearing up to be quite a show. Truck and tractor pullers will be coming from all across the United States to participate in the event. The show is slated for nine classes for different sizes and motors, ranging from Lite Limited all the way to the 11,000 Hot Farm Tractor. Truck and tractor pulling is known as being the most powerful motorsport because of the intricacies and modifications of the vehicles’ engines. These tractors are competing against each other, going head-to-head in a fiercely competitive display of strength and endurance. Inside the arena, each tractor is hooked to a sled with immense loads of weight on them. These sleds have lasers attached to them, which communicate with lasers on the track. In turn, those lasers report the speed and distance of each vehicle. While speed is really only recorded for reference, it is the distance that counts most in competition. Several loads of sand are trucked in at the end of the track to create a mound barrier that can be breached, and if it is, it is referred to as a “full pull,” which means the tractor has completed the track. The farthest haul is the winner. It seems pretty straightforward until you get to looking at footage of these events and realize all that goes on . . . and all that can go wrong. These engines are being placed under extreme duress, really challenging the power and

potency of each machine and, at times, stressing them beyond their capacity. Therefore, while it’s not guaranteed, it’s not uncommon to see engines going up in flames at these events. Safety is accounted for, but it only adds to the thrill of the show to see just how far some are willing to go to be the best of the best. In its 15th year, the local show is hosted by two men who have an affinity for horsepower and hauling. Joe Wamble and David Holbrook established Southern Motorsports Promotions in 2005, and have been organizing the event since its inception. Melissa Holbrook has joined in the fun alongside her husband, promoting the event and helping out on the floor’s mainstage in various capacities. All are very enthusiastic about the event and putting on an entertaining show for the spectators and competitors. On Friday night, Jan. 31, session 1 gets underway, boasting a full lineup of tractors including Limited Lite, Diesel, Super and Hot Farm tractors. Sessions 2 and 3 get started the following day, in the afternoon and evening, respectively. It’s basically a process of elimination rounds until the remaining competitors are left to duke it out Saturday evening in the Session 3 Red Carpet Finale, going headto-head for the glory of the title. Tickets are $15 for the Friday evening and Saturday afternoon shows, and $20 for the Saturday main event in the evening. Children 10 and under are admitted free. For more information, reach Joe Wamble at 731-697-3424, David Holbrook at 615-406-0382 or Melissa Holbrook at 615-809-6154, or visit southern motorsports.net. BOROPULSE.COM

* JANUARY 2020 * 17

Living

Farmers Market Education Series BY EDWINA SHANNON

The Foresight of Gardening

THE WINTER OF 2020 IS THE PERFECT time to plan for the gardens in the upcoming year. Your planned gardens can be for either the ornamental or productive spaces in your yard. Blueberry bushes are an example of a plant that is both ornamental and productive. They grow well near a structure, as their size is appropriate for a foundation planting. Just plant them far enough away from the foundation to avoid a damaging disruption. Herbs and vegetables can also be planted near structures for a twofold purpose. Lavender, rosemary and carrots come immediately to mind. Research the size and shape of the plants that you are considering. Recognize that what grows below ground is relevant to your selection. Assess with root growth and overall size and spread with these in mind. You do want to choose areas on the property that are free of underground utilities, away from leaching fields, and able to support mature plants under overhead wires without trimming height or width. If you are planning your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presentation, also known as its landscape, consider its look in all four seasons. A realtor will confirm that a welllandscaped and maintained yard adds value to the property. Leaf color, branch color, plant shape, berries, color and time of ďŹ&#x201A;owers are aesthetic features that can all help decide your choice of plant. You also do want to choose a plant that is the right size and shape at maturity for the area in which it is planted. Know the type of soil in which you are planting, as soil can naturally be acidic and alkaline. There is much less work and cost if you choose a plant that grows well in the soil type that you have, rather than choosing a plant that needs continual soil amendments. A soil test is very useful for the home gardener, providing a report regarding the nutrients and current pH of your soil. Check with your local extension office or co-op for the cost and schedule of a soil test. The UT website ag.tennessee.edu/spp has all the needed testing info. If possible, choose a native plant when selecting new trees and bushes. They support the ecosystem, including the birds, bees, squirrels and larger lifeforms. Humans do have the choice to help the wild things survive. That action and intent is stewardship. 18 * JANUARY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

Part of the process of planning for the next growing season is to generate a wish list for your goal: beauty, food, environment. If you gardened in the previous season, evaluate the successes and challenges of the previous year. This applies to both ornamental and productive gardens. There are basically three growing seasons. Will you have the time to actively participate in spring, summer and fall gardening? By that, I question if you will be rotating, changing or consecutively planting in your garden? The other option is to plant once and enjoy the plant all season. The choice is determined by available time and productivity needs, but that choice is yours. If you had a vegetable garden last year, rotate the position of the vegetables in the garden. It is most important that different plant families reside in different areas of your garden each year. This minimizes diseases and pests particular to each family. If you mulched last fall, you have two options. Neither option removes the mulch from the bed. The mulch can be turned into the soil when the soil is dry enough. How can you tell? Soil that is too wet to be worked will hold together in your hand as a clump of clay. Let it dry out more. The other option is revitalizing an old method. Just plant in the soil where the mulch is decaying. The mulch continues to decay through the seasons, adding to the humus in the soil. This supports microorganisms in the soil. Their life purpose is to add to the soil composition, improving the available nutrients and moisture retention for plant use. When gardeners work to improve the nutritional value of the vegetables they grow, they are supporting soil health. Mulching and composting are easy methods of doing just that. Not only does less soil disturbance create less work, but the benefit from the method is cumulative. The soil continues to improve each year. Now is the time to peruse seed catalogs. Order for all seasons and store in a cool, dry place until planting. My heirloom seeds from previous gardens are stored in the refrigerator. If you are using seed saved from previous seasons, you do want to test germination viability on the seed. The viability will deteriorate for each year that the seed is stored. If you are growing from seed, be aware of target dates to put the plants out. They will need to be prepared by hardening them to the difference in germination temps and outdoor temps. The date they should be moved to the outdoors depends on the plant and its growing cycle. Count back the days from transplant date to determine when to start the seed. Most transplants have a 4-to-8-week start, ahead of the directly seeded plants. For organization and ease of assessment of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plants, consider using a record-keeping chart. It is available for download at boropulse.com.

SPOTLIGHT ON NONPROFIT BY LAURA LINDSAY

RUTHERFORD COUNTY AREA Habitat for Humanity has reached a new milestone in its thirtieth year. The Habitat chapter is in the first phase of a four-phase project to build its first subdivision, a 77-home neighborhood called Legacy Pointe. The project will provide land for homes for several years to come and create a community among Habitat homeowners, who build and learn together as they ultimately become neighbors. RCHFH broke ground in April 2019 on 18 acres on Twin Oak Drive, near Halls Hill Pike and not far from the Murfreesboro rock quarry. “What is unique about this community is it will be a mixed income, which means we will have people who are 40 to 80 percent of the median income living there,” said TERRI SHULTZ, executive director of RCHFH. “This is a broader range of income of people than we typically serve because we want to get away from creating a pocket of poverty. We usually serve our low-income families. In this case, income ranges close to $25,000 to $60,000.” This subdivision is annexed into the city. The homes will all be 1,200-square-foot minimum with paved driveways and onecar garages. There will be a homeowners association for the neighborhood. “It will include anything a person would want to see when they are buying a home on the open market,” Shultz said. “We are very excited. For 30 years, we have been finding lots and revitalizing them. We have done small projects where we have taken an acre and subdivided it into four. This will be our first full ﬂedged subdivision.” RCHFH has joined with a hefty list of partners to provide the best affordable product to the community, she said. These partners include the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development, The City of Murfreesboro, Pinnacle

Building Legacy Habitat for Humanity’s Legacy Pointe Neighborhood to Contain Homes for Over 70 Area Families

Bank, Federal Home and Loan Bank of Cincinnati, Site Engineering Consultants (SEC), Inc. and Old South Properties. Habitat continues to search for more sponsors for the subdivision. “Sponsors have committed to the first houses of the year, and we are looking for sponsors for more of the homes,” Shultz said. “This is unique and a wonderful opportunity to pull the whole community together to see multiple houses go up at once. We are super-excited to be able to see four families or five families—or however many we do at one time—become homeowners.” Rutherford Habitat is trying to uplift the overall value of their community and keep it maintained enough that their families can still afford to live there. They have been

struggling recently to find and to maintain a certain number of builds each year because properties have become more expensive. Habitat development and marketing director Melissa Cross said they had been thinking about a subdivision for awhile and have been blessed to be able to continue to revitalize Murfreesboro. “In recent years though we are competing with people who are coming in and ﬂipping homes and doing that professionally,” she said. “The lots we used to be able to buy, we can’t now because people are offering way more than we can afford. Some of the lots that we used to build on are going for $300,000 a property.” With the Legacy Pointe project, RCHFH will be set for several years to come.

