June 2020 Murfreesboro Pulse by The Murfreesboro Pulse

INSIDE

ROCK ISLAND STATE PARK / FEISTY HEROINES / MARINA'S ON THE SQUARE / JAMES THREALKILL / KOLT BARBER JUNE 2020 / VOL. 15, ISSUE 6 / FREE

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

'Tis the Market Season Rutherford County offers many spots to shop for local vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, meats and more

Contents

5 FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 Letter

MEDIA SHIFT

Concerts continue to reach listeners platforms. using online streaming platforms

’TIS THE MARKET SEASON

Rutherford County offers many spots to shop for local vegetables, fruit, plants. eggs, honey, meat and plants

ROCK ISLAND STATE PARK

Scenic Middle Tennessee area offers waterfall views, swimming, kayaking, more. hiking, camping and more

MURFREESBORO TRADITION

Delicious pizza, pasta, calzones and salad at Marina’s on the Square.

FEISTY HEROINES

Murfreesboro romance author Dawn Jones releases collection of 36 stowriters. ries by various writers

FROM THE EDITOR Big news, serenity and statistics

5 Events

CALENDAR Special Kids Golf Classic, Redneck Rumble, pool tournament at Van’s

8 Sounds

FACE THE MUSIC Live music returns to Ridenour, Hank’s and other locations. CONCERTS Revelry, Cooter River Band, Hunter Girl, The O’Donnell’s ALBUM REVIEWS Christopher Griffiths, Billy Plant

Art Director: Sarah Mayo Copy Editor: Steve Morley

Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo

Advertising: Dave Trout

14 Living

FIND YOUR FIT Tips for cultivating intentional movement and nutrition habits.

20 Art

26 News

REEVES REPORT Investigating quality of life in Tennessee BUSINESS BUZZ Boro Bowls, Bee Hive Bistro and more

EXHIBIT Kaleidoscope of color by James Threalkill.

HIGHLIGHTING BUSINESS Floativation, Part 7

DAVID LeDOUX Oklahoma art collector locates painting by deceased MTSU professor.

FINANCIAL COACHING 7 tips to put your financial house in order

POETRY Virtual Poetry in the Boro, calendar project, Laureate wins fellowship award

Movies REVIEW The Lovebirds

Contributors: Melissa Coker, Laura Lindsay, Jon Little, Angela Loupe, Zach Maxfield, Mic Santo Jay Spight, Shaterial Starnes, Andrea Stockard, Phil Valentine, Kory Wells, Michelle Willard

BBB TIPS Ways entrepreneuers can stay ahead

Opinion PHIL VALENTINE Science is never settled. SPORTS TALK AFC must deal with Henry in 2020.

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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Great Falls at Rock Island State Park Learn more on page 16

ALRIGHT! Hot weather, pool and lake time. Another summer. How’s your garden looking? Keep it watered and weeded during these sunny times! Controversy continues to boil. Voices from all sides are loud and passionate. Do we, or do we not, capitalize seemingly proper nouns that are part of food items, which are generally lowercase? Is it French fries or french fries? France is a country, a proper noun, but is a cut of potato, one served in thousands of different establishments, worthy of a capital letter? What about bloody Mary / bloody mary? Who is this Mary, and does her legacy deserve an uppercase “M”? Texas toast, Bourbon, Belgian waffle . . . don’t even get me started on Swiss, and of course, American, cheese. Thanks for bearing with us as we navigate this challenge and determine the best possible course of action. If the Pulse’s capitalization does not align with your personal preference or offends you in any way . . . Oh Well. For many lately, it has been one of those times: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.” Sometimes we can’t always change the world’s circumstances, but whatever the circumstances I can choose to approach it with peace, reason and hope. Perhaps the 2020 pandemic and closures have caused the general public to develop a healthy distrust of “science.” Isn’t part of science exploring numerous hypotheses and possibilities? It has certainly made some a little skeptical of “statistics.” Even if all of the stats on coronavirus, or any topic, are accurate, one can make statistics say about whatever they want

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to say. According to statista.com, Americans consumed 2.21 pounds of avocados per capita in 2000. This skyrocketed to 8.03 pounds of avocados per capita consumed in the U.S. in 2018. You know what happened right after this reckless, two-decade American guacamole fest? COVID-19. The numbers don’t lie, people. Increased avocado consumption equals coronavirus pandemic. You can’t argue with science! You know what country has reported zero COVID-19 deaths? Mongolia. You know who developed a style of throat singing that sounds two notes at once? The Mongolians. It’s hard to argue with these facts—the country that created overtone throat harmony (which also happens to border China, the epicenter of the coronavirus situation!) has reported zero deaths from the scary disease. It’s science! Mongolian throat singing prevents the singer from contracting coronavirus. That’s not my opinion, that’s fact. Backed up with statistics. Anyway, the point is that maybe it is a good idea to question some of the “science” and “statistics” before putting very

much stock in them. How very interesting that the response to the pandemic has been almost cleanly divided along party lines. Maybe it does serve as an illustration of competing social philosophies. Some say “Yes, let’s give more authority and submission to a centralized government, to the system. All must fall in line.” Others say the individual is the highest authority in the land of the free—that the individual will look at the information, at the guidelines, at the stats, and make his or her own decisions. But how quickly the narrative changes. The big mainstream story quickly shifted from the pandemic to the nationwide protests and riots sparked by the death of a Minneapolis man in police custody. These protests, lootings and acts of terror—all evidently part of Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s phase 2 of reopening the Davidson County economy—have saddened many. But on the bright side, perhaps they indicate that the U.S. has moved on from the coronavirus. I have composed a poem, in solidarity with the “peaceful protesters.” The more bricks you throw The farther away racism will go. Yes, the war against racism isn’t fought

with guns or swords . . . but with bricks, and stealing stuff. Remember, vandalism, looting, anger and violence probably won’t win over many converts to your ideology. In fact, it probably earns anger and hostility towards your cause. Too many people want civil war. I don’t appreciate it. I definitely do not appreciate any unnecessary violence committed on any human. All lives matter, and all are essential. Some are ready to end the recent lockdowns, quarantines, social distancing and whatever. A rodeo and country music concert by Kolt Barber is planned for Shelbyville on June 13. We should see more gatherings and events soon. The phenomenal Tennessee State Parks are here for you if you need somewhere to go to explore and burn some energy. Even through pandemics and riots, the river won’t stop flowing. A job well done to all involved in transporting two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station in late May. This mission, the first manned mission powered by a SpaceX rocket, saw that rocket return safely to the deck of a ship following its launching the vessel carrying the two explorers into low-earth orbit. Now for the real news: Sarah and I expect our second son in September! Yes, another little Pulse man. What interests and abilities will this new little American have? We will see. Exciting! Keep moving, keep playing music, shop local!

Peace, BRACKEN MAYO Publisher/Editor in Chief

Events

CALENDAR / JUNE 2020

BY ANDREA STOCKARD

PLEASE CONTACT the organizers of these events before attending to inquire if details or schedule have changed.

event. The tour showcases virtual garden tours of Dr. and Mrs. Joe Little, Ran Powers and Autumn Schultz. Tours can be viewed at no cost and will be shown on the event’s Facebook event page. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at explorethedc.org/sgp. Featured sponsors are The Adams Family Foundation and Dr. Susan Andrews and Dr. Randall Rickard.

JUNE 1–26 CENTER FOR THE ARTS TV CAMPS The Center for the Arts still has spots available for CSA TV June Summer Camps for ages 5–18. Center Stage Academy inperson camps and classes are still on hold. CSA TV is a fun and interactive mix of live and recorded classes from a roster of talented teaching artists providing children with education and enrichment through the arts while they stay at home. Classes are available as a bundle or to purchase individually June 1–26. A limited amount of scholarships are available at boroarts.org/ scholarships. For more information, contact 615-904-2787 ext. 1205 or kristin@ boroarts.org, or visit boroarts.org/csa-tvsummer-2020.

JUNE 1 LIBRARY SYSTEM PHASED REOPENING The Rutherford County Library System (RCLS) opened Monday, June 1, under Phase Two of its safety protocols. Phase Two includes both reduced schedules for libraries and extensive safety protocols within the facilities, the most important of which is to refrain from entering one of the RCLS libraries if you feel sick. Please note the branch libraries will operate on the following schedule, with the first hour of each business day dedicated to seniors ages 65 and over: Linebaugh (Main branch, 105 W. Vine St.): 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd.): 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday MGL in Patterson Park (521 Mercury Blvd.): 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Thursday; 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Eagleville Bicentennial Public Library (317 Hwy 99E): 1–6 p.m. Monday–Friday; 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturdays. Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.): 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Saturday The RCLS Bookmobile will serve as a free

JUNE 5 SONGWRITING 101

JUNE 11–12 SPECIAL KIDS GOLF CLASSIC It is the goal of Special Kids that no child is turned away due to their family’s inability to afford services. Special Kids relies on 40 percent of its income to come through community support. The Special Kids Golf Classic is a unique opportunity to raise much-needed funds while enjoying a great day out on the golf course with friends. Enjoy a beautiful day at Indian Hills Golf Course (405 Calumet Trace) June 11 and 12. Participants, in a four-person scramble style, compete for prizes from Indian Hills and other local sponsors. Players receive a free lunch and the option to play in the Thursday or Friday afternoon tournaments. Registration and lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. An awards ceremony follows. Cost for a team of four is $600 and $150 for individuals. For more information, visit specialkidstn.com/golfclassic. WiFi hotspot and mobile branch at these locations and times: Monday: Barfield Crescent Park 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday: Sports*Com 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Wednesday: Lee Victory Park 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Thursday: Hop Springs 1–6 p.m. Libraries return to the regular checkout schedule for materials with accompanying fines for late fees. Curbside service continues at most branches. Call your local branch for additional information. All branches will be limited to 50% occupancy during this phase. Patrons are encouraged to wear masks, wash their hands before and after coming into the library and maintain the appropriate six feet in social distance from others. The RCLS Summer Reading Program is underway with online system-wide sign-up. Programming is virtual. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

 Send community event information to CONTACT@BOROPULSE.COM

JUNE 5 ONLINE SECRET GARDEN PARTY Celebrate the beauty and love of learning with the Discovery Center as the children’s museum moves one of its most popular fundraisers online this year. As a nonprofit, the 28th annual Secret Garden Party is the premiere fundraiser benefiting the Discovery Center, and local support greatly helps with the “reopening” this year. Participants can interact with one another during a virtual secret garden tour on Friday, June 5, from 7–8 p.m. and view the evening’s presentations including storytelling by Kara Kemp and Kory Wells, a cooking demonstration by Mitchell Murphree of Five Senses, and a discussion of best home gardening practices by Nina Hanson of Lascassas-based Hanson Farms. In lieu of the party’s signature cocktails and gourmet dining, the Discovery Center is partnering with Five Senses to provide a take-home menu of specially-created fare for the

Join the Rutherford County Library System on Friday, June 5, from 2–3:30 p.m. on Zoom to write a song as a group in the introductory workshop for ages 12–18 presented in partnership with Smyrna Public Library Summer Reading Program. Songwriter Kayley Nell Walker teaches the fundamentals of songwriting, including form, theme and rhyme scheme. Participants listen to a Tenille Townes song to get the creative juices flowing, then sing their newly written song. Walker is a museum educator and singer-songwriter who has performed on NBC’s Today. In 2016, her EP Wanderlust was nominated for an Independent Music Award. Registration is required. For more information, visit rclstn.org.

