July 2017 Murfreesboro Pulse by The Murfreesboro Pulse

JULY 2017 / VOL. 12, ISSUE 7 / FREE

Great Race

page 22

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

Foster Falls

page 24

CHILL OUT

EmiSunshine

page 14

OUR FROZEN TREAT GUIDE CAN HELP YOU BEAT THE HEAT

page 38

IN MUSIC

UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS / GLADE CITY ROUNDERS / ANDERLE / CAPITAL. / FOLK’N’ ART FEST / RAGTIME

On the Cover/Right: Paletas from Fresko Pops and Eatery, photos by Dylan Skye Aycock

Contents

WORD FROM THE EDITOR

2017 Uncle Dave Days Schedule Inside!

IN EVERY ISSUE

FEATURES

UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS Bluegrass festival celebrates 40 years with The Grascals, Russell Moore, Rhonda Vincent and more.

GLADE CITY ROUNDERS Middle Tennessee pickers keep old time sounds alive across the nation.

LIVE & PLAY FOR TAY A foundation remembering Tay keeps active schedule of fundraisers to help families with childhood illness.

GREAT RACE Classic car race makes a stop at Cannonsburgh Village.

28 Art

THIS MONTH

EVENTS

Movies Under the Stars, Free Pet Adoption and more!

8 Sounds LOCAL CONCERTS

J.D. Shelburne, Jake Leg Stompers and more!

CHILL OUT Find a cool, sweet summer treat.

Ragtime the Musical

38 Food

RUSTORCREATIONS

Fresko Pops and Eatery

The sculpture art of Charley Davidson

32 Movies

ALBUM REVIEWS

LIVING ROOM CINEMA

capital.; Anderle

Carmen’s Taqueria; Hop Springs; Juicy’s; Hanks; Waxface

THEATER

MOVIES

Emi Sunshine, Autograph Rehearsal Studio and more!

BUSINESS BUZZ

Folk’n Art Fest

MUSIC NOTES

Wonder Woman; Baby Driver

Composting and Vermicomposting SOMEWHERE PLACE ELSE

Eagleville farm pickles delicious local produce. MTSU MILK

Production underway

RESTAURANT

RECIPE

Pan Roasted Poussin With Charred Corn, Shishito/Tomato Relish

Opinion THE STOCKARD REPORT

Serials

16 Living 34 News GARDENING

FOSTER FALLS Take a scenic swim in nearby Marion County.

4 Events

NAVIGATING THE SYSTEM

Cope escapes disbarment

VIEWS OF A CONSERVATIVE

Emulating the rich

Violation of probation and public defenders

LIVE . . . WELL

WHERE IS DEVIN?

48 Sports

Murfreesboro family still looking for missing 16-year old.

Living like new

SPORTS TALK

Mayweather vs. McGregor

VISIT US AT BOROPULSE.COM FOR MORE! Contributors: Dylan Skye Aycock, Alex Belew, John Connor Coulston, Jennifer Durrand, Dakota Green, Bryce Harmon, Peter Kosanovich, Zach Maxfield, Justin Reed, Publisher/ Art Director: Advertising: Edwina Shannon, Jay Spight, Lucas James Sarah Mayo Editor in Don Clark Stepp, Justin Stokes, Andrea Stockard, Chief: Copy Editor: Leslie Russell-Yost Sam Stockard, Norbert Thiemann, Bracken Mayo Steve Morley Phil Valentine, Michelle Willard

To carry the PULSE at your business, or to submit letters, stories and photography: Bracken@BoroPulse.com 10 N. Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 615-796-6248

Copyright © 2017, The Murfreesboro Pulse, 10 N. Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. Proudly owned, operated and published the first Thursday of each month by the Julyo family; printed by Franklin Web Printing Co. The Murfreesboro Pulse is a free publication funded by our advertisers. Views expressed in the Pulse do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. ISSN: 1940-378X

HAPPY JULY! If you need to cool down at some point this summer, this edition of the Murfreesboro Pulse contains a guide to area ice cream shops. Even the lactose intolerant can locate a water-based Italian ice or paleta. Let the music fill the air. Uncle Dave Macon Days returns and brings in the dancers and stringed instrument players from far and wide. Otherwise, this issue celebrates the sounds of Glade City Rounders, EmiSunshine, the Folk’n Art Fest, Autograph Rehearsal Studio, J.D. Shelburne, Anderle, capital., Ronnie McDowell and others. This month, the Center for the Arts presents the musical Ragtime. I enjoy some fine ragtime sounds. Very American. Continuing the eating local theme, the Pulse brings lots of local food news this time around as well. There are jellies, pickles, hot sauces and salsas from Somewhere Place Else Farm, blueberries ready for picking, a recipe from Mr. Alex Belew and MTSU Milk. The Great Race passed through town and made a stop at Cannonsburgh Village last month. If you have an antique auto that you’ve been wanting to drive cross-country with no assistance from computer navigation, accompanied by a parade of other fine classic cars, get her polished up for next year’s Great Race. The Pulse’s coverage continues on navigating the local criminal justice system. We can’t eliminate the whole system. That is not the aim with the column series. I believe most wouldn’t want to shut it down altogether. Some do commit some awful atrocities and deserve to be locked up, but perhaps we could still streamline and simplify the local criminal justice system in some ways. Make the penalties fair and clear; steal as little time as possible from the life of someone hit with a suspended license charge. In the meantime: Try and avoid even thinking about anything that could get you sucked into this convoluted system. If your driver's license is suspended, do not ever get behind the wheel of the car in this town! Get a bike. Get a ride. If you have had something to drink, run away! Really, walk away. Do not bring unnecessary attention to yourself. Go home, avoid cars, and sidewalks and people, all while being as discreet as possible. Do not touch someone else’s property. Follow this advice, and you may be able to avoid the jail and the courts and the supposed-to-be-reformed probation system that seems to be a duplicate of the past system that was run out of town due to corrupt money-grabbing practices. Try and enjoy the positive things like waterfalls and ice cream and yoga and sunshine and fiddles and friends and family. As always, make your life awesome. Identify your goals and dreams and make them happen!

Peace, BRACKEN MAYO Publisher/Editor in Chief

Events

THROUGHOUT JULY MOVIES UNDER THE STARS Murfreesboro’s Movies Under the Stars series features family films shown at various parks in the community. Admission is free and movies begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chair, blanket or tailgate; concessions are available for sale. Locations are: Mondays – Barfield Crescent Park, 697 Veterans Pkwy. (near pavilions #1 and #2) Tuesdays – Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village, 312 S. Front St. Thursdays – Richard Siegel Neighborhood Park, 515 Cherry Lane Fridays – Cason Lane Trailhead, 1100 Cason Trail Saturdays – McFadden Community Center, 211 Bridge Ave. Showings are: Week of July 3 – The Jungle Book Week of July 10 – Finding Dory Week of July 17 – Inside Out Week of July 24 – The Great Gilly Hopkins For more information, visit murfreesborotn.gov/parks.

BY ANDREA STOCKARD

JULY 7 FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT Bring your lawn chair to the Historic Murfreesboro Square for Main Street’s 2017 Friday Night Concert on Friday, July 7, from 6–10 p.m. and enjoy a free concert and dance on the east side of the courthouse. Entice will perform at the July concert. For more information, visit downtownmurfreesboro.com/events.

JULY 8 DOGMA DANCE-OFF Local bands and artists gather at Murfreesboro Little Theatre on Saturday, July 8, for an outdoor charity music and arts day fest benefiting The Journey Home soup kitchen. The event, held from 2–10 p.m. features O, Summer, Joshua Idlewild, Midnight Guru, Smile, Nordista Freeze, Allison Young, Glasgow and Will Wander. There will be food trucks and art vendors on hand, and organizers encourage everyone to come out and boogie. Murfreesboro Little Theatre is located at 702 Ewing Blvd.

THROUGH JULY 8 CAMP BOW WOW SMYRNA TO COVER PET ADOPTION COSTS New doggie day care and boarding facility Camp Bow Wow Smyrna will pay for all pet adoptions at Rutherford County PAWS through July 8, during the “Red, White & Blue” adoption event. Thanks to Camp Bow Wow’s sponsorship, those looking for a new, furry pal will be able to find one at no cost to them. In addition, Camp Bow Wow will be offering other goodies throughout the first week of July, including free days of camp and free nights of boarding. “Camp Bow Wow is happy to be able to find forever homes for numerous shelter pets of all types at PAWS,” says Smyrna camp owner Shellie Vogler. “Camp Bow Wow provides a fun and safe environment for dogs to play, romp and receive tons of love and attention during their stay we hope to see some of the adopted pets at our brand-new facility soon!” All adopters will receive a free bag of pet food, and all adoptable pets are already spayed or neutered and up-to-date on all vaccinations. PAWS is located at 285 John R. Rice 4 * JULY 2017 * BOROPULSE.COM

Blvd. in Murfreesboro. Adoption hours are Monday through Friday, 12–5:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. For more information on PAWS, call (615) 898-7740; for more information on Camp Bow Wow, call (615) 625-6230. Find both organizations on Facebook for more event info.

JULY 8 LIVE YOUR PASSION RALLY Join Stephanie Worsham on Saturday, July 8, from 1–4 p.m. at 1639 Medical Center Pkwy. for the Summer 2017 Live Your Passion Rally to learn how Young Living can help in striving for wellness, purpose and abundance. Hear directly from the management team on what successes Young Living has experienced in 2017, and learn about the YL’s future plans. Get special offers for becoming a member and get a first look at some of the new products announced at the International Grand Convention. Network and learn how to build a thriving YL business with thousands of distributors all over the country. For more information, contact essentiallydifferent@yahoo.com.

JULY 9 POP UP DINNER Join Alex Belew for his private pop-up dinner Sunday, July 9, at Simply Pure Sweet (118 N. Walnut St.) from 6:30–9 p.m. 20 seats are available. Seating is family style. Tickets are $75 per guest for a 4-course meal including Alaskan King Crab, Quail, Wagyu Beef and chocolate dessert. For more information, contact info@alexbelew.com.

JULY 9 THERAPEUTIC DRUMMING: A RHYTHMIC AND WATER REJUVENATION RETREAT The quest for well-being begins with personal rhythm. Join Sinking Creek Farm (2473 Battleground Dr.) with 10Penny Arts Sunday, July 9, from 1–5 p.m., for a funfilled afternoon learning about the benefits of drumming for meditation and drumming in group circles. Learn basic techniques for different drums including darbuke, djembe and frame drums. Build simple rhythmic instruments, get your groove on in a drum circle, learn to create your own rhythms and take a revitalizing float down the creek. Reconnect with your soul and unearth your

inner beat. No drum, experience or even a sense of rhythm required. For more information, visit sinkingcreekfarm.org.

JULY 9 GOATS AND YOGA BY JOINED FORCES YOGA Join Grumpy Goat (1735 W. Jefferson Pk.), on Sunday, July 9, from 2–4 p.m. for a yoga class and a send-off party for some furry friends who will soon be leaving for their new homes. Bring cookies. Proceeds benefit Joined Forces Yoga’s mission to make yoga accessible to the military and uniformed personnel where they are located. For more information, contact (262) 391-9216 or grumpygoats@gmail.com, or visit grumpygoats.weebly.com.

JULY 10 LIVE 4 TAY BENEFIT AT THE ALLEY The Alley on Main (223 W. Main St.) hosts a benefit wine tasting for The Live 4 Tay Foundation on Monday, July 10, starting at 7 p.m. The Live 4 Tay Foundation was founded in September 2012, in memory of 16-year-old Taylor Filorimo. This community-based organization raises awareness for childhood cancer through advocacy and education, and by raising and disbursing funds to provide financial assistance to childhood cancer families

and to organizations leading innovative research for the prevention and cure of childhood cancers. For more information, follow @Live4TayFoundation, contact live4tayfoundation@gmail.com or visit live4tay.org. Admission is $40 per person and includes a 5-course meal. To reserve a spot, call (615) 203-3498 between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.

JULY 10–14 ROCK ’N’ ROLL CAMP Southern Girls Rock Camp at MTSU is a summer camp for girls ages 10–17 held Monday–Friday, July 10–14, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. each day, with a showcase performance Saturday, July 15. For the fifteenth year, this camp is coordinated by the Youth Empowerment through Arts and Humanities (YEAH!). Scholarships available. No musical experience is necessary. For more information, contact (615) 8498140 or director@yeahrocks.org, or visit yeahrocks.org.

JULY 11 LIVE LIFE HAPPY MIX AND MINGLE Join LaShandra Oliver-Jones and cohost Christine Schneider at Jonathan’s Grille (2911 Medical Center Pkwy.) the second Tuesday of every month for a lowpressure, casual and friendly social event to build relationships and meet others in

Visit BOROPULSE.COM/EVENTS for more community events

the community. The next one will be July 11 from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Bring plenty of business cards. For more information, visit networkmiddletennessee.com.

JULY 12 CHILDHOOD TRAUMA WORKSHOP Research now shows how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can negatively impact the brain architecture of developing youth. What part does the community play in that? This upcoming workshop teaches a trauma-informed practice, demonstrates how people “recover” from ACEs, and challenges you to create a more supportive community through church, counseling centers and juvenile justice systems. Patterson Park Community Center (621 Mercury Blvd.) hosts six hours of CEUs/ CLE for attorneys, social workers, counselors, CPRS and nurses on Wednesday, July 12, from 8:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m. For more information, call (615) 893-7439.

JULY 12 FLICK N’ FLOAT Flick n’ Float invites children 12 years and under (with a guardian) to a movie at ’Boro Beach, Sports*Com’s outdoor pool (2310 Memorial Blvd.), Wednesday, July 12. Bring your own float for the pool or a blanket to watch poolside. Refreshments can be purchased. The pool opens at 7 p.m. with the movie beginning at 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact (615) 890-5333 or bjohnson@ murfreesborotn.gov.

JULY 13 NOURISH FOOD BANK Join Nourish Food Bank (130 Richardson St., Smyrna) Thursday, July 13, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. as Nourish Community Days gives back to the Rutherford County community by providing everyone access to numerous service providers and organizations. This event is free and open to the public and is on the second Thursday of each month (through September) For more information, contact romekaking16@gmail.com.

JULY 14 OAKLANDS MANSION SUMMER PICNIC Oaklands Mansion’s Summer Picnic on the Grounds features music from the Knott Brothers Band, Uncle Bud’s chicken and catfish, spirits provided by Murfreesboro Wine and Spirits, and tastings from Prichard’s Distillery on the front lawn of Oaklands Mansion, 900 N. Maney Ave.,

Friday, July 14, from 6:30–10 p.m. Attire is comfortable, casual. Sponsorships to help the mansion are encouraged. For more information, call (615) 893-0022 or visit oaklandsmansion.org.

JULY 17 ADOPTION INFORMATION CLASS Heaven Sent Children offers a free Adoption Information Class every month at the Center for Family Development (2604 Merchants Walk) with the next one coming up Monday, July 17, from 6–8 p.m. For more information, call (615) 957-2598 or visit heavensentchildren.com.

JULY 18 CLIFF SHARP BOOK SIGNING Cliff Sharp appears at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) Tuesday, July 18, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., for a book signing of Cliff’s Notes, a devotional book based on his monthly Greenhouse Ministries newsletter, the organization he founded with his wife, Jane, in 1999. Family and friends searched through 15 years’ worth of newsletters and picked out 52 of Sharp’s articles to form the basis for this book, allowing a wider audience to gain from the words and wisdom of the Greenhouse Ministries co-founder. For more information, call (615) 893-4131 or visit linebaugh.org.

JULY 21 CONCERT AND FOOD TRUCK Enjoy the Friday Night Food Truck and Concert Series the third Friday of each month at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) from 6–9 p.m. For more information, call (615) 890-0355.

JULY 21 ALIVE HOSPICE LUNCH AND LEARN Join Alive Hospice Murfreesboro (1629 Williams Dr.) for another great Lunch and Learn on Friday, July 21, from noon–1 p.m. to discuss caring for patients who have Dementia. Tiffany Cloud-Mann, VP of Programs with the Alzheimer’s Association Mid-South Chapter, provides information and answers questions. Lunch is provided and parking is free. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact (615) 3468418 or kking@alivehospice.org.

JULY 23 GO WITH THE FLOW INTUITIVE PAINTING Join Sinking Creek Farm (2473 Battleground Dr.) Sunday, July 23, from 1–5 p.m. for intuitive painting combined with a series

of mindfulness movement exercises, guided meditations and a reinvigorating float down the creek. Learn to be present, let go and listen to your inner voice through this mindful art process. Create and play with color while getting to know even deeper aspects of yourself in a judgment free zone. No previous painting experience necessary. For registration and more information, visit sinkingcreekfarm.org.

JULY 29 TASTE OF RUTHERFORD Downtown Murfreesboro’s annual fund raiser Taste of Rutherford is the summer party of the year Saturday, July 29, from 7–10 p.m., at Daffodil Hill (1710 East Main St.). Enjoy music, fun, an open bar and casual summer attire. The area’s finest local restaurants and caterers offer a “Taste of Rutherford.” Become a sponsor and attend the pre-party. For more information, call (615) 895-1887 or visit downtownmurfreesboro.com.

