January 2025 Murfreesboro Pulse

TOTAL CLIENTS: 9,183

8,265 RECEIVED FOOD

6,882 RECEIVED CLOTHES & SHOES

7,436 RECEIVED TOILETRIES

Choose one week out of the entire year to gather with friends, families, church members, or business partners to help collect food for our food pantry. Your commitment to just one week out of the year helps us to know that we have a steady amount of food coming to be able to serve our clients physical needs no matter what.

Scan the QR code or visit our website at greenhousemin.org to sign up for your week!!

14

pIckIn’ party

Monthly picking party and swap meet series continues Jan. 24.

20

cele B rat I ng 20 years

A look back at Pulse archives, as the publication continues to press on.

26

axe I t, s M ash I t

TN Axe and Smash offers axethrowing and rage room.

28

MI nd your p s and q s P’s & Q’s Pickup Junk Removal helps rid homes of trash and clutter.

34

plann I ng for change PlanRutherford aims to limit development in portions of county.

6 Events calendar Skating Rink, Climbing Club, The Connection, Casino Night, Plunge Into Fitness and more!

12 Sounds concerts MusIc notes

Stewarts Creek High School Band selected for Inauguration Parade

16 Reviews alBuM Christian Northover MoVIe Nosferatu

18 Food restaurant Single Tree BBQ

22 Living traVel

Exploring Elkmont

Mr. MurfreesBoro

Communication over the years

30 News

BusIness Buzz Dos Bros, Tijuana Flats, Barrio, Taste of India, School of Rock, Cava, The Dragon’s Hoard, Seasons of Murfreesboro and more

closIngs

A look back at the businesses that didn’t last.

34 Opinion free your chIldren The Unconstitutional Make Homeschooling Safe Act

sports talk

Top quotes from the brain of the Train over the years

Money Matters

Benefits of a hometown paper lIVIng . . . well! Memorable moments

Jodie

Pulse PEOPLE, iT’S wiLd TO SAy, but 2025 marks the 20th year of operation for the Pulse! Thanks for the support of our little community rag, Murfreesboro.

It was 2005 when I quit my job at the old Hartsville Vidette in preparation of launching the Pulse, and convinced a young Sarah Lankford that it would be a good idea for her to design a new periodical. Now, 20 years later, she has established herself as the queen of kerning, and the Pulse has established itself as the greatest paper in Tennessee, according to a study conducted by . . . me!

Seriously, I really admire and applaud Sarah and the work she has put into the Pulse. A reliable life partner and business partner is not something that one just stumbles on every day. Some times have been quite difficult, some editions more challenging than others. But somehow, month after month, she helped make the Pulse happen, for all of these years—long hours and small miracles.

So many people put time and effort into every issue of the Pulse, and we sincerely do recognize their importance.

Thanks to Steve for his attention to detail, reliability and long hours; to Laura for making sure to carve out time to contribute a feature each month, as busy as her schedule is otherwise; to Delores, for compiling and researching information on a plethora of area businesses for the Pulse’s popular ’Boro Business Buzz section.

We recognize Zach, with his creative and funny insights through the lens of sports, Jay and his vocabularic acumen, Bryce for his coverage of the local music scene and judicial system over the years—all of these guys have been a part of the journey for a long, long time.

Sean and Jennifer and Mr. Murfreesboro all lend their perspectives from each of their unique vantage points. Andrea continues to compile Murfreesboro event information, even now that she resides out of state.

To the newcomers—Jodie, Elisha, Matthew—we hope your involvement in the Pulse this past year is just the beginning of long, illustrious careers in journalism.

To everyone who takes a moment to send over a press release, a business tip, an advertising lead or information on a community event. That is important!

Credit even goes to Bracken Jr., working each month to get the publication on the racks. That copy of the Pulse you are reading may have very well been placed there by him.

The Soigne team is out there too each month, helping deliver the publication to hundreds of locations.

Thanks to every one of the sponsors who invests financially into this endeavor in community journalism, keeping the Pulse rolling off the press—Thor, Carlos over at Carmen’s, the P’s and Q’s team, Bruce Reed, Dana Womack, Kelly Gafford, the Hillsman family over at Sunshine, Catfeine, Nexgen, Classy Cactus, Hank’s—too many to list right here. Really, I could name 100 more people who have contributed, encouraged or advertised. Luckily, over the pages of this, and every edition of the Pulse, you, the reader, can find the name of every sponsoring business printed.

Speaking of rolling off the press, everyone who helps operate the press over at Franklin Web has a role in production. A lot of hands and minds touch each edition.

Much love. Keep on pushing, and keep on reading.

Peace!

Bracken Mayo

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Jan.

4

BehInd the scenes for photographers

Join Rutherford Arts Alliance for an exclusive multi-day photography event. On Saturday, Jan. 4, from 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Murfreesboro’s Center for the Arts (110 W. College St.) has granted permission for attendees to access and photograph the backstage area and dressing rooms. In addition, participants will be able to photograph an on-stage rehearsal, followed by photographing the final dress rehearsal prior to opening night. There will be an added bonus of a presentation on tips/techniques for capturing show images. Participants can also attend a follow-up round table session to share the images and discuss the behind-the-scenes experience. For more information, visit rutherfordartsalliance.org.

Jan. 4

faMIly caMpfIre & nIght hIke

Join the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center staff on Saturday, Jan. 4, for a Family Campfire & Night Hike at Sharp Springs Natural Area (1000 Espey Dr., Smyrna, behind the Green Building). This event will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and includes fun games, s’mores and a guided night hike designed to increase your knowledge and comfort in the darkness. The cost is $2 per person, and all ages are welcome, though children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Event is canceled if inclement weather occurs. Registration is suggested through Community Pass. For more information, email mike.kraft@townofsmyrna.org

Jan. 9

snake feedIng at the wIlderness statIon

Jan. 2–5

seasonal skatIng rInk at soac

Visit the seasonal ice skating rink at the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E., Smyrna) Jan. 2–4 from noon–8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 5, from 1–6 p.m. The 82-by-46-foot synthetic ice rink is an exciting addition to the Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. The Saturday, Jan. 4 theme is Disney on Ice. Come dressed as your favorite Disney character. The cost to skate is $7 for adults, $5 for children/seniors (12 and under) and free for SOAC members. Parking is available at the event center or the Splashtown Parking Lot. For more information, visit townofsmyrna.org

Jan. 11

new year, new you class saMpler

Jan. 12

classIc car cruIse-In

Jan. 14

hoMe BuIlders Breakfast

Join the Home Builders Association of Central Tennessee and guest speaker Matthew Hill on Tuesday, Jan. 14, for breakfast at Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville SE (1200 Conference Center Blvd.) from 7:30–9:30 a.m. For more information, find the HBACT January Membership Breakfast Meeting on Eventbrite.

Jan. 14

lIVIng sent

The Living Sent Ministries Murfreesboro Inspirational Lunch will be Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at Wilson Bank and Trust (3110 Memorial Blvd.). The purpose of Living Sent Ministries is to inspire and equip business and professional leaders at all levels to live out their Christian faith. Arthur Davis and Gene Garcia will share their stories. RSVP to bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com

Jan. 14

BusIness after hours

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce will hold its January Business After Hours networking event at Middle Tennessee Electric (555 New Salem Hwy.) on Tuesday, Jan. 14, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for chamber members and $25 for non-members. For more information on this and other Chamber of Commerce events and ribbon cuttings, visit rutherfordchamber.org and find Events.

Jan. 14

rutherford caBle eMpowerMent gatherIng

Learn all about snake adaptations and how they swallow their food whole with a live demonstration of the educational snakes being fed at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 10 a.m. How many ribs do snakes have? What’s the difference between poisonous and venomous? These questions and more will be answered. For more information, call 615-217-3017. CONTiNuEd ON PAgE

* January 2025 * boropulse.com

Ring in the new year with sample exercise classes offered at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 9 a.m., in a two-hour event, taught in 15-minute mini sessions. All fitness levels are welcome. General admission or facility pass is required. For more information, call 615-893-7439.

Shine ‘er up and drive ‘er in at the Cedar Glade Brews (906 Ridgely Rd.) second Sunday of the month classic car cruise-in on Sunday, Jan. 12, from 1–4 p.m. Carticipants get a free CGB pint (1 per car). Stick around for trivia at 5 p.m. There is no sign-up required and no cost to participate. For more information, find the CGB Classic Car Cruise-In event on Facebook or visit cedargladebrews.com.

Living Baggage Free for 2025 is about taking a journey of reconciling any emotional baggage that will keep you from reaching your full potential in 2025. What holds you back from your goals, your dreams? What patterns have you carried with you for so long that it has built a wall between you and your full potential? Review what emotional baggage is and how, if unreconciled, we pass it to our children. Talk about steps you can take to move forward, overcome your obstacles, find the leader in you and live your full potential

while using that potential to serve others. The meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 7:15–9 a.m. at The Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.). Registration closes at noon on Friday, Jan. 10. There will be a $5 late fee afterwards; walk-ups are welcome. Remember to drop your business card in the basket for a chance to win a door prize, and grab a card on the way out to make an additional connection. For more information, email yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com or visit rutherfordcable.org

Jan.

14 and 21

clIMBIng cluB

The Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E., Smyrna) hosts an After School Climbing Club from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays Jan. 14 and 21. Participants can climb on the indoor rock wall and challenge themselves. Climbers must weigh at least 50 pounds and wear closed-toed shoes and appropriate climbing attire. The cost is $2 per person. All ages, as well as walk-up guests, are welcome. For more information, email soac.group@townofsmyrna.org or call 615-459-9710.

Jan. 16

the connectIon Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken will host the January 2025 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation networking event, where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. Networking begins at 5 p.m. with introductions at 6 p.m. Champy’s is located at 1290 NW Broad St.

Jan. 17–19

southeastern nashVIlle hoMe show

Come out to the Southeastern Nashville Home Show, Jan. 17–19 at Tennessee Miller Collesium (304 W. Thompson Ln. Murfreesboro) on Friday from 12–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Enjoy free admission and learn from industry pros about how to save on your next home improvement, remodeling or design project.

Jan. 19

ufo-theMed Brews & Brushes

Jan. 26

celeBratIon JaM for thoM chrIsty

Thom Christy—Murfreesboro resident, drummer, radio personality, minister, photographer, father, husband, grandfather, Santa Claus and nonprofit supporter—died in November 2024. A celebration of life and tribute to Thom will be held as part of the ongoing Sunday Jam Band series at Hop Springs on Sunday, Jan. 26, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Friends and acquaintances are invited to gather and bring an instrument if they like. Christy was involved in Uncle Dave Macon Days, Roots Rendezvous, WQJZ, Shacklett’s Photography, Community Crossroads, and the upstart CHORD (Collaboration, Harmony, Opportunities, Relationships, Destinations) group, among other community initiatives. In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who wish to remember Thom do so by giving to their favorite nonprofit, church, ministry or arts organization. Hop Springs is located at 6790 John Bragg Hwy.

The Public House hosts a special evening of artistry with local artist Vanity Lisa on Sunday, Jan. 19, as attendees create a custom painting. The two-hour experience includes all supplies, instruction and a take-home canvas that you painted. The January piece of artwork features a UFO in the night sky. The Brews & Brushes event begins at 4 p.m. The Public House is located at 300 Bradyville Pk., Readyville. For tickets and more information, visit thepublichousetn.com

Jan. 23

realtors power up: the pathway to success

Join Primis Mortgage for Realtors Power Up 2025: The Pathway to Success with Bill Sparkman on Thursday, Jan. 23, from 10 a.m.–noon at Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors (311 Butler Dr.). Learn how to increase your income without working more hours, how to separate suspects from prospects, tools to help you run your business like a business, how to get your buyer off the fence of hesitation,

a T-shirt quilt using your T-shirts (12–20 suggested) and materials to create this unique quilt at the Rutherford County Extension Auditorium (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). On each of the four Saturdays, the course teaches new techniques and the next steps, giving you time to work on it with our experts. There will be homework to keep the pace of the class moving over the 12 weeks to completion. Classes are Saturdays, Jan. 25, Feb. 1, March 1 and March 29 from 9 am–noon. The cost to join is $40. For more information or to register, email melissa@utk.edu or call 615-898-7710.

Jan. 25

casIno nIght

Play blackjack, Texas hold ’em, Omaha, 3-card poker, roulette and craps at a special Saturday, Jan. 25, casino night at The Public House. Doors open at 6 p.m. for happy hour followed by three hours of table play. Raffle prizes are up for grabs based on chip count at the end of the night. Buy-back-in available until the last half-hour of game play. Tickets include access to a snack table. Casino night is a 21-and-up event. The Public House is located at 300 Bradyville Pk., Readyville. For tickets and more information, visit thepublichousetn.com

Jan. 25

cardBoard classIc

painless prospecting and how to stand out in a crowded industry. For more information, call 615-416-4464.

