June 2024 Murfreesboro Pulse

oN THE CovEr: Clockwise, from top left: Upper Piney Falls, Northrup Falls, Rutledge Falls, Greeter Falls, Machine Falls, Stillhouse Hollow Falls; BElow: Suter Falls

14

l IFE IN GR ooVE l AND Nashville musician releases percussive reworking of age-old hymns.

16

Wo RD

Independent filmmakers include Murfreesboro community in production.

20

WATERFA ll S

Discover some of Tennessee’s stunning waterfalls—spots to cool off on a hot summer day, or scenic views any time.

22

edu K EN yA

Organization encourages mission of helping educate those in African slum.

33

WASTE Go AWAy

New facility to convert trash into biofuel, reduce reliance on landfill.

in chief: Bracken

6 Events

cAlENDAR

Movies Under the Stars, FolkFest, RC ColaMoon Pie Festival, Boro Art Crawl, Boro Blvd. Nights, Black Barn Summer Market, Farmers Markets and more!

12 Sounds

coNcERTS

MuSIc NoTES Friday Night Live Concert Series

18 Art

ExHIBIT Preservation fundraiser mural collaboration on display at Walnut House

THEATER Clocks Are Like Angels BooKS

24 living

MR. MuRFREESBoRo Then & Now: Restaurants of Murfreesboro

26 Food

RESTAuRANT The Alley on Main

28 News

BuSINESS Buzz

Schlotzsky’s Deli, Shabu Shabu, Golden Lanzhou Bowls, Achieve Entrepreneur Center, Love’s Pizza, Cava, Midnight Grove, Las Paletas

contributors: Tiffany Boyd, Britney Brown, Annabelle Cranfill, Jennifer Durand, Delores Elliott, Byron Glenn, Laura Lindsay, Zach Maxfield, Sean Moran, Steve Morley, Elisha Nelson, Andrea Stockard, Bill Wilson

Advertising: Amanda Howell, Nneka Sparks copy Editor: Steve Morley Associate Editor: Sarah Mayo

Tocumbo and more

34 opinion FREE youR cHIlDREN

The digital war on our children

TEcH TAlK

Boro Business Lab BuSINESS MoMENTuM

Home inspector

Tim Hicks with Clear Inspections

SpoRTS TAlK Titans have pieces in place for 2024, playing the underdog role.

MoNEy MATTERS Planning for inheritance lIVING . . . WEll! Create the life you want.

A HAPPy SuMMErTiME To EvEryoNE.

Hope you got your gardens planted and that they enjoyed the abundant sunshine and equally abundant rainfall lately.

If you have not noticed, the Mayos really enjoy venturing around and exploring the beautiful state of Tennessee, taking in various hikes and sights and waterfalls.

We have assembled a collection of some of the top waterfalls in the Middle Tennessee area—all easy day trips from Murfreesboro—for you within this edition.

Check some of them out sometime. They offer great free entertainment—no ticket needed!

Sure, most of these falls see periods of higher and lower water volume from time to time depending on recent rain activity, but you don’t have to worry about whether or not they are open. They flow continually, the land around them preserved for all to visit and experience.

Explore and enjoy, and let me know of other good Tennessee hiking trails and sites of natural splendor.

The family also did a little Gatlinburg getaway in May. Good times, good eatin’, good outdoor activity.

It’s an interesting concept how WastAway plans to produce fuel out of local garbage at a planned Murfreesboro facility. Read more about those trashy plans in this edition of the Pulse as well.

Mr. Murfreesboro took a little trip down memory lane, diving into some of the local restaurants of old. Some good ones have come and gone, even over the past 10 or 20 years. Some that I miss occasionally include Calypso Cafe, Three Brothers Deli and O’Possum’s. But the Murfreesboro area certainly has no shortage of existing quality local eateries if you get hungry.

Music City Swing kicks off the Friday Night Live series on June 7. Perhaps I will see you there.

Do let me know if you ever need some more copies of the Pulse! Our goal is to get a paper to everyone who wants one, but to reduce waste as much as possible, with racks emptied out just as the month comes to a close.

A happy father’s day to my dad—a hard working family man!

Bracken Jr. and I had a fantastic camping trip in May with some family guys. I had a wonderful hot and humid trail run in solitude, and we got the kayak out on the lake. Jr. got his first sunburn of 2024. Summer is here! We will definitely have to get in the water some more somewhere this month. Summer flies by. Take advantage of it while you can.

Thanks for picking up the Pulse

Until next time, be still and know! Do not worry.

Peace!

BRAcKEN MAyo

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Throughou T

June and July

MoVIES uNDER THE

STARS

The 2024 Movies Under the Stars Season runs through July 27 (no movie on July 4) at various area locations. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs. There is no cost to attend and movies begin at dark. For more information, visit murfreesborotn.gov/2381/movies-under-the-stars. Text MOVIE to 38276 to be notified of movie cancellations.

Movie Schedule:

Cars – June 3–8

Monsters, Inc. – June 10–15

Hook – June 17–22

Finding Nemo – June 24–29

Paw Patrol – July 1–6

Kung Fu Panda – July 8–13

The Little Mermaid – July 15–20 Brave – July 22–27 locations:

Mondays – Barfield Crescent Park, near Blue Cross Blue Shield Playground (697 Veterans Pkwy.)

Concessions by: Hot Dog Guy and Annie’s Snow Biz

Thursdays – Richard Siegel Neighborhood Park, near playground (515 Cherry Ln.)

Concessions by: Repicci’s Real Italian Ice and Grady’s Classic Kernels

Saturdays – Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.)

June 5

BINGo WITH HARlEE

Middle Ground Brewing Company (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.) hosts a Bingo night with Harlee on Wednesday, June 5, from 6–8 p.m. and the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, find Middle Ground Brewing Company on Facebook or visit middlegroundbrew.com.

June 6

BREW BuSINESS MIxER

Brew Business Networking continues the first Thursday of each month at Middle Ground Brewing Co. (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.) on Thursday, June 6, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend and network. For more information, find Middle Ground Brewing Company on Facebook or visit middlegroundbrew.com.

June 3–8

I NTERNATI o NA l Fol KFEST

With dance groups from around the world, the International Folkfest should be a week of excitement, education, color and movement. Throughout the week, international dance groups will perform for area schools, youth and senior citizen organizations and for community gatherings and civic clubs. All performances are free to attend, other than a ticketed June 4 performance in Tullahoma. For more information, visit mboro-international-folkfest.org. The 2024 schedule includes:

wEdNESdAy, JuNE 5

Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St., Murfreesboro)

10 a.m. – United Kingdom Troupe Performance

La Vergne Public Library (5063 Murfreesboro Rd., La Vergne)

10 a.m. – Mexican Troupe Performance

THurSdAy, JuNE 6

Bell Buckle Banquet Hall (27 Railroad Sq., Bell Buckle)

6 p.m. – All troupes perform

FridAy, JuNE 7

Cedar Glade Brewery (906 Ridgely Rd., Murfreesboro)

5:30 p.m.- All troupes perform

SATurdAy, JuNE 8

Simply Smyrna, Smyrna Depot District (98 Front St., Smyrna)

6:30 p.m. – All troupes perform

June 7

MoNTE cARlo coMEDy NIGHT

Come out for an evening filled with comedy and live music at Monte Carlo Comedy Night at Monte Carlo Event Center (129 N. Lowry St., Smyrna) on Friday, June 7. Enjoy hilarious performances from Ambrose Jones, Meech Dogg and YoBoyNem, hosted by comedian Carl Burrell. The Comedy & Covers Band will also serenade the crowd with its captivating

melodies. For tickets and more information, visit comedyandcovers.ticketspice. com/monte-carlo-comedy-night.

June 7–9

SEcRET GARDEN pARTy & TouRS

The Discovery Center brings back its Secret Garden Party & Tours June 7–9. The popular annual event kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday, June 7, with the Secret Garden Party at the home of Kathy and Bud Horsley, 1542 Bear Branch Cove,

and includes a dinner by Five Senses, silent auction and cocktails. Find tickets for the private dinner party at explorethedc.org/events/sgp2024. The Secret Garden Tour follows on June 8 and 9 with stops at 2314 Higgins Ln., 1521 Glenridge Dr., 2903 Amber Dr., 5102 Chesterfield Dr., 2106 Look Rock Ct. and 811 E. Clark Blvd. Tour tickets are $15 and proceeds benefit the Discovery Center’s mission to engage curious minds to fuel the future. For more information, visit explorethedc.org/events

June 8

SIMply SMyRNA cElEBRATIoN

On Saturday, June 8, from 5–9:30 p.m., Front Street in downtown Smyrna will be packed with vendors, music and families celebrating the 13th annual Simply Smyrna street festival. Held rain or shine, the Simply Smyrna Celebration powered by Carpe Artista celebrates local arts through music, theater, the visual arts and culinary arts. Proceeds raised from Simply Smyrna go to support arts education and engagement in the community. This all-ages event is free to the public, offering performances on multiple live music stages.

Artists slated to perform include: Carpe Academy students, Run for Cover, Mark Anthony Ensemble, Jason Lee McKinney Band, B.O.O.M., Incognito Cartel, Alex Noreiga and more. Attendees can also enjoy International FolkFest dancers, a children’s entrepreneur market, and wine and beer tastings. Grab dinner from the many food trucks and local food vendors in attendance. Volunteers are needed. For more information on the Simply Smyrna Celebration, visit carpeartista.com/simply-smyrna

June 8

BlAcK BARN SuMMER MARKET & cRAFT SAlE

Come out for the summer edition of the Black Barn Market & Craft Sale on Saturday, June 8, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at Events at East 96 (9901 Lascassas Pk., Lascassas) with over 100 vendors, live music by Tennessee State of Mind, food trucks, artists and a petting zoo. Free admission, free parking and free family

fun. For more information, find Events at East 96 on Facebook.

June 8

REcyclING RouNDup

The Rutherford County community is invited to dispose of hard-to-recycle items at a Recycling Roundup on Saturday, June 8, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (or until capacity) at MTSU’s Rutherford Parking Lot (602 N. Rutherford Blvd.). Items accepted include: mattresses, tires, electronics, blocks of styrofoam, scrap metal, clothing, textiles, cardboard, glass bottles, alkaline batteries and ink cartridges. Secure paper shredding will be available onsite. New collections this year include clean pet supplies, torn and tattered socks, and torn and tattered baby clothes. Volunteers are needed. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 615-379-8259, visit tectn.org/murfreesbororoundup or email ginger@etechtn.org. Find Tennessee Environmental Council on Facebook or on Instagram @tectnorg.

June 8

HAcKATHoN

OKAS, Inc.—a Murfreesboro nonprofit dedicated to sparking innovation, growth and creativity—presents a Hackathon on Saturday, June 8, at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.) for students grades 6th through 12th who are interested in STEM. Students will use their computer programming skills to create a project (animation, website, game, app, etc.) to raise awareness about a real-life issue impacting the community. Registration is free, but required, and includes breakfast, lunch and snacks. The first-place prize is a $500 Best Buy gift card, with a laptop going to the secondplace winner. For more information, email info@okasinc.org or call 615-904-4493.

June 8 and 22

cRuISIN’ THE BoRo

Enjoy community, cars, music, door prizes and concessions (sold by the church) at this classic cruise-in at River Rock Baptist Church (2248 Highway 99) on Saturdays, June 8 and 22, from 4–8 p.m. The series will continue through September. For more information, find Murfreesboro Hot Rod Club on Facebook, or call 615405-5271 or 615-556-0547.

June 11

RuTHERFoRD cABlE

Each year, Rutherford Cable takes the opportunity to recognize members of the organization who are promoting, leading

June 13

SplASH ouT!

Murfreesboro Parks and Rec and the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department present the next community Splash Out on Thursday, June 13, at Richard Siegel Neighborhood Park (515 Cherry Lane Dr.) from 1:30 to 3 p.m. This annual fun, free summer event creates an opportunity for kids to splash, dance and play in the water gushing from the hoses of Murfreesboro fire trucks. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call 615-893-7439.

and encouraging women both personally and professionally. Leaders will be recognized for Rising Star, Spirit of Leadership and Moving Women Forward awards on Tuesday, June 11, at The Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.) from 7:15–9 a.m. Arrive and network, enjoy breakfast, announcements, awards and an introduction of the new board. Members and guests are welcome. For more information, email yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com.

June 11

RuTHERFoRD couNTy

HoSpITAlITy ASSocIATIoN

HAppy HouR

The Rutherford County Hospitality Association will hold its next happy hour at Main Event Murfreesboro (1510 Greshampark Dr.) from 4:30–7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11. All in attendance can enjoy food and a complimentary 3-hour gaming card. The Murfreesboro Young Professionals have been invited to partner with the RCHA on the event. For those interested in MYP, this will be a great time to come out and learn about their organization. For more information, email jah4r15@gmail.com or call 629-201-1199.

June 11

lIVING SENT MINISTRIES MEETING

The June 2024 Living Sent Murfreesboro meeting is Tuesday, June 11, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at Wilson Bank & Trust (3110 Memorial Blvd.). Blaine Little discusses God-given leadership and knowing God’s will. Basil Avery will also share his amazing God Story. A complimentary lunch will be provided by Momentum Seminars. RSVP to bob.williams@ alhambrapartners.com.

June 11

BuSINESS AFTER HouRS

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce will hold its June Business After Hours networking event at Hop Springs (6790 John Bragg Hwy.) on Tuesday, June 11, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for chamber members and $25 for non-members. For more information on this and other Chamber of Commerce events and ribbon cuttings, visit rutherfordchamber.org and find Events.