JUNE 6 HANDMADE MARKETPLACE The Handmade Market returns to Quinn’s Mercantile (301 N. Spring St.) Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m., and coincides with the opening day of the Downtown Farmer’s Market. Shop local wares and hand-crafted items from curated vendors, artists, makers and businesses throughout the yard. For more information on the marketplace, call 615-318-4247 or visit quinnsmercantile.com.

JUNE 6 RANSOM SCHOOL SATURDAY HISTORY TALK Join the Rutherford County Historical Society for “coffee and conversation” about local history in the historic one-room Ransom School House (717 N. Academy St.) on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m.– noon (and every Saturday throughout the year). Admission is free. Bring old photos and memorabilia while meeting people and learning more about the history of this CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 BOROPULSE.COM

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community. For more information, call 615900-4063 or visit rutherfordtnhistory.org.

JUNE 6 SATURDAY MARKET The Main Street Saturday Market kicks off Saturday, June 6, from 8 a.m.–noon and continues every Saturday through September at the historic Murfreesboro Public Square. Over 45 vendors offer produce, baked goods, prepared foods, coffee, tea, sno-cones, flowers, plants, fresh eggs and more. New CDC guidelines are strictly adhered to. This includes social distancing, wearing a mask, no dogs, one-way walking path around the courthouse, no touching products, only using vendor’s bags, no children and one person per family recommended. For more information, contact mainstreetmarket@downtownmurfreesboro.com, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org/main-streetfarmers-market or find Murfreesboro Saturday Market on Facebook.

JUNE 10–12 WAYMAKER WORSHIP NIGHT The Experience Community (521 Old Salem Rd.) wants to offer a Worship Night with Spirit-filled worship and strategic prayer (following social distancing and CDC guidelines) each night June 10–12 from 7–9 p.m. Sign-ups are required. Visit waymakerwn.eventbrite.com and pick a night. All churches, denominations and backgrounds are welcome. Invite friends and family. For more information, call 615707-0384 or visit experiencecc.com.

JUNE 19 DEWDROP JAMBOREE Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy live Americana, country and bluegrass music at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) on Friday, June 19 at 6 p.m. as American Musical Arts Group presents Dewdrop Jamboree. Admission is free.

JUNE 19–20 REDNECK RUMBLE The 6th Annual Spring Redneck Rumble welcomes back an impressive gathering of hot rods, customs, rat rods and motorcycles, June 19–20 at the Wilson County Expo Center (945 E. Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon) beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, June 19, and continuing through Saturday evening. Camping is available. For more information, call 615-364-1828 or visit bothbarrels.us.

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A LANTERN TOUR OF STONES RIVER NATIONAL CEMETERY Join a park ranger for an hour-long walk by lantern light through Stones River National Cemetery (3501 Old Nashville Hwy.) Saturday, June 20, from 7:30–8:45 p.m. Hear stories regarding the cemetery by listening to soldiers and civilians share their experiences through the letters they wrote and received during the conflict. Reservations are required and are open through Eventbrite at 10 a.m. on the Saturday preceding the program. This is not recommended for children under 10 years of age nor is it accessible for strollers or wheelchairs; pets are not permitted. For updates, visit nps.gov.stri/index.htm or find StonesRiverNPS on Facebook.

JUNE 20 WARTRACE MUSICFEST 2020 Visit the historic railroad town of Wartrace, Tennessee, for the Wartrace MusicFest Summer Concert Series to be held on Main St. every third Saturday of each month, all summer long. Series lineup will feature Goodbye June, Kiss Kiss Bang, The Blue Trees, The Cold Stares, Sweet Fever, Fred Reilly and more. Enjoy food trucks, official MusicFest merchandise, shopping downtown and craft beer at the Iron Horse Pizzeria. Bring your folding chairs or a picnic and enjoy some rock ’n’ roll by the rails! Entry is free with paid parking, $10.

JUNE 27 WATERMELON FESTIVAL Lucky Ladd Farms (4374 Rock Glenn Rd.), Tennessee’s largest petting farm and fun park, features the annual Watermelon Festival on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Cool off in the Splash Zone featuring a splash pad, bubble blast pool and inflatable water slides. Enjoy exciting hands-on animal encounters, pony rides, unique playground, nature trails, wagon rides, barrel train, gem mining, tumbling tunnel, giant jump pad, outdoor games and educational exhibits. Test your skills in the watermelon crawl, seed spitting, melon toss and watermelon eating contests and other fun activities. Get a free slice of watermelon! For more information, call 615-274-3786 or visit luckyladdfarms. com or find Lucky Ladd Farms on Facebook.

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) 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.

JULY 4 FREEDOM FEST Visit the historic railroad town of Wartrace from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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. Then stay afterwards for the town’s annual reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by the fireworks show just across the street! Vendors wanted at Jernigan Field, 119 Bridgeview Ave. For more information, call 931-240-0300 or fill out an application on wartracechamber.org.

TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS RUTHERFORD COUNTY FARMERS MARKET Shop local produce, fruits, honey, cheese, meat, flowers and other plants (the only 100% producer-only farmers market in Rutherford County) at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m.–noon. Currently, all customers are required to wear a mask. Free classes are held Tuesday and Friday mornings at 9 a.m. currently on YouTube at RC Farmers Market Education series. Videos from extension agents regarding lawn care, pests and more are also available. For more information, call 615-898-7710. visit extension.tennessee.edu/rutherford or find Lane Agri-Park Community Center on Facebook.

THURSDAYS POOL TOURNAMENT AT VAN’S BAR AND GRILL

OCT. 24 BACKSTAGE BASH AT CENTER FOR THE ARTS The Backstage Bash Masquerade at the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts (110 W. College St.) features cocktail attire and masks starting at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 24. The full event is $100 per ticket or $175 per couple. This Center for the Arts annual fundraiser includes dinner, music and fun. The afterparty ($25) does not include dinner. The 2020 Arts Advocates of the Year are Gloria and Ted LaRoche, with a special “thank you” to The Alley of Murfreesboro for providing the food. For more information, call 615-904-ARTS (2787) or visit boroarts.org.

ONLINE CLASSES WITH THE CHATTERY The Chattery, a nonprofit learning collective located in Chattanooga, offers fun, affordable and accessible classes and workshops for adults to learn from a variety of community leaders, experts and hobbyists. Upcoming online classes include “Managing Mental Health in the Midst of Uncertainty,” “Get Started Making Helpful Videos,” “Introduction to Reiki,” “Soap Making 101” and more. For more information, visit thechattery.org.

ONLINE WORKOUTS Join Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation and Murfreesboro Sports*Com on Facebook for a schedule of the live workout videos throughout the month. Bill Taylor’s Bushido School of Karate offers a variety of workout and karate videos online, from stretching and warmup exercises to advanced kata and karate instruction. Visit bskonline.com and click on “Home Dojo.”

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.

Transparent Heart Yoga Class offers yoga classes for all levels on Zoom. Email contact@transparentheartyoga.com for more information, to receive the meeting ID and be added to the general email list. For a complete list of classes, visit transparentheartyoga.com/live-schedulevirtual-classes.

POSTPONED EVENTS:

VIRTUAL TOURS

OCT. 2, 3 AND 9 SENIORS ACTING UP, TROUBLE AT THE CIRCUS) The Seniors Acting Up show “Trouble at the Circus,” has been postponed to Oct. 2, 3 and 9. For more information, find St. Clair Senior Center on Facebook.

Visit Rutherford features 12 Virtual Tours of Rutherford County at visitrutherfordtn.com including attractions such as the Stones River National Battlefield, The Earth Experience: Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History, Center for the Arts, Todd Art Gallery at MTSU and more.

ONLINE MUSIC CLASSES Murfreesboro Academy of Music Virtual Lessons practice social distancing while students enjoy lessons in a safe way. For more information, contact 615-905-1882 or info@murfreesboromusic.com, or visit murfreesboromusic. com/2020/03/20/virtual-lessons.

FOOD BANKS Meals 4 Hearts offers free daily lunches at Nourish Food Bank (1809 Memorial Blvd.) from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (while supplies last). Contact Nourish Food Bank for hot meals at 615-203-3963. Free meal delivery is available for children and seniors unable to obtain food. Call 931-9542049 and give code Meals4Hearts. LifePoint Church is providing food boxes; they can be reached at lifept.org/forthecommunity.

MURFREESBORO PARKS UPDATE: Greenway, hiking trails, bike trails, dog parks, open green spaces, outdoor restrooms – open Playgrounds, pavilions – closed Adams Tennis Complex Outdoor courts and restrooms – open; Indoor courts – open for play with strict physical distancing and sanitation protocols; Water fountains, coffee stations, locker rooms – closed

Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center – closed Cannonsburgh Village Village, grounds and restrooms – open Visitors center – closed McFadden Community Center Pre-planned, structured programs and activities only – open; Pickleball – by reservation only No open gym hours; Game room – closed Outdoor Murfreesboro / Wilderness Station Trails, restrooms – open Gift shop, visitors center – closed Patterson Park Community Center Weight room, exercise/fitness classes, indoor track – open; Washington Theatre, game room, pool, racquetball courts, water fountains, coffee stations, locker rooms – closed Sports*Com Indoor pool open for organized activities only (lap swim, exercise classes), no open swim Weight room, exercise/fitness classes, indoor track – open; Outdoor pool, Boro Beach, water fountains, coffee stations, locker rooms – closed Siegel Soccer Park, McKnight Park, StarPlex, Barfield Park ballfields, Old Fort Park ballfields – closed to organized activities

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

hours. Apply at tn.gov/workforce/covid-19.

COVID-19 testing is offered Monday through Friday, at no charge and without restrictions, at the Rutherford County Health Department (100 W. Burton St.). To get a test, first call 615-898-7880 or 615-849-0347. Tennessee’s Coronavirus Public Information Lines are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT daily at 833-556-2476 or 615-857-2945.

Tennessee businesses are being asked to join in the fight against COVID-19 and donate new, unused personal protective equipment to a National Guard Armory location. Visit tn.gov/tema.

Contact Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network at tspn.org, Text TN to 741 741 or call 1-800-273-TALK. Need a WIC (Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) appointment? Call 1-800-DialWIC or visit tn.gov/wic. Tennessee Higher Education Commission offers resources on Financial Aid at tn.gov/thec/ covid-19-campus-information.html and tn.gov/ collegepays/schools-and-lenders.html. Tennessee College of Applied Technology Murfreesboro has been posting Financial Aid videos through The Virtual Paying for College presentations. Find out more at tcatmurfreesboro.edu/future-students/ﬁnancial-aid. The Tennessee Talent Exchange powered by Jobs4TN helps the community find jobs by matching workers with employers who have immediate job openings in the grocery and retail industries, good-paying jobs with flexible

People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get emergency medical care. Do not visit public areas. Questions? The Tennessee Department of Health Public Information Line is open at 10 a.m. CT. Call 833-556-2476. Find the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development on Facebook for a video and more information about unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have suffered economic injury as a result of COVID-19 can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million per applicant to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have otherwise been met. Learn more at tn.gov/ecd. Contact the Tennessee Department of Health at tn.gov/health, 833-556-2476 or 877-8572945 from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. CDT. The Tennessee Department of Revenue’s deadline for March & April vehicle registration renewals is extended to June 15. Visit tn.gov/revenue.