“No longer do we struggle to find out how long it is going to take us to find a property and how much it is going to cost,” Shultz said. So far, eight families have been picked to live at Legacy Pointe, and more will be chosen this year. Anyone can qualify, including single occupants or families. There are several guidelines that applicants must meet to qualify and they must agree they will put in 200–400 hours of sweat equity and take 50 hours of free financial education. “Everyone knows Habitat for building houses,” said Cross. “But we also build strength, stability and self-reliance, so families are well prepared to move on in life.” People in need of housing are usually in two scenarios, Shultz said. They are costburdened because they are paying more than 30 percent of their income on some sort of rent or they are making a payment to a deteriorating home. And, people sometimes live in poor situations because they make decisions with their limited income like “am I going to the doctor, am I paying my rent or am I buying food?” Habitat’s financial classes not only cover budgeting, how to maintain your credit score and keeping your debt-to-income down, but they also talk about home maintenance, nutrition and insurance. “We try to cover the full spectrum of what a person will need to be a homeowner, and sometimes that’s even talking about how to be a good neighbor,” Shultz said. “There are skills to that, and there is give and take to that.” The future homeowners take these classes with people who will be their neighbors and, in that, create their own sense of community through the Habitat program. Applications for home ownership will open soon. For more information about the Habitat Future Homeowner Program, visit rchfc.org or contact terri@rchfh.org. BOROPULSE.COM

* JANUARY 2020 * 19

Living Josh and Audra Wackler

 AN EXCERPT of In My Shoes: An Unlikely Runner’s Guide to Running and Life

Unlikely Runner Wackler Releases First Book, Filled With Inspiration for Life and Running JOSH WACKLER, a Middle Tennessee runner and pharmaceutical sales representative, recently debuted his first book, In My Shoes: An Unlikely Runner’s Guide to Running and Life. “I decided to write this book for inspiration; not for me, but for my readers,” said Wackler. “I want people to be inspired. If that means lacing up their running shoes and pushing through that final mile, that’s great, but that’s not what this book is about. It’s about how running helps me be a better person, and I want to help others, whether that involves running or not.” The book began as a blog to log his training and as reference for his own future runs, but Wackler soon began writing about more than running. He wanted to explore how running changed his daily life. He eventually started to compile the blog into themes, and after 10 years, a book was born. Wackler, originally from Oregon but who has lived in Nashville for six years now, has qualified for the Boston Marathon three times and run it twice. He calls himself 20 * JANUARY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

an “unlikely runner;” Wackler is 6 feet, 7 inches tall, and weighs 245 pounds, an uncommon size for a long-distance runner. He says he hopes his book will inspire not just competitive runners, but everyone. “Reading Wackler is like running a marathon. You don’t know what the next mile will bring, but the process is the meaning and the reward,” said Amby Burfoot, former editor of Runner’s World Magazine, Boston Marathon champion and author. Wackler can often be found running the greenways and the trails at Shelby Bottoms in Nashville. Find the book on Amazon.

STOP COMPLAINING Self-awareness. I put this in the same category as being a good listener and being a good karaoke singer. A lot of people think they are good at it, but very few people actually are. We see it every day. People driving 10 miles per hour below the speed limit in the left lane on the interstate without one shred of awareness of the dozens of people passing them in a rage on the right. And we all have that friend who smacks their lips, gums and tongue together in some orchestrated and annoying rhythm while they’re eating, completely unaware of any of the noises they’re making. Self-awareness is something nearly all of us need help with. We need that friend who doesn’t mind pointing out that massive piece of spinach in your teeth. Or that

friend who points out, after 15 minutes of obvious and heavy flirting with that girl you just met, that your fly just happens to be open. My friends are the type, of course, who let whatever blunder I’m making go on for awhile before pointing it out so as to maximize their level of entertainment and my level of embarrassment. Self-awareness is one of the main reasons jobs and companies hold reviews and feedback sessions. Employees are often doing something incorrectly and don’t even realize it until someone points it out. But sometimes those nudges of selfawareness come from other sources. Sometimes they can even come from running. In my case, the biggest lesson in self-awareness I have ever received hit me (metaphorically) right in the heart during the 2017 St. Jude’s Memphis Marathon. The Memphis Marathon is a wonderful event that I highly recommend. It’s well organized and has good crowd support. And it has a great course with a feature that, to my knowledge, no other course has. Part way through the race, it leads you through a corner of the grounds of the famous children’s hospital. You take a slight turn, look up, and there it is. Some of the St Jude’s kids who are not allowed outside are pasted to the windows, smiling and waving to the runners and cheering us all on. As if that’s not enough of a tearjerker, you also get to see and maybe interact with a few lucky kids who are allowed to be outside and right on the course. Running the race in 2017, I spotted one of those kids. Sitting in a wheelchair and with not a speck of hair on his head, he was watching the runners, an awestruck expression on his face. Without even thinking, I side-stepped off of the street right next to him. I stopped, extended my hand and said, “Put ’er there, partner!” He reared back in his chair and gave me the most awesome, high-spirited high five I have ever received. When he looked up at me, his face was lit up like a Christmas tree and the smile on his face made me feel like he felt he’d just met Michael Jordan. I got back on the course and continued running. I had to run the rest of the race wiping the tears from my eyes instead of the sweat from my brow. I have written in this book that running gives you a lot of time to think. That’s one of the many reasons I love it. Time for reflection. Time for deep thought. Heck, sometimes no thought at all. Just an unplug for a few miles.

Wackler greets guests at a book launch event in Nashville.

During the rest of that race in Memphis, I thought a lot about that kid. I thought a lot about myself, too, and how I approach every day. I’d seen how he’d been so positive and cheerful despite how much he had to complain about. Which brings me back to self-awareness. Do I complain too much? I don’t think I do, but who knows? Being self-aware can be very difficult, so maybe I do complain and don’t even realize I’m doing it. That’s why I started thinking about some of the things I complain about most often and I soon became angry and frustrated with myself. Because I had this epiphany: I understood that no matter how hard or how long I wracked my brain, there was (and still is) nothing that has ever happened in my entire life which can come even close to what that kid has to face every single day of his life. And yet my approach to a lot of days is to bitch and moan about petty, minor, inconsequential things. The kid’s approach? He was happy just to be alive. Grinning ear to ear after a simple high five from a total stranger. Ecstatic that he was able to witness one more sunrise. Because who knows if there will be breath in his lungs for tomorrow’s? He has to live with the reality of cancer smacking him in the face. Every single day. So he’s happy in the moment. He’s not trying to capture it on his phone so he can Snapchat or tweet it to his friends. Not taking selfies to post to Instagram. Not stuck inside a hospital room, wasting away and playing video games. Instead, he is outside, enjoying the cold and sunshine on his face, breathing the fresh air into his lungs. Clapping and cheering for complete strangers. A kid like that understands the harsh reality that life is fragile. He realizes that every day. And I struggle every day to

remember, too, that life is fragile. To stop complaining and stop taking things for granted. That kid doesn’t take anything for granted. And do you know why? He probably doesn’t have enough time to be able to. So much about him on that cold December day is forever etched in my brain. His smile . . . oh, his heart-warming smile. The glow in his face. The spirited high five he was, oh, so excited to give me. But what do I remember most of all? Just his obvious gusto for life. I’ll never forget him because I strive to be more like him every day. That is at the top of my priority list. Not the next promotion. Not anything I saw online and want to buy. Nothing materialistic. The top of my priority list is to live life with the same love and gusto for it as that kid obviously had. I have periodically failed to do so, and I’m sure I will continue to periodically forget my resolution and fail to be more like that kid in the future. But my memory of him will forever remind me to strive to imitate his gusto. He probably thought he was just giving me a high five. But he gave me so much more. Who knew running a silly little 13.1 mile race could teach a person so much? Life lesson learned: Complain less. Be thankful more. Compliment and praise more. Tell your loved ones you love them. Buy your wife flowers. Smile at strangers. Pick up the tab in a restaurant for a police officer or veteran. Take that trip you have always wanted. Hold on to friendships and let go of grudges. And so many more things I don’t have room to list here. In other words, live life with the same love and gusto as my young friend at St. Jude’s. Those kids may not have much time to live, so we owe it to them to learn our own life lessons.

Art

 EXHIBIT

When Paint Starts to Fly: Murfreesboro City Hall Hosts Paintings by Camille Engel THE MURFREESBORO CITY HALL ROTUNDA will host “When Paint Starts to Fly,” an exhibition of paintings by Nashville-based contemporary realist oil painter Camille Engel, from Jan. 7–Feb. 24. Internationally acclaimed, published and awarded, Engel is an acute observer of detail, of the minutiae often overlooked by many. The artist says she is amazed and fascinated with light play, color and texture, seeking to capture the richness of life. “For me,” Engel explains, “every morning is a fresh opportunity to find extraordinary joy in the most ordinary things. My art overﬂows out of that joy.” Each oil painting invites viewers to momentarily step into her world and share in her joy of the simple things, and experience the transcendent beauty all around us. A reception will be from 6–8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14. Murfreesboro City Hall is located at 111 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro. To learn more about the artist, visit camille-engel.com.