Jan. 24

4th f r I day f un* work I ng

The monthly “fun working” event at Cedar Glade Brews is held the fourth Friday of every month from 5–7 p.m., presented by Reed and Associates of Primerica and Spread the Positive at Cedar Glade Brews (906 Ridgley Rd.). The event is focused on shining a light on what’s going right. Each month the event highlights a business making a positive impact in the local community and gives the public an opportunity to talk with them. Meet some of your favorite STP podcasters and get to know the people behind the microphone. There will be a food truck onsite. For more information, find 4th Friday Fun*Working on Facebook.

beginning Jan. 25

Make a t-shIrt quIlt

Sign up for this four-session class to make

The Cardboard Classic will take place at Pioneer Park (203 Pioneer Dr., Smyrna) from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25. Participants will compete to see who has the most creative and fastest cardboard sled in three age divisions: 12 and under, 13–18, and 19 and up. S’mores will be available onsite. The cost is $15 per sled if pre-registered or $20 per sled for day-of registration. For more information, contact heather.sanderson@ townofsmyrna.org

Jan. 27

MurfreesBoro

chess lunch

Who wants to play a game of chess? Come out to Carmen’s Taqueria (206 W. Northfield Blvd.) from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, for chess, cheese dip and chimichangas. Community members interested in gathering and networking with other area chess enthusiasts to play and discuss chess, promoting the game of chess locally, sharing ideas on how chess can benefit others, or involving their business in chess events and tournaments can come to a Murfreesboro Chess Lunch

CONTiNuEd ON PAgE 8

the fourth Monday of each month at Carmen’s. For more information, find an event page for Murfreesboro Chess Lunch on Facebook, email bracken@boropulse.com or text/call 615-796-6248.

Jan. 31

c l I n I cal c olla B : war M u p & c onnect

RSVP to join Rutherford Clinical Collab (hosted by Arch Academy and TrustPoint Hospital) in partnership with Voice of Heart Center for a cozy warm-up session, hot cocoa and positive vibes to connect with fellow attendees at TrustPoint Hospital (805 S. Church St., #STE 9) on Friday, Jan. 31, from 9:30–11 a.m. This in-person event is all about connecting with fellow clinical professionals in a relaxed setting. Share stories, swap ideas and enjoy the company. For more information, find Rutherford Clinical Collab – Warm Up & Connect: Hot Cocoa and Good Vibes on Eventbrite.

Jan. 31–Feb. 2

hackMt

HackMT 2025 is an annual hack-a-thon and project expo hosted by the Middle Tennessee State University Department of Computer Science beginning on Friday, Jan. 31, at 6 p.m. and ending at noon on Sunday, Feb. 2. The purpose of the event is to gather software developers, visual designers, programmers and computer/data science students from local universities, and professionals from local industry to form teams to invent new web platforms, mobile apps and electronic gadgets over 36 highintensity, uninterrupted hours. This annual event should be an excellent opportunity to learn new things, hone skills and interact with students from MTSU and other universities as well as industry professionals. For more information, visit csc.mtsu.edu, find HackMT 2025 on Eventbrite or email joshua.phillips@mtsu.edu

Through Feb. 2

wInterfest

Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.) hosts its annual outdoor ice rink, Winterfest, through Sunday, Feb. 2. Normal operating hours are 4–8 p.m. on Thursdays, 4–9 p.m. on Fridays, 12–9 p.m. on Saturdays and 12–8 p.m. on Sundays (closed Monday–Wednesday). Admission includes tax, skate rental and 90 minutes on the ice. Ages 13 and up: $15; Kids 4–12: $12; Kids 3 and under: free. For more information and upcoming hours of operation, visit fountainswinterfest.com.

Feb. 1

plunge Into fItness

Kick off your yearly fitness goals at the annual cold-water “polar” plunge, along with a fun run, exercise sampler classes, healthy snacks and more at Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.) on Saturday, Feb. 1, beginning 8 a.m. until noon. The outdoor pool plunge will take place at 11 a.m. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 615-895-5040.

Feb. 8

sadIe hawkIns dance

Get ready to dance the night away at the Sadie Hawkins Dance at the Williamson Family Farm (3250 Wilkinson Pk.) on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 6–10 p.m. This is an event where tradition takes a twist— the girls ask the guys. It’s a celebration of fun, fashion and fantastic music. Enjoy a live band to set the mood alongside plenty of food and drinks (sold separately) to stay fueled for the night. Dress to impress in your favorite era—whether you’re channeling the Roaring ’20s, grooving in the ’70s, or bringing back the bold looks of the ’80s or beyond. The best costumes of the night will be crowned King and Queen, so make sure to bring your A-game! And don’t miss the couples’ dance competition for a chance to show off your moves. Admission is $20 for individuals, $30 for couples and VIP tickets are available. For more information, call 615-995-6682 or visit williamsonfamilyfarm.com

ongoing

f3 workouts

F3—which stands for fitness, fellowship and faith—holds free, outdoor, peer-led workouts for men across the country. The

build relationships, drive referrals and help grow businesses. Please prepare a 60-second pitch about who you are and what you do, as well as a specific referral request for attendees on what can be done to help promote your business. The approximately 20-minute period at the end of each meeting is reserved for members to set up one-on-ones and socialize. For more information or directions, visit connectnashvillenetworking.com/events

mondays

Monday nIght hIstory

The Patriot Institute presents free Monday Night History classes every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. at Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken (1290 NW Broad St.). The instructor, Galen Walker, formed The Patriot Institute in 2015 and has taught Monday Night History at various locations ever since. Classes started back with the Greek City-States, have progressed through Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, the Pilgrims, the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark Expedition and other topics. Monday Night History will begin 2025 on Monday, Jan. 6, with a discussion of the Native American Confederations and will then move to The War of 1812. For more information, visit thepatriotinstitute.org or find The Patriot Institute on Facebook.

free weekly workout sessions welcome all men and always end with a “circle of trust,” emphasizing the group’s commitment to faith. In Murfreesboro, F3 holds workouts on the Murfreesboro Public Square at 5 a.m. on Tuesdays; at Oakland Middle School (853 Dejarnette Ln.) at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesdays; at the Murfreesboro Medical Clinic/Gateway Island parking lot (1272 Garrison Dr.) at 5 a.m. on Thursdays; and at Old Fort Park (201 Golf Ln., at the north entrance parking lot) at 6 a.m. on Saturdays. In Smyrna, F3 meets for workouts at Cedar Grove Elementary (354 Chaney Rd., Smyrna) at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesdays; at Thurman Francis Arts Academy (221 Todd Ln., Smyrna) at 5:30 a.m. on Thursdays; and at Stewarts Creek High School (301 Red Hawk Pkwy., Smyrna) at 6 a.m. on Saturdays. The group meets every week, rain or shine, hot or cold. For more information, visit f3murfreesboro.com

mondays

connect MurfreesBoro

Join Connect Murfreesboro each Monday from 9–10 a.m. at BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse (2839 Medical Center Pkwy.) for a casual networking event designed to connect professionals,

mondays

technology coach

Bring your phone, tablet and laptop questions to our volunteer Technology Coach and they will help work out the answers on Mondays at 1 p.m. at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.). For more information, visit rclstn.org

Tuesdays

old-tIMe MusIc JaM sessIon

Get those fingers moving and join in the jam sessions on Tuesdays in January from 1–2 p.m. in the Lions Club building at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). Bring your own instrument and enjoy an afternoon of sharing old-time music. This session is free and open to all ages with no reservations required. Spectators are welcome. For more information, call 615-890-0355.

Wednesdays networkIng for awesoMe people

Are you looking to meet and connect with other local business owners? Do you want to grow your network and pick up

mondays

Casual Pint

Poker 6 p.m.

Ja

l evel

s

h

T

p.m.

Je FF erson’s

Trivia 7 p.m.

m ayday Brewery

Music Bingo

6:30 p.m.

m J’s Bar and Grill

Singo 7 p.m.

n a C ho’s

Trivia 7 p.m.

r ed r o B in Trivia 7 p.m.

Front street Pu B

Trivia

h a PPy’s

Trivia 6:30 p.m.

m ar G aritas

Karaoke 6 p.m.

m iddle Ground

Brewin G Co.

Trivia 7 p.m.

s myrna sP orts Pu B

Poker 6 p.m.

s myrna v F w Post

Karaoke 7 p.m.

the Fish h ouse

Bingo 7 p.m.

F ridays

615 d istri C t

Poker 7 p.m.

h andle B ar

Karaoke 8 p.m.

Cam P us Pu B

Karaoke 9 p.m.

Front street Pu B

Karaoke 7 p.m.

h ot s hotz

Karaoke

m ar G aritas

Karaoke 7 p.m.

s easons

Karaoke 10 p.m.

saT urdays

Cam P us Pu B

Karaoke 9 p.m.

Front street Pu B

Karaoke 7 p.m.

m ar G aritas

Karaoke 7 p.m.

m s. m arian’s Ca F e

Bingo 5–8 p.m.

n a C ho’s

Survey Time

CONTiNuEd FROM PAgE 8

some skills along the way? Networking for Awesome People meets each week on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at the Achieve Entrepreneur and CoWorking Center (1630 S. Church St.). All you need to bring is a good attitude. Each attendee gets about a minute to explain what they do and what they need, followed by a discussion question of the week. Networking for Awesome People encourages open discussion to help everyone grow. For more information, find a Networking for Awesome People group on Facebook.

Wednesdays

wIld wednesday

Wild Wednesday will take place at the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E.) from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday. Discover something wild about the natural world. Activities may include meeting a SOAC animal or participating in a nature-based activity. There is no cost to participate, but registration is suggested through Community Pass. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 615-459-9710 or email soac.group@townofsmyrna.org

Thursdays

learn to sew

In these classes (1700 Irby Ln.) you will learn about taking measurements, fabric and yardage needed, how to read a pattern, and get to choose to sew elastic waist pants or skirts on Thursdays in January (9, 16, 23 and 30). The cost to join is $50. Adult classes are held from 2:30–4:30 p.m., with high school classes held from 6–7:30 p.m. For more information or to register, call 615-8987710 or email melissa@utk.edu.

Thursdays

tales to taIls at sMyrna puBlIc lIBrary

Fridays

MurfreesBoro coMMunIty chess

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

preneur and CoWorking Center (1630 S. Church St.) held on Fridays from 8:30–10:30 a.m. The mission is to build relationships, connect local businesses with potential clients, support each other’s professional growth and educate people on how to participate in the local community. Complimentary coffee and snacks are provided. For more information, find Prohibition Home Brewing on Facebook.

saTurdays

hIstorIcal socIety coffee & conVersatIon

The Rutherford County Historical Society has been preserving and promoting Murfreesboro’s local history since 1971.

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

ongoing

specIal kIds race regIstratIon

h

Sports trivia

h ot s hotz

Poker 2 p.m.

s easons

Karaoke 7–11 p.m.

station Grill

Trivia 7 p.m.

the Boulevard

Trivia 7 p.m.

T hursdays

Cam P us Pu B

Karaoke 9 p.m.

Cedar Glade Brews

Board Games 6 p.m.

Showdown 7 p.m.

s easons

Karaoke 10 p.m.

s myrna sP orts Pu B

Poker 2 p.m.

sundays

615 d istri C t

Poker 4 p.m.

Cedar Glade Brews

Trivia 5–7 p.m.

h ot s hotz

Poker 2 p.m.

s myrna v F w Post

Karaoke 7p.m.

Tales to Tails is a heartwarming library program at Smyrna Public Library designed to combine the joy of reading with the therapeutic benefits of spending time with dogs. In this paw-some program, participants are invited to come to the library to read aloud to the friendly therapy dogs in a relaxed and supportive environment. Ten-minute slots are available on Thursdays starting at 3 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Email smyrnays@rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884 to reserve your spot.

Fridays

c3 networkIng

C3 is an open networking group for local business professionals at Achieve Entre-

The RCHS aims to be a community resource for those researching their family, property or perhaps just old fun facts. The Historical Society hosts Coffee & Conversation each Saturday morning from 9 a.m.–noon at the Ransom School House Museum (717 N. Academy St.).