JULY 31–AUG. 4 GUITAR WORKSHOP PLUS AT MTSU Learn how to play the guitar with the

JULY 20 SPLASH OUT! Ages 12 and under (with a guardian) can cool off under the spray from the Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department Thursday, July 20, at Old Fort Park (916 Golf Ln.) from 1:30–3 p.m. Wear clothes and shoes to get wet in, and bring sunscreen and a towel. Cost to attend is free. Guardians are welcome to enjoy the water, too. For more information, contact (615) 893-2141 or mtate@ murfreesborotn.gov.

JULY 20 ISLAND FUN RUN Help celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month with a fun run on the island at Gateway Island and Reception Center (1875 W. College St.) from 7–8 p.m. Thursday, July 20, with music and prizes. Run or walk the one-mile route as many times as you’d like. Admission is free. Parking can be found at West College Street and General Bragg trailheads. No preregistration necessary. For more information, contact (615) 893-2141 or mtate@murfreesborotn.gov. BOROPULSE.COM

* JULY 2017 * 5

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Guitar Workshop Plus in MTSU’s Wright Music Building (1439 Faulkinberry Dr.) Monday–Friday, July 31–Aug. 4. Receive visits from world famous guest artists, and participate in daily classes, clinics, ensemble, student performances and evening concerts with some of the most talented, experienced teachers. For more information, call (615) 898-5924 or visit guitarworkshopplus.com.

AUG. 1 NEW AND EXPECTING MOMS PRESALE If you are a new or expecting mom, sign up for the free New Moms Presale on Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 6–9 p.m. at the Mid TN Expo Center (1660 Middle Tennessee Blvd.). For more information, visit consignandco.com.

TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS FARMERS MARKET AT LANE AGRI-PARK Get your food products naturally and locally at the Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) every Tuesday and Friday from 7 a.m.–noon with local farmers selling fresh produce, plants, local honey, farm-fresh cheese, meats, soaps and eggs. At 9 a.m. there is a free class. For more information, call (615) 898-7710.

WEDNESDAYS ARTS IN THE PARK Experience and create art with the city every Wednesday in July (rain or shine) from 9:30–11 a.m. at Old Fort Park Trailhead (916 Golf Lane). For more information, contact (615) 867-7244 or culturalarts@mufreesborotn.gov.

FRIDAYS RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE The Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the Murfreesboro Red Cross (501 Memorial Blvd.) encourages you to give at the weekly blood drive every Friday from 7 a.m.–3 p.m. if you are at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good health. For more information, visit midtnredcross.org/blood.

SATURDAYS IN JULY SATURDAY FARMERS MARKET Join Murfreesboro’s annual Saturday Marketplace to not only support local farmers and craftsmen but to also support your health by eating fresh foods. The market is held around the Historic Rutherford County Courthouse from 8 a.m.–noon. each Saturday.

THROUGHOUT JULY BLUEBERRIES RIPE FOR PICKING July is now upon the residents of Murfreesboro, and with this month comes the season for picking blueberries. The good news is, even if you do not have blueberry plants of your own, there are patches right here in Murfreesboro where anyone can pick. One of these places is the Batey Farms berry patch, located at 3250 Wilkinson Pk. According to the Batey website, the berry bushes were planted in 2015, making this their second season of fruit production. The blueberry bushes are spread out among three acres alongside one acre of thornless blackberry bushes. Picking the berries comes with a price of $4 per pound, or prepacked berries are available for $5 per pound; containers are provided to customers. Find Batey Farms on Facebook for days and times the field will be open for picking this month. In the Murfreesboro area there is also the Blueberry Patch, located at 5942 West Gum Rd. This patch, featuring seven acres of blueberry plants, also features picnic tables, a small children’s playground and a restroom facility, and provides buckets and liners. The patch opened for picking the last week of June. For hours of operation this summer, call Angie Kleinau at (615) 893-7940.

ENTERTAINMENT

DJ, BINGO, TRIVIA & KARAOKE NIGHTS  MONDAYS AHART’S PIZZA GARDEN Trivia, 6:30 p.m. LEVEL III Trivia, 7 p.m. THE BORO Vinyl Spin with KM 9 p.m.

 TUESDAYS COCONUT BAY Live Trivia, 7:30 p.m. HANDLEBARS Karaoke, 7 p.m. NACHO’S Trivia, 7 p.m. NOBODY'S Bingo, 7 p.m. OLD CHICAGO Trivia, 9 p.m. TGI FRIDAY’S Trivia, 9 p.m.

HANDLEBARS Karaoke, 7 p.m. LA SIESTA (GREENLAND) Trivia, 7 p.m. LEVEL III Trivia, 7 p.m. MELLOW MUSHROOM Trivia, 8 p.m. NOBODY’S Trivia, 7 and 9:30 p.m. SAM’S SPORTS GRILL Trivia, 8 p.m. STATION GRILL Trivia, 7 p.m. THE BORO Game Night, 8 p.m.

 THURSDAYS BOB’S BBQ Trivia, 7 p.m.

 WEDNESDAYS

CAMPUS PUB Trivia, 6:15 and 8:15 p.m.

CAMPUS PUB Karaoke, 10 p.m.–2:30 a.m.

COCONUT BAY Karaoke, 8:00 p.m.

GEORGIA’S SPORTS BAR Karaoke, 9 p.m.

HANDLEBARS Karaoke, 7 p.m.

NOBODY’S Karaoke, 9:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m. WHISKEY DIX DJ Cliffy D, 8 p.m.

 FRIDAYS GEORGIA’S SPORTS BAR Karaoke, 9 p.m. LIQUID SMOKE DJ Night, 10 p.m. MT BOTTLE Karaoke, 9 p.m.–3 a.m. WHISKEY DIX DJ Cliffy D, 8 p.m.

 SATURDAYS CAMPUS PUB Karaoke, 10 p.m.–2:30 a.m. NACHOS Trivia, 7 p.m. NOBODY’S Karaoke, 9:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m. WHISKEY DIX DJ Cliffy D, 8 p.m.

 SUNDAYS SAM’S SPORTS GRILL Trivia, 8 p.m.

CONCERTS

IF YOU GO Autograph Rehearsal Studio 1400 W. College St. 615-686-6121

THURS, 7/6

SUN, 7/9

JAZZMATAZZ

HANDLEBARS

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

JAZZMATAZZ

Bonhoeffer’s 2022 E. Main St. 615-440-3794

THE BORO

SHORT MOUNTAIN DISTILLERY

Carmen’s Taqueria 206 W. Northfield Blvd. 615-848-9003

Ivan Fleming

The Ham Family

All-Star Jam hosted by Justin Johnson

FRI, 7/7

The Sugar Daddies Westie Jazz Mob Robyn Taylor & The Shine

CANNONSBURGH VILLAGE

THURS, 7/13

COCONUT BAY CAFE

THE BORO

Uncle Dave Macon Days DJ TruFX

GEORGIA’S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL

PICK

J.D. Shelburne

Junkbox

AUTOGRAPH REHEARSAL STUDIO

Loogey, Cliff Martin, Stagger, Illiminate

Lisa Law and the Suspects

COCONUT BAY CAFE

Matt McClosky

MAYDAY BREWERY

THE BORO

SAT, 7/8 CANNONSBURGH VILLAGE

Uncle Dave Macon Days

Zone Status

Ian C. Parker and Friends

NOBODY’S

Phoenix Rising

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

Eddie Heinzelman, Steve Dean, Paul Jefferson

CJ’S

Robyn Taylor

JAZZMATAZZ

DejaNu

MURFREESBORO LITTLE THEATRE

O, Summer, Joshua Idlewild, Midnight Guru, Smile, Nordista Freeze, Allison Young, Glasgow, Will Wander

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

Boomerang

THE BORO

Coconut Bay Café 210 Stones River Mall Blvd. 615-494-0504

Songwriter Night hosted by Glenn Brown

FRI, 7/14

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

CJ’s 352 W. Northfield Blvd. 615-546-4164

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

DJ Mike

NOBODY’S

Carpe Artista 101 Front St., Smyrna 615-984-4038

PULSE

THE BORO

VOLK, DEBRA

SAT, 7/15 COCONUT BAY CAFE

DJ RDP

The Broke Strings

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

The Bicho Brothers

THE BORO

The Southern Shame, Jesse Ray & the Carolina Catfish

Third Motion, Foreign Birds

J.D. SHELBURNE

At age 19, J.D. Shelburne, who grew up near a small town in northern Kentucky, found a guitar after the death of his grandmother and began learning to play and sing. By his sophomore year of college, he had found a few gigs at some local bars in the Louisville/Lexington area. After moving to Nashville to give country music a shot as a career, Shelburne’s music caught on, and he has gone on to open for some of the biggest names in the business, and perform at NASCAR tracks, Rupp Arena, Churchill Downs and various festivals and dives all over. Shelburne scored a CMT music video hit with 2015’s “Hometown” and currently keeps a very packed touring schedule that sends him all of the Southeast. Catch Shelburne at Puckett’s on the Murfreesboro Square on July 13; he appears at the Franklin Puckett’s the day before, July 12.

THURS, 7/20

NOBODY’S

Zone Status

The Hues

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

All-Star Jam hosted by Justin Johnson

THE BORO

FRI, 7/21 COCONUT BAY CAFE

Skipper Grace

Scott Reeves and Friends Threesound

SAT, 7/22 CJ’S

Robyn Taylor

COCONUT BAY CAFE

Karaoke with Hitman Walker

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

On Call

THE BORO

Adaegus, Eye on the Sky, Jen Hodges and Spurge, Thunderfrog

SUN, 7/23 SHORT MOUNTAIN DISTILLERY

Robyn Taylor & the Shine

TUES, 7/25 AUTOGRAPH REHEARSAL STUDIO

Raven Black, Of Serpents, Trigger Digit

8 * JULY 2017 * BOROPULSE.COM

Green Dragon 714 W. Main St. 615-801-7171

THURS., 7/13 @ PUCKETT'S

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

MT BOTTLE

Garage Bar 405 N. Front St. 615-934-7464

THURS, 7/27 PUCKETT’S GROCERY

The Young Fables

THE BORO

Radical Arts presents Comedy Night

FRI, 7/28 COCONUT BAY CAFE

Crossroads Band

NOBODY’S

Casual Exchange

Jazzmatazz 1824 Old Fort Pkwy. 615-624-6944 Level 3 114 S. Maple St. 615-900-3754 Liquid Smoke #2 Public Square 615-217-7822 Main Street Music 527 W. Main St. 615-440-2425 Mayday Brewery 521 Old Salem Hwy. 615-479-9722 MT Bottle 3940 Shelbyville Hwy. 615-962-9872 MTSU Wright Music Building 1439 Faulkinberry Dr. 615-898-2469 Nacho’s 2962 S. Rutherford Blvd. 615-907-2700 Nobody’s Grille & BBQ 2227 Old Fort Pkwy. 615-962-8019

THE BORO

Patterson Park Community Center 521 Mercury Blvd. (615) 893-7439

SAT, 7/29

Phat Boyz Bar & Grill 4425 Woodbury Pk. 615-546-4526

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

Hits and Grins

The Jake Leg Stompers

BIRD SONG STUDIO

EmiSunshine

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

The Road Crew

THE BORO

The Accidental Trio, Reed Turchi

SUN, 7/30 MAYDAY BREWERY

Ryan Coleman

SHORT MOUNTAIN DISTILLERY

Robyn Taylor & the Shine

Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant 114 N. Church St. 629-201-6916 Shangri-La 1208 S. Lowry St., Smyrna (629) 255-8296 Tempt 211 W. Main St. 615-225-7757 The Boro Bar & Grill 1211 Greenland Dr. 615-895-4800 Wall Street 121 N. Maple St. 615-867-9090

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MUSIC NOTES

AUTOGRAPH REHEARSAL STUDIO AIMS TO STRENGTHEN MURFREESBORO MUSIC COMMUNITY When former Autograph Rehearsal Studio owner Shania Blake sold the business to current owners Mike Low and Greg Vance last September—just four years after the studio’s grand opening party in 2012—she knew the beloved practice space would be in good hands. “It is somewhat a somber feeling leaving after having watched all the bands come through and having built friendships with each and every one of you,” Blake shared last September. “I know [Low] and [Vance] will take good care of not only the business, but also take very good care of all of you who continue to use Autograph Rehearsal Studio.” Nine months later, the studio continues to be a haven for musicians in need of practice space, rental gear, a stage on which to perform and more. Low and Vance, both musicians and supporters of the local music scene, rehearsed at Autograph as members of local metal band Oubliette. When the former owner decided to sell the venue, they quickly expressed interest in becoming its new owners. Vance, a drummer for Enfold Darkness, had a history of promoting, while Low, a guitarist for local band Inferi, had been recording and mixing albums since 2008 with a degree in audio production from MTSU. “We were looking to book a show at Autograph one day when the owner said they wanted to sell the place,” Low says. “That’s when we jumped at the chance to buy it and make it happen.” Instead of starting from scratch like most new business owners, Low and Vance had renovations in mind for the established practice space. With the help of an Indiegogo campaign, they installed a snack bar along with various upgrades and redecoration. In addition to physical improvements, Low says they wanted to increase the variety and

frequency of live events. As bands continue to reserve rehearsal space each week, and the facility hosts concerts in its live room, Low and Vance have included even more services for Murfreesboro’s music community. while trying to keep Autograph convenient and affordable for up-and-coming bands. “We consider ourselves somewhat of a community center for local artists,” Vance says. “A place like this in Nashville would be a lot more expensive.” As Vance explains, finding a place to rehearse in a college town is not an easy task, especially when most people live in apartments or in tight quarters with nextdoor neighbors. Before he began rehearsing at Autograph with Low, Vance says he had spent many days practicing in storage units, many of which are neither climate controlled nor accessible during all hours. Autograph practice room rentals are available by the month or by the hour, which comes with 24/7 access. When local bands begin booking shows, they might not have the clout to perform somewhere like Exit/In. Autograph utilizes its 16-by-20 stage, PA system, floor and drum monitors, lights and fog machine in Studio A to bring in local and touring metal, hip-hop and rock acts. The space is also available for private events or showcases. Autograph also offers music video and photography services, gear rentals, and Low is available to record, mix and master projects from a live practice to a full album. Low and Vance also offer lessons or step in as session musicians for recordings when needed. For more information, visit autographrehearsalstudio. com; catch Oubliette at Autograph on Saturday, July 8. — DYLAN SKYE AYCOCK

RONNIE McDOWELL TO VISIT WITH JUSTIN REED ON AIR THIS MONTH HAPPY JULY! Thank you so much for taking us along with you each and every Thursday morning. The show could not go on without faithful support from people like you. The month of July is shaping up to be a very fun month on The Justin Reed Show. JULY 6 – Episode 189: At 7:30 a.m., we have a pair of tickets to give away for the July 14 Ronnie McDowell show featuring 2COUNTRY4NASHVILLE in Bell Buckle. Be sure to tune in for the cue to call! At 8 a.m. that day, the show will preview the upcoming Dewdrop Jamboree that is a special part of the 40th Uncle Dave Macon Days. The Jamboree show will happen both nights of the festival, July 7 and 8, after the competition. Among those scheduled to perform on the show include frequent show guests Larry Martin, Billy Henson, Aaron Vance and the Martin Family Circus. These will be shows not to miss! For more information, please see amagroup. org and uncledavemacondays.com. JULY 20 – Episode 190: The lovely and talented ERIN McLENDON will be back with new music at 8 a.m. McLendon’s newest album, Making It Up as We Go, will be available everywhere July 7 and we will go track by track with the new album. McLendon will share stories and the inspiration behind every song on the new project. The title track has already been debuted worldwide on the show. For more information, visit erinmclendon.com. JULY 27 – Episode 191: One of the most talented entertainers in the world, RONNIE McDOWELL, will visit with Justin at 8 a.m. McDowell, known for hits “The King Is Gone” and “Older Women Make Good Lovers,” will talk about his newest album, Songs I Love. Singing his favorite songs originally cut by artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Eddie Rabbitt, McDowell puts his own spin one some timeless classics. For more information or to purchase the new album, visit ronniemcdowell.com. The Warm Up Show starts at 6 a.m. on Thursdays and The Justin Reed Show starts at 7 a.m. and runs live until 10 a.m. For more information, visit thejustinreedshow. com, facebook.com/thejustinreedshow and @tjrs_wmts on Twitter; the best way to know where I am going to be and when is facebook.com/justinreedradio. See you Thursday! Peace, Love and Ernest Tubb, — JUSTIN REED BOROPULSE.COM

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Uncle Dave Macon Days

2017 Uncle Dave Macon Days Schedule FRIDAY, JULY 7 S Macon Manor Stage 1 P.M. Competition Begins: Beginning Instrumental

D. Ford Bailey Harmonica Lester Armistead Jug Band Old-time Blues Linnell Gentry Old-time Singing Dave Macon’s Free Wheelin’ (Novelty)

Celebrating 40 Years, July 7–8 THE GRASCALS

STORY BY DYLAN SKYE AYCOCK

Macon-Doubler Fellowship, 40th Anniversary Ceremony 6 P.M. Trailblazer Presentation 7:50 P.M. Hog Slop String Band 9:30 P.M. The Grascals Rhonda Vincent

S Dixie Dew Drop Stage 7:30 P.M. Exhibitions for Dobro and Dulcimer; Dewdrop Jamboree

S Village Gazebo

2 P.M. Mid State Cloggers

TENNESSEE MAFIA JUG BAND

ith massive area festivals like Bonnaroo and CMA Fest behind us, it’s time to break out banjos, fiddles and other stringed instruments for the 40th annual Uncle Dave Macon Days, a two-day, old-time music festival and competition in Cannonsburgh Village. The Grascals, the Hog Slop Band, Rhonda Vincent and Robert Eskew are among featured performers, and two special Dewdrop Jamboree sets will take place during the festival. Earlier this year, event organizers announced the 2017 Heritage and Trailblazer Award recipients, Russell Moore and The Grascals. The Heritage Award, which recognizes individuals 10 * JULY 2017 * BOROPULSE.COM

RHONDA VINCENT

who have dedicated their careers to preserving oldtime music and dance, has previously been awarded to Grammy award-winning artist Ralph Stanley, Ricky Skaggs and others. While the Heritage Award is given to those who have paved the way for new artists, the Trailblazer Award highlights musicians and bands who preserve and refine old-time performance styles. The Grascals follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner, The Boxcars, and others including The SteelDrivers and the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band. The festival will be held July 7–8 at Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro. For more information, visit uncledavemacondays.com.

