Local seniors acting troupe to present murder mystery this spring.
20 grundy day loop
Take in views of Blue Hole Falls and Black Canyon Cascades on scenic creekside hike.
26 sweet spots
Something satisfying awaits taste buds at Murfreesboro’s local bakeries.
28
del I c I oso!
Find tasty meals and fresh-baked treats at Three Mothers Cuisine & Bakery.
32
landf I ll f I ght
Republic Services continues effort to expand local landfill operations.
6 Events calendar Tennessee Tempo, Books n’ Brews, Lego Block Party, Special Kids Race, and more!
14 Sounds concerts MusIc notes
MTSU Illinois Jacquet Jazz Festival
Pam Tillis performs at Harvester Event Center albuM Richie Kirkpatrick
18 Art exhIbIt Mural timeline project
20 Living nature news Herons
Mr. Murfreesboro Cruising old Murfreesboro
30 News busIness buzz
Patina Unique Boutique, Playa Bowls, Paris Baguette, Three Mothers, Valvoline, Big Lots and more
33 Opinion constItutIon study
Librarians vs. the people’s representatives
free your chIldren
Their version of school choice tech talk Protecting your digital household educatIon
Work to improve children’s motor skills with easy tips
Money Matters Peace of mind through financial planning lIVIng . . . well! Status quo or status go?
WhAT A TiME TO bE ALivE—DOGE and government cutbacks, the rise of AI, genetically modified foods, the issue of making obscene materials available for children, men trying to play women’s sports and use women’s restrooms, cricket burgers, and SlamBall. Surely we’ll look back at this time as a golden age, the good ol’ days.
Take a hike! Step away from the politics and noise and wander around in the woods. As readers of the Pulse and its Explore Tennessee hiking series might imagine, I consider myself a huge proponent and fan of our city, state and national parks. The preservation of these beautiful lands is one of the greatest things the government has done in my life. I remain hopeful that the parks can remain where they are even if some of the staff members are cut.
Nature is still going to nature, no matter if there are government agents there to patrol, interpret and welcome others to it.
I strongly support free expression and the free press, also. However, one can simultaneously stand for free expression and for restricting what material children see in books, in movies, on the internet, in school and in person, and what a taxpayer-funded government library geared for 9-year-olds should contain. Some films have “R” ratings and age restrictions for legitimate reason, and likewise, for similar reasons (protecting the innocence of children and not subjecting minors to pornography) some materials should be left out of the collections of elementary and middle school libraries.
The issue of keeping overly violent, sexualized and obscene material out of children’s libraries isn’t necessarily a free-press issue. Authors and publishers can still print the books they want and have them available for sale, even if those curating libraries meant for children don’t choose to host them.
No one is telling authors, directors and publishers they can’t write or release certain things. Is anyone getting in trouble for publishing certain works? The discussion seems to be about curating government libraries meant for children with works suitable for their age.
The Mayos lost dear fluffy Jojo this past month. It is the end of an era; she was quite the puffy feline.
Life can change quickly. Everyone’s life arrives at the end of the line at some point.
Focus on the good things. We have basketball and bakeries, chess and chimichangas. And our parks. And we have SlamBall!
Find me at the MTSU basketball game on March 8, the Special Kids Race on the following Saturday, March 15, hopefully at Murfreesboro Community Chess at McAllister’s on Medical Center on one of these Fridays, and at Champy’s on the 20th at 5 p.m.
And surely at some point I’ll visit Avalon, Nacho’s, Valley Growers and other fine Pulse supporters throughout the month; plus we have the Boro BBQ Fest coming up in April.
Rejoice evermore! Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. —1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Peace, bracken Mayo
Publisher/Editor in Chief
iN EvEry iSSuE
march 6
n orth b oule Vard h osts g abe lyons
The School of Christian Thought, a ministry of North Boulevard Church of Christ, hosts speaker Gabe Lyons on Thursday, March 6. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and praise and worship will begin at 6:30 p.m. Lyons shares what his research has revealed about how teens and young adults view the world and faith, engaging, equipping and embracing the next generation. Lyons is the founder and President of THINQ, an organization that equips thought leaders to create conversations designed to lead to wisdom in every arena of society. He is also the host of the UnderCurrent podcast and cohost of Rhythms for Life podcast with his wife, Rebekah. As an author of multiple best-selling books and the founder of the annual Q Ideas Culture Summit, he is a respected voice for a new generation of Christians. This is a free event open to the public. North Boulevard Church of Christ is located at 1112 N. Rutherford Blvd. For information, call 615-893-1520 or visit schoolofchristianthought.com.