This is a very informal, fun and informative event. Bring old photos or questions about the past to ask members, and enjoy free coffee and donuts. For more information, visit rutherfordtnhistory.org

sundays

coffee/Breakfast

wIth a Veteran

All are welcome to join local veterans for

The Special Kids Race is set for Saturday, March 15, with new race experiences for all athletes for 2025. Run, walk or roll race distances of 15K, 10K or 5K, all with new course routes. The 10K and 15K athletes will run to the Stones River National Battlefield Visitor Center, followed by one loop through the National Battlefield itself. The 15K runners will then separate to make their way west into the Park Drive neighborhood and back to Old Nashville Highway to head home. The 10K athletes will return via the Cotton Field Trail on McFadden Lane. The 5K athletes will run to the Stones River National Battlefield Visitor Center and back, via the Cotton Field Trail, before heading to the finish line via Old Nashville Highway. All courses will start and finish at the Murfreesboro Medical Clinic on Garrison Drive. In addition to the race, there will be a fun zone, refreshments, a family fun run and activities for all ages. For more information or to register, visit specialkidsrace. com; learn more about the Special Kids organization at specialkidstn.com.

concerts Live Music in M idd L e tennessee

Thurs, 1/2

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Scott Hogue

h ank’s h onky tonk

Sir Anthony

Fri, 1/3

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Eden Storm

Bur G er Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

h ank’s h onky tonk

Aniston Pate; Exit 24

h eroes d en

Danny White and Tim Lowery

Ja C k’s Pla C e

Tony Castellanos

Pu C kett’s

Dark Waters Project

s myrna v F w Post 8422

Shane and the Money Makers

s aT, 1/4

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Tony Castellanos; Bobby Ray

City Ca F e

Everette Brown Trio

h ank’s h onky tonk

Tawnya Reynolds; In Cahoots

h a PPy’s sP orts l oun G e

JILLfm

h eroes d en

The Revenue Man

h o P sP rin G s

Admiral Radio

m iddle Ground Brewin G Co.

Blue Willow

Pu C kett’s

The Howlin Embers

s un, 1/5

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Makenzie Phipps

h ank’s h onky tonk Crosstown

h o P sP rin G s

Da Jam Band the Boro

Joey Fletcher

m on, 1/6

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Andrew Plunkett

Bur G er Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

h ank’s h onky tonk

Open Mic Night

hosted by Toast

s myrna v F w Post 8422

Randy and Friends

Tues, 1/7

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Eden Storm

h ank’s h onky tonk

Charlie Byrd

Wed , 1/8

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Jeff Lysyczyn

h ank’s h onky tonk

Robyn Taylor

Thurs, 1/9

Bert d river’s Burla P r oom

Josh Driver; Ky Rodgers

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Carson Mac

h ank’s h onky tonk

Cary & Sherrie Lynn

Fri, 1/10

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Scott Hogue; Silent Ruckus

Carmen’s taqueria

Jeff Lysyczyn

h ank’s h onky tonk

Bailey Rose; Bill Ashmore

h eroes d en

Phil Valdez

Ja C k’s Pla C e

Tony Castellanos

Pu C kett’s

Troy Kemp

s myrna v F w Post 8422

Shane and the Money Makers

s aT, 1/11

Boro Bour B on & Brews

C.J. Conklin; Doc Flannel City Ca F e

Everette Brown Trio

h ank’s h onky tonk

Blake Esse; Mikki Zip Band

h a PPy’s sP orts l oun G e

Richie Scholl Band

h eroes d en

Dueling Pianos with Carter & Tyler

m iddle Ground Brewin G Co.

Mad Dog Smith & Animal Control

Pu C kett’s

Joe West Duo

s un, 1/12

h ank’s h onky tonk

The O’Donnells

h o P sP rin G s

Da Jam Band

m on, 1/13

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Austin Gray

Bur G er Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

h ank’s h onky tonk

Open Mic Night hosted by Toast

s myrna v F w Post 8422

Randy and Friends

Tues, 1/14

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Pepper Brooks

h ank’s h onky tonk

Robert Abernathy

Wed, 1/15

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Gray Daniels

h ank’s h onky tonk

Izzy Grace

Thurs, 1/16

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Bronwen Fair

h ank’s h onky tonk

Will King

Fri, 1/17

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Hammbone

Bur G er Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

h ank’s h onky tonk

Sara Simmons; Jeff Caron Band

h eroes d en

Roland Justice

Ja C k’s Pla C e

Tony Castellanos

m iddle Ground Brewin G Co.

Baurkli

Pu C kett’s

Brooks Huntley

s myrna v F w Post 8422

Shane and the Money Makers

s aT, 1/18

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Tony Castellanos; Vagabond Train

City Ca F e

Everette Brown Trio

h ank’s h onky tonk

The Hammonds; The Cooter River Band

h a PPy’s sP orts l oun G e

Rudge Powell Band

h eroes d en

Mark Seekamp

and Tim Lowery

m iddle Ground Brewin G Co.

Stones River Revival

Pu C kett’s

Radio Farm

s un, 1/19

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Crosstown

h ank’s h onky tonk

Emily Miller

h o P sP rin G s

Da Jam Band

m on , 1/20

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Jeremy Michael

Bur G er Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

h ank’s h onky tonk

Open Mic Night

hosted by Toast

s myrna v F w Post 8422

Randy and Friends

Tues, 1/21

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Clint Draper

h ank’s h onky tonk

Jesse Black

Wed, 1/22

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Scott Hogue

h ank’s h onky tonk

Jeff Caron

Thurs, 1/23

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Jace Craddock

h ank’s h onky tonk

Silent Ruckus

Fri, 1/24

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Carson Mac Band

Bur G er Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

h ank’s h onky tonk

Ashton Butler; Justin Dukes

h eroes d en

Phil Valdez

h o P sP rin G s

Justin Bowman & The Drifters;

P.J. and the Bear; Joe OK Picking Party

Ja C k’s Pla C e

Tony Castellanos

Pu C kett’s

Eastern Dreamers

s myrna v F w Post 8422

Shane and the Money Makers

s aT, 1/25

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Scott Hogue; Eden Storm

City Ca F e

Everette Brown Trio

h ank’s h onky tonk

Krystal King; Whiskey Smoke

h a PPy’s sP orts l oun G e

BlueAshes

h eroes d en

Jeff Lysyczyn

m iddle Ground Brewin G Co.

New Binge

mtsu w ri G ht m usi C Buildin G

Middle Tennessee

Tuba-Euphonium

Ensemble

Pu C kett’s

Bella Lam

s un, 1/26

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Brittany Blair

h ank’s h onky tonk

Brothers in Black

h o P sP rin G s

Da Jam Band

m on, 1/27

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Nate Ellsworth

Bur G er Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

h ank’s h onky tonk

Open Mic Night

hosted by Toast

s myrna v F w Post 8422

Randy and Friends

Tues, 1/28

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Kaleb Scherer

h ank’s h onky tonk

Delyn Christian

mtsu w ri G ht m usi C Buildin G

Happy Dog Duo

Wed, 1/29

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Delyn Christian

Thurs, 1/30

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Glenn Brown

mtsu w ri G ht m usi C Buildin G

Brian Mueller

Fri, 1/31

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Jack Finley Band

Bur G er Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

h eroes d en

Cary & Sherrie Lynn

Ja C k’s Pla C e

Tony Castellanos

Pu C kett’s

Rhonda Funk Duo

s myrna v F w Post 8422

Shane and the Money Makers

s aT, 2/1

City Ca F e

Everette Brown Trio

s un, 2/2

h o P sP rin G s

Da Jam Band

mtsu w ri G ht m usi C Buildin

Miles Damaso

m on, 2/3

Bur G er Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

h ank’s h onky tonk

Open Mic Night hosted by Toast

s myrna v F w Post 8422

Randy and Friends

HOUR DAILY, 2–6 P.M.

Sounds

p icking p art Y

Local musicians invited to monthly picking party and swap meet; series continues Jan. 24

By Matthew olson

the Picking Party and Swap Meet series was the brainchild of Joe OK, a Murfreesboro-area musician who recognized the need for an inclusive local gathering of musicians of all skill levels to play music and exchange gear.

Joe OK is a pseudonym used by Joel Goode—whose name has often been mispronounced as “Joel Good” (it rhymes with “dude”). He humbly chose the performance name Joe OK instead to reflect his not-great but also not-bad skill level at playing guitar.

“I thought if someone saw [my name] they would think ‘man, he must be good at playing music’; nope I’m just okay,” Goode explains.

His stage name of choice—Joe OK—captures the essence of humility that many musicians feel. It highlights that while talent varies among individuals, what matters is the passion for music and willingness to participate.

The Picking Party isn’t your normal open jam session with individuals up on a stage. It’s not meant to be intimidating and will be off to the side with a circle of chairs, where anyone is encouraged to sit down, join in and play.

“One of the most fun, encouraging things you can do if you are trying to learn about music, or just kind of want to be around it and listen to it if nothing else, is to get together with other like-minded folks,” Goode says.

His goal is to host a communal music event at least one Friday each month, with the next one set for Hop Springs on Friday,

Jan. 24, from 2 to 6 p.m. Following the jam, the bands Justin Bowman and the Drifters and PJ and the Bear will perform.

Goode says he wants the format to be as welcoming as possible to all musicians, from beginners to “Jedi-level artists.”

“We are not using the stage. Nobody is plugged in,” he says. “I want everyone to have a chance to sit down. Matter of fact, the first gathering we had ended with a couple of kids sitting around playing per-

cussion instruments while their dad played the one song that he knew. It was awesome.

then you are allowed two songs.”

Joey Fletcher is among the supporters of the concept. He recounted his experience from one of the past events organized by Goode, also the road manager of the Joey Fletcher Band.

“It’s a few musicians bringing their gear out. I bought a few things like amps and microphones,” Fletcher says. “While all the swapping’s going on, there’s Joel playing a few songs acoustic; he encourages other folks to play and sing songs. They all trade songs and pick with each other. It’s a fun time.”

“Bring whatever instrument you like. Some dude was there a few weeks ago with an accordion. Banjos are only allowed one song . . . and you have to stand outside in the parking lot,” he jokes. “Harmonicas? Same thing. Unless you are Isaac Corbitt,

Goode says he has seen upwards of $3,000 worth of gear exchanged within a two-hour period, at one event. The guidelines are kept simple; just stick around with the gear you bring.

“There’s a lot of musicians in town that have hoarded things and probably would enjoy the opportunity to bring stuff and just trade and swap—anything music-related: amps, guitars, T-shirts, posters, you name it,” he says. “And when these folks show up? Please sit down with us and swap out a tune or two and tell some stories.”

What the musician has found over the years is that people who love music and artistry are excited to share it, and always the people who come generally end up making some new friends.

“Come on out and don’t be shy about coming up, saying hello, and sharing what you got,” the organizer says.

Hop Springs is located at 6790 John Bragg Hwy. For more information, keep up with Joel g oode and Hop Springs on Facebook.

THE TRuMP-vANCE iNAuguRAL COMMiTTEE has selected the Stewarts Creek High School Band to perform in the 60th U.S. Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20. This prestigious honor highlights the band’s commitment to musical excellence. Representing the Town of Smyrna, Rutherford County Schools and the State of Tennessee, the Stewarts Creek High School Band will join select groups from across the nation for this historic occasion.

“This invitation is a true testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of our

students,” said Stewarts Creek High School Principal Clark Harrell. “We’re thrilled to showcase our students at such a prominent national performance and grateful for the ongoing support from the school and community.”

The Stewarts Creek High School Band is no stranger to civic and community events. In 2016, the band traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii, to perform at an event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. In 2018, the Stewarts Creek High School Band had the honor of performing at the dedication ceremony of the Capt. Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial,

paying tribute to Marine Captain Jeff Kuss, Blue Angel No. 6, who lost his life in Smyrna during training for the Great Tennessee Airshow in 2016.

To meet the travel and performance costs associated with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the band has launched a fundraising campaign and is seeking financial and in-kind donations from members of the community, alumni and businesses. Individuals and businesses interested in supporting the Stewarts Creek High School Band’s journey to our nation’s capital for the inauguration festivities can visit supportschsband.com or contact stewartscreekband@gmail.com for more information.

Reviews al B um

c hr I st I an n orthoV er Wizards Made Me Do It

Brought together at Nashville’s Porter Rose Studio by an unconventional yet serendipitous team, experimental alt-rock drummer Christian Northover has pieced together a nine-track, 22-minute drum-kit-runthrough-effects-pedals EP in an age when music reviewers may be required to go see Los Swamp Monsters live just to know if it’s actually a Wurlitzer electric piano being played or the guitarist emulating the sound, or see The Weird Sisters to make sure it’s actually a sax and not pedals or effects.

Pedals have become a diverse yet staple DIY utility over recent years; they’ve opened the sounds of local individuals’ range from in-garage or bedroom to symphonic and arena-status. They can open situations up to modern experimentation and new forms of emoting, as experienced on Christian Northover’s Wizards Made Me Do It, made with pedal wizard Alex Sanchez of Porter Rose Studio, guest pedalist/ wizard 2 Rob Stewart, and guest pedalist

Thomas Onebane (of King Lazy Eye fame).

“Get In Loser” opens with a pretty kickin’ hip-hop beat, with drums miked and wired through FX pedals the way a guitar does before plugging it into the amp, just in this case creating a ghetto head-bobbing, industrial rock sound worthy to serve as the soundtrack to a freakish video directed by Chris Cunningham.

Imagine your drummer sitting in the living room looking like he’s normally getting into/concentrating on a grooving beat, with headphones on, as you’re just passing through. Nothing out of the ordinary.

“PRAWNG” follows, sounding like what’s going on inside a dishwasher when you’re not in there, a swirling, driving rock banger, tremendously scary until the roll was forever lost into the dark abyss.

