July 2020 Murfreesboro Pulse

INSIDE

OVER 40 LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS / BURGESS FALLS / SYLVAN PARK / DANDY DJ / SKY ZONE / HOPE ORPHANAGE JULY 2020

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VOL. 15, ISSUE 7

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FREE

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS: 2006–2020 Middle Tennessee’s Source for Art, Entertainment and Culture News

FOCUS ON THE BORO

Winners Announced for 2020 Photo Contest page 20

Contents

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FEATURES

ON THE COVER: PHOTOS COURTESY OF FOCUS ON THE BORO (Clockwise from Top Left) “Sunrise at the Grove” by W. Casey Malone; “Reminders” by Alan Kinnard; “Murfreesboro Depot” by Tyler Mattingly; “Sunset at Stones River” by Sam McClatchy III; “Dam at Stones River Greenway” by Kristina Klamborowski; “Battlefield Cannon Rest” by Drew Nickerson; “Stars Stripes” by Tim McElroy; “Compassion” by Sam McClatchy III

IN EVERY ISSUE

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4 Letter

JUMP!

Spring to the sky at Sky Zone, new park.

Murfreesboro trampoline park

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BURGESS FALLS

Spectacular views of Falling Water Park.

River at Burgess Falls State Park

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WITHOUT A HITCH

Murfreesboro’s Dandy DJ provides family-friendly wedding entertainment books. and offers tips in his various books

FROM THE EDITOR End segregation now!

5 Events

CALENDAR Celebration Under the Stars, Southern Shopping Shindig, Second Service Division, Yoga and more

8 Sounds

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FREEDOM FEST Hop Springs hosts July 4 outdoor concert.

Find chicken, tacos, cheesesteaks, cakes, crepes and more at over 40 local trucks and trailers.

CONCERTS Mixtape, Joey Fletcher Blues Jam, Electric Frazier and more

FOOD TRUCKS

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HOPE ORPHANAGE

Ugandan man Mbaju Phillmon seeking support from around the globe for orphans.

African home for orphans

ALBUM REVIEWS Treva Blomquist, Cabin Color MUSIC NOTES Summer Concerts

Art Director:

Sarah Mayo

Copy Editor:

Steve Morley Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo

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Advertising:

Maddie Morgan

16 Food

REVIEW Sylvan Park Restaurant

20 Art

EXHIBITS Focus on the Boro announces 2020 winners.

MTSU Art Professors Suffrage Exhibit POETRY Virtual Poetry in the Boro, calendar project, sketching and poetry videos MOVIE REVIEW Da 5 Bloods

26 News

BUSINESS BUZZ Empanada Sonata, Panther Creek Brews, El Guache, Uptown Cheapskate, Nash Family Creamery

Contributors:

Melissa Coker, Laura Lindsay, Angela Loupe, Isabella Lovett, Zach Maxfield, Jay Spight, Shaterial Starnes, Andrea Stockard, Phil Valentine, Kory Wells, Michelle Willard

HIGHLIGHTING BUSINESS Floativation, Part 8 FINANCIAL COACHING Save $1,000 dollars in 120 days.

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Opinion LIVE EXCEPTIONALLY . . . WELL You always exist.

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PHIL VALENTINE Fatherless homes, housing projects responsible for many American problems.

SPORTS TALK Remember Pat Tillman, Jesse Owens, The Dream Team and other sports heroes on Independence Day.

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Copyright © 2020, The Murfreesboro Pulse, 714 W. Main St., #208, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.

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

714 W. Main St., Suite 208, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 • 615-796-6248 To carry the PULSE at your business, or to submit letters, stories and photography: bracken@boropulse.com

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MY FAMILY’S SO WOKE, y’all, we don’t even segregate our laundry by color.

You won’t believe some of the hateful language I have heard—“we must separate the whites from the coloreds; they cannot mingle.”

Well, 2020 is no time for such backward, redneck, back-of-the-bus thinking. I remain inclusive and tolerant of laundry of all colors in one glorious melting pot of the washing machine of life. My pink-tinted whites and bleached-out blues will forevermore be symbols of solidarity, tolerance and justice. (You probably have to admit that’s not the most outlandish take on current events you have heard over the past few months. . . .)

Enjoy and stand up for your freedoms now, while you have them—the freedom of speech, the freedom to print what you wish in your publication, the freedom to assemble, the freedom to run your business, attend church, visit the parks, travel around this expansive country, read what you want, think what you want and participate in what you want.

Recent instances of riots and looting may have some gun restrictionists reanalyzing their position. Yes, some very real scenarios happen in this country in which having the ability to defend yourself, your business, your family and your property from lawless degenerates makes sense.

I have to think all of this global pandemic talk has some of the proponents of open and free-flowing borders rethinking that issue as well. Yes, sometimes it can make sense for a country to have a tight control over its borders, when, just as a hypothetical, that country wants to restrict anyone who may be carrying a highly contagious new virus from entering its land.

Murfreesboro seems like a good place to be. Most everyone gets along fairly well, an awesome greenway system runs through town alongside the Stones River for abundant exploration, plenty of good food, a couple of trampoline parks.

The Mayos got the opportunity to visit the newest one, Sky Zone, and jump around a little. Good stuff! This big guy doesn’t have the chance to get airborne like that every day. Read more in this issue.

Remember, Murfreesboro has a Pulse—a free publication all about the area’s activities, people, food, music, art and places— because of its fantastic advertisers.

Get yourself a nice porch rocker at Thor’s; pay Station Grill a visit, perhaps on a Friday sometime when they offer some incredible special dishes. Kelly Gafford will help you buy or sell a home; Carmen’s keeps the queso, sopes and ceviche flowing.

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Hop Springs will host a big July 4 bash with outdoor concerts and fireworks.

We welcome El Guache Ice Cream Shop to our pages. Find a fantastic assortment of sweet treats there. Doggie’s Day Out is offering a special package deal for doggie daycare this month. Primrose Table continues doing its fantastic culinary thing. Big Creek Winery Tasting Room offers that fine Tennessee wine at its Christiana location.

I am excited to see MexiVen back in the Pulse. If you don’t know your arepas from your cachapas or your empanada from your pupusa, this excellent little spot will educate you.

Find more deliciousness at Champy’s Chicken, The Alley on Main, Epicurean Olive Oil, Van’s Bar and Grill.

To everyone not included in that brief list, you know who you are. Thanks to all of these fine organizations that have kept the Pulse rolling off the press every month for nearly 15 years, some of those months being more challenging than others.

Aside from providing advertising space in the most excellent publication in Rutherford County, the Pulse can also assist with various graphic design projects. If you need a menu, poster, banner, flyer, logo, billboard or any other visual marketing piece done, we may be able to help: bracken@boropulse.com.

Murfreesboro will host the annual Murfreesboro Antique Show July 17–19, and the inaugural Southern Shopping Shindig on July 11. Perhaps we will see you at Movies Under the Stars or at the next third Friday Concert at Cannonsburgh later this month.

A very happy birthday to Pulse co-founder Sarah this month. It is a blessing to know you!

I won’t tell you how old she is . . . but it is a very large number that ends in a zero. “What do you want for dinner on your birthday?”

Peace, BRACKEN MAYO Publisher/Editor in Chief

Events

CALENDAR / JULY 2020

BY ANDREA STOCKARD ing crew chief, the current Ringmaster of Tangerine Salon and Spa, the founder and co-producer of United We Style, storyteller and performer. This two-hour workshop focuses on how to place inspiration in front of you in order to keep your motivation for accomplishing your goals. Bring a couple of quotes which lend you inspiration and a couple of small photo printouts that make you happy. Registration is $70. For more information, visit quinnsmercantile.com or call 615-318-4247.

JULY 2 NARFE MEETING The Murfreesboro 0834 National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Chapter meets for lunch at The Villages of Murfreesboro (2550 Willow Oak Trail) on Thursday, July 2 (and the first Thursday of every month) from 11 a.m.–noon. The meeting is in the second floor conference room. NARFE involves all active and retired federal workers and spouses. For more information, visit narfe.org.

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JULY 4 CELEBRATION UNDER THE STARS Enjoy fireworks from your car, lawn chair, blanket or parking lots near the Medical Center Parkway area on Saturday, July 4.

To bring the community together virtually, local radio station WGNS provides music and surprise guest appearances on air, culminating in a patriotic medley to accompany the fireworks display. WGNS can be found at AM 1450, FM 100.5, and FM 101.9 on the radio. Listeners can also stream the show at wgnsradio.com. The fireworks display by Pyro Shows lights up the sky at 9 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring picnic baskets, lawn chairs and blankets to view the show; please clean up your area before you leave. For those unable to see the fireworks in person, ABC News Channel 2 will broadcast the display.

Sponsors of the event include the City of Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation, Murfreesboro Police Department, Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department and WGNS Radio. For more information, contact 615-642-3723 or rsinger@murfreesborotn.gov.

JULY 4 LA VERGNE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Join the city of La Vergne to celebrate independence at Veterans Memorial Park (Floyd Mayfield Dr.) on Saturday, July 4.

Enjoy music and food, and end the night with a spectacular fireworks show. Vendors are on hand with concessions for sale.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with festivities kicking off at 6 p.m. Bring the family and chairs or blankets. Admission is free. For more information, call 615-793-3224.

Personal fireworks are not allowed.

SOUTHERN SHOPPING SHINDIG

JULY 4 ARROWHEAD BOYS RANCH FIREWORKS FUNDRAISER The Arrowhead Boys Ranch celebrates Independence Day on Saturday, July 4, with fireworks, hot dogs and lots of fun with proceeds benefiting the boys ranch (239 Cortner Mill Rd., Normandy). Admission is $10 per adult and free for children under 10 years old. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. at the ranch. Funds raised directly contribute to housing, counseling, food, health care, transportation and activities for the boys. The Arrowhead Boys Ranch is a nonprofit, long-term residential care facility for boys ages 10–18 years old who are dealing with conflict and misguided direction in their lives. While at the ranch, the boys learn the importance of hard work and team building in a Christian family environment. Tickets can be purchased at arrowheadranchtn.net/events-near-me. For more information, contact 931-857-4000 or info@arrowheadranchtn.net.

JULY 4 FREEDOM FESTIVAL AT HOP SPRINGS Be a part of the first Freedom Festival at Hop Springs on Saturday, July 4. Hop Springs is celebrating July 4 with a benefit concert and fireworks supporting the first responders and frontline workers of Rutherford County. 84 acres of open space provide plenty of room for social distancing, with only 2,000 people allowed on the property. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online in advance; kids under 14 are free. Live music will begin at 3 p.m.

Enjoy food, beer and games throughout the property, while several great live performances take place on two stages. For more information, call 615-450-1907 or visit hopspringstn.com.

JULY 4 WARTRACE FREEDOM FEST Visit the historic railroad town of Wartrace on Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

 Send community event information to CONTACT@BOROPULSE.COM

Southern Shopping Shindig features over 80 handmade gift, craft, and food vendors at Lane Agri-Park Community Center (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) on Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. The Canjo Woman provides free entertainment, and guests can enjoy raffles to raise money for Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center. Admission is free. For more information, find the event on Facebook or contact southernshoppingshindig@gmail.com.

JULY 11 2ND SERVICE DIVISION BBQ

JULY 8

2nd Service Division hosts a FatGuy BBQ lunch on Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., at VFW Post 8422 (10157 Old Nashville Hwy., Smyrna). Admission is $20 for the first person and $5 for each after that. All donations help a veteran repair their homes. The day includes pulled pork sandwiches, beans, potato salad, water, a cornhole tournament and guest speakers. The VFW is one of the oldest military nonprofit organizations in the USA. The goal is to help all veterans in need, including during transitions from military to civilian life. For more information, find the event on Facebook.

JOURNALING FOR INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION

JULY 11

for a 4th of July celebration of freedom.

Shop a variety of vendors and food trucks, watch or participate in the freedom parade and entertain the kids with some summer activities. Stay afterwards for the town’s annual reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by the fireworks show just across the street. Vendors are wanted at Jernigan Field (119 Bridgeview Ave.). For more information, call 931-2400300 or visit wartracechamber.org.

Join the Journaling for Inspiration and Motivation Workshop with Kara Kemp at Quinn’s Mercantile (301 N. Spring St.) on Wednesday, July 8, from 6–8 p.m.

Choose a new journal and spend time learning how to begin your story, work on planning and become inspired. Registration includes a brand-new journal. Kemp has been writing since she was 11. Kemp is a former theater managing director, tour-

KID’S CONSTRUCTION FUN FEST Get your hard hats on and gear up for big-time fun with some oversized toys at Lucky Ladd Farms (4374 Rocky Glade Rd., Eagleville) on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. A special construction site is ready for operation where kids can help Digger Dan operate a real excavator, move CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 BOROPULSE.COM

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July 18, for a community yoga session.