June 13 and 14

MccAA FooD GIVEAWAy

The Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency will conduct a food giveaway, for

Rutherford County residents only, at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church (224 S. Maney Ave.) on Thursday, June 13, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. and Friday, June 14, from 9 a.m.–noon. Text “Rutherford” to 844-399-1113 or call 615-742-1113 for more information.

June 14

cITy oF MuRFREESBoRo cAREER FAIR

The City of Murfreesboro and American Job Center TN present an upcoming career fair at the Murfreesboro Civic Plaza (312 S. Front St.) on Friday, June 14, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m., offering a variety of possibilities for area residents while fulfilling a vital recruitment opportunity for employers. A wide range of positions will be available. For more information, find City of Murfreesboro, TN – Government on Facebook.

June 14

DoWNToWN AFTER 5 + BoRo ART cRAWl

Enjoy a beautiful evening walking through historic downtown Murfreesboro supporting small businesses and exploring the Boro Art Crawl on Friday, June 14, from 5–8 p.m. Find unique gifts, clothes and delicious food and drinks for a late night of shopping downtown, with artwork from local artists on display at many of the downtown shops. For more information, find Main Street Murfreesboro/Rutherford, Inc. on Facebook.

June 14–15

MoM & ME ART ExHIBIT

Experience a unique local art event at the Mom & Me: Painting Other Great Artists art show, an upcoming exhibit featuring the works of the Middle Tennessee mother and son artist duo JOHN + KAYLA who have been working together for nearly 50 years collaborating on canvas to create homages to some of their favorite artists. The JOHN + KAYLA series showcases famous artists and their masterpieces in newly imagined settings. Downtown Murfreesboro shop M&J Home will host the artists and the exhibit, which runs June 14 and 15.

The Mom & Me series began when Kayla and John decided to draw animals during a Sunday church service. Over time, this tradition ultimately led the duo to begin a series that has amassed to 37 works. Their collaborative process, sometimes undertaken while working simultaneously on the same canvas, results in a stunning showcase of their creativity.

Kayla—a contemporary artist, illustrator, muralist and set designer—utilizes mixed media and lost (and found) objects

CoNTiNuEd oN PAgE 8

in her creations and has developed teaching methods for new and special-needs artists. John Mangrum’s style involves capturing the scenery of the South. He blends modern and folk art.

The event will take place at M&J Home, located at 124 N. Spring St., on Friday, June 14, from 5–8 p.m. Live music and refreshments will be provided along with a chance to win a free JOHN + KAYLA painting. An additional showing will be held on Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

June 15

pupS & pINTS pAWTy Dog Friendly Rutherford will present a Pups & Pints Pawty, on Saturday, June 15, from 1–4 p.m. at Cedar Glade Brews. Pet food donations will be received for Pet Pantry, and Purple Paws will be accepting donations. The event will include a photo area and homemade dog treats for sale. Family Pet Health will be there with pupcones and goodies. Watch Dog Friendly Rutherford’s social media for updates and details.

June 15

JuNETEENTH EVENT

The Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center (415 S. Academy St.) hosts the 2024 Juneteenth event on Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on several blocks of South Academy Street. Juneteenth is the celebration of the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans throughout the former Confederate States of America. The event includes musical and dance performances, activities for children, craft vendors, displays of art and food trucks. Professional model and dancer. The day also consists of the Blackman High School JROTC squad, the Christ Fellowship Chorale Gospel Choir, one-man sax Chaplain Newsom, and other special guests. For more information on Bradley Academy and the event, email vstembridge@murfreesborotn.gov.

June 15

BoRo BlVD. NIGHTS

Join other Murfreesboro car enthusiasts and small businesses on Saturday, June 15 (and every third Saturday through October) for a cruise along Broad Street. Pull in Wildwood Reserve, Champy’s, Overkill Audio and Accessories, Buster’s Place and other area businesses, hang out, support other riders and enjoy a classic cruise.

June 20

THE coNNEcTIoN

Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken

June 15

Rc colA–MooNpIE FESTIVAl

This wacky, annual all-ages event celebrates some of the South’s original fast food items—an ice-cold RC Cola and a tasty MoonPie. Visitors from all over the world (there’s a “who traveled the furtherest” contest to prove it) will stream into the downtown Bell Buckle area for the RC Cola–MoonPie Festival to find plenty of music, cloggers, contests, MoonPie games, a colorful parade and more on Saturday, June 15, from 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Things kick off with 10-mile and 5K Races on certified and scenic, but challenging, courses. All pre-registered runners are guaranteed a race shirt and at the completion of the race all runners are invited to enjoy a complimentary breakfast with biscuits and all the fixings, fruit, and of course, RCs and MoonPies. The parade is a perennial crowd favorite, culminating in the crowning of the King and Queen of the festival. The coronation is followed by games for young and old and concludes with the grand finale, the cutting of the World’s Largest MoonPie—free dessert for all! The Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce’s annual RC-MoonPie Festival is held annually on the third Saturday in June. For more information on the day’s activities, visit bellbucklechamber.com/rc-cola-moonpie-festival

will host the June 2024 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, June 20. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation networking event, where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. Networking begins at 5 p.m. with introductions at 6 p.m. Champy’s is located at 1290 NW Broad St.

June 21

THIRD FRIDAy coMMuNITy RHyTHM EVENT

Everybody Drum Some continues its third Friday Community Rhythm Event series for those who would like to join their neighbors in some drumming. The next community rhythm session kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 21, at Old Fort Park in between the tennis courts and

Bartending Service, including summer cocktails handcrafted by Prichard’s Distillery. The cicadas will be there, and the weather may be warm but the attire is casual. Enjoy music from local band Quarterlife, bringing love and kindness through the chillness of lo-fi hip-hop and jazz. For tickets and more information, visit oaklandsmansion.org/summerparty.

June 22

SuccS + SIpS

Classy Cactus Farm presents its next Succs + Sips Succulent Bar at Middle Ground Brewing Co. (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.) on Saturday, June 22, from 2–4 p.m. with arrangements and drink tickets beginning at $25. There will be a large variety of succulents and cacti to choose from along with a plant specialist onsite to give everyone tips on how to keep their arrangement alive. Everything will be provided to create an original succulent display, including planter, specialty soil, premium succulents, rocks, moss, signs and other decorative elements. Limited spots are available. For more information, visit classycactusfarm.com/ products/middleground or find Classy Cactus Farm on Facebook.

June 22

SENSoRy-FRIENDly SuMMER FEST

the playground. There is no cost to attend, and people of all ages are invited to participate in the drumming or to spectate. Participants may bring drums, shakers, tambourines, woodblocks or percussive instruments of any type, but plenty of instruments will also be available for use. For more information, visit everybodydrumsome.com, find Everybody Drum Some on Facebook or call or text 615-631-7458.

June 22

cIcADA SoIRéE

Come out to “The Summer Party of the Year,” the Cicada Soirée, at Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.) on Saturday, June 22, at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will be served on the grounds and in Maney Hall by The Alley on Main. The menu includes: fried chicken, brisket, hush puppies, green beans, coleslaw, chocolate cake, cookies and sweet tea. Guests can enjoy a full bar provided by Julie’s

ABS Kids (1203 Memorial Blvd., Suite E), a therapy center for children with autism spectrum disorders, hosts a free SensoryFriendly Summer Fest event on Saturday, June 22 from 9 a.m.–noon. There will be fun for the whole family including face painting, arts & crafts and more. There is no cost to attend. For more information, find ABS Kids on Facebook.

June 23

DoG DAyS oF SuMMER

Dog Days of Summer is a free family and dog event on Sunday, June 23, from noon–6 p.m. at Hop Springs (6790 John Bragg Hwy.). Enjoy music from local bands, vendors, food trucks, a raffle and a silent auction. The Pet Pantry provides emergency pet food assistance to pet owners throughout Middle Tennessee who are unable to afford it. Assistance requests and monetary donations can be made at thepetpantry.org/get-help; there is also an Amazon wish list. The Pet Pantry believes that “ev-furry-body deserves a full belly.” For more information, find thepetpantryboro on Facebook and Instagram, visit thepetpantry.org or email info@ thepetpantry.org.

June 24

cHESS luNcH

Who wants to play a game of chess? Community members interested in promoting the game of chess, sharing ideas on how chess can benefit others, involving their organization in chess events and tournaments or just desiring to gather with other chess enthusiasts to play and discuss chess can come to a Murfreesboro Chess Lunch at Carmen’s Taqueria (206 W. Northfield Blvd.) from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Monday, June 24. For more information, find an event page for Murfreesboro Chess Lunch on Facebook, call 615-796-6248 or email bracken@boropulse.com.

June 24

cHoRD MEETING

The next CHORD meeting is Monday, June 24, from 6–7:30 p.m. at Greenhouse Ministries (307 S. Academy St.) in the community meeting room. CHORD’s mission is to help form connections between live local music performance groups, building harmony and partnerships that will help the community reach its full musical potential. All groups and individuals in Rutherford County who value the networking possibilities of connecting with others who produce live local music are invited and encouraged to attend. For more information, email thomchristy@gmail.com or gsc714@gmail.com.

June 26

MARIo KART TouRNAMENT

Middle Ground Brewing Co. (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.) will host a Mario Kart tournament on N64 on Wednesday, June 26. Game practice begins at 6 p.m. with the tournament beginning at 7 p.m. Entry is $12 to play and includes a beer. For more information, find Middle Ground Brewing Company on Facebook or visit middlegroundbrew.com.

June 29

SHop TIll you DRop

cRAFT FAIR

Mark your calendars for the first Shop Till You Drop Craft Fair on Saturday, June 29, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). Shop with over 70 vendors, food trucks and more. The shopping event consists of the best boutiques, handcrafted vendors and direct sales. There is no cost to join and parking is free. For more information, contact Brianna Hale at 931-952-0472 or visit brianna-victory-events.com/events.

June 20

MINNESoTA BoycHoIR pERFoRMANcE

Advent Lutheran Church (1700 Irby Ln.) welcomes the Minnesota Boychoir on Thursday, June 20, at 7 p.m.

The choir’s deep repertoire includes challenging sacred, classical, secular, folk and contemporary choral music sung in more than 30 languages and dialects. The organization boasts over 150 singers ages 6–18, 42 of whom will be on the 2024 tour in Tennessee—18 singers ages 9–14 and 24 singers ages 15–18.

Each season, the young men spend hours in rehearsal, build community through music retreats and tours, and perform concerts in churches, hospitals, schools, retirement homes and concert venues across the globe.

For six decades, the Minnesota Boychoir’s reputation for excellence has resulted in invitations from local and national music conventions as well as sporting events, theater productions and touring Broadway companies. The Boychoir has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, the Minnesota Opera, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony, the Prague Philharmonic, and a long list of local, regional, and national performing artists, ensembles in 20 states and on five continents. In celebration of the choir’s 50th anniversary, the group toured Italy in 2011, a trip which included a performance for Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

The church invites the Murfreesboro community to come out and give the Minnesota Boychoir a warm welcome on June 20 and experience this special evening of music. For more information on the group, visit boychoir.org or sample their singing on the Minnesota Boychoir channel on YouTube.

o ngoing

TRINITy pRESByTERIAN DRAMA cAMp REGISTRATIoN

Sign your children up for Drama Camp at Trinity Presbyterian Church (1020 N. Rutherford Blvd.), held June 17–22 for rising 1st graders through rising 6th graders. The cost to join is $20 per child and each session will run from 9 a.m.–12:10 p.m. Kids can choose to participate in acting, costume design or sets and props creation. A live performance of the rehearsed/created play will be presented the last day of camp. Registration closes June 1. For more information, email children@trinitymboro.com

o ngoing

F3 WoRKouTS

F3—which stands for fitness, fellowship and faith—holds free, outdoor, peer-led workouts for men across the country. The free weekly workout sessions welcome all men and always end with a “circle of

Pizza & Taphouse (2839 Medical Center Pkwy.) for a casual networking event designed to connect professionals, build relationships, drive referrals and help grow businesses. For more information or directions, visit connectnashvillenetworking.com/events.

m ondays

GIRlS AND BIKES

The Murfreesboro Bicycle Club hosts its Girls and Bikes rides every Monday through September. Ladies, join in for a no-drop ride, all paces and all bikes welcome. A helmet and rear blinky are required (front recommended). For future routes, maps, distances and more information on the weekly Girls and Bikes group rides, email cmelbaum@gmail.com or visit mborobike.com

m ondays

MoNDAy NIGHT HISToRy

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

m ondays

coNNEcT MuRFREESBoRo

Join Connect Murfreesboro each Monday from 9–10 a.m. at BoomBozz Craft

The Patriot Institute presents free Monday Night History classes every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. at Hank’2 Doors Down (2333 Memorial Blvd.). Classes have been covering Western civilization and the American Revolution. The instructor, Galen Walker, formed The Patriot Institute in 2015 and has taught Monday Night History at various locations ever since. Classes started back with the Greek City-States and have progressed through Greece, Rome and the Middle Ages, and were most recently about the Pilgrims and Puritans and the French and Indian War. Classes involve more than just listening to a lecture—they include quality video productions to cover each topic. For more information, visit thepatriotinstitute.org or find The Patriot Institute on Facebook.

Tuesdays & Fridays

FARMERS’ M ARKET

Rutherford County Agricultural Extension continues its producer-only farmers’ market at the Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). RCFM is open from 7 a.m.–noon every Tuesday and Friday. Market vendors hail from over a dozen Middle Tennessee counties and sell a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, baked and canned goods, flowers, plants and more. There are also “Come and Go” informative sessions for the general public every market day from 9–11 a.m. in the lobby. Topics range from sustainable gardening, cooking, food preservation and environmental education to other local topics of interest. Master Gardeners of Rutherford County are available 9 a.m.–noon in the demonstration garden for questions and

CoNTiNuEd oN PAgE 10

CoNTiNuEd FroM PAgE 9 tours. Shop on “Artisan Fridays” to find an array of treasures: wood crafts, jewelry, sewn and hand-crafted items, body care products, candles, home and yard decor and other goods. For more information, visit rutherford.tennessee.edu/farmersmarket or call 615-898-7710.