“Experiment 2” comes in a little tamer, with ambient feedback and looming, airy fuzz applied to a miked snare and toms, emphasizing a pausing effect that seemingly

movie

No S fe R atu

diRECTOR robert Eggers

STARRiNg Lily-rose Depp, Bill Skarsgård, nicholas Hoult

R ATE d R

It’s been 32 years since the last great filmic adaptation of Bram Stoker’s seminal novel. But, in the early days of silent film, German director F.W. Murnau made an unauthorized and unofficial adaptation of Dracula, changing the names of the characters and locations, only to be sued by Stoker’s widow and court-ordered to destroy all copies of the film. Thankfully, the classic Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror survived.

mimics DJ Kool Herc’s turntable in the circa1970s Bronx, during the birth of hip-hop.

“Now Arriving at the Planet of Bees” drums into existence the fuzz and buzz of a beehive, but an over-anxious hive, less to the notion of peacefully feeding on anise hyssop and more so the backstage footage of an early Nine Inch Nails documentary when Twiggy was partying with ’em.

“A.I. (Augmented Insanity)” is seemingly self-explanatory, but is really a calmer, grooving, low-key beat, with properly placed oscillating monsters while“Cymbals Mysterioso (For Max Krozy)” utilizes the frequencies coming off of the cymbals to stir up notions of being inside the eye of the hurricane.

Wizards Made Me Do It pairs well with spitting some sick-ass, old-school bars, or heavily industrialized Trent Reznor roars, making it a spontaneous, flowing, in-themoment-album by Middle Tennessee experimental drummer Christian Northover, et. al. — Bryce harMon

Those familiar with the Dracula story will recognize its touchstones, but Robert Eggers is remaking Murnau’s 1922 film specifically, character names and all, thus many of the known rules and lore may or may not apply. In his fourth feature, Eggers makes a welcome return to the distaff gothic horror of his first, The VVitch. You can tell he has honed his craft; the film opens with Depp’s Ellen Hutter invoking the dark lord, beseeching him to take her in the garden as the camera pans up to frame a cloud-covered estate awash in blue moonglow, haunting and beautiful. This marks the first departure of Eggers’ Nosferatu from its source. Ellen is not only the object of Count Orlok’s desire, but also the film’s protagonist. She is set to marry Thomas Hutter (Hoult), begging him not to leave on a journey to meet the mysterious Count. Ellen’s pleadings are not heeded. Hutter makes the ill-omened trek to the Count’s castle and his meeting with Orlok is perhaps the most terrifying, the most dreamlike iteration put to film.

The second huge departure from the source material is Count Orlok’s character design. No longer the pale, bald, needle-toothed imp, Orlok is the hulking, skulking corpse of Vlad the Impaler. Skarsgård’s interpretation is slow and wheezing, the sound of a corpse dragging air into his rotting lungs.

Eggers ensorcels us in his vibrantly monochromatic dark fairy tale. But somewhere in the third act, it becomes oppressive, struggling to hold together.

Though I do not think it’s the best version of Stoker’s story (that honor goes to Coppola), it’s a film well worthy of the name Nosferatu. — Jay spIght

Local Journalism Lives On

Murfreesboro Pulse continues to cover community culture

By B ryce h ar M on

it was nearly 20 years ago that a journalism-degreeset 18-year-old kid brought his habit of reading newspapers while drinking canned Sun Drop and smoking Marlboro 100s to the wooden bench atop the Homer Pittard Campus School lawn, overlooking the MTSU James Union Building. That’s where he first delved into a very fresh copy of the Murfreesboro Pulse, the community and cultural periodical found for free at Davis Market (about the only place that sold canned Sun Drop at the time) on the way to class.

a look back 2006–2025

Coyote was “Moving to Smyrna,” Twin Oak Recordings kept putting out the grunge-fuzz country and blues, and Alex Tumbleson released his Barnum Brown EPs.

Though he may have missed a few months at the bench over the course of those 20 years, it’s above an honor to say the bench days grew into a source of somewhat unconditional support at home for a wayward journalism student intent on navigating and practicing in the struggling journalism industry of the 2000s and 2010s—another of Rawls’ kids (you know who you are, wherever you are in the world right now).

But post-graduation (six years later), and during the area-nurtured privilege of practicing under the editorship of Bracken Mayo, along with wife/art director/co-publisher Sarah and copy editor Steve Morley, the Murfreesboro Pulse crafted my words to fit the publication over some very personal and very developmental years, and provided a glimpse into the economics of modern journalism, the handling of information, and the discovery and exploration of crazy, varied forms of ethical journalism, from conceptual to critical, the serendipitous to coincidental, even discovering that journalism is the most accessible form of time travel ever known, exposing and enabling knowledge of local life and the convolutions found therein. The absolute value local journalism holds in discussing all that in an open market of ideas was found and nurtured.

Over the past 20 years local music scene staples Mize and The Drive crafted three albums, Don

From conducting interviews with the likes of Ricky Skaggs at my kitchen table and musical folk hero Ramblin’ Jack Elliot in the middle of a muddy field at a festival near Cookeville, Tennessee, from Sky Hi’s barn parties out on Elam to running to local punk/metal shows at The Boro, celebrating alt-country band Those Darlins’ decade-long tenure and discovering outsider venue the CXR (Crossroads) Punk House by reviewing a Circuit Circuit EP—and even “Almost Famous”-ing Hank Williams-family legacy IV & The Strange Band as best as they’d let me during their launch into national fame—to doing stints in local jails for a series of articles explaining corruption, recidivism and busted legal systems outsourcing probation companies, the local system getting in trouble for it and then modeling the resulting county-run probation company after it (dude, I could go on) . . . that 18-year-old Middle Tennessee kid got into it at a difficult time for physical newspapers. But the Pulse kept printing.

Embarking into local journalism can spread to the world of research, and into legislation and politics, as well as harder tasks like going to jail or finding out some figures in our community are not your friends and are not designed to be. You learn we’ve all got our own path, and stern differences, but we’re in this together, and it’s up to all of us with Pulses to differentiate and determine for our best interests, and to then tell the people, the young ones sitting on old-school benches, wet behind the ears, drinking Sun Drops and smoking Marlboro 100s.

Journalism isn’t dead.

It just took some hindsight to see the youth. And I’m glad I had a Pulse

food  restaurant

FSmoked Meat Feast

The Dish

sI ngle t ree BB q

2805 Old Fort Pkwy.

Tues.–Sat.: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

615-307-0120

p ig out on smoked pork, brisket, chicken, sausage, turkey and more at s ingle tree BB q

story

By Bracken Mayo photos By sarah Mayo

or area carnivores looking for a local spot where they can go hog wild, check out Single Tree BBQ, a Murfreesboro eatery owned and operated by area native Charlie Eblen.

Highlights for this writer include the special house-made sausages, a meaty, dense combination of beef brisket, cheese and jalapeños, packed with flavor, some spice to it, but not outrageously hot.

“I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted [as far as a beef sausage],” Eblen said. So after much trial and error with recipes, and taste testing by customers, the restaurateur opted to produce his own. He nailed it.

“The sausage set my tastebuds alight,” reported John Miller regarding the hickorysmoked links.

This customer also praised the pulled pork (“flavorful and moist”) and the restaurant’s “down-home ambience.”

“The baked beans were sweet, smoky, tangy and had a bit of honey on the back of it. The mac & cheese was creamy, and had a good pepper flavor on it,” Miller continued.

Even the critics seem to appreciate the sausage links. One Yelper, who identifies as a “bbq snob,” had plenty of critiques otherwise, but said he really enjoyed the Single Tree sau-

sage and the baked beans.

Definitely try the chicken wings as well; these are rocking—smoked for that fine barbecued taste and then flash-fried for some exterior crispiness. Order these tossed in buffalo or barbecue sauce if you like, but these alone are great; paired with the white sauce that accompanies them, just incredible.

The sliced turkey was also quite good, smoky and about as moist as turkey can be.

The Single Tree garlic mashed potatoes,

topped with some of the same rub used on the smoked meats, are delicious.

The brisket may require a little barbecue sauce, according to some reports.

10 smoked wings: $13.99; Create your own platter (two meats and two sides): $24.99; Smoked bologna sandwich and curly fries: $8.99; The Porch Burger: $14.99; Ribs (6 Bones) and a side: $19.99; One pound of pulled pork or smoked sausage: $17.99 singletreebbq.com

selection and the server was attentive.”

“I ordered the brisket sandwich and it was a bit drier than I’d like, but the flavor was good and it tasted like quality meat,” said another Yelper, Rachelle. “The fried potato salad was exactly what it sounded like and had good flavor. I ordered a side salad and it was made fresh. They also had a nice beer

The 1/4 chicken, while tasty, was not quite at the level of the wings. The larger piece of the bird, and it not being fried crisp like the wings, resulted in a mushier texture, though some enjoy it, and call it “fall-off-the-bone.”

When seeking out Single Tree (located adjacent to fellow local staples So-Cali Taco Shop and All American Cafe), notice the large, beautiful smoker trailer in the Old Fort Parkway parking lot.

Inside, a large screen near the front of the restaurant had football on during one December day. Towards the back, find a couple of free video games, placed low on the wall for youngsters. These are a big plus for families with young kids who may complete their meal rather quickly, and can entertain themselves for quite a while on the Pac-Man and Defender games, no quarters required!

Another plus for some, Single Tree uses beef tallow to fry its wings, french fries and other deep-fried items. This is reportedly a healthier option than the seed oils used by many modern establishments.

Dining out these days can be a little costly— a Single Tree platter with two meats and two sides goes for $24.99, a full rack of ribs for $31.99—but really, that seems in line with

market prices lately. Single Tree does offer lunch specials Tuesday through Friday until 3 p.m. Grab a sandwich—pulled pork, smoked bologna, a slaw dog or a burger— along with fries and drink for $9.99 Tuesday through Friday. The spot also offers a special Wednesday hamburger deal for only $4.99.

Other Single Tree hits include the smoked, and then caramelized, bologna burnt ends and the deliciously juicy burgers, such as the Porch Burger, a grilled beef patty served on a freshly baked bun topped with brisket, smoked pepper cheese, the Single Tree hot BBQ sauce and jalapeños.

Terry Goeckner raved about the large sampler that Single Tree BBQ offers, noting that it was “easily going to be a full lunch and full dinner for two people.”

This “Community Style Sampler” platter includes half a rack of spare ribs, pulled pork, sausage, brisket, beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, jalapeños and BBQ sauce for $45.99.

“The quality of meats was excellent. The brisket was falling apart with tender juiciness and very flavorful. The ribs had a dry appearance but were tender and easily removed from the bone. They were covered in a very tasty dry rub like none other I have ever had before,” Goeckner said.

Eblen began Single Tree in 2021 as a mobile operation, and in 2022 moved into the restaurant space. After serving time in the Army, the Oakland High School graduate spent many years in the Murfreesboro food service industry. In 2020, a year of major disruption in the restaurant industry,

Eblen decided to launch his own brand.

As a kid, he remembered going to his grandfather’s farm in Bell Buckle and looking up at the ridgeline where there was one single tree that stood tall above all the others.

Charlie said he remembers his grandfather, Papa George, working hard on Single Tree Farm, but mainly he recalls all of the laughter, love and stories around the dinner table and the outdoor fireplace. When deciding to start his own brand, Eblen knew the name would have to be Single Tree.

Operating a restaurant isn’t always easy, but “With focus, effort, enthusiasm, and discipline you can overcome anything,”

Eblen said, a reference to a motto of his (“F.E.E.D.”). Many local consumers appreciate his commitments to community and quality food. Eblen is very interactive with customers, in the restaurant and online, and seems genuinely interested in receiving feedback and constantly trying to improve.

S S S S

20 Years a look back Celebrating 2006–2025

Thanks F or T he memories, m ur F reesboro.

Over the past 20 years, the Murfreesboro Pulse has had the privilege of covering so many stories about area arts, entertainment, dining, news, events, business, people and places. The publication’s vision of highlighting talented creators, interesting stories, worthwhile organizations and fun activities is alive and well.

Keep looking to the Pulse for local coverage of your community and view the archives at boropulse.com and issuu.com/boropulse .

noteworthy local MusIc

a n IM al c uteness

From Co-woofing and puppies to Catfeine kitty cuteness, from painted feathered friends to the Gentle Barn, the Pulse has featured an assortment of memorable animal stories over the past few decades.

The local music scene has always been a big component of the Pulse, and the beat plays on! Independent music and sharing news on Uncle Dave Macon Days, JazzFest, Smo and lots of other concerts, artists and festivals are big reasons for the Pulse’s existence. Each month, many readers continue to look to the Pulse Concert Calendar, an element of every single edition of the Murfreesboro Pulse

hIghlIghtIng local art

The Middle Tennessee community contains so many creative individuals. The Pulse has featured work from many, many visual artists over the past decades and looks forward to continuing to celebrate all things colorful, creative, good and beautiful.

explor I ng tennessee

Many enjoy getting away from urbanized areas and spending time outdoors to unplug, unwind and sightsee. Middle Tennessee has a wealth of historic sites, waterfalls, hiking trails and state parks. Visit boropulse.com > Living > Explore Tennessee to read more about the many local spots to see.