Yoga focuses on improving your balance and flexibility, while at the same time reducing stress. Beginning and intermediate levels for ages 13 and up are welcome. For more on this Murfreesboro Parks event, contact bjohnson@murfreesborotn.gov.

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sand, climb on a bulldozer and explore other farm and construction equipment.

Plus, kids enjoy fun activity centers where they can practice skills of trades like building with life-sized Jenga games and giant Lincoln log sets. All the farm’s standard attractions are also included. Participation is free with paid admission. Required hard hats and safety goggles are provided; closed-toe shoes are required for participation. For more information, find Lucky Ladd Farms on Facebook, call 615-274-3786 or visit luckyladdfarms.com.

JULY 18 MEET-AND-GREET WITH ARTIST HAILEY BRACEY

JULY 11

Quinn’s Mercantile holds a meet-andgreet with Hailey Bracey on Saturday, July 18, at 11 a.m. Meet this local artist who enjoys acrylics and consider investing in an original painting. For more information, visit quinnsmercantile.com or call 615318-4247.

MEMORIAL BUTTERFLY PICK-UP

JULY 24–26

JULY 11 ’90S TRIBUTE BAND AT RIDENOUR REHEARSAL STUDIOS Ridenour Rehearsal Studios (1203 Park Ave.) is a premier music facility in Murfreesboro hosting live shows, rehearsals, recording, music lessons, gear rental and live streaming shows. Pivot, your favorite ’90s band plays tunes on Saturday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5. For more information, call 615-956-7413.

JULY 11 BAGELSHOP POP UP Join the Bagelshop on the Quinn’s Mercantile front porch (301 N. Spring St.) at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, and pick up a bagel and schmear. Bagelshop’s delicious, hand-crafted, on-the-go food is perfect for breakfast or lunch. To pre-order bagels with a pickup during the Pop Up Shop, visit bagelshopnashville.com. For more information, visit quinnsmercantile.com or call 615-318-4247.

JULY 14 RUTHERFORD CABLE JULY MEETING Join Rutherford Cable for “What Is the Marketing Hourglass?” with Dean Heasley on Tuesday, July 14, from 7:15–9 a.m. at the Stones River Country Club (1830 NW Broad St.). A “marketing funnel” is referred to when “a sale pops out the bottom of the funnel” and you have to start over. A “marketing hourglass” is an approach using the “7 steps of Know, Like, Trust, Try, Buy, Repeat and Refer,” Heasley says. The founder of Nashville Marketing Systems, Heasley focuses on digital trust and referrals to help create a sustainable business.

Bring business cards and grab a card from the basket on the way out to make connections. For more information or to register, contact yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com.

JULY 16 CHARITY CIRCLE “NO SHOW” FUNDRAISERS 6 * JULY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

Each year, the Alive Hospice community comes together to remember loved ones with a butterfly release. Butterflies symbolize the lasting love and the spiritual renewal of a new season. For the health and safety of all, participants release their butterflies at home this year Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., but still uniting as a community remembering loved ones. Share pictures and videos from your home release to be included in the year’s memorial video.

Email your photos or video clips to jpropst@alivehospice.org by July 15. For the first time, the hospice is selling butterfly houses handmade by local craftspeople for Alive. You can buy a kit to build and paint your own or buy one that is finished. Supplies are limited. All funds raised support the nonprofit services including grief counseling, community education and financial aid. Alive Hospice is located at 1629 Williams Dr. For more information, find the event on Facebook or visit alivehospice.org/murfreesboro.

Charity Circle, one of Rutherford County’s key benefactors supporting nonprofits providing basic needs, is not immune to the effects of COVID-19. To err on the side of safety, Charity Circle will host “No Show” events for the remainder of 2020. In 2019, Charity Circle distributed $436,000 to 35 local agencies directed towards food, clothing, shelter and medicine-insecurity needs. Funds are distributed quarterly to nine ongoing Rutherford County nonprofits. Each fundraiser is a “No Show” party on their scheduled dates, and will highlight individual ongoing agencies, their missions, and benefits thanks to the gifts of Charity Circle’s contributors. Charity Circle’s “No Show” parties are: July 16 – Cocktails at Copper Ridge, featuring Special Kids Therapy & Nursing Center Aug. 14 – Summer Supper, featuring Ann Campbell Early Learning Center and Nourish Food Bank Sept. 11 – Tailgate Party, featuring Domestic Violence Center and Doors of Hope Dec. 4 – Ladies Holiday Luncheon, featuring Community Helpers and Good Shepard’s Children’s Home Dec. 11 – Christmas Cocktails and Cheer,

featuring Child Advocacy Center and The Journey Home To contribute towards the “No Show” fundraising parties and Charity Circle’s community support, and for more information about the historic local women’s organization founded in 1910, visit charitycirclemboro.org.

JULY 17–19 MURFREESBORO ANTIQUE SHOW Murfreesboro Antique Show will host its 53rd annual show July 17–19 at Mid-TN Expo Center (1660 Middle Tennessee Blvd.). This long-lasting Murfreesboro tradition attracts some of the finest antique dealers from across the country. Hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18, and from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. Admission is $7 for all three days. For more information, visit murfreesboroantiqueshow.com.

JULY 18 YOGA AT THE ISLAND Yoga is a great way to wind down, especially outdoors in nature. Meet at the beautiful Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.) from 9–10 a.m. on Saturday,

MURFREESBORO HOME EXPO The Murfreesboro Home Expo is scheduled for July 24–26 at Mid-TN Expo Center (1660 Middle Tennessee Blvd.). See the latest in home improvement, remodeling, design and outdoor living. Meet with local and national vendors to help tackle any size project. Participate in live demonstrations, food sampling, show deals and contests with prizes. The first 1,000 tickets are free, presented by Bath Fitter. After those supplies are exhausted, admission is $5 with free parking. All military, seniors and children 12 and under are free. Hours are Friday from noon–8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. For more information, call 800-201HOME, find the event on Facebook or visit murfreesborohomeexpo.com.

JULY 25 MIXTAPE AT HOP SPRINGS AMPHITHEATER Mixtape performs the best music of the 1980s live on Hop Springs’ new outdoor stage (6790 John Bragg Hwy.) from 7–10 p.m. on Saturday, July 25. There are 84 acres for safe social distancing and plenty of room to dance, sit at a picnic table or relax on a blanket. Tickets purchased for Mixtape’s show that was canceled due to COVID-19 will be honored for this show.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For more information, call 615-4501907 or visit hopspringstn.com/events.

JULY 25 SPLASH BASH Lucky Ladd Farms (4374 Rocky Glade Rd.) offers children fun in the sun with a “Splash Bash” on Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Kids can cool off on the inflatable water slides, splash pad and bubble blast enjoying a water balloon

toss and games alongside all the regular fun activities of the farm. For more information, call 615-274-3786.

THROUGHOUT JULY MOVIES UNDER THE STARS Movies Under the Stars returns this summer with a lineup of family-oriented shows. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs or truck bed and refreshments; the shows start at 8:30 p.m. (The double feature on July 11 starts at 7:30 p.m.). Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Locations are as follows: Mondays: Barfield Crescent Park, near Pavilions 1 and 2 Thursdays: Richard Siegel Neighborhood Park Fridays: Cason Lane Trailhead Saturdays: Fountains at Gateway Movie Schedule: Week of June 29: The Secret Life of Pets 2 (No Show July 4) Week of July 6: Frozen II; special double feature of Frozen and Frozen II on Saturday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m.

Week of July 13: Toy Story 4 Week of July 20: Overcomer For cancellations and updates, find Murfreesboro Parks and Rec on Facebook.

TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS RUTHERFORD COUNTY FARMERS MARKET Shop local produce, fruits, honey, cheese, meat, flowers and other plants at the only 100 percent producer-only farmers market in Rutherford County at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m.–noon.

Everyone is required to wear a mask (until further notice). For more information, call 615898-7710, visit extension.tennessee.edu/rutherford or find Lane Agri-Park Community Center on Facebook.

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

THURSDAYS MAYDAY OPEN MIC Mayday Brewery hosts open mic night the first and third Thursdays of each month from 7–9 p.m. with pianist Jackson Harrison. Try out your new songs, or just listen to your neighbors. Admission is always free and all ages are welcome. Mayday Brewery is located at 521 Old Salem Rd. For more information, call 615-479-9722 or visit maydaybrewery.com.

THURSDAYS POOL TOURNAMENT AT VAN’S BAR AND GRILL Van’s Bar and Grill hosts an 8-ball pool tournament every Thursday at 7 p.m. Registration is $20 and opens at 6 p.m. The tournament is double elimination. Payouts depend on number of entries. Van’s Bar and Grill is located at 2404 Halls Hill Pk.

SATURDAYS MURFREESBORO SATURDAY MARKET ON THE SQUARE The Main Street Saturday Market continues each Saturday from 8 a.m.–noon at the historic Murfreesboro Public Square. Over 45 vendors offer produce, baked goods, prepared foods, coffee, tea, snow cones, flowers, plants, fresh eggs and more. No pets this year, and one person per family is recommended to reduce the size of the crowd. For more information, find Murfreesboro Saturday Market on Facebook, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org/main-street-farmers-market or contact mainstreetmarket@downtown murfreesboro.com

THROUGHOUT JULY CITY PARKS SUMMER CAMPS Sign the kids up for summer camps in the city like Zoologist Camp, Summer Kayak Club, Sports Camp at Sports*Com, Pioneer Camp, History Through the Arts Camp, Broadway Theatre Camp and more. For more information, visit murfreesborotn.gov/1550/Summer-Camps or contact 615890-5333 or dterry@murfreesborotn.gov.

THROUGHOUT JULY STONES RIVER NATIONAL CEMETERY Stones River National Cemetery (3501 Old Nashville Hwy.) plans to feature many events throughout July including Hallowed Ground: A Lantern Tour of Stones River National Cemetery, Civil Warriors Suffragettes, Battlefield Caravan Tour, Ranger-Walk Never Forget, Breaking Boundaries: Women in the Civil War and more.

For more information, follow Stones River National Battlefield on Facebook, visit nps.gov/stri or call 615-893-9501.

THROUGHOUT JULY STUFF THE BUS SUPPLY DRIVE Murfreesboro Water and the United Way encourages the community to stuff the bus throughout July. Donate school supplies to K–5th grade students to start their school year right. Supplies needed include backpacks, Crayola crayons, color pencils, dry erase markers, glue sticks, scissors and notebooks. Collect school supplies at your company, with your friends or civic organization through July 27. Supplies can be delivered to Hobgood Elementary School on Monday, July 27 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. For more information, visit yourlocalaw.org/stuffthebus.

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Sounds

Read more about local music at

boropulse.com/category/music

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MUSIC NOTES

CONCERT CALENDAR WED, 7/1 HANK’S Shawn & Caralyn Hammonds

THURS, 7/2 HANDLEBARS Blues Jam HANK’S Jordan Carter MAYDAY Open Mic

FRI, 7/3

HOP SPRINGS HOSTS JULY 4 FREEDOM FEST WITH END OF THE LINE, SMOKING FLOWERS, KIRSTEN ARIAN, KIRA LYNN AND MORE HOP SPRINGS WILL CELEBRATE Independence Day with its first-ever Freedom Festival, a benefit concert and fireworks show supporting the area first responders and the frontline workers of Rutherford County.

The property opens at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, with live music set to begin at 3 p.m.

The Freedom Festival will include performances on two stages from End of the Line (an Allman Brothers Tribute band), The Smoking Flowers, Kirsten Arian, Kira Lynn, Andrew Millsaps, Madeline McDonald, My One and Only, Amanda Page Cornett & Almost Angels and Angela Sue Cheslock.

At sundown, MAD Fireworks will

present a fireworks show.

Hop Springs offers 84 acres of open space, providing plenty of social distancing. Only 2,000 people will be allowed on the property, which would give each individual a 45-by-45-foot square if they so choose.

Tickets to the Freedom Festival are $10; ages 14 and under are free. 100% of ticket proceeds will be donated to Rutherford County first responders and frontline workers.

Find tickets on Eventbrite or for more information, visit freeedomfest.com.

Hop Springs is located at 6670 John Bragg Hwy., Murfreesboro.

For more information on the brewery and the property, visit hopspringstn.com.