Clockwise from top: “Yellow Bundles of Joy II” (male goldﬁnch) “Floating Between Two Worlds” (pigeon guillemot) “Close Encounter” (hummingbird) “Little Rascal” “Daddy’s Home” “Tranquility” “Oh, to Go on Such an Adventure” “Blue Bandit” (blue jay) “Red Apple on Green Napkin”

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Art

 EXHIBIT

Historical Drawings by Artist Chris Schweizer on Display at Todd Art Gallery Through Feb. 15 MTSU’S DEPARTMENT OF ART and Design welcomes an exhibition of selected works by comics and graphic novels author and artist Chris Schweizer. Scheduled in the Todd Art Gallery, Todd Hall, Room 224A, Chris Schweizer: Selected Works will open the department’s spring 2020 exhibit calendar Jan. 21–Feb. 15. Initially interested in drawing comic strips for newspapers, he extended his focus also to include graphic novels. Schweizer’s success includes the humorous mystery horror

series The Creeps and the historical fiction series The Crogan Adventures, for which Schweizer received an Eisner Award nomination, the comics industry’s equivalent of the Academy Awards. Says Schweizer of his current work, “I have, in recent years, spent less time making comics and more creating drawings with accompanying essays, as this awards me the opportunity to tackle a greater quantity of subject matter than does my preferred storytelling medium. “Almost all of the art that I create is done

so with the caveat that I must be able to reproduce my work efficiently. Should a piece only be seen by the patron who owns it or those who have the means to see it in a gallery, I have generally failed in the motive behind its creation,” Schweizer says. “Therefore most of my work is two-dimensional and easily shared via print or digital reproduction.” The artist has also been experimenting with both paper and wood to create historical vignettes that can be reproduced and easily assembled by others.

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Schweizer, who received his graphic design bachelor of fine arts degree from Kentucky’s Murray State University, completed a master of fine arts degree in sequential art at Atlanta’s Savannah College of Art and Design. Chris Schweizer: Selected Works is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. For parking, directions or other questions, contact 615-898-5532 or eric.snyder@mtsu.edu.

 THEATER

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Plays at Center for the Arts Through Jan. 26 THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS KICKS OFF ITS 25TH SEASON WITH Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an enchanting tale of how the bookish Belle finds the adventure and love she’s seeking when her father loses his way in the woods and comes upon a Beast in a mysterious castle. The production opens on Friday, Jan. 10, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 26. “This musical has so many memories for so many people,” says director Mark David Williams. “I continue to find funny and meaningful moments in this show and have learned to love it even more as we’ve gone through the rehearsal process. It’s a top-notch, extremely talented cast and I promise a great night or afternoon of live theater. We are excited to share this treasured story with all ages.” Disney’s Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle, a young woman yearning for more in her small French town. After her father is imprisoned by the mysterious Beast, she travels to save him and offers to become the prisoner in his place. As Belle explores the castle, she learns of the secrets hidden within the walls and makes many enchanting friends. If the Beast can get Belle to fall in love with him, then she can undo the spell that turned him from prince to monster. This classical musical love story is a magical tale that comes to life with unforgettable characters, astonishing sets and costumes and a stunning score including “Be Our Guest,” “Gaston,” “Human Again” and the Tony-winning title song “Beauty and the Beast.” The Disney animated feature film on which the musical is based premiered in 1991 and won the Academy Award for Best Song and Best Original Score, making history for being the first animated feature to be nominated for Best Picture. The Broadway production opened in 1994 and ran for 13 years. The Broadway production expanded upon the animated version with seven new songs. The production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Center for the Arts is directed by Mark David Williams and choreographed by Brittany Griffin. Tickets start at $14 and are on sale at boroarts.org, by calling 615-904-ARTS) or at the Center for the Arts Box Office, 110 W. College St., in downtown Murfreesboro. Rated G. Showtimes for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast are 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25; and at 2 p.m. on Jan. 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26. In addition to the musical production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the Center for the Arts is offering Mrs. Potts’ Magical Tea Party with Belle and Friends before all of the 2 p.m. matinee performances. Children will be able to spend time with Belle and her enchanted friends for a magical meet-and-greet that includes tea, cookies, story time, photo opportunities with backdrop and signed autographs, beginning at 1 p.m. each day. Each child will also receive a souvenir. Tickets to this event are $20 after the purchase of a child ticket to the performance. 26 * JANUARY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

MACBETH PHOTO BY RICK MALKIN

Art

Dystopian Macbeth at MTSU Tucker Theatre THE NASHVILLE SHAKESPEARE Festival’s Winter Shakespeare production is Macbeth, one of the Bard’s darkest and most famous tragedies. In this production, set in an unforgiving, post-apocalyptic world, the warrior Macbeth, spurred on by a supernatural prophecy and his power-hungry wife, is driven to murder and ultimate madness in his unrelenting quest to gain and keep the throne. This action-packed production runs Jan. 9–26 at Belmont’s Troutt Theater in Nashville, Jan. 30–Feb. 2 at Franklin’s Academy Park Performing Arts Center and then Feb. 6–8 at

MTSU’s Tucker Theatre. Nashville Shakespeare Festival will take the full production to Tullahoma on Feb. 14 and finish the tour in Clarksville on Feb. 21. This tour will allow thousands of middle and high school students to experience Shakespeare. David Wilkerson, a long-time NSF collaborator and local actor, director and choreographer who teaches in the MTSU Theatre Department, edited the text and directs the play. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday–Saturday, Feb. 6–8, at MTSU’s Tucker Theatre (615 Champion Way). Find tickets and more information at nashvilleshakes.org.

Art

 POETRY

BY KORY WELLS

Annette Sisson, C.A. Williams to Recite Poetry in the Boro, Jan. 19 NOT ALL OF US are resolution makers, and fewer are resolution keepers. Poet Evie Shockley writes in her poem “on new year’s eve” of a long aching / quiet in which we will hear nothing but / the clean crack of our promises breaking. Whether you’re a resolution maker or not, if connecting more meaningfully with your creative self or the community sounds like something that might enrich your 2020, consider coming out to Poetry in the Boro on Sunday evening, Jan. 19. This free event at the Walnut House will feature poets Annette Sisson and C.A. Williams and be followed by an hour of open mic. Annette Sisson is the author of the poetry chapbook A Casting Off, from Finishing Line Press. A professor of English at Belmont University, she was recently named

a 2020 Fellow of the BOAAT Writer’s Retreat and winner of The Porch Writers’ Collective’s 2019 poetry contest. Her work appears in numerous journals, including Zone 3, Nashville Review and Rockvale Review, where it’s received a “Best of the Net” nomination. C.A. Williams is a Murfreesboro poet who has performed at area events such as the Bloom Stage, Under 1 Roof and the Nashville Independent Poetry Festival. He recently released his first poetry book, Different Sides, and is also the author of a nonfiction book. C.A.’s poetry centers around wordplay, honesty and surprise endings. In the past year he’s also shared his love of writing and reciting with student groups at Smyrna Middle, Riverdale and Blackman High schools. Doors at the Walnut House, 116 N. Walnut St., open at 6:30 p.m. for the Jan. 19 event, with the features beginning at 7. Water, soda, beer and ciders are available for purchase. For more information, including the monthly writing challenge, see poetryintheboro.org. ALSO IN JANUARY Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center is hosting an Open Mic Artist Night on Friday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. Adults are invited to contribute music, spoken word or other performance, and to enjoy refreshments and community. Jan. 31 is the deadline to volunteer for SE-YA 2020 and earn a free T-shirt for

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your efforts at the annual young adult book festival. This year’s festival is scheduled for March 12–14 at MTSU. Volunteers must be 18 or older. Learn more at seyabookfest.com. This excerpt of “Brand New” by C.A. Williams appears in his book Different Sides.

Brand New Where I have fallen, now I will stand Striving to become a better man Where it was dark, now it is light Where I gave up, now I try Not to imitate or duplicate anyone else I want to be better This good-bye letter Is written to my old self

Reviews

OPENING IN JANUARY

independent are conveyed with a wonderful combination of chaos and meticulousness by Gerwig. The film features a non-linear style with two separate storylines, one set during the Civil War, seven years earlier than the latter. This side by side allows the viewer to see two separate portraits of each of the March sisters: one where they are discovering themselves, the other after they’ve (mostly) molded into what their lives will be. While some have complained that the editing between these storylines was hard-to-follow, I felt Greta did a marvelous job balancing them thanks to her clever use of lighting. That said, the strength of Little Women is in the characters themselves. Each of the March sisters have their own unique set of

qualities that Gerwig explores. At the helm is the disorganized and fiercely independent Jo. Portrayed by Saoirse Ronan, there is a fire to her character, both thanks to the strong writing and to Ronan herself. There’s Meg, played by Emma Watson. She is kind and patient, the elder of the group, and becomes a metaphor for the manifestation of true love. There’s Beth, quiet and reserved, played in a down-to-earth way by Eliza Scanlen and a welcome contradiction to the rest. And finally, there’s Amy with her struggle for acceptance, combined with her ambition. Florence Pugh’s performance was the most impressive. The supporting characters are also incredibly strong, but the highlight is definitely Laurie. Timothée Chalamet strips away his “bad boy” persona for this grounded yet romantic and innocently kind take on the boy next door. The strength of the source material, combined with Gerwig’s penmanship, make each character I just mentioned feel unique and thorough. Each scene in the tumultuous March home gives the viewer a fascinating insight into each sister and their mother. This movie is a surefire classic and a triumph for its filmmaker, firmly establishing Gerwig in the upper echelon of the Hollywood elite. — JOSEPH KATHMANN