5 P.M. Robert Eskew: Discovering Robert Johnson

SATURDAY, JULY 8 10 A.M. Parade, Murfreesboro Square to Cannonsburgh

S Macon Manor Stage

10 A.M. Competition Begins: Guitar, Fiddle, Mandolin Bobby Thompson Bluegrass Banjo prelims Bluegrass Band prelims Traditional Fiddle Old-time Banjo prelims Old-time Band prelims Bobby Thompson Bluegrass Banjo finals Bluegrass Band finals Old-time Banjo finals Old-time Band finals 6 P.M. Tennessee Mafia Jug Band 7:50 P.M. Heritage Award Ceremony with Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out 9:30 P.M. Lonesome River Band 11 P.M. 40th Anniversary Jam

S Dixie Dew Drop Stage

11 A.M. National Championship Old-time Buckdancing and Clogging Junior, Adult, Senior prelims National Championship Old-time Buckdancing and Clogging Finals 7:30 P.M. Dewdrop Jamboree

S Village Gazebo

11 a.m. Mid State Cloggers 3:30 P.M. Robert Eskew: Discovering Robert Johnson ROBERT ESKEW

ALBUMS

BY JOHN CONNOR COULSTON

capital.

SCOTT ANDERLE

Tyler Evanston Moore released a couple solo R&B/ pop EPs locally before re-launching his career to pursue his true passion: hip-hop. The MTSU grad—working under the pseudonym “capital.”— made the move out to Los Angeles and recently delivered a fresh project, Winning for Losing. The six-song EP is barely over 20 minutes long, just long enough to get into your head and not wear out its welcome. With killer flows, quirky lyricism and a wide array of production choices, capital. economically hooks the listener. The single “Pillsbury Dough Boy” starts Winning for Losing on its highest note. In a lively performance, capital. floats effortlessly over the simple production, reminiscent of hip-hop’s sunnier moments in the ’80s and ’90s. Towards the end of the song, the production and vocal tone are changed up, causing you to zone in. “Wasted” features a grimy beat and some fuzzed-out bass that sets the stage for some biting commentary. It’s in these more acerbic moments that capital. shows signs of the outcast sentiments shared by Eminem and Odd Future early in their careers, albeit much less violently than his famous forebears. That track features another switch-up at the end to keep it fresh, this time with some guitar-heavy production. Tyler starts to flex his voice on “Supper” and “Win or Lose.” This display of singing skills comes as a welcome surprise, especially since his voice is so smooth. He especially gives off Justin Timberlake vibes on “Win or Lose.” capital. does move a bit far into pop territory on “Childhood.” It’s a touching song about getting through tough times to build for the future, but feels a bit out of place next to rap-centric cuts. Overall, capital.’s first release mixes a variety of influences into a extremely palatable collection, with its replayability, fun tone and vocal talent.

Local Christian rock band LeAnder is currently two releases deep in its career, but frontman Scott Anderle has taken a side-step for a solo outing. However, it’s for a good reason. Titled & (after his fiancé’s favorite symbol), Anderle cut this three-song EP to celebrate his upcoming wedding, with the proceeds going to help fund its expenses. Every song was recorded with different close friends of his, including LeAnder drummer Andrew Hall, as a sort of wedding gift. Each song was written at a pivotal point in his relationship, so it’s all about love and romance in a way that’s truly genuine. Things lead off with “Bryana,” the song Anderle wrote when he first asked out the song’s titular subject, his bride-to-be. It’s one of those run-ofthe-mill “guy singing about a girl” songs, but that’s what makes it lovable. It takes you back to when you thought you found the one, whether it was just puppy love or a happily-ever-after in the making. “Loving You” was written when Bryana first confessed her love to Anderle. Despite its deeply personal tie, it’s actually the most relatable song on the release. With the chorus of I can’t see myself / loving anyone else / or anything else but loving you, it could be enjoyed by anyone in love. The closer, “Take My Love,” is a stripped-down number with only acoustic guitar; this was written when Anderle put his financial worries aside and decided to pop the question. Anderle gives his most impassioned performance on the record, which falls in line with the singer-songwriter’s growing love for Bryana as they move to this next phase of their lives. Even though it’s obviously a deeply personal EP, & is enjoyable from an objective standpoint. Like Anderle’s work in LeAnder, it’s light feel, bright emotions and solid pop hooks make it well worth the download. Scott Anderle’s & is available on LeAnder’s Bandcamp profile, with all donations going towards the his wedding and honeymoon.

Winning for Losing

A CLASSIC OUTSTANDING

AVERAGE BELOW AVERAGE

AVOID AT ALL COSTS DEAD

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GET ROWDY

iddle Tennessee-based string band the Glade City Rounders have devoted more than 10 years to sharing the stylings of their musical luminaries, from hometown hero Uncle Dave Macon to Mississippi jug band Cannon’s Jug Stompers. Richard “Squirrel” McLain (banjo, vocals, kazoo), William See (fiddles, vocals, kazoo, harmonica) and Josh Smith (guitar, jug, vocals)—three of the four current members—formed the Glade City Rounders out of a deep appreciation for old-time banjo, string band and jug band music, especially that derived from Tennessee. Originally a trio, McLain, See and Smith found familiar musical chemistry in upright bassist Randy Hill, who was in town for Uncle Dave Macon Days a few years ago, and soon welcomed him to the family. With the addition of Hill, the Glade City Rounders went on to release their sophomore album, Don’t Get Weary. This summer, the band is in the midst of festival dates while working on a third album expected in early 2018. The group’s passion for old-time Southern recordings, paired with each member’s musi12 * JULY 2017 * BOROPULSE.COM

with Middle Tennessee’s Glade City Rounders. STORY BY DYLAN SKYE AYCOCK

cal mastery, breathes new life into traditional songs, some more than a century old. When seeing the Glade City Rounders perform, there’s one thing for certain: feet will stomp, hands will clap and a good time will be had. We spoke with Josh Smith about the band’s recent set at Bluegrass Underground, their musical influences and what they are working on now. Look out for the Rounders at Muddy Roots Music Festival (Cookeville), Hoedown on the Harpeth (Kingston Springs) and other area events. MURFREESBORO PULSE: Can you tell me about how the Glade City Rounders came to be? SMITH: A little over 10 years ago, Richard McLain, William See and I met at Breakin’ Up Winter, a traditional music event hosted by the Nashville Old-Time String Band Association at Cedars of Lebanon State Park, near Gladeville, Tenn. William and I were already in an old-time band called the Gallinippers, but shortly after, the band went on hiatus, and the Glade City Rounders formed. We met Randy Hill about three or four years ago at Uncle Dave Macon Days; he played some bass with us backstage and we were

instantly in awe of his playing style. Shortly after, we made it official and added him to the roster. We felt like Randy completed our sound and he was an all-around good fit. How do you choose which songs to record, and how do the songs translate from the original to ﬁt the band’s style? We listen to a lot of old recordings from 78 rpm records, and we have a real love for these artists and songs. Some songs just stick out to us, whether it be the melody, the lyrics or overall feel of the original recording. Normally, one member will present a song at rehearsal. We’ll listen to the original, and then we spend the next week or so thinking about how we can arrange the song. Our goal is to capture the energy in which these recordings were made originally, while still putting the Glade City Rounder spin on it. While some of the songs were recorded 80 or 100 years ago, you can still hear the high level of enthusiasm and musicianship in these recordings, through all the hisses and pops. The group has performed at many old-time/bluegrass festivals like Uncle

Dave Macon Days, Muddy Roots and others. What do you enjoy most about these festival settings? We love performing at festivals, mostly due to the fans and people we meet there. At these festivals, the attendees are normally music lovers that are truly interested in the music. It’s a lot of fun to be able to play the music we love and expose fans to musical styles that they might not normally get to hear. At most of these festivals, an old-time string and jug band is something you do not see often. I have so many people come up after shows to tell me they have never seen a jug band or anyone play the jug in their life. This would have been very common about 90 or 100 years ago, but now, it’s just become a lost art. One of the biggest rewards is introducing this older music to ears that might not have heard it otherwise and finding that folks love it as much as we do. Uncle Dave Macon and his Fruit Jar Drinkers are cited as one of the band’s musical influences. Can you talk about that, as well as other artists you enjoy? Uncle Dave Macon is one of our local hometown music legends. When we all met, all those years ago, one thing we had in common was a love for Uncle Dave Macon’s music and his performance style. Although none of us ever saw him perform live, we have listened extensively to his recordings and studied everything about him. [McLain] embodies the spirit of Uncle Dave Macon better than anyone I have ever seen. His banjo playing and singing is exactly what I would imagine an Uncle Dave performance to be. Besides Uncle Dave Macon, the Glade City Rounders have been highly influenced by musicians and bands like the Skillet Lickers, Gus Cannon & His Jug Stompers, the Memphis Jug Band, Charlie Poole, the Weems Family, Dr. Humphrey Bates & His Possum Hunters, Fiddlin’ Arthur Smith and more. Other artists that we have also been influenced by include Buddy

Ingram, Charlie Acuff, Ed Long, Rob Pearcy and the Stillhouse Reelers. You recently opened for Larry Stephenson at Bluegrass Underground. How was that experience? It was an amazing experience and something we always wanted to do. The venue is unique in itself, and the lighting and huge chandelier set the mood very well. Besides that, the team that organizes Bluegrass Underground is a class act and creates a first-rate experience for the fans and the artists. Since we do play a lot of outdoor festivals, we really appreciated being able to play in an environment that was 55 degrees all the time, when it was a steamy 95 degrees outside. We also had a great sense of pride to stand on the stage where so many great musicians have performed. The sound was perfect, and it was packed with a great crowd. I also really love the creativity that went into the music videos for “Georgia Crawl” and “Leavin’ Home.” Can you talk about the creative process for these two projects? Well, we usually have a song that just seems to have a good story line that we can envision playing out in our mind. [See]

normally starts the rolling of this creative ball when it comes to the music videos. He originated the idea for the song “Leavin’ Home,” and drew out the storyboard himself. On both of these video projects, we enlisted the help of Nashville artist Casey McBride for the filming and production, and he really helped make our ideas come to life. We wanted them to be somewhat humorous and representative of our band. Since our shows are high-energy, fun and playful, we wanted to convey that feeling with our music videos. There will definitely be more music videos to come from the Glade City Rounders in the future. Looking ahead for the Glade City Rounders, do you have any new music or projects in the works? We have some really exciting projects in the works. Our third studio album is about 75 percent complete and will be finished in late 2017 and ready for release in early 2018. We believe it is our best album yet. There has been talk of a third official music video, but we are just starting to put ideas together for this. Keep up with the band on Facebook at Glade City Rounders or at gladecityrounders.com.

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BEN SPEER’S LEGACY LIVES ON AT STAMPS-BAXTER SCHOOL OF MUSIC This past April, Ben Speer, the man who revived the Stamps-Baxter School of Music, passed away at 86. This July, the school is preparing to pay tribute to him, ensuring that his legacy will live on through the school. Born June 26, 1930, Ben Speer was raised in a family of musicians that later became a professional group known as The Speer Family. According to Stephen Speer, Ben’s eldest son and the current president of the Stamps-Baxter School of Music, “As soon as the kids in that family learned to talk, their parents wanted them to talk on pitch.” The Stamps-Baxter School of Music was founded by V.O. Stamps and J.R. Baxter Jr. in 1924, not long after they had established the Stamps-Baxter Music and Printing Company. The company published many Southern gospel songs that would be taught to the students of the Stamps-Baxter School of Music until the mid-1950s. Speer revived the School of Music in 1986, continuing the teaching of Southern gospel music and shape-note singing. According to Stephen, Ben was hired by the Zondervan Corporation by general manager Bob Jones Jr., who wanted Ben to restart the Stamps-Baxter music schools. Ben followed through, and rekindled the school at Belmont, later moving to Trevecca in 2000 and Middle Tennessee State University in 2009. The Stamps-Baxter School of Music’s upcoming session, which starts on July 8, will be dedicated in memory of Ben Speer; on July 15, the school invites all former students to participate in the Stamps-Baxter Alumni Choir, performing a grand finale concert. Stephen hopes that the tribute will serve as a way to keep his father’s memory alive by “reminding people of the great songs he sang and made popular.” Stephen also affirmed that another way to preserve Ben’s memory is to continue the school and “teach people to strive for excellence as he did for his entire life.” Despite the school’s Southern gospel teachings, students of all faiths can take part in the sessions. Stephen believes that his father best expressed his hopes for the students of the StampsBaxter School of Music in the school’s mission statement: “This school is dedicated to the furtherance of Southern gospel music and to raising the standard of musical excellence in an art form. We believe the way to do this is to offer a well-rounded course of study. We want our students to be able to read it, write it, sing it and perform it. With a comprehensive understanding of music theory, where both live and recorded performances will improve.” The 2017 Stamps-Baxter School of Music will be held July 8–15 at the MTSU Wright Music Building; to register or for more information, visit stampsbaxterschool.com.

MUSIC NOTES

EMISUNSHINE RETURNS TO BIRD SONG STUDIO JULY 29 Prolific singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist EmiSunshine will return to Bird Song Studio on Saturday, July 29. At 13 years old, the East Tennessee native, born Emilie Sunshine Hamilton, boasts an impressive résumé, from writing and recording her own music to performing at the Grand Ole Opry on more than 10 occasions. Following her October 2016 performance for Bird Song Studio’s Bluegrass in the Hills series, EmiSunshine will arrive in Woodbury with material from her latest album, Ragged Dreams. “Ragged Dreams is just full of my heart,” she says on her GoFundMe page for the 14-track project. “It’s an album born from the songs I have written along my journey so far! The studio experience was so relaxing and joyful that I feel it bled into the recordings.” In addition to performing on The Today Show, at CMA Fest and other events, she has opened for many of the artists who have influenced her, such as Loretta Lynn, Tanya Tucker and others. EmiSunshine is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 29; Bird Song Studio is located at 213 W. High St. Find Bird Song Studio on Facebook to stay up-todate on the latest events.

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Living

very foundation must start somewhere. For the Live4Tay foundation it was through Taylor Filorimo. In 2009 Taylor was diagnosed with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Papillary Type 2, a form of cancer which is most commonly found in adult males over the age of 50. Taylor holds the record for being the youngest patient diagnosed with the disease. By the time Taylor passed away in 2012, the Live4Tay foundation, then called Play4Tay, had already held three softball tournaments in order to help Taylor and her family. The foundation not only helped Taylor, however, but also helped other families who were in situations similar to hers. “The Live4Tay foundation will be holding its eighth annual softball tournament this Labor Day weekend,” said Karen Clark, who knew Taylor personally and helped to get the foundation started. The tournament will be held at every available field in Rutherford County. The foundation is expecting more than 100 teams from across the country to participate in the tournament; one team will even travel from California to participate. According to Clark, when Taylor was sick her life was never about her being sick, and she was always trying to help other families. Taylor noticed how most people didn’t associate the golden ribbon with childhood cancer and wanted to change that. She also noticed just how big of an issue the

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(Left) Motorcyclists gathered at Coconut Bay on June 10 to Ride 4 Tay; (below) many softball players have carried on Tay's name and memory while playing; (far left) Taylor Filorimo

Playing and Living A foundation remembering Tay STORY BY LUCAS JAMES STEPP finances could be for the families. Clark said she believes this was because Taylor was “smart beyond her years.” “The main reason we do what we do is to help the families financially to supplement their income, especially when they have to get treatment out of state,” Clark said. The foundation doesn’t stick to just a softball tournament anymore, though. Already

this year the foundation held its 4th annual Golf Tournament and the 3rd annual Ride 4 Tay Poker Run on May 20 and June 10, respectively. Including the softball tournament, eight events are planned throughout the rest of the year. They will hold a wine tasting benefit at the Alley on Main on Monday, July 10. “We’re always open to trying new things and reaching new people that we haven’t

talked to before,” Clark said. Since its inception, the program has raised around $190,000 and has assisted 108 families; Live4Tay was able to help 40 families in 2016. The charity has no paid positions, and everyone who is there does it to help out. Even though Taylor passed away in 2012, the foundation still likes to keep Taylor’s family in the know as to what is going on. “We value their opinion of where the program is going. It’s still nice to be able to pencil them in and ensure that we are still staying in line with what they want,” Clark said. One of the biggest concerns after Taylor died, according to Clark, was how they could ensure that the kids who were playing in the tournaments didn’t forget the reason they were playing. “How do we let these kids have fun, but not forget why they are there and for what reason they are playing?” said Clark, relaying the question the organizers asked themselves. Their answer was to make banners that had Taylor’s picture on them and told her story. This becomes especially important as most of the girls who played with Taylor personally have started to grow up, and a new younger generation begins to come up. To learn more about the program and those whose lives it has affected, to apply for assistance, or to learn more about upcoming fundraising events, visit live4tay.org.