Wednesdays

NETWoRKING FoR

AWESoME pEoplE

Are you looking to meet and connect with other local business owners? Do you want to grow your network and pick up some skills along the way? Networking for Awesome People meets each week on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at the Achieve Entrepreneur and CoWorking Center (1630 S. Church St.). Each attendee gets about a minute to explain what they do and what they need, followed by a discussion question of the week. For more information, find a Networking for Awesome People group on Facebook.

Wednesdays

BoRo 2 SquARE

RuNNING GRoup

The Boro 2 Square running group meets at Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.) every Wednesday at 6 p.m. The group welcomes runners of all paces looking to

get out to run and socialize with other runners. Normal run distances are between 3 and 5 miles. Participants are welcome to hang out and socialize at Mayday following the run. For more information, visit facebook.com/boro2square

Thursdays

MAD coW TREK cluB

The Mad Cow Trek Club running group meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Panther Creek Brews (714 W. Main St.). The group embarks on a route of 4–8 miles and welcomes runners of all paces and abilities. Find Mad Cow Running Company (MCRC) on Facebook for course routes and more details. All runners are encouraged to stay after each run for food and drinks.

Thursdays

poKER AT pANTHER cREEK

The Murfreesboro Poker League hosts free games of Texas Hold’em each Thursday beginning at 6 p.m. at Panther Creek Brews (714 W. Main St.). Anyone can join during the first round, even after the game has begun, until after the break, when the elimination round starts. Players can receive additional chips with the purchase of food and drink. The winner of the nightly game receives a $50 gift card at Panther Creek and points for

s aT urdays

SMyRNA DEpoT FARMERS MARKET

Carpe Artista presents the Smyrna Depot Farmers Market in partnership with the Town of Smyrna from 8 a.m.–noon at the Historic Smyrna Front Street Depot District (98 Front St.) every Saturday through Sept. 21. For more information, visit carpeartista.com/farmers-market or call 615-984-4038.

league champs are tallied by placement. For more information, find a Murfreesboro Poker League Facebook Group or contact Jeff Pooley at 615-877-4842.

Fridays

c3 NETWoRKING

C3 is an open networking group for local business professionals at Prohibition Home Brewing (906 Ridgley Rd.) held on Fridays from 8:30–10:30 a.m. The mission is to build relationships, connect local businesses with potential clients, support each other’s professional growth and educate people on how to participate in the local community. Complimentary coffee and snacks are provided. For more information, find Prohibition Home Brewing on Facebook.

Fridays

MuRFREESBoRo

coMMuNIT y cHESS

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

Fridays

FRIDAy NIGHT lIVE coNcERT

The 2024 Friday Night Live concerts on the historic Murfreesboro Square kick off Friday, June 7, and continue throughout the summer on July 5, Aug. 2 and Sept. 20, offering fun, free family-friendly entertain-

ment from 6:30–9:30 p.m. each night. Dance under the stars or relax in your lawn chair, serenaded by hip-swinging tunes. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call 615-895-1887 or visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org/friday-night-live

s aT urdays

SATuRDAy MARKET

The Main Street Saturday Market continues in downtown Murfreesboro. The weekly farmers market will take place on the Murfreesboro Public Square every Saturday from 8 a.m.–noon through the end of October. Spend the day with real farmers, real food and real community and find a wide variety of produce, locally raised meats, fresh breads and pastries, mushrooms, honey, soaps and lotions, sauces, jams and more. For more information, find Murfreesboro Saturday Market on Facebook.

s aT urdays

HISToRIcAl SocIET

y coFFEE & coNVERSATIoN Rutherford County Historical Society has been preserving and promoting local history since 1971. The RCHS aims to be a community resource for those researching their family, property or perhaps just old fun facts. The Historical Society hosts Coffee & Conversation each Saturday from 9 a.m.–noon at the Ransom School House Museum (717 N. Academy St.). This is an informal, fun and informative event. Bring old photos or questions about the past to ask members, and enjoy free coffee and donuts. For more, visit rutherfordtnhistory.org.

concerts Live Music in M idd L e tennessee

Wed, 6/5

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Ryan Rooster

Cedar Glade Brews

Blues Jam

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Kenna Elpers

Hop s prin G s

Avent Lane’s Jazz Revue

featuring the Trio Clave

p u C ke TT’s

Carson Mac

s easons

Milford Academy

Thurs, 6/6

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Jesse Black; Greg Higley

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Sir Anthony

s easons of Murfrees B oro

Kamenar

Fri, 6/7

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Gray Daniels

Bur G er Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

GrindsTone Cow B oy

Mattie Pruitt; Mark Burke

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Delyn Christian

Happy’s sporT s loun G e

Memory Train

Hop s prin G s

Pallbearer; Rwake; The Keening

Ja C k’s p la C e

Tony Castellanos

Mayday Brewery

Roland Justice

p u B li C s quare

Music City Swing

p u C ke TT’s

Box of Rox

s easons of Murfrees B oro

Cooter River Band

sMyrna V fw p osT 8422

Shane & the Money Makers

saT, 6/8

Bi G d addy’s Handle B ar

McKenzie Phipps

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Lisa Law Trio; Carter Elliott

Car M en’s Taqueria

Jeff Lysyczyn

CiT y Cafe

Everette Brown Trio

Happy’s sporT s loun G e

Buckshot Ridge

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Brooklyn Ray;

Mikki Zip Band

Middle Ground Brewin G Co.

Roland Justice

panTH er Creek Brews

The Jeremy Pinnel Band

p u C ke TT’s

Hobo Cane

s easons of Murfrees B oro

The Band Mariah

sun, 6/9

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Carter Elliott

Galla GH er GuiTar Co.

Guitar Workshop with J.P. Cormier

Hank’s Honky Tonk

The O’Donnells

Hop s prin G s

The Movement; KBong & Johnny Cosmic; Aurorawave; Blues Jam

mon, 6/10

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Pepper Brooks

Bur G er Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Open Mic Night

sMyrna V fw p osT 8422

Randy and Friends

Tues, 6/11

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Krystal King

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Joe Hooper

Wed, 6/12

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Mark Nemer Band

GrindsTone Cow B oy

Karaoke night

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Robyn Taylor

Hop s prin G s

Eddie 9V; Sweet Leona; Avent Lane’s Jazz Revue featuring the Trio Clave

panTH er Creek Brews

Muddy Boots

p u C ke TT’s

Miles Damaso Group s easons of Murfrees B oro

Milford Academy

Thurs, 6/13

Boro Bour B on & Brews

American Pie

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Cary & Sherrie Lynn

s easons of Murfrees B oro

Open Jam

Fri, 6/14

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Tony Hartman; Carson Mac

Bur G er Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

GrindsTone Cow B oy

Cay Leise

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Bailey Rose; The Jack Finley Band

Happy’s sporT s loun G e

Jeremy Michael

& Mark Mulch

Hop s prin G s

End of the Line

Ja C k’s p la C e

Tony Castellanos

Mayday Brewery

Brandon Scott

Middle Ground Brewin G Co.

Delyn Christian

p u C ke TT’s

Golden Soul Revue

s easons of Murfrees B oro

Zone Status

sMyrna V fw p osT 8422

Shane & the Money Makers

saT, 6/15

Bi G d addy’s Handle B ar

Buckshot Ridge

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Rockin Country; Jeff Lysyczyn

CiT y Cafe

Everette Brown Trio

GrindsTone Cow B oy

Izzy Grace

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Shawn & Caralyn Hammonds; Cooter River Band

Happy’s s porT s l oun G e

Zone Status

Hop s prin G s

Rockin’ Country; The Let’s Go Girls

p u C ke TT’s

Cole Ritter and the Night Owls

s easons of Murfrees B oro

Station Joe

sun, 6/16

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Arthur Robinson

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Emily Miller

Hop s prin G s

Blues Jam

mon, 6/17

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Jasco

Bur G er Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Open Mic Night

sMyrna V fw p osT 8422

Randy and Friends

Tues, 6/18

Bour B on & Brews

Cole Bradley

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Jesse Black

Wed, 6/19

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Shane Douglas

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Izzy Grace

Hop s prin G s

Avent Lane’s Jazz Revue featuring the Trio Clave

p u C ke TT’s

Garrett Jacobs

s easons of Murfrees B oro

Milford Academy; Humpday Matinee

Thurs, 6/20

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Xoe Miles

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Will King

Hop s prin G s

Fortunate Youth; Sensamotion; Matt Daughtry & Friends

panTH er Creek Brews

Roland Justice

s easons of Murfrees B oro

Open Jam

Fri, 6/21

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Jack Finley Band

C H a M py’s C H i C ken (sMyrna)

Jeff Lysyczyn

GrindsTone Cow B oy

Marci Mitchell

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Sara Simmons; The Jeff Caron Band

Happy’s sporT s loun G e

Graham Anthem Band

Hop s prin G s

Fooz Fighters

Ja C k’s p la C e

Tony Castellanos

Mayday Brewery

Milford Academy

Middle Ground Brewin G Co.

Memory Train

panTH er Creek Brews

The 725 Band

p u C ke TT’s

LynnMarie & E3

s easons of Murfrees B oro

Stereo Hype

sMyrna V fw p osT 8422

Shane & the Money Makers

saT, 6/22

Handle B ar

Shane and the Money Makers

Bour B on & Brews

Southbound Crows

CiT y Cafe

Everette Brown Trio

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Krystal King; Whiskey Smoke

Happy’s sporT s loun G e

Trifecta

panTH er Creek Brews

Jason Saitta

p u C ke TT’s

Jake Leg Stompers

s easons of Murfrees B oro

Mikki Zip

TH e p rinT sH op

Jeff Lysyczyn

sun, 6/23

Boro Bour B on & Brews

The Howlin Embers

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Lexy Dunn

Hop s prin G s

Blues Jam

mon, 6/24

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Jace Craddock

Bur G er Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Open Mic Night

sMyrna V fw p osT

Randy and Friends

Tues, 6/25

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Chapel Bell

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Delyn Christian

Wed, 6/26

Boro Bour B on & Brews

The Hammonds

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Aniston Pate

Hop s prin G s

Avent Lane’s Jazz Revue featuring the Trio Clave

panTH er Creek Brews

Muddy Boots

p u C ke TT’s

Nick Sheehan

s easons of Murfrees B oro

Milford Academy

Thurs, 6/27

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Clint Draper

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Silent Ruckus

s easons of Murfrees B oro

Open Jam

Fri, 6/28

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Cooter River Band

Bur G er Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Hailey Dawn; Justin Dukes

Happy’s sporT s loun G e

Rudge Powell Band

Ja C k’s p la C e

Tony Castellanos

Middle Ground Brewin G Co.

Vagabond Train

p u C ke TT’s

The Heels

s easons of Murfrees B oro

Echo

sMyrna V fw p osT

Shane & the Money Makers

saT, 6/29

B i G daddy’s Handle B ar

Phoenix Rising

Bour B on & Brews

Sisters Wade Revival

Car M en’s Taqueria

Jeff Lysyczyn

CiT y Cafe

Everette Brown Trio

GrindsTone Cow B oy

Tom Nitti

Hank’s Honky Tonk

S.G. Wood;

Hank Cawthorne Band

Happy’s sporT s loun G e

Ballistic

Hop s prin G s

True Power; Blackwood

Middle Ground Brewin G Co.

Milford Academy

panTH er Creek Brews

Doc Flannel

p u C ke TT’s

Karli & James

s easons of Murfrees B oro

Boomerang

sun, 6/30

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Aimee Jane Williams

Hank’s Honky Tonk

The Mears Brothers

Hop s prin G s

Blues Jam mon, 7/1

Hank’s Honky Tonk

Open Mic Night

If You Go

BoRo BouRBoN & BREWS 124 N. Maple St.

BuRGER

cEDAR

cARMEN’S

Sounds

Nashville musician’s novel reworking of age-old hymns is a

Parade Through Percussion Paradise

By STEVE MoRlEy

Yes, and thank you for bringing that up. I was raised in a Christian household and I experience God (a Creator, Higher Power, whatever you want to call it) through a Christian perspective. This album is my own special offering—you know, the very act of playing a drum, sending sound waves into the world, to be received by someone, it’s a personal act of worship. But how it’s received isn’t up to me.

Hymns like these are revered pillars of traditional christian faith. Were you concerned that some people might feel it is inappropriate to “jam” on them, so to speak?

A SkillEd MuSiCiAN is like a Maserati, carrying a load of rumbling oomph far exceeding the level typically required to get the job done. In-demand studio musicians like Nashville drummer Justin Ameral reach the heights of their profession by unleashing their horsepower only when asked. More often, restraint is key.

Truth is, most musicians are eager for opportunities to flex musical muscle and let creativity flow. Ameral’s debut solo work, The Hymnal, stands as rousing proof. The new album finds Ameral and his virtuoso pals flying freely atop vibrant layers of drums and percussion. Released under the name Life in Grooveland, the project presents 10 familiar hymns performed instrumentally in one-on-one pairings featuring the drummer and his guests.

Ameral’s path to Music City success was preceded, he tells the Pulse, by time spent in the ’Boro.

Before moving to Nashville in 1999, he worked at a week-long music camp held at MTSU, and would later return to enjoy the college-town vibe. Ameral recalls the city’s music scene being “a beautiful contrast” to the rock and country found in Nashville during the early 2000s. While cutting his teeth at local clubs such as Main Street and Sebastian’s, the drummer scored an early gig after

a sit-in audition at the Boro. His present-day connection to the area includes friendship with Rutherford County artist and musician Heather Moulder, one of the 10 musical guests on The Hymnal. Ameral recently told the Pulse more about his exceptional project.