central MacGuffin around which this tornado of a film swirls. Opening at the desert mines, the white title card recalls classic adventure movies, and as the camera zooms in on the sparkling stones, and the fascinating score of synthesizers and ﬂutes builds (the film owes much of its intensity to the superb score and sound design), the stone becomes a universe, and the universe becomes . . . the inside of Howard’s colon, and you realize there’s something a bit more here than just a crime thriller. From there, the roller coaster’s nose tilts, and it’s a screaming-fast descent to the end. Howard somehow lends the stone to Boston Celtics superstar Kevin Garnett (excellent, as himself ) who thinks the opals give him magi-

cal basketball powers. Howard is avoiding debt collectors while pawning off collateral to make outrageous bets on the Celtics (he’s a Knicks fan), while trying to get the stone back from Garnett so it can go to auction, while also dealing with his children, his all-but separated wife, his mistress and more collectors. It almost plays like a heist movie, each success being met with another setback. Howard is, by all definitions, not a good guy, but as the film closes, the camera moves through the microscopic, incandescent opal, and the stone becomes a universe again, it doesn’t really matter, because Sandler and the Safdie brothers have made something rough and real. The name Martin Scorsese shows up in the opening with an apt executive producer credit. Uncut Gems harkens back to Scorsese’s early meditations on anti-morality set against the grimy backdrop of his favorite diamond in the rough: NYC. Uncut Gems’ New York (set in 2012) is just as visceral; you can practically smell the hair grease, the cheap cologne and the sweat among the gold jewelry and the Fbombs spouted. The Safdies put you right up close to all of this, rub your nose in it. There’s beauty in this dirt, and they want you to see it. — JAY SPIGHT

LITTLE WOMEN DIRECTOR Greta Gerwig STARRING Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Eliza Scanlen, Florence Pugh RATED PG

There’s something marvelous about Greta Gerwig and her filmmaking. The wonderful actor-turned-director’s easygoing, innocent style is perfect for the latest adaptation of Little Women, the pioneering, iconic comingof-age story penned by Louisa May Alcott. This film is lovely, free-spirited, beautiful, and, of course, fun. Greta’s directorial debut and titanically successful Lady Bird may have enabled her the opportunity to helm this film, but the idea was in her head long before her 2017 breakout hit. (She wrote the first draft of this script before directing Lady Bird.) The latest adaptation of the classic Alcott novel follows the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth—as they come of age in Civil War-era America. Their struggles to be

UNCUT GEMS DIRECTORS

Benny and Josh Safdie

STARRING Adam Sandler,

LaKeith Stanfield, Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel RATED R

The Safdie brothers are not the best-known directors that Adam Sandler has taken a serious turn for, but they might be after Uncut Gems, their third feature. First going quirky in Paul Thomas Anderson’s excellent Wes Anderson impression Punch Drunk Love, then playing artsy in Noah Baumbach’s The Meyerowitz Stories, Sandler as a serious (read: non-comedic) actor has been fully, if not frequently, vetted. And the Safdie brothers’ panic-attack directing style fits Sandler like a bespoke glove, one that is equally hideous and captivating. The titular uncut gem is a fist-sized hunk of rock, mottled with iridescent nebulas of black opal that jeweler Howard Ratner (Sandler) imported from the mines of Ethiopia. It is the A CLASSIC

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OUTSTANDING

AVERAGE

BELOW AVERAGE

AVOID AT ALL COSTS

DEAD

PLAYING THIS MONTH

JAN. 3 Seberg; The Grudge

JAN. 10 Underwater; Like a Boss

JAN. 17 Bad Boys for Life; Just Mercy The Last Full Measure; Dolittle

JAN. 24 The Gentlemen; The Turning

JAN. 31 The Rhythm Section; Gretel & Hansel

GAME

BY LUKE KAUTZKY

ARISE: A SIMPLE STORY While most modern games feature some kind of narrative component, those that focus exclusively on story and atmosphere have earned the somewhat derisive label of “walking simulators,” experiences that sacrifice gameplay depth in the name of guiding the player through a heav-

ily scripted experience. Arise: A Simple Story almost feels like a rebellion against that school of game design; yes, it has a somber narrative, unique visuals and a stellar soundtrack, but Arise is a platformer through-and-through, with an emphasis on traversing serene environments and solving simple puzzles. That Arise attempts to be a more traditional, more engaging game than its artistically inclined brethren is admirable, but while it is mostly successful, it also stumbles in some essential areas. Arise tells the story of an unnamed

old man, beginning at the moment of his death. After he enters the afterlife, players will guide him through 10 levels, with each one representing a major moment in the man’s life. Arise is completely devoid of spoken dialogue, but even so, each level manages to effortlessly encapsulate specific moments and emotions, from the carefree days of childhood to the dread and eventual acceptance of mortality. The visual metaphors here are far from subtle—there is a section where the player must literally climb out of the pits of despair—but they are undoubtedly effective and well-constructed. The gorgeous visuals and stirring music are breathtaking at times, and the entire experience looks and sounds incredible. Unfortunately, the gameplay is not up to the same standard. Gameplay in Arise consists of jumping, climbing and occasionally swinging from a handy rope. Arise makes matters more interesting by giving the player the ability to pause, rewind and fast-forward time, which has useful applications for both platforming and puzzle solving. All of that is well and good, but Arise has a fundamental problem: the game feels far too loose and imprecise. Jumping

is inconsistent, with the player character sometimes travelling either much farther than or just short of where you would expect. Since time manipulation is handled with the right analog stick, the game uses a fixed camera, which can lead to the occasional problem with depth perception. These problems are mildly irritating on their own, but they severely hurt the experience when an emotional moment or beautiful vista is ruined by a misplaced jump that should have been no problem at all. It does not happen constantly, and incredibly forgiving checkpoints alleviate some frustration, but it happens often enough to be noticeable. Arise: A Simple Story is lovingly crafted, with marvelous visuals and impeccable music. It is a shame, then, that the actual gameplay fumbles its most fundamental aspect. Arise has an emotional story that is easy to get invested in, but although the gameplay makes Arise more engaging than other so-called “walking simulators,” it is not polished enough to enhance the experience, and sometimes actually detracts from it. Arise is still an easy recommendation for the myriad things it does right, but that it comes so close to being amazing and falls just short is disappointing.

Food

Shopping Tips: 1 Never shop hungry 2 Come with a plan; eMeals can

help with this, or create your own weekly meal plan prior to shopping.

3 Go with wild caught salmon, mahi mahi, halibut and sardines; avoid farm-raised fish. 4 Other best meat options include organic, free-range or pasture-raised, antibiotic and growth hormone-free chicken or turkey, followed by beef, lamb and bison. 5 Make sure bacon, sausage and cold cuts are uncured and nitrite-/nitrate- free.

EAT CLEAN

Local chiropractor encourages consumers to make the best nutrition choices BY BRACKEN MAYO IN ADDITION TO HELPING THE people of Murfreesboro address pain relief and soreness issues and recover physically from accidents, local chiropractor Dr. Josh Morter also hosts wellness presentations for businesses and organizations and leads some of his patients on “Shop With a Doc” programs, going into grocery stores and discussing nutrition and diet. Most everyone agrees that what goes into the body certainly affects mood, recovery, resistance to disease, heart health, appearance and a whole host of crucial issues. And many health professionals today stress the importance of a sustainable, healthy lifestyle, and not the occasional crash diet. “Diet is a noun, not a verb,” Morter says. In other words, diet is all of the food one puts into their body, not just the act of eating, or the occasional act of trying to consume more nutritious foods. “Most people, when they say nutrition, mean weight loss,” Morter says. “Those two are different. Nutrition is fueling your body; weight loss is getting to a healthy weight.” He says getting the nutrients to fuel your body does require some planning and making conscious choices, but “it doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t have to buy a book or buy products,” Morter says. Morter says he begins his nutrition 32 * JANUARY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

advice with two simple tips: “Let’s not take anything away [from someone’s diet]. And drink more water.” “I recommend everyone drink a gallon of water a day,” he says. Hydrate, without consuming empty calories. And to the point of not immediately eliminating foods that someone desires from their diet: “Don’t give up junk food, don’t give up snacks. Let’s just add one cup of raw vegetables before we eat anything,” he says. Then, after beginning to satisfy their appetite with the veggies, the consumer will likely eat less of whatever the less nutritional food happens to be. MORTER’S ADVICE: However the

person needs to get the cup of vegetables down, just do it. “Raw or lightly steamed is best, but cover them with ranch or cheese if you have to,” he says. Upping the consumption of vegetables can feed helpful bacteria in the gut, helping lead to an overall healthier body, Morter says. “Buying a probiotic [a supplement which adds microorganisms to the gut] is no good if you don’t feed it,” he says. “You wouldn’t buy a puppy and not feed it.” Morter also advises consumers to follow