B oro food scene

Murfreesboro loves its local restaurants. From pizza to pad Thai, doughnuts to coffee, food is common ground for nearly everyone. Please, don’t allow anyone to say “this town doesn’t have any good local restaurants” until they have tried them all! Stay tuned to the Pulse each month for more on the area’s culinary scene.

keep I ng I t country

On the outskirts of Music City, U.S.A., country and roots music thrive here in Murfreesboro. Travis Tritt, Ricky Skaggs, Pam Tillis, Josh Turner, Rhonda Vincent, Dr. Ralph Stanley, HunterGirl, Dailey & Vincent, and Ashley Dawn are among the musicians who have appeared on the cover of the Pulse over the years.

Living

e xploring e lkmont

a quick nature trail and a wealth of other forest pathways await, near s moky Mountain e lkmont c ampground

story By Bracken M ayo

p hotos By s arah Mayo

If You Go

e lk M ont n ature t ra I lhead

elkmont road gatlinburg, tn 37738

While T hose visi T ing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park can spend a good bit of time exploring the former resort village of Elkmont itself (now uninhabited, but open to tourists as a historical attraction), the hilly national park land surrounding this vacation town contains a wealth of additional trails and sites to see.

Approaching by road, just before the main village parking area, the Elkmont Nature Trail sits as a cool little trail to travel. A very small parking area—with only enough space for about three vehicles—gives easy access to this trailhead.

A journey beginning the just-under-amile-long nature trail loop counterclockwise begins on a small log bridge over a creek, a magical entry point to this excursion.

The Elkmont Nature Trail has some elevation to keep it interesting and feeling mountainous, but it is a great walk for hiking beginners. Slightly slick and muddy portions after a rainfall may be the most treacherous element to navigate.

Thick tangles of rhododendron form canopies overhead as streams flow alongside and leaves rustle in the breeze.

At eight tenths of a mile, the journey may

be over quickly, but this spot can provide a peaceful, secluded and well-marked, though brief, walk.

Those wanting more time in the woods may then opt to start out on the Jakes Creek Trail, not far away. With its trailhead near the stillstanding portion of the former logging and resort town of Elkmont, Jakes Creek Trail travels

from

More abandoned structures—some complete, preserved dwellings, others only the remains of a rock chimney and staircase— dot the landscape sporadically alongside this trail, offering some old homesites for modern visitors to view and imagine those who resided in the area long ago.

from

The Jakes Creek Trail continues up the towering Appalachian mountain terrain, connecting this area to the rest of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Little River Trail passes near the Elkmont area as well. This one, a more challenging 12-mile trail, winds alongside the Little River, and also connects to the vast network of other Smoky Mountain trails, offering all the hiking anyone could want.

The national park contains a total of over 800 miles of trails, many portions of it quite difficult, so those looking for long hikes and overnight wilderness adventures, or a quick nature walk, can all find what they are seeking in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Today, the Elkmont Campground remains the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park during camping season, with over 200 sites for RV and tent camping. During the winter months, though, the area can remain fairly low-traffic.

uphill

the cluster of restored houses.

clockwise

above: The small bridge at the beginning of the Elkmont Nature Trail loop; hidden rock staircase on Jakes Creek Trail; restored cabin located just off Jakes Creek Trail

Jakes Creek Trail

Top: More views of cabin ruins and creekside on the Jakes Creek Trail; Below: Spence cabin just off Elkmont’s Little River Trail; Mayo brothers throwing rocks at Little River just behind the Spence cabin

Communication

o ver the Years

From the pen and talking in town to the phone and modern times

HELLO, EvERyBOdy. I hope you all had a merry Christmas and are looking forward to a happy new year!

I would like to thank the Mayos for allowing me the opportunity to to tell some stories here in the Murfreesboro Pulse. It’s been a highlight of mine for the last couple of years. I would also like to congratulate Bracken, Sarah and their staff on 20 years of the Murfreesboro Pulse telling its unique story!

With that said, I thought this month we could cover a topical question: how did we communicate in days past?

Let’s first take it back nearly 100 years. How did we communicate with one another then? Well, there was a thing called the landline telephone. It just so happens my great-grandfather Harry Cranford was the Bell South manager here at the local phone company in the 1930s. This was the time when everybody dressed up to go to work and the little ladies wore their nicest dresses and operated the switchboard, as seen in the photo here. That’s my grandfather, keeping an eye on them. Notice the Edison light bulb hanging from the ceiling.

Before telephones, which in those days had party lines where the switchboard operators could listen in to conversations, there would be folks of different occupations who would gather around the Square drinking up Coke and telling stories about their lives, like those seen in this photo. If you notice in this photo, there’s a butcher, a barber and the phone company manager sipping on a Coke, appearing to just have gotten through eating some hot fish. By the way, that old phone company building today is the Five on Black restaurant, which I hear has delicious fare.

My favorite way of communicating as a kid growing up was having a pen pal. That’s where you wrote a letter to a kid about your same age who lived in Montana (or some other distant place) and hopefully within 60 days you would get a letter back from your

pen pal. I remember it being such a big to-do going out to the mailbox anticipating a letter.

My pen pal was a girl by the name of Gwen Green. Of course, this was in the fourth grade, and you would’ve thought I had hung the moon. This girl Gwen took time to send me a photo of herself for some reason. I shut it down and didn’t write back, so Gwen, if you’re out there, I’m sorry it just didn’t work out.

You might ask yourself are we better off today with our social media and all of its clickbait, and all of the times that we pick up the phone? Heck, the next time you’re at the Avenue, just go up to somebody and say hello and introduce yourself, but if they smack you and say “mind your own business,” you didn’t hear it from Mr. Murfreesboro. Or, if that doesn’t work,

write a letter to your Aunt Susie and ask her if she would be your pen pal.

Again, congratulations to the Murfreesboro Pulse for 20 years of telling our story. Here’s to another 20 years! I hope everybody has a happy new year!

Call Bill wilson for your local real estate needs at 615-406-5872.

spotlight on local business

smash i t axe it

smash your stress away at tn axe and smash, offering axe-throwing and rage room

By Jod I e kI nzer

ken and Marissa Jackson have been hard at work on their establishment, TN Axe and Smash, making the Murfreesboro facility a fun multi-use hangout space for individuals, couples and friend groups. The axe-throwing and rage room venue, located at 123 SE Broad St., can make a great spot for a night out or to host private parties, with space for up to 150 people, big screen TVs, single and combo activity packages, catering and drink options.

Ken Jackson gave the Pulse insight into the therapeutic benefits of using the rage room.

“Right after we bought the business a young lady came in, and it was obvious that she was working through some things. After she came out of the rage room, I said, ‘Do you need to sit and talk? I’m happy to spend some time talking.’ She said, ‘You know what? I actually feel better after that, so thank you!’ That’s when the light bulb in my head went off—it’s cheaper than therapy, and makes a terrific stress-killing activity,” he said. “I decided to write letters

to therapists in Murfreesboro, saying ‘hey, I’ve noticed our rage rooms are helping people work through anxiety and frustration. This might be beneficial to your patients.’ We think it’s amazing that people can walk out of here feeling better than when they came in.”

Although it’s not designed to be a league throwing venue with painted targets, TN Axe and Smash does offer interactive axethrowing lanes with various fun, competitive and challenging game options. Players can choose any of several different games projected onto the axe landing board, from a standard target display to Zombie Hunter, Asteroid, Tic-Tac-Toe, Battleship and more.

“An infrared camera detects where the axe hits the board, automatically recording your score, making it super easy to play,” Jackson said. “We even have a game that lets you upload a picture from your phone to use as your target. We call it ‘axe your ex.’ It’s a big hit on Valentine’s Day!”

Some of the lanes even have moving targets.

As a place meant to offer fun for all ages, TN Axe and Smash also offers options for children to have fun alongside their parents. For children who cannot safely handle an axe (roughly age 9 and under), TN Axe and Smash provides child-safe axes and archery sets that can be set up in the axe lanes using the same interactive game systems. The facility also has a pool table, Hammerschlagen (a nail-driving game), Nintendo Switch set up on a large screen, Jenga, corn hole and other bar games, with various costeffective experience options.

“Our discounted party pricing typically applies to groups of at least eight people, but we’ve had a lot of requests for special pricing for smaller groups. So, we created a My Little Party package for four, which includes 30 minutes in the rage room, 30 minutes of axe throwing and the first round of drinks on the house. We also have a Big Axe Party option, which gives up to six people two hours of axe throwing and a round of drinks. Then there’s the Double Trouble package, which is perfect for couples and

other parties of two,” Jackson said.

The bar has a large variety of drinks— beers, ciders, soft drinks, seltzers and bottled cocktails—and corporations can also take advantage of TN Axe and Smash’s many features for team-building events, trainings and seminars.

As a way to give back to its community, TN Axe and Smash holds regular promotional events in which customers can donate items for local shelters to receive a discount on activities.

visit tnaxeandsmash.com to find more information on TN Axe and Smash and full pricing options, with rage rooms starting at $45 per person and axe-throwing packages starting at $20 per person.

spotlight on local business

m ind Your p s & q s

after the holidays, if you have too much stuff around your house with nowhere left to put it, P’s & Q’s Pickup Junk Removal can help you out.

“P’s & Q’s Pickup Junk Removal started in 2016, and we are a full-service junk removal company, which means we take anything and everything,” said Matthew Pitts, who owns and operates the business along with Ronnie Smith Jr. and Smith’s wife, Haley.

“After the holidays, after your family has come over and your house is wrecked, it is often the time when you realize you can get rid of some stuff,” Pitts said.

The Murfreesboro company will remove just about anything from a dwelling—furniture, electronics, appliances, trash, construction debris and other items.

“You name it, we can pretty much make it disappear,” Pitts said. “We are a one-stop shop, whether you want to dispose of [your junk], recycle it, and even donate it. We get a lot of gently used items, and we work with a lot of the nonprofits to give back and donate as much as we can.

“We get a lot of really good stuff. Sometimes people just get something new and don’t have a use for the old stuff.”

Some large items and complex jobs may

p

’s & q’s pickup Junk removal helps rid homes of trash and

clutter

By l aura lI ndsay

involve additional surcharges if they require additional trips for P’s & Q’s to bring it to a certain place, but no matter the local junk removal job, they have you covered.

“We come and provide the trucks, the trailers and the hauling,” Pitts said. “We take care of the disposal, and we provide the labor to do it. We come out and do all the lifting and loading for you.”

P’s and Q’s offers free on-site, noobligation estimates, co-owner and operator Ronnie Smith added.

“You don’t necessarily have to have it piled up—we can come in and look at everything and you point to what you want gone, then we will give you a price and you say yea or nay,” Smith said. “The estimate is volume-based so it depends on how much someone has and is really simple. There is a minimal pickup that starts at $99, which is a single item like if they have a love seat or a couch.

And then it goes up from there depending on how much they need hauled away.”

Pitts said they have hauled some unusual items.

“We have seen it all,” Pitts said. “We say it all the time—we do the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

The company does garage, basement and attic clean-outs. They will also move items down flights of stairs and disassemble old pools, decks and other items if necessary.

“A lot of times people like to hide stuff away, and then it gets overwhelming to them or they want to get rid of stuff all at once,” Smith said. “We can also handle hoarder situations. Sometimes we get into some really interesting, sketchy kinds of situations. We can handle it all.”

To get in touch with P’s & Q’s Pickup Junk Removal, call 615-995-9881. All work is completed Monday through Friday when drop-off locations are open. Most work can be completed within a few days of initiating a call. Find P’s & Q’s on social media to see before-and-after pictures and read more about services offered.

haley and ronnie smith and Matthew and katie pitts

around town

dos Bros, Tijuana Flats, Barrio, Taste of india, School of Rock, Cava, The dragon’s Hoard, Seasons of Murfreesboro

By delores ell I ott

dOS BROS MExiCAN gRiLL will take over the former CycleBar location beside Bad Daddy’s Burgers in the complex located at 2249 Medical Center Pkwy. Offering a fast-casual dining experience, the restaurant chain has plans to open almost 50 locations across the U.S.

Menu options include bowls, salads, burritos and more, with queso, guac and salsas. Meals include gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, and Dos Bros says it uses fresh ingredients such as meats with no added hormones, salsa from scratch, beans soaked and prepared daily, non-GMO oils, and peppers fire-roasted on-site.

Visit dosbros.com for more information.

TiJuANA FLATS has opened at 1306 Westlawn Blvd. in Murfreesboro, its second Tennessee location. Tijuana Flats now has more than 50 locations across Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee (with its only other Tennessee restaurant located in Pigeon Forge).

Some of the restaurant’s best menu options include burrito bowls, queso, guac, flautas and chimichangas, as well as takehome taco and burrito kits. Desserts include churro fries with chocolate sauce and cookie dough flautas.