Living

(Clockwise from far left) Some offerings from Somewhere Place Else: corn relish, watermelon jelly, pickled asparagus, pickled Brussels sprouts and pickled baby corn; one of the fainting goats; jarring dilly green beans; Stephen Vire with Chuy, one of his Great Pyrenees.

S�ewhere Place Else Farms

Rockvale Farm can pickle nearly anything.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRACKEN MAYO

hen Stephen Vire was a boy growing up in rural Kentucky, he often worked the garden, he said. Not because he considered it a fun pastime, but because it was part of his household chore assignments. “My parents told me, ‘If you want to eat, you’ll help out in the garden,’” Vire said. A few decades later, after Vire and his wife, Diane, decided to exit their computer hardware repair business in Nashville after operating it for 25 years, they purchased some land in Rockvale, not far from Highway 99. “We had to de-stress,” Vire said. Now, the Vires not only do plenty of gardening, they keep goats; Stephen often sports a shirt that proclaims “I like to play in the dirt,” and they pickle and jelly up a storm in the kitchen in their home preparing jars of pickled cucumbers, pickled beets, pickled eggs, hot sauces, jellies and relishes for fans of their Somewhere Place Else Farm brand. “We thought we’d be retired, but we’re working harder than ever,” Stephen says with a laugh. “We were intending to garden just for us. “We were growing pickles out the yingyang,” he continues, bragging on his wife’s

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Sweet Lime Pickles, based on an old family recipe (and containing lime as in calcium oxide powder, not the citrus fruit). “The lime gives it a nice crunch,” Vire said. A friend encouraged the couple to produce some of their fine products to sell, and in 2010 Somewhere Place Else Farm became one of the first vendors at the Murfreesboro Saturday Market. Vire said this move was partially to prove his friend wrong and shut

him up about how the Vires should be selling to the public, but customers enjoyed the products, and demand grew. “So we went crazy and built a commercial kitchen,” Vire said. This summer, Somewhere Place Else Farm is producing 300 to 400 jars per week of pickled items and jellies. They pickle asparagus, Brussels sprouts,

okra, baby corn, green beans and other vegetables. They now pickle about 150 dozen eggs each month for their customers, and season them with various levels of spice. They produce strawberry jelly, blackberry jelly, moonshine jelly, watermelon jelly, plum jelly and other flavors. Somewhere Place Else has created a wonderful “sweet heat” Wicked Dripping Sauce, a golden, syrupy concoction of sugar, jalapeño juice and other seasonings (try it on fried chicken!), a watermelon salsa and an incredibly dangerous Hell on Earth hot sauce (just a dab’ll do you). Many of the ingredients used in the Somewhere Place Else jars comes from Middle Tennessee, much of it from other farmers at the Murfreesboro Saturday Market. “About 60 percent of the produce we pickle is local,” Vire said. He says it should be even higher than that, but knee problems this year have interfered significantly with his own 2017 gardening plans. “Okra will grow here like crazy,” says Vire, already scheming for next spring. Find the fine Somewhere Place Else products at the weekly Murfreesboro Saturday Market, the monthly Nashville Flea Market or at Sunshine Nutrition, Broad Street Beverage, Epps Mill Market and other Murfreesboro area retailers. While most familiar with the Somewhere Place Else brand know about the jarred goods, the Vires also raise goats at the 23-acre farm—they currently have about 30 fainting goat/bush goat mixes; they also raise Great Pyrenees dogs—a country music superstar showed up on the Vires’ doorstep not long ago and ended up taking home two of the pups. While the fainting goat is now primarily a novelty breed, Vire says, his animals do have their usefulness. The goats “trim the fence rows and keep the fields,” while Chuy and the other Great Pyrenees keep the coyotes away. For more information on Somewhere Place Else Farm, visit somewhereplaceelse.com.

PHOTO BY J. INTINTOLI

MTSU Milk Production Cranking Back Up MTSU HAS ANNOUNCED the resumption of the bottling process for white and chocolate milk from the School of Agribusiness and Agriscience dairy and milk processing plant. A debut ceremony for the MTSU Creamery was held in the Liz and Creighton Rhea Atrium of the Science Building in June. MTSU’s student-run dairy at the farm in Lascassas, Tenn., and dairy processing unit in the Stark Ag Center on campus will be bottling and selling milk at various Provisions on Demand (PODs) and Dwight’s Mini Mart on campus, as well as various locations off campus, in the near future, said Matthew Wade, Experiential Learning and Research Center director. Students gain tremendous hands-on experience running these operations, thus gaining an edge in the job market, according to School of Agribusiness and Agriscience officials. MTSU Department of Agribusiness and Agriscience Director Jessica Carter said the venture “marks the beginning of a new era with the re-branding of the MTSU Milk Plant as the MTSU Creamery. “We have aligned our school to become the leader in this state in not only providing our awardwinning milk to our campus and community, but in providing workforce-ready graduates for our industry partners,” she added. MTSU President Sidney A.

McPhee called the MTSU chocolate milk “simply the very best chocolate milk ever made. Period.” McPhee said MTSU has become

a national leader in helping students reach their goals through “exceptional teaching . . . and life-changing opportunities in our classrooms, at our laboratories and through enterprises like the MTSU Creamery.” Tom Womack, deputy commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, said the MTSU dairy move further solidifies the university’s footprint as a state and regional leader. “MTSU’s dairy program also has been responsible for working with many dairy producers and processors in the region to advance the industry through education and economic opportunities,” said Womack. “The addition of this

new creamery will no doubt extend the program’s reach and impact to the university and the greater community it serves.” Featured in a new university video about the entire milk process—from the feeding and milking of cows, the processing plant procedures and delivery—junior Jessica Schriver has become the face of the creamery. In addition to meeting MTSU’s demands for bottled milk, Wade said he envisions pint, half-gallon and gallon-size plastic bottles on the shelves in smaller local stores. Milk has been delivered in 5-gallon bags for campus dining dispensers, Hattie Jane’s Creamery

on the square in Murfreesboro for ice cream and Two Fat Men Catering Company in Lebanon, Tenn., for light coffee cream and ice cream products. MTSU utilizes a 600-pound, two-valve filler, filling two bottles at the same time. Wade said students and staff can fill 10 gallons of milk a minute into the bottles. Carter said MTSU is the only university in Tennessee with a dairy on or near campus. “We’re proud of this opportunity for our students,” she said. For more information on the MTSU Creamery, call (615) 898-2523.

Living

he true heat and humidity of the summer comes in July. Those who are organized gardeners have harvested their spring crops, have an area for summer production and have already mapped out and started the plan for fall crops. I am envious of those gardeners. If you would still like to get in on a fall harvest, consider attending Richard Lee’s class on Tuesday, July 18, at the Rutherford County Farmers Market in the community center at the Lane AgriPark. It is free and starts at 9 a.m. For those who can’t make it, many classes get uploaded to the RC Farmers Market Education Series YouTube channel. My flowering zinnias make me smile. I see fruit flowers on my tomatoes. My new and hard-to-establish shade garden is progressing, but the new neighbor has plans to take down his Bradford Pear trees which provide most of the shade, so that may be the end of any shade garden. Like life, garden planning needs to include the concepts

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Farmers Market Education Series BY EDWINA SHANNON

of adaptability and changeable situations. I am very pleased to hear that he is not tree-topping. That is such a bad and incorrect practice. My theory is whoever came up with this slipshod practice did not understand the concept of trimming and pruning. They quickly removed limbs and came up with a story that some gullible people believed to be the newest and best way to care for trees. Don’t fall for it. They do not know what they are doing if that is their solution. Doubt them on everything else, too. The consumer can drive education here. If you only hire people who know the best practices in their field, your stewardship will be the best it can be and your property value will reflect it. Let’s talk trees. Trees flower, providing nectar. Trees provide shelter and food. They are an integral part of the ecosystem and the need for native tree cultivation is greater than ever. When are your flowers, fruits and vegetables in bloom? Have you considered trees that flower at a different

Care for Your Trees They will help care for your plants.

time to help your local pollinators? The imported ornamentals (exotics) were once thought to be acceptable but have proven to be reproducing and moving into our forests. They remind me of human moochers who come for a night and never leave, yet feel entitled to the food, drink and amenities of the place without contributing anything to household balance. Human and forest homes out of balance . . . something must be done! Let everything contribute as much as it takes. Help your trees out by mulching properly. Mulching helps insulate the soil by protecting roots in extreme temperatures while retaining soil moisture. It also helps control weeds. Mulching around a tree provides an area of protection from lawnmowers and trimmers. As it decomposes, it improves the soil condition. The property value is also improved by mulching. So now you want to do it, do it right: avoid the mulch volcano because they suffocate trees. Keep the mulch from being highest at the trunk. Use the 3x3x3 rule for mulching. Less than three inches of mulch; three inches from the trunk; three-foot radius from the trunk. Apply the mulch in the shape of a flat donut with the tree at the center. You should be able to see the trunk flare out at the base of the tree. Trees need water, too. Long, deep watering is more beneficial than quick sprays. Do your research on the trees that you are thinking of planting. How tall do they grow? How much width do they need? What is their lifespan? What type of fruit do they produce? I found a 1998 publication from UT Extension, entitled “Trees to Reconsider Before Planting.” (That is 20 years ago, so the disclaimer tells you to find

the most current scientific knowledge and recommendations.) But I think it is still a good place to start when researching trees in Tennessee. That report recommends avoiding these trees: WEED TREES: Chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Chinese Tallowtree (Sapium sebiferum), Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) HIGH MAINTENANCE: Leyland Cypress

(Cupressocyparis leylandii), Siberian Elm (ulmus pumila), Cottonwood (Populous deltoids), Hybrid Poplar (Populous spp), Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum), Boxelder (Acer negundo) EXTREMITY OF NATURAL RANGE OF PLANT: Eastern White Pine (Pinus

strobus), Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera), Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) BREAKABILITY: Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana), Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum), Boxelder (Acer negundo) TERRAIN CHOICE IS IMPORTANT:

Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) It is brittle, yet its fruit is a great winter food source for birds. If you do plant one, plant along woods, but not near pavement or utility poles. GINGKO (Gingko biloba) plant males only in large spaces. BLACK WILLOW (Salix nigra) and Weep-

ing willow (Salix spp) Its deep roots affect nearby water, sewer and septic lines; very large width. BLACK LOCUST (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Good for steep banks.

July Market Classes Rutherford County Farmers Market classes, held at 9 a.m. for approximately one hour on Tuesdays and Fridays at Lane Agri-Park.

JULY 7 My Plate: Hidden Sugar/ Rethink Your Drink Kim Minter-Verge and Karla Erazo Focus on making healthy food and beverage choices from all five food groups. Look for food and drink choices that are lower in saturated fat, sodium and added sugar.

JULY 11 Garden Cookery Mark Murphy and Reggie Reeves, Certified Master Gardeners Easy, delicious recipes and tips to help you enjoy the bounty of your garden.

JULY 14 FCE Flower and Garden Show Jean Wilson and Kathy Wright Family and Community Education Club Members exhibit their flowers, vegetables, fruits and canned goods.

JULY 18 Fall Gardening

Richard Lee, Certified Master Gardener Get a great start with your fall crop.

JULY 21 Keep that Lawnmower Running and Cutting Mitchell Mote, Extension Agent Protect your investment. Learn how to keep you lawnmower running year to year to keep your yard looking great.

JULY 25 Seasonal Eating Carla Bush, Extension Agent Eat what’s in season. It’s easy on the wallet, and what could be better than food at its peak of flavor, texture and nutrition?

JULY 28 Cooking With Kids Tiffany Schmidt, UT Extension SNAP Education Agent Introduce young ones to the joys of cooking. Fun, healthy snacks.

AUG. 4 Koi Ponds Kim Hall, Extension Agent Learn how to incorporate koi ponds to enhance your yard’s beauty. For more info, call (615) 898-7710.

Living

Riding along in a 1960 Plymouth Fury (below), one of the participating cars in the 2017 Great Race.

GREAT RACE The Great Race rolls into Cannonsburgh Village.

PLYMOUTH PHOTO COURTESY OF GREAT RACE

PHOTOS BY LESLIE RUSSELL YOST

Antique auto event rolls through Murfreesboro BY DAKOTA GREEN JUNE 24 MARKED THE START OF the 2017 Great Race, an annual event that has continued for nearly 35 years and doesn’t seem to be decelerating. The Great Race, founded in 1983 by Tom McRae and Norma Miller, features participants driving in a week-long race across the country. Curtis Graf, a friend of McRae, suggested the race travel from Los Angeles to Indianapolis. However, the catch was that only pre-World War II vehicles could be used. McRae and Graf worked to begin the event and found themselves as the only two entrants. McRae contacted Miller, an old friend, to start a partnership to put the event together and market it as best they could. Their turnout was 69 participants with their antique vehicles starting the race at Knott’s Berry Farm in Los Angeles. 22 * JULY 2017 * BOROPULSE.COM

Over time, McRae worked to always keep the race as interesting as possible by setting up different routes. These varying routes included going from Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., to Disney World in Orlando, Fla., from Norfolk, Va., to Seattle, and even from Ottawa, Canada, to Mexico City. Over the years, the race has provided participants with a beautiful view of the scenery across the country, even if intricate routes had to be created to accommodate the speed and durability of the cars. This year, the Great Race begin in Jacksonville, Fla. Participating vehicles must have been manufactured in 1972 or earlier, relaxing the original pre-World War II requirement, though current race rules ban any GPS devices, cellphones or even digital clocks. On June 26, the participants passed through Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro. The race continued through Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana, finishing in Traverse City, Mich. Among this year’s 149 participants was a team from Murfreesboro racing with a 1953 Pontiac Chieftain. More information about the Great Race can be found at greatrace.com.

831 Park Ave. Murfreesboro TN 37129 www.climbyourrock.com 615-796-6545

A serene, secluded swim below Tennessee’s

Foster Falls BY BRACKEN MAYO

Foster Falls in South Cumberland State Park offers a beautiful spot for a Middle Tennessee day trip, hike and swim. Even when the water is not ﬂowing heavily, the large pool below the falls is plenty deep and wide for a good swim.

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For a serene day-trip escape from the busy routines of town, Foster Falls offers a chance to swim or to simply perch for a while and listen to the waterfall splash into the pool below while observing ﬁsh, butterflies, flowers and other non-man-made splendor.

PHOTO COURTESY SOUTH CUMBERLAND STATE PARK

Living

Located outside of Monteagle, about an hour’s drive from Murfreesboro, the Little Gizzard Creek drops about 60 feet at Foster Falls into a wide, deep collection of water ideal for swimming in a natural setting. This area is part of the South Cumberland State Park system, which includes various sites scattered across Grundy, Franklin, Marion and Sequatchie counties, and also encompasses Buggytop Cave, Stone Door, Savage Gulf, Sewanee Natural Bridge, Grundy Lakes and other notable natural features of southern Tennessee in the shadow of Monteagle Mountain. For those up to the challenge of a lengthy hike, the 12-mile Fiery Gizzard Trail connects Grundy Forest to Foster Falls. But if visitors don’t want to expend quite so much time and energy prior to arriving at the waterfall, they can pull into a parking area just a couple hundred yards from the top of the waterfall. After an easy walk, much of it down a boardwalk, to a view overlooking Foster Falls, a trail descending to the base begins. Considering such a notable drop is traveled in a short distance, the trail is not extremely difficult for able-bodied fans of waterfalls and forests. Stones have been arranged into a staircase throughout much of the trail. Upon reaching the bottom, the pool is the reward on a hot day. This secluded, scenic spot does not host nearly as many tourists as Fall Creek Falls

and other popular park destinations, and its location far from urbanized areas means very few local residents in the area. So on a weekday afternoon, a Foster Falls visiting party may have the entire space to themselves for a bit. The big swimming hole is approximately 150 feet wide and well over 10 feet deep throughout much of that width, offering ample room for swimming exercise. Rock climbers also enjoy the Foster Falls site in Marion County, just south of the small town of Tracy City. The craggy rock face encircling the base of the falls offers lots of spots to challenge climbers (with proper training and gear, of course). Some involved with Murfreesboro’s Ascent climbing facility have been known to lead climbing expeditions to Foster Falls. The area at the base of the falls sits way down in a hole, so the evening shade comes much earlier than up on level ground. Arrive early in the afternoon if your group wants a few hours of swimming time in the sun before it sets over the trees up high on the cliffside. Lots of campsites sit scattered among the South Cumberland Parks area for outdoorspeople seeking an overnight adventure in the secluded Tennessee hills. And there may just be a sweet spot of time in early October when the leaves have changed to their brilliant fall colors but the midday sun still warms up sufficiently for a swim. To get to Foster Falls, take I-24, exit 134, and travel 14 miles on Highway 41 through Monteagle and Tracy City; Foster Falls Road will be on the right. For more information on camping at Foster Falls, or on the many other Tennessee State Parks, visit tnstateparks.com.