CARMEN’S Joe West COCONUT BAY Krazee D HANK’S Tawnya Reynolds, Sam Roark Band MAYDAY Gabe David SEASONS Cooter River Band VAN’S The Real Deal

SAT, 7/4 HANK’S A Slice of American Pie, Rattlesnake & Eggs HOP SPRINGS Freedom Festival SEASONS Karaoke Dance Party

SUN, 7/5 HANK’S Crosstown

TUES, 7/7 BURGER BAR Sarah Martin HANK’S Lauren Christine RIDENOUR STUDIOS Open Jam

WED, 7/8 HANK’S Kyle Mercer

THURS, 7/9 HANDLEBARS Thursday Night Blues Jam HANK’S Bailey Rose THE SMOKING FLOWERS

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KIRSTEN ARIAN

FRI, 7/10

CARMEN’S Joe West COCONUT BAY Mike Dizill HANK’S Sarah Martin, Jack Finley Band MAYDAY Tom Davison VAN’S Doug Lawler Band

SAT, 7/11 COCONUT BAY Stranger Than Fiction HANK’S Phil Valdez, Joe Hooper RIDENOUR Pivot SEASONS The Real Deal THE BORO Celebrating Logan, featuring Joey Fletcher

SUN, 7/12 HANK’S The O’Donnell’s

TUES, 7/14 BURGER BAR Sarah Martin HANK’S Jim Valdez

WED, 7/15 HANK’S HunterGirl

THURS, 7/16 HANDLEBARS Blues Jam HANK’S Spencer Maige MAYDAY Open Mic

FRI, 7/17 CANNONSBURGH VILLAGE Uptown Country CARMEN’S Joe West COCONUT BAY Escape Band HANK’S Sara Simmons, Lonnie Cook, Zach Neil MAYDAY November Blue

JULY 2020

VAN’S Vinyl Delux

SAT, 7/18 COCONUT BAY DJ RDP DOWNTOWN WARTRACE The Blue Trees, Sweet Fever, Jenny Johnson HANK’S Macy Tabor, Colleen Lloy, Cooter River Band HOP SPRINGS Electric Frazier Trio

SUN, 7/19 HANK’S George Dunn

TUES, 7/21 BURGER BAR Sarah Martin HANK’S Lauren Christine

WED, 7/22 HANK’S Phil Valdez

THURS, 7/23 HANDLEBARS Blues Jam HANK’S Lonnie Spiker

FRI, 7/24 CARMEN’S Joe West COCONUT BAY Zone Status HANK’S Blake Esse, Jack Finley Band MAYDAY Dolly Momma THE BORO Joey Fletcher Blues Jam VAN’S 180’s Band

SAT, 7/25 COCONUT BAY Karaoke with The Hitman Walker HANK’S Alan Crist, Derek Crider & Heather Heather HOP SPRINGS Mixtape

SUN, 7/26 HANK’S Karree J Phillips

TUES, 7/28 BURGER BAR Sarah Martin HANK’S Delyn Christian

WED, 7/29 HANK’S Emily Miller

THURS, 7/30 HANDLEBARS Blues Jam HANK’S Brent Miller

FRI, 7/31 CARMEN’S Joe West COCONUT BAY My July Band HANK’S Nolen Miller, Justin Dukes VAN’S Whiskey & Friends

IF YOU GO Cannonsburgh Village 312 S. Front St. 615-890-0355 Carmen’s Taqueria 206 W. Northfield 615-848-9003 Coconut Bay 210 Stones River Mall Blvd.

615-494-0504 Hank’s 2341 Memorial 615-410-7747 Handlebars 2601 E. Main St. 615-890-5661 Hop Springs

6670 John Bragg Hwy.

615-450-1907

Mayday Brewery 521 Old Salem Rd. 615-479-9722 Seasons of Murfreesboro 2227 Old Fort Pkwy.

615-895-5471 The Boro 1211 Greenland Dr. 615-895-4800 Van’s Bar & Grill 2404 Halls Hill Pk. 615-624-7767

ALBUMS

CABIN COLOR

TREVA BLOMQUIST

Cabin Color’s latest release, Goodbye From This Side of the Universe, blends a little ’90s grunge, some synth-driven portions, a blast of Flaming Lips quirkiness and some thoughtful progressions, textures and changes in dynamics. The very interesting 11-track release moves from bouncy, booming dance to gentle piano to pop-punk, winding in and out of psychedelic and hard rock, and the production makes for a big and full sound. I applaud the band’s use of silence.

Cabin Color’s peaks and valleys, sudden color changes and dynamic variations give the band some character.

“Escape” is wonderfully powerful at its climax.

The brief song packs quite a journey into only three minutes. After a spacey intro (EBow, I believe . . . ?) and a piano-driven first verse, the song builds; the band then pulls the rug out from under the listener and kicks into an awesome climactic crash, as if the escape involves cruising through space at warp speed or an exhilarating descent on a roller coaster.

The big harmonies on “Universe” sound really good. Another excellent color change occurs in “Up Here” when it drastically drops from its intense, fuzzy and wild rocking portion into a wide open and peaceful clearing: You make it better, without even trying.

“Over It” has another great rock vocal performance from Evan Price and a noteworthy, gradual buildup.

Sometimes the vocals alone in space don’t exactly work for me. While “Goodness Like You” is a pretty tune, this gentler, quieter style of singing may not be Price’s strength. Many of the more energetic passages sound exceptional, as do the more powerful points with harmonies blended in.

Still, with such a variety in mood from gentle piano to the funky, thumping, electronically altered bass of “Something About It,” Goodbye From This Side of the Universe makes an impressive album. I’d say the release qualifies as “art rock,” but in a very catchy, tasty and powerful sort of way. — BRACKEN MAYO

Life is like a toll booth. Allow MTSU graduate Treva Blomquist to shed some light on that thought: Walking in the darkness can take its toll / Hard to be sure which way to go. Many paths to take and the choice is mine / Oh, show me the way in these troubled times / To carry the flame, keep it alive / Believe in the Light / Believe in the Light / Dark is only dark until it’s met by light, I’m holding on for a swift sunrise, pleads Blomquist on the ray of hope tune “The Light,” evoking imagery akin to Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken.”

The far-from-cloudy sounds (albeit different tones from more typical Blomquist) found on Snakes & Saints album won’t fit in a nutshell, but the vocals from the songstress bloom brightly and slither sweetly into the listener’s ears.

The empowering lead-in song, “Strong,” is about having your heart show you who you are.

If there is any downside to Saints it’s that the ethereal synthesizer sounds have a tendency at times to overwhelm the vocal purity. While impressive on the production end, that tonal presence just might not be every listener’s cup of tea.

Snakes & Saints represents “the idea that we really don’t know, and can’t fully know, the intentions of others. We can only really decide what our intentions will be,” Blomquist tells the Pulse.

On “Sorry,” a sure Saints standout, Blomquist confesses with warmly beckoning, remorseful vocals and lovingly constructed reflections.

The lovely closing track “Gift” unwraps the idea that perhaps what seems to be brokenness is actually confusion. The father gives a gift, representing life, to the child; the child decides to bring it back after it breaks, and she finds that she didn’t understand how to use it. It isn’t broken. The father, God, wants us to know we are safe in His hands—and the gift just needed the right hands.

— MELISSA COKER

Goodbye From This Side of the Universe

A CLASSIC OUTSTANDING

Snakes & Saints

AVERAGE BELOW AVERAGE

AVOID IT DEAD

Sounds

Read more about local music at

boropulse.com/category/music

MUSIC NOTES

BLUE TREES

ANITA COCHRAN, HEIDI NEWFIELD, JAMIE O’NEAL JOIN FORCES FOR JULY 10 LOVE ANCHORS FUND BENEFIT

KEEPING MUSIC ALIVE THIS SUMMER WITH LIVE AND IN-PERSON CONCERTS THE TOWN SQUARES of both the ’Boro and Wartrace, as well as Cannonsburgh Village will offer places for musicians and music fans to band together and keep live concert experiences alive.

The historic Wartrace Music Fest summer concert series got underway June 20.

This series will continue the third Saturday of each month through September with shows scheduled to include The Blue Trees, Sweet Fever and Jenny Johnson on July 18, Kiss Kiss Bang on Aug. 15 and Goodbye June on Sept. 19.

Parking in downtown Wartrace is $10, but admission to the shows, from 6–10 p.m., is free. Visitors are strongly encouraged to peruse nearby businesses, food trucks will be onsite and official Music Fest merchandise will be available. Folding chairs and blankets are welcomed to fully enjoy the “rock ’n’ roll by the rails” experience. See artist videos and find out more at wartracechamber.org/musicfest.

Back in Murfreesboro, if those Friday night blues have become stuck in your shoes, there’s good news: fun times are afoot at Cannonsburgh Village.

Cannonsburgh’s Third Friday concert series is back. This series welcomed the Dewdrop Jamboree on June 19. July 10 * JULY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

17 will feature music from the Uptown Country Band, Aug. 21 is the 231 South Band and Sept. 18 sees the series come to a full-circle close with the Dewdrop Jamboree once again. Third Friday shows are free.

The Main Street Murfreesboro Friday Night Live concert series is also ready to soon put some spring in your summer step.

In addition to the live music, you can dig in your heels for some (Murfreesboro Square) dancing. During concert intermissions, instructors from National Dance Club will be there to offer fun, free lessons on how to dance circles around the un-lessoned.

Main Street Murfreesboro will host the free Friday Night Live concerts with Entice on Aug. 7, Skyline Drive on Aug. 21 and Good Rockin’ Tonight on Sept. 11. All concerts will be on the Murfreesboro Public Square from 6:30–9:30 p.m.

According to Main Street Executive Director Sarah Callender, more streets will be closed this year to allow for social distancing. No food vendors are planned, so attendees are encouraged to visit local restaurants that will remain open, offering food and snacks. Find more at mainstreet murfreesboro.org/friday-night-live.

— MELISSA COKER

COUNTRY SINGER Anita Cochran’s Love Anchors Fund is docking soon in Winchester at The Honeysuckle at Twin Creeks Marina and Resort for a sweet reason—to join the fight against breast cancer. Cochran has gathered fellow female forces-to-be-reckoned-with Jamie O’Neal (known for hits including “There Is No Arizona” and “I Think About Angels”) and country-turned-Americana artist Heidi Newfield (known for knowing her way around a harmonica, fronting the band Trick Pony and solo hits including “Johnny and June”) to share their love of music out on the water on Friday, July 10.

Well-known for her No. 1 duet “What If I Said” with Steve Wariner and “I Wanna Hear a Cheatin’ Song,” multi-award winning Cochran was diagnosed with triple positive invasive breast carcinoma in 2017. She wrote a song entitled “Fight Like a Girl” about her cancer battle and donates its proceeds to The Love Anchors Fund.

“I’m so excited about this show!” Cochran said about the July 10 project. “My first event for my breast cancer charity!”

The Love Anchors Fund is managed

by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and distributes money to a variety of breast cancer organizations for research and awareness as well as to breast cancer patients in need.

Both O’Neal and Newfield are working on new music; Newfield is slated

to release an album in late August and O’Neal just recorded the Shaye Smith co-write “The World Goes On.” Cochran also has new music. TV and radio personality Suzanne Alexander takes the helm as host to keep this girl-powered gathering between the beacons.

Tickets are $50 and seating is firstcome first-served. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the concert beginning at 7.

The Honeysuckle is located at 91 Slip-A Way, Winchester. Find tickets to the concert at theloveanchorsfund.simpletix.com.

— MELISSA COKER

Living

Clockwise from top left: A large grid of trampolines at Sky Zone; special anti-slip jumping socks; conquering the 12-foot warped wall; a superfast slide; battling on the balance beam; ascending to the top of a carpeted, elevated platform; zip line

JUMP! A NEW EXERCISE and entertainment experience has arrived in Murfreesboro with the July 2020 opening of Sky Zone Murfreesboro.

Bouncers can hit the many different trampolines and other attractions at Sky Zone for some flying, flipping fun.

Different trampolines are all over this facility, located in the former home of Big Lots on Broad Street. Those wanting to jump around can get airborne, practice their tricks and tumbling, and conduct a pretty good leg and cardio workout as they spring to the sky.

Jumpers can get some serious air at the Drop Zone and do a mid-air trick or pose before landing comfortably on a giant airbag.

A wall of diagonal trampolines borders a huge grid of square trampolines for some trampoline target practice (one must take care to make sure they guide themselves to the expected landing spot in order to avoid

Spring to the sky at Sky Zone, new Murfreesboro trampoline park STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO | PHOTOS BY SARAH MAYO any uncomfortable landings).

A basketball goal area allows those with only moderate vertical ability to reach for the rim. A super-springy white trampoline offers an opportunity to do a box jump on two different levels of a carpeted platform.

The wide variety of different zones and games within the attraction also includes the Wipe Out. On this activity, up to eight jumpers, one on each of the eight pie-sliceshaped trampolines, attempt to leap over the two giant rotating sweeper arms.

In addition to all of the trampolines, Sky Zone contains a variety of other features that can challenge participants’ physicality.

Warped walls, as made famous by the Ninja Warrior program, come in 8-, 10- and 12-foot-tall sizes at Sky Zone Murfreesboro.

A giant slide really builds up the slider’s speed, pointing them almost straight down as they ride on a piece of cloth to reduce friction, before sending them flying through the air to land safely on a large airbag.

A balance beam sits over a large pile of soft foam cubes. Two gladiators can grab the soft foam battle sticks and try and knock one another into the foam pit.

Silks hanging from the ceiling offer participants the chance to dangle, transition and fly as they attempt some intricate

acrobatic maneuvers.