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Sounds

Read more about local music at

boropulse.com/category/music

KOLT BARBER’S AMERICAN COWBOY SHOWDOWN JOINS RODEO IN SHELBYVILLE ON JUNE 13

MUSIC NOTES

Media Shift: The Beat Goes On WHERE THERE’S A WILL (and a halfway decent internet connection), the music community will find a way. The iconic GRAND OLE OPRY continues its Saturday night broadcasts (albeit to an empty house) via the radio and locally on WSMV. The lineup for May 30 brought together Opry member and MTSU grad CHRIS YOUNG, Opry member CHRIS JANSON and BRETT YOUNG. Historically long-running radio show THE ERNEST TUBB MIDNITE JAMBOREE finally got back into the live music mix on May 30 after a long hiatus. Jennifer Herron hosted the comeback episode with Opry legend JEANNIE SEELY and awardwinning studio musician TIM ATWOOD. Typically taped at the Texas Troubadour Theatre on Music Valley Drive two hours before its “Midnite” showtime moniker, this special-occasion taping remained closed to the public and recorded at the not-somidnight hour of 2 p.m. “The Midnite Jamboree is a part of our history here in Nashville and I consider it an honor anytime I can carry on the 10 * JUNE 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

legacy of Ernest Tubb,” shared Seely. “As the second-longest-running radio show after the Grand Ole Opry, we appreciate David McCormick continuing this tradition.” THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM remains closed

to the public while still providing songwriter sessions for those who want to watch at home. The month of June brings JESSI ALEXANDER, DIERKS BENTLEY, BOB DIPIERO, YOLA and STEVE WARINER to the digital stage. Fun fact: Dierks Bentley’s ’90s-inspired band Hot Country Knights’ back story says they formed in the ’Boro. Of course for Knights purposes, Bentley is known only as Doug Douglason, his alter ego. So you didn’t hear that here. Music institutions a little closer to home are letting their love flow like a mountain stream in the world of streaming, too: WMOT took advantage of the doors closed on possibilities for an 89.5 FEST in 2020, turning it into an opportunity to showcase 2019’s threeday festivities in all of their raucous roots glory. They replayed performances both on radio and via Facebook

Kolt Barber and the American Cowboy Showdown Tour will come to Shelbyville on Saturday, June 13. Combining the electric excitement of rodeo and live music entertainment, the American Cowboy Showdown will kick off at 7 p.m. at the Calsonic Arena. The event begins with a rodeo, sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association, followed by the Kolt Barber concert. The rodeo will include bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding and

and Livestream video. Headliners for the festival included RODNEY CROWELL, MANDY BARNETT, JASON RINGENBERG, THE McCRARY SISTERS, MOLLY TUTTLE, THE WAR AND TREATY, LEE ROY PARNELL and DELBERT McCLINTON. Uncle Dave Macon Days’s mission to preserve and grow America’s Roots Music brings its first online festival, titled “VIRTUAL ROOTS RENDEZVOUS FEST,” to screens everywhere on

June 20 from 12–2 p.m. Hosted live by Opry personality MARCIA CAMPBELL and featuring neverbefore-seen videos and interviews from some of the best in Americana, roots and bluegrass music, the festival will benefit those musicians and artists who have been impacted financially by COVID-19. The Rendezvous is planned to continue with new content once a month throughout the year’s end and in the meantime is considering the potential for live, small-group venue performances at various locations. Among the artists signed on thus far are T. GRAHAM BROWN, THE CLEVERLYS, DAVE ADKINS, RALPH STANLEY II, LEE GREENWOOD, and ZACH AND MAGGIE. Tune in at rootsrendezvous.com.

cowgirls’ barrel racing. Barber, a Georgia native, blends his passion for the land and the cowboy way with his love for music. I was born to rope and ride, sings Barber in his deep, Southern-accented voice on his 2019 single, “Cowboy.” Find more on Kolt Barber at koltbarber.com; find more on the International Professional Rodeo Association at iprarodeo.com. Calsonic Arena is located at 721 Whitthorne St., Shelbyville. Admission to the June 13 event is $20 at the gate.

Hosted by BILL RAMSEY, the ODE TO OTHA BIRTHDAY BASH for musician OTHA TURNER honored Turner’s lifetime of music and legacy while featuring local artists singing, virtual style, for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. Coincidentally, these artists (playing for tips) featured several who hopped on stage at Hop Springs for last year’s 89.5 Fest, including LEE ROY PARNELL and and HEIDI NEWFIELD Other

artists included BLUE MOTHER TUPELO, STACY MITCHART, and ETTA AND BOB BRITT.

Over in Maryland, the everpopular DELFEST (a festival cooked up by Del and his extended McCourys) brought in lots of help from its friends. May 21 through May 24, DELFEST AT HOME celebrated musical highlights from DelFests past with names including MARTY STUART, SAM BUSH, YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND, RICKY SKAGGS and many more.

To watch, just visit the DelFest YouTube channel. — MELISSA COKER

BOROPULSE.COM

* JUNE 2020 * 11

Living

’Tis the

Market Season

Rutherford County Offers Many Spots to Shop for Local Vegetables, Fruit, Eggs, Honey, Meat and More BY LAURA LINDSAY

ith the area farmers markets opening for the season, many in the community are ready for everyone to gather together with their neighbors and local farmers—with some restrictions like those we have seen since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak. Organizers say these restrictions make the markets safer for everyone to purchase and enjoy a large variety of local produce and other goods.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET The Rutherford County Farmers’ Market has been in operation since 1975, said market manager Heather Lambert. This market runs on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to noon, providing an array of produce and goods at the Lane Agri-Park. 12 * JUNE 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

“For our 45th anniversary we opened Friday, May 10, under unprecedented times with some changes for the protection of the vendors and the community,” Lambert said. “The vendors’ temperatures are taken each morning before setting up and they are required to wear masks, as are the customers. Gloves are requested and those that are vulnerable need to take the necessary precautions. The vendors are spaced apart and we request that everyone practice social distancing. We do have masks from the Health Department for those that need one. Most of the vendors can accept electronic payment, with cash also accepted and tokens available to purchase for payment.” Some other changes include the absence of the Master Gardener volunteers who sell concessions and answer questions. The

Master Gardeners of Rutherford County will gather again in August. Until then, educational classes will be online only. Find them on the Rutherford County Extension YouTube channel. Lambert said there will not be carts available to use at the market so shoppers should bring their own carts, wagons, boxes or bags if necessary for stocking up on berries, plants, produce, baked goods, a variety of meats, honey, jams, jellies, CBD items and, new to the market this year, mushrooms. Sweet T’s BBQ will be at the market each Friday with breakfast and lunch offerings. “We respectfully request customers to not touch the produce or other products,” Lambert said. “The best way to think about it is that no one else is touching what each customer is buying besides the vendor.” She encourages those purchasing produce to visit picktnproducts.org for great recipes. Anyone wanting to keep up with what’s going on or coming up each month may sign up for the Rutherford County Extension Newsletter, at extension.tennessee.edu/ rutherford. Rutherford County Farmers’ Market is located at 315 John Rice Blvd. and is open from 7 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Fridays.

THE MURFREESBORO SATURDAY MARKET The Murfreesboro Saturday Market will kick off in June, and will be about the same as any other year, except for some social distancing measures, said Saturday Market Manager Linda Weeks. “The farmers market is a wonderful experience, and I think people are looking forward to it,” she said. “The only thing we are going to have to ask is that people not clump together. We are going to have to ask people to maintain social distancing, so people feel safe. We have had a lot of customers who have contacted us and who have contacted the farmers and they are a little bit worried about coming to the market. “They want to come to the market, but they just want to be sure that things are being done to maintain some kind of safety and to implement some precautions.” The vendors will be more spread out throughout the market than in previous years, but with 49 vendors slated to come, there will still be the usual selection. “I think people will see there is a lot more room,” Weeks said. “This means you will see about seven vendors in a space where ten were before. “I would really like to give a shout-out to the mayor of Murfreesboro and the mayor of Rutherford County, who have offered us

this space to expand the market. They know how much people like the market.” Organizers also ask customers not to bring their pets this year, so people don’t crowd around them, as cute as pets are. People are asked to wear masks, and samples will not be passed out unless they are packaged. “We would much rather be able to preserve the market and give up just a little bit,” Weeks said. “Our local growers and farmers depend on these markets for direct farm-totable sales and a lot of them usually get a big portion of their income from restaurant sales that they just haven’t had enough of this year. They are counting on the farmers market. One farmer said that he had lost 60 percent of his business from losing restaurant sales. So we are really hoping people will take precautions and come to the market.” A 2020 map of vendor locations is available at mainstreetmurfreesboro. org. The Murfreesboro Saturday Market runs from 8 a.m. to noon each Saturday through September.

SMYRNA DEPOT FARMERS’ MARKET The Smyrna Depot Farmers’ Market is a smaller market with goodies and essentials that is held at the historic train depot in downtown Smyrna. “The farmers market is excited to be able to open this year even with the changes,” said market manager Nikki Sasser. “We always want to grow both locally sourced and healthy, fresh products, and grow that sense of community that ‘I really know my neighbor, I really love my neighbor and I am here to help my neighbor.’” The Smyrna market has about a dozen vendors, which include vegetable, fruit, meat and egg vendors as well as two craft vendors selling bath salts.

positive one. “It turns out that we calmed some people’s fears. “We are here. You keep coming and we’ll keep producing our best that we can.” The Lascassas Farmers’ Market opens at 8 a.m. on Saturdays, rain or shine, and is located at Lascassas Feed Supply, 7684 Barlow Ln., Lascassas.

LA VERGNE FARMERS’ MARKET

The Smyrna market has implemented a modified operating plan based on recommendations from the Health Department and the CDC. Vendors will stay six feet apart, will only wait on one person as a time and will be wearing facemasks and gloves. Customers are asked to attend individually, one shopper from each household, all approach the vendors from the same side, to wear face masks and use sanitizer that will be available for everybody. The public is also discouraged from handling any of the products. Please point to what you want and the producers will package it, Sasser said. The Smyrna market is a partnership with the arts initiative Carpe Arista and the Smyrna Parks Department. “When you are participating locally, you are helping,” Sasser said. “Here, we say ‘be safe, stay healthy and live local.’ This is also the mantra we have been using to keep pushing ourselves throughout this time.” The Smyrna Depot Farmers’ Market is on Front Street in downtown Smyrna. It is on Saturdays from 8 a.m. til noon.