Art

 THEATER  EVENT

CELEBRATE ART, FOLK MUSIC AND KILTS AT ANNUAL FOLK’N ART FEST Mayday Brewery invites everyone to put on their kilt and head to the brewery to celebrate local art, folk music and craft beer from noon–10 p.m. on Saturday, July 15. Admission is a suggested $2 donation to benefit Fashion Is for Every Body, an organization that uses the art of fashion and the craft of design to empower, celebrate and represent the beauty, sass and class of every body—no matter their size, age, background or ability level. Old-time music players will kick off the music at noon. It will also be Mayday’s inaugural “wear your kilt to Mayday day.” Mayday founder Ozzy Nelson explains that Fashion Is for Every Body is “very close to the Mayday family.” “Our friend Kimmie Jones, one of the founding members of the organization, passed away unexpectedly this year and we wanted to do something special to remember her,” says Beth Thielman, Public Relations and Outreach Coordinator at Fashion Is for Every Body. Local artist Michelle Sweatt has organized more than 12 artists to particiFounding Members of Fashion is for Every Body pate in the event. Beth Thielman, Alicia Searcy, Kimmie Jones “This will be my fifth year with this show, and I’m excited that I’ve been here from the beginning. I love the way the Folk’n Art Fest highlights the local art and music scene in the ’Boro,” Sweatt says. “With each artist bringing their unique flavor to the show, it gives the event-goer a glimpse into different artistic styles, the chance to interact with each artist, plus the opportunity to take a piece of the artist home with them!” Following the Old-time Jam, The Accidental Trio will perform, followed by Delyn Christian. Mayday Brewery is located at the corner of Kings Highway and Old Salem Road in downtown Murfreesboro.

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Will Waters, Sedrie Orantes, Brandon Hoyt, Ryan Chavez, Sam Hagler, and Shannon McKinley

CENTER FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS RAGTIME THE MUSICAL JULY 7–23 The Center for the Arts explores what it means to be an American with its production of Ragtime, coming up July 7–23. Rachel Jones, a newcomer to Center for the Arts, directs the Tony Award-winning musical, written by Terrence McNally with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing . . . and anything is possible. Set in the volatile melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York, three distinctly American tales are woven together—that of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician—united by their courage, compassion and belief in the promise of the future. Together, they confront history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America. “It is a very challenging show and it has pushed and stretched me to become better—artistically and personally,” Ryan Chavez, who portrays Coalhouse Walker, said about Ragtime. “Our country is divided in so many ways right now and the messages in this musical can easily relate to what is going on in the world today.” Opening night is Friday, July 7, where an exclusive season-ticket-only event will be held in the art gallery prior to the show. Through July 23, performances run Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, students and military, and $11 for children. Tickets for Ragtime are available by visiting boroarts.org or by calling The Center’s box ofﬁce at (615) 904-2787. Center for the Arts is located at 110 W. College St. in downtown Murfreesboro.

 JULY 16

ARTIST COMMUNITY THEATRE AUDITIONS Artist Community Theatre will hold auditions for multiple upcoming productions from 3–9 p.m., Sunday, July 16, at the Carpe Training Building, 101 Front St., Smyrna. In its upcoming season, the theatre company will present A Bluer Shade of Gray (Sept. 14– 23), Christmas on Broadway Revue (Nov. 24–28), You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Feb 2018), The Crucible (March 2018) and Godspell (April 2018). Email actcommunitytheater@gmail.com to reserve an audition time. Vocalist, non-vocalist, principal, supporting and ensemble roles are available for ages 11 and up. Visit artistcommunitytheatre .com for more information on available roles, and on Artist Community Theatre.

Art

Charley Davidson’s Rustorcreations BY LUCAS JAMES STEPP

urfreesboro artist and entrepreneur Charlie Davidson looks to preserve items of the past by turning pieces metal scrap into art for all to enjoy. Davidson looks for items from past decades which people have thrown out when they no longer need them; he started Rustorcreations by Charley Davidson seven years ago when he moved to Tennessee after the birth of his first grandson. “I was working as a touring comedian and entertainer and I got tired of that life,” said Davidson. Davidson needed something to do after he moved to Tennessee, and has always appreciated the old materials that many people tend to throw away. One of the first metal art pieces Davidson ever made was a skeleton with a shovel for a head. He created this because he has always liked Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which commonly can have shovelhead or panhead engines. In addition to shovelhead skeletons, Davidson also has made some skeletons with frying pan heads. Davidson has modified the formula for these skeletons over time; originally making these with a straight backbone, he has since 30 * JULY 2017 * BOROPULSE.COM

experimented with using a coil spring backbone capable of moving when the wind blows. On one skeleton in particular, Davidson used an old saxophone to give off the appearance that the skeleton was playing music as he swayed. “Our history is going away. I take the pieces and try to turn them into furniture or aesthetic art. Something that just preserves the history of the stuff that they aren’t making anymore,” said Davidson. Davidson’s mission statement on his website reiterates his desire to preserve the

history of hard-to-find items. “I started this business out of my passion for saving old Americana by restoring, refurbishing or repurposing it into something useful whether it be static art or functional furniture,” according to his statement. “It breaks my heart to walk through the small appliance department of Walmart and hear toasters screaming ‘Help me, I used to be a ’57 Chevy.’” While Davidson has made many different art pieces for many different people since he began Rustorcreations, his current

project may just be his most ambitious. Davidson is currently building a house on land he owns and plans for every piece of furniture to be made out of the pieces he has collected and made. Davidson plans on not only forming a sink out of an old washer/dryer piece but also plans to turn the bed of an old truck into his bed frame. Only a small percentage of the items Davidson creates are actually special requests. Most are ideas that popped into his head, many inspired by pieces he finds at a junkyard or otherwise stumbles upon. “When I’m building a piece and it’s not for somebody, I build so that if I’m stuck with it, I’m not actually ‘stuck’ with it. I make sure it’s something I like,” said Davidson. When a piece has been sitting for a long time and Davidson hasn’t been able to sell it, he sometimes will simply give it away.

He doesn’t always know the people he gives it to, but at times it just “feels like the right thing to do.” Most of the time, when a piece catches his eye he already knows what he wants to do with it. Davidson recalls several times when he would find old grass shears and use them as the head for the roadrunner pieces he has created in larger quantity than most of his works; another item the artist has produced multiple times are owls made from horseshoes. As a business, Davidson said the market can tend to fluctuate. The first time he went to the art and craft show in Bell Buckle to sell his items he made $1,200, he said. The next time he barely made

enough to pay for the gas and booth fee. Davidson is a one-man operation and isn’t able to make a living just selling the sculptures. He also works maintenance jobs, though one of them is at a storage complex where he can also work on his sculptures. Davidson said he plans on purchasing an airplane hangar where he intends to set up shop for creating and storing his tools, his plasma cutting table and his creations. For a look at some more of Davidson’s creations, go to his website page at rustorcreations.com. Davidson also has some pieces on display at The Rusted Tulip, 3863 Franklin Rd., Murfreesboro.

Movies WONDER WOMAN DIRECTOR Patty Jenkins STARRING Gal Gadot, Chris Pine,

Robin Wright, David Thewlis, Elena Anaya, Connie Nielsen RATED PG-13

Wonder Woman is, in many ways, the superhero movie we needed right now, both as a society and a viewing audience. This movie was a work of love. However, Wonder Woman is definitely flawed. I have been immensely critical of Zack Snyder and the cinematic universe he has established for DC and Warner Bros. He desaturated the color palette of his movies, required everyone to conform to his overuse of speed-ramping in the editing suite and wrote stories that were overly convoluted, didn’t flow and gave us no emotional connection to any of the characters. While my deepest condolences and best wishes go out to the Snyder family in their time of sorrow (he left this film after the sudden death of his 20-year-old

daughter), these stylistic choices have harmed the quality of these movies. Because of this, Patty Jenkins, the director of Wonder Woman, was required to go outside her normal wheelhouse to accommodate his style. Generally speaking, she managed to accomplish this, but on occasion it got in her way of telling a compelling story. Like most of DC’s movies, Wonder Woman went through a number of scripts, directors and producers, right up until just before principal shooting. Patty Jenkins stepped in last-minute after Snyder left; this meant she was working with already established scripts, storyboards, shot lists, locations, much of the crew, etc. These are hardly ideal conditions for a director to step into and still manage to hit a homerun. To that I say, “Bravo Patty Jenkins!” I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I teared up at points! That is not an easy feat to accomplish with me. That is a testimony to Jenkins’ understanding and devotion to her characters. The script was not the strongest, but Jenkins managed to bring out some of the best moments through the performances she brought out of the actors. I commend her. Wonder Woman takes place during WWI,

“The Great War.” In his escape from German soldiers, American spy Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), crash-lands at the Amazonian island of Themyscira. He is rescued by Diana, AKA Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), who agrees to return him to the war because she believes it is her duty to save the world of man from Ares, the Greek god of war. While in Themyscira the world is filled with bright, vivid colors—paradise—but upon reaching London, Diana comments that “it’s hideous,” noting the bleak color palette often associated with war and the industrial era of the time. After assembling a team, Steve and Diana go to the front; we see images of amputees, civilians fleeing danger, smoke and ash raining down. Here the now-iconic “No Man’s Land” scene occurs, as Diana cannot just stand by and watch the carnage of war.

It is here that we feel the power of Diana, the power of Wonder Woman, the power of women. It is an incredible scene, and very emotionally resonant and empowering. Overall, I loved this movie. I did have issues with some of the writing, some of the speed-ramping and one particularly awful piece of CGI/VFX, but most of that I attribute to the constraints with which Patty Jenkins was required to work. I cannot wait for the sequel, when Patty will hopefully have more creative control. Regardless of the issues, Wonder Woman exceeded expectations from an emotional standpoint. It feels compelling, and it makes us care about the characters. Wonder Woman spreads love and hope in a bleak and uncertain world, and is empowering and resonant in all the right ways. — PETER KOSANOVICH

the final job that pays off his debt, he plans to leave the criminal life and drive away with his newfound girlfriend, Debora (James). Now, we know Doc won’t let Baby quit. Edgar Wright is as much a student of film as a maker of them, and it is to his extreme credit that he can use this well-worn trope and turn it into a tried and true device. The man is like CPR for clichés; he breathes new life into them.

And in doing so, he’s made one of the flat-out coolest movies in decades (Drive, eat your heart out). Baby and Debora’s diner romance is understated and sweet, set to T. Rex and Beck. It’s threatened by the world Baby is trying to escape, set to The Damned and “Tequila,” a world populated with charismatic and dangerous characters. Jamie Foxx is a standout as Bats, both menacing and mesmerizing, along with Darling (Eiza González) and her partner in love and crime, Buddy (Jon Hamm). Unlike the inspired musical selections of, say, Quentin Tarantino, Wright’s incorporation of music is so integral to Baby Driver that he may have accidentally invented a new genre, one where the story, screen and sound dance with each other in perfect concert. Every action—footsteps, doors closing, tires screeching, every gunshot, a kiss—is timed to the rhythm of the music. It’s a musical where the images onscreen are themselves the dance. It’s exhilarating. And it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. — JAY SPIGHT

BABY DRIVER DIRECTOR

Edgar Wright STARRING

Ansel Elgort, Lily James, Kevin Spacey RATED R

Edgar Wright is the rare director whose name alone can sell me on any movie. Like Denis Villeneuve, Jeremy Saulnier or Wes Anderson, anything he makes I will watch. Wright’s bread and butter has been witty British takes on different genres, often starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as the perfect delivery system for his comical scripts, perhaps most notably in Shaun of the Dead. With Baby Driver, a very American heist movie set in At-

lanta, Wright proves that his singular vision is the driving force behind his films’ greatness. Baby Driver is like a meticulous two-hourlong music video anchored around the titular character Baby (Elgort), a young wizard at the wheel who covers his chronic tinnitus with constant tunes via earbuds and a plethora of iPods. He drives getaway because he’s the best, but also because he’s indebted to Doc (Spacey), the heist maestro. When Baby drives

A CLASSIC

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OUTSTANDING

AVERAGE

BELOW AVERAGE

AVOID AT ALL COSTS

DEAD

LIVING ROOM CINEMA column by NORBERT THIEMANN

facebook.com/livingroomcinema

Serials

Serials have a deep history from early radio and pulp magazines. They are stories told in multiple installments; by their nature they allow for deeper insights and details. An honorable mention, albeit from a different medium, is the excellent podcast series hosted by Sarah Koenig of This American Life, entitled Serial.

Making a Murderer (2015) is a 10-part mini-series documentary produced by Netflix and directed by Moira Demos and Laura Ricciardi. Steven Avery was falsely imprisoned for rape and attempted murder before being exonerated 18 years later with DNA evidence. The series chronicles that history and the dramatic events to come. The Keepers (2017) is a 7-part mini-series documentary produced by Netflix and directed by Ryan White. A Facebook group started by former high school students helped to revive the investigation of their beloved teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unsolved murder from 1969. The Keepers is thorough, and it unearths many unexpected revelations. O.J.: Made in America (2016) is a 10-part miniseries documentary produced by ESPN and directed by Ezra Edelman. Even if you lived through the O.J. Simpson trial in the 1990s, this comprehensive documentary sheds a lot of light on the events of that period as well as his overall life. It is very well done, which makes the revisit much more palatable.

News

NAVIGATING THE SYSTEM SERIES BY BRYCE HARMON

PART 11

Violation of Probation and Public Defenders Diving further into Rutherford County court proceedings and trends, according to the dockets, from October 2011 through October 2012 Judge McFarlin hosted Violation of Probation Friday every week that had an average two-page docket while Judge Loughry handled a collection of VOP cases on his 8 a.m. docket on Mondays. Judge Loughry’s Monday VOP dockets could fluctuate between a half-page and three pages during this time. There are no General Session criminal court dockets between May 21 and Sept. 25, 2012. This trend continued until March of 2013 when Judge Loughry’s VOP cases seen on Mondays became scattered among other various charges occurring in Rutherford County, creating mild or heavy VOP days scattered equally among all-charges-encompassed dockets until he left the bench at the end of August 2014. Judge McFarlin’s VOP Friday averages never relented as General Session Criminal Court was in session, though. The summer of 2013 saw a spike in cases on VOP Fridays, getting up to a two-and-a-half-page average before the numbers came back down to the 2012 average. There are no Friday dockets between mid-October 2013 to the end of January 2014. VOP Fridays would resurface at times throughout 2014 until May 2015. Judge Tidwell began replacing Judge Loughry in October 2014, and once the replacement was permanent, both Judges Tidwell and McFarlin began daily appearances once again in May 2015 and McFarlin’s VOP Fridays resumed. Judge Tidwell’s VOP catch-up Mondays were usually a page to a page and a half of VOP cases among an all-chargesencompassed docket. Judge McFarlin made his infamous, “Money makes the world go ’round,” comment to Chief U.S. District Judge Kevin H. Sharp on Nov. 6, 2015, while testifying before a federal court in Nashville about Rutherford County probation issues such as indigent probationers being jailed for non-payment. Sharp eventually released 13 of those inmates held in 940 in December 2015. VOP Friday dockets had just come off of a high summer average before General Sessions took a break on Fridays until January 2016. McFarlin still hosts VOP Fridays, but the

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docket case total is dropping to around a oneand-a-half-page total of VOPs and is sometimes lumped in with his domestic assault docket or a normal, all-charges-encompassed docket. General Sessions Criminal Court handles VOP cases a little differently than other cases running through the court. At the judicial building on the square, a defendant will show up for a VOP charge in their presiding judge’s courtroom at either 8 a.m. or 9 a.m., sign an attendance sheet next to the judge’s bench, and head down to the probation building at 309 W. Main St. for a drug screen that costs $12 every time. Taking a drug screen at the ex-PCC building can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, Fridays being the busier days. While PCC had their drug screens sent to Alere Toxicology Services, Inc. in Richmond, Va., for analysis, its replacement county-run probation, Rutherford County Department of Probation and Recovery Services, now screens onsite in a couple of minutes with new urine sample cups sent to RCDPRS from the county’s drug court when RCDPRS began on April 1, 2016, according to Philip Hodges, an RCDPRS clerk who monitored the drug screening process. The cups test a fresh urine sample for 13 of the most widely-used drugs, including alcohol. Hodges fills out the results sheet right there in the bathroom and the defendant is released to take the initialed results sheet that states, “I understand that if I do not return to court, the judge could order me to serve my entire sentence,” directly to the D.A.’s office in room 106 in the judicial building and wait their turn to hear a plea deal from an Assistant D.A. Room 106 is actually a long entrance hallway for one of the old, closed entrances to the judicial building’s east side that’s shared between the D.A.’s office and the lawyers from the Public Defender’s office, who are five or six strong. The assistant D.A.s occupy a corner of the ramshackle room, calling defendant’s names from their fort made of cubicle walls while most of the Public Defenders are jammed into two of the three offices on the other side of 106, no more than 20 feet across the ragged, blueish carpet, yelling their own docket of names into the room, too.