A zip line, tug of war, dodgeball court and other areas also provide fun challenges at Sky Zone.

Sky Zone holds designated times for “little leapers” ages 7 and under, when the park opens only for youngsters without the fear of larger leapers landing on top of them.

And Saturday nights are glow nights, when the main lights go down and lasers and black lights take over for a high-flying dance club experience.

Sky Zone has over 300 locations around the globe, and even operates the first trampoline park at sea, onboard a Carnival cruise ship.

Sky Zone Murfreesboro is located at 1220 NW Broad St., Murfreesboro. For tickets, schedules, to fill out a waiver in advance of a visit or for more information, visit skyzone.com/murfreesboro.

BOROPULSE.COM

* JULY 2020 * 11

Living

 DAY TRIP

Burgess Falls

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY BRACKEN MAYO

State park offers spectacular views of falling water

F

or those exploring some of the many beautiful Tennessee State Parks, the main falls area at Burgess Falls offers a spectacular sight as the 136-foot-tall waterfall on the Falling Water River plunges into the gorge below.

Striking, gigantic rocky cliff walls encircle the basin, where kayakers and swimmers enjoy the pool of water below as onlookers observe from on top of the ridge.

A trail leads from the Burgess Falls parking area to atop the falls, about a half-mile walk each way. From the top of the falls, visitors can peek over the edge of rocks as the water plummets far below.

At one time, a staircase descended from the top of the falls into the gorge area. However, state park authorities have removed this and put up a gate, so currently there is no

12 * JULY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

upper-level access to the area below the falls.

The people in the water put in their kayaks and boats farther downstream the Falling Water River—which empties into Center Hill Lake—and traveled upstream, against only a gentle current, to the base of Burgess Falls for a day of recreation in the sun. Even a larger pontoon boat has more than enough space to maneuver and anchor in the pool below the falls.

Burgess Falls, located in White County, approximately 10 miles south of downtown Cookeville, is really a series of four waterfalls, with the final 136-foot-feature being the most drastic drop. View all four areas on the half-mile hike.

This begins just steps away from the park’s parking lot, also near a playground and picnic pavilion, with a cascades area

Far left: A group of kayakers paddled upstream to enjoy the pool at the base of the main falls at Burgess Falls State Park.

Above: The cliffs surrounding the basin of the falls.

Top right: A dam built in 1928

that sees the Falling Water River descend 20 feet over a very broad area, dropping one or two feet at a time over steps of rocks. These cascades make a fun place to wade in the river, as long as the water isn’t moving too rapidly during a visit.

Continuing down the River Trail, the hiker soon comes to the 30-foot upper falls.

Remnants of a suspension bridge still remain. This bridge once held a flume (water pipe) that carried water from the dam near the park entrance to a powerhouse, situated downstream from the lower falls.

This dam, built in 1928, generated electricity for the area in times predating the Tennessee Valley Authority.

The hiking trail continues to the 80-foot middle falls, which make a lovely sight but are not as impressive as the crown jewel:

the larger, lower falls.

On the journey back, many hikers opt to take the Ridge Top Trail, a wide gravel road which follows a similar course to the River Trail but is a little farther up the hillside with higher, scenic views of Tennessee’s Falling Water River.

In addition to the park’s namesake falls, Burgess Falls State Park also contains a small butterfly garden near the park entrance and dam. The park hosts an annual Butterfly Celebration each summer (well, during the years that do not have a pandemic going on).

Burgess Falls State Park also manages the nearby Window Cliffs State Natural Area. Although the two areas sit just on opposite sides of the Falling Water River, no trails connect the two parks directly. A short drive from Burgess Falls to Window

Bring Your Own Chair

Cliffs, however, gives explorers the option of an additional 5.4-mile roundtrip hike through a Tennessee forest.

Hikers have reported that this hike, while it offers some beautiful scenery of the prominent cliffs and ridges along the path of Cane Creek, is fairly difficult, with 18 creek crossings.

Find more on Burgess Falls and other Tennessee State Parks at tnstateparks.com.

Main Street and Church Street will be closed for the concerts to allow for social distancing Masks Recommended

If You Go BURGESS FALLS STATE PARK 4000 Burgess Falls Dr. Sparta, Tennessee 931-432-5312 Open 8 a.m. until 30 minutes before sunset BOROPULSE.COM

* JULY 2020 * 13

Living CELEBRATIONS ARE A TIME that their participants want to spend making cherished memories. A lot of planning goes into those events, because we want them to go off without a hitch so the magic can do its job and memories can abound.

The hope of every wedding planner and bride, every sweet-16 birthday girl and her parents, every new mother and her supportive friends, and anyone else with a milestone to celebrate, is that the event they’re planning will go smoothly with no hiccups, so the focus can remain on the bride, the birthday girl, the new mother and the like.

However, no matter how carefully we plan, and no matter how much effort we put into the big day, there are no guarantees that obstacles won’t abound. Therefore, the importance of foreseeing those obstacles can drastically reduce the risk of things getting in the way of the big day.

A whole world of professionals, available at our fingertips, will help to stage, coordinate and execute big events, providing proper support, provision and experience to help accomplish a perfect party. In line with that vision is a Murfreesboro gentleman who offers 15 years of experience helping people celebrate the special moments of their lives. Neil Smith, better known as the Dandy DJ, provides family-friendly DJ services for a wide array of events in the community, working alongside his wife, who provides a fun and versatile photo booth service which adds an additional layer of fun while providing memorable keepsakes to memorialize the event.

Dandy DJ is the kind of guy who exudes tangible joy. It’s obvious that he’s excited about life and the role he plays in it. He enjoys his work, and it shows. In addition to the excitement he brings to the table, he also brings a lot of heart and soul. He carefully considers each client that approaches him about an event, making sure that his services will be a good fit. If he finds that he is unable to provide the kind of ambiance that a client is looking for, he will refer them to other professionals that he trusts, hoping to ensure the very best match between client and professional.

Dandy makes no excuses for his firm, family-friendly policy. He wants to be clear that he is interested in providing a good time for everyone, but he also wants to provide a wholesome experience. He’s not opposed to drinking or dancing, but he 14 * JULY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

Getting Hitched Without a Hitch Dandy DJ provides family-friendly wedding entertainment and helpful tips

BY ANGELA LOUPE does screen lyrics of all requested songs carefully, wanting to provide the type of entertainment that can be enjoyed by all guests, regardless of age. He is a very flexible and easily engaged professional who simultaneously allows his conscience to serve him and mitigate unnecessary risk.

Preparedness is definitely a high priority for Dandy. He has upgraded all of his sound equipment to enable three hours of continued sound in the event of a power failure.

He is conscious of and informed about the

assorted obstacles that can come into play during an event, such as the electrical options available, the considerations for safety of the equipment itself, and the wires and cables that must be run. He is also sensitive to the client’s needs when it comes to their other obligations. Dandy makes it clear that he realizes the need for a speedy breakdown when the venue has a time limit or rentals must be returned. His first and last thoughts, and all the ones in between, are centered around giving the client the best

experience they can possibly have.

Preparation time for the event is carefully spent custom-tailoring the experience to fit clients’ wishes and needs, he says.

Slide shows and images, lighting, music and photo opportunities are fine-tuned for weeks before an event, making sure that the magic of the moment carries the right tone for what the client has in mind, making those memories easy to capture and enjoyable for years to come.

In addition to his website, which offers videos and a more personal window into the kind of experience that you can expect, Dandy has also authored several books which lend weight to his credibility and display his level of expertise in a very organized way.

The Dandy DJ packs his books—Ditch Your DJ, and All Your Other Wedding Vendors Too!, The Barn Wedding Book: How to Hold Your Hootenanny Without a Hitch, Pick a Perfect Wedding DJ and The Wedding DJ Bible—which contain useful event planning and DJ tips designed to be helpful to the reader whether or not they purchase the author’s services.

The videos and the books only serve to reinforce the impression that the Dandy DJ presents in person—that is, that his character and his ethics are a perfect fit for his profession. There’s no way this guy will aim to host anything less than the consummate celebration.

Dandy provides DJ and photo booth services for events such as weddings, corporate functions, church events and family events. For more information on the Dandy DJ and his books, visit dandydj.com.

Food

It’s a Southern Thing

Food Trucks Going Strong Find chicken, tacos, cheesesteaks, cakes, crepes and more at more than 40 local trucks and trailers

T

BY LAURA LINDSAY

he food truck scene took off in popularity this spring when COVID-19 forced these small business owners to rethink their plans to work at festivals and events. When people started staying home, many of the food trucks came to them—serving brunch, lunch, dinner and desserts in the neighborhoods.

“On the first night we went into a neighborhood, we sold out in 27 minutes,” said Haley Griffin, who co-owns the dessert business It’s a Southern Thing with her husband, Jason.

“I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, why have we been sitting at home during the coronavirus when we can be out in all these neighborhoods?’” she said. “This put a spark under us.

16 * JULY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

“Our best seller right now is strawberry cake, and we have all kinds of desserts.

M&M’s cake is my favorite family recipe that I offer because every year growing up, my nanny would make me this cake for my birthday. I knew when I started the dessert trailer that I had to put that on there.”

Business is also going pretty well for Cedar Valley Kitchen, which had its grand opening on April 18, said Sam Elliot, who co-owns the sandwich wrap company with his wife, Ellen.

“About three months ago, I retired from my real job, and we built our food trailer,” Elliot said. “Everything is brand-new and we are really proud of it.

“We were looking to find something in the marketplace that you don’t see very

often, and we decided on a healthy wrap.

All of our product is fresh with nothing processed other than our all-beef hotdog wraps. Our barbecue is fresh-smoked and our pulled chicken has no additives other than some minor seasoning. We have a BLT wrap that is popular with a lot of folks, and we also have a chicken salad that we serve up. Everything is served up like it is unless the customer wants to pick from a variety of toppings and sauces.

They can load it up and take all the toppings and sauce that they want.”

The 12-inch wraps come in spinach, tomato-basil, flour and whole wheat.

“Once someone has eaten one of our fresh wraps, they love them. We haven’t had a complaint and our prices are very competitive,” he said. “Things started slow and steady in April, and that gave us a chance to learn the business. We’d like people to try our product, which is an alternative to greasy or fried food.”

Another healthy new alternative, served

out of a food truck, is Boro Salad Kitchen, which opens in July 2020.

“We serve hot salads, cold salads, salads inside tortillas and salad inside egg rolls,” said Darlene Pleman-Voakes, who co-owns Boro Salad Kitchen with her husband, Paul Voakes.

“Our salads are colorful, tasty and healthy. I have always wanted to cook for people,” she said.

If you are missing fair food, there are several food trucks in town that will serve you those kinds of meals and treats.

Chicken Shack Express comes to a lot of neighborhoods in Rutherford County, serving up family recipe chicken wings and tenders, catfish, fries and okra—and, the same company just opened a dessert truck.

“My kids will help run the dessert truck,” said Kenyatta Pumphrey, who owns the business with his wife, Debbie, and their children, Kenadi and Kylan.

“We have many flavors of slushies, cheesecake on a stick, chocolate-covered Oreos and bananas on a stick,” he said.

You can also fill your stomach at the Steaming Goat food truck.

“I don’t serve goat and never will,” said owner Jeff Romstedt. “People call me The Goat because I will eat anything in my sight. I am a big foodie.”

Romstedt will serve you one of his big, messy steamed sandwiches. The meat is roasted or grilled ahead of time and then steamed in chicken or beef stock, or in beer from a local brewery.

“If the sandwich isn’t messy, we didn’t make it,” he said.

Other food trucks in town offer foods originating from different corners of the world including Mexican, Thai, Lao, French and Colombian, just to name a few. 