march 6 and 20
tales to taIls wIth bella Tales to Tails is a heartwarming library program at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) designed to combine the joy of reading with the therapeutic benefits of spending time with dogs. In this pawsome program, participants are invited to come to the library to read aloud to the friendly therapy dogs in a relaxed and supportive environment. Ten-minute slots are available on Thursdays March 6 and 20 between 3:00 and 4:30 p.m. Advanced registration is required; email smyrnays@ rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884.
march 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, March 6, (and April 3) from 4:30–6:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend and network. For more information, visit middlegroundbrew.com or find Middle Ground Brewing Company on Facebook.
ongoing
tennessee te M po football spr I ng season
The Tennessee Tempo Football Club, Murfreesboro’s professional soccer team competing in the United Premier Soccer League, will open its spring 2025 season on Saturday, March 22, with a 6 p.m. match against Pre-College Development Academy. The Tempo plays its home games at Siegel High School (3300 Siegel Rd.). Following the home opener, the Tempo will travel to Jackson, Tennessee, to take on the Jackson Boom on March 29. This season’s games in Murfreesboro also include:
April 5 vs. Bowling Green FC
April 26 vs. Southern Indiana FC
May 10 vs. Lexington SC
May 31 vs. Paul Depay FC
June 14 vs. Midwest Hooligans
(All at 6 p.m. and all at Siegel High School.) For more information on the Tennessee Tempo, find them on Facebook or visit tennesseetempofc.com.
march 7
poker for charIty nIght
Middle Ground Brewing hosts a Poker for Charity night on Friday, March 7. Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m. for players to get chips, order food and beverages, and get settled at a table. Games begin promptly at 7 p.m. Pre-purchased tickets are strongly encouraged to ensure a seat; purchase in the taproom or online. Net proceeds from tournament tickets sales will be donated to Mother to Mother, a charity for mothers in need (motherto mother.org). For more information, visit middlegroundbrew.com or find Middle Ground Brewing Company on Facebook.
march 7
wIne & whIskey at the wetlands
The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring (502 SE Broad St.) hosts its annual Wine & Whiskey at the Wetlands on Friday, March 7, from 6–8:30 p.m. A VIP experience from 5:30–7 p.m. offers premium wines, spirits and food pairings for an additional cost. All proceeds benefit the Discovery Center’s educational programming. Wine & Whiskey is for those 21 or older. Guests will have the opportunity to sample more than 150 wines, whiskeys and spirits provided by Stones River Total Beverages while enjoying a night of music and com-
munity. Food is available for purchase from Fatty Matty’s Pizza and Roscoe’s Smoked Bar-B-Que. The night also features a presentation from one of the Discovery Center’s educators, offering insight into the Murfree Spring Wetlands. Tickets are available at explorethedc.org and are $65 in advance, $70 at the door and $15 for designated drivers. VIP tickets are $125. To accommodate event preparations, the center will close early at 1 p.m. that day. For more information, email ljennings@ explorethedc.org or call 615-890-2300.
march 8
boro bolt 5k
The Boro Bolt 5K Run/Walk is hosted by the Junior League of Murfreesboro to benefit its Horizon Scholarship, awarded to a graduating senior woman from Rutherford County who has been accepted to attend the four-year college or university of her choice. The chip-timed 5K is Saturday, March 8, at 7 a.m. at The Gateway Island (1875 W College St.). For more information, find Boro Bolt 5K Run/Walk on Facebook, register on runsignup.com or call or text 615-804-6279.
march 8
teen adVIsory board
Teen Advisory Board, or T.A.B. for short, is open to anyone ages 13–18 who is interested in creating the change they would like to see in their library and their community at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.). T.A.B. meets on the second Saturday of every month from 2–3 p.m. to share ideas and information regarding the teen space, collection, programming and vision for the future. No advance registration is required. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884.