LASCASSAS FARMERS’ MARKETS This is the Lascassas Farmers’ Market’s fifth year running and their market is held year-round. “We are a producer-only market, and we don’t allow reselling, so the product that you are interested in was actually produced and raised by the person in front of you,” said Nina Hanson, who runs the market, and owns and operates Hanson Farms. “Some things here may look a little different than other markets.” The Lascassas market tends to have specialty produce that can’t be found at all markets. “We are finding that people are really warming up to and getting excited about trying seasonal foods,” Hanson said. “People learn to give it a try, so they can eat how the farmers eat and take advantage of our normal growing season. For example, fennel is one that I grow that people aren’t familiar with. Right now, we also have a lot of greens and broccoli and cabbage coming into season,” she said in late May. “Producer-only vendors really have to take advantage of the length of season, and they can’t produce in volume, so they have to be able to produce as long as possible. So you do get some of those foods that are a little bit more unusual and this is what the producers are eating as well.” Hanson said in March they had a couple weeks where they did have panicked shoppers who were coming to the market because they couldn’t find bread and meat. “We have MTSU milk and we have eggs so we tried to help them,” she said. “The vendors gave away eggs and meat, and we purchased canned goods and dry goods and set up an area for people who felt like they needed something for their families.” Hanson added that this initiative, despite a tense week or two, ended up being a very

La Vergne Farmers’ Market runs from 3 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday through September at Bicentennial Park, 5093 Murfreesboro Rd., La Vergne. Vendors will be spaced eight to ten feet apart. For questions, contact event coordinator Robert Rayburn at rrayburn@ lavergnetn.gov.

BATEY FARMS Batey Farms will not be at any farmers markets this year, but their farm store is open year-round. They have a variety of pork products as well as foods from other local farms. “In May, we’ve had people stay in their car, and we came out to them,” said Katherine Whitt of Batey Farms. “Customers are coming through our temporary drive-thru. Like most businesses, we don’t know what our plans will be two weeks ahead, so please visit our website for more information.” Batey Farm Store is located at 5331 Baker Rd. in Murfreesboro. Keep up with Batey Farms at bateyfarms.com.

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* JUNE 2020 * 13

Living

FIND YOUR FITNESS Cultivate Intentional Movement, Nutrition Habits BY COACH MIC SANTO IT HAS LITTLE TO DO with how you

look in the mirror. Let’s just start there. The “Quarantine 19,” or the 19 pounds you’ve gained during the pandemic, isn’t a layer of protection for when this thing potentially creeps back in the fall. It’s the exact opposite. Living with unintentional habits creates unintentional results. Obviously you didn’t intend to lose your way. Not everyone hoped for a global virus to put the planet on lockdown so they could park it on the couch for two months . . . but it happened. How do you make a comeback now? Depending on what you’re tuned into, your road to recovery might look quite different from what I’d suggest. You might be wondering why I have an opinion on the matter. It’s because I’m a former couch potato—one who was overweight and, when combined with the stressors of life, was unhappy with myself and generally just depressed. I changed that for myself though. Now I change the lives of others. In the world of gyms today, all types exist and many promise the same things— results through minimal time and effort invested. It’s a lie. No magic pill exists. We live in a day and age where you can have 14 * JUNE 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

your fat literally removed from your body! Unfortunately, if your habits don’t change, the cycle will repeat itself and you’ll end up back where you started—or worse. The desire to look better is only fulfilled by successfully feeling better. The combination of self improvement via mind and body completes that task. You might now be wondering where to start, so here are three simple rules to get the ball rolling:

PRIORITIZE MOVEMENT If you find yourself sedentary due to the current times or due to your regular line of work, you’ll have to make an effort to change your own circumstances. You can do this by taking a 10-minute walk after breakfast, lunch and dinner. Those three walks add up to 30 minutes a day that you’re now on the move! Not only are you prioritizing movement but you’re aiding the processes of your body post-meal by moving after fuel consumption. This takes us to rule number two.

BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT YOUR NUTRITION If you’re not planning ahead as to what you’ll be consuming at your next meal,

you’re not being intentional. Not being intentional leads to poor choices: poor choices in the store when you’re shopping, and poor choices in the drive-thru when you’ve not prepared a lunch. Those poor choices eventually add up to poor condition, poor health. Now you’re at higher risk for impaired health during this pandemic due to your poor habits, and that’s rule number three.

HEALTHY HABITS MUST BE DAILY HABITS For example, you’re on a “diet” but only adhere to it Monday through Thursday because the weekend rolls around and you’ve got to do your thing. You’re now on a diet for 57% of the week. At this point I’d tell you not to waste your time. Your habits aren’t consistent enough to get real results and you’re not committed to having them anyway. You’re waffling back and forth between want and need. Everyone needs to be healthy, but our choices, the ones that become habits, rarely reflect daily that health is what we want. More and more statistics are coming out about the dangers of being unhealthy and the risk factors related to living a

life unfocused on fitness. Fitness isn’t obtained under a knife. It’s not starved via a fad diet and it’s not sucking in your gut while taking a selfie in the gym locker room to post on social media. Fitness is hard work. It takes effort and intention, a commitment to hours each week of focused nutrition and prioritizing movement. When someone is genuinely fit, you’ll know. They don’t have the same weekend habits others do. They don’t stay up late and it’ll be hard to catch them at a fast food drive-thru. They’ll tell you being fit and healthy isn’t all that hard because they’ve spent years cultivating the habits that make it simple. It wasn’t easy for them to get there but now they have a system, one that keeps them out of the doctor’s office and off the couch, living the life they want with less fear than most do when it comes the state of the world. A high level of fitness is the closest thing we have to a shield against the known and the unknown. Go find your fitness. Coach Mic Santo is the owner and operator of LIVFIT Murfreesboro, 756 Jessica St., Murfreesboro. Learn more by calling 615-203-1157 or at livfitboro.com. BOROPULSE.COM

* JUNE 2020 * 15

Living

Treasures of Rock Island

Middle Tennessee state park offers lots of riverside scenery STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRACKEN MAYO

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river water, still stands by Great Falls. Traveling downstream leads to Twin Falls, another beautiful feature of Rock Island State Park. On the primary side of the park, a visitor can walk to the cliffs at the top of these falls, though for a full view of Twin Falls, take a drive to the White County (north) side of the river, where trails lead to a view of these falls from across the river.

BLUE HOLE FALLS PHOTO COURTESY ALLTRAILS.COM

ust outside of McMinnville, Tennessee, where the Collins River and the Rocky River join the Caney Fork River, the massive Great Falls Dam generates power, creates a boating area upstream and releases water into the Great Falls area downstream. Rock Island State Park, the area surrounding the dam, offers hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, boating, biking, picnicking and lots of beautiful sights to see, and makes a nice day trip from Murfreesboro, only an hour’s drive away. The park displays a variety of landscapes whose view changes substantially depending on where the visitor is on the river, and how high the river is at that particular time. Great Falls can be a torrent of rushing rapids, if the dam releases a large amount of water. During these times, a locked gate may keep people from descending to this area of the river gorge. The overlooks above, however, provide an impressive view. When water levels are lower, a visitor may stand on dry land in serene stillness within the river bed, where powerful waters may have passed over just days before. A large brick building that once housed a 19th-century cotton mill, powered by the

Observing Twin Falls, one notices that they burst out of the side of the cliff face, about two-thirds of the way up a 120-foot cliff. These falls did not exist until the construction of the Great Falls Dam, and the diversion of a canal to the power house, according to gowaterfalling.com. The dam— one of 29 dams in the Tennessee Valley Authority system, 19 of which are located in

Tennessee, these aside from the dams under the control of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—put such additional pressure on the waters upstream that underground runoff that would typically go to the nearby Collins River had to find another route out. This water blasted out of the cliff face creating another area tourist attraction, Twin Falls. Continuing downstream, the Rock Island State Park explorer then comes to Blue Hole Falls, another beautiful water feature on the river. Again, descending into the river gorge here can be quite treacherous or quite pleasant, depending on the activity at the dam and powerhouse. Even farther downstream, but still less than two miles from the dam, the water here can remain gentle even with vicious rapids upstream. Those wishing to enter the river to swim can do so on the gradually sloping, sanded beach on one side. Sharp, precipitous cliffs on the other side from the beach provide a contrast in topography and some nice scenery. Here, some visitors fish or grill out or play

Clockwise from top left: Twin Falls Welcome sign near Great Falls Dam Baby Falls Blue Hole Falls

Clockwise from top left: Looking down the Caney Fork River from the beach Large fossil rock near river View of Great Falls from overlook A look at the power house near the Twin Falls Viewpoint

on the shore as others swim in the river. A nearby boat launch gives boaters access to the water, just upstream from Center Hill Lake. While not all parts of the river are suitable for casual swimmers at all times, the raging waters do attract some kayaking adventure seekers ready to ride the rapids. Rock Island State Park has even been home to the U.S. Freestyle Kayaking World Championships. In fact, kayak champion Eric Jackson lives nearby the park, where he frequently floats. Also the founder of Jackson Kayaks, Jackson based his kayak manufacturing facility in White County. Rock Island has plenty of shaded hiking area, with various picnic spaces scattered around. The trails can range from the 2.6-mile Collins River Nature Trail, to a .15-mile trail that leads to a small family cemetery, not far from atop Twin Falls. Most of those traveling to Rock Island State Park, other than the motorists coming from the west on Highway 287, first

pass through the small village of Rock Island, Tennessee, a quaint cluster of houses, churches and antique shops located near the entrance to the park, yet another pleasant sight to see in the area. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free to enter and explore the park. Tent, RV and cabin camping areas are available for rent; tent sites for $21 per night or 3-bedroom cabins for $140 per night. For more information on lake levels in Tennessee and water generation schedules, visit tva.com. For more information on Tennessee State Parks, visit tnstateparks.com.

If You Go ROCK ISLAND STATE PARK 82 Beach Road, Rock Island, TN Twin Falls Viewpoint: Take Power House Road until it dead ends into the parking lot for the viewpoint Area hours vary from 8 a.m.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10 p.m.