 BORO AREA FOOD TRUCKS 1 AJ’S BURGERS

Burgers, fries, hotdogs, nachos

w DEMOS’ FOOD TRUCK

Favorites from Demos’ Restaurant

Calamari, fish, shrimp, scallops, shrimp, oysters, gator

m TACO LOVERS

e DOUBLE D’S STEAK,

g MEADOWS MELT’S SHAVED

, THAT’S MY DAWG

Wings, tenders, cheesesteak, hoagies

20 flavors of shaved ice

Gourmet grilled hotdogs, sausages, burgers, Cajun fries and desserts

h MEXIVEN

. THE ALLEY ON MAIN

j ML ROSE FOOD TRUCK

/ THE DOUGH BOX

k MRS. GRISSOM’S SALADS

! THE EMPANADA SONATA

WINGS AND THINGS

2 BIG DADDY SUGAR SHACK

r ET VOILA BISTRO & BAKERY

3 BORO BOWLS

t FRIED GREEN TOMATOES

Hawaiian shaved ice

Organic acai and pitaya bowls with granola and fruit toppings

4 BUTTERMILK SKY PIE Homemade pie

5 CATARINA’S Mexican food

BBQ shrimp, buffalo chicken, beef bourguignon

Fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, sandwiches

y GYPSY CREPE COMPANY

Ham & cheese, chicken, steak, vegetarian, dessert crepes.

u HILLBILLY SHACK DELIGHTS

Asian fusion cuisine

Sandwiches, nachos, tacos, cheesesteak, peach tea and more

7 CHICKEN SHACK EXPRESS

i IT’S A SOUTHERN THING

8 CHILITO MEXICAN 9 CREATIVE CULINARY

o KIRBY’S MINI DONUTS p LITTLE CANCUN ON THE GO

Wings, chicken tenders, nachos, sandwiches, sides, peach cobbler

a LITTLE OAK FARM

6 CHANG NOI THAI-LAO Wings, catfish, shrimp, chicken

CREATIONS

0 D&J BBQ AND CATERING

Brats, burgers, chicken, ribs, brisket, turkey, and more

q DELICIAS COLUMBIAN RR

Arepas, empanadas, picadas, plantains

Desserts

Tex-Mex

Cookies baked onsite

s LAOVIN IT

Lao-inspired traditional food

d MAGGIE MOO’S ICE CREAM f MARK’S SPECIALTY SEAFOOD

ICE & COTTON CANDY

Mexican, street tacos Craft burgers and waffle fries Salads and sandwiches

l MUSIC CITY BRISKET

Brisket, tacos and other sandwiches

; MUSIC CITY CATERING Barbecue and sides

z MUSIC CITY WAGYU

Farm-to-table gourmet, sandwiches and salads

x SMOKIN BUTTZ Slow-smoked BBQ

c SMOOTHIE KING v SOMETHING SOUTHERN Comfort food and desserts

b SOUTHERN THYME Southern cuisine

n STEAMING GOAT

Pork, chicken, roast beef, ham or veggie sandwiches, salads, coleslaw

Mexican

Steak, specialty seafood and pasta Pizza

Home-made sweet and savory empanadas with 15 different dipping sauces

@ THE HOLY SMOKER

Smoked brisket, hotdogs, bologna, fish, loaded potato chips

# THE LOVE BUS Barbecue

$ TENNESSEE COBBLER CO.

Cobblers, fried pies, treats, ice cream

% TRINIDADDY ISLAND GRILL Trinidadian and Caribbean cuisine

^ WAWA EXPRESSO

Lattes, cappuccinos, coffees and teas

& YAYO’S OMG Mexican

To find food truck schedules, follow your favorite food trucks on Facebook or find them on the StreetFoodFinder app.

Food

 RESTAURANT

A Tasty Tennessee Tradition

Sylvan Park Restaurant Serving Southern Favorites

STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO

SYLVAN PARK RESTAURANT offers some tremendous traditional Tennessee cooking for breakfast and lunch, and for dinner a couple of nights each week, at its Broad Street home on the banks of the Stones River.

Find fried catfish, meatloaf, green beans, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, turnip greens, country steak drenched in brown gravy, squash and all of the breakfast favorites—“Grandma food,” as one diner describes it.

“Comfort food” comes up often when Murfreesboro residents speak of Sylvan 18 * JULY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

PHOTOS BY SARAH MAYO

Park; whether that means they find comfort in fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, meatloaf, a burger or pie, they can find it at Sylvan Park Restaurant.

“Amazing lunch!” Kris Young shared after a meal at Sylvan Park. “Meatloaf is as good as my mom’s and I have never said that before. The fried okra rocks and breakfast is the bomb!”

The menu is not huge, but there should be something for almost anyone.

Every day for lunch, Sylvan Park offers catfish fillets, fried chicken, meatloaf, crab cakes, country fried steak, ham, chicken

livers and a hamburger steak, along with burgers, a fried bologna sandwich, a grilled chicken sandwich and an assortment of sides, salads and pies. The country steak here is more of a Salisbury steak than the heavily breaded and white-gravycovered chicken-fried-steak variety.

Sides include perfectly seasoned turnip greens and fantastic cheesy squash casserole loaded with butter, onions and cheese. Some report the fries and mac and cheese are not the best in the world, but they are there if you want them.

Fridays mean fried oyster day, and Sylvan Park will offer a daily special each day such as turkey and dressing, pork tenderloin, barbecue ribs or chicken and dumplings.

And for those with big appetites, enjoy all you can eat of the excellent fried catfish for $15.

“So happy we found this little diner,” one Yelper, Mike, said. He said the country fried steak and the catfish were “over the top . . . great service and friendly people.”

“The grits, biscuits, gravy, sausage, pan-

cakes, home style potatoes, fried bologna and eggs were all top shelf,” he continued.

Sylvan Park Restaurant opens early— at 6:30 a.m., six days a week—and its omelets, pancakes and other breakfast offerings have pleased many patrons.

“Best scrambled eggs I’ve ever had!

The Dish RESTAURANT:

Sylvan Park Restaurant LOCATION:

1443 NW Broad St., Murfreesboro PHONE: 615-962-8735 HOURS: Mon.–Wed.: 6:30 a.m.—2:30

p.m.; Thurs.–Fri.: 6:30 a.m.—7:30 p.m.; Sat.: 6:30 a.m.—1 p.m.

PRICES: Meat and three: $9.65;

Cheeseburger or patty melt: $5.45; hamburger steak with two veggies: $10.95; Bacon or sausage omelet with biscuits and gravy: $7.25; Country ham with two eggs and home fries: $10.95

ONLINE:

facebook.com/sylvanparkboro

Everything was perfect,” Ceile Phelps said.

For those who do not eat an early breakfast, this casual spot offers the full breakfast menu until closing time at 1 p.m. on Saturdays for brunch fans. (Breakfast service ends at 11 a.m. Mondays through Fridays.)

Christy Knox calls Sylvan Park her “all-time favorite breakfast joint. Fantastic food and service, and the most endearing small-town feel.”

The building at 1443 NW Broad St. has long offered the people of Murfreesboro meatloaf, catfish, burgers, bacon and eggs, chicken and vegetables.

Likewise, Sylvan Park Restaurant has a longstanding tradition of serving delicious Southern cooking. However, prior to 2015, the restaurant made its home in Nashville.

“Mr. Lynn Chandler started it in 1958,” according to Lisa Greer, who currently owns Sylvan Park Restaurant along with her mother, Eleanor Clay. “My mother bought it from him in 2001.”

However, the leases at both the original restaurant location in the Sylvan Park neighborhood of West Nashville, in ad-

dition to a second Nashville location, expired about the same time in 2015, and the Sylvan Park team decided to relocate to Murfreesboro rather than paying increased rent in Nashville.

The restaurant made its home in the white block building situated on Broad Street in Murfreesboro that housed Stones River Grill for many years.

“Murfreesboro has been wonderful to us, helping us get through the coronavirus with to-go orders,” Greer said.

In addition to the breakfast and meatand-three offerings, the Sylvan Park banana pudding, chocolate meringue pie and chess pie get rave reviews from Murfreesboro diners. The pies boast a towering layer of a very fluffy and soft meringue, almost the consistency of bubble bath suds.

Randy Liddle said he enjoys the fried bologna—“breakfast of champions!” he says.

“Love this place! Food is always good,” another customer, Paul, said. “Reminds me of my grandmother’s meals after church.”

Art

 ADULT WINNERS:

 EXHIBIT

Winners Announced for 2020 Focus on the Boro Photo Contest JUDGES FOR THE 2020 Focus on the Boro community photography project have announced adult and youth winners in nine different categories.

Participating photographers submitted images in categories including people, landscape, still life, animals, flora, architecture, sports/action, abstract/ special effects and Murfreesboro. Focus on the Boro awarded separate honors in each category for youth (17 and younger) and adults.

Although the 2020 contest and art display was an online-only endeavor, the Focus on the Boro team says it aims to hold another exhibit at Murfreesboro City Hall in 2021.

GALE STONER Best in Show “This Could Leave a Mark” (top left) MIKE BARBIERI Best in Show Runner-up “Orient on a Leather Strap” (middle row left) GLADYS TACKETT Community Choice Award—“Summer Colors” (middle row right)  YOUTH WINNERS: KEEGAN DIETZ Best in Show—“The Cat” (bottom left) BRADON DAVILA Best in Show Runner-up “Stand Your Ground” (bottom middle) ELLA NEWBERG Community Choice Award—“Dreaming by the Stream” (bottom right)

For more information about the Focus on the Boro contest and exhibit and photography in Murfreesboro, email photographyconnectmboro@gmail.com.

MTSU Professors Art Show at City Hall Rotunda Celebrates Women’s Suffrage MTSU ART PROFESSORS Erin Anfinson, Kathleen O’Connell, Kimberly Dummons, Nicole Foran and Sisavanh Phouthavong will be featured at the Rotunda of Murfreesboro City Hall from July 28 through Sept. 10.

Aug. 18, 2020, marks the 100-year anniversary of the passage of a woman’s right to vote. The City of Murfreesboro is hosting these five prominent female artists in celebration of the historic anniversary.

The Rotunda is open to the public from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 111 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro.

The artists will be in the Rotunda from 6–8 p.m. during the Boro Art Crawl on Aug. 14 to greet the public and talk about their art on display.

For more information on this and other art exhibits at Murfreesboro City Hall, contact Deb Hunter at 615-801-2606 or dhunter@murfreesborotn.gov.

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 “Vestiges (Silphium Laciniatum)” encaustic and paper on board by Erin Anfinson “Harvest  Doorway” monotype collage by Kimberly Dummons

Art

 POETRY

BY KORY WELLS

Poetry in the Boro, Calendar Project, Sketching and Poetry Learning Videos Poetry in the Boro Virtual Open Mic On Sunday, July 12, Poetry in the Boro continues in a virtual format. Attendees are encouraged to connect at 6:45 p.m., with the show running from 7 p.m. about an hour. As usual, you can share a poem of your own or a favorite by another author.

All styles of poetry and spoken word are welcome, with a four-minute time limit.

Pre-registration is required for those wanting a turn at the mic. Check out Facebook or poetryintheboro.org for details, including this month’s word challenge.

photography by creatives with a connection to Rutherford County. Proceeds from the calendar will go to support Poetry in the Boro programming in 2021 and beyond.

Deadline for submissions is July 15.

Contributing poets and photographers will be paid $45 per image or poem. Featured haiku writers will be paid $15 per haiku.

Each contributor will also receive a complimentary copy of the calendar.

The calendar will be released in late fall 2020. Find submission details and more information at poetryintheboro.org.

Submit Your Poem, Haiku or Photo for Local Calendar Poetry in the Boro has announced the group’s first annual Poetry Calendar. This 2021 wall calendar will feature poetry and

View These Videos Anytime Poetry in the Boro and Poetry in the Brew, a Nashville reading series and open mic, recently co-sponsored a Black Voices Matter event on Facebook Live. Hosted by local

poet and comic Nick Bush, the event featured Middle Tennessee poets and spoken word artists including Destiny Birdsong, Tiana Clark, Christian Collier, Jasmine Dominique, Henry L. Jones, Shondell McFall, Ciona Rouse and more. Find the video on Poetry in the Brew’s Facebook page.

The Murfreesboro Cultural Arts Laureates have been busy in the studio recording a new series called “Learning with the Laureates.” As of this writing, poet laureate Amie Whittemore has recorded two segments, one about metaphor and one about persona poems. Painter laureate Dawna Magliacano shares drawing ideas in two segments, “Sketchbook” and “More Sketchbook Fun.” Watch these videos and then get to your own creativity on a hot summer day!

Reading, Storytelling and More Inspired by the women’s suffrage centennial this August, Bloom: The Stage Where Our Stories Grow will focus on Tennessee’s War of the Roses and other stories of “women’s rights, civil rights, voting rights and doubling down for democracy” for its next quarterly show. Check producer Kara J. Kemp’s Facebook page, or Poetry in the Boro, for a call for submissions later in July.

Other local groups, including the Rutherford Arts Alliance and the local League of Women Voters, are celebrating the 19th amendment centennial by inviting the community to read The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote by Elaine Weiss.

Be watching online for event details.

Almost Midnight

BY DEBORAH A. MIRANDA Courtesy of Split This Rock’s The Quarry: A Social Justice Poetry Database at splitthisrock.org Wife and dogs have gone to bed.

I sit here with the front door open.

Crickets sing patiently, a long lullaby in lazy harmony. Rain falls on our tin roof; sharp taps of reality, start and stop. I breathe myself back into my body. Come back, self.

You’ve been out fighting demons and bullies and liars. You’ve been talking to an electronic box with no ears.

You’ve been cheering for a democracy that doesn’t exist. We’re all walking on bones.

Some of us are walking on more bones than others. Breathe. Back into the body, little one. The human world is broken, but so beautifully. Corruption of the soul never shows scars; when you don’t resist, no wounds exist. Breathe, breathe it back.

In this world, we live in bodies of flesh.

In this world our souls tether them selves with blood. This is a good thing.

Otherwise we might take wing into darkness, never touch our Mother, twist language into silvery shapes. Breathe now. Let the crickets tell you their truth.