march 8
InternatIonal woMen’s day rIde
Celebrate International Women’s Day with a women-led ride starting at BumpusHarley Davidson of Murfreesboro (2250 NW Broad St.). This ride is open to all female riders and their supporters. Ride registration at 10 a.m. Kickstands up at
PHOTO COURTESy OF JOEL HARRIS / GLASS IMAGE PHOTOS
10:30 a.m. There will be live music, prize raffles and giveaways to win biker gear, food trucks, and vendors on site to shop for biker gear, apparel, accessories and more. For more information, call 615849-8025,
march 8
st. patrIck’s rIce crIspy treats decoratIng
Enjoy St. Patrick Irish-themed Rice Crispy Treats Decorating on Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. (or until the last treat is sold) at OFLOW (Overflow-Brews & Bakes, 115 N. Maple St.). This is a fun, family-friendly event for all ages. Everything is supplied to create the perfect St. Patrick Irish-themed rice crispy treats. To participate in decoration, the purchase of homemade rice crispy treats is required—1 for $5 or 3 for $10. For more information, find a St Patrick’s Rice Crispy Treats Decorating event page or Oflow (Overflow Brews and Bakes) on Facebook.
march 8
bookIn’ It: a walk and talk book club
Audiobooks are a great way to read. Listen to your audiobook, then talk about it on our walk around the library in Old Rock School Park (400 Enon Springs Rd. W., Smyrna). Check out an audiobook on CD or MP3 from the library, or visit Libby or Hoopla to find an e-Audiobook to listen to on Saturday, March 8, from noon–2 p.m. No registration is required. Themes will be released monthly. There is no cost to participate. Ages 13 and up are welcome. For more information, email smyref@rclstn.org.
march 8
JessIca Johnson book sIgnIng
Come out for this free author signing event at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) with Jessica Johnson to debut her first novel, Staying in the Light. This event is free and open to the public on Saturday, March 8, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884.
march 8
lawn & landscape weed scIence sessIon
Weeds are probably the most common pest of home lawns and landscapes. They compete with desirable plants for space, water and nutrients and can detract from their appearance. This free
march 10
deserVes Joy coMedy show
Kevin Page presents the Deserves Joy Comedy Show on Monday, March 10, at 7 p.m. at TailGate Brewery Murfreesboro (210 Stones River Mall Blvd.). Join for an evening of hilarious stand-up comedy, improv games and audience participation. Whether you’re a seasoned comedy fan or just looking for a fun night out, this event is sure to bring the laughs. There is no cost to attend. For more information, find “Deserves Joy Comedy Show • TailGate Brewery Murfreesboro” on Eventbrite or visit kevinpageishere.com.
two-hour session on Saturday, March 8 at 9 a.m. at the Lane Agri-Park Office Complex-Auditorium (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) will introduce you to the different types of weeds and tools that will help you identify them, and address various options for reducing weed populations. The session concludes with a walk around the outdoor turfgrass demonstration area to identify common weeds if weather permits. For more information, call 615-898-7710.
march 10
barbIe’s bIrthday
MoVIe MatInee
Celebrate Barbie’s birthday with a family movie matinee at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Monday, March 10, from 12:30–2:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend; ages 13 and up are welcome. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884.
march 10 and 24
lego block party
The Lego Block Party is a fun and engaging after-school program at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) designed for kids of all ages to expand their imaginations. This bi-weekly program, March 10 and 24 from 3:15–3:45 p.m., invites children to come together and build amazing creations using their collection of Lego bricks. All ages are welcome. Bring enthusiasm and creativity; no registration is needed (programs
for characters in several movies. He will speak about a “purpose-driven” life. For Andres Gonzalez, everything is about communicating and connecting. Whether he’s helping businesses with branding, sharing information to help the growing Hispanic population stay informed and engaged, or helping local businesses connect, Gonzalez’s faith and family are at the core of everything he does. He will share his God Story. A complimentary lunch will be provided by Lidia Oprean, prepared by Lidia and Jim Trasport of Budget Blinds of Murfreesboro. RSVP by emailing bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com
march 11
tennessee traIls assocIatIon MeetIng
close 10 minutes after start time). For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884.
march 11
lIchen hunt
Indicator species are great tools for communities to understand how ecosystems are doing. The more lichen that is around, the cleaner the air is to breathe. Learn how to identify and appreciate these species in addition to a staff-guided hike on Tuesday, March 11, from 10–11 a.m. at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Free and open to all ages. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 615-217-3017.
march 11
lIVIng sent MInIstrIes
The March 2025 Living Sent Murfreesboro meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at Wilson Bank & Trust (3110 Memorial Blvd.)