MuRFREESBoRo pulSE:

What was the inspiration for your life in Grooveland hymns collection?

JuSTIN AMERAl: It was about 10 years ago that the idea of making my own record began to surface in my mind and on my heart. With a few exceptions, I’ve spent my entire career serving other musicians and writers to achieve their musical visions. I wanted and perhaps needed to create a piece of art which represents 100% of myself.

How much of each arrangement was in place before entering the studio, and how much came together in collaboration with your guest duet partners?

For the most part, the arrangements were in place, but I intentionally created space and left room for the other instrumentalists to shine. I went into it knowing if I gave them the opportunity, they could create something special. Fats Kaplin’s playing on “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand” comes to mind. In that song, there is a funky, New Orleans-

inspired drum breakdown. I didn’t have anything specific for Fats to play. I just asked him to back me up. What he came up with ended up being a signature part of the song.

What guided your decision as to which non-percussion instrument to feature on each of the tracks?

Each track has its own story but it all starts with the music—the melody and what kind of feel I wanted the track to have. Once I knew the instrumentalist was on board and up for the project, I would tweak the arrangement and cater to their strengths. The fact that I have a personal relationship with each player also really helped. I’d like to think that their personality, as well as my own, shines through each performance.

Numerous Bible passages refer to praising God with musical instruments. Any thoughts about the fact that your work has the potential to serve as a worshipful act?

I did have reservations. I know and respect that for many, these hymns are sacred. Before we got started I had a long talk about this with my co-producer and engineer, Dave Coleman. It was clear that we would be treating these timeless melodies with respect and reverence. I hope and trust that comes across. I take comfort knowing I’m not the first to express myself with these centuries-old melodies and I won’t be the last.

Have you gotten feedback from people who have no personal or spiritual connection to the melodies you’ve interpreted?

I have indeed! The album seems to strike a chord with both Christians and nonbelievers alike. I think that speaks to the timeless nature of the melodies. I had no agenda with this album except to express myself artistically. For some, the melodies are fresh and new and they are drawn to the grooves. Others have a deep history with the hymns and connect on a different level. I appreciate both perspectives.

Have you heard any objections?

I had one musician who declined to be part of the project due to his personal convictions. That made me really sad, but also forced me to really connect with my intentions. Interestingly, some of the people hardest to win over are those who are so familiar with hymns they assume they’ve heard it all before. They are usually quite surprised when they hear my interpretation.

Find The Hymnal, by life in grooveland, on Bandcamp, Soundcloud and youTube; learn more at the project’s dedicated website: lifeingrooveland.com

ight

FridAy NigHT livE CoNTiNuES for another summer on the Murfreesboro Public Square. Bring a lawn chair and your dancing shoes, gather around the courthouse, and listen to free live music one Friday evening each month, June through September. Yes, the Friday Night Live shows remain totally free for the community!

ing country music along with a taste of gospel, bluegrass and early rock.

2024 FRIDAy NIGHT lIVE lINEup

The Nashville Alternators, featuring talented Nashville session and touring musicians, will ignite the party on Friday, Aug. 2, with hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.

JuNE 7

The first night of entertainment will be held Friday, June 7, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. with Music City Swing. Visitors can have dinner at one of the locally owned restaurants along the Square and then settle down for a free night of big band music. Music lovers young and old can come out and enjoy the family-friendly community environment at Friday Night Live, produced by Main Street Murfreesboro.

Music City Swing (big band)

July 5

The o’donnells (country)

AuG. 2

The Nashville Alternators (1970s–’90s)

SEpT. 20

Everyday People (r&B)

Each show begins at 6:30 p.m. with the band playing a full three hours of music.

The O’Donnells, the local family band of Darryl, Julie and Klinton O’Donnell, will return to the series on July 5, bring-

The finale on Sept. 20 with Bizz and Everyday People should be a great night of tribute to R&B. Wendell Bigsby-Church and Katrice Donaldson, who founded the group, showcase their musical chemistry. Wendell, a.k.a. “Bizz,” eldest son of legendary Nashville organist Jimmy Church, has opened up for James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Little Richard and many more. Katrice has sung backup for Yolanda Adams, BeBe Winans, Kirk Franklin and many others. A skilled rhythm and horn section support this power duo.

For more on Friday Night Live, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org.

— BRITNEy BRoWN

i ndependent f ilmmakers i nclude m urfreesboro

c ommunity in Production of word

By ANNABEllE cRANFIll

MurFrEESBoro provided locations for the filming of a new feature-length film, titled Word, set to be submitted to film festivals this summer.

Word is based on the theme of “a modern miracle” from the 1925 play Ordet. A Christian-based film, it follows a faithless estranged son returning home to his dysfunctional family in Tennessee after his father, a staunch conspiracy theorist facing serious health issues, summons him.

The project has been in the works for years, and those behind Word were excited to see it finally coming to fruition.

Author, filmmaker and video game producer Han Niu wrote, directed and produced the movie, working alongside fellow filmmakers and local community members.

“I think it’s ultimately about faith. It’s about how people have different opinions of God or divinity,” Niu said. “Everyone has different ideas and they can fight all day about who’s right and who’s wrong.”

Niu got the idea to make the film years ago over a beer with local filmmakers Edwin Allen and Tom Chaudoin. The initially vague concept of wanting to make a modern adaption of the Danish play Ordet led Niu to the Vanderbilt University library to find a copy of the original play in English.

The original play, written by Kaj Munk, a Lu-

theran priest, has been adapted into various films, the best known being the 1955 film Ordet by Carl Theodor Dreyer. Niu decided to write and direct his own interpretation. He wrote the script in 10 days. Chaudoin, actor and co-producer, secured his cast by sending out casting calls on social media platforms and then finding a role for everyone who showed up to the first table read of the script. Allen, actor and co-producer, gathered local businesses to provide food for the crew during filming.

With no budget, the film was shot locally within six days in June 2023. Scenes were shot at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center and Allen’s personal residence in Murfreesboro. Brentwood Baptist Church also lent its space to the cast and crew.

The director’s open approach to the project meant that anyone who was interested was welcome to participate in filming.

“No budget doesn’t mean no vision. On the contrary, it means having a vision so compelling that it draws people in, inviting them to contribute their talents, time and energy to something that transcends the individual,” Niu said. “It’s about harnessing the power of community, where every person who steps onto the set becomes an integral part of the filmmaking process. Whether it’s acting in front of the camera, holding a boom mic, or sharing a location, every contribution is a vital thread in the tapestry of our film.”

Those involved agreed on a revenue sharing plan upon the sale of the film.

“Word is a testament to what can be achieved when a group of determined individuals come together, not for financial gain, but for the love of storytelling and the shared experience of creating something meaningful,” Niu said. “Naturally, we became a very close-

knit team in the process of making the film.”

Niu, who graduated with a Master’s degree in Film from the University of Auckland in New Zealand before moving to the U.S., said he believes the existing model of commercial filmmaking needs to be reinvented.

“We would like to continue making cinema on a human scale if this proof of concept proves to be successful,” Niu said.

Niu founded his entertainment tech company, Tartary, in 2021 in Mt. Shasta, California, and the company expanded to Tennessee in January 2023. Tartary has several other film, animation and game projects in development.

Premiere 6 in Murfreesboro hosted a premiere showing of the film for the cast and crew in March, and filmmakers aim for it to be shown at festivals later this year. For more information on Word, visit wordthemovie.com.

Art

Artists Paint to Save the Fishes

local artists team up on preservation project, now on display at the walnut House

By lo GAN l ANG lo IS

our FiSHy FriENdS NEEd HElP keeping our local rivers and streams clean, and the Walnut House is helping do just that through the power of art along with their friends at the Rutherford Art Alliance. The Walnut House’s general manager, Ricky Martini, said the location has begun a fundraising auction for pieces included in an interchangeable mural that is currently on display on the building’s wall, with the money raised to be donated to the local environment pres-

ervation effort Tennessee Riverkeeper.

The mural will remain on display for six months, and on Oct. 20 the various pieces of the mural, each created by a different local artist, will be taken down, framed and given to the winning bidders.

Martini said Walnut House has been hosting murals on the side of its building for years in cooperation with the RAA, but this year he asked if he could suggest the subject of the mural. The current piece, named “The River Runs Through Us,” and its preservation theme was the result.

The mural consists of 28 total panels; Martini’s wife, Carole, painted 14 of these, made up of Owens Corning pink foam sheets cut to 32 inches tall by 48 inches wide, with the entire mural itself standing four panels tall and seven panels wide. Martini said the reason he chose

“ c locks a re l ike a ngels” Performed by mlt on the g rounds of o aklands m ansion

Talented

local playwright kyle r. Thomas again invited to rogue Theater Fest in NyC

In collaboration with Oaklands Mansion, Murfreesboro Little Theatre will present Clocks Are Like Angels by local playwright Kyle R. Thomas, the next MLT production on the grounds of Oaklands.

the material was because he needed to drill a hole through something thick to fit it in an angle iron mounted to the top of a brick wall and another mounted on the wall’s bottom, to keep each piece of the mural in place.

Other local artists creating work for the project include Lisa Browning, Ryan Frizzell, Carol Berning, Pamela Mack, Lisa Sims, Suzanne LeBeau, Melinda Tate, Susan Gulley, Gregory Lannom, Molly Stein, Tom Seymour, Ginny Togrye, Meagan Armes and Larry Pinkerton. Even those who don’t plan on bidding can come by and see the art display.

The walnut House is located at 116 N. walnut St., Murfreesboro. Potential bidders can participate in the art auction at twomartinimusic.com/tnrk.

The play’s initial performance on June 8 will take place at the Rogue Theater Festival in New York City. 2024 marks the third year that Thomas—a Murfreesboro resident and MTSU graduate—has participated in the Rogue Theater Festival. In 2022, his monologue play Portrait of a Young Man made it to the festival, held each year on Theatre Row in Manhattan. Then, Rogue selected Thomas’ This House Is Not a Home for a June 2023 performance. His latest play, Clocks Are Like Angels, takes place in a small town in East Tennessee in 1933, when the TVA began dam construction and started buying up land and displacing families. The story opens with a family burying their fifth baby, and later they find out that they must rebury their dead as part of their forced move, an obligation that is simply unthinkable to them.

As the stakes intensify, the family must grapple with the question of whether life is still worth living at all. Twists, turns and betrayals ensue, leading to a tragic ending.

MLT’s production of Clocks Are Like Angels will be performed on the back patio of Murfreesboro’s historic Oaklands Mansion. VIP Night will be Friday, June 14, beginning at 7 p.m. with music, hors d’oeuvres and beverages inside Oaklands Mansion, followed by the performance at 8 p.m. General admission performances are Saturday and Sunday June 15 and 16, beginning at 8 p.m. VIP tickets start at $35, while general admission ticket prices start at $10.

Find tickets and more info at mltarts.com.

Syd at the Greenway by pam pinkerton Mack Sunset on Sterling lake by Meagan Armes

Karen Ferguson Asks Questions for Kids in Picture Book Series Based on God’s Love

loCAl wriTEr

and children’s book author Karen Ferguson is set to release Guess Who Is in God’s Family, the second installment of the seven-part picture book series “Questions for Kids,” with an anticipated launch of June 4.

Guess Who Is in God’s Family is a biblically based account of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and incorporates themes of faith, family, diversity and forgiveness. Aimed towards ages 5–10, readers follow Lucy and her Papa Joe as they learn about where it all began, based on the Bible.

Ferguson released the first book in the series, Guess How Much God Loves You, in 2022.

Published through Ambassador International, Questions for Kids can help young readers discover key truths in the Bible in an engaging and colorful way.

Order the books and find more information at ambassador-international.com; they are also available on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Nakia Kenyon Releases Books on Autism, Protest Via Her Blue Leaf Publishing Company

NAkiA kENyoN, an award-winning author and owner of Murfreesboro-based Blue Leaf Publishing LLC, has recently released another title from Blue Leaf, Tell Me Why I’m Different, a children’s book that promotes autism awareness and the importance of making friends. As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, Kenyon tells the story of a young boy realizing that having autism doesn’t mean he is different from any other kid.

Kenyon’s novella Journey to Peace is also currently available. Following the story of a young woman figuring out what form of protest is right for her, Journey to Peace is a deep and reflective read meant for all ages. The novella is filled with life lessons and shows that there are many routes to the same destination. Kenyon highlights the role religion plays in the protagonist’s journey to protesting. Journey to Peace features various ways to support the fight for equality such as protests, peaceful demonstrations, or working with the police as alternatives to participating in riots.

Kenyon earned a masters degree in theological and cultural anthropology in 2021. According to information from Blue Leaf Publishing, she decided to tell stories based on real experiences, since that is what anthropologists are trained to do.

Find more on Kenyon, Tell Me Why I’m Different and Journey to Peace at blueleafpublishing.com.

Living

WaterTennessee falls

By BRAc KEN MAyo

ACCordiNg To dATA from the U.S. Geological Survey, Tennessee has the ninth-most waterfalls of any state with over 500 naturally occurring waterfalls. While many of these sit in the more mountainous eastern portion of the state, Middle Tennessee boasts a wealth of falls. Explore the terrain of Tennessee and discover some of the stunning waterfalls—spots to cool off on a hot summer day, or scenic features to view any time. Many can be found in Tennessee State Parks complete with overnight camping or lodging.