Food

 RESTAURANT

Marina’s Murfreesboro Tradition Pasta, pizza, calzones and salads on the Square STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO SINCE 1992 Marina’s on the Square has occupied the building at the corner of Maple and College streets, a fixture of downtown Murfreesboro, serving some of the best pizza in town, all sorts of fine pasta dishes, calzones, salads, and an assortment of Italianthemed veggies, meats and desserts. Many begin a meal here with one of the restaurant’s great Caesar salads. Or, for a fantastic combination of vegetable flavors, try the delicious eggplant salad with mushrooms, olives, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese topped with slices of a crispy, breaded piece of eggplant. Other salad selections include a spinach salad, the antipasto salad—which contains ham, turkey, roast beef, pepperoni and artichoke hearts, in addition to the basic salad veggies—and an 18 * JUNE 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

PHOTOS BY SARAH MAYO

Italian chicken salad, similar to the eggplant salad, but with slices of breaded chicken instead of eggplant. “Great pasta and pizza,” Jay Sanders stated after a meal at Marina’s. “Loved the stuffed mushrooms,” he said about the popular appetizer of mushroom caps filled with sausage, beef and provolone, served with alfredo sauce. Aside from the salads and mushrooms, most of the options on the large menu fall into pizza, pasta or calzone categories, or are bread-related in some way. “The calzones are amazing!” Beverly Sanford said. Marina’s fills these excellent creations with toppings of choice and bakes them until they are just a little crispy on the outside

and gooey, cheesy and piping hot inside. Pasta items include a delicious cheese tortellini topped with both marinara and alfredo sauces for a very flavorful dish. Other pasta selections include lasagna, chicken parmesan, manicotti, ravioli, eggplant parmesan, a cajun chicken pasta, chicken bruschetta pasta and more. From the Italian sausage and potato soup to the lasagna to pizza to cannoli, Marina’s, owned by Doug Duross, has earned a wealth of positive comments on the food, atmosphere and service, as well as many loyal customers over the past decades. Jason Rice said he ate “the best eggplant parmesan I’ve ever had” at Marina’s. “The cheesecake and cannoli were out of this world,” he added. Marina’s uses a nice, chunky marinara sauce on its pastas and other specialty dishes on the pasta menu include the summer shrimp pasta with mushrooms, tomatoes and basil, and a unique, spicy creation called Dante’s Inferno—chorizo, jalapeños, onions, mushrooms and penne pasta tossed in a spicy cream sauce. The Monte Cristo Calzone, another house specialty, contains turkey, ham, onions, provolone and cheddar, accompanied by a

special Dijon and horseradish dipping sauce. The diner at Marina’s can create one of thousands of possible varieties of pizzas and calzones selecting from the wide variety of toppings available, all of the expected pizza meats and veggies plus artichoke hearts, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, salami, smoked turkey and garlic. The Marina’s crew, according to a team member, makes dough in-house everyday, and uses the same dough for pizza crust, loaves of bread, calzones and the focaccia bread—herbed up and served with spinach

The Dish RESTAURANT: Marina’s on the Square LOCATION: 125 N. Maple St. PHONE: 615-849-8881 HOURS: Tues.–Thurs.: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.,

Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

PRICES: Calzone with three toppings:

$9.99; Tortellini with salad or soup: $13.99; 16-inch meat lovers pizza: $19.99; Small eggplant salad: $6.59; 6-inch meatball sub: $6.99; Chicken parmesan: $12.99 ONLINE: marinasonthesquare.com

artichoke dip. When you find something that works, stick with it. “Their spinach-artichoke dip is absolutely fantastic,” Anne Talbott said. And many customers say they really appreciate the soft, fresh, hot loaves of bread offered to each table before a meal. “The best calzone I have ever had the pleasure of eating! Pure heavenly bliss,” Jacque Howard reported after a meal. “The homemade bread is absolutely perfect.” Marina’s cooks a massive creation called the Super Stuffed Pizza Pie with an additional crust on top and toppings sandwiched between. Although the full stuffed pizza goes for $34.99, and takes 35 minutes to bake, lunch patrons can grab a slice of the ready-made stuffed pizza of the day for $7.99, as slices last. With so many of the dishes tied to the (very well made) dough or pasta, dining at Marina’s can be slightly difficult for the lowcarb dieters, though the salads are good. An advantage to the pizza, however, is that it is a thinner crust pie, with not an overwhelming amount of bread per slice. The hours of operation can require a little planning as well; Marina’s is closed on Sunday and Monday, closes at 8 p.m. on Tuesday,

Wednesday and Thursday, and often has a small crowd of folks waiting outside on the sidewalk for a table on Friday and Saturday evenings, but make a point to visit and discover your favorite pasta or pizza offering. As with any ethnic restaurant, some will surely say “it’s not authentic.” To that, I will say that I am not Italian, I have never been to Italy, but I have eaten a lot of pizza in my days. Marina’s pizza ranks pretty close to the top of that list. This New York-type pizza with a thinner crust, with just a little crispness on the bottom, still foldable, with the cheese all the way out to the edge of the crust, just tastes fabulous. Get a large. The bigger slices have a certain magic about them compared to the small. Both use the same dough and ingredients, but the larger slices cook up perfectly for the full foldability and floppiness factors. And leftover pizza in the fridge is a wonderful thing. “We love going for date night Thursday! All the food is outstanding. Try the cheesecake; it is the best,” Holly Marie Christian said. “We have never had a bad meal or wait staff ! The service is always great and they are so nice and friendly.”

Art

 EXHIBIT

 NEWS

Kaleidoscope of Color by James Threalkill on Display at City Hall MURFREESBORO CITY HALL ROTUNDA will host an exhibit by Murfreesboro painter James Threalkill through July 23. A virtual reception for the exhibit, Kaleidoscope of Color, will take place on June 12 at 6 p.m. Via Facebook, viewers will take a virtual tour of the exhibit while hearing about the art from Threalkill. Threalkill, a native of Nashville, earned his way to Vanderbilt University on a football scholarship. After completing his degree in fine arts from Peabody College of Vanderbilt, he returned to the public housing community of his youth as an art instructor for the Metro Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation. He used his creative skills as an artist and teacher to develop neighborhood youth art programs while serving as the community services director for the Edgehill Center. Threalkill has worked with the Metro Nashville Arts Commission, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and with art students in South Africa and Colombia. For more on James Threalkill, visit facebook.com/ jamesthrealkillart. Murfreesboro City Hall is located at 111 W. Vine St.

Oklahoma Man Locates Painting by Longtime MTSU Professor David LeDoux AN ART COLLECTOR IN OKLAHOMA FOUND A PAINTING AT A YARD SALE that piqued his interest. The back of the work contained a label with a name and address: David G. LeDoux, MTSC, and identified the work as “Woman,” oil on canvas. Middle Tennessee State University was known as Middle Tennessee State College between 1943–65. LeDoux taught drawing and painting at the university from 1956–94, and passed away in 2010. Art enthusiast Marc Bell categorized the 28-by-36-inch painting as a mid-century work, and noted that the paint appears to be piled on nearly a half-inch thick in some portions. He said he wanted to learn more about the painting and reached out to those involved in the Murfreesboro art community. Was this a painting of LeDoux’s? Of a student of his? Or one from another painter altogether, that was in the collection of LeDoux? Through social media, Bell was able to reach Weston LeDoux, the grandson of David LeDoux, who confirmed that the work was indeed one of his grandfather’s paintings. 20 * JUNE 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

 BOOK

Dawn Jones to Release Feisty Heroines Collection of 36 Romance Stories by Various Authors BY ANGELA LOUPE SOMETIMES THE WORST OF TIMES BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN PEOPLE. The current pandemic has sparked a sea of goodwill across the nation: neighbors helping neighbors, organizations offering aid and communities reaching out to assist those in need. Among the philanthropists emerging during this crisis is a woman with much to offer, a creative facilitator whose charitable work ascends to a level that enthusiastically rises to the occasion. Dawn Jones is a Middle Tennessee author who has navigated her way through the romance genre with inspiring awe. In addition to starting Jones Media in 1998, she has written various well-received books. The daughter of a storyteller and man of the church, Jones focuses on romance novels because she’s drawn to the happy ending. “There’s enough bad in our world. All of my books end with a ‘happily ever after,’” Jones says, exuding a joie de vivre and passion about her work and her life, and good will towards humanity. The celebrated author is no stranger to giving back, having previously raised funds for the Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro. Her parents had received care through this system, and Jones was grateful. In response to the organization’s kindness, and in expression of her gratitude, Jones put together a small anthology called ’Tis the Season, with all proceeds benefiting the Alive Hospice. Jones’s current project, Feisty Heroines, is a compilation of stories from various authors. She had the idea of putting together a collection of stories by various authors while toying with the idea of hybridizing different genres. “There’s so many subgenres in romance, and most people don’t understand that. So, I wanted to marry the different genres, or cross-pollinate the genres, to give readers an opportunity to look at a book that they may never have looked at before,” Jones said excitedly. “I sent out an inquiry to authors I had already met at different

conventions and authors I had previously worked with. I started getting replies.” She goes on to say that she got many more replies than she had anticipated. The book has five different volumes; it starts off with paranormal fantasy, then goes to contemporary romance, which is romance/suspense, then there’s historical romance, otherwise known as regency romance, then back to contemporary romance and then back to paranormal fantasy. There are 36 stories in all. Jones spent the better part of five months editing the stories along with a team of awardwinning writers and editors. “When the stories started coming in and I started reading them for the first time, I thought, ‘Oh my goodness! These are really good stories!’” Jones said. When COVID-19 became a pandemic, Jones decided that the project, Feisty Heroines, could be a way to help support medical personnel during the pandemic. After careful consideration she approached her fellow authors, asking them what they thought about donating the net profits to a charity that is helping fight the disease. She took a poll, allowing everyone a chance to voice their opinions. Several authors who had written stories for the compilation work in the healthcare industry, so they all ended up supporting her idea, agreeing to donate the net profits for the project to the American Association of Clerical Care Nurses and International Red Cross. The book contains almost 1,500 pages, so it could easily be a summer reading project, keeping the reader entertained for hours on end. And, this compilation is being sold for only 99 cents. “From English lords to business moguls to Irish vampires, the heroes are hot, the rules are unyielding and the tycoons ruthless. But it’s the heroines who steal the show,” according to promotional materials for Feisty Heroines. “You’ll travel to ancient English castles, mystical lands and the streets of Chicago, meeting billionaire bad

boys, sexy exes and seductive half-angels willing to risk it all for the tough, spunky— and often stubborn—females who invade their lives.” “If you look at the content, what the readers are going to get for 99 cents, it’s unbelievable!” Jones said. This is an easy way to show support for those on the front lines during this crisis.

It is affordable, goes to a great cause and promises to deliver a wealth of well-written and entertaining stories. The release date for the e-book is currently set for June 16, with pre-orders already coming in. For more information, to contact Dawn Jones or to order the collection, visit dfjonesauthor.com.

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* JUNE 2020 * 21

Art

 POETRY

BY KORY WELLS

Virtual Poetry in the Boro; 2021 Calendar Project; Poet Laureate Receives Fellowship Award Poetry in the Boro Open Mic Poetry in the Boro continues in a virtual format on Sunday, June 14. Attendees are encouraged to connect at 6:45 p.m., with the show running from 7 to 8. As usual, you can share a poem of your own or a favorite by another author, with a fourminute time limit. All styles of poetry and spoken word are welcome. Pre-registration is required for those wanting to read. Check out Facebook or poetryintheboro.org for a Zoom link and details. Poets and Photographers Wanted for Calendar Project The Poetry in the Boro team has announced its first Poetry Calendar. This wall calendar will feature poetry and photography by poets and photographers

who live or work in 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, 2020. 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. Fellowship Benefits Murfreesboro Poet Laureate Poetry outreach in Murfreesboro and the midstate area will soon be getting a boost, thanks to Murfreesboro poet laureate Amie

PHOTO BY RICH TARBELL

Whittemore, recipient of a 2020 fellowship award from the Academy of American Poets. Established in 2019, the Poets Laureates Fellowships honor poets serving in civic positions and provide generous funding to enable them to “undertake meaningful, impactful and innovative projects.” Whittemore plans to conduct and coordinate workshops and open mics for LGBT+ youth in Middle Tennessee in collaboration with local nonprofits Southern Word and The Porch. She will also support program development of Poetry in the Boro, Murfreesboro’s community open mic and reading series. In addition to serving as Murfreesboro’s current poet laureate, Whittemore teaches English at MTSU and is the author of Glass Harvest, a poetry collection from Autumn House Press. In Other Literary-Related News The local League of Women Voters invites the community to celebrate the centennial of the 19th Amendment by reading The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote by Elaine Weiss. A version of this popular book is being released for young readers in June. The nonpartisan organization will be holding a book discussion event in July, with details forthcoming.