As a teenager, Ming Wang fought poverty and hardship in China and came to America with only $50. He later earned two doctorate degrees—one in laser physics and one in medicine—and graduated with the highest honors from Harvard Medical School and MIT. Dr. Wang holds two U.S. patents for his invention of amniotic membrane contact lenses, which have been used by tens of thousands of eye doctors around the world. He is an author, a musician and his story has been the inspiration
The Tennessee Trails Association’s monthly meeting of its Murfreesboro chapter is set for Tuesday, March 11, from 7–8 p.m. at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.). Chapter member Anna Lina Buckley will give a presentation showing the highlights of her April 2024 trip to The Harz Mountains and Harz National Park in northern Germany. For more information, visit tennesseetrails.org
march 11 and 25
boro books n’ brews
Boro Books n’ Brews is a book club that meets at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, March 11 and 25, at Middle Ground Brewing Company (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.). For more information, visit middlegroundbrew.com
march 13
fInancIal lIteracy 101
Come out to the Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Thursday, March 13, from 2–4 p.m. for a Financial Literacy 101 provided by PNC Bank. This event is free and open to the public. you do not have to have a bank account and you will not be pressured to open a bank account. This is a great program for anyone wanting to have more financial stability in their life. No advance registration is required. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884.
march 15
buMpus/cIty
streets car show
Come see what’s bumpin’ at Bumpus. TN Craft Butcher and Bumpus-Harley Davidson of Murfreesboro host City Streets Car Show on March 15 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Bumpus Harley Davidson (2250 NW Broad St.). There will be
CONTiNuEd ON PAgE 8
cars, motorcycles, live music, TN Craft Butcher and KOBO (coffee and sweets) food trucks, Spin the wheel for a chance to win prizes. For more information, call 615-849-8025.
march 15
3d prInt orIentatIon
The Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) hosts an introductory 3D print orientation on Saturdays March 1 and 15, from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Class size is limited to four patrons per class. Advanced registration is required; ages 13 and up are welcome. Secure a spot by emailing smyrna3dprint@rclstn.org.
march 15
tennessee tree day 2025
Tennessee Tree Day will be held on Saturday, March 15, at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd., in the Barn Area). Order your trees today and pick them up at the event. Don’t miss out on your favorite selection. The trees are yours to plant on your own property and will enhance the environment and communities for generations to come! For more information, visit tectn.org/tennesseetreeday.html
march 15
lInebaugh hosts local author JaMes greMlI
Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) is pleased to host local author James Gremli for a book signing on Saturday, March 15, from 2–4 p.m. Gremli is a Murfreesboro local and lifelong entrepreneur. He will be signing copies of his newest book, A Route 66 Tale: Carrying on the Tradition. Originally from Rockland County, New york, Gremli has built a career out of motivating others to find their strength and embrace their potential. Known for his Rise Above series, including Unleashing Your Inner Confidence and Manifesting Great Things in Your Life, Gremli’s work focuses on personal empowerment and growth. Join him as he shares stories that inspire and encourage life’s journey forward. Books will be available for purchase. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-893-4131.
march 15
Intro to tInkercad
Learn how to design your own 3D printables at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Saturdays March 1 and 15 from 12:30–1:30 p.m. This is not a 3D printer class or orientation, but a great way to better understand Tinkercad before (or after) you take the orientation.
march 15
specIal kIds race
The Special Kids Race is set for Saturday, March 15, with new race experiences for all athletes for 2025. Run, walk or roll race distances of 15K, 10K or 5K, all with new course routes. The 10K and 15K athletes will run to the Stones River National Battlefield Visitor Center, followed by one loop through the National Battlefield itself. The 15K runners will then separate to make their way west into the Park Drive neighborhood and back to Old Nashville Highway to head home. The 10K athletes will return via the Cotton Field Trail on McFadden Lane. The 5K athletes will run to the Stones River National Battlefield Visitor Center and back, via the Cotton Field Trail, before heading to the finish line via Old Nashville Highway. All courses will start and finish at the Murfreesboro Medical Clinic on Garrison Drive. In addition to the race, there will be a fun zone, refreshments, a family fun run and activities for all ages. For more information or to register, visit specialkidsrace. com; learn more about the Special Kids organization at specialkidstn.com.