2 1 3 4 5 7 q 0 9 8 6

1

RuTlEDGE FAllS

1276 rutledge Falls rd., Tullahoma (Coffee County)

38 miles from Murfreesboro

A few miles off of I-24 in Coffee County flows one of Middle Tennessee’s hidden gems. Though located on private property and not heavily promoted as a scenic tourist destination, Rutledge Falls remains open to the public during daylight hours. Rutledge Falls is a beautiful sight: a waterfall, swimming hole and creek under a shady canopy of old trees. Even on the hottest of summer days, the water remains cold within the heavily shaded basin. Visitors are welcome to park in a small parking area just across from Rutledge Falls Baptist Church.

2

MAcHINE FAllS

Short Springs State Natural Area, 1 Powell rd., Tullahoma (Coffee County)

41 miles from Murfreesboro

Machine Falls plunges 60 feet down a jagged rock face in a heavily wooded Tennessee holler only three miles from Rutledge Falls. Travelers to Machine Falls should prepare to get their feet wet during the final leg of the hike from the Short Springs Natural Area parking area in Coffee County; the last stretch to the falls requires walking upstream through the creek. Arriving at the scenic feature, waterfall enthusiasts can climb up the rocks comprising the lower portion of Machine Falls, only approximately five feet, to a spacious ledge, with the majority of the falls above this point pouring down the rock face onto the large ledge. Nearby, boats on Normandy Lake can pull up and unload Machine Falls visitors as well.

3GREETER FAllS

Savage gulf west Trailhead, 555 greeter Falls rd., Altamont (grundy County)

59 miles from Murfreesboro

Tennessee’s Greeter Falls Loop trail leads to multiple scenic falls—Upper Greeter Falls, a striking 15-foot-tall feature of its own, and, after a descent down a big, metal, slightly slippery spiral staircase, the picturesque 50-foot-tall Lower Greeter Falls. The very blue water in the plunge pool at the base of the lower falls can make for a fantastic swimming hole during hot times. The loop trail also leads past Boardtree Falls—nowhere nearly as impressive as Greeter, but another element of the Tennessee forest to view—and a short offshoot trail leads to the site of the old Greeter home place, where the Greeter family constructed a home in the 1880s.

4SuTER FAllS

Savage gulf South Trailhead, 2689 55th Ave., gruetli-laager (grundy County)

69 miles from Murfreesboro

Cascades move powerfully down a rocky gorge, rushing violently and loudly in an elbow shape around a bend after Rocky Mountain Creek plunges over Suter Falls, located within the Savage Gulf State Park. The spectacle of Suter Falls and the surrounding rocky cliff face is absolutely worth the brief but somewhat challenging journey from the Savage Gulf South Trailhead. In addition to this natural wonder, a trail veers off in between the trailhead and the waterfall, leading to an overlook offering a stunning view of the Tennessee wilderness.

5

SAVAGE FAllS

Savage gulf East Trailhead, 3157 State route 399, Palmer (grundy County)

74 miles from Murfreesboro

Setting out from the Savage Gulf East Trailhead, located within the expansive Savage Gulf State Park, can lead a group of waterfall seekers to Savage Falls. The 1.3-mile walk along the mostly level, well-maintained trail passes over two cable suspension bridges above creeks on the way to the falls. A staircase then leads down to the base of Savage Falls, an area with many large boulders scattered about. The small plunge pool can vary in depth based on water flow, but during periods of high water volume it can be suitable as a small swimming hole.

6

FoSTER FAllS

Fiery gizzard South Trailhead, 498 Foster Falls rd., Sequatchie (Marion County)

70 miles from Murfreesboro

Located outside of Monteagle and Tracy City, the Little Gizzard Creek drops about 60 feet at Foster Falls into a wide, deep collection of water ideal for a serene, secluded swim in a natural setting. A view overlooking Foster Falls sits just a couple hundred yards from a parking area and, from here, a trail descending to the base begins. Stones have been arranged into a staircase throughout much of the trail and upon reaching the bottom, the massive pool is the reward on a hot day. The big swimming hole is approximately 150 feet wide and well over 10 feet deep throughout much of that width. Rock climbers also enjoy the Foster Falls site, located in Marion County, part of the South Cumberland State Park system.

7

STIllHouSE

HolloW FAllS

Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural Area, 8716 lawrenceburg Hwy., Mt. Pleasant (Maury County)

71 miles from Murfreesboro

For a beautiful Tennessee waterfall with a small swimming hole, check out Stillhouse Hollow Falls, located between the towns of Columbia and Lawrenceburg. The trail to the falls, a shady .7-mile journey, travels alongside a creek, which presents a neat little 5-foot-tall waterfall itself. Enjoy this smaller water feature or continue walking down the shallow creek, or the trail, to get to the top of the larger falls. Stairs lead down the hillside, simplifying the descent to the base of the fantastic 75-foot-tall Stillhouse Hollow Falls, plunging into a pool that holds just enough water for an adult to fully submerge themselves with the surrounding area containing plenty of rocks on which to sit and dip feet into the cool water.

8

BuRGESS FAllS

Burgess Falls State Park, 4000 Burgess Falls dr., Sparta (Putnam County)

58 miles from Murfreesboro

Burgess Falls offers a spectacular sight as the 136-foot-tall waterfall on the Falling Water River plunges into the gorge below. Burgess Falls, located approximately 10 miles south of downtown Cookeville, is really a series of four waterfalls, with the final 136-foot feature being the most drastic drop. View all four areas on a half-mile hike at Burgess Falls State Park. Striking, gigantic rocky cliff walls encircle the basin of the main falls area, where kayakers and swimmers enjoy the pool of water below as onlookers observe from on top of the ridge. At one time, a staircase descended from the top of the falls into the gorge area. However, currently there is no upper-level access to the area below the falls. (The people in the water put in their kayaks and boats farther downstream the Falling Water River—which empties into Center Hill Lake—and traveled upstream.)

9

FAll cREEK FAllS

Fall Creek overlook Parking Area, Fall Creek Falls State Park, (van Buren County)

78 miles from Murfreesboro 1664 Scenic loop rd., Pikeville

The 256-foot-tall Fall Creek Falls is in fact the tallest U.S. waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Motorists can drive right up to an overlook of the crown jewel of Fall Creek

Falls State Park where all can behold the view of the falls from above. A half-mile trail leads down the hillside to the base of this unique natural spectacle. It obviously travels a significant change in elevation over this brief distance but, while steep at points, has helpful handrails for much of the way, and even stairs part of the way. Feel the cool mist at the base, and those willing to get a little wet can circle the rocky bowl, which catches the waterfall, and let the water hit them. Otherwise, the state park—located about 35 miles east of McMinnville—is loaded with other creeks, gorges, animals, trees, cascades, swimming holes and attractions, a golf course, a lake, a lodge, a nature center, camping areas, playgrounds and bridges.

0uppER pINEy FAllS

Piney Falls State Natural Area, 1712 Firetower rd., grandview (rhea County) 135 miles from Murfreesboro

A cool spray awaits those who venture behind Upper Piney Falls. The trek to both Upper and Lower Piney Falls, located at Piney Falls State Natural Area—in Rhea County, not far from Crossville—is not too difficult of a journey through the thick Tennessee woods, with only a few moderately steep inclines. A unique waterfall and a great little swimming hole await those who complete the trip. A wide path actually leads visitors behind the 80-foot-tall waterfall, plenty wide enough to offer the option of getting wet, or not, as hikers walk between the falling water and the rock face. A cable trail runs up the steep hillside across the creek at the base of the falls for a more challenging hiking excursion.

qNoRTHRup FAllS

Colditz Cove State Natural Area, 2552 Northrup Falls rd., Jamestown (Fentress County) 130 miles from Murfreesboro

Up on the Cumberland Plateau in the upper eastern edge of Middle Tennessee, Northrup Falls plunges 60 feet into its rocky pool within the Colditz Cove State Natural Area. The waterfall feature itself is quite spectacular—visitors can walk behind, or directly under, the falls—and as a whole, the natural area feels secluded and contains an interesting variety of terrain and plant life. A 1.4-mile loop takes hikers to an overlook at the top of, and then the base of, Northrup Falls, where Big Branch Creek roars over a protruding rock ledge, creating a cave formation behind the falls. The plunge pool is not large enough for swimming, but it makes a fine spot to wade and splash.

Living

organization encourages Middle Tennessee to support mission of helping educate those in African slum

eduKenya

EdukENyA—a nonprofit organization with leaders in Middle Tennessee and in Nairobi, Kenya—has built schools and provides secure housing in areas of extreme poverty in the Mathare community of Kenya, Africa.

The organization’s movement is driven by the love of Christ to have an impact on the world, working to solve the problem of chronic, generational, extreme poverty in the community of Mathare, which is made up of about 600,000 people, according to information on eduKenya.org.

It focuses on villages within the community that are underserved with little or no access to public education or basic social services, offering purposeful, transformative education.

“eduKenya provides educational opportunities for students growing up in abject poverty in the slums of Kenya,” said Blake Henson, U.S. director of development with the ministry.

eduKenya operates a preschool, primary school and high school in Mathare. Students

By lAuRA lINDSAy

and families alike are taught leadership development and business training so people there can have a stable income.

“In addition to the skills training program, we have a sustainability investment at an apartment complex located in Mathare,” Henson said. “It provides safe, secure housing for people who could be at risk for forced eviction or exploitation. The rent from that provides us with some revenue for our programs as well.

“We have a team of 60 staff in Nairobi, Kenya, who are local and are running everything, and then we have a team of five U.S. staff that are located in Williamson County.”

eduKenya was founded by Adam Gould, who came from Pennsylvania and worked at a church doing outreach in Kenya. After being released from his internship with the church, Gould partnered with Bishop Isaiah Kamau, a teacher and pastor in Kenya. Gould started what was then called Kenyan Children’s Project around 2006; Kenyan Children’s Project

According to Kamau, Gould worked with him at Believers Centre Church in Kenya to build upon its children’s program by opening a fully functional primary school.

“The Kenyan Children’s Project started a preschool in a slum of Mathare—it was in a little shack probably about 15 feet long and 10 feet wide with 27 preschoolers,” Henson said. “As the organization grew, they spread to other shacks and until we eventually had our own facilities.”

In Kenya, a little over 2 million people are living in very run-down areas.

“Our hope is that by our students having a competitive and quality education—as well as a faith-based character—they will not only know themselves, but they will also be able to go back into the environment after they have graduated and reinvest to cultivate transformation in their own community,” Henson said.

He continues trying to cultivate as much local support as possible and to generate awareness of the cause.

In Murfreesboro, eduKenya has received support from Providence Christian Academy, particularly from some of the students involved with a 5th-grade leadership program at the local school.

“Every year they host an entrepreneurship fair to teach students how to run a small business, as well as encourage generosity by donating from their profits,” Henson said. “This year, eduKenya was honored to be one of the two programs that they gave to.”

He wants to encourage kids in Murfreesboro, and all communities, “to keep being

creative and generous with their resources.”

“It is cool to see students investing in other students,” he said. “Our team has been working to engage people and grow their awareness of the need to help globally, and also help people understand that they can make a pretty significant difference with a modest gift or a prayer, or even just helping us put together community events.”

eduKenya is accredited by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and is committed to maximizing its resources with efficient planning, spending and investing in long-term sustainability. It works to ensure all resources are invested in people or projects with the goal of achieving the organization’s mission.

Acco RDING To INFo

RMATI o N p R oVIDED By ED uK EN yA :  Since 2006, eduKenya has had five graduating classes with a 98% completion rate.

 Primary school students typically score 50% higher than other public or private schools in Mathare, giving them a better chance at receiving a high school education. (A high school education requires a high score in primary school in Mathare.)

 eduKenya’s meal program has provided over 1,000,000 meals served to children in the Mathare community; it continues to serve 20,000 meals each month.

For more info and to get involved, visit edukenya.org, where you can sign up for emails and monthly newsletters, or contact Blake Henson at blake@edukenya.org.

was the root for eduKenya.

THEN & NoW

Murfreesboro Restaurants

Chesney’s, Catfish Shanny, western Sizzlin, odom’s Country kitchen, Meachum’s and More

HEllo, EvEryBody! I hope your summer is off to a grand start. One thing that brings all sorts of folks together is food—we all eat food for nourishment and enjoyment. This made me think about growing up here in Murfreesboro in the ’80s and ’90s, and the restaurants I used to go to. So, that’s what we’re gonna talk about in this story. Let’s revisit some of the Murfreesboro restaurants from decades past.

For example, some of you might remember chesney’s, which sat at the corner of West Northfield Boulevard and Memorial Boulevard. Chesney’s was known as one of the first local places that served liquor by the drink, and it was a hangout for many folks. My favorite thing at Chesney’s were the baked potato skins with sour cream, cheddar and chives. Long Island teas were also a favorite here. This was around 1986. Now, after Chesney’s closed, the building at the site became stOne POny. Then it was FuddrucKers and later, briefly, a nightclub called drinK. Today there is a Murphy gas station there.

Here’s another good one: the Western sizzlin owned by Jim Demos was located on Broad Street. This place was more of a steakhouse. This building would later become traPPers, and then santa Fe, cOach’s Grill, FairWays and breW u, among other concepts, before finally converting into the Party Fowl, as we know it today.

Many of you will remember the OdOm’s cOuntry Kitchen restaurant at the corner of Lokey Avenue and Broad Street.

This would later become tOOter’s and—after a name dispute—the nowfamiliar Toot’s Restaurant.

One of my favorite local restaurants today is Champy’s, also located on Broad Street. That location originally was a sambO’s, then PO FOlKs, then hOOters.

I also loved the cOOKer on Broad Street. This building would become PuleO’s Grille, and is the current site of Hooters. Nearby there was a GOlden cOrral, which would later become Demos’, and just down the street there was Quincy’s, which today is Yoki Buffet.