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Spoon River Streaming Murfreesboro Little Theatre’s virtual production of Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology premiered in May and is now available for streaming on YouTube at your convenience. Find it on YouTube or through mltarts.com. Quaranzine The Rutherford County Library System has launched Quaranzine, an online magazine with work by local writers, artists and photographers. Check out the first issue and consider submitting at rclstn.org/quaranzine.

AFTERNOON ON A HILL by Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892–1950) public domain I will be the gladdest thing Under the sun! I will touch a hundred flowers And not pick one. I will look at cliffs and clouds With quiet eyes, Watch the wind bow down the grass, And the grass rise. And when lights begin to show Up from the town, I will mark which must be mine, And then start down!

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MOVIE

THE LOVEBIRDS DIRECTOR Michael Showalter STARRING Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani, Paul Sparks RATED R

The Lovebirds is yet another film that found its release affected by the current pandemic. Originally slated for an early April theatrical run, it finally found its home on Netflix in late May, which honestly might be the best venue for the widest audience to see this delightful action rom-comedy. Usually, when a film has so many elements going for it, the whole often equals less than the sum of its much-loved parts, and the raised bar of high expectations aids to ensure disappointment. But the breezy direction of Michael Showalter combined with the wit and charm of Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae works as wonderfully as expected.

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Nanjiani and Rae play Jibran and Leilani, who we see in an opening segment fall in love at first hook-up. Four years later, they are arguing about whether they’d be good enough to win The Amazing Race as they get ready for a dinner party. It’s these moments of them being in, and talking about, their relationship that really pull the film together. Their quibbles hopscotch

from the inane inner workings of orgy organizing to the very serious questions of where their life together is going. The little jokes peppered throughout are quietly hilarious while also ringing true to the scenario, wherein one person will use humor to avoid uncomfortable topics they might be unwilling to face head-on (or so I’ve heard). It gives their relationship a genuine

quality, and it is directed and acted seemingly effortlessly. Of course, I did mention the word “action” as well. If Jibran and Leilani’s chemistry is the cheese that holds this pizza together, the toppings are the crazy scenarios in which they find themselves embroiled. A spoiler-free turn of events turns them both into fugitives from the law who must solve a crime to clear their names. Their amateur sleuthing takes them to bizarre and unexpected places, each one yielding its own noteworthy scenes. What starts as a study on a relationship quickly becomes a buddy cop movie, only one where the cops used to sleep together. This transition from realism to action-movie clichés is thoroughly mined for its comedic gems while still staying rooted in Jibran and Leilani’s relationship. The Lovebirds isn’t reinventing the wheel, it’s just a very good, well-made wheel, passing the ole tire-kick test with aplomb. And while the end destination of the plot is fairly predictable, the road to get there is a swift joyride. — JAY SPIGHT

News Reeves Report Investigates Quality of Life Rankings in Tennessee STATE SEN. SHANE REEVES, who represents part of Rutherford County, as well as Bedford, Moore, Lincoln and Marshall Counties in the Tennessee State Senate, compiled a report analyzing Tennessee’s comparison to other states in finance, business, education, family and health. For consistency, the rankings in the Reeves Report have been structured so that the lower-numbered ranking (1st) always represents a preferable outcome as compared to a higher-numbered ranking (50th). For example, for “Heart Disease Death Rate,” the most desirable ranking is 1st, which would represent the lowest death rate from heart disease. Similarly, for “Cost of Living,” the most desirable ranking is 1st, which would represent the lowest cost of living among the 50 states. Through this report, Tennessee residents may learn, for example, that the state ranks second highest in the nation for percentage of population attending worship services weekly, though it ranks in the worst five states in some significant health categories such as diabetes, stroke and lung cancer. All rankings reflect the most recent data available as of the publication of this report, which was compiled by Wade Thompson under the direction of Sen. Shane Reeves. Reeves plans to update this report in the spring of 2021. For more information, visit reevesfortn.com.

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AROUND TOWN ’BORO BUSINESS BUZZ

Volunteer Botanicals, Sierra Azteca, Talntly, Bee Hive Bistro, The Ascent, Chipotle

Centre (the mall), serves low-country boil staples like shrimp, crawfish, clams, mussels, corn on the cob, potatoes and sausage alongside a raw bar, crab legs, oysters, sliders, salads and desserts. Learn more at crabfever.com/crab-fever-murfreesboro.

BY MICHELLE WILLARD VOLUNTEER BOTANICALS has received a $25,000 grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Ag Enterprise Fund for 2020 to have the opportunity to grow and positively impact rural economies through their grant program. The $25,000 grant will kick off the construction and build-out of Tennessee’s first hemp post-conversion facility. Volunteer Botanicals will use their patent-pending technology to convert raw hemp extracts into various powder and liquid mediums, essentially creating the building blocks for product manufacturers inside and outside of the hemp industry. Volunteer Botanicals is a company founded by three MTSU students who understand the potential of this powerful, dynamic plant. After two years in business, the company added a fourth partner, also a MTSU grad, and the plan for bringing the technology to Tennessee crystallized. The new property will be located in Christiana, Tennessee, situated on 99 acres with room to farm, expand and, over time, build a hemp learning center. Volunteer Botanicals consists of CEO Derek Odette, COO Kevin Grisham, CMO Jason Pickle and CBO Charlie Livesay. Find out more about Volunteer Botanicals at volunteerbotanicals.com. Another Murfreesboro-based company, GREENWAY HERBAL PRODUCTS, developer of Tanasi, a line of hemp-derived cannabinoid (CBD) products, has filed for an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty GreenWay Herbal Products. The filing is for Tanasi’s hemp extract product line and is one of the first companies in the hemp industry to file for a PCT. By filing this international patent application, GreenWay Herbal Products can pursue protection for Tanasi’s inventions and products in a large number of countries, paving the way for global distribution. 28 * JUNE 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

Another CHIPOTLE, at 2113 Memorial Blvd., features Murfreesboro’s first Chipotlane, a drive-thru pickup lane allowing customers to pick up digital orders from this fast-casual burrito joint without leaving their cars. The Murfreesboro restaurant is open every day from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. LUCKY THAI, 2705 Old Fort Pkwy, Suite N., has an extensive menu of Thai food with with vegan and gluten-free options. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday–Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Learn more at luckythaitn.com.

BORO BOWLS, located at 123 S. Church St., which owner Tosha Worthen calls a “super-fruit cafe,” has a menu centered around the South American acai berry and other fresh fruit bowls and smoothies. Find more at the Boro Bowls Facebook page.

The Tanasi brand is the first to provide a line of patent-pending formula hemp-derived CBD products developed in a university setting. A team of Ph.Ds from MTSU helped to develop Tanasi’s products, which are manufactured from high-quality hemp sourced in the USA and third-party tested. Tanasi’s product line currently has 22 different products including hemp-derived full-spectrum tinctures, capsules, lotions, salves, a water-soluble drink concentrate and red panax ginseng extract capsules. All of the Tanasi CBD products contain the patentpending formulation of cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), the precursor to CBD; are third-party tested, non-psychoactive, whole hemp extracts; and contain the legal threshold of 0.3% THC or less. Tanasi products are sold at tanasi.com and at select independent retailers. NEW RESTAURANTS FRESH BITE at 451 N. Thompson Lane, Unit A, serves New York-style wings and burgers, along with salads and breakfast options like omelets, pancakes and breakfast platters. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Order by calling 615-546-4444 or going to freshbiterestaurant.com. SIERRA AZTECA, 352 W. Northfield Blvd., a locally owned Mexican bar and grill

in the former home of C.J.’s, offers all the usual Mexican menu items. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To order, call 615-849-4390. HUNGRY BEAR CHEESESTEAKS AND WINGS, 2830 Middle Tennessee Blvd., serves traditional Philly cheesesteaks, wings and maybe Southern barbecue. Call 615-763-1010 or visit the Hungry Bear Facebook page for more. CRAB FEVER, at Stones River Town

OTHER BUSINESS NEWS Are you one of the many who are out of work but unsure of how to find a job during a pandemic? TALNTLY, a Middle Tennessee professional search firm, has launched as a digital hiring solution for job-seekers and hiring managers challenged by the restrictions posed by COVID-19. Through on-demand digital interviews and custom skills assessments, Talntly helps companies screen and place job candidates in less time than the traditional model of high-volume résumé submission while eliminating unnecessary face-to-face traffic. Once a candidate completes a digital interview at their convenience, it can then be shared with multiple hiring companies, eliminating the need for candidates to schedule phone interviews, take days off

BEE HIVE BISTRO, located at 2309 Mercury Blvd., the former home of Bread & Butter Sandwich Co., will specialize in Memphisstyle wings, home cooking, soul food and Southern favorites. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

or attempt to schedule lunch interviews. Hiring managers are able to screen candidates 24/7. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Talntly is offering a free general skills assessment to help individuals better understand their top skills and potential career paths that align with those strengths. To learn more about Talntly, visit talntly.com. MENTAL HEALTH COOPERATIVE OF MURFREESBORO is expanding into a new facility to better serve the community’s increasing behavioral health needs. Effective June 1, all MHC Murfreesboro operations will transition from their current location on Memorial Boulevard to their new location located at 1419 Kensington Square Court. With COVID, MHC Murfreesboro continues to offer mental health services and Community-Based Care Management for children, adolescents and adults by “telemedicine” (phone or video). Face-to-face services are gradually being phased back in as safety allows. New clients are currently welcomed and can begin services by calling 615-743-1555. SKY ZONE, the indoor trampoline park, has opened in the old Big Lots building on Broad Street.

VICTORIA’S SECRET and TUESDAY MORNING are closing most of their stores. PLANS ON HOLD THE CURIOUS KITCHEN purchased a building on State Street near downtown. Renovations are ongoing, which includes a dispute with the Murfreesboro City Codes Department about its parking lot. The order to pave its parking lot, and tear down a portion of the existing building in order to create a second entrance to that parking lot, came as a surprise to Curious Kitchen owners Helen and Rachel Spensatelli after they purchased the building.

J.C. PENNEY, J. CREW, NEIMAN MARCUS, HERTZ and ADVANTAGE RENT-A-CAR have all filed for bankruptcy protection. ROMANO’S MACARONI GRILL has permanently closed its restaurant in Murfreesboro’s Gateway. The closest location is now at 517 Opry Mills Drive in Nashville. There’s a rumor that FAMILY VIDEO on Northfield will be closing after they sell off inventory. And while it’s uncertain if it’s totally pandemic related, THE ASCENT announced it will no longer be operating in its home on Park Avenue. The owner, Jeff Hess, said the climbing gym is looking for a new home in Murfreesboro, and in the meantime, memberships are honored at the Crag’s locations in Franklin and Nashville. You can find more details on plans for The Ascent at climbyourrock.com/operational-updates.

CLOSING CORNER If you value a locally owned place or even a national brand, right now is the best time

to support them. We knew it would happen. Businesses are shuttering in the wake of mandatory closures. PIER 1 IMPORTS,

CROSSFIT MURFREESBORO, which shared the Park Avenue space with the Ascent, has announced that it has also closed.