Mismatched and tattered flat-cushion chairs placed along the small amount of wall space that isn’t taken up by door frames or state employees’ pathways have the butts torn out of them from wear (much like I felt having got this far into the criminal justice system). During my VOP cases in the summer of 2016, these chairs seated defendants vocal in their rejoicing consensus that PCC is gone. “It’s a fucking travesty to America,” an unnamed county clerk candidly stated when asked about the deal with that room. Reporting from the county’s probation building to Room 106 for the first time on May 16, 2016, Assistant D.A. Sheila Freeze called me to the D.A.’s corner and told me the State of Tennessee would agree to 30 days in jail, and the completion of my probationary period through RCDPRS, after resetting the probationary period back to 11 months and 29 days. Court costs, fines and supervision costs would be paid through the probation department. This is the point at which I had to ask Sheila Freeze if a public defender attorney was an option after she declared the D.A.’s initial 30-day imprisonment deal. She handed me a “Uniform Affidavit of Indigency,” to apply for representation by a public defender for the VOP of the DUI/Implied Consent case. The Uniform Affidavit of Indigency determines the monetary worth of a person. Part one asks yes-or-no and fill-in-the-blank questions such as “Are you working?” followed by “My pay is______,” “Do you receive government assistance or pensions?” “Do you own property (house, car, etc.)?” and “What is the value [of the property owned]?” “Are you or family going to post bond [and] are you or family going to be able to hire a private attorney?” “Have you tried to hire an attorney? If so, who?_____” and “Are you now in custody? If so, for how long?” are thrown in there, too. Part two gets into fine details of part one’s questions, asking to list the defendant’s children’s names as sources and of the income of those sources they could give the defendant “including all wages, interests, gifts, AFDC, SSI, Social Security, retirement, disability, pension, unemployment, alimony, worker’s comp., etc.” along with the dollar total amount value of all that. It also asks for all money available to the defendant through cash, debts owed to the defendant; the amount of money in their checking and savings accounts; whether they have credit cards; all motor vehicles, real estate and assets owned by the defendant solely or jointly within the last six months or expected to be owned by the defendant in the

future; net income from the last income tax return filed by the defendant; and who paid the bond to get the defendant out of jail for the particular case for which they are needing a public defender. Penalty of perjury is attached to the affidavit. If found to be dishonest while filling this out, the penalty is a fine up to $2,500, as the affidavit states. Afterwards, in the courtroom, Judge Tidwell officially established I could be represented by a Public Defender and begin to pay the $200 Public Defender cost through a new payment plan set up in the Circuit Court Clerk’s office on the second floor of the judicial building, with $50 a month installments beginning on the day he set my next court date, when I would be represented by a Public Defender: July 18, 2016. The court date for violating the probationary terms for my Driving on Suspended License charge (a separate case altogether) was the following Friday, May 20, and went the same way as that Monday’s until I spoke with Sheila Freeze in the D.A.’s corner. She called my name to see her in the corner of room 106, looked at me and asked if I had been there earlier in the week, to which I replied yes. She immediately stated “60 days,” meaning 60 days in jail for this case, followed by a replica of the rest of the deal I received for the DUI/Implied Consent earlier that week unchanged. I filled out another Affidavit of Indigency. Judge McFarlin was late and showing signs of sickness that day. Jake Flatt, Judge McFarlin’s Deputy Judge’s Assistant, began resetting cases himself when Judge Tidwell came over after calling his own DUI-day docket to cover some of McFarlin’s VOP-day docket. McFarlin arrived and Tidwell got back to calling the nine-page Tennessee Highway Patrol citations docket left back in his courtroom. There were 728 cases seen that day in General Sessions Criminal. My first court date for a Public Intoxication charge back on January 8, 2008, which gained such media attention for overcrowding the judicial building, had 530 cases, according to reports. Appearing before Judge Ben Hall McFarlin is a little different than appearing before Tidwell or Loughry. McFarlin reviewed Affidavits of Indigency like Tidwell, but added a series of questions to establish what kind of life and prospects a defendant had in addition to their court case, seemingly to establish a qualitative aspect of the defendant on top of the monetarily quantitative aspect needed by the court. He did this on the first Driving on CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

N MARCH 30, 2017, RUTHERFORD COUNTY teen Devin Bond disappeared from his home. The subsequent search in the Middle Tennessee area was followed by an offering of a $5,000 cash reward. Those close to Devin still haven’t received closure from his search. The Pulse recently spoke with Devin’s mother, Heather Simmers-Bond, in an effort to keep the search going and encouraging anyone with any information to share it with authorities. How would you describe the weeks leading up to Devin’s absence? HEATHER SIMMMERS-BOND:

WHERE IS DEVIN? Search continues for missing Rutherford County teen. STORY BY JUSTIN STOKES

The weeks before Devin went missing everything seemed normal. I took him to the doctor, he went to football practice, played video games, went to school and was hanging out around the house with friends. I have asked myself several times: Did I miss something? Was Devin acting different the days before he went missing? I can honestly say that nothing sticks out to me. Did anything occur that might have prompted him to leave?

We didn’t have any argument before he left. The night of March 30 we didn’t notice anything different, he wasn’t upset. If he did get upset, it was the everyday things. We made Devin do chores around the house like take out the trash, feed and water the animals and keep his room clean. At times he would argue with us about doing things around the house, but I feel like most parents have the same arguments when it comes to teenagers having responsibilities. We had no indication he was leaving. Devin liked to stay at home. The only time we would talk about going to a different place is on vacation and he always wanted to go to a place where he could swim. We went to Florida last year and as a family went on a fishing trip. He showed a lot of interest in doing something like that when he was older, to own a boat and fish all day. We feel like someone knows something and is not talking or leaving out some important detail out that will help us find Devin. We don’t believe he could be missing this long without help. There are rumors that Devin wanted to live in a homeless camp, that his father kicked him out, that his girlfriend broke up with him, etc. What can you share about these rumors?

“We want Devin to know that we love and miss him. We want him to come home or to let us know he is safe.”

Devin at one time told a friend we wanted to run away and live with the homeless. I am guessing he said this when he was mad at us but we don’t fully believe this narrative. We have talked with the homeless, handed out flyers to the homeless and we don’t feel at this time that is where Devin is at, but we can’t rule it out at this time.

Devin’s father and I would never kick him out of our house. There is not one thing he could say or do that would make us turn our back on our son and allow him to leave. I didn’t find out until the afternoon that he went missing that his girlfriend broke up with him the night before he went missing. We don’t believe this is the reason he left but it might have been a tipping point for him. If he did run away, we believe he planned it out. What do you feel is missing from the public understanding?

We have learned not to like the word “runaway.” I feel people think that because he left on his own, because he is a boy and his age, that people don’t take his missing as serious as they might if he was younger or maybe a girl. He is 16 and is still naïve to the world and he is a child who doesn’t need to be away from home. I have read comments from people that say maybe he doesn’t want to be found or he might have a reason to leave. Devin has two parents who love him and would do anything for him. We are lost without him and our only concern is his safety. How does one cope with such an event, and what would you like to share with others?

The first month Devin was missing we were in shock and we don’t really remember a lot. We just survive one day at a time and that is really all you do is survive. I can’t think long-term at this time because it is too overwhelming and painful to think of our life without Devin here. I cry every day and every day is a struggle for us. You learn to hide your pain from the world but it is still there and never goes away. Some days are better than others and some days you can’t do the smallest thing. When you have a child missing you are on an emotional roller coaster and you can never get off the ride. We are experiencing the worst thing that has ever happened to us and we have to experience our pain in a very public way because we need the help of the community to find Devin. We are private people and it has been difficult at times to deal with this in a public forum. Most people are kind and want to help, but you also deal with people who are cruel and it’s been difficult to learn how to deal with those types of people. The community is a great support to us and we appreciate everyone who has helped look for Devin. We just ask that people don’t give up looking for Devin. What else can you share?

We want Devin to know that we love and miss him. We want him to come home or to let us know he is safe. If something is stopping him from coming home, we want Devin to know everything can be fixed, he just needs to contact someone. BOROPULSE.COM

* JULY 2017 * 35

AROUND TOWN ’BORO BUSINESS BUZZ

Hop Springs, Carmen’s Taqueria opens second location, Donatos, Waxface Records BY MICHELLE WILLARD The masterminds behind a massive brewery outside of Murfreesboro called HOP SPRINGS broke ground on the facility in June. “Our team is excited to open Hop Springs in late 2017,” Life Is Brewing CEO Mark Jones said. “The farm will be home to Steel Barrel Brewery, along with MTSU fermentation and sensory labs.” Life Is Brewing will build the complex, which was approved by the Rutherford County Regional Planning Commission and Rutherford County Commission late last year, on an 82-acre site at 6790 John Bragg Hwy., near Floration Road. The brewery is headed by Jones, who has partnered with MTSU, celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan and her husband Vivek Deora in the venture. According to the site plan, the complex will be similar to Arrington Vineyards, with a 15,000-square-foot facility for the brewing of craft beers, a tap room and labs that will be used by MTSU’s new fermentation science program. A majority of the site will remain green space with 79 acres set aside for hops cultivation and a pasture for livestock. Plans also include a par-3 golf hole and a nine-hole disc golf course. Full build-out is expected to take five to 10 years with the first phase to be completed later this year. Jones said it was his dream to create a destination like Arrington Vineyards, but for beer. You still have time to cast your vote for BLUE NOTE WHISKEY BAR in the

James Beard’s 2018 Blended Burger Project. In an attempt to create delicious and nutritious burgers, the James Beard Foundation has created a contest to reward healthier and more sustainable meals that reduce calories and sodium and still taste delicious. Simultaneously achieving nutrition, sustainability and flavor in America’s food system is a core value of the organization. The Blended Burger Project encourages chefs to create a beef-and-mushroomblended burger, otherwise known as “The Blend.” The project was conceived of and 36 * JULY 2017 * BOROPULSE.COM

CARMEN’S TAQUERIA has a second restaurant in the works. The crew has been hard at work transforming 1935 S. Church St., commonly called “the old Parthenon,” into a new home for Carmen’s authentic Mexican cuisine. No opening date has been announced, but in the meantime you can still visit the original at 206 W. Northﬁeld Blvd.

incubated by the Healthy Menus R&D Collaborative, an educational initiative of high-volume culinary leaders developed by the Culinary Institute of America in partnership with its founding member, the Mushroom Council. Blue Note created a recipe that blends beef, mushrooms and traditional Japanese flavors into a nutritious and delicious burger. Voting runs through July 31. Cast your vote and you will be entered for a chance to win an expenses-paid trip for two to the 2018 Blended Burger event at the James Beard House in New York City. To vote, visit jamesbeard.org/blendedburgerproject. Blue Note Whiskey Bar can be found at 1453 Silohill Ln. in Murfreesboro in the Holiday Inn. McMinnville’s favorite vegan restaurant

Ohio-based DONATOS PIZZA opened a franchise in Murfreesboro. To be located at 3284 Franklin Rd., the familyowned restaurant chain is known for its Edge-toEdge pizza. Fresh toppings, which number at 25, are held in place by a layer of Provolone cheese. Donatos also serves Nashville hot chicken, salads, oven-baked subs and baked chicken wings.

(yes, you read that right) is planning a second location across from The Avenue Murfreesboro. JUICY’S WELLNESS CAFE has been a surprising hit in McMinnville and the brand is expanding to The Gateway. The cafe is set to open in the fall in a multitenant development across from Peter D’s. Juicy’s hopes to help “others learn how to get the best life possible through diet and lifestyle changes,” according to its Facebook page, with life-changing juicing, smoothies, and plant-based food. And a sixth Murfreesboro CAMINO REAL has just opened. The new restaurant can be found at Fortress Boulevard directly behind the Sonic and right next to the Walmart Neighborhood Market. Speaking of food from south of the border,

LA SIESTA recently celebrated its 25th anniversary in Murfreesboro. Jorge Podesta celebrated the 25th anniversary of the restaurant’s Broad Street location in early June. Podesta started at the restaurant on the first day it was open and eventually became a co-owner. FUZZY’S TACO opened in Fountains at Gateway, the new Class A office and retail development located at 1500 Medical Center Pkwy. The Baja-style, fast-casual Mexican restaurant opened June 12 and will be joined by several other restaurants, including Tom+Chee. TOM+CHEE Director of Operations Tyler

Kraemer said the restaurant franchisee is looking at an opening date in spring 2018. “I believe our franchisee is waiting until the developers are into the next phase of build-out before we enter into the area,” he said. The spot that once housed O’Possum’s Pub has gotten a new lease on life thanks to HANK’S HONKY TONK. Set to open in late July, Hank’s will specialize in “live music, cold beer and good eats,” according to its Facebook page. After much speculation, THE GAVEL GRILL & SPEAKEASY finally closed to business in June. No news on what will be replacing it on the Square. DISCOUNT TIRE is building a new store across the street from its current store on Old Fort Parkway, the company confirms.

The tire and wheel retailer is constructing an updated store with more parking where Huddleston Oil’s Shell station once stood. The new store is set to open in late July and is a new prototype store: 7,000 square feet with a spacious showroom, customer waiting area and service bays. “It’s getting into the summer months, it’s important to check tire pressure when the temperatures start rising. Discount Tire offers free treadwear and air pressure checks and other services,” said Sarah Broyles from Discount Tire, directing customers to discounttire.com. WAXFACE RECORDS, 748 E. Northfield

Blvd., held a grand opening celebration on July 1. Waxface Records is Murfreesboro’s only brick-and-mortar store that specializes in vinyl. The store carries a large selection of new and used records in a variety of genres. “If it’s round, flat and sounds great on a turntable, then we’ll carry it,” according to the store’s website. Find out more at waxfacerecords.com. A group of local business owners at DreamStorm Digital, Purple Ninja Media, Nashville Marketing Systems and Creative Boro have banded together to provide a workshop for independent business owners. Called BORO BUSINESS LAB, the day-long workshop will cover digital marketing strategies that can be used to grow business. The workshop is set for 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15, at Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. Speakers are Jeremy Lee from DreamStorm Media, Philip Turner from Creative Boro, Melissa Stevens from Purple Ninja Media, Dean Hensley from Nashville Marketing Systems and Josh Griffin from Creative Boro. Sign up at borobusinesslab.com. MISTER B’S 3 MINUTE EXPRESS WASH has proposed building a new facil-

ity off Fortress Boulevard and Manson Pike by summer 2018. Mister B’s co-owner Barrett Webb said the location will be the business’ fourth location. There are car washes at West Clark Boulevard off Memorial Boulevard, along with two in Lebanon. The initial design was approved by the Murfreesboro Planning Commission on June 21. It must pass a final design review before construction can begin. Find out more at misterbsexpresswash.com. Candle company LUSTER & LORE provides natural soy candles made in small

batches, right here in Middle Tennessee. Its tins and most of the glass jars used are made in America; the soy used in the candles was grown in America as well. This July, Luster & Lore celebrates its first year of business with giveaways and sales; check out the company’s Instagram page for more information. Luster & Lore provides an array of fragrances, and even creates custom candles for weddings, baby showers, funerals and more. Business owner Christina Blane says her favorite candle is the lemongrass and sage because it reminds her of her grandmother. For more information on Luster & Lore, visit lusterandlore.com. FIREHOUSE SUBS GIVES $35K TO MIDDLE TN ORGANIZATIONS FIREHOUSE SUBS Public Safety Foundation’s recent donation of more than $35,000 worth of lifesaving equipment was awarded to three Middle Tennessee public safety organizations. Almaville Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Coffee County Rescue Squad and Cannon County Rescue Squad Inc. were given $35,380 worth of lifesaving equipment grants June 13 from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the nonprofit announced. Almaville Volunteer Fire and Rescue received four strut packages valued at $12,202. The awarded equipment will be used to stabilize vehicles after motor vehicle accidents, allowing first responders to safely extricate victims and provide lifesaving assistance quickly. According to an AVFRD representative, the department responds to an average of 45 car accidents per month. Coffee County Rescue Squad received turnout gear that will replace old, damaged gear that was purchased more than 20 years ago. Cannon County Rescue Squad received extrication equipment that will improve the department’s rescue capabilities for victims in motor vehicle accidents.

suspension insulator change-out. Six of MTEMC’s linemen took home honors in events this year; Grant won second in the 3-phase pad trouble call event. In the apprentice events, Fitzpatrick took second in the 2-phase insulator change-out and fifth in the overall apprentice category. More information on the 2017 rodeo can be found at tnrodeo.com. TAX-FREE WEEKEND SET FOR LAST WEEKEND IN JULY The state of Tennessee’s annual sales tax holiday is held every year, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 28, and ending at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 30. During this weekend, clothing and school supplies valued at less than $100 and computers and select electronics valued at less than $1,500 may be purchased tax-free. Many retailers also set sales for the weekend. Check your favorite stores for additional savings. If you have a tip about a new business coming to town, an old one closing or any other Murfreesboro business news, contact Michelle @michwillard on Twitter or michelle.willard@gmail.com.