There were many other ones, like dOn PablO’s, currently the site of a Whataburger on Old Fort Parkway. If you liked catfish, there was the catFish shanny, owned by Ira and Vivian Carpenter and located on South Church Street. This building was later the original home of the Parthenon steakhouse (which

later constructed its new building across the street), and today is a Mexican restaurant.

One last one which I really liked was meachum’s on Northfield Blvd. Meachum Evins was the owner and his father, Dan, is known for starting Cracker Barrel over in Wilson County.

Well, friends, I’ve made myself hungry so I’m either gonna have some Sir Pizza, The Alley on Main, or maybe some leftover Slick Pig wings with ranch and bleu cheese.

A special thanks to Wade Hays, the owner of Toot’s, for his help in identifying all of these different restaurants.

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

Food

ApHoToS By

The Dish

Alley Ho!

Duck down The Alley for steaks, seafood, bourbon and bruschetta at downtown favorite

oNlINE alleyonmain.com SToRy By

sk the people of Murfreesboro to name their favorite local restaurant, and The Alley on Main comes up frequently in that conversation, among other top local establishments.

Situated at the corner of West Main Street and Walnut Street, just a block from the Murfreesboro Public Square, the Alley blends an American neighborhood steakhouse with traditional Italian dishes in a laid-back community setting.

Shawn and Christy Hackinson seized the opportunity to open their dining concept in the downtown Murfreesboro space in 2014, after the space housed Rooster’s BBQ for a short-lived stint.

Not only has the Alley served many, many satisfied customers at its restaurant over the past decade, the Hackinsons have gotten very involved in the Murfreesboro community, providing food for numerous business events, fundraisers, receptions, parties, weddings and gatherings all over town throughout the past decade.

Among favorites at the restaurant, find linguine and meatball—not “meatballs,” but a singular, giant meatball made with beef, pork, garlic and cheese served atop

the pasta—a recipe inspired by Shawn’s Aunt Rose.

The standard Alley food menu is fairly simple and straightforward—not overwhelming, but nonetheless containing plenty of variety. The eatery focuses on serving quality, flavorful steaks, fish, chicken-fried chicken, pasta and pork chops.

“One of the best filets I’ve ever had in my life; the absolute best Brussels sprouts I’ve

ever eaten,” customer Mary Bolin posted in a review after an experience at the Alley.

“If you leave without trying the Thoroughbred pie [made with bourbon, chocolate and walnuts] and salted caramel ice cream, you’re not living your best life.”

Others rave about the deconstructed kabobs, seasoned chunks of beef and peppers.

“Get the blue cheese bacon butter and rub it on the steak,” another diner advises.

RESTAuRANT

The Alley on Main locATIoN 223 w. Main St. pHoNE 615-203-3498

HouRS Mon.–Fri.: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sat. 3–9 p.m.

Chicken-fried chicken with gravy, a salad and one side: $14.99; Steak salad: $15.99; goat cheese bruschetta: $8.99; 16-oz. boneless ribeye $28.99; Bowl of gumbo: $6.99

The Alley serves some delicious, freshly cut, house-made fries. And the crispy, fried Brussels sprouts also make a popular side. Other selections include fried green tomatoes, Nashville hot chicken, green beans with bacon, and gumbo.

Their seasonal items and rotating specials allow for some experimentation; these can range from grouper, chicken-fried steak, shrimp po boys and seared Ahi tuna to catfish sandwiches, Hungarian mushroom soup and crab fingers—bits of crab meat on the claw prepared in a white wine, bacon and butter sauce.

“We recommend the bruschetta and calamari appetizers! The bruschetta is very flavorful and the tempura-like breading on the calamari was light and crisp,” reported Val, another pleased Alley patron. “The steak salad has always been excellent.”

This steak salad—eight ounces of beef tenderloin served atop veggies—makes a fantastic lunch for those trying to stay low-carb. The broad beverage menu contains all sorts of signature and classic cocktails, mojitos and margaritas along with an extensive list of wines, scotches, bourbons and tequilas and more.

Numerous customers recommend the Gangster’s Sidepiece, a blend of gin, violet, cucumber and lemon.

The Alley has developed its own special ginger beer, now produced at Murfreesboro’s Cedar Glade Brews, a partnership between the two local businesses.

As far as drawbacks, aside from the occasional necessary wait time and crowd, some diners have raised concerns about inconsistency, saying an item that they once had and enjoyed wasn’t prepared to the same standard on another visit. Others point out that the atmosphere is not particularly fancy or noteworthy, and some of the tables are wobbly, but many would prefer to err on the side of too-casual rather than overly stuffy, white tablecloth or pretentious, and the spot remains beloved to many passionate supporters of local business.

One Yelper, Mike, described it as the perfect “Southern hipster restaurant”— “The Southern food is elevated, but not warped by unnecessary creativity,” he said.

At one time, the Hackinsons unveiled plans to construct a multi-story building in the lot next to the restaurant to expand the Alley. While those plans did not materialize, they did put some work into the outdoor dining area located there, adding some turf, shaded areas and lots of seating, making it a favorite outside eating space for many local consumers and, oftentimes, their dogs.

The family’s downtown Murfreesboro restaurant presence will indeed soon expand in 2024 with the Hackinsons’ recent purchase of the building at 103 N. Maple St. Plans are in place to open One of Nineteen Cocktails and Raw Bar within its lower level on the Square.

In the meantime, for home cooking with a community vibe, a great steak, surprising seasonal selections, an extensive drink menu, head down Main Street in Murfreesboro and stop in the Alley.

Oh . . . and don’t overlook dessert. “Get the carrot cake,” one reviewer suggests.

crab claws

Schlotzsky’s deli, Shabu Shabu, golden lanzhou Bowls, Achieve Entrepreneur Center, love’s Pizza, Cava, Midnight grove, las Paletas Tocumbo

By DEloRES EllIoTT

SCHloTzky’S dEli is coming back to Murfreesboro after having closed its previous local restaurant many years ago. Located at 4433 Veterans Pkwy., just off Franklin Road, the new Schlotzky’s will be one of only two locations in Tennessee, the second being in Cool Springs.

Schlotzky’s offers a variety of sandwich options, from veggie sandwiches to the deluxe original, which includes ham and salami, three cheeses, olives, sourdough buns and assorted condiments. Most sandwiches come in different sizes, as well as wrap options, and the eatery also serves calzones, flatbreads and more.

In addition to CAvA’s Clari Park location coming soon to Medical Center Parkway, the Mediterranean cafe brand will also open a South Church Street location within a new building near the Goodwill.

Cava offers customizable Mediterranean bowls, pitas, salads and more. Other popular menu items include the signature Crazy Feta dip, spicy lamb meatballs, honey chicken, and its herby skhug, a traditional Middle Eastern sauce made with a lot of cilantro, chiles, garlic and other herbs.

CHiPoTlE and FirST wATCH will also open restaurants in this same South Church Street location, and T-MoBilE will take a unit as well, with two suites in the building still available for lease.

lovE’S PizzA will open at the former Roma Pizza location at 1728 W. Northfield Blvd. in the Kroger shopping center.

FridA’S CAFE has received a building permit for its space within the same Kroger shopping center as the new Love’s Pizza at 1798 W. Northfield Blvd.

SHABu SHABu has unveiled plans to open a restaurant at The Avenue in

around toWn

FivE dAugHTErS BAkEry, which offers its signature, flaky, croissant-style, 100-layer doughnuts, cookies and other pastries, has opened its Murfreesboro shop at Fountains at Gateway, 1500 Medical Center Pkwy., Suite 1H. Current hours are 7 a.m.–6 p.m. (or until sold out) Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (or until sold out) Saturday and Sunday. For more information or to order online, visit fivedaughtersbakery.com.

Murfreesboro. The restaurant, which offers a Japanese Hot Pot and BBQ grill, has a current location in Nashville on West End. Shabu Shabu is best known for its do-ityourself experience, which involves swirling a thinly sliced piece of meat in broth, then enjoying it with sauce.

Visit facebook.com/shabushabunashville for more information.

Toki HouSE will open a restaurant at 5241 Veterans Pkwy. near Publix. The new restaurant will offer grilled shrimp, fried fish, Hawaiian BBQ beef and chicken, macaroni and other menu options. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily except for Sunday, when the restaurant is closed. For more information and the full menu, visit tokihousemurfreesboro.kwickmenu.com

goldEN lANzHou BowlS opened in May. The new Chinese noodle restaurant is located at 2053 Lascassas Pk. in the former Station Grill location.

Golden Bowls serves traditional Lanzhou beef soup noodles—a taste of Lanzhou— which is a spice-infused beef bone broth served with hand-pulled noodles of your choice, cilantro and a house-made chili oil. Noodle options include regular, thin round noodles, angel hair round, chives leaf flat, thin wide flat, wide flat or triangle noodles. Other menu items include stuffed buns and

For more info, call 615-819-5777 or visit hangryjoesmurfreesboro.com.

MAyA grill has opened at 805 Old Fort Pkwy. (the former home of Bar-B-Cutie) serving Mexican and Tex-Mex selections. For more information on Maya Grill, visit mayagrillmexicanfood.com

ACHiEvE ENTrEPrENEur ANd CoworkiNg CENTEr recently opened at 1630 S. Church St. The new center offers a space dedicated to co-working, networking, meetings and other group business settings. After owner Cash Miller sold his Titan Digital Media Business to Exchange Media, he kept his large office space to turn it into the co-working center it is today. The center is run by Miller and A.J. Willoughby, lifelong entrepreneurs with a shared passion for innovation and success.

The business, as well as its decor, is “an ode to entrepreneurship,” said Miller.

dumplings, Korean-style hot dogs, chow mein, fried rice and more. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday, and closed on Monday.

lAS PAlETAS ToCuMBo plans to open a new location at 2955 S. Rutherford Blvd., Ste. H. The paletas shop also has locations in Franklin, Nashville, Columbia and Antioch.

MEd gyro & SHAwArMA recently opened at 2943 S. Rutherford Blvd., dedicated to providing the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Popular menu items include loaded gyro street fries and gözleme, a homemade, savory flatbread stuffed with spinach and cheese. Other options include falafel bowls, a variety of pita options, wraps, baklava, Turkish delights and more. Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. For more information on Med Gyro, visit medgyroshawarma.com

HANgry JoE’S HoT CHiCkEN ANd wiNgS has opened at 3119 Medical Center Pkwy., offering a variety of chicken combos, six- to 50-piece wing options, dipping sauces, chicken wraps and more. Operating hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

The space includes work spaces of various types, couches, private offices, meeting rooms, desks, a podcast studio, a foosball and pool table, and a coffee bar. For more information, visit achievemurfreesboro.com.

SigN lANguAgE STudioS has opened at 699 President Place in Smyrna. The business was established in 2022 as an opportunity to increase resources for the deaf, hard of hearing and hearing communities. Some of the services offered by the business include sign language interpreter services, workshops, mentorships, consultative services and other opportunities to improve the skills and knowledge of professionals in the sign language field. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find a list of upcoming events at signlanguagestudiosllc.com

MidNigHT grovE CollECTivE has announced the grand opening of its new store, located at 111 E. Lytle St., taking place on Saturday, June 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The grand opening event will include a variety of self-guided mini workshops for all ages, including rock painting, bookmark making and creating your own magic potion bottles and bracelets. Giveaways will also take place, with the prize being a Midnight Grove gift basket filled with the business’ favorite items. Customers will also receive a free gift with any purchase at the grand opening and the

EggS uP grill celebrated its grand opening on Memorial Day. A rapidly expanding breakfast, brunch and lunch concept, Eggs Up Grill has started serving at its 5241 Veterans Pkwy. restaurant in the Westlawn Publix Shopping Center. The restaurant is the second of 10 planned locations for franchise partners Dr. Ron and Amy Fausnaught, who have also opened an Eggs Up Grill in Hermitage.

“We introduced Middle Tennessee to Eggs Up Grill through our Hermitage restaurant, and now, expanding in the ’Boro where we raised our children really feels like coming home,” Amy Fausnaught said.

The restaurant offers indoor seating for up to 120 people with 3,600 square feet of space. Hours of operation are from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week, with the full menu available for ordering from open to close. Signature menu items include corned beef hash with potatoes, made-to-order omelets, grilled blueberry muffins, croissant-style donuts, burgers, melts and salads. For more information, visit eggsupgrill.com

CoNTiNuEd FroM PAgE 28

event will also include snacks, beverages, and a photo booth complete with props to celebrate the occasion.

“This unique space is dedicated to illuminating creativity, nurturing ecoconsciousness, and celebrating whimsy through artisanal candles and scented items, diverse studio workshops, captivating photography and a curated retail selection,” said Midnight Grove Collective founder Bailey Shults. “Our grand opening is just the beginning of a journey filled with inspiration, creativity, and a touch of magic.”

For more information on the shop, visit midnightgrovecollective.com or email info@ midnightgrovecandle.com.

After eight years at its brick-and-mortar store in Murfreesboro, roCkET SHirTS has decided to move to an online-only business model. Benefits of the online business include better pricing, an online designer tool for creating customer apparel, reliable and free shipping for orders over $250, Zoom and in-person meeting options with reps, and online support.

For more information or assistance, email contact@rocketshirts.net or call 615900-5677.

clo SED

CArolyN’S CoNSigNMENT recently closed after 39 years spent serving the Murfreesboro area.

“It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I share the news of the closing of my business, Carolyn’s Consignment. After 39 years of serving my community, I will close the doors for one final time on May 31, 2024,” Carolyn Jernigan said.

Carolyn announced on Facebook that the lease for her store was not renewed for 2024, and that the landlord had a different vision for the shopping center.