In January 2007 Tijuana Flats created the Just in Queso Foundation to give back even more to the community. That foundation has raised over $4 million and team members have donated countless hours to help others in need. Tijuana Flats also gives back internally through team member scholarships, a team member assistance fund and other in-house initiatives.

For more information, visit tijuanaflats.com.

TASTE OF iNdiA has opened in Murfreesboro at 120 Eleanor Way, with hours from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Taste of India offers fish curry, lamb and goat, chicken, paneer and tandoori specialties, vegetarian and seafood options, salads and soups as well as domestic, Indian and

BARRiO BuRRiTO BAR recently celebrated the grand opening of its Murfreesboro location at 3921 Franklin Rd., where the restaurant offers fresh burritos and burrito bowls. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

“From our guacamole to our fresh toppings, our food is a healthy alternative to traditional fast-food fare,” according to the company. “We may not be the only burrito in town, but we’ve certainly raised the bar. Find out what you’ve been missing at Barrio Burrito Bar Tennessee.”

Visit barrioburritobar.com for more information and menu options.

other import beer options.

Visit tasteofindiatn.com to place an order or make a reservation.

SEASONS OF MuRFREESBORO

recently celebrated the opening of its second restaurant, located at 1733 Saint Andrews Dr. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., with breakfast ending at 10:30 a.m. and the restaurant transitioning to lunch and dinner selections. Some options include salads, pizzas, burgers and sandwiches.

CAvA has opened another location in Murfreesboro at 2961 S. Church St., serving a variety of protein and grain bowls, salads, fresh beverages and more.

“Our mission is to bring heart, health and humanity to food, and everything we do at CAVA is grounded in that spirit of generosity, to our guests, our team members, and our community,” said CAVA Regional Director Louie Lovejoy. “We couldn’t be more excited to open a second restaurant in Murfreesboro.”

CAVA’s new Murfreesboro restaurant

THE dRAgON’S HOARd has opened at the Stones River Town Centre, located in the unit beside Big Twist Pretzels. The store sells Magic the Gathering products and other board and card games. Dragon’s Hoard offers space for daily events including Friday Night Magic, Board Game Wednesdays and other gaming activities, with hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Visit dragonshoardboro.com for more information.

SCHOOL OF ROCK will open a Murfreesboro location at 1282 NW Broad St., taking over the former credit union building beside Champy’s Chicken. School of Rock currently operates more than 350 schools, with over 62,000 students worldwide, and hosts music lessons for all ages.

“Whether an absolute beginner or a budding rockstar, School of Rock students will achieve the next level of musical proficiency. How? Our patented performance-based education system, the School of Rock Method, includes individual lessons, group rehearsals and live performances, all with the goal of getting our students on stage performing at a real rock show at a real music venue,” according to information from the school.

Lessons offered include guitar, drums, bass, keyboard, singing and songwriting. For more information, visit schoolofrock com

employs between 30 and 40 locals and aims to create career pathways for its team members, offering competitive pay and benefits, health care, early wage access and free mental health support. Visit cava.com for more information.

Beloved Smyrna restaurant KARiN’S KuSTARd & HAMBuRgERS temporarily closed following an accident at the South Lowry Street business. On Nov. 26 an out-of-control car crashed into the storefront, rendering the establishment inoperable. No employees were harmed in the incident.

Business owner Karin Dyer donated the food on hand to local food banks to prevent waste and to assist the organizations during the holiday season while the restaurant undergoes repairs.

“We would like to thank everyone for being so patient while we put our business back together,” Dyer posted on social media. “We are thankful for the outpouring of love and support from our community. . . . We will be open by Friday, Jan. 3.”

REdSTONE FEdERAL CREdiT uNiON has announced plans for the construction of two multi-tenant commercial buildings, totaling 23,042 square feet on 3.88 acres located along Memorial Boulevard near Osborne Lane.

One building will house a new Redstone location, and the space will also provide available units for other merchants and restaurants.

Best of Best Review has honored Middle Tennessee-based gAME TiME SPORTS NETwORK with the title of Best Live PlayBy-Play Sports Streaming Provider of 2024. This award recognizes a dedication to delivering high-quality live sports streaming services.

“The Game Time Sports Network exceeded our expectations. They were passionate, professional and gave our tournament the exposure and experience that could not have been any better,” said Kody McGovern, tournament director for the Tennessee State Little League. “They are now our go-to for all of our tournaments going forward!”

In an industry where many streaming providers rely solely on AI-driven automation, The Game Time Sports Network prioritizes human connection and technical excellence. Their team aims to bring authenticity and excitement to every broadcast—baseball, basketball, football or soccer.

“Our services ensure that every game is more than just a broadcast—it’s an immersive experience,” said Jay Harper, CEO of Game Time Sports Network. “Our team is there to bring excitement to every play and resolve technical issues in real time, ensuring that every moment is captured and delivered seamlessly.”

With the ability to provide multi-camera video coverage of local sporting events, realtime play-by-play commentary, and streaming on its exclusive Roku channel, Game Time Sports Network continues building partnerships with area schools, leagues, teams and tournaments.

GTSN also serves as the exclusive livestream provider at Pellissippi State Community College.

“They go above and beyond to make sure our athletic events are featured in the best possible light,” said Jake Woods, SID at Pellissippi State.

Visit gametimesportsnetwork.com for more information on the Game Time Sports Network, or call 615-751-GAME.

ONwARd REAL ESTATE, a locallyowned brokerage led by Murfreesboro

A LAwSuiT FiLEd by Smyrna auto mechanic Jonathan Gilbert against Daylan Langford has been dismissed with prejudice under the Tennessee Public Participation Act, the Circuit Court for Rutherford County, Tennessee has ruled. The court awarded Langford “the mandatory court costs, reasonable attorney’s fees, discretionary costs and other expenses incurred in filing and prevailing upon the petition” and directed the parties to file supplemental briefing concerning whether Gilbert and his counsel should be sanctioned.

native Jenni Barnett and longtime resident Dawne Davis, has grown to more than 100 agents since its launch in Rutherford County back in June.

Davis joined Onward to lead its Murfreesboro office, located at 1225 Garrison Dr. She most recently served as a principal broker and partner with Parks in Murfreesboro. She has also been a realtor for 20 years, and has served as treasurer and vice president of Tennessee Realtors, and as a director for the Williamson County Association of Realtors.

CEO of Onward, Jenni Barnett, is an industry veteran with vast experience in managing rapid growth. In her previous role, she spearheaded the expansion of multiple service lines for Parks, which became one of the largest residential real estate firms in Tennessee. Barnett won the Nashville Business Journal’s chief financial officer of the year award in 2013.

“Since launching Onward this summer, more than 300 Middle Tennessee agents have joined our team, which is reflective of the desire we’ve seen for a hyper-local approach to real estate,” said Barnett. “Three members of our leadership team—Bob Parks, Dawne and myself—consider Murfreesboro home and we are particularly proud to have such a strong start in Rutherford County.”

In addition to the Murfreesboro location, Onward has offices in Cool Springs, Green Hills and Nashville’s Wedgewood Houston neighborhood. For more information, visit onwardre.com.

Gilbert’s lawsuit arose from the service Langford received at Jon’s Auto Service, which resulted in Langford undertaking a days-long protest. The peaceful protest involved Langford wearing a chicken-head mask and displaying “Jon the Con” signs outside on a public sidewalk for several days.

“This is a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation . . . [that] has been filed by Plaintiff Jonathan Gilbert—a no-good, very-bad auto mechanic who has a lengthy criminal record that includes crimes of dishonesty—against Daylan Langford, an unhappy customer who,

KST PERFORMANCE ACAdEMy produces a yearly benefit concert known as KST Gives Back, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for special Rutherford County nonprofits. The annual event serves as a way for students to use their talents to give back to the Murfreesboro community. Following the 2024 concert, KST’s third annual fundraiser, the academy announced that a total of more than $13,000 has been raised over the past three years for the local Isaiah 117 House and Liberty’s Station. The annual concert features students of all ages performing voice and piano numbers, from iconic pop songs to musical theatre hits, the solo and ensemble performances demonstrating the wide range of students at KST.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Murfreesboro, KST is dedicated to the transformative power of music and providing life-changing experiences for students. For more information, email info@kstperformanceacademy.com or call 629-247-1766.

Following a recent study of Middle Tennessee State University alumni’s economic impact, Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr underscored the conclusion of the findings, pointing out that his county alone recorded over $4.1 billion in annual business revenue resulting from MTSU alum.

“I’m not surprised at the data enumerated in the report,” Carr said. The report also showed that MTSU generated over $15.2 billion in statewide business revenue each

like many before him, received poor and abusive service when he went to Jon’s Auto Service to get his truck repaired,” according to court documents filed by Langford’s counsel. In response to Langford’s protest, Gilbert sued Langford for “an amount in excess of $500,000.” Langford then retained anti-SLAPP attorneys from Nashville firm Horwitz Law, PLLC, and

year. The Business and Economic Research Center within MTSU’s Jennings A. Jones College of Business detailed the positive financial impact of MTSU’s graduates throughout Tennessee in its 2024 MTSU Alumni Impact Report.

The report reflected how MTSU particularly bolsters the economies of its home and surrounding counties.

Carr said that the university provides students with an opportunity to “become an integral part of the fastest-growing county in Tennessee.”

“One of the things we do in economic development, when we recruit every single day, we have a leg up because we have a great university in MTSU here,” Carr said.

MTSU alumni in Nashville and Davidson County, including alumni-owned businesses, recorded the second-highest total in business revenue among Tennessee counties after Rutherford, generating $2.9 billion.

According to 2022 numbers, Rutherford County had the largest number of MTSU alumni residents at 32,500.

Davidson follows behind with more than 19,300. Williamson, Wilson and Maury counties are next with approximately 10,000, 6,000 and 4,400, respectively.

SLiM & HuSKy’S has closed its Medical Center Parkway pizzeria location after just a few years in business; the business still operates numerous locations in Nashville and Atlanta.

petitioned to dismiss Gilbert’s lawsuit with prejudice under the Tennessee Public Participation Act.

On the night prior to the hearing, Gilbert attempted to withdraw his lawsuit and prevent Langford’s TPPA Petition from being adjudicated. Because Langford also filed a motion for summary judgment, the court ruled that Gilbert lacked authority to prevent the court from ruling.

Upon review, the court ruled that Gilbert’s lawsuit was filed in response to Langford’s exercise of his right to free speech. Therefore, the evidentiary burden shifted to Gilbert, and the court determined that Gilbert’s failure to support his claims with any evidence was fatal to his lawsuit.

“Peaceful protests are a quintessential American right and enjoy the First Amendment’s full protection,” said Horwitz Law principal Daniel Horwitz. “Mr. Langford should be commended for protecting that sacred right on behalf of all Tennesseans, and business owners who are so thinskinned that they cannot handle valid customer criticism should find another line of work.”

Langford’s win follows a string of earlier TPPA victories for Horwitz Law against defamation and other speech-based tort claims, including representation of conservative commentator Candace Owens.

dELiCiAS COLOMBiANAS RR

After a brief run, Delicias Colombianas had to close its Murfreesboro storefront. Although the brick-and-mortar location is no longer open, the same authentic Columbian cuisine can be found in a Nashville food truck under the same ownership. The truck is usually parked at 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville.

PARTy FOwL

As the company declared bankruptcy in 2024, Murfreesboro’s spicy chicken joint Party Fowl closed its doors. This restaurant was known for its Nashville hot chicken, frozen cocktails and sports viewing. Fans can still get their fowl fix at the restaurant’s Downtown Nashville location (719 8th Ave. S.) and its Donelson location (2620 Lebanon Pike) according to partyfowl.com.

COACH T’S

Eagleville restaurant Coach T’s ceased business following St. Patrick’s Day of 2024. Bill Tollett and his wife made the decision to sell the bar and grill-style establishment to Studio 18.

dOOdLES KiTCHEN ANd BAKERy

Although Doodles Kitchen and Bakery has closed, Andrea and Scott Calamusa soon took over the restaurant space at 117 E. Vine St., to continue operations there under the name Bart’s Kitchen and Bakery.

SOuTHERN SPOON

Despite the closing of its physical restaurant in Smyrna, Southern Spoon continues to provide classic southern cooking through its active food truck and catering services. These services can be found at southernspoontn.com.

THE TASTiNg ROOM

Smyrna’s fine-dining restaurant The Tasting Room shut its doors on Nov. 2, 2024. As a parting gift, The Tasting Room has posted recipes and cooking tutorials for many of its well-loved menu items such as its chocolate bourbon pecan pie. Find these recipes at facebook.com/thetastingroomsmyrna.

PANTHER CREEK BREwS

Although the taproom itself has closed, Panther Creek’s beers are still on the market and can be found at many different local retailers and restaurants.