MTEMC PARTICIPATES IN LINEMAN RODEO Ten linemen from Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation participated in the 20th annual Tennessee Valley Lineman Rodeo, held June 9–10 in Huntsville, Ala. Journeyman lineman Jimmy Grant and apprentice lineman Jonathan Fitzpatrick from the Murfreesboro office were joined by linemen from the Franklin and Woodbury offices to represent MTEMC at the competition. Linemen competed in areas including A-1 connector change-out, 2-phase insulator change-out, Hurtman rescue, 12KV b8 polymer insulator change-out and A-3 BOROPULSE.COM

* JULY 2017 * 37

Food

Read more about local restaurants at

BoroPulse.com/Category/Food

THE DISH NAME:

Fresko Pops and Eatery LOCATION:

132 St. Andrews Dr. HOURS:

10 a.m.–9 p.m Sunday– Thursday; 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Friday–Saturday PHONE:

615-962-9494 PRICES:

Paletas: $2.50–$2.75; Mangonada: $4.50; Ice cream: $2.50; Sorbet: $1.95; Elote: $2.95 ONLINE:

Cool & Fresh Fresko Pops and Eatery pairs authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients STORY BY DYLAN SKYE AYCOCK

hen walking into Fresko Pops and Eatery, customers will face a tough decision: start off with an authentic Mexican torta or go straight to dessert. During these hot and humid summer months, there’s no better sight than a freezer filled with chilled popsicles and ice cream tubs. At Fresko, which opened in early 2016, owners Erick and Griselda Moreno-Onate go one step further with a host of specialty Mexican frozen treats and lunch options, in addition to ice cream, sorbet and milkshakes. The inspiration for opening Fresko Pops and Eatery goes back to Erick’s upbringing in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, where he says he enjoyed homemade ice cream,

38 * JULY 2017 * BOROPULSE.COM

elotes and other snacks—or antojitos—with his friends and family. Now, Moreno shares his love for cold treats with the Murfreesboro community. Paletas, or popsicles, are the main attraction at Fresko. With more than 30 dairy and nondairy flavors to choose from, they are made with fruit or other fresh ingredients and without artificial flavors or preservatives. The paletas are individually wrapped inside a sliding glass-topped freezer for easy viewing and choosing. Popular water-based pops include mangohabanero, watermelon and blackberry mint, while Nutella sweet cream, strawberry and blueberry cheesecake and Oreo dazzle on the dairy side. Some flavors can be dipped in chocolate, drizzled with syrups and tossed with various toppings like cereal, sprinkles or nuts. Mango, along with other fruits, is crafted into several desserts, including paletas, sorbet, mango on a stick and mangonadas (sorbet, lime juice, mango, chili powder and chamoy sauce). If you’re feeling fancy, the pina loca is a whole pineapple filled with cucumber, mango, tamarind stick (a sweet and sour candy) and topped with chili powder, lime juice and chamoy sauce.

Find Fresko Pops and Eatery on Facebook

To satisfy salty cravings, an elote is corn on the cob covered in mayonnaise and topped with chili powder and cotija cheese. Rotating flavors of agua fresca—purified water mixed with fresh fruit—are available daily and have previously included horchata, cucumber lime, pineapple cilantro and blueberry mojito. For those who can save room for dessert, Fresko offers several lunch sandwiches ranging from a classic BLT or club sandwich to Mexican tortas (ham, turkey, chicken or pork) with cheese, toppings and homemade spreads (jalapeño, chipotle and poblano). So as summertime temperatures linger into the next few months, expand your palate with cold treats at Fresko, whether it be an avocado or prickly pear paleta, green tea ice cream or even a pineapple overflowing with fruit.

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:  Additional Mexican specials are available on Sunday. Recent items include tamales, albóndigas (soup with meatballs) and shrimp or beef soup.  Moreno is always trying new items, so check the store’s Facebook page for daily specials and flavors.  Ingredients are gathered from local farmers, markets and bakeries, such as sweet bread from La Salvadoreña Bakery in La Vergne.  Because each item contains fresh ingredients, food is always made to order at Fresko. Wait times are reasonable even with a couple families in the store at once.

Marble Slab

MURFREESBORO ICE CREAM SHOPS AND

n e z o Fr ats Tre

Murfreesboro Ice Cream Shops and Other Frozen Treats BY DYLAN SKYE AYCOCK Craving an ice cream, frozen custard, milkshake, paleta, Blizzard or Frosty? Explore Murfreesboro’s frozen landscape with these cold options:

Sweet CeCe’s

2615 Medical Center Pkwy. Franklin-based Sweet CeCe’s

has been a mainstay since 2010. The shop, located at The Avenue, specializes in frozen yogurt, along with the occasional gelato, custard and sorbet offerings as well as an array of toppings.

Baskin-Robbins 

2170 Old Fort Pkwy., 1723 Memorial Blvd. July is a special month for BaskinRobbins, as is every month with 31 days. On July 31, the shop sells regular and kids ice cream scoops for $1.50 to commemorate its staple 31 flavors, such as Pralines ’n Cream, Very Berry Strawberry, Mint Chocolate Chip and seasonal flavors.

452 N. Thompson Ln. #B Murfreesboro used to be the home of both Marble Slab Creamery and Maggie Moo’s before its sister store closed up shop a few years ago. The typical offerings include milk-based ice creams and one or two sorbet options. However, one of the biggest draws for Marble Slab is the choice for unlimited mix-ins, which can be pretty dangerous if you know what you’re doing.

Dairy Queen

510 Cason Ln., 2910 S. Rutherford Blvd., 1735 Memorial Blvd. Dairy Queen blizzards have been a national treasure for more than 30 years. According to its website, Dairy Queen is introducing two new Blizzard Treats for July: the Frosted Fudge Brownie Blizzard and Salted Caramel Blondie Blizzard. DQ has also brought back its Misty Slush—known in the ’80s and ’90s as Mr. Misty— available in five flavor options: cherry, blue raspberry, lemon/ lime, strawberry/kiwi and grape.

Culver’s

2411 Medical Center Pkwy., 2993 S. Rutherford Blvd.

Hattie Jane’s Creamery  116 N. Church St.

Fresko Pops and Eatery

Karin’s Kustard & Hamburgers

Frozen Treats from Mars

Kona Ice

Funky Munky Hawaiian Shaved Ice

La Flor de Michoacan

132 St. Andrews Dr.

123 S. Church St.

Varies, call (615) 2000-ICE for today’s location

470 S. Lowry St., Smyrna

Varies, call (615) 971-0092 for today’s location

1002 Memorial Blvd. Continued on page 42 . . .

continued from page 39

McDonald’s

106 SE Broad St., 2595 Old Fort Pkwy., 2180 Old Fort Pkwy., 1716 S. Rutherford Blvd., 2900 S. Rutherford Blvd., 2485 S. Church St., 1706 Memorial Blvd., 3371 Memorial Blvd., 2674 New Salem Hwy.

Menchie’s

440 Sam Ridley Pkwy., Ste. 120, Smyrna

Paletas La Desi  1679 Middle Tennessee Blvd.

Reeves-Sain + Soda Shoppe 1801 Memorial Blvd.

Rita’s Italian Ice 

2018 Medical Center Pkwy.

 Sonic Drive-In 2630 S. Church St., 1311 N.W. Broad St., 1918 Memorial Blvd., 215 Cason Ln., 1650 Middle Tennessee Blvd., 2083 Lascassas Pk., 1889 Almaville Rd, Smyrna., 791 Nissan Dr., Smyrna., 799 Team Dr., Smyrna

RECIPE BY CHEF ALEX BELEW

Steak and Shake

2091 Old Fort Pkwy.

Wendy’s

1315 Memorial Blvd., 1845 Old Fort Pkwy., 1905 S. Church St. COMING SOON:

Cali’s Coffee and Creamery

901 Rock Springs Rd., Smyrna

Pan Roasted Poussin with Charred Corn, Shishito and Tomato Relish INGREDIENTS 1 local Poussin (HPA Farms) Salt Thyme Leaves Olive Oil Relish: 2 ears sweet summer corn (Evans Farms) 6 shishito peppers 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes (Evans Farms) 2 tbsp. garlic chives (4K Farms) 2 tbsp. minced parsley (4K Farms) 1 tbsp. tarragon (4K Farms) Salt and pepper to taste Juice and zest of 1 lime

DIRECTIONS Break down chicken into eight pieces Place bird onto a wire rack over a sheet pan, season liberally with salt and thyme leaves, and leave in refrigerator for at least four hours. Overnight is best. Twenty minutes prior to cooking, set chicken on counter to take some of the chill off. Set oven to 425 degrees. Place two tablespoons olive oil into a cast iron skillet over medium/high heat. Place chicken breast, legs and thighs in skillet skin side down and sear for 3–5 minutes to crisp the skin.

Immediately PLACE SKILLET into oven; do not flip chicken over. COOK BREASTS for 8–13 minutes and continue cooking the legs and thighs for another 15–20 minutes. Allow all chicken to REST for 10–20 minutes before slicing. PREPARE THE RELISH: RUB OR BRUSH olive oil directly onto ears of corn and peppers. GRILL over medium-high heat until nicely charred. Remove from grill and allow to cool for four minutes. QUARTER cherry tomatoes. (You can also grill or roast these to add more depth of flavor. Keeping them raw allows a little more brightness and freshness into the dish. This is completely subjective.) MINCE the chives, parsley and tarragon. Slice the kernels off the cob and scrape the “milk” off the cob with the back of a knife (this has a ton of corn flavor.) Dice or mince the shishito as well. PLACE all ingredients into a bowl and stir to combine. Adjust to taste with salt, oil and lime juice. Relish should be bright, slightly acidic and have a smoky flavor. GARNISH the chicken with relish.

Alex Belew is the chef/owner of Alex Belew Catering. Alex has over 20 years in the restaurant industry. He has been on the Food Network, won the International Biscuit Festival, and has won 1st Place in the Tennessee State ProStart Championship. Learn more at alexbelew.com.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34 Suspended License charge court date on Jan. 31, 2014, as well. The questions asked pertained to living situations and if a defendant pays their own bills and whose name the bills are in, how their job is going and if it is full-time work, and if they have anything else going on in their lives besides the court case such as responsibilities for anything or anyone else. A defendant before me stated to Judge McFarlin he was going to sell his car soon, to which McFarlin stated, in his opinion, that defendant shouldn’t have to sell his car in order to get through his case. The defendant corrected him stating it was something he did on the side. He “flips cars.” Judge McFarlin seemed delighted with his entrepreneurialism and praised him for his efforts before the defendant left the courtroom. McFarlin called my name, asked his series of questions, to which I answered honestly about my life. He further asked if there were any persons for whom I was responsible, and I answered honestly about that part of my life, as well: “No.” McFarlin then ruled I could be represented by a Public Defender and begin payments towards the Public Defender cost of $150 for this case, with $50 per month increments paid to the clerk’s office by Sept. 1, 2016. He scheduled my next court date for the Driving on Suspended License charge to June 24, 2016, when I would be represented by a public defender. The Sept. 1 payment deadline he set incorporated the 60-day sentence in 940 or the Workhouse from Assistant D.A. Sheila Freeze’s deal. Public Defender costs are ultimately added into the court costs collected through the county’s probation department. The Public Defenders One of the three Public Defender offices across from the D.A.’s corner in room 106 is slightly larger than a jail cell and acts as the office for at least two Public Defenders at a time on any given weekday morning courts are in session. There were three working on one of my cases in there at one point during the first of my summer court dates as the two VOP cases were shuffled around between these Public Defenders, all sharing a single wooden office desk. Several meetings there eventually combined both of my VOP cases into one concurrent-charges case to be seen by one presiding judge. It was chaotic in their cell-sized office handling monetarily poor clients who waited, sometimes into the afternoon, in the packed waiting room part of room 106, for their names to be called by their attorney. If their names weren’t called for a while, it was not uncommon for the waiting defendants to

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knock on the Public Defender’s closed office door to see what was going on or ask them a question. I met with a total of four Public Defenders for my cases in that office by the end of those summer court dates, eventually able to tell Judge McFarlin on June 24, 2016, that both my cases would be dealt with simultaneously by Judge Tidwell on the upcoming, second DUI/Implied Consent VOP court date of July 18, 2016. Outside of Judge McFarlin’s courtroom on June 24, after notifying him of the case concurrence, I asked my fourth Public Defender, J.D. Driver, if the Public Defenders dealt with cases like mine very often, to which she replied “All the time . . . it happens every day.” The two VOP cases concurrent went before Tidwell on July 18, 2016, where I pleaded guilty to the deal negotiated by the Public Defenders and Assistant D.A. Freeze. Based on that plea deal, Judge Tidwell ordered me to serve seven days at the Workhouse within a month of that court date and have my probationary period “extended for 11 months and 29 days,” and “to pay costs of these proceedings,” as stated on the Violation of Probation Order judgment form. No Public Defender stood by my side that day as Tidwell asked if I was satisfied with my representation. I replied yes, and moved along. The Bill of Costs breakdown for the concurrent VOP cases is: $64 Clerk Fee, $42 County office fee, $50 Administration fee for the Public Defender, $150 Public Defender cost, $28 continuance fines, $106 DUI/ Implied Consent VOP warrant cost, $106 Driving on Suspended License VOP warrant cost, $20 Booking Fee at 940, $130 fine for a positive test result on a drug screen in 2014, and a $5 Archive fee, all according to the General Session clerk’s office, totaling $699. Since the 2014 cases began, there has been $1025.35 for DUI/Implied Consent plus $496.35 for violating the Implied Consent law, court costs and fines totaling $1,521.70. $690 of that cost was paid through PCC from February through June 2014 where they took about 35% of the $690 ($247) for themselves. The remaining amounts I paid in full on April 14, 2016, through and according to the General Sessions Court clerk’s office in the judicial building and at the circuit court clerks desk at PCC’s replacement, RCDPRS, putting my debt owed to Rutherford County at $0. From April 2016 until the VOP cases were settled on July 18, 2016, I paid RCDPRS $159 for April, May and June supervision fees and two drug screens on the Driving on Suspended License case number and one $12 drug screen on the DUI/Implied Consent case. Then the VOP cases’ $699 total court costs came on July 18, 2016. Since the cases went through the court

concurrent, or together, the lead docket number (the DUI/Implied Consent case) gets all the clerk’s office costs and the other VOP (Driving on Suspended License VOP) just gets the $106 warrant issuance charge from PCC “so you’re not double-dipping,” said a General Sessions clerk when breaking the VOP costs down. The $106 for the Driving on Suspended License VOP warrant cost was added to that case’s outstanding fees while the remaining $593 was added to the DUI/Implied Consent case. From July 18, 2016, to Nov. 18, 2016, I paid RCDPRS (which was basing its model of operation off of PCC’s business model, according to Melissa Harrell, Rutherford County Clerk in charge of finances at RCDPRS) $796.65 to close all of my debt to Rutherford County again. According to RCDPRS receipts, out of that $796.65, $225 (28%) of it went to RCDPRS supervision fees while the other $571.65 were split between the itemized court costs, as well as new ones by Nov. 18, such as $55 to go towards the Veteran’s Court fund and a $50 Indigent fee (A “being poor” fee). Calculating RCDPRS costs together since I began reporting to them when they first took over for PCC in April 2016 and had a $0 debt to the county, I paid them $955.65 through November 2016, $384 (40.2%) of which was taken for RCDPRS supervision costs and fees. All in all, it cost $3,355.55 for 11 mornings in court to ultimately plead guilty to one concurrent-VOPcharges-from-2014 case in 2016. 2016 was a marathon year for the judges compared to other years in the dockets posted. Docket numbers are an average of 275 cases a day and it is not surprising to see a docket reach upwards of 350 to 400 cases every once in a while. The county is currently locked in an age of DUI, drug-related, and suspended/revoked license charges among the consistent domestic violence and shared violation of probation days between Judges Tidwell and McFarlin. Dockets previous to October 2011 are available in hard-copy format at the Circuit Court Clerk’s office for 15 cents a page, or may have been destroyed, according to Mary, a General Sessions Court Clerk.

To be continued . . .

Opinion It Helps to Have Friends in High Places The

STOCKARD REPORT BY SAM STOCKARD Having the right politics is always good policy. Former Rutherford County Attorney Jim Cope’s escape from disbarment is the perfect example. Rather than stop Cope from practicing law again, the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility suspended him for two years, retroactive to Oct. 2016 after finding his insider trading conviction was a onetime goof-up and determining it didn’t really have much to do with his law practice. He also benefited from testimony before the board by Senior Judge Don Ash, Circuit Court Judge Mark Rogers and retired Senior Judge Steve Daniel, who all appeared under subpoena, in addition to attorneys Bill Harbison and John T. Bobo, Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess and MTSU President Sidney McPhee. According to the board’s finding, the witnesses testified they were “surprised” or “blown away” by Cope’s insider trading conviction but were “unwavering” in the belief he could be COPE trusted to “exercise ethical and honest acts as an attorney.” Cope admitted he made a grave error in violating insider trading laws by purchasing Avenue banking stock in January 2016 as a director of Pinnacle Financial Partners while it was in the middle of acquiring the other bank. He also acknowledged he couldn’t wrap his head around how he could have flushed his career down the drain in one day. Contrition was key to the board’s slap on the wrist. But he got an even bigger boost when three well-respected judges, two attorneys with high standing, the county mayor and president of one of the biggest universities in Tennessee testified in his favor. In drawing McPhee into the fray, it probably didn’t hurt that Cope’s father, Quill E. Cope, served 44 * JULY 2017 * BOROPULSE.COM

as MTSU’s president from 1958–68. His name is on the university’s administration building. It also helps when your attorney is Aubrey Harwell, one of the state’s top defense attorneys, who knew he needed some firepower to take the stand for Cope. To his credit, during this entire ordeal, Cope has played it smart, more or less throwing himself at the mercy of the court, admitting his errors and hoping for the best. He’d already paid a $200,000 fine levied by a U.S. District Court judge, showing he wants to put this mistake behind him, when the Board of Professional Responsibility made its decision. That’s not exactly chump change, though it pales in comparison to Cope’s net worth of $12 million. It’s also a lot more than the $56,000 in ill-gotten gains he made from two purchases of Avenue stock. The board took that seemingly minuscule amount into account, along with Cope’s clean record and the testimony of those heavy hitters when it made the decision in May. As a result, Cope could be back at his law office by around November 2018. His ninemonth house arrest, a condition of the guilty plea, could be coming to an end soon. Of course, his reputation took the biggest blow, something he certainly realizes. Once the attorney for Rutherford County, Consolidated Utility District, Middle Tennessee Electric and Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority, he had the world in his hands. He’s probably not going to get those jobs back. Yet his law firm continues to hold the county’s legal services contract with Josh McCreary serving as county attorney. Wisely, Cope put a paragraph into the contract making McCreary the chief lawyer in case something happened to him. Thus, despite complaints by the Rutherford Neighborhood Alliance about its billing practices, the firm is still on tap with the county. Even though Mayor Burgess, just a few years ago, sought the creation of a county legal department, he changed his tune this year with the county trying to wrap up a settlement over the running of probation services by a private company, in addition to a lawsuit over the jailing of children. Burgess says there’s no way he could replace McCreary or the firm’s expertise in the midst of these cases.