BOROPULSE.COM

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HIGHLIGHTING BUSINESS

Floativation Part 7 BY STEVE MORLEY Find previous installments of this series on the therapeutic resources at Murfreesboro’s Float Alchemy at boropulse.com/ﬂoativation. BEFORE WE WERE SO BIZARRELY

interrupted by a pandemic, those following this series may recall that I had recently been exploring aspects of my womb journey. Having learned that my mom had a shortage of the amniotic fluid that might have provided a smoother ride if it had been more abundant, I had begun looking for clues that might connect my gestation in a shallow pool with my lifelong tendency to feel ill at ease, both emotionally and physically. Having grown up in a good, stable home, well provided for, it was odd to consider myself as “traumatized” or “wounded.” But I knew I often felt uncomfortable in my skin, and had spent many hours pursuing these matters in a variety of counseling offices and emotional healing ministries. When tracing your own past, you can only backtrack so far . . . and the womb is the place where it all begins. Birth educator Amanda Johnson, who consulted with me for previous installments of this series, affirmed that the float tank could indeed serve as a reasonably realistic surrogate womb. Having successfully led clients through visualizations designed to reimagine giving birth and help them move forward from traumatic birthing experiences (experienced as a mother, not as a newborn), she presented the possibility that I could 30 * JUNE 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

flip-flop that healing exercise, re-envision my own birth, and possibly resolve trauma. I was intrigued. I deeply desired to experience more ease in my mind and body, which I’d gained in degrees over several months of visits to Float Alchemy. I’m willing to wager that those incremental gains had helped me to begin believing for a bigger dose. As I prepared for a flotation session in which I would consciously try to reconnect with my pre-birth past, I still wasn’t sure how I might re-frame or re-visualize my gestation and birth. However, my preparation for the session also included a variety of reading material about the womb experience and potential trauma—the kinds of things that can go awry in the womb or impair the all-important bonding between mother and baby. As our “first home,” whatever happens in the womb can create future expectations and affect one’s sense of self— either positively or negatively—before even emerging as an independent creature. Information I’d read, combined with what I’d learned from my mom, gave me a few things to work with. I learned that stress-related hormonal imbalances in the womb can reset the mother’s hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This can in turn alter the baby’s own HPA axis and reset the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that, for one, regulates the autonomic nervous system, which in turn regulates breathing. I have issues with shallow, irregular breathing. Hmmm. Was there anything that might have been

stressing my mom while she was carrying me, prompting her stress hormones to tip the scales? As it happens, there was. She developed back pain after giving birth to my older brother, and it returned with a vengeance while she was pregnant with me, requiring periods of bedrest. Having been unable to deliver my brother naturally, she also knew that a painful C-section would be necessary to bring me into the outside world. And, one day, dizzily getting out of bed for the guilty pleasure of a soda pop (ah, so that’s where my sweet tooth comes from . . . ), she took a nasty fall. A stress-related hypothalamus reset in a gestating baby, I learned, can also trigger neurodevelopmental disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder. I’d never been diagnosed, but I can tell you that I’ve long experienced difficulty maintaining attention span, ever since I was—HEY, LOOK! A SQUIRREL! Whoops . . . sorry. Where was I again? As I attempt to explain all this, it occurs to me just how heavy and complex it can be. To be honest, there have been points in my exploration when I felt like maybe I was spending too much time in front of an inward-gazing microscope. Was I investing more energy in seeking clues than in just accepting mysteries of my being that may forever remain outside my understanding, and living my life as best I could? Pardon me for a moment while I fastforward the story. During the past couple of months, when much of the world was on hiatus, I did in fact arrive at a place of acceptance. Just one day before Float Alchemy closed its doors for the safety of its clientele (despite the fact that it’s one of the most sanitary and least risky alternative health services imaginable), I made it into a tank and proceeded with my plan to “imagine” my womb experience. Even though the visualization approach has proven to be healing for others, based on information I’d been given, I felt it would be forced and perhaps inauthentic to try to re-imagine a more satisfying outcome. I wanted to embrace the reality of whatever might have intruded on my womb experience and impaired peaceful maternal bonding, and trust God with the whole thing. The session (which I expect to detail in a future installment) didn’t produce any dramatic, “a-ha” moments, but it was fruitful, and not typical. I emerged feeling

even calmer than I had after previous floats. Importantly, the material I’d been reading in preparation for the session had been speaking to me at both an intellectual and spiritual level; much of it combined scientific and psychological content about the womb experience with Bible scriptures that resonated with my Christian faith. And this is where the story potentially gets messy. My intention for starting the Floativation series was twofold: first, to explore the realm of the sensory deprivation tanks that had intrigued me for decades, and second, to report on my findings with an eye toward benefiting others as well as Float Alchemy, the facility kindly hosting my journalistic explorations. When I began the process, I couldn’t have anticipated where it would take me. In retrospect, I believe that the opportunity to explore flotation as a healing modality was in fact an unexpected answer to prayer. It’s been a very enlightening and therapeutic experience, and Float Alchemy has provided a serene and emotionally safe environment on every occasion. As I move forward with my own personal account, though, it becomes increasingly clear that the particulars of my story are downright unusual, involving my mother’s relatively rare condition of low amniotic fluid and my own unique responses, which I can still only presume may be a result of my womb experience. Combined with the particulars of my Christian faith and perspective on creation, one that not all individuals share, my story is unlikely to resonate equally with each person reading this. So, please just hear this: floating has benefited me. Period. You don’t have to be searching out deep psychological, physiological or spiritual mysteries in order to receive relief, be it from from pain, tight muscles or stress. If you want to explore a new way to relax, especially in the current climate of the unknown, I wholeheartedly recommend that you consider floating as an option. I’m so sold on it that I’m willing to personally pay for a newcomer to try an hour in a float tank. If you’ve never tried floating, and you’d like to, post a message at boropulse.com or on the Pulse‘s Facebook page mentioning that you’ve read this installment of Floativation and that you’d like to visit Float Alchemy. Tell us how you think you might benefit, and what kind of relief or experience you’re hoping for. We’ll pick a winner and announce it in the next issue. Stay tuned, Murfreesboro, and may the freedom of the float be with you.

FINANCIAL COACHING BY SHATERIAL STARNES you had paid the bill. The creditor added the new balance to the previous balance, which caused your credit limit to exceed the 30% rule (discussed earlier) and guess what . . . your score dropped. These are the smallest of things people do not know, but they will make your score decrease.

7 Tips to Put Your Financial House in Order CREDIT IMPACTS ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE! Credit impacts your car insurance rates, ability to purchase a home or vehicle, and whether you pay a deposit for utilities, cellphones and securing certain jobs. Make no mistake, poor credit costs. For those who are willing, this is a great time to work on your credit and utilize these strategies to your advantage. The following seven tips will put you on a path to better credit. Let’s go!

Pay your bills on time. 35% of your credit score is payment history. If you know you cannot pay a bill on time, call the creditor and ask if they can give you an extension. What does this mean? Creditors can give you a grace period to regroup and add the payments to the end of your bill. You are still building interest on the loan amount. You will still be responsible for the payments and they will not disappear; however, delayed payment will not have a negative impact on your score. Often, we wait until the last minute to reach out for help or are too embarrassed to contact creditors. There is no shame in having financial difficulties. In fact, each of us will experience some type of life-altering event, whether it’s divorce, bankruptcy, job loss, illness, death, birth of a child; it’s inevitable. These events will happen, but do not have to wreak havoc on your finances and your credit score.

Keep your credit card balances at 30% or less of your credit limit. This is referred to as your credit utilization (how much you are using). If you have a credit limit of $300 and you must carry a balance to the next month, keep the balance at or below $90, which equals 30% of $300. Ideally, it is best to pay

your bill in full, but the reality is many people cannot. Understand that if your balance is above 30% of your credit limit and you pay the minimum balance, your score can still decrease. You are above the threshold.

Know the difference between your due date and your cycle end date. There is a difference! As an example, your credit card payment is due on the 21st of every month; however, your cycle close date is the 25th of the month. You paid your bill before the due date, but made some purchases on the 24th of the month. When you reviewed your credit score the next month, your score dropped. You then probably wondered what in the world is going on, especially since you knew

Check your credit report for errors. According to the Federal Trade Commission, one out of five Americans have errors on their credit reports. If you have three credit scores (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), you could potentially have an error on each. If you dispute the errors, by law the incorrect information must be removed by the credit agencies. This is “cha-ching” good news for you because your score will increase once the negative information is removed. You can receive a free copy of your credit report from each bureau annually for free at annualcreditreport.com. As a general rule of thumb, check each report with the above agencies once a quarter. If you would like to check your credit report more frequently, there are several free agencies such as creditkarma.com, quizzle.com and creditsesame.com to obtain “free” credit reports. Checking your credit report frequently can also help to curb identity theft. Also, this is considered a “soft inquiry,” meaning you are requesting your credit score, and this will not impact your score. Some examples of soft inquiries are the pre-approval credit cards you receive in the mail.

Become an authorized user. If you have a family member or a friend that has good payment history on a credit card, ask if they can add you to their credit card as an authorized user. An authorized user allows you to “piggyback” on someone’s great payment history or credit score. This is a great opportunity to build or rebuild a credit score. Understand you are not the primary owner of the card. In turn, if their credit score

“If you know you cannot pay a bill on time, call the creditor and ask if they can give you an extension. . . . Creditors can give you a grace period to regroup and add the payments to the end of your bill.”

drops, so will your credit score. However, your credit score will not have an impact on the person who added you to their credit card as an authorized user.

Save and build your credit score with Self (formerly known as Self Lender) Self offers a product that allows clients to secure a certificate of deposit (CD) and build credit. I have recommended this to many of my clients and they’ve had great results. Apply for the credit builder account and make payments over a period of time which will be drafted from your account. Each monthly draft will report to all three credit bureaus. Next, you will unlock your savings and receive your investment minus fees. It’s a win-win because again not only are you saving, but your credit score will increase as well.

Open a secured credit card or secured bank loan to rebuild your credit score. Several banks, credit unions and credit card companies like Capital One offer secured cards and secured lines of credit to help rebuild and establish credit. These companies want you to have some skin in the game, so to speak. As an example, when I was working to rebuild my score, I applied online to Capital One and found a secured credit card. Capital One pre-approved me for a $200 credit limit, but I had to send $100 to them as collateral. Hence, I had some “skin in the game.” In the event I defaulted on the loan, they had $100 that I invested. It’s a strange dichotomy. We live in a credit-driven society and if you’re not in a position to pay cash for items, you need credit to establish and maintain a good score. (Always remember to use the 30% utilization rule mentioned above.)

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. BOROPULSE.COM

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BUSINESS TIPS

8 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Stay Ahead During a Pandemic EVEN DURING AN ECONOMIC BOOM, it’s not easy being an entrepreneur. Now flip that upside-down and add a national health pandemic on top of the usual stressors of launching a new business venture. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many entrepreneurs facing incredible financial pressures and uncertainty. But with struggle comes strength. Change brings new opportunities and young leaders must embrace the hardship to build a stronger, more innovative company with the resilience to thrive during whatever obstacles come their way. The Better Business Bureau offers these tips and financial advice for entrepreneurs to stay ahead during the COVID-19 pandemic. 8 WAYS ENTREPRENEURS CAN STAY AHEAD DURING PANDEMIC:

ACT FAST AND STAY INFORMED. Time is of the essence. Small business owners should confront the situation and take immediate action to stay afloat. Be sure to routinely check updates to legislation and policies because they are continually evolving and changing, like the CARES Act, recently expanding SBA Disaster Loans and Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

BUILD AVAILABLE CASH. Talk to your financial advisor or find financial services near you for help.