6 The cleanest vegetables and fruits—those with the lowest amounts of toxic chemicals like pesticides, herbicides and growth hormones—include onions, avocados, frozen sweet corn, pineapple, mango, asparagus, frozen sweet peas, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, papaya, watermelon, broccoli, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and grapefruit. 7 Those with the highest amount of chemicals found include peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery and nectarines. 8 Not all fat sources are bad. Peanut butter is good, almond butter is better, sunflower seed oil is best. Other clean fat sources include walnuts, flaxseed, coconut, avocado, olives, cashews, macadamia, almonds, pecans and hempseed. 9 Get carbs from sweet potatoes, brown or wild rice, oats, quinoa, beans and squash. 0 Eliminating processed sugars and white bread is a good idea. q Many dressings are loaded with saturated fats and sugars; use sparingly, or try salsa, mustard or olive oil and balsamic vinegar instead. w Eat cold pressed extra virgin olive oil raw on salads; for cooking, choose organic, unrefined coconut, grape seed or avocado oil. e Avoid artificial sweeteners like

aspartame, which is proven to cause migraines, changes in vision, nausea, depression, joint pain, cancer and other health problems.

r If you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it!

an 80/20 rule of sorts. 80 percent of the time, eat clean. The other 20 percent of the time, reward yourself. If someone goes wild and eats a dozen doughnuts, Morter doesn’t want them to get discouraged to the point that they abandon eating lean meat and vegetables for the rest of the week. It just means that they need to be particularly careful in the next few days to make especially sound dietary choices before allowing themselves to indulge in junk food again. “Don’t beat yourself up. We can all do better,” he says. Opt for the most nutritious choice most of the time; treat yourself to the richer indulgence occasionally. He also wants consumers to be aware of the declining nutrient content of foods, even the fruits and vegetables that many view as the healthy choice. STUDIES HAVE SHOWN that vegetables today

contain significantly lower amounts of minerals and vitamins than did their counterparts just 60–80 years ago. A variety of factors contribute to this result—soil depletion and foods being bred for qualities such as quicker growth, pest resistance, higher yield and even greater color, rather than necessarily higher nutrient content. Many nutritionists state that this mineral decline leads to numerous adverse health effects in people. “Foods today are not as high in nutrition as they once were. Some veggies are picked before they are ripe,” Morter adds, particularly those grown far away from the supermarket where they will be sold. Often ethylene or calcium carbide or other compounds are added to these fruits to artificially ripen them. Whether or not the added chemicals are dangerous in themselves to the consumer, the artificially ripened fruit does not contain the nutrients that one that matured naturally does. “The reason you buy organic is that they are vine-ripened,” Morter says. “One of the struggles is getting the nutrition we need without getting too many calories. An apple may have a third of the nutrients it did years ago.” PLUS, studies have found that the aver-

age supermarket apple has been picked over 12 months before it makes its way to the customer’s mouth. Still, by choosing fresh and organic vegetables when possible and making a point to eat them with every meal, one can get all of the

vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy body through conscious dietary decisions. “I’m not a fan of supplements. If you need a supplement there are holes in your diet. Plug those holes,” Morter says. “I am a fan of making more natural choices. Make better choices within the major food groups.” Particularly with the foods one eats the most, Morter recommends getting the highest quality, organic variety. Although the cost may be higher, “Some people find that if they get the more nutrient-dense food, they eat less.” Also, truly listen to what your body is telling you. “For healthy individuals at a healthy weight, their cravings are usually pretty trustworthy,” Morter says. Others not currently in optimum health may have some underlying physical, mental or emotional issues causing some unhealthy cravings, he says. Addressing these may be necessary before significant dietary changes can be achieved. FOR THE BUSY PROFESSIONAL ON THE GO, “it’s just as quick to run

into Sprouts or Kroger or Publix and grab a salad as it is to go through a fast-food line,”

Morter advises. He said local shoppers should keep in mind small area businesses like Tagz, Sunshine and Bubba Gandy, and their staffs, as great dietary resources. eMeals, an online meal planning service that creates shopping lists based on the user’s tastes, goals and lifestyle, available for $60 per year, can also help with getting shopping and cooking done in a deliberate manner. AND YES, EXERCISE.

Morter says he knows that people are busy, but with high-intensity interval training, in 10 or 15 minutes one can get a great workout. In a nutshell, his nutrition advice is to think “good, better, best.” Are you making a good nutrition choice, a better nutrition choice, or the best choice. If those are your options, you should be just fine. Start with the basics. Drink water, eat vegetables. “Set healthy, realistic goals.” And keep in mind that small changes add up over time. Information courtesy Dr. Josh Morter; for more information on chiropractic services in Murfreesboro and healthy living, contact Morter Family Chiropractic at 615-900-3770 or morterchiro.com.

NOW OPEN

AROUND TOWN ’BORO BUSINESS BUZZ

Gallagher Guitar Co., Piccole Bolle, Seasons, Elite CBD, The Nutrition Spot

of the supplement. Now NATURE'S ELITE CBD AND WELLNESS enters the mix. The shop will be selling CBD along with nutritional supplements, local honey and homemade granola from its new home on Broad Street at West Main. Nature’s Elite CBD has additional locations in Tullahoma, Manchester, Shelbyville and Chattanooga.

BY MICHELLE WILLARD GALLAGHER GUITAR CO. has left its longtime home in Wartrace for Walnut Street in Murfreesboro. The company was located in Wartrace for decades and was the inspiration for the annual Wartrace Music Fest. The locally owned company stopped taking orders in December 2018 and ceased production in May 2019. Founded by J.W. and Don Gallagher, the company came to prominence with the late and legendary Arthel “Doc” Watson, who began playing Gallagher guitars in 1968. In fact, one of Doc Watson’s Gallagher Guitars is on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame. The company is now owned by David and Reina Mathis, who decided to move production to Murfreesboro.

It’s not all good news though. CBD AMERICAN SHAMAN on the Square has closed, but it’s likely not from a saturated market. The shop was owned, in part, by Kelsey Ketron, who has recently seen some legal troubles related to alleged mismanagement of Universal International Insurance Agency. The new workshop and showroom are located in the former Simply Pure Sweets/ VNTG building on Walnut Street. Simply Pure Sweets has opened a new shop at 128 N. Church St. on the Square in Murfreesboro. “We are calling the space Gallagher Unplugged in honor of our acoustic pedigree. Tours for the shop are planned, and the venue will have a stage and seat-

PICCOLE BOLLE is bringing its mobile bar experience to the ’Boro. “The focus of our business is to create unique mobile bars for parties and events that elevate the guest experience. We have imported tiny vintage vehicles and installed full-service draft systems, allowing the party or event host to serve just about any beverage they would like on draft,” explained David Harvick. He added the bars offer primarily beer, wine, Prosecco and batch cocktails, but they can also serve non-alcoholic beverages like coffee, kombucha, juices and sodas. The ﬂagship mobile bar is a ’81 Piaggio Ape that was imported from Italy last year. “It has gone through a complete restoration. It features five taps,” Harvick said. Piccole Bolle’s other bar option is a 1968 motorcycle that has had the sidecar converted into a two-tap draft system.

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ing for singer-songwriters to come and play their music,” the company said in a Facebook post. The Mathises are still in the process of finishing out the public portion of the building but production has begun on new guitars. Find more about Gallagher Guitar at gallagherguitar.com.

CBD AND MORE You can’t swing a cat without hitting a CBD shop anymore. It seems like they are the new check-cashing places. Last month I told you about Amata Wellness’s partnership with Tanasi, the MTSU-derived, full-spectrum CBD tincture, which joined Tennessee Hemp Supply, GEN 1:29, Kaleidoscope Vapor, Half Hill Wellness Emporium, Frog Brigade Farmacy, Enchanted Planet and other local stores among the many purveyors

Another new place to eat is SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO. The restaurant, owned and operated by Chef Raymond Daugherty, is now open in Clarion Inn, the former home of Nobody’s BBQ. Seasons is a Southern American restaurant that offers food service all day with various entertainment throughout the week.

FOOD NEWS THE NUTRITION SPOT opened Dec. 28 in Murfreesboro. The health-food shop offers smoothies, shakes, energy beverages, coffees and frappés from its place at 3032 S. Church St. in Murfreesboro, the former location of F.A.D. (Fitness. Arts. Dance.). Smyrna barbecue lovers can rejoice, as SLICK PIG is going to reopen. The restaurant was opened as a franchise but unexpectedly closed at the beginning of December. Matt Nelson, manager of the original location in Murfreesboro, said the restaurant closed because of a disagreement with the franchisees. The owners of Slick Pig hope to re-open at the beginning of the year and at least by the Super Bowl, so you can enjoy smoked wings at your party.