“While I am deeply saddened by the closure of my store, I am forever grateful for the memories, relationships and experiences I have gained throughout the years. My customers have become friends and family. We will cherish these memories and friendships as I move forward. . . . I am looking forward to retirement, this next chapter, and the possibilities God has in store for me.”

Fans of the local shop recount their many memories with Carolyn and her store over the years, including some who shopped there as children. Carolyn has noted that consignors should call the store to schedule a time to pick up their clothing. For more information, visit facebook.com/ carolynsconsignment.

waste, waste g o a way

New facility on Butler drive to convert trash into biofuel, reduce reliance on landfill

By E l ISHA NE

ArEA rESidENTS CAN SooN ExPECT a new waste energy facility after the City of Murfreesboro approved plans for a solid waste management center at 2120 Butler Dr. The facility, managed by WastAway, is expected to be a transfer station for the entire city’s trash, positioned near residential areas, not far from the site of the new Buc-ee’s travel stop.

Approved by the Murfreesboro City Council back in January 2023, WastAway’s solid waste management facility is intended to help manage solid waste more efficiently in the Murfreesboro area. With the Middle Point Landfill expected to reach full capacity within the next five years, the facility may present a partial solution to the city’s growing trash problem.

“WastAway’s process provides a beneficial fuel that hits all the sustainability, economic and environmental goals that benefit our community and enhance the quality of life for citizens in Murfreesboro,” said Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland.

Efforts to construct a WastAway facility in the Middle Tennessee area come after ongoing complaints of Republic Services’ Middle Point Landfill, often affectionately referred to as “Trash Mountain” by locals. The landfill continues to grow as Rutherford County residents, and others from surround-

l S o N

ing communities, collectively create more than 1,000 tons of landfill waste daily.

WastAway says its concept offers a cleaner alternative to solid waste management. WastAway’s facilities could take in about 400 tons of trash a day, converting the garbage into biomass fuel.

Company officials say that its fuel, known as SE3, can be used by certain manufacturers and that extensive test burns co-firing SE3 fuel with coal have shown no negative effects on boiler performance or emissions equipment, that it contains no pathogens and does not emit an odor while stored, and that since the garbage used to produce it is

cEo

of WastAway Mark Brown

well, with the potential of the production of biomass fuel affecting the environment.

“Our primary mission is to help end our dependence on landfills,” said CEO of WastAway Mark Brown. “We can divert 90 percent of the municipal solid waste away from landfills and into beneficial reuse.”

obtained through long-term municipal and commercial contracts the price of the fuel is extremely predictable and not subject to swings of fossil fuel pricing. Plus it helps keep garbage out of landfills, making the material beneficial from several perspectives. Learn more about the process at wastawayfuel.com

Murfreesboro Assistant City Manager Darren Gore has assured residents that the construction of the new WastAway facility should greatly reduce the odor complaints and air quality violations from the landfill across town.

“Everything will be on concrete and under roof, so there will be no trash exposed to the environment,” Gore said.

Trash being contained in a confined building poses less of an infringement on the quality of life for area residents. However, residents still have concerns with WastAway using Murfreesboro as a test run, with the $45 million project being the first of its kind in the region. An online petition has amassed over 2,000 signatures protesting the facility. There is growing sentiment that this facility could still pose ecological and community risks, with the site located on a floodplain and positioned on top of a cave system. These geological barriers pose a significant risk in the potential for sinkholes, resulting in the area’s water table collapsing, critics say. Air pollution is still a concern for residents as

Not all of the landfill’s trash can be converted into clean renewable energy. The remaining 10% of trash would have to be transferred to a different landfill. The leftovers would need a place to go, and Murfreesboro’s Middle Point Landfill has little room remaining to continue taking on even a percentage of the city’s waste.

“I wouldn’t want to push off what we’re dealing with in Murfreesboro to anyone,” said Mayor McFarland. “I think there are areas where it’s less densely populated where you don’t have those issues.”

In the meantime, an ongoing legal battle is waging between Republic Services’ Middle Point landfill and the city of Murfreesboro until the odor and toxic leaks into waterways subside. Middle Point General Manager Mike Classen proposed a permit change from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Classen hopes that Middle Point can proceed with increasing its landfill capacity, dumping more waste on its large plots of land. The attempted land-grab by Republic Services began in 2011 and the company has since pushed for an increase in airspace for Middle Point Landfill. State leaders have opposed the efforts to expand the landfill, calling into question whether more landfill space would be beneficial to residents in the area.

“What we’re proposing to do is really just a continuation of normal landfilling operations. There’s no additional impact to human health, the environment, public welfare, including odors, including storm water runoff,” said Classen. Despite the assurance of Republic Services and the safety of the landfill, the effects of massive landfills have already impacted the community. Residents near the landfill have been growing increasingly distressed over air and water pollution and odor, and perhaps the facility on Butler Drive will benefit Murfreesboro residents, addressing the smell in the area and the shrinking of available landfill space.

With Murfreesboro continuing to experience massive amounts of growth, city leaders hope that the addition of WastAway’s new facility will bring sustainable solutions to the city’s trash conundrum.

By TIFFAN y B oy D

Opinion # FREE YOUR CHILDREN

t he d igital war on o ur c hildren

A i and autogenerated curriculum on school-issued devices collecting vast amounts of personal data from students

rEMEMBEr THE SCHool dAyS oF old? At the beginning of the year textbooks were issued and students were instructed to cover those books. Remember saving up brown paper sacks for times such as these? Those textbooks were hauled from class to class, their covers donned with the signatures of classmates, and loaded into backpacks. Hours were spent poring over those textbooks, oftentimes with the assistance of parents who found themselves on homework duty. Those are the bygone days.

Today, the curriculum has been hijacked by Big Tech. Chromebooks, iPads, digital badges, Clever, i-Ready, apps, and digital assessments, to name a few. The list goes on and on. Many parents are under the assumption that they have a grasp on what their children are being taught in the neighborhood school because they believe that they have seen the curriculum. They have been misled. How? Curriculum and assessments are being autogenerated. That means the curriculum is being created in real time as the student is answering the questions. Often, the teachers have no idea the content of the autogenerated curriculum.

wH en did t H is s H ift occur?

According to Purdue University, the commercial use of the internet was an integral part of the digitization of schools. “By 2009, 97% of classrooms had one or more computers, and 93% of classroom computers had Internet access. For every 5 students, there was one computer. Instructors stated that 40% of students used computers often in their educational methods, in addition to interactive whiteboards and digital cameras,” according to an article titled The Evolution of Technology in the Classroom on purdue.edu I recently had the opportunity to interview Shane Raesemann, former cyber warfare officer, on the Free YOUR Children radio show regarding the digitization of our schools. That interview can be found on the podcast portal at frontporchradiotn.com. He

had some excellent questions for parents to ask of their local school board members and public school officials.

Who is voting for the digitization of curriculum? Who voted for the data mining of students? Who gave the school system permission to access the home network when a child brings home a device? Who voted to increase the budget to manage the IT department? Who controls the data that is being collected on students? Who are the third-party vendors your school system has partnered with? Where is the repository for all of this data? Are breaches announced? What type of security is in place to protect all of this data they are collecting? Your local school board members should know the answers to these questions; if they do not, send them on a fact-finding mission.

In my county, the answers to many of these questions were the school board itself. It is crucial to educate your school board members about the dangers of these topics. If they have not attended a Free YOUR Children seminar, host one in your area and encourage them to attend.

Why should parents be worried about data collection? The county IT department typically sustains the IT enterprise, and schools are a huge cyber-target. There are hundreds, if not more, third-party vendors that have access to student data. FERPA allows this data to be collected without parental consent. There is also an interoperable, longitudinal database that makes it easy for vast amounts of data to be shared. The state also collects its own data on students, and they also have control over the data they collect. They too can disseminate this data to any entity in the name of educational research. Data is big business, and the data of our nation’s children is the commodity.

“Nearly three-quarters of the most popular apps and online platforms directed at children are likely profiting from user data—even if they claim otherwise,” according to Common Sense Media, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization that

studies the impact of technology on youth.

Parents should also be concerned about what their children can access on school-issued devices. After speaking to a local school board member, he stated that according to the county’s IT department, they cannot stop the children from navigating around filters they have put in place. So yes, if a child learns how to navigate around the filters, they can be, and are, finding themselves on sites that are not appropriate for children.

i s Big Brot H er watc H ing?

Another issue that parents need to be aware of is that many of these school-issued devices have microphones and cameras that have the potential to record in the privacy of your home unbeknownst to parents or students. So yes, conversations and videos could be recorded of you and your family in the privacy of your own home without your knowledge. It has already happened to some families. So, who is protecting the children? It certainly isn’t who you think it is.

The National Republican Platform states that it believes:

“ . . . federal funds should not be used in mandatory or universal mental health, psychiatric socio-emotional screening programs. The federal government has pushed states to collect and share vast amounts of personal student and family data, including the collection of social and emotional data. Much of this data is collected without parental consent or notice. This is wholly incompatible with the American Experi-

ment and our inalienable rights.”

They say all the right things, yet they are doing the exact opposite.

During the most recent legislative session in Tennessee, Rep. Scott Cepicky touted, “Artificial intelligence is the new frontier in education.” On the heels of this statement, wate. com reported that Anderson County schools in Tennessee would be using AI technology “Mirror,” by Swivl, to implement Social Emotional Learning. This is a very odd statement coming from a Republican representative. Have our Republican representatives not read their own national platform? Social Emotional Learning programs are one of the number one ways that the data of our children is being mined and then sold to the highest bidder. Students are also accessing mental telehealth services via apps on school-issued devices. How are schools paying for all of this digitization? You guessed it—government monies. Republicans are sponsoring bills and voting for many of the very initiatives they claim to fundamentally oppose. Again, they are violating the tenets of their very own national platform.

So who is protecting the children? Parents, that has to be you. Do your research and educate yourself on what is really going on in education. The focus of the neighborhood school is not to teach little Johnny to read and do math. Their purpose is to use the digital curriculum to change their thoughts, values, behaviors, attitudes and beliefs and to collect vast amounts of data on your child. Your child is a social experiment and a cash cow. Only you can stop it. I encourage you to check out the Free YOUR Children toolkit on freeyourchildren.com for more information on pertinent topics in education. Each topic has multiple resources to help you better understand this agenda. Education is key.

Before you can win a war, you must first identify the enemy.

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

tec H talk

By By R o N G l ENN

From Competitors to Partners

Boro

Business Lab has developed

a formula to help businesses grow

wHAT iS THE FirST THiNg you do when you want to visit a new restaurant, locate a service, look at destinations to visit, or purchase a product? You search, read reviews and visit websites to learn about other people’s experiences.

Though they were formerly competitors, Josh Griffin, Dean Heasley and Jeremy Lee became friends and combined their digital marketing strengths. In 2020, the trio formed Boro Business Lab, an agency with a unique formula for helping Murfreesboro business owners attract more customers.

A common theme with the three owners is their relational approach to helping local businesses grow. Before they combined their companies, they referred each other to businesses. Josh’s niche was websites, and he was a professional project manager who loved project management systems and processes; Dean focused on analytics and methods for getting sites to rank higher in search results, and Jeremy was, and is, a visionary in marketing strategies.

Boro Business Lab can provide high-quality service with transparency and affordability with the help of their “systems and processes,” said Josh. Every service they provide has an in-depth checklist to ensure they can deliver consistent quality. You can see their transparency through the educational workshops they provide to the community.

“We want to teach people and show people, ‘hey, here’s everything we know, but you can do it yourself if you want to [and] you have the time.’ They don’t have the time most of the time,” Griffin said.

As Murfreesboro’s population grows, a new group will bring fresh ideas and new businesses. However, like any startup or new business entering the market, the business owner will face several hurdles.

Josh said he believes “that a business and the personal reputation of the owner(s) is the most important thing to their business; it is more valuable than money. Those business owners who understand that will succeed here in a local community.” To help businesses in the area, Boro Business Lab utilizes its core values: Always do what’s right, be humble and honest, and get work done.

Reputation in a local community is critical. A few negatives can hurt a local business, unlike more prominent companies that can survive with the bad reviews.

To help local, service-based businesses attract more customers, Josh, Dean and Jeremy created a list that developed into their “Get More Customers” formula.

For a new local business, this means getting out in the community, shaking hands and getting one’s name out.

“People will start knowing you, and they will Google you and search for you,” said Griffin.

Regarding the business community in Murfreesboro, Boro Business Lab wants to be a source in the business community that people can come to and trust.

Josh griffin is the Chief operating officer at Boro Business lab. Contact Josh at josh@ creativeboro.com or 615-784-9676. For more information about Boro Business lab, visit borobusinesslab.com or connect with them on Facebook, instagram, x and TikTok at @borobusinesslab

Byron glenn is the Sales and Marketing Manager with Business System Solutions; he is a speaker, business consultant, nonprofit co-founder, and Murfreesboro Tech Council board member. For iT-managed services for your business, you can visit bssconsulting.com or call 615-400-8595.

By B l AINE l ITT l E

This House is Clear

Home Inspector Tim Hicks helps families make informed decisions about their biggest investment

BuyiNg A HouSE iS THE BiggEST financial investment for most families. Tim Hicks, the owner of Clear Inspections, knows houses as well as the importance of having that investment evaluated.

He grew up in the construction business, as his dad was a building contractor. From new construction to remodels to disaster renovation, Hicks has just about done it all as far as housing. As he says, he was born to do what he does now.

After college, Tim joined the U.S. Army and became a Cavalry Scout. Once his enlistment was up, he attended a trade school to become an HVAC technician or heat ing and air repairman. It was at this time, he encountered a few home inspectors and asked specifically what they did. As luck would have it, he could put a checkmark on everything required to be a professional inspector.