Let it be yours, for now.

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Listener Supported Public Radio

Review

MOVIE

DA 5 BLOODS DIRECTOR Spike Lee STARRING Delroy Lindo, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, Isiah Whitlock Jr. RATED R

Iconic director Spike Lee’s latest film since 2018’s excellent, Best Picture-nominated BlacKkKlansman swims in the similar waters of a thrilling story set in the context of historical racial injustice, something that has been Lee’s bread and butter since the classic Do the Right Thing, and arguably something that no one else does better (time will tell if Jordan Peele carries this torch).

Da 5 Bloods is a modern retelling of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre set in Vietnam as four old vets return to the country to retrieve a case of gold bars they buried some 50 years ago. Like his previous film, Lee peppers the story with clips of stock footage of the time, opening with Muhammad Ali

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speaking on his refusal to go kill foreign strangers, and ranging from the ’69 Apollo 11 launch to Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their black-gloved fists at the ’68 Olympics. The effect is striking.

Paul, Otis, Eddie and Melvin (played by the actors listed above, respectively) are then shown dancing through a club, drinks in hand, awash in the neon red lights while Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up” plays, putting Lee’s mesmerizing mise-en-scène and masterful use of music on full display.

The four old friends commiserate over drinks, fondly remembering the fifth member of their group, their leader, and the only one not to make it out of ’Nam alive: Stormin’ Norman (played with proper charisma by Black Panther’s Chadwick Boseman). On the pretense of recovering his body for a proper burial, the four bloods set out on Norman’s original plan of retrieving the gold to give back to their communities back home.

The flashbacks are told through the bombastic lens of an ’80s action film,

recalling Rambo III or Missing in Action VHS cartridges viewed on an old cathoderay tube television, complete with 4:3 aspect ratio. Rather than pull a Scorsese in The Irishman, Lee lets his elderly actors play their younger selves free of any CGI de-aging distraction device, giving these scenes the feeling of a surreal memory.

The specter of Norman haunts Delroy Lindo’s Paul the most. Paul is a tortured man, and Lindo’s powerful portrayal of him is ferocious and empathetic. Lee has a knack for creating exciting and thrilling action/ adventure tales that tackle issues on both a micro and macro scale.

Da 5 Bloods addresses everything from fatherhood, greed and distrust, to racial injustice and the lasting physical and cultural effects of war, and a lot of the thematic heavy lifting falls on Lindo’s shoulders.

While that may sound too heavy for some, Lee’s greatest talent is contextualizing these deep themes in an entertaining and thrilling (if only a hair too long) adventure. Da 5 Bloods is available on Netflix.

— JAY SPIGHT

News

STEALING FROM THE MOUTHS OF ORPHANS Local donors get a peek inside scams affecting Ugandan children in need

BY STEVE MORLEY THE WORLD IS RIFE with challenges unique to 2020, though there is no shortage of problems that predate the Year of the Pandemic. Humanitarian need, for instance, has long stood as a gaping hole in still-developing, poverty-challenged countries where food and basics are often in short supply. The use of social networking and other internet resources has become more of a lifeline than ever for charities and humanitarian organizations that rely on donations. Simultaneously, though, criminal abuses of the internet continue to increase in number. In America alone, complaints of internet-based fraud rose about a half a million between 2015 and 2019, totaling nearly 1,700,000 last year.

Until fairly recently, I had remained blissfully unaware of the potential difficulties that face native Ugandans attempting to legitimately serve the vast population of orphans and other minor-age children in need. My wife, Brenda, first took notice of Hope Orphanage and Outreach Centre on Facebook in 2017. She’d mentioned being touched by the many photos of the children at the facility, located in Kasese, Uganda, 26 * JULY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

and had felt moved to make donations from time to time as finances would allow. In time, she and I would directly encounter an attempt by a scammer to intercept a donation we sent to Hope Orphanage.

Over time, Brenda began chatting via Facebook Messenger with the orphanage’s founder and director, a Ugandan man in his early 30s named Mbaju Phillmon. A friendly and industrious fellow, Phillmon was forthcoming about both the Christian basis of his work and the ongoing need for financial support. These individual appeals for assistance initially seemed a bit too forward and a bit suspicious to me, especially in these times when scams like the popular “Nigerian Prince” phishing email and fake charities are commonly seen online.

However, Brenda had carefully vetted the orphanage early on. Upon request, she was given two American references who spoke with her and affirmed the orphanage’s legitimacy. For good measure, Phillmon also sent a photo of the facility’s license.

A website and a more professionally operated marketing campaign would be more trustworthy and effective, but such

luxuries presently remain beyond reach.

Phillmon, a smart, college-educated man with a young family of his own, was doing the best he could with limited resources. In 2018 an American supporter created a Go Fund Me campaign that is currently active.

Over $15,000 has been raised since June of 2018, though even with the extremely low cost of living in Uganda, that amount falls significantly short of the $1,500 needed per month for food, supplies and staff payroll.

The orphanage, anchored by a school for children ages 3 through 13, owns the property it occupies, thanks to donors. Colorful block buildings provide serviceable classrooms for all, and children are daily served three meals consisting of simple but nutritious staples. Available housing, however, can currently accommodate only about half of the 491 kids who attend school there. Additionally, a smaller campus in a nearby village accommodates 250 children, totaling almost 750. Phillmon’s most pressing expansion goal is to build enough on-campus housing so that children can sleep onsite instead of at the homes of family members.

Leaving the premises incurs risk, including road accidents or even abductions.

So, wait a minute—if these kids have family, even extended family, then why are they in the care of an orphanage? Hope Orphanage takes in full orphans, halforphans (children with one living parent), street kids, disabled kids . . . essentially, any needy child. More than 80 percent of impoverished Ugandan children fall under the heading of “social orphans,” having family members but lacking basic support. And the number of these is staggering.

Of Uganda’s roughly 46 million residents, nearly one-half are under the age of 15. The average birth rate is between five and six children to each Ugandan female, who commonly begin motherhood in their mid-to-late teens. This explosion of births, combined with poverty and skyrocketing numbers of unemployed or underemployed Ugandans, leaves millions of children who cannot be properly cared for. And that’s if they even have a family; many children

More than 80 percent of impoverished Ugandan children fall under the heading of ‘social orphans,’ having family members but lacking basic support.

And the number of these is staggering.”

lose parents to floods, violent conflict in the nearby Congo region, and diseases such as AIDS, cholera and ebola.

Mbaju Phillmon is one of many individuals laboring to provide a solution to what seems an unsolvable problem. Compounding the challenges is the work of scammers who exploit existing orphanages, even borrowing their good names to create homes where children suffer mistreatment while donations go into the pockets of scam operators. Phillmon has been spared the worst of such exploitation, but signs of potential scammer activity started showing up when his Facebook page began disappearing from view. It’s happened four times, two of those since the beginning of 2020.

The shutdowns not only robbed Phillmon of crucial access to supporters but required the painstaking process of starting over with only an older model cellphone.

Phillmon never received an email from Facebook regarding the shutdowns, so it’s likely that they were caused by someone with nefarious intent, though clues remain elusive. Clear evidence of phishing did show up, though, when the orphanage director’s email account was hacked. My wife and I found this out firsthand.

The day after we sent a sizeable contribution via Western Union (to ensure speedy and direct receipt), Brenda got an email from Phillmon’s address. The sender—using language that sounded exactly like Mbaju’s previous communications—said that he couldn’t claim the donation due to an expired ID card, and asked for the donation to be resent to a different person, whose name he provided. Brenda did as requested and then texted Mbaju, who expressed confusion and explained he hadn’t emailed her, nor had he made any such request. We quickly figured out we’d been scammed, and alerted Mbaju to the misuse of his email account.

The payment was stopped in time and redirected to Mbaju as intended, but we learned to be more vigilant about potential deception. Should you be moved to make a contribution, I can personally vouch for the sincerity and integrity behind Hope Orphanage, as well as its worthy work and legitimate, immediate needs. To donate, search for “The Children Need Your Help – Uganda” on the home page of gofundme.com.

Meanwhile, Mbaju has a message to impart: “Love from the orphanage,” he says in an email typed through his aging cellphone.

“Our motto is ‘God is in control.’”

AROUND TOWN ’BORO BUSINESS BUZZ

Panther Creek, El Guache, Empanada Sonata, Uptown Cheapskate, Uncle Bud’s, Nash Family Creamery

BY MICHELLE WILLARD PANTHER CREEK BREWS will bring its beers to the people from a new taproom on West Main Street.

Members of the Mid-State Brew Crew, the Panther Creek team—J.T. Gowen, Jeremy Taylor and Melvin Stewart—first tried their hand at home brewing together in 2008.

The three dudes with a beer and a dream have worked to realize Panther Creek for more than a decade.

“We started out on his porch,” Stewart said motioning to Taylor, “and upgraded to a garage. Now we’ll have this.”

The spot the boys have landed in is the former home of The Green Dragon Pub and Brewery in the old creamery at 714 W. Main St. Over the years, they have developed their own style and recipes. They just needed a place to call home. To help build a following, Panther Creek has spent years brewing on contract at other craft facilities across Middle Tennessee. Last year they released Panther Scratch, a hoppy brown IPA, for wider distribution through a partnership with BrairScratch Brewing. They’ve also brewed batches at East Nashville Brew Works and Little Harpeth Brewing.

The newly remodeled taproom, which opened to the public with a grand opening on June 20, will now be open Thursdays through Saturdays.

Panther Creek has also recently released its new double IPA, Dedication, brewed in 20-barrel batches at Little Harpeth Brewing and only sold in cans.

Gowen explained that they named it Dedication because that’s what they’ve needed over the years to finally realize their dream.

Along with giving the Panther Creek treatment to the tap room, they will also be adding state-of-the-art brewing equipment in the bay behind the bar, which they hope to have up and running sometime in August, and will also soon release a new brew called Unity.

“We are here for the community. We want to be a part of the community,” Taylor said.

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Memorial Boulevard location for a full suite of services, including checking and savings accounts, youth accounts, money market and certificate accounts, auto and recreational loans, credit cards, signature loans, signature line of credit loans and business accounts and loans.

Flavors from Puerto Rico and Cuba have parked in downtown Murfreesboro.

EMPANADA SONATA, which started as a food truck, has opened on West Main Street (in the former home of Nick Newton’s and Spinelli’s). The food comes from owner Marlyse Moran’s childhood days of holding onto her mother’s apron strings and learning the ways of the kitchen.

Empanada Sonata started as a food truck and has found its brick-and-mortar home in Murfreesboro at 211 W. Main St.

CRACKER BARREL announced it will be testing wine and beer at locations in Tennessee, Kentucky and Florida; both Murfreesboro locations are on the list. Cracker Barrel’s drink menu includes beer and wine along with orange and strawberry mimosas. Looks like they are trying to get a piece of the brunch action. I’ll bet a strawberry mimosa will pair well with pancakes.

If you’re looking for a deal on new styles, UPTOWN CHEAPSKATE opened on Old Fort Parkway near Planet Fitness. The shop is a trendy young adult fashion resale exchange, specializing in buying, selling and trading gently used clothing, shoes and accessory items. Find more information at uptowncheapskate.com/location/murfreesboro.

can and caramel corn. Take-home ice cream is available in pints and half gallon sizes.

NASH FAMILY CREAMERY opened a restaurant and store in Chapel Hill.

Fourth-generation dairy farmer Cody Nash brought his skills from California to Chapel Hill, where he and his family make ice cream in small batches with high-quality ingredients in flavors such as Southern pe-

ASCEND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee, opened its newest location in early June in Murfreesboro. Located at 3250 Memorial Blvd., this location is Ascend’s 26th Middle Tennessee branch and its fourth in Murfreesboro. Members can visit the

After selling it to Nashville-based Bangkokville, the owners of FAR EAST CAFE are resuming ownership and operation the restaurant near MTSU, and will bring back the original menu and flavors as well.

EL GUACHE ICE CREAM SHOP, a Mexican ice cream and paletas shop, has opened next to Mi Patria on Stones River Mall Boulevard. The shop offers mangonadas, fruits, drinks, chicharrones, milkshakes, tortas, chocobananas and other sweet and spicy treats. See page 17 of this issue for El Guache coupons.

The Tennessee Valley Authority has approved the proposed merger between the Murfreesboro Electric Department and MIDDLE TENNESSEE ELECTRIC in early June. TVA’s regulatory review and approval was the last step needed to finalize the merger. The regulatory review process was required to determine if the transaction created value for all ratepayers, since TVA supplies wholesale electric power to both not-for-profit distributors and has oversight over such transactions. MTE will pay $245 million for MED. With interest, the total payment will be $302 million over the course of 15 years.

National chain PIER 1 IMPORTS announced it was seeking court approval to close all of its stores. The retailer filed for Chapter 11 protection back in February.