HIGHLIGHTING BUSINESS

Floativation, Part IV

Seeking Saltwater Serenity (and More) BY STEVE MORLEY In this ongoing series, Pulse contributor Steve Morley explores the effects of sensory deprivation and reports on his experiences using the flotation tanks and other therapeutic resources at Murfreesboro’s Float Alchemy. Previous installments can be found at boropulse.com/floativation. A QUICK SUMMARY OF EVENTS since beginning this series in the October issue of the Pulse: After three sessions in a flotation tank, at two-week intervals, I increased my ability to relax and clear my mind while sequestered for an hour inside a silent, darkened tank, floating upon water a foot deep and containing about 1,000 pounds of salt. The routine started to become familiar, which naturally helped to increase my comfort level. I looked increasingly forward to my visits to Float Alchemy, not only to use the tanks but also to enjoy the peaceful, therapeutic and friendly vibe there. As I’ve previously noted, relaxation (physical or mental) has never come easily for me, and even when I manage it, it’s far easier to lose it than find it again. Something kicked in, however, after float number three—I enjoyed 20 or so days of greater emotional ease, less likely to experience the anxiety, extreme sensitivity and irritation I’ve long been prone to. I 36 * JANUARY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

got an extended taste of what it feels like to be more comfortable in my own skin. Now, that’s not to say I never faltered, but overall I could feel the improvement. So could my wife. I felt more relaxed. I found it easier to communicate peaceably with my wife, and less stressful to deal with everyday frustrations. It felt good. Then . . . like in the movies, when a crisis inevitably arises and ratchets the tension up a few notches, just as it had begun to seem like everything was hunky-dory, I found myself facing the challenge of a new temp assignment I felt uncomfortable about starting: a customer service rep answering calls for a major insurance provider. While I never actually “lost” the benefits gained from floating, my stress and anxiety levels rocketed for a period of time as I struggled to adjust to an unfamiliar setting, loaded with new expectations to meet. I longed to feel the ease I’d felt just weeks before. I continued my float sessions every two to three weeks, and kept going deeper into relaxation, eventually even falling asleep in the tank. In retrospect, I’m inclined to believe that my previous period of relatively low anxiety, one I attribute largely to the effect of the float tanks, helped to get me through the bumpiest parts of the job adjustment process. I endured in a situation that sometimes felt overwhelming. Somewhere deep inside myself I found the ability to think positively and overcome recurring bouts of doubt, anger and anxiety. Could I have perhaps cultivated

with chronic, undiagnosed abdominal pain, or increased this ability by giving my brain sometimes in episodes so excruciating she and nervous system a peek at greater emocould do nothing but lie on the floor and tional well-being, floating in a quiet stillness weep. During one such flare-up while on an that prompted unusually deep relaxation? out-of-town business trip, she chanced upon I’ve barely scratched the surface of cona masseuse who owned a flotation tank and siderable research offering evidence of floatsuggested it might offer more relief than ing’s positive effects, but I have gotten the a massage. Grimes’ recovery took years, CliffsNotes, in a sense, from conversations but floating was a key factor in freeing her with Float Alchemy owner Amy Grimes. from ongoing pain—fueling her drive to Within the variety of services available are, bring flotation tanks to Tennessee. Initially as Grimes simply puts it, “things that can accomplished with Float Nashville, and later help people to feel better and gain confiexpanded upon with Float Alchemy, the dence.” (Check it out at floatalchemy.com, or process of opening both centers proved to be stop in sometime to look around.) “When we laden with extended delays and obstacles. feel good, no matter what has been keeping “My whole purpose at that time, the one us from feeling good,” Grimes continues, “we thing that kept me going,” Grimes recalls, can do great things. “was [the thought that] people “When you have a bad day, have got to know about this, you don’t stand in this world because it changed my life.” in the same way you do if you On her own health journey, woke up and [realized] ‘oh, that Grimes had seen doctors who pain that I had? It’s gone,’ or had actually questioned her ‘that anxiety that I was feeling, sanity. “They told me I was where my heart felt like it was crazy, that it was stress, that I being crushed in my chest, and was imagining the pain. And that shallow breathing, I’m I knew I wasn’t alone not dealing with that in that. Obviously you today.’ So you can go have a heart for people out and interact with [with chronic, undiagthe world in a way that nosed pain] when you is a lot more authentic go through that.” to who you are.” Having now realized I can attest to this, her goal in opening in fact. While in my Float Alchemy, Grimes initial breakthrough — AMY GRIMES now maintains her phase, I found myself FLOAT ALCHEMY OWNER daily mission, offermaintaining an unusual ing tools for pain relief that, for some, are peace while lost on a road trip to a perforjust what the doctor didn’t order. “You have mance I was booked to participate in. The people come in who’ve had pain, and they’ve biggest issue was that it was beginning to get been to doctor after doctor, and they’re just dark out, and I still had miles to go to find a looking for some relief,” Grimes explains. concert location that was on an unmarked “They’re not sleeping well, and when you rural road (and had no cellphone reception!) don’t sleep well it exacerbates the pain. in Red Boiling Springs. Amazingly, I kept my “They call in the next day, and they say, cool, got back on track, and made it to the gig ‘Hey, I was able to sleep well, my pain level with time left to spare. That adventure would is down five points and I’m moving around. likely have frazzled me on an earlier occasion, When can I come back?’ And to be able to but I found myself at ease, even interacting give them something that helps them . . . it’s more comfortably than usual with others I what we live for.” encountered at the gig site. If this is really the As for myself, the fact that I definitely exauthentic me, I am interested in seeing more. perienced a period of relief from emotional All that being said, I’m a person dealing unrest gives me hope that I’ll again reach a with sometimes vague symptoms centered state of more consistent calm. And, in small in the emotional realm, a murky place to ways, I’ll occasionally realize I’m responding explore. Physical pain, though, is a different differently to a potential stressor. Changing matter. Grimes asserts that floating can, and lifelong patterns that I’m barely conscious does, help folks who suffer from stress or of is a gradual process, but time spent in the anxiety, but she can tell you from firsthand tank seems to reveal new possibilities. experience that tank time is a powerful tool Stay tuned, Murfreesboro, and may the for pain relief. freedom of the float be with you. For more than two decades, Grimes dealt

“When we feel good, no matter what has been keeping us from feeling good, we can do great things.”

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BUSINESS MOMENTUM

BY BLAINE LITTLE

erhaps you or a family member is a fan of the show American Ninja Warrior. And perhaps you imagined what it would be like to participate on such a dynamic show. Perhaps you wondered how well you would fare if you were in that competition. Well, now you can stop wondering and find out for yourself! There is a little slice of ANW right here in Middle Tennessee. Coach Wayne Burns, owner of Fortified Fitness at 203 Southpointe Court, has brought this dynamic sport to Murfreesboro. Like many of us, he suffered from the need to lose a few pounds a few years ago. His employer at the time held a local “Biggest Loser” contest to see who could lose the most weight in a certain time period. He was happy to see the success in his own life as well as the lives of his coworkers. From that experience, Wayne turned to fitness as a vocation and has been a personal trainer now for almost a decade. Through the years, he has helped numerous people lose weight, gain strength and become healthier through physical activity. Taking on a new habit of fitness can be intimidating, especially for those of us who may not have tried to work out in years. “We always start and meet people where they are,” Burns says. He says he makes an assessment of what an individual can do at the beginning and continually sets the bar a little higher over time. He enjoys seeing people’s eyes light up as they move from one accomplishment to another and then begin to wonder what they can do next. The gym owner references King David as a role model for incremental success. The shepherd boy did not wake up one day ready to do battle with the giant named Goliath. It was several years of long patrols and taking on wolves and lions before young David was prepared to lead Israel to victory. The biblical analogy is no coincidence; the gym has crosses and other Christian references located throughout. Burns makes no bones about being a faith-based, Christ-following facility. He credits the Lord with putting him and his business on the path that has brought

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CHALLENGE FOR THE NEW YEAR Fortiﬁed Fitness owner encourages all to continually set the bar a little higher

Fortified Fitness where it is today. “He taught me some very specific things about the body, about anatomy and that we are a masterpiece that He has designed. The body will respond if you put it under the right criteria,” Burns says. “The body does what the body is designed to do.” The name of the gym comes from the idea of drawing strength from the Lord. For years, Burns has offered several fitness regimens including group classes as well as one-on-one training. In 2017, Wayne attended a couple of “ninja clinics,” having been a fan of the popular TV program American Ninja Warrior. From the beginnings of an obstacle course in his backyard to creating a course in the gym, he now has his own professional grade facility. Several of his younger gym members have made it to American Ninja Warrior Junior, and Burns hopes to make it to the show himself one day. All too many entrepreneurs fall in love with an idea, invest, and then spend the life of the business trying to figure out how to keep it afloat. Being rational from the beginning can save a business owner from upset later on. “First, a business has to be something you believe in,” Burns states. “You also have to count the cost on the front end,” meaning you have to take a rational and detailed approach before beginning any business endeavor. He then credits passion, the love for what one does, as being the motivator for day-today operations. Most people will never be seen on nationwide television. However, the greatest triumphs many times come not in front of a large audience, but from those quiet, personal victories. It’s those incremental wins we receive when we set our bar just a little higher. How will you improve in 2020? Find more about Fortified Fitness at iamfortified.com. Blaine Little is the founder of Momentum Seminars, helping companies remain profitable by investing in their people. Learn more at momentumseminars.com.