Hicks has been in business since 2000, but when the state passed the law requiring new standards in 2005, he was one of the first to become licensed. He knew Tennessee standards would only raise the quality of his industry. At the heart of Tim’s business philosophy is a dedication to exceptional customer service, ensuring that every client feels informed and supported throughout the inspection process.

As a Realtor myself, I have seen my own share of home repair items over the years. But they are not usually what the clients and I see during the initial home tour. Even new construction from some of the best builders in the area can— and oftentimes do—have repair issues. Nail pops, loose pipes and unconnected switches can all be just a few of the things not readily visible. Improper grading or water runoff can lead to major foundation issues over time. But a quality professional can find these, and many more, mistakes. It is hard to imagine, there were no licensing requirements for home inspectors in Tennessee until a couple of decades ago. Before then, you simply went by the reputation of the industry professional. If you printed up business cards that said “Home Inspector,” then you were a home inspector. Real estate agents were understandably nervous about giving referrals, so when they found a professional they trusted, they always had their card handy.

“I enjoy being able to communicate the condition of the home to a family so they can make an informed decision about their purchase,” the business owner says. And with the level of customer service he provides, he has had families use his services three or four times over the years. That’s loyalty! He will analyze residential homes as well as commercial buildings. Big or small, he just loves what he does, he says.

Hicks now knows that his years of experience could save homeowners a lot of repairs . . . and stress.

When the keys are placed in the buyers’ hands following an inspection performed by Clear, they can be certain their new home has been thoroughly vetted by a construction expert. What sets Clear Inspections apart is the meticulous attention to detail and ability to communicate complex issues in a clear, understandable manner to would-be homeowners.

learn more at clearinspectionstn.com or call Tim Hicks direct at 615-542-8464.

Blaine little is the founder and CEo of Momentum Seminars, a veteran owned business, helping companies remain profitable by investing in their people. He publicly trains and privately coaches the power skills of leadership, team building and better communication. learn more at momentumseminars.com.

n ew- l ook t itans s et for 2024 s eason, Playing the u nderdog r ole

THE TrAiN dAddy iS BACk with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard!

A happy June to you all! And a happy Dairy Month. The month of June was Dairy Month long before it was Pride Month. It seems many have forgotten that. If you see a farmer or a cow, thank them! I told someone recently in a group setting that June was National Dairy Month; they got riled up and told me it was alphabet month and that was all that mattered. I thought it was funny, because I have never attacked anyone for celebrating Pride Month, occasional jokes aside. But I have had those who celebrate Pride Month attack me for showing love to the great cow! I told the person screaming at me to calm down, maybe eat some vanilla ice cream in honor of the cow . . . and if it makes them feel better, add some rainbow sprinkles.

Doing public relations in June for these pro teams has to be a nightmare in 2024. Fans start seeing the logos go rainbow one by one. Pandering at its finest! I should probably change the topic now before I say something too crazy. Let’s get into sports with a little Titans talk.

Did you know, as matters stand now, Vegas considers the Tennessee Titans underdogs in 16 of their 17 games, all except a home game versus the Patriots? I fully expect this team to go through some growing pains with all the new pieces, but there is no doubt this team is upgraded in comparison to the product put on the field in 2023.

The national disrespect on this team is nothing new. The Titans could sign Jesus at quarterback and the national media would continue to doubt. This team should just fully embrace the underdog role. What better role is there to play? Let everyone out there doubt you—it makes success that much sweeter.

The odds-makers in Vegas have the Titans’ 2024 season win total at 6.5; take the over all day on that. The Texans clearly are the better team in the AFC South as of right now, but this Titans team is one of the sneakiest picks this season. I understand that it all comes down to Will Levis being an aboveaverage year-2 QB. Levis showed enough promise as a rookie that the GM went and tailored it all for the young QB. I may not be 100% sold on Will Levis, but he certainly won’t have any excuses after this season. Sink or swim, homie!

The funny part about what I just said is the na-

tional media hate! The major media outlets made Ridley and Boyd appear like dinosaur signings. I say it’s funny because the draft grades on a national stage were poor for the Titans and the big free agent additions were overlooked by many outside of Tennessee. It seems the national media certainly would disagree with me on the state of this new-look team. What’s funny about it is if Levis has a bad season, the media will flip the script and start talking about how Levis was handed the keys to a Ferrari, and he couldn’t deliver. Hopefully that’s not the case and Levis has a good enough season that there is excitement heading into year 3, but if that’s not the case, I told you so!

Be excited Titan nation, and as I said, embrace the underdog role. This new-look team has upgraded in most spots. Will Levis is the focal point, but he now has the best trio of receivers this team has had in decades. DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd should be a fun watch. The offensive line has been horrendous in back-to-back seasons and finally there’s some needed change. They drafted a beastly physical dude in J.C. Latham and in free agency brought in the best available center on the market in Lloyd Cushenberry. If Peter can take a step forward in his second year, this offensive line—coached up by the best in the game, Daddy Callahan—is in great shape.

We all are going to miss King Henry, that’s a fact, but this team is going to be faster and less predictable. Fans have to love the running back duo that is Spears and Pollard, two very similar all-around backs that can run it and catch it. This duo has the potential to be a top duo in the game. Going into the season, I would expect an even split between the two. I wish we had a veteran’s presence at tight end to compete with Chig, but it’s all good. Chigoziem Okonkwo should take a year-3 step, and he is electric when he gets the ball in his hands! Hopefully that big dude Josh freaking 6-foot-7 Whyle steps up and becomes a more versatile tight-end. He has already caught the attention of new coach Brian Callahan. I am excited about the potential of this offense heading into 2024. The defense has its own question marks, but there is plenty of reason for equal excitement. That excitement normally would start up front with Big Jeff, but for me it starts in the new-look secondary. Don’t get it twisted, Big Jeff is still the best player and anchor of this defense, but the additions in this secondary should transform this defense as well. The additions of Sneed and Chidobe at cornerback make a big difference. It’s also exciting imagining that big monster drafted out of Texas, T’Vondre Sweat, pairing up with Big Jeff Simmons up front and making opposing quarterbacks’ lives hell out there on the field. From other talented dudes like Harold Landry and Arden Key to Amani Hooker there are plenty of solid players on this defense. There is a lot of excitement in the AFC South up and down the board for the first time in years. It’s going to be fun watching it play out.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TITANSONLINE COM

JeFF SimmOnS

L’JAriuS Sneed wiLL LeviS

M oney M atters

By SEAN M o RAN

Planning for i nheritance

doN’T ovErlook THESE iMPorTANT STEPS

AS THE BABy BooMEr gENErATioN reaches its golden years, many are contemplating how to leave a lasting impact on their families. This goes beyond simply naming beneficiaries; it’s about ensuring that your legacy is used wisely and supports the future of your loved ones.

g ive i nstructions on How to sP end i t

The majority of us will one day leave something to our heirs, but it’s usually worded something like “each of my children gets an equal portion of my estate.” As a result, some will spend it on a nice car, a vacation, to pay off bills, or do whatever they feel like makes sense to them. This could be just fine with you, but what if you believe there is a better way?

You may not want to force your child to donate some of their inheritance to charity, but you might suggest it. You may be surprised to find them receptive to the idea. Give some consideration to leaving some suggestions. Your children will appreciate it.

wH at Ha PP ens a fter y ou Pass?

Once we are no longer here, we can’t tell people what our contingency plan would have been. For example, if you pass at age 65 your spouse may remarry. What would happen if you leave all of your money to your spouse and then they pass before their second spouse does? Would that potentially mean your children inherit nothing? It certainly can play out that way. The surviving spouse could leave all of their assets (including yours) to their children, cutting yours out.

Effective strategies exist to prevent this from happening, so be sure you talk with your favorite estate planning attorney to protect your family.

s afeguarding g randc H ildren’s i n H eritance

What happens if you go to a sporting event with your daughter and on the way home a tragic accident claims both your lives? If your will states that your assets are to be divided up between your children, then you now have two children who survive you as opposed to three. You may have just disinherited your grandchildren, because now 50% of your estate might go to each of your children that are alive. A simple language change in your will can ensure that your daughter’s family gets one-third of the estate in this situation rather than her family receiving nothing.

tax c ost

Of course, I would be remiss not to point out the benefits of reducing your taxes through comprehen-

sive planning. I don’t know anyone who wants to leave a financial gift to the IRS. There are a number of tax strategies that will allow you to keep more of your money and give less to Uncle Sam.

Gifting is an important strategy that many overlook. When I was going for my Master’s in Tax, one of my professors did estate planning for highnet-worth individuals and she found that the most frustrating thing was people’s unwillingness to distribute their estate to their children and grandchildren for fear of needing the money. As a result, they gave more of their money to the government. You can gift up to $18,000 to every individual you know, and there are strategies to distribute more as needed. If you have three married children and six grandchildren, you have 12 family members to whom you can give money each year. That’s $216,000 per year you can give away, tax free. Do that for 10 years and see how much you can get out of your estate!

Consider your tax bracket compared to that of your heirs’. You might be in a lower tax bracket than your working children. Taking calculated withdrawals from your retirement accounts, with the guidance of a financial advisor, could be advantageous. For example, strategically converting some traditional IRA funds to a Roth IRA before retirement can provide tax-free withdrawals for your heirs in the future. Consulting a financial advisor can help you develop personalized strategies to maximize the amount your heirs ultimately receive.

a dditional c onsiderations

digiTAl ASSETS: With the rise of digital assets like cryptocurrency and online accounts, ensure that your plan addresses how these will be managed and transferred to your heirs.

BuSiNESS SuCCESSioN: If you own a business, consider incorporating a succession plan to ensure a smooth transition after your passing.

SPECiAl NEEdS: If you have a loved one with special needs, a special needs trust can be established to ensure their continued care without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. By taking a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to inheritance planning, you can create a lasting legacy that supports your loved ones’ financial well-being for years to come.

disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not tax, legal or financial advice. Consult a financial advisor. if you would like to connect with me, please call 615-619-6919 or email smoran@redbarnfinancial.com.

Create the Life You Want Live Exceptionally...Well!

By JENNIFER DuRAND

D O YOU LI v E THE LIFE YOU LOv E

or do you imagine the life you want? If you can imagine the life you want, what are you doing to get there? Is it genuinely your version of what life can be, or is it someone else’s version of what they think your life should be?

One of the major struggles that seems to keep people complacent is not knowing what they really want. There are so many opinions and options that it can be quite overwhelming, so it just seems easier to withdraw and not do anything more than what’s absolutely necessary.

I remember several times in my life when I wanted certain things and it didn’t seem that anyone else was offering what I wanted, or making it available to me. In those moments I created what I wanted instead of waiting. One such instance took place as early as 4th grade. I wanted to perform in the theater and didn’t want to “audition,” so I wrote a screenplay from a book I’d read. I starred in and directed the production. My father helped me make the props and my grade school teacher supported the project. It was a great success as far as school attendance and the thrill of seeing my vision become a reality.

“i didn’t always know what i wanted to do, but i knew the kind of woman i wanted to be.” — diane von Furstenberg

ing class to be a part of, or host a themed cook-off and invite one other person who can invite another person and so on. You don’t have to know a lot of people to get things moving. If you don’t feel like you are interested in anything, you will have to experiment and try different things until you know for sure. Civic organizations are a great way to get involved in your community, make new friends and work on projects that can be personally rewarding. All roads lead somewhere, even if it’s to another road. You will pass people, places and things that you may not know existed before.

“i don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that i just lived the length of it. i want to have lived the width of it as well.” — diane Ackerman

There was a time in my life when I wanted more connection with other couples and opportunities for being social. I decided to start a Couples Dinner Club. We chose a different restaurant once a month. I started with just a couple people I knew and asked them to invite one or two other couples that they knew. It took the pressure off of me to gather all the people and it gave everyone else a chance to have other people there that they were already comfortable with. We all got to meet new friends this way. The group was different each month, depending on who could come. We got to experience new restaurants, make memories with new and familiar friends, play games and create a micro moment for our lives.

“do one thing every day that scares you.” — Eleanor roosevelt

Another thought is to create micro moments that can add up to the life you want. Moments are manageable and can deliver joy and satisfaction more quickly. Each successive life moment begins to build and add to the life you want. Ideally, you want everything you do to flow from one activity to the next. If your mindset is to separate all aspects of your life then it becomes more challenging to step out of one compartment and into another. Creating space between work, home, family, friends, church social activities and such puts unnecessary stress on your mind and spirit. It is difficult to juggle so many things. If you keep all areas of your life congruent—coinciding in harmony—you don’t have to “shut down” any parts of your life to be able to enjoy another.

“your life is a book; make it a bestseller.” — Shanon grey

What are micro moments? They can be the unexpected encounters with a friend or a chat with a stranger that give you a different perspective. Maybe you want to join a book club to meet people, but you only like a certain type of writing. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Start your own themed book club. You will draw other like-minded people to you. It doesn’t have to be a lot of people, just one or two. Maybe you wish you could cook? Find a cook-

These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about how you can have more of what you want. Don’t let fear and doubt keep you from living the life you dream of. There are people out there who want to meet you, who are interested in the things you like. Another quote I like is “those who I am seeking are seeking me.” Think about that. An employer is looking for someone like you to be a part of their team. There are customers who want to buy what you are selling. There is a person who longs to have a relationship with someone like you. There is an idea waiting to be discovered. Start creating micro moments to build your life with. One day you will look around you and realize that the little joys you experience each day are all part of the life you’ve dreamed of!

Jennifer durand is the owner and operator of The Nurture Nook day Spa & gift Shoppe; she is a certified Qigong and Breathe Empowerment instructor, a skin care and makeup specialist. visit nurturenook.com or facebook.com/nurturenookdayspa or by calling (615) 896-7110.