It’ll be interesting to see whether the county will allow Cope to handle any of its work if he does return to the firm. From an entertainment standpoint, imagine how loudly the RNA and others would howl if Cope is allowed to touch county business again. One thing is certain, though, once he sets foot in that Public Square office, he will benefit from the firm’s business, and unless the county hires someone else, the taxpayers will be paying Cope again. It’s called politics, my friends.

NOT-SO-GOOD POLITICS

Glen Godwin had been Murfreesboro’s Human Resources director for only seven years when he was dismissed June 15. In this city, that’s not nearly enough time to build an alliance. Considering the city government is in the midst of a pay and benefits study Godwin had been dealing with for several months, the firing is a little odd. While Godwin’s attorney contends he’s done nothing to merit termination other than to run afoul of complaints by HR personnel and City Councilwoman Madelyn Scales, city officials say they have plenty of reason to get rid of him, primarily citing management problems. The fact that city officials brought in an outside law firm to interview HR employees about Godwin is certainly a red flag. Godwin’s attorney, Jay Jackson, calls such a move unprecedented. The bigger issue, GODWIN though, could be dissatisfaction by the City Council with the way Godwin has served during the two most recent pay and benefits studies, including the current one and another adopted in 2015. Until the bitter end, he had the support of City Manager Rob Lyons, a point that could put the city manager in a tenuous position. Lyons didn’t get the highest of marks in his 2016 evaluation, and he has another one coming up later this summer. It wouldn’t be surprising if some City Council members, who hold Lyons’ job in their hands, told him to get rid of Godwin—or else. With that in mind, we’ll check out the evaluation this summer and see if Godwin’s exit is mentioned. Apparently, having the city manager in your corner isn’t nearly as

important as having the City Council on your side.

WHO’S GOING WHERE?

Get ready for the same lineup of suspects. It appears Rutherford County’s elected officials are going to play musical chairs. Fourth-term state Sen. Bill Ketron is running for county mayor, and County Mayor Ernest Burgess and state Rep. Dawn White are going after Ketron’s 13th District Senate seat, setting up a showdown in the August 2018 Republican primary. Ketron, the chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus, will be shifting from NASCAR politics to buggy racing. But he won’t have to drive to Nashville every morning for more than half the year, a task that’s enough to make anyone howl. After coming off a bout with cancer two years ago, Ketron probably needs a break, though dealing with county headaches such as the sheriff ’s office and myriad lawsuits is not for the faint of heart. Meanwhile, the race between White and Burgess promises to be lively. The mayor is a social conservative but pragmatic businessman who prides himself in being an analytical problem-solver. White, on the other hand, is more closely aligned with the tea party-types in the Legislature fighting illegal immigration, balking at the governor’s IMPROVE Act (gas tax increase) and saying yes to every gun bill that comes along. Of course, they KETRON will have some competition. Ketron is likely to be opposed in the primary by former Rutherford County Commissioner Tina Jones, an assistant to U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais. And either White or Burgess likely will face a Democrat in November 2018 after the August 2018 primary. White’s decision, though, creates an opening for the 37th District House seat, setting up a domino effect of sorts for those dreaming to find a spot on Capitol Hill. But amid all this activity, we’ll probably have only one new set of eyes in the General Assembly, because until the Democrats can put a strong candidate out there, Republicans will be battling for the win. Sam Stockard can be reached at sstockard44@gmail.com

You Cannot Strengthen The Weak By Weakening the Strong

f you haven’t seen the movie Lion, I suggest you do. It’s the true story of a 5-year-old from India who goes off with his older brother one night to look for scraps to sell to help support their mother. The older brother leaves the five-year-old asleep on a bench on a train platform. When the young boy awakens, he goes searching for his brother. He boards a decommissioned train that takes him on a two-day journey to Calcutta. There he fends for himself on the streets until he’s picked up and taken to an orphanage. He’s too young to be able to tell the adults where he’s from. They run ads in the Calcutta newspaper but no one claims him.

He’s finally adopted by an Australian couple and moves to Tasmania. There he’s raised as a typical Aussie. When he’s 25 years old, he visits the home of an Indian couple who serve up Indian cuisine. He starts having flashbacks of his youth and becomes VIEWS OF A obsessed with finding his real mother and his brother. The bulk of the movie is about COLUMN BY his journey to reconnect. PHIL VALENTINE I’ve thought a lot about the movie since I philvalentine.com watched it with my family. The obvious point is how different his life was because he was raised in Australia instead of India. He’s wrought with guilt over his privilege, which we hear a lot about from the left these days. I’ve given that a great deal of thought. We are all either victims or beneficiaries of our circumstances. There’s no doubt this young man had a much better life because he decided to board that train on that fateful night. But should he feel guilty? Guilt is the currency of the left. Whether it be global warming or income inequality, they use it to try to force a redistribution of wealth. But redistributing wealth does not cure poverty. Abraham Lincoln once said, “You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.” You have to first understand why people are poor, and reasons vary from country to country. India is one of the poorest places on Earth and has been for a very long time. About 24 percent of the population is at or below the poverty level. That means around 276 million people live on less than $2 a day. Why? A lot of India’s ills can be traced back to the caste system, a social order that far predates British colonialism (although that certainly didn’t help). The caste system is a Hindu concept that dates back to 1,500 BC. Basically, you were born into a class and you could not escape it. It was your spiritual destiny. Lack of upward mobility is what has kept Indians in poverty for centuries. If you ever wondered why many Indians seem to be so smart but so many are poor, that’s a big reason why. You take Indians out of India and plop them in the Western world and they prosper. The left doesn’t seem to get that concept. Instead, they develop one redistribution scheme after another when the answer is the very system they loathe: capitalism. America is where dreams come true. Why? Because it’s where you can go as far as your hard work, tenacity and ingenuity can take you. Instead of asking why people are poor, we need to be asking why people are rich. Instead of hating them, we need to be emulating them. Rich people, for the most part, don’t become rich by stealing other people’s money. Lincoln said it best. “You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.”

CONSERVATIVE

“Instead of asking why people are poor, we need to be asking why people are rich. Instead of hating them, we need to be emulating them.”

Phil Valentine is an author and nationally syndicated radio talk show host with Westwood One. For more of his commentary and articles, visit philvalentine.com.

Live Exceptionally...Well!

BY JENNIFER DURAND

Living Like New

recently saw a video where a man was given a gift of being able to see “in color” for the first time. The gift was a pair of specialty glasses that enabled him to see things in a whole new way, like never before. The sheer amazement, excitement and wonder that showed on his face, in his body language and in his words was palpable. He was a grown man, so that made it even more interesting to me. We often see children light up when they experience their “firsts.” Their precious innocence reminds us of complete joy found in such moments. It ignites something in each of us when we see this display of discovery. Perhaps it reminds us of a few ecstatic moments we have had in our lives. It certainly is a feeling we all want to experience more often. So how can we, as adults, have this sense of discovery for ourselves? There is so much around us, all the time, that we are unaware of or that we simply take for granted. There are even more subtle things, all around, that we can’t even see with normal vision: radio waves, infrared, ultraviolet light, high and low audio frequencies. We know these things exist but don’t know the true wonder they provide until we have a need for them or “discover” them. There, also, are the obvious things that we know we haven’t tried, done, tasted, touched, seen or smelled. Experience is a wonderful thing, but sometimes you need a new perspective. — Elaine Taylor How would your life look if you did a little mental exercise for a moment, a day or a week? Experiment by waking up and seeing things as though it was for the first time. Look at your spouse lying next to you. What do you notice? Do you notice breathing, snoring, twitching, movement? What about the warmth of being close to someone else? When you get up, notice what it’s like to actually put one foot in front of the other, stretch, yawn, breathe. Pay close attention to how your body expands and loosens. See the wonder in the steps you take as you make your way to the bathroom to get ready for your day. Really notice the taste of your toothpaste, or the way your toothbrush feels on your teeth. How do these textures affect you? As you continue in your day, look at your children or pets with new eyes. What quirks or individual characteris-

tics do you witness? How is your house arranged? What is in it? Remember how it felt when you found an item that you liked enough to include in your personal space? See it for the first time again. As you step outside, what brilliance comes to life in the color of the trees, flowers, grass, houses, cars? What was the initial feeling when you first sat behind the wheel of a car, drove it down the driveway and onto the road? Let this new way of looking at something familiar wake your senses up! When you listen to others tell their story, really witness how they describe what they are saying. When you hear something that makes you laugh—really laugh—notice the sensation in your body, and the lighthearted spirit in your being. Hear as though you were hearing sound for the first time. Notice the tone, inflection and sincerity in what is being shared. Don’t be distracted by anything else. Zero in and see what it feels like to really witness another person. By now, you probably are getting the general idea of Living Like New. It’s good to pause and take a mental inventory of how we are viewing what is around us and how it connects us to ourselves, our lives and to others. Pay attention to the five senses in all that you do—just for a little while, on occasion. Your life will seem more colorful, maybe even bold or brilliant. Work to not take these things for granted—which is so easy to do with something familiar. Life is large with its energy, first moments of excitement, fear and newness. It is also quiet, calm and small with its intimacy and nuances. Give feedback and write about what you gain from this practice. Remember to “Live Like New” throughout your life and daily encounters. New things are made familiar and familiar things are made new. — Samuel Johnson Jennifer Durand is the owner and operator of The Nurture Nook Day Spa & Gift Shoppe; she is a certiﬁed QiGong and Breathe Empowerment instructor, a skin care and makeup specialist, an InterPlay leader and is licensed in massage therapy, body work and somatic integration. Let her help you ﬁnd your personal “ahh . . .” factor by visiting nurturenook. com or facebook.com/nurturenookdayspa or by calling (615) 896-7110.

SPORTS

TALK

COLUMN BY “Z-TRAIN”

titanman1984@gmail.com

WEINER SPORTS AND MEGA FIGHTS THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK, bringing sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk to you, the loyal readers of Middle Tennessee. July is the month of the wiener. That’s right, no discrimination, each one of us loves small weiners, long weiners, crooked weiners, cute little smoky weiners, and even mutilated, deformed weiners. They are all delicious and we as Americans would never discriminate against the weiner, considering we eat nearly 200 million of the tasty weiner dogs on America’s Independence Day! I wish I were an Oscar Meyer weiner, that is what I’d truly like to be. ’Cause if I were an Oscar Meyer weiner, everyone would be in love with me! Every July 4th there are two guarantees for me. I have to watch Independence Day and pretend to be Will Smith—a man who blows up aliens, marries a stripper, saves the president and shows the world how badass America is. For just a couple hours, I am Will Smith! The other guarantee every year is watching the live broadcast of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. In this case, I pretend to be Joey Chestnut—a middle-aged white man with superhero powers, those being the ability to eat a stupid amount of weiners in 10 minutes. Some morons claim that professional eating is no sport. Come on, man! I say smack the naysayers with a weiner, a 100% beefy, all-natural, beautiful Nathan’s brand weiner. Then, and only then, will they understand that professional eating truly is a sport. Joey Chestnut’s skill with a weiner is far more impressive than Terrific Tom Brady’s skill with a football or King James’ skill on the basketball court. They call Lebron King James. Please? The true King of sports is Joey Chestnut, the eater of 72 weiners and buns in 10 minutes. All hail King Weiner! Okay, so enough of this weiner nonsense. Lets dive into this article. We’ll praise America, bash liberals, talk boxing and end with some Tennessee sports! It’s July in Tennessee, a time to blow stuff up, eat food, grill out, eat more food and spend time outdoors with family and friends, all in the name of Lady Liberty, a sexy lass indeed! We live in a great country, a country that deserves its citizens’ respect, a country where all of her citizens, no matter their race or gender, can find success. Don’t blame others for your shortcomings. We all have a road to walk—some are tougher than others—but we

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all have a shot at happiness and success in this country. It is part of the greatness and beauty of Lady Liberty! Some liberals may condemn what I just said as shortsighted and offensive. But it really is that simple— liberals want to blame the successful for the problems of the unsuccessful. They preach tolerance and yet have become the party of intolerance. Though one fact remains after you put aside politics, activist groups and random point of views, America is a country that gives opportunity to all its citizens. In short, don’t disrespect this country, or Captain America may come whoop your ass! What I meant to say is that we all should be thankful to be born into a country where billions of people around the globe would give up everything just for a chance to live here and a chance at the American dream. Remember that the next time you want to whine about the problems and shortcomings of this country! God bless America, and happy July 4 to you and your loved ones! Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao was robbed. That’s right, no doubt about it. I love fights, I love the MMA, I love boxing, but boxing has an issue with its image. There are only two possible reasons why Manny Pacquiao lost that recent decision: incompetent judges, or corruption. Granted, his fight versus Jeff Horn was amazing, and both men deserve praise for their performances. Boxing is doing one thing right at least: airing this fight on ESPN and announcing future fights to be aired on the network. It expands the interest of the sport and saves people money, not having to shell out cash for every title bout out there. That will not be the case for the Aug. 26 Mega-Fight featuring Money Mayweather

vs. Connor McGregor. Its boxing vs. MMA. This fight will cost you probably $100 if you want to watch it in the confines of your own home. Ridiculous, I know! The liberals should be complaining about that type of injustice. That’s a cause I could get behind. That price tag alone and the hype for this fight will break every cash record there is to break. For years, I have spoken of my distaste for Floyd Mayweather. He is arrogant and his fights bore me. It is a fact, though, that Mayweather is undefeated and ridiculously intelligent inside of the ring. McGregor is young, unlike Floyd. Yet Connor may be as arrogant as Mayweather. The critics claim that this fight is a farce. They claim Floyd will outbox and outsmart Connor handily inside the ring. Others state that Floyd should be worried and should have stayed retired. Connor is younger, stronger and has better stamina. While Floyd is older, he has an entire career of boxing knowledge; this is Connor’s first professional bout! Either way, win or lose, both fighters are going to make hundreds of millions. Its so ridiculous how much revenue will stream in from this mega-fight. This fight will be the first Pay-Per-View fight in many years that I will pay to watch. I had no interest in Mayweather vs. Pacquiao; the result was what I predicted and the fight worse than I imagined. This fight, on the other hand, is

Mayweather/ McGregor

unpredictable, and I like unpredictable! THAT’S ENOUGH BOXING TALK, LET’S TALK PREDATORS! Sincerely, I want to say thank you to the team and the fans. What a year! The Stanley Cup Playoffs, baby. It was so much fun watching, and the world paid attention to Smashville and our lunatic fans! During the playoffs I went to Dick’s Sporting Goods looking for some fresh new sports attire. It was a madhouse! I saw mothers beating other mothers, fighting over the last of the children’s shirts. I saw children fighting each other. One little kid screamed that he was Subban and knocked out two baby teeth from another kid just standing by. It was crazy, but it was real passion! In a country where dodgeball is considered too violent for our children due to the feelings of the other feeble players, hockey’s violence is welcomed. It’s a sport where grown men beat the crap out of each other and can shake hands after it’s all over. There is more a child can learn from that sentiment than any of this liberal hug-yourself garbage! The world would be better off with violent little children running around beating each other with hockey sticks. THE TITANS HAVE PUMPED UP THE OFFENSE adding Corey Davis and Eric Decker this offseason. Meanwhile the Jags, Texans and Colts have been adding to their defenses. General Manager Jon Robinson is playing chess, and Marcus Mariota is his queen. A game plan that focuses on putting the pieces around the young signal caller sounds like success! The ultimate goal here is being able to outscore the rest of the AFC South. Playoffs, baby! Giving the young quarterback these playmakers makes this offense a force. The running game is stout, the offensive line is unbreakable and adding these playmakers makes this offense a juggernaut. The defense is still average, and if they can improve their play I believe this offense can make a splash in the 2017 season. After the excitement of the Nashville Predators’ run, the Titans are looking to show the country how special Nashville really is, a city full of talent and passionate fans! The Train’s out the station. Choo-choo.

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