SPORTS

TALK

COLUMN BY “Z-TRAIN”

titanman1984@gmail.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF TITANSONLINE.COM

King Henry Takes Rushing Crown and Titans Are Headed to the Playoffs! THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK

with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! As we say goodbye to 2019 and welcome to 2020, let me wish you and your loved ones good fortune. Sports can bring us all together. We cheer together, celebrate together and mourn a loss together. Yet politics can divide us like nothing else. I truly hate all this ugly and pointless political discourse. My life goes on no matter who is elected president. Work, play, rest, repeat. Yet we have people who would prefer another great depression rather than embrace this booming economy. People like to whine. I get it. You have unemployment at a 50year low, Amazon just announced its most profitable Christmas to date, and the stock market is closing in on its best year in nearly two decades. So, as 2020 gears up, remember that. Because if you listen to many of the voices out there, they would have you falsely believe the United States is currently in a dire situation. The opportunities in this country, compared to the rest of the world, are substantial. Yet like I said, people like to whine. You know what I worry about? My Tennessee Titans! Yep, I am more concerned with a football team than I am with any political topic. You say the ice caps are melting. I don’t care! You say the government is spying on us. I don’t care! You say the ocean is filling up with plastic. I don’t care! Okay, I am lying about that. Plastic does suck,

and we should probably stop using it. So that’s my opening rant. I hope we can embrace a new decade with open minds. Let’s focus on what matters. For me, it’s myself, my faith, my family, my dog, my property and the game of football. Regarding football, I think it’s about time for some Titans talk! I mean, the Titans did just make the playoffs and I didn’t expect King Henry to claim the 2019 NFL rushing title, but he did. Derrick Henry, after taking a week off to heal, came into the last game of the season and dominated with over 200 yards rushing and three scores. Henry’s league-leading 1,540 yards put him 46 yards ahead of the next best this season. Henry won the rushing title on an amazing 53-yard touchdown run. The Titans secured a playoff spot with a win and will end up playing in Foxboro as we enter the New Year. The Titans managed to secure the final AFC playoff spot while the New England Patriots lost to Miami and will now enter the playoffs as the No. 3 seed. I won’t make any projections here, but I will say this isn’t your typical Patriots team. Tom Brady is older and manages rather than dictates. The Patriots defense is one of the best in the league and it will be a tough environment to win in. The Titans would be wise to ride the hot hands of Ryan Tannehill, A.J. Brown and Derrick Henry, and that Titans defense must make old man Brady feel pain. I would

never bet against Brady, but it’s obvious this Patriots team is more vulnerable than ever. I believe in this Titans team. If the Patriots had beat the Dolphins in the final game of the season, the Titans would be playing in Kansas City, not New England. I believe the Titans drew a better match-up vs. New England. We will soon see! The regular season is over and, regardless of what happens in the postseason, the Tennessee Titans have a few reasons to be excited about the future. Let’s take rookie receiver A.J. Brown, for example. Brown was the 51st pick in the 2019 draft, with numerous receivers drafted ahead of him. Brown eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving this season and looks like a superstar talent. If the draft were redone, A.J Brown would more than likely be the top receiving prospect right now. Titans fans should be very excited—this kid is young, hungry and a true number-one receiver, something Tennessee has desperately needed for many years now. The big off-season story will be discussing new contracts for Tannehill and Henry. Can they keep and satisfy both players whose contracts expire after this season? Does someone get paid big and the other get a franchise tag? I won’t speculate but after this season Titans fans will sure want to see those two together at the start of 2020. But why bring this up right now? It’s playoff time, and the Titans made the playoffs! We have plenty of time to speculate after this season wraps up. Just remember that Ryan Tannehill took over an offense run by Marcus Mariota that was ranked 26th overall in scoring, and he ended the season ranked in the Top 10. With Tannehill under center the Titans had the fourth-highest scoring offense in the league. Tannehill finished six games this season with a passer rating over 130. Only three quarterbacks in the history of the league have accomplished that. He finished the season 201/286 (70.3%) for 2,742 yards with 22 touchdowns and only six interceptions. That’s a total passer rating of 117.5 and, ladies and gentlemen, that right there

equals MVP numbers and a worthy application to becoming this team’s franchise quarterback. This team started 2–4 and literally lost games due to its kicking woes and Marcus. That’s a long way from Tannehill going 7–3 to finish the season and making the playoffs. No one saw this offensive explosion happening and it has given Titans fans real confidence in their team. This team has made the playoffs two of the last three years, and what fans should be excited about is the team is getting better. We have a signal caller and young playmakers. The defense has its moments and at times they look great. I just pray that the Titans don’t have to rely on their kicker any time soon. Greg Joseph has yet to attempt a field goal as a newly signed kicker and we’re about to enter the playoffs. I made a vow never to pray for a Titans victory. I feel my prayers should be directed elsewhere. But I may break

that vow . . . ? Titan up! What’s my Super Bowl prediction? The Titans vs. Packers! That’s my dream prediction. My realistic prediction is the Ravens vs. Saints. I just believe it will be tough for anyone to beat Baltimore. I believe the Chiefs may be the only team who can line up and match the Ravens. We will soon see! Time to wrap this article up. It doesn’t matter who you cheer for, but loyalty does matter. We all can’t be Alabama fans or Patriot fans and win numerous championships year in and year out. But we can stay loyal, and that has more value than any amount of championships. I will be a happy Titans fan if I can just get one ring before my time ends. Two would be nice, or maybe a Titans dynasty . . . I guess no one is happy with a little. We always want more. I will be rooting for the Titans until the end of my days. Titan up!

BOROPULSE.COM

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Opinion Democrats Losing Public Support for Removing Trump From Office

t’s become all too apparent that this Democrat-controlled House is so Trump-deranged that they’ll stop at nothing to try and remove the president from office. Democrat House Counsel Douglas Letter recently suggested that if this impeachment fails in the Senate—which it surely will— they may impeach him again. Rep. Al Green also said they would continually impeach until they hound the man out of office. When Nancy Pelosi and the gang were in charge before I often referred to them as the kamikaze Congress. They knew the American people wouldn’t allow them to remain in power for very long so they were going to try and destroy as much of America as they could while they could. Looks like the kamikaze Congress is back. If you believe polls, it looks like the tide is starting to turn against them. Even a CNN poll showed more people against removing the president from office than for it. There’s so much that can go wrong for the Democrats between now and November. The impeachment itself can overshadow the Democrat primaries. Key candidates will have to stay in Washington for a ridiculous trial instead of campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire. That leaves Joe Biden virtually all alone on the campaign trail. I’m still convinced he will be their nominee. If Biden is the man then the timing couldn’t be worse for him and the Democrats. No matter your opinion of Hunter Biden’s deal with the Ukrainian gas company, you have to admit, as they love to say in Washington, the optics don’t look good. At the very least it’s an egregious case of cashing in on your privileged daddy. At worst it’s a fullblown political scandal, which may be why Pelosi held on to the articles of impeachment. Could she have finally realized that an impeachment trial in

VIEWS OF A

CONSERVATIVE

PHIL VALENTINE

philvalentine.com

which Biden is the centerpiece might backfire? Meanwhile, Sen. Schumer is insisting that Mick Mulvaney and John Bolton testify. I can’t imagine what they can bring to the table that hasn’t already been revealed in the phone call transcript with the Ukrainian president, but bring it on. I’m one of those who isn’t afraid to see all the evidence. People who don’t want to allow the Democrats to call their witnesses are just as bad as what they’re accusing the Democrats of. If President Trump has done something truly illegal and impeachable then we all need to know it. This is not a time for the Republicans to play politics, too. In fact, it’s a great time to let the American people see the truth. Once they do it’s probably not going to go well for the Democrats. I don’t want to get overly excited, but if even half the evidence turns out to be true, then the Democrats are in for a bad year. If the Democrats are exonerated in the process then so be it. I honestly think it would be bad for the country if they won the White House, but it would be worse if they lost at the expense of the truth. The truth is that the economy couldn’t get much better. The Saturday before Christmas was the biggest spending day on record. Those who choose to judge Trump in totality by what he tweets are missing out on a great time. Even Pierce Brosnan, former 007 and now an American citizen, has had a change of heart. A year ago he was threatening to leave the country. Now he’s crediting Trump for the good times. In the era of Trump, it’s better to be shaken, not stirred.

“If President Trump has done something truly illegal and impeachable then we all need to know it. This is not the time for the Republicans to play politics too.”

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Phil Valentine is heard each weekday afternoon on SuperTalk 99.7FM in Nashville and online at 997wtn.com. For more of his commentary and articles, visit philvalentine.com.