The recommended age for this event is 13 and up; any library patron under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required; for more information, email smyrna3dprint@rclstn.org
march 15
nashVIlle opera at sMyrna lIbrary
Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) is thrilled to welcome Nashville Opera on Tour and their presentation of Goldie B Locks and the Three Singing Bears on Saturday, March 15 at 11 a.m. There is no cost to attend (but no late entry permitted). This is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy a unique and entertaining performance while fostering a love for the arts in children. No advance registration is required. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884.
march 15
all ages crafternoon
Come out to Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on March 15 and every third Saturday of the month from
Shine ‘er up and drive ‘er in at the Cedar Glade Brews (906 Ridgely Rd.) classic car cruise-in on Sunday, March 16, from 1–4 p.m. Car-ticipants get a free CGB pint (1 per car). Stick around for trivia at 5 p.m. There is no sign-up required and no cost to participate. For more information, visit cedargladebrews.com or find the CGB Classic Car Cruise-In event on Facebook.
march 18
bapen networkIng
Business and Professional Events for Networking (BAPEN) meets at Steak ’n Shake Murfreesboro (2091 Old Fort Pkwy.) on March 4 and 18, and Tuesday, April 1 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The idea behind the free networking group, which meets every other Tuesday throughout the year, is for small business owners and sales professionals to share ideas and leads and to help attendees’ businesses grow. For more information, find a Rutherford BAPEN group on Facebook.
march 17–19
shakIng It up! the lIfe and tIMes of lIz
carpenter
12:30–1:30 p.m. for Crafternoon. Express your creativity through arts and crafts. Some months will have a pre-planned craft and some months will be free-form. This is geared toward children but all ages are welcome. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884.
march 15
IrIsh-theMed hIgh tea
Reservations are now open for the Irishthemed high tea party at at OFLOW (Overflow-Brews & Bakes, 115 N. Maple St.) on Saturday, March 15, with a 1 p.m. seating. Enjoy 90 minutes of high tea service with fresh, scratch-made pastries and a selection of freshly brewed tea leaves. Select Irish-themed sweet and savory pastries will be available. For reservations and more information, find an event page for “OFLOW High Tea Party – Irish Theme” or Oflow (Overflow Brews and Bakes) on Facebook.
march 16
cedar glade classIc car cruIse-In
Documentary filmmaker Christy Carpenter will be “shaking it up” at MTSU with a talk about her mother, legendary journalist and activist Liz Carpenter, on Wednesday, March 19, at 2:30 p.m. in Room 106 of the Paul W. Martin Honors Building (1737 Blue Raider Dr.). Carpenter made significant strides in journalism and politics, serving as executive assistant to then-Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, the first woman to win that position. When Johnson became president, she served as a spokesperson for the White House as Lady Bird Johnson’s press secretary and confidant. Shaking It Up! The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter, will be screened on Monday, March 17, at 12:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, March 18, at 1 p.m. in the Honors College, Room 106, prior to Carpenter’s talk. All of these events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit jac.mtsu.edu/nwhm
march 20
personal safety & VIolence preVentIon
Liberty’s Station and Amelia’s Closet host an exclusive Personal Safety and Violence Prevention event featuring nationally recognized personal safety expert Barb Jordan on Thursday, March 20, from 6–8 p.m. at Liberty’s Station (850 NW Broad St.). With a decorated softball career as a former collegiate
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All-American and national champion as well as seven-time gold medalist as a USA Softball team member and coach, Jordan has leveraged her experiences to become a leading voice in situational awareness and violence prevention. Planned topics include: Keys for Awareness, Sexual Assault Prevention, Identifying Charm and Manipulation, Gas Station and Parking Lot Safety, Trusting your Intuition and more. There is no charge to attend. Pre-registration is required at zeffy.com/ticketing/stay-safebe-vigilant. For more information, visit alwaysbev.com or call 805-217-1343.
march 20
the connectIon at chaMpy’s
Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken will host the March 2025 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, March 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.
march 20
wrItten word
Written Word is a welcoming and inspiring writing group that meets on the third Thursday (March 20) of every month at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Whether you’re an experienced writer, a curious beginner, or somewhere in between, this group is for anyone passionate about the art of storytelling, poetry, journaling or creative expression. Ages 18 and up are welcome. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615459-4884.
march 21
deMentIa caregIVer conference
Caregivers of loved ones with dementia can receive education and support at this conference, hosted by We Remember you. The event features a video of caregiving and a panel of dementia experts for your interaction and resources to care for your family on Friday, March 21, at First United Methodist Church (265 W. Thompson Ln.). Sign in from
10 * March 2025 * boropulse.com
march 24
Murfreesboro chess lunch
Who wants to play a game of chess? Come out to Carmen’s Taqueria (206 W. Northfield Blvd.) from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Monday, March 24, for chess, cheese dip and chimichangas. Community members interested in gathering and networking with other area chess enthusiasts to play and discuss chess, promoting the game of chess locally, sharing ideas on how chess can benefit others, or involving their business in chess events and tournaments can come to a Murfreesboro Chess Lunch the fourth Monday of each month at Carmen’s. For more information, find an event page for Murfreesboro Chess Lunch on Facebook, email bracken@boropulse.com or text/call 615-796-6248.