The news isn’t surprising following announcements from Bath & Body Works, Signet Jewelers, Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Zara, Chico’s, JCPenney, Macy’s, Express, Nordstrom, Forever 21, New York & Co., GameStop, Logan’s Roadhouse and a host of other national names expecting closures in the near future.

UNCLE BUD’S announced that it is closing its Murfreesboro location.

“It has been a tough three or four months for all of us. We have struggled with a limited capacity dining room and staffing during this crisis. We haven’t been able to operate at the level we all expect here at Uncle Bud’s,” a Facebook post announcing the closing said.

The post recommended Uncle Bud’s Donelson location at 2719 Old Lebanon Rd., Nashville, for catfish and fixins.

HIGHLIGHTING BUSINESS John Dickerson floating, courtesy of CBS News

John Lennon

Floativation

Part 8

BY STEVE MORLEY Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream . . . (“Tomorrow Never Knows,” The Beatles) This 1966 track from The Beatles’ Revolver album, composed by John Lennon, was a watershed moment not only in that band’s evolution but for popular music in general.

Built on a single-chord drone and utilizing a pulsing, tribal rhythm, the unearthly sounding track emulated the experience of taking psychedelic drugs. Lennon’s own use of mind-altering substances was symbolized by the altered sound of his voice, using a rotating speaker enclosure to lend it a foggy, swirling effect.

Looking at Lennon’s life in retrospect, it’s evident that he was seeking relief through whatever means were available to him at any given time. As a member of the world’s most commercially successful and critically acclaimed band, there was little that wouldn’t have been available to him.

According to a 1988 biography on Lennon, the famed musician turned to a float tank in the 1970s. Lennon was said to have adopted the practice of floating in conjunction with breaking an addiction to heroin, and that the tank’s therapeutic effects aided him in staying clean. The tank afforded the world-famous musician a respite that he likened to the emotional and psychological relief of taking drugs—without, of course, the dangers of exposing himself to addictive substances or unpredictable chemicals.

More recently, studies have indicated that floating is indeed a useful tool in breaking 30 * JULY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

addictions ranging from opiates to alcohol and cigarettes. In this respect, Lennon may well have been on the cutting edge, just as he was when he wrote and recorded “Tomorrow Never Knows.” For all the song’s trippy, hallucinogenic haze, though, its most enduring value may be in lyrics that urge the listener to seek inner awareness and lay down all thoughts. Though Lennon didn’t know it at the time, his opening admonition in the song to turn off your mind, relax and float downstream was foreshadowing the float tank, a tool that would most safely and conveniently provide the mental and emotional release he had so actively sought through drugs and therapy.

Float Into Deep Rest While the list of proven benefits includes relief from physical pain, pregnancy fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression, the bottomline benefit of floating is its ability to bring users into a zone of deep rest that is more than merely physical. It does this by placing the user in sensory deprivation. Don’t make the mistake of misinterpreting that phrase.

In this case, “deprivation” is a positive, not a negative. It means that your brain and nervous system get a long-deserved break from handling the continuous input and crackling static of daily life. The elimination of all physical and mental stimulation, which happens when you’re effortlessly suspended atop body-temperature water in a private, soundproof environment, provides refreshment you’d forgotten you needed, if

you ever even knew it was possible.

Clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Justin Feinstein is a leading authority and researcher working with float tanks in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The internet is loaded with videos both compact and meaty in which Dr. Feinstein shares findings and information about the many therapeutic applications of float tanks.

A four-minute excerpt titled “Floating and the Brain” takes a look at various regions of the brain and their respective functions, while Feinstein explains why floating renders them temporarily inactive.

A clip of a CBS This Morning story features the neuropsychologist meeting the show’s co-host John Dickerson at the Tulsa-based Laureate Institute for Brain Research, where cameras roll as Dickerson experiences his maiden float, outfitted with an EEG, heart rate monitor and bloodpressure cuff. Readings are taken during the float to confirm the body’s measurable signs of relaxation. While the majority of floats are done in enclosed tanks, or pods, the open pool (which best served the goal of videotaping Dickerson as he floated) was originally designed for Feinstein’s lab.

Enclosed tanks, he learned, were often too intimidating for the clinically anxious patients he worked with.

Float Alchemy, Murfreesboro’s mightily equipped community health and chill-out center, offers the open-pool option in a soundproof room, as well as enclosed tanks of differing sizes. I’ve tried all three, and if you’ve been following this series, you’ve learned about my personal journey as a floater and heard some of the material I’m revisiting this month. My own story (in several installments available at boropulse. com/floativation) has been shared in order to report the benefits firsthand, pull back the curtain for the residents of Rutherford County and remove the potential apprehension some might feel about trying an unfamiliar offering like floating. You won’t get any benefit if all you do is read about it.

Incidentally, Dr. Feinstein recently responded to a personal email I sent him with questions about my own floating experience. When I bring closure to my story next month, I’ll share what he had to say. The respected neuropsychologist was interviewed in 2018 for Art of the Float, a podcast series co-hosted by Float Alchemy’s own Amy Grimes. (She’s no newcomer, folks.)

Anyhow, for me, a guy whose mind tends to bounce all over the place, it’s been a real treat to experience a slowing-down of thoughts in the tank. This occurs because floating promotes theta brain waves,

a notch above the brain waves accompanying sleep, permitting a calm, relaxed yet conscious state. These kinds of brain waves are increasingly less typical in our society, due to the constant flow of external stimuli: phones, dinging text messages and Facebook posts, traffic and GPS directions, omnipresent music, disembodied voices at drive-thru restaurants and banks . . . and in these days of social distancing there’s even more noise and artificial communication going on than usual. Usual was already more than enough.

So, this profound relief from life’s Tilta-Whirl is what makes floating something special, regardless what your specific goals might be. In response to our announcement of a free one-hour float at Float Alchemy in last month’s issue, we heard from readers with a variety of reasons for wanting to try the tank, from neck, back and joint pain to rheumatoid arthritis, from fibromyalgia to anxiety, depression and stress. Statistical evidence affirms that floating offers relief for every one of these conditions.

Recent Float Giveaway Not enough folks evidently understand the true value of a float, based on the only 20 or so responses to the giveaway that appeared on the Pulse‘s Facebook page. But that’s good news for those who entered, because the odds of winning were pretty fair. Sincere apologies to those who fell on either side of the randomly generated number that determined our winner—so many of you had excellent and compelling reasons for wanting to try out the tank—and congratulations to Lindsay Binkley, whose post mentioned how the chaos of today’s cultural landscape was increasing her anxiety.

I’d be willing to bet that there are plenty of others reading this who can relate.

I will personally purchase a float for you, Lindsay, as testament to my satisfaction with the wonderful folks and facilities at Float Alchemy, and your name will be, as they say, “at the door.” Practice your deep breathing in the meantime, and may your first float be an experience you’ll look forward to repeating, as well as telling your family and friends about!

As always, may the freedom of the float be with you all. Or, as John Lennon once sang, turn off your mind, relax and float downstream . . .

Find previous installments of this series on the therapeutic resources at Murfreesboro’s Float Alchemy at

boropulse.com/floativation.

FINANCIAL COACHING

BY SHATERIAL STARNES

3

Save $1,000 in 120 Days Without Getting a Second Job SAVING $1,000 IN 120 DAYS MIGHT seem unrealistic to some, but with hard work and discipline it can be done. That’s $250 a month, or $8.33 per day for 120 days. It doesn’t appear too expensive when given a daily amount. It is possible!

Everything hinges on your mindset and, more importantly, determining your habits and/or triggers. Let me be very clear: if you do not unearth your root issues (whatever it is that causes you to continuously make poor decisions, financial or otherwise), no matter how tough they are, you will have a hard time moving forward with anything in life, not just saving money.

I did not grow up in a household where we discussed money, finances or credit. In fact, we were in survival mode most of the time, and when you’re in survival mode you’re trying to make it through the day or week. As an adult I had to truly analyze why I had a tough time saving money. I often paid bills late, I never had a budget, loved to shop, ate out on a regular basis, was an impulse buyer and tried to live my life through my kids and buy them everything. How many can relate? When I peeled back the layers, most of these poor habits stemmed from my childhood. I am not pointing the finger of blame at anyone, but I had to acknowledge my “why?” and deal with these issues. Do the same and look at your bank statements.

You will see patterns and determine your current spending habits.

Too often, we use our debit or credit cards, and there is a true disconnect between a plastic card and paper money. When you swipe your card, the amount you’re spending is not tangible because you can’t see or feel the amount. Typically, you will spend 30 to 40 percent more when you swipe your card. On the other hand, when you are spending cash, money is leaving your hands.

If you pay for an item and you have a $50 or $100 bill you almost hate to use the larger bill because you know when you “break”

that larger bill, it’s as good as gone.

Determine your spending habits and know what your triggers are. Do you shop when you are lonely, depressed or emotional, or believe you are deserving despite having bills that are due? It will be challenging, but after 120 days you will look back and feel great about what you have accomplished.

According to the Associated Press, twothirds of Americans would not be able to cover a $1,000 emergency . . . that’s huge!

When you don’t have it saved it can wreak havoc on your life. Here’s how you can start building an emergency fund.

1

Create a budget or spending plan. Write down all your expenses for the month and your income. It is very important you notate the due dates as well. It’s not uncommon for most of your bills to be due at the first of the month. Understand there is not a right or wrong way to create a budget.

You must do what works best for you.

Track your spending. I also recommend that your spending plans are not extremely strict in the beginning. I set small goals for clients to accomplish and we build incrementally on their successes.

2

Cut back on eating out and plan meals. You would be amazed how much money you spend. I am a crockpot queen, which allows me to create meals in advance. I do not suggest you eliminate dining out altogether. Put yourself on a cash budget for eating out and once the cash is spent for the week you do not spend more money on restaurant meals.

Check All Recipes for slow cooker recipes.

Plan meals around sales. Circulars for grocery stores usually update each Wednesdays.

Leave your credit and debit cards at home.

If you don’t have the debit or credit cards, you can’t spend any extra money.

Pack snacks, bottled water and juice boxes in the car for your kiddos.

Modify your cellphone plan.

Many companies are offering deals without contracts and low-cost monthly plans—Metro PCS, Straight Talk, Boost Mobile and Cricket or Tracphones which are sold at local grocery stores, CVS, and Walgreens. Boost Mobile has a graduated plan. If you stay with their company, your bill will be reduced by $5 per month and capped at the lower price.

4

Check your homeowners, rental and car insurance? There is a strong likelihood your insurance premiums are high and you might be overpaying. First, call your insurance carrier to determine if your rate can be adjusted. If not, be prepared to hit the road. It’s very important before switching to find out the insurance ratings (for example, AAA) You can determine a company’s rating by contacting the Better Business Bureau. An insurance broker can shop various companies and could possibly offer competitive or cheaper rates.

5

Get rid of cable television.

I personally have a basic Internet package, purchased a Google Chromecast stick and ordered Netflix. Also check out Amazon’s Fire TV Stick or Maono which can be ordered on Amazon as well. I have counseled numerous people and they are paying upwards of $200 or $300 for cable.

That’s bananas!

6

Automate, Automate, Automate.

First, open a savings account at a different bank or credit union, preferably one that is not easily accessible. Next, set up automatic deductions from your paycheck and have a set amount transferred to the savings account at the other bank. Other options are apps you can download on your phone to help you save. Qapital is an app that will allow you to save automatically based on goals. The Digit app links to your bank account and transfers a certain amount of money on a daily basis.

You set the parameters and can easily transfer the money back to your checking account.

Another option is an old-fashioned water jug.

Stash your change, or dollar bills. Also, your bank may have a coin counter, eliminating the cost of this service.

7

Cut back on extracurricular activities for a brief period.

This is pretty tough, but understand that everyone will have to make sacrifices to accomplish the family goals. Having counseled numerous clients and reviewed their budget, I found that they are spending massive

amounts of money on extracurricular activities while struggling to make ends meet.

I am all for involving children in various activities, but a short-term sacrifice can have huge long-term benefits for your family.

8

Learn to say “no.”

No is one of the first words we learned as children and was used quite frequently.

As adults we use this word less and less, and commit to things we do not want to do or can’t afford. I’ve been there! Face it, we are sometimes overwhelmed with birthday parties, holidays, weddings, etc. and sometimes we simply can’t afford to participate.

It’s okay to say “no.” Remember, short-term sacrifices result in long-term gain. It’s only for a season, and perfectly okay to share with family and friends that your family has set some financial goals and although you would like to participate, you must respectfully decline. Those who know and love you will understand.

9

Bank on your skills or talents.

It amazes me how creative people can be, and how they operate in their gifts so naturally, never realizing these very skills that are natural to them can be quite bankable. As an example, you might bake really good cakes, be a great proofreader, or like to babysit. Turn these talents into a side hustle.

Take these tips and apply them to your everyday life, ultimately making them habits.

Whether you are single or part of a couple, I would suggest carving out some time to look over your finances, without any distractions from the kids, cellphone or social media.