Live Exceptionally...Well! BY JENNIFER DURAND

What Is Okay? LATELY, I’VE HEARD a lot of commentary about how it’s “okay to not be okay.” I agree with the expression, but feel it would be more complete to add “but it’s not okay to stay that way.” While I agree with not having to pretend that you feel okay when you don’t, I still believe in a more private, discreet way of handling these moments or seasons. I see people almost using this phrase as a crutch to publicly validate themselves and the choices they make that keep them in this state of mind. It appears their lives remain in a vortex, recycling a “woe is me” attitude. I do believe that when people feel momentarily lost, it can be supportive to know that others have gone through similar experiences and found ways to move through their angst, sorrow or bad moods. No one consciously wants to “not be okay,” but many people repeat cycles that seem to keep them in a constant state of “not being okay.” To continually express that you are living with haunting memories or the effects of bad experiences in your life, you unwittingly perpetuate their control over you. Letting go or redirecting thoughts to create a different experience can be challenging. When you take intentional action to create change, you can apply practices that will assist in this redirection. Talking out some of your feelings is perfectly natural with close friends, a trained professional or even sometimes a stranger. Public or social media platforms is not a recommended forum for therapy or real transformation. There can be a lot of opinions, and a lot of well-intentioned but misguided advice. Face-to-face conversation, with inﬂection, body language and emotion, provide a better opportunity for help. If you cannot be face-to-face, talking voice-to-voice works too. If you don’t want to remain in a repetitious cycle that bogs you down, find someone that knows more about breaking patterns and habits than you do. “Faith is not about everything turning out okay. Faith is about being okay no matter how things turn out.” — Annette Powell Many people are unaware of how they truly feel. They can often feel confused because they don’t know how to identify emotions. When you can begin to identify what you are feeling in a given situation, you can learn how to manage your emotions rather than continuing in the state of anxiousness, anger, sadness and so on. Even if you are overwhelmed by emotions, research shows that simply by naming them you can actually be less prone to reacting to them. Some basic emotions that have been found in facial expressions across cultures are anger, surprise, disgust, fear, sadness and joy. Beyond these emotions are

numerous secondary emotions like hurt, frustration, anxiety, love, guilt, shame, grief, optimism, boredom, serenity, trust, uncertainty, curiosity and so on. When you are unaware of your own emotions, it is hard to understand the emotions of others. When you can understand others, this builds a foundation of empathy. Empathy builds trust, and trust builds stronger bonds of acceptance and understanding. In order to have romantic intimacy, closeness and the ability to work through problems, you need empathy. Excerpted from his book The Joy Compass, author and psychologist Donald Aultman suggests the following exercise to get started: Create a Feelings Journal This is a good way to increase your emotional language by following these steps: 1 In your journal, draw three lines down a page so that you create four columns. 2 At the top of the far-left column, write “Event.” 3 Label the middle-left column “Body Feeling.” 4 Label the middle-right column “Emotion.” 5 Finally, label the far-right column “Intensity.” As challenging life events or situations occur, write them down in the left column. Events here could include any difficult situation, whether at work or home. In the middle-left column, list all the feelings that occur in different parts of your body. In addition to noting where a feeling occurs—the chest, stomach or heart—also describe what it feels like. Is it hot, warm, tight, heavy or hard? Next, use the middle-right column as a place to give this feeling a name. Even if you have to guess at it, that’s okay. For some emotions, such as anger, there can be other underlying emotions, including feelings of hurt or sadness. Even if your family of origin didn’t possess any kind of emotional vocabulary, you can build your own by digging deep and observing your feelings. After you have written down the name of the emotion, use the far-right column to rate the intensity level on a scale from 1–10, with 1 being extremely mild and 10 being extremely severe. Road rage, for example, would definitely be in the 7 to 10 range. Take time to reﬂect on your written feelings now. Get to know them. Get to know yourself. Eventually you will gain a deeper understanding of how you respond in different situations. The ability to name emotions actually helps you to become more aware of them and improves your control over your feelings. Instead of reacting to emotions, you will gain the skill to use this information to help fine tune greater joy in your life. Jennifer Durand is the owner and operator of The Nurture Nook Day Spa & Gift Shoppe. Learn more by visiting nurturenook.com or call (615) 896-7110. BOROPULSE.COM

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clothing in the Garden of Eden communicated a powerful message about humanity. When Adam and Eve were first created, there was no need for them to be covered. They were pure and holy. Sin had not entered their domain, so they could stand exposed before God in their naked holiness and be completely accepted: “And the man and his wife were both naked and not ashamed” (Genesis 2:25). Adam and Eve began their existence in holiness, but that soon changed. When God placed the man and the woman in the garden, He gave them a command: “You may surely eat of every tree of the BY RICK garden, but of the tree of the MALONE knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:16–17). Adam and Eve disobeyed this command and ate from the forbidden tree. In this disobedience, their world was turned upside down. Suddenly, their nakedness, which was completely acceptable to them and to God only a short time before, brought a sense of shame upon them. The relationship between the Creator and His creatures changed, for Adam and “FOR HE HAS CLOTHED ME Eve had become sinners, and there was a with the garments of salvation, need to cover their naked sinfulness. He has covered me with the robe When Adam and Eve lost their innocence of righteousness” —Isaiah 61:10 in the garden, God provided skins made from animals to cover that sinfulness. “And Christmas has come and gone so quickly. the Lord God made for Adam and for his The presents have been given and received, wife garments of skins and clothed them” and many children are hard at play with new (Genesis 3:21). These animal skins carried treasures that delight their hearts. Mom and a spiritual significance. Adam and Eve tried Dad are left with the somewhat melancholy to cover themselves with fig leaves, but they task of taking the decorations down and putneeded more than simply a covering for ting the tree away. They think to themselves, “Wasn’t it only yesterday we put all of this out their physical bodies. They needed a covering for their naked souls which had been to enjoy, and the time has slipped by so fast?” stripped of their original holiness. Fig leaves Christmas flies that way, almost as fast as could not do this. Only the God-provided Santa’s reindeer streak across the sky. If only skins were sufficient. And in this sufficiency, there were a device that could lengthen the we find their spiritual significance. season beyond its tiny boundaries. God had warned Adam and Eve that Children are not the only ones who if they disobeyed Him, they would enter have new gifts to enjoy at this time of the death. And now, death was the only answer new year. Adult presents of jewelry and to their actions. But God transferred Adam laptops, books and appliances, iPhones and Eve’s death onto an innocent sacrificed and other electronic gadgets are given to animal, and they would wear the mantle those we love. One of the most popular and of that sacrifice as a constant reminder of best loved gifts for adults is new clothes. their need of redemption. Only by being I always appreciate a new flannel shirt clothed with death could they re-enter a each year and my wife loves a new dress. relationship of life with God. In such an Clothing is a very personal gift that reflects interchange we see that God’s holiness and an individual’s taste, so you must know our sinfulness was no small matter with someone very well if you are going to buy God, and yet God made accommodations. them clothes they will truly love. There is an old saying, “Clothes make What we wear communicates something the man.” In the spiritual sense, it is so true. about who we are. This is not only true Apart from these God-provided garments physically; it is also true spiritually. God uses clothing in scripture to portray spiritual truths which covered the sinfulness of our first parents, the shame of their disobedience would about humanity. Even the original absence of

SPIRITUAL

MATTERS

Clothes Make The Man

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be nakedly displayed before all creation. Since that time, clothes have spoken of the fallen human condition. They cover us, and to be found within that covering gives us a sense of safety and security, both physically and spiritually. This is why we use specific clothes in distinct covenant ceremonies like a christening gown or a wedding dress. The white of those garments speak of the cleansing and original innocence we wish we possessed apart from being clothed with them. And yet in being clothed, that innocence spiritually becomes ours to own through faith. For there is a higher spiritual component to those garments, one which brings to pass the realities they represent. That higher spiritual component is what gives the garments their ability to cover more than just the physical body. They truly do cover our sinfulness before the eyes of God. Therefore, as we enter such covenant relationships with God as marriage and baptism, we are clothed from the shame and consequences of the fall.w But how do skins or gowns have the ability to cover our sins? It is by their connection with what they represent. For the skins which covered our original parents, and the gowns which we use in our covenant ceremonies, are not an end in themselves. They have a greater prophetic fulfillment in the life and death of Christ. He is the higher spiritual component of these garments. For in His death, Christ wore the naked shame of our sin. And in His life, He clothes us with His perfect sinlessness. When we find ourselves brought into Christ by grace, we find that the nakedness of our sin and shame has been clothed with His righteousness. The Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Galatians, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27). We have “put on” Christ in our baptism. We have been given the robes of His righteousness to wear. And as we find ourselves clothed with a new identity in Him, we enter the presence of God with no fear of shame and no dread of death. And so, the Apostle John tells us in Revelation: “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands . . . Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9 and 13–14). What a beautiful gift of clothes is this garment Christ gives His bride! He knew

exactly what we needed to wear. He knew the exact size and shape. And He purchased that gown with His precious blood. “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure” (Revelation 19:6–8). The clothing of Christ’s righteousness is all we need. It is all we will ever need. Earlier, I said that we almost wish we had a device that could lengthen the Christmas season beyond its tiny boundaries. That wish will come true one day. For there is a day coming when the boundaries of time are going to end; we will then see that the righteousness Christ clothes us with is an eternal garment. But as we look toward that threshold of eternity, we look toward an even greater fulfillment of that clothing. For, Paul tells us in his second letter to the Corinthians: “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life” (2 Corinthians 5:1-4). Even though we are already clothed with the righteousness of Christ, there remains a physical corruption in our current bodies— the relics of our fall. This is why we get sick. It is why we have aches and pains as we age. It is why we still sin. And it is why we eventually die. Paul calls this corrupted condition the “tent which is our earthly home.” It is our other set of clothes that we are bound to wear until we pass from this life. Only at death will we put off the heavy garments of this mortal ﬂesh and our souls will be made perfect in Christ’s righteousness. But Paul would not have us set our hopes on that day of death in which we will be unclothed of our mortality. Rather he has us focus on a greater day at the end of time itself, in which we will be further clothed with immortality. For he tells us that our corrupted physical body will one day be raised, clothed in incorruption. On that day, the fullness of the beauty of the garments of Christ, which now are only translucently perceived, will be seen in a splendor never witnessed before. For our mortality will finally be “swallowed up by life.” Hallelujah! Reach Rick Malone at myspiritualmatters@gmail.com