CARPE CAFE

Although Carpe Artista opted to close its

A look back at some of the businesses that Murfreesboro said farewell to in 2024

By Jod I e kI nzer

downtown Smyrna coffee shop, Carpe Cafe, in August 2024, the space remains available for private event rentals. Contact creativespace@carpeartista.com for more information on the 115 Front St. event space.

BuRgER REPuBLiC

After seven years in business, Murfreesboro’s Burger Republic location at the Fountains at Gateway closed. The Burger Republic brand lives on with locations in both Nashville and Mt. Juliet.

MAydAy BREwERy

After 12 years of service, Mayday Brewery signed an agreement with Experience Community Church allowing the church to take over its space.

CASA BLANCA MExiCAN gRiLL

According to the business’ Facebook page, the owners of Casa Blanca Mexican Grill sold the space after receiving an offer from a buyer.

gRAzE CRAzE

After a little over a year, Graze Craze owner Janelle Swanger announced that the Murfreesboro locations of the custom charcuterie-board business would be closing permanently.

RiCHARd’S KiTCHEN

After approximately six months in op -

gRAvEyARd gALLERy

A local music venue run by those at Chrome Halo Tattoo, Graveyard Gallery has closed until further notice due to both financial struggles and issues with city codes. This venue was popular with MTSU students, especially those within the local music alternative scene.

CAROLyN’S CONSigNMENT

On May 31, 2024, Carolyn’s Consignment closed its doors for the final time after serving the Murfreesboro area for 39 years. Although the shop was very important to owner Carolyn Jernigan, the shop’s landlord had other plans for the shopping center.

diLLARd’S

Unable to meet a lease agreement with the Stones River Mall, longtime retail staple Dillard’s made the decision to close its Murfreesboro location in January of 2025. Despite already paying $55,000 a month in rent, the mall began to ask for an increase. Other Dillard’s locations still stand in Nashville’s Green Hills Mall and Franklin’s CoolSprings Galleria.

diRT CHEAP

eration, Richard’s Kitchen closed its Lytle Street restaurant.

STOvER’S LiQuidATiON

Stover’s has closed its Murfreesboro location; however, the company still operates in Oak Ridge and Cookeville.

LONgHORN LiQuOR

Due to the City of Murfreesboro’s plans for its Daylighting of Town Creek project, Longhorn Liquor was purchased by the city and is set to be demolished.

CAMiLLE’S dEPARTMENT STORE OuTLET

After 13 years of business, owners Leslie “Camille” and Jason Arkenburg decided to close their Murfreesboro clothing store.

After nearly 30 years of business, Dirt Cheap has filed for bankruptcy. Documents show that Dirt Cheap owes large sums of money to both Target and Amazon.

F&M BANK

F&M Bank closed its Murfreesboro branch in 2024. Branches in Lebanon and Franklin are still open for business.

Hwy. 55 BuRgERS, SHAKES & FRiES

After taking many months longer than anticipated to open its doors, and only three short months in business, the Murfreesboro Hwy. 55 location closed before most locals even had the opportunity to get acquainted. This comes after labor complaints were filed against the chain in November. Fans of the chain can still enjoy its Tullahoma location.

p lanning for c hange News

PlanRutherford

aims to limit development in portions of county, realtors say plan infringes upon property rights

By e l I sha n elson

Ru THERFOR d C O u NT y M AyOR

Joe Carr’s PlanRutherford initiative has seen pushback from members of the community in the latest developments of the local property use project. A movement in opposition to the project called Protect Rutherford is finding support from county residents who fear the plan will bring more harm than good to the quality of life in Rutherford County.

PlanRutherford—a concept resulting from a collaboration between the Rutherford County Commission and the Greater Nashville Regional Council—aims to manage suburban growth and restrict land development while prioritizing rural areas to preserve scarce farmland in the region.

Property rights advocates, developers and builders have banded together to protest the plan, though, citing tax hikes and job loss as reasons the “growth plan” is faulty.

The plan seeks to govern area development patterns and Rutherford County property zoning strategies in the area outside of the incorporated areas of Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne and Eagleville. Of the total 396,000 acres of total land in Rutherford County, only about 81,000 sits in those incorporated areas; PlanRutherford zoning policies would apply to the remaining 315,000 acres.

Objectives of the plan include increasing the minimum lot size to keep population density low in certain rural areas of Rutherford County and discouraging roadways supporting the development of subdivisions in these “Rural Preserve” segments.

“A comprehensive plan offers an allinclusive approach to analyzing and evaluating future growth and provides residents the opportunity to work with county leaders to determine how to ensure continued prosperity and protect the quality of life for Rutherford County,” Carr said when proposing the plan. “Through this process, we will capture the vision of the community as it continues to grow and evolve.” Residential categories of the proposed

plan would include Rural Preserve (one residential unit per 5–15 acres), Rural Living (one residential unit per 1–5 acres) and County Suburban (one to three residential units per acre) zoning designations, as well as Crossroads, Village Center and Activity Center categories for commercial uses.

Chairman of the Rutherford County Planning Commission Pettus Read stated his support for PlanRutherford.

“We have all been affected by the surge of development in our county and I understand the effects it has on our infrastructure, greenspaces and even the basic ease of traveling from Point A to Point B on any given day of the week,” Commissioner Read said. “What we’re trying to do is develop a comprehensive plan that will give us the opportunity to work with what we have to give some builders who want to build something, but they’re going to have to adjust their planning.

“We just can’t go in there and build every little space into a house,” Read said. “We’ve got to provide for water runoff, to provide to protect the neighbor next door, we’ve got to look after things like that and to protect the beauty of Rutherford County.”

According to PlanRutherford’s webpage, Rutherford County’s population has seen an increase of 700 new residents a month since 2010 and is estimated to exceed over half a million people by 2045.

Those in support of Protect Rutherford, however, say that PlanRutherford prevents developers from building needed subdivisions in the area and that the proposed zoning would strip away individual property rights.

The Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors has funded advertisements for the Protect Rutherford movement, fearing that more harm than good will come to the community if local officials implement the PlanRutherford initiative.

To understand why MTAR is against the growth plan that the County Commission is considering, Jason White, president-elect of the association, addressed the intent of opposing the plan.

“While the plan isn’t directly focused on town centers or most town overlays, its measures could infringe on Rutherford County landowners’ property rights and make it more difficult to address the low inventory issue,” White said. “This, unfor-

tunately, leads to higher home prices and higher taxes for current homeowners. Even more troubling, it risks pricing out our essential workers—teachers, nurses, police officers, and others who are vital to our community’s success.”

Protect Rutherford claims that the legislation will make it harder for working-class families to purchase homes due to higher housing costs and reduced availability in the market. Protect Rutherford’s website claims that the proposed growth plan threatens property rights, increases taxes and hampers economic growth by driving the workforce away from the Rutherford County area. With a reduced labor force, the organization asserts, the county’s economy will suffer as a result of the plan.

“Boiled down, PlanRutherford keeps developers from building subdivisions in places that the county and land can’t support them,” Rutherford County resident Curtis Parish commented on a social media thread about the PlanRutherford proposal. “That is why the Realtors are against it.”

Bob Williams, a resident in support of Protect Rutherford’s opposition to the plan, said, “The new plan seems to cram a bunch of multi-level housing into small areas, but with nearby shopping, which is how the area around Medical Center Parkway was developed. Have you experienced traffic in that area lately?”

While those in favor of PlanRutherford cite slowing down subdivision developments in rural areas as a reason to support the legislation, those in opposition of the plan fear that property being downzoned by the government would hurt the value of properties for many landowners throughout the county.

For more details on PlanRutherford visit planrutherford.org. Learn more about the Protect Rutherford movement at protectrutherford.com view the full draft of the PlanRutherford Comprehensive growth Plan at boropulse.com/planrutherford. PlanRutherford’s adoption process is scheduled to begin in January 2025. Public hearings will be held to submit comments to the Rutherford County Commission. Contact your county commissioner to express your view on the plan. For more information on meeting dates, visit the Rutherford County Planning and Engineering department’s website at rutherfordcountytn.gov/planning-engineering and planrutherford.org/events.

opinion

# F ree Your C hil D ren

By t I ffany B oyd

The u nconstitutional m ake h omeschool s afe a ct

iN JuLy i SOuNdEd THE ALARM about The Make Homeschool Safe Act. The Coalition for Responsible Home Education (CRHE), a Massachusetts-based organization that perpetuates homeschooling as abusive, is pushing for model legislation across the country to further regulate all home education. Pushing for a constitutional change, their goal is to further regulate home-school families.

I interviewed guests Diane Connors of Connecticut Cooperative of Home Educators and attorney Deborah Stevenson, founder of National Home Education Legal Defense, on the Free YOUR Children radio show, where we discussed the topic. You can find a link to all previously aired shows at freeyourchildren.com

Who are the founders of CRHE? According to their website’s mission and vision:

“In December 2013, Kathryn Brightbill, Rachel Coleman, Heather Doney, Kieryn Darkwater and Ryan Stollar launched the Coalition for Responsible Home Education, a nonprofit organization created to advocate for homeschooled children.”

Interestingly, the only remaining founder’s name currently listed under the “Our Team” section is Kieryn Darkwater.

Co-founder Keiryn Darkwater identifies as a “Trans Boi” who believes “nonbinary, genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, etc. are all valid trans identities.”

It leads one to wonder: do these individuals believe that only their rights should be protected? Darkwater seems to be on a mission of requital against the religious upbringing “they” referenced as Christofacist nazism.

Trans individuals often espouse their disdain at being pigeonholed and labeled as potential child abusers, yet the Make Homeschool Safe Act seems to do just that to those who home educate.

It is operating from a place of guilty until proven innocent. It seems those behind this group believe all home-school families require government overreach because they are abusive.

What does this Make Homeschool Safe Act mean for home-school families? Here’s a brief overview.

There is much more to this 23-page unconstitutional propaganda piece, so I urge you to read it in its entirety. It would require your children to follow the state immunization schedule, mandatory annual state assessments and evaluations, increased government involvement, and regulations including oversight by a “qualified educational professional” and district superintendent, and a 30-day waiting period for any child beginning home schooling.

This is a nationwide push from CRHE, and this legislation is being considered in Oklahoma, Illinois, West Virginia, Minnesota and Michigan. If it hasn’t made it to your state yet, it will. This organization has been peddling its agenda since 2013.

This isn’t their first rodeo. Back in 2021, one of the CRHE founders, Rachel Coleman, participated in the Harvard Summit that created outcry from the home-school community. The anti-home-school summit was held virtually June 9–11, 2021. CRHE staff and board members participated in the summit, hosted by Professors Elizabeth Bartholet (Harvard University) and James Dwyer (William & Mary University) and the Child Advocacy Program at Harvard Law School. The three-day conference featured presentations by many of the leading home-schooling reform advocates in the United States.

CRHE representatives were featured prominently on the program, and presented on the following topics:

• Dr. Rachel Coleman, co-founder and advisor to the executive director: Preventing Child Maltreatment

• Sarah Henderson, advocacy and support coordinator: Homeschooling Alumni Speak

• Carmen Longoria-Green, board clerk, and Samantha Field, government relations director and board member: Current Politics and Potential for Future Action

• Dr. Chelsea McCracken, research director: Child Maltreatment

Strangely enough, an organization that claims it is dedicated to protecting children should consider taking a long hard look at just how well the government does at protecting the nation’s children. The public school system is rife with abuse and it is allowed to self-report.

Federal crime reporting requirements were established for colleges and universities in 1990 under the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, later formally named the Clery Act. No such federal law exists for K–12 schools.

“A study published by the government estimated 10% of K–12 students will experience sexual misconduct from a school employee, and these are only the ones we know about,” according to Fox News.

Additionally, according to a News Chan-

“Strangely enough, an organization that claims it is dedicated to protecting children should consider taking a long hard look at just how well the government does at protecting the nation’s children.”

nel 5 report, in Tennessee the Department of Children Services was slapped with a lawsuit in June of 2024 for alleged abuse and violence against children with disabilities.

“DCS failed children with disabilities by not screening them for any conditions and then punishing them for behaviors related to their disabilities. Those punishments included placing them in solitary confinement, pepper-spraying children while naked, having other kids beat one child and shackling and dragging a child across the floor.”

This is the same government that the CRHE feels needs to police home-school families.

All Christian home-school families are not part of the “Quiverfull” movement. They are not all like Jim Bob Duggar. The home-school population is diverse. Homeschool families consist of many faiths as well as secular families.

What is my perspective regarding The Make Homeschool Safe Act? I believe it is an attack on the Constitutional rights of families across the United States from a group of individuals who seem to have a personal vendetta based off of their experiences or prejudices.

What can you do? Get involved. Follow Free YOUR Children on all social media platforms as we continue to keep you informed about this legislation and more. Subscribe to our newsletters, podcasts, and Substack, read the Murfreesboro Pulse, and make sure you drop your contact info over on our website. Contact your legislators by phone and show up at their offices, and encourage them to not support freedomsnatching, unconstitutional legislation such as The Make Homeschool Safe Act. Support grassroots organizations such as Free YOUR Children who actually have boots on the ground fighting for your rights. Don’t allow propaganda to dictate the narrative.