Review your budget, at a minimum, weekly.

Create the budget in pencil and, once an item is spent, return to the budget and write, in ink, the actual amount spent. In turn, you will be able to see if you overspent in some areas and underspent in others. If you spent less than was allocated for a certain item, you can always apply it to savings.

As you can see, I am not asking you to get a second job, but to reallocate money you are already spending, a simple awareness. Remember this is a process. Stay the course and stick to the plan, and short-term sacrifices will lead to long-term gain.

Shaterial Starnes is a financial coach and the owner of The Starnes Group.

Her organization helps individuals and businesses address behaviors that lead them to poor financial choices. For more information, call 615-593-2135 or visit coachstarnes.com.

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Opinion Live Exceptionally...Well!

BY JENNIFER DURAND

Always Exist, Spirit View BEFORE YOU WERE EVER CONCEIVED and born, you existed. You have been an idea with qualities, expressions and importance in eternity.

This is a Divine law that cannot be changed. You were perfectly created beyond any earthly control.

You matter. You make a difference. There is no one like you! In some way, perhaps many ways, we are all connected to a power and presence we cannot see. We can feel it, though. It shows up in our being, actions, conversations, thoughts and even in our stillness. We feel this as our heart swells with happiness in moments of witnessing achievements, feeling loved, or feeling like we belong to something greater than ourselves. If troubled by thoughts of sadness, loneliness, confusion or anger we can quiet our minds in order to feel this calming presence.

When we are quiet, ideas come and remind us of an intelligence that exists to give us answers or solutions.

Ideas are endless and they are alive, even though you can’t see them before you.

When you move to action, the ideas come to life in their individual forms and expressions. Just like you. Sometimes people don’t know why they exist, or for what purpose. This can certainly be a struggle at times, but when we live with the knowledge that we have existed and always will, it can lessen the blurry feeling of not knowing the immediate “why.”

Once you tune in to the fact that you have always existed and always will, you can go from being tossed on the waves, to riding the waves, then becoming the waves.

When we can begin to look beyond the surface of each person we come into contact with, regardless of circumstance, with the knowledge that they were created just as we were—by a Divine law of being and existence—we will see their individual uniqueness. Fear, envy, jealousy, apathy, even neglect will have less weight in how we project our misunderstandings onto another. This doesn’t come easily most of the time. You have to ask yourself “how do I want to see myself in eternal existence?”

There are far too many injustices that point fingers

at who matters and who doesn’t; who is essential in this life, and who isn’t. I would say this certainly depends on the circumstance at the moment. However, this is always subject to change. If you understand that you have always existed, the deeper meaning of the present moment won’t feel like you are being rejected or inconsequential. We all have our moments, and some of them are to simply be present, to participate, support or to lead. You will feel less like there is nothing you can do when you allow this deeper sense of being to emerge. Then lean into it. Feel the power in the moment, instead of worrying about the next moment, and the next, and so on. There is always a way to be involved—and sometimes that means not being involved.

“If you understand that you have always existed, the deeper meaning of the present moment won’t feel like you are being rejected or inconsequential.”

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“I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am.”

— Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar

Your existence is revealed when you look inward. All the outer suggestions, experiences and influences are what guide you to discovering who you are.

You. The individual, unique being that has always been and always will be. You know instinctively what is right for you.

If you are struggling, however, you are probably not wanting to listen to the nagging voice inside that is trying to guide you. Experience will repeat itself until what you need to learn becomes the louder voice that you listen to. Continue to think about the fact that you have already been created and all you need is within you. Listen more to the voice inside and less to the voices that are simply noise and confusion. You are important. You matter. You make a difference. There is no one like you! Simply go and just BE. “Become what you are.” — Friedrich Nietzsche Jennifer Durand is the owner and operator of The Nurture Nook Day Spa & Gift Shoppe; she is a certified QiGong and Breathe Empowerment instructor, and is licensed in massage therapy, body work and somatic integration.

Visit nurturenook.com or facebook.com/ nurturenookdayspa or call 615-896-7110.

Fatherless Homes, Housing Projects Responsible for Many Problems Among Black Americans Want to help the plight of black Americans? Stop pandering and placating. Let’s all address this VIEWS OF A problem head-on. Let’s stop candy-coating it and acting like slavery has something to do with it.

The epicenter of the problem in the black comPHIL VALENTINE munity is the Great Society. Well-meaning liberals philvalentine.com tried to right the wrongs of the past by making a large segment of the black population dependent hile everyone is focused on the government.

Ask any cop in any city where the crime is and on the police and so-called they’ll point to the projects. Ask any successful systemic racism in America, I black person who came from poverty what the key thought I’d chime in with the to success is and they’ll tell you it’s getting out of candid voice of reason and tell the projects. So why are we still doing it? Why are we still warehousing the most desperate people in you what the real problem is. As society for one-stop shopping for the drug dealers, protests continued on Father’s the gang leaders, and the pimps? I couldn’t tell Day weekend, it’s ironic that few you why, but I can tell you this: it’s time to tear are talking about why black males down every housing project in America. are far more likely to have a vioNow, don’t go thinking that I’m for turning everybody out in the street to fend for themselves. lent run-in with the police. It’s No, but we do need to separate the needy from the because over 70 percent of black greedy. Anyone who’s able-bodied and able-minded children today are born into a needs to get a job. If there aren’t jobs in your city, single-mother household. then the government needs to match people with jobs in other cities and towns.

The reason black males are more likely to have Is everybody who’s black on welfare? No, but a disa negative encounter with the police is because proportionate number are. About 39 percent of welthey have more encounters with the police than fare recipients are white, accordany other ethnic or racial ing to the Department of Health group, and that’s primarily “. . . the negative and Human Services. About 40 because they don’t have a effects of percent of welfare recipients are father or even a father figure black. In other words, whites are in their lives. fatherlessness and blacks Here are some startling don’t discriminate. underrepresented are overrepresented. That’s not statistics from the DepartWhite folks, because of racism, it’s because ment of Justice on children of liberalism. from fatherless homes. They Hispanics, Asians, Liberal politicians know that account for 71 percent of all they’re all more in order to maintain their grip high school dropouts. They susceptible to on black voters they have to comprise 70 percent of the juveniles in state-operated denegative outcomes maintain the dependency. So, when a wedge like Black Lives tention institutions. About 75 when they’re Matter comes along, these libpercent of adolescent patients fatherless.” eral politicians fan the flames in substance abuse centers are of discontent and division. fatherless children. They acDespite what the media say, racism is not the count for 63 percent of the youth suicides, and 90 problem. The best thing we can do for all Ameripercent of all homeless and runaway youths. cans, especially black Americans, is put the father What’s interesting is the negative effects of back in Father’s Day. fatherlessness don’t discriminate. White folks, Hispanics, Asians, they’re all more susceptible to negative outcomes when they’re fatherless. It just Phil Valentine is heard each weekday afterhappens to be epidemic in the black community. noon on SuperTalk 99.7FM in Nashville and A black male born today has a better chance online at 997wtn.com. For more of his comof ending up at the state pen than Penn State. mentary and articles, visit philvalentine.com.

CONSERVATIVE

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SPORTS

TALK

COLUMN BY “Z-TRAIN”

titanman1984@gmail.com

Remember Pat Tillman, Jesse Owens, The Dream Team and Will Smith This Independence Day THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard!

With one of my favorite holidays around the corner I am going to focus on America and stay positive. I could talk about coronavirus or I could talk about violent mobs destroying statues, attempting to erase history and even defacing Gandhi. GANDHI! I could talk about how liberal cities across this country have done little to punish criminals as they brazenly commit crimes and put law-abiding citizens in danger. I could talk about how Seattle’s politicians have ruined a beautiful city. I could talk about all the businesses inside the CHAZ. Just imagine being a business owner in Seattle. The police have been told to basically stand down, and the politicians cater to the criminals while Seattle’s mayor jokingly calls it “The Summer of Love.” What a slap in the face to law-abiding citizens needlessly suffering during this time.

I could talk about how the upcoming November election comes down to two choices.

You can vote for Joe Biden, who will allow violence to spiral out of control while supporting the idea of defunding the police. Or, you can vote for President Trump, who will continue to support the police in this country and do whatever is in his power to punish people who break the law. Your choice come November: lawlessness or law? All the other antics of these two men are irrelevant when we have lawlessness running rampant. It’s simple for me—please stop the violence!

I have been doing this article series for 10 years, so my readers know I do not walk on eggshells. I pray for this country, I pray for you. It does not matter what your race, gender or religion is because we all deserve respect and equal treatment. I also pray that we can get back to business. People want to work, eat, provide . . . not watch the mob and destruction on the media channels.

In celebration of Independence Day, I believe reminiscing on some of America’s greatest patriotic moments in sports history is a better way to finish this article rather than 34 * JULY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

success is one of the greatest moments in American sports history, even if some didn’t know it at the time.

PAT TILLMAN

Remember the 1992 Dream Team?

Complete domination—they beat teams by an average of 44 points to win a gold medal for USA Basketball. Names like Jordan, Bird, Magic, Barkley, Ewing, Malone. Those guys could suit up in 2020 and probably win another gold.

pursuing what I could talk about! Happy July 4th. Grill some burgers, some dogs, chug a beer, blow up some fireworks and take a moment to remember all the men and women who served so we can continue to live in a free country! Also take a moment and remember a great man, my bro Will Smith! He saved us all from the aliens. Yet we have one man more hero than even Will: Mr. Pat Tillman!

Hero Pat Tillman I have given love to Pat Tillman every year for the past decade in these articles. Tillman gave the ultimate sacrifice for us. Pat was an Arizona Cardinal, an NFL safety who turned down $4 million to join the Army after 9/11.

Pat was killed in Afghanistan in 2004 and became the face of heroism for so many.

God bless you, Pat! Can we forgive Brett Favre? One of my favorite players of all-time seemingly equated Colin Kaepernick (who kneeled for his beliefs) to Pat Tillman (who died for his) as both heroes. Brett later clarified that he did not intend a comparison, and that Pat deserves the highest honor for giving the ultimate sacrifice. Damn right!

Do You Believe in Miracles?

I wish I could have celebrated with America in 1980 but I was not conceived until 1984, so all I have are numerous movies, stories and documentaries on this event. Nobody believed a group of goofy college players from America had a chance against the beast that was Soviet hockey; those men were professionals and had played together for years. This game was played in the height of the Cold War and there were rumors that the U.S. would boycott the Moscow Olympics.

Never Forget the Perfect Pitch During game three of the 2001 World Series, 49 days after 9/11, as George W. Bush, wearing a bulletproof vest and holding his head high in Yankee stadium, stood alone on the mound. Many people say he looked like an unbreakable statue that night. Bush threw a perfect pitch from the mound, something not easy to do. The crowd went wild, and it was a feelgood moment for America at a time when we needed it.

Yet, somehow, they did it. Maybe the most iconic call of all time was when Al Michaels shouted “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” Many give President Reagan the credit for ending the Cold War, but it was really the 1980 USA hockey team that took down the USSR. Many forget this was only a semifinal game. The U.S. then had to come back and play Finland in the gold medal match. They were down 2–1 heading into the third period when Coach Brooks walked into the locker room and said “if you lose this game, you’ll take it to your grave . . . your [expletive] grave!” The Miracle continued and the U.S. came back to beat Finland 4–2, to win gold.

Icon Jesse Owens Another iconic patriotic moment in sports dates to 1936. Jesse Owens, an African American, shamed Hitler in Berlin. Hitler had planned on showcasing the supremacy of the Aryan race in Berlin. Jesse had other ideas. Jesse, a sprinter, clocked times so fast they would have medaled for the next 30 years. Jesse Owens won a record four track golds. Owens opened many people’s eyes, and although some still shunned him, his achievements equaled progress. Owens’

Quick Rick Monday This is my final patriotic moment. It was 1976 and Rick Monday stopped two protesters from burning a flag on field at Dodger Stadium. One unfurled the flag and the other took out a lighter, but Monday was faster and snatched the flag away before the act was accomplished. “What they were doing was wrong then, in 1976, and in my mind it’s wrong now, in 2006,” Monday said later.

“It was also reinforced by a lot of friends who lost their lives protecting the rights and freedoms that flag represented.”

Time to wrap this article up. I will not apologize for saying things most people think yet do not have the courage to say.

Sorry if it does not fit in with the narrative being pushed on us. Last I checked, this is America, and free thinking is encouraged.

I find it baffling that saying “all lives matter” can trigger people into utter madness.

Some of the kinder comments would contend that I do not understand the struggle and that the struggle is real!

I believe black lives matter, white lives matter and all lives matter. A wonderful statement we all should embrace as a world has somehow turned into the wrong thing to say. If I am unknowingly ignorant about the situation, so be it. I love people and I do my best to treat everyone I encounter with the utmost respect. I think I was raised right and I typically succeed in doing that.

God bless America, and God bless you and your family. Choo-choo!

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