INCREASE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. Identify unique opportunities to grow your customer base. Discover innovative ways to fulfill consumer needs that competitors ignored. Entrepreneurs can capitalize on building their patron base from those who might have neglected or didn’t make customer retention a main priority during the crisis. Leveraging your skills and assets to provide potential customers with a product or service they need can help build your business.

ADAPT AND PIVOT. Tap into your entrepreneurial spirit of creativity and shift your mindset from surviving to thriving. Identify new challenges that can be solved by a fresh idea, meth32 * JUNE 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

od or technology. Discover pain points businesses or consumers are facing during the pandemic. Pivot your current business model to provide a solution or service. When one door closes, make a key to unlock a new revenue stream.

EMBRACE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY. A new consumer is emerging from the COVID-19 health crisis. Based on Ernst & Young’s Future Consumer Index Report, consumers will show a greater preference for shops, restaurants and brands that feel local. Consumers are more interested in value for money rather than price. Rally those within your community to support your business. Give back to your local area and they will return the favor.

BE PREPARED TO BOUNCE BACK. Eventually, the world will return to some semblance of normalcy. Make sure your business takes steps now to be ready to recover. Evaluate your staffing and determine which team members you’ll need first, analyze your costs and consider increasing margins, and prepare for a staged reopen, that includes a marketing plan.

INVEST IN YOUR PEOPLE. Businesses retaining employees that have a skilled workforce will be ready to take advantage of the recovery. Those that fired a large portion of their workforce will realize how expensive—and timeconsuming—it is to rebuild. People may be the only competitive advantage many small businesses have left now. Move forward by hiring for fit first, eliminating non-performers, abandoning your annual reviews, building a virtual team of top potential candidates and creating a work culture anchored in trust and accountability.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. Confident entrepreneurs are better poised to start and succeed in new business, especially during a time of crisis. They are more opportunistic, persistent, resilient and accepted.

For more business tips, visit bbb.org/news or see bbb.org/smallbusiness.

Opinion Science Is Never Settled

hat liberals call “science” is now out in the open for all to see. Maybe you’ve seen the video from a Staten Island grocery store where mask-wearing zealots screamed profanities and ran a maskless patron from the store. They tell us they’re following the science, yet the science just a few weeks ago was telling us not to wear masks in public. In fact, many of these same people were mask-shaming. These are the lemmings who lap up the latest “science” and take it upon themselves to enforce it. This is the danger of the “science is settled” crowd.

There are so many parallels between the coronavirus crisis and the hysteria behind global warming. It’s many of the same people. The coronavirus has been an accelerated version of how the “science” behind global warming has evolved. Over the last 100 years or so, science has vacillated between a global warming crisis and a global cooling crisis. Like the mask issue, humans are to blame no matter what. The problem with both is not what we know but what we think we know and don’t. Sometimes actual science is adding to the confusion, not elucidating the facts. Take sea ice in the Arctic. As science becomes more sophisticated we learn that sea ice is receding. What we don’t know is what we didn’t know. And what we didn’t know is that sea ice has always been receding in the Arctic over various cycles. In the absence of scientific measurements we have newspaper accounts from the 1920s reporting little sea ice in parts of the Arctic. We saw the same thing happen in the 1950s. It wasn’t until science evolved to the point where we had equipment to actually measure it that the freakout began. Remember the scare when we learned that the

VIEWS OF A

CONSERVATIVE

PHIL VALENTINE

philvalentine.com

coronavirus could perhaps live for weeks on surfaces inside cruise ships? That sent people into a Purell panic. Hand sanitizers disappeared from grocery store shelves. Then the CDC came out and said transmission of the coronavirus from surfaces or objects was extremely rare. That seems to be the latest “science,” but even Fox News had a front-line doctor on who thought he knew better. He said without question that he knew the only way this virus could be transmitted. That’s from touching someone or something with the coronavirus on it and then touching your face. He said he knew he would never get the virus because he washes his hands constantly. That’s apparently not what the science is telling us. The conventional wisdom now is that being in close proximity to someone with the virus is the main way it’s transmitted from one human to another. Remember when Al Gore told us the polar bears were dying off and then we found out they weren’t? Remember when the models told us upwards of two million people would die from coronavirus in the United States until they didn’t? Remember the predictions that Miami would be under water until it never happened? One thing is for sure. Science is never settled. We’ve seen that firsthand with the coronavirus. A better barometer is common sense. I could’ve told you that wearing a mask all day would lead to people passing out from inhaling too much CO2. In fact, I did. Governors all across the country issued stay-athome orders. Now we learn that people are being hospitalized because they stayed at home. Vitamin D deficiency is thought to be the culprit. Beware of people who tell you the science is settled. It’s one sure way to know you’re being lied to.

“I could’ve told you that wearing a mask all day would lead to people passing out from inhaling too much CO2. In fact, I did.”

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

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SPORTS

TALK

COLUMN BY “Z-TRAIN”

titanman1984@gmail.com

Ravens, All of AFC, Must Prepare to Deal with Henry in 2020 THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! When I was writing last month’s article, I pointed out that the lack of sports and the coronavirus really sucks balls—footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, baseballs and even little tennis balls. Coronavirus doesn’t discriminate, it sucks balls of all sizes. We can all agree that this virus sucks! BRING ON THE SPORTS I do know that I am ready for sports, like 100%, passionately, about-to-combust ready. Hopefully, the commissioners and owners from different leagues will do everything possible to deliver live sports soon. At this point we can put robots in the stadiums to cheer athletes on. Whatever works! It looks like the NBA and NHL are on the right track for a return. But if you are a baseball fan, it’s looking bad. Reports show numerous owners perfectly willing to cancel the season to save money. So, the media is okay with large gatherings for protest, yet normal Americans get ridiculed for wanting to work? At least one good thing will come from these protests and breach of social distancing, no excuses come football season. Fans shall be in the stadium! A CHALLENGING YEAR 2020 has been tough, a pandemic on a global scale and now a high-profile murder. We all saw that awful video where a cop killed George Floyd. A handcuffed, detained man was strangled for eight minutes. Instead of putting the detained man in the back of the police car, we have an unfortunate and unnecessary death and now riots in the streets. That officer probably would have been charged with murder regardless of these protests. Everyone is an agreement that his actions were sickly unjustified and led to a death. I have no problem with loud, nonviolent protest shedding light on a system 34 * JUNE 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

want to deal with Henry in 2020, they better get in the weight room “because Derrick Henry’s coming downhill again.” I was 13 years old when the Titans went to the Super Bowl and I became a dedicated fan of the game that season. I will always remember the battles between Eddie George and Ray Lewis . . . legendary!

league and the Ravens went 14–2 to capture the number-one seed in the playoffs. The Tennessee Titans started 2019 off 2–4, benched Marcus Mariota and never looked back as Ryan Tannehill, Derrick Henry and A.J Brown went on a 7–3 run and clinched a wildcard spot. The Titans went on to stun the Patriots in Foxborough and Tom Brady’s last pass as a Patriot was a pick 6! I think it’s fair to call the Titans dynasty killers! After wildcard weekend the Titans headed into the divisional round on the road against the powerhouse Ravens team. King Henry was in full force— the week before in Foxborough he ran for 182 yards on 34 carries, and against the Ravens he ran for 195 yards on 30 carries, knocking out a Super Bowl favorite.

TITANS VS. RAVENS Let us take a quick look at the history between these two teams. Since 2000 the Titans and Ravens have met four times in the postseason with each team having a 2–2 record. In 2000 the Titans were still part of the AFC Central: Ravens, Steelers, Browns, Jaguars, Bengals and Titans. The Titans came back with determination the season after losing the Super Bowl and earned the #1 overall seed only to a lose a heartbreaker in Nashville vs. the Ravens. In 2003 the Titans got revenge in Baltimore, winning on wildcard weekend. Then, in 2008, the Titans—once again with the #1 overall seed in the playoffs—lost a heartbreaking 13–10 divisional game in Nashville. I was at that one. Sad day! And finally, in 2019, glorious revenge! The Titans came into Baltimore and absolutely dominated the #1-seeded Ravens. So, since 2000, the record shows 2–2 in the playoffs for each team. Call me crazy, but I believe Lamar Jackson will be a bust. The MVP may have fast feet, but I believe he will be exposed sooner than later in the passing game. Patrick Mahomes is the best QB in the league right now and Jackson is no Mahomes.

LEWIS PRAISES HENRY Back to what Ray Lewis had to say. He recently claimed if Baltimore wants to have more than a great regular season run in 2020, they must be able to stop Henry. Praise indeed from the franchise’s most decorated and loved player. Lewis stated, “If I’m anybody that’s playing linebacker right now, I’m saying, ‘Listen here man, Henry got to deal with me.’” Ray went on to compare Derrick Henry in size and skill to the great Eddie George. “I had to physically become stronger, I had to mentally become way stronger than I would have imagined to deal with an animal like that. That man six-four, 246 pounds.” He then went on to say if the Ravens

WRAP-UP Alright, let’s wrap this article up. I imagine that if you are a fierce advocate for these protests, or a Ravens fan, you probably have something interesting to say to me. You can contact me at titanman1984@ gmail.com. I sincerely wish you all well. As Ron Burgundy would say, stay classy, protesters! As I would say, stop destroying property, ya morons! It would probably be better if I just said I am praying for this country, for the police, for the protesters and for the family of George Floyd, because I wish nothing more than for this country to get back to work and flourish economically again like it was in 2019 before this virus hit. Titan-up. The Train is rolling into the station. Choo-choo!

RAY LEWIS

many feel to be broken. But I have a huge problem with thugs destroying others’ lives. I saw thugs of all colors on TV. This has nothing to do with race. I saw burning, looting, violence. I saw a lot of young immature people acting stupid. These protests hold no value any longer. They are disgraceful. I feel sorry for the peaceful protesters, but at this point, who cares? I stand with the business owners and cities being destroyed, not a bunch of young thugs who are out of control. It may sound cliché, but I pray for this country. I pray for the overwhelming amount of good police officers being treated like trash right now. They protect and serve and keep this country from falling into anarchy, a job that seems extremely difficult right now. The police deserve our support now more than ever. TITANS ANTICIPATION Alright, on to a beautiful subject, the Tennessee Titans! Now, this is a topic I am much more certified to discuss. I will not apologize for writing from the heart like I did in the opening, though I may not be an expert on racial discrimination, so I am willing to respectfully listen to opposing viewpoints. I am by no means trying to downplay the struggles some people go through, but I will be damned if I accept it as an excuse for mayhem. With that said, I am the expert on the Tennessee Titans, so listen carefully. Since we do not have much going on in the world of football, let’s revisit history. I thought this story from Baltimore Ravens legend Ray Lewis was cool. Last season Lamar Jackson was the rightful MVP of the

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