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

T

t he Z- train, a r etrospective

s ome of the top q uotes f rom the b rain of the train o ver the Years

HE T RA i N dA ddy i S BACK with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard!

Happy New Year to you, the reader! 2025 is going to be a year to remember—I can feel it, good vibes incoming.

You want to hear something amazing? The Murfreesboro Pulse is celebrating its 20th anniversary! 2025 marks 20 years of this publication working tirelessly for the people of Middle Tennessee to enjoy.

I started writing my sports articles way back in 2008. I am thankful for the family behind the scenes of this paper, the folks who make the wheels go round. I am happy to call the Mayo family friends and I am thankful they have given me this platform to express myself on topics from sports to politics to random social issues. I talk about it all, and they have rarely censored me. I have never claimed to be the smartest, but I have always claimed to be genuine, and I thank the Pulse for allowing that all these years.

On the website, boropulse.com, you can find all of my past work dating back to 2008. I recently went back and looked at them all and found some of my favorite quotes from past articles. Enjoy!

AuguST 2008, “Oh my, I can smell the football season upon us. Fresh beer, loaded nachos and first downs for my team all year long.”

MARCH 2009, “If you have a problem with hockey or the Train, send a letter to the editor. If that’s not kosher enough for you, you can find me, and I will knock you out like my man Tootoo does game after game.”

MAy 2009, “You know the NBA bigwigs are getting off just thinking about a Cleveland vs. Lakers matchup. They only see big money rolling in, King James vs. Sir Kobe Bryant.”

JuLy 2009, “Rest in peace, Steve, you are one of my all-time heroes on the field and your legacy will not be forgotten. I will tell my kids of a man

among boys who was a rare breed of QB and played the game with heart and passion.”

AuguST 2010, “Just like 2-Pac wondered if there was a ghetto in heaven, the Z-Train wonders if there is football in the afterlife.”

AuguST 2011, “Every weekend, Lady Football is there to please us men, and she finds new ways to tickle my pickle every Sunday.”

OCTOBER 2012, “I am going to stay away from Titans talk as much as possible, but real quick, here’s my two cents on the matter. The Titans suck and that is everything in a nutshell.”

FEBRuARy 2013, “There is nothing better than good friends, good food, good drinks and a huge television.”

dECEMBER 2013, “The turkey has been stuffed, football is in its prime, Christmas is just around the corner and the Titans can suck my eggnog.”

AuguST 2014, “There is no better feeling than leaving Me-Ma’s house full of spaghetti after a Titans victory. Those are the days when you appreciate the joy that friends, family and sports can truly bring.”

dECEMBER 2014, “What can’t pass, can’t run, can’t catch, and wouldn’t be able to defend a nut from a squirrel if lives were at stake? The 2014 Tennessee Titans.”

JuNE 2015, “Just as Billy Graham spread the word of the Gospel, the Me-Ma spread the good news of the

glory of American football.”

JANuARy 2016, “The NBA vs. the NRA: it’s time for a shootout; one side uses balls, the other uses firearms.”

AuguST 2016, “Men and women of all races have died defending what that flag stands for, giving their lives so a childish brat like Colin Crapernick has the right to make $20 million a year playing with a ball.”

FEBRuARy 2017, “I am humbled that people read the words I compose for every issue. If I can make a few folks smile, laugh and think, well, that’s a bonus, because I simply enjoy creating these masterpieces.”

APRiL 2017, “It will be interesting to see how feminists handle it when trans women in sports become more prevalent.”

JuNE 2017, “I was fingered! That’s right, I was fingered against my will. I ended up in the infamous section Cell Block 303 and they had me; I was Fang Fingered.”

JANuARy 2018, “Players, shut up and play, Mr. President, shut up and be presidential and sports networks, shut up and cover sports.”

JuLy 2018, “Every July 4 there are two guarantees for me. I watch Independence Day and pretend to be Will Smith. I am a black man who gets jiggy with it and shows the world how badass America is. The other guarantee, I pretend to be Joey Chestnut, a man who knows how to stuff an insane amount of wieners down his throat in 10 minutes.”

MARCH 2019, “Faith, Family, Football, Food and Friends, that’s a man walking a righteous path, a sexy man like myself.”

dECEMBER 2020, “I can’t imagine living in one of these progressively run cities where draconian measures on gatherings have been enacted. I am very thankful I live in Tennessee.”

FEBRuARy 2021, “By the time the Super Bowl is done, the average football fan will have

eaten almost 2,000 calories: the average me will have eaten nearly 10,000 calories!”

MARCH 2021, “The Biden administration signed a stupid executive order that proclaims that trans athletes in high schools and colleges may compete with the sex they identify as.”

JuNE 2021, “Tennessee, without doubt, is the best state in the country.”

OCTOBER 2021, “I’ve come to realize haters make the most loyal readers, and without you this entire thing wouldn’t be possible, so thank you.”

MARCH 2022, “Allowing transgender athletes to compete willy-nilly (no pun intended) is an absolute disgrace.”

APRiL 2022, “No doubt about it, Rocky Top has some of the best, most loyal fans in the entire country. There are a lot of people who enjoy seeing UT lose, yet one thing rings true. No matter what, Tennessee fans stay loyal.”

FEBRuARy 2023, “If the state of Tennessee got an MLB team would I stop being a Braves fan? It tears at my heart, but it’s an easy answer. I would immediately support that local team, and the Braves would be a part of my past.”

MAy 2023, “The reality is trans women are dudes born with twinkies who at some point, just like Shania Twain, started feeling like a woman. Biology matters in sports!”

JANuARy 2024, “Was 2023 a good year for the Tennessee Titans? Can you milk a chicken? No!”

dECEMBER 2024, “Once Titans season wraps up there will be some very interesting debates on what direction this team should go as we gear up towards another high draft pick.”

Alright, back to reality! Hopefully we have many more years ahead of us. Happy New Year. The Train is rolling into the station. Choo-choo!

By sean M oran

Checking your Pulse and the Benefits of a Hometown Paper a look back 2006–2025

This pas T De C ember marked two years of partnership between me and the Murfreesboro Pulse. I also learned that 2025 marks 20 years of operation for “the Pulse,” as it is known to its fans. The publication is an important cornerstone of this community. I thought that to kick off the year, I’d do something a bit different for the Money Matters article. I wanted to share what this paper means to me, and to others in the community.

Prior to moving to Murfreesboro about four years ago, I came from two large cities: the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area and Washington, D.C. I can say that one thing those places are missing is a hometown paper to call their own.

I recall going to a networking event at Boombozz Pizza, then walking into Steak ’n Shake, as well as taking my children to the Linebaugh library, and all three places had news racks containing the Pulse. I thought that there must be something to this, and I grabbed a copy and read it. I was impressed with how much I was able to learn about what was going on in the community.

I also recognized that if

businesses were advertising in this paper, they were probably businesses I should check out, where I should potentially get to know the owners. The Pulse gave me an opportunity to find these places and forge relationships with the people in the community. I wound up going to a group called “Networking for Awesome People” and met some people who live up to the name. Fortunately for me, I was able to convince that group that I belonged. I learned about the Boro Prom, the BBQ Festival, how cool Cannonsburgh Village could be, Friday night concerts on the Square and so many more amazing things about this community, all through the Pulse

A few months later, someone told me I should go to an event called The Connection, which was taking place at the Murfreesboro Strike and Spare. They told me that the owner of the Pulse was hosting a meeting there. I thought there was no way that someone who published this paper would talk to me. I was so wrong. Bracken and his team were there, and I got to meet him. He’s a down-to-earth, regular, local guy. Through another networking group, I got to

As a financial advisor, every so often I’ll get someone to book a meeting on my calendar and I’m not sure how they found me. I have had meetings with potential clients who shared that they read my article. One even had a copy of the paper on his kitchen table when we sat down to talk about how I can help with his retirement planning.

To say that the Murfreesboro Pulse

has been an impressive resource is an understatement. I enjoy writing these articles, and I appreciate the partnership with the Mayos and the Pulse. Happy 20th anniversary to the Murfreesboro Pulse. I look forward to the next 20 years!

if you would like to connect with me, please call 615-619-6919 or email smoran@redbarnfinancial.com.

know the singer for a band called Kings of Queen, and they were featured in an issue of the Pulse when they came to town. No matter what it is that happens in Murfreesboro, the Pulse probably has you covered.

In the months and years thereafter I attended quite a few of the Pulse’s monthly business networking events—now held at Champy’s Chicken—and decided to advertise in the paper, which helped me in so many ways as I became a part of the Murfreesboro community.

I then thought it might be fun and beneficial to write an article myself but thought there was no way that could happen. Again, I was wrong. Bracken was open to the idea and gave me an opportunity to write a financial column in the paper. Each month I enjoy sharing ideas with people on how they can better budget, save for retirement, give more to charity and so many other things that can help their financial lives. As a few months went by, I met some people around town who said “I read your article in the Pulse.” A person wrote to me commenting about my article, and I felt like a regular Dave Ramsey.

Live Exceptionally...Well!

By JennIfer durand

manY people spenD Time reFleCTing on their past year as they prepare to enter a new year. They look at what they did or accomplished— things they can feel good about. They also look at what didn’t go as planned and try to see what they could have done better, or at least differently. I like to take this same approach, only I do it whenever I feel the need to change, shift or reevaluate something going on in my life. You don’t have to wait for a new year to start a new year. The trick to making memorable moments is by starting. Choosing. Taking Action. Evaluating. Reevaluating. Make a move. Just start. Go forward.

I had a dream of writing a column in a newspaper. It had been on my “list of things to do” for years (no judgment). Along the way I met Bracken—editor of this magazine— through various civic endeavors. We had talked about my desire to write a column, offering insights and tips on a broad range of things that mostly fell under not just “living” but “Living . . . Exceptionally Well.” He was always encouraging and felt the paper and audience could use a supportive column on the topics I’d shared.

Some of my favorite memorable moments are being recognized in public and asked about a particular column. I’m always surprised when someone takes the time to comment or chat about what they read. So, a big thank you to those followers who let us writers know you’re out there. I remember when someone tracked me down at The Spa to find out if I had or could get an extra issue from a few months prior that had an article in it that they wanted to share with someone. It had been a few months and they didn’t remember the title but they remembered the content. That was a great moment. Another favorite was when someone wrote to me about the month I shared my experience of fasting (for 22 days) and the insights I’d gained from that experience, including how we look at our bodies, how we look at food, how we simply see ourselves overall. Another time, during a conversation with a friend, he referenced an article with a spiritual view and said how much he liked it. I said “How cool. I never know who really reads the magazine, let alone my article.” He said he reads the paper and my column every month. Great moment!

“Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph: a beginning, a struggle, and a victory.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Some of my personal favorites: JANuARy 2017: Get Grounded – Being grounded can serve us in not settling, not being negatively impulsive, getting solid.

APRiL 2020: Be the Light – Wherever you are, whatever you do: be the light that shines and guides.

After several years—I believe it was almost four years of conversations—I finally wrote my first two articles. I submitted them and so it began. Each month became more and more exciting as I thought of things that I felt could help others. Through many life experiences, constant learning and application of knowledge, listening to thousands of clients, family and friends, it was easy to see what people struggled with, what they needed and what they cared about the most. My aim has been to transform these things into thoughts that readers could relate to.

I also found out how difficult it could be to try to get my thoughts out on paper—sitting and staring at the computer praying for just one sentence to form from the countless thoughts I’d had running through my mind in the weeks leading up to the time it needed to be written. The desire to hopefully offer some bit of insight or encouragement to others is what prevailed.

I am so grateful for my relationship with the Murfreesboro Pulse. Bracken Mayo keeps his finger on the “pulse” and heartbeat of our community, weaving local entertainment, art, history, entrepreneur spirit, advertisements, culture, business, focused content and so much more within the publication. It is a true privilege to contribute.

SEPTEMBER 2021: Spaces in Between – Experience the spaces in between your thoughts and every moment of your life. Ride the wave.

OCTOBER 2023: Plug Your Leaks – We have leaks in areas of our lives that need plugged, repaired or replaced.

SEPTEMBER 2024: A Puzzled Life – Like the puzzle, life is not about the final image, but more about putting it together and living it.

After eight-plus years of writing this column I have so many more favorites. My next goal is to put a book of 52 chosen pieces (one for each week of the year) together for easier access, reflection and sharing. More memorable moments. It might take some time to get there, but just keep moving forward and you will.

Jennifer durand is the owner and operator of The Nurture Nook day Spa & gift Shoppe. visit nurturenook.com or facebook.com/nurturenook dayspa or call 615-896-7110 for more information.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES who support the Pulse and tell them that you notice and appreciate their contribution to the community. Remember, the advertisers make it possible for us to offer this publication to the community for free. If your business or organization would like to join the roster of Pulse advertisers, call 615-796-6248 email Bracken@BoroPulse.com