8–8:30 a.m. with the conference from 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. There is no cost for caregivers. For more information or to register, visit werememberyoucg.org, email werememberyou@gmail.com or call 615-801-5570.
march 21
MIddle ground coMedy showcase
Middle Ground Brewing Co. (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.) presents a comedy showcase on Friday, May 21, at 8 p.m., hosted by Mallory Brandon. For more information, visit middlegroundbrew.com or find Middle Ground Brewing Company on Facebook.
march 22
noVel nerds
The Novel Nerds book club will meet at noon on Saturday, March 22, at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) This month, discuss The Women by Kristin Hannah. Do you consider yourself an avid reader? Do you read across multiple genres? Do you love the library? If you answered yes to any or all of these three questions, you may be a “Novel Nerd.” The group meets monthly at noon in the Smyrna Conference Room and there is a virtual option if you cannot attend in person. Ages 18 and up are welcome. Email smyref@rclstn.org for more details.
march 22
self-care saturday
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of self-care on Saturday, March 22, at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) from 2–4 p.m. Watch a movie, color, craft and enjoy some tasty treats. Bring your favorite fruity candy to make candy salad and wear comfy clothes or even PJs. This event is sponsored by the Teen Advisory Board and is a great opportunity for local teens to de-stress and take care of their mental wellbeing. Ages 13–18 are welcome. For more information, visit rclstn. org or call 615-459-4884.
march 22
saturday story tIMe
Meet at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) every fourth Saturday at 3 p.m. for the new Saturday Story Time. Bring the family, enjoy story time and all the library has to offer. There is no cost to participate and advance registration is not required. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884.
march 22
battle of the bands
Local bands vie to be the best bands rockin’ that night at The Washington Theatre (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) on Saturday, March 22 at 7 p.m.
Visit murfreesborotn.gov/2637 for more information or call 615-893-7439.
march
24
hooked on yarn
This is a space for any fiber crafter—crochet, knitting, embroidery, etc.—to work on projects and talk with other artists. Supplies will be provided, but you can also bring your own supplies. This event meets every fourth Monday in the Conference Room at the Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) from 4–5 p.m. Ages 18 and up are welcome. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884.
march 26
rutherford county Jeep crew
The Rutherford County Jeep Crew has a meet-up at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, at Middle Ground Brewing Company (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.). All Jeepers are welcome. For more information, visit middlegroundbrew.com.
march 28
after hours gaMe nIght
Enjoy a “knight” full of chess and good fun at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Friday, March 28, from 5:30–7 p.m. Chess will be the focus of the March After Hours Game Night. Bring your own board to play, or use one of the library’s. “Kings,” “Queens” and “Rookies,” ages 18 and up, are all welcome. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-4594884.
march 28
MIgratIon Madness
Bring your binoculars and curiosity and meet at Murfree Spring Wetland playground (460 SE Broad St.) on Friday, March 28, at 10 a.m. for a birdwatching program that celebrates the amazing migratory patterns of our feathered friends.
march 28
4th frIday fun*workIng
The monthly “fun working” event at Spread the Positive (906 Ridgely Rd.) is held the fourth Friday of every month from 5–7 p.m., presented by Reed and Associates of Primerica and Spread the Positive. The event is focused on shining a light on what’s going right and highlighting businesses making a positive impact in the community. Each month the event features a live podcast with local busi-
ON PAgE 11
nesses and community leaders as well as networking and conversations, on and off the air, in and around the STP studio. There will be a food truck on site, so grab a drink and a bite while you connect with the best in the ’Boro. For more information, find 4th Friday Fun*Working on Facebook.
march 28
SeiNfelD trIVIa
Nerdy Talk Trivia will host a special Seinfeld trivia night at Middle Ground Brewing Company (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.) at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 28. Visit middlegroundbrew.com or find Middle Ground Brewing Co. on Facebook for more information.
march 29
begInnIng leatherworks
Wanting to try your hand at a new craft? Learn how to stamp and dye leather at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Saturday, March 29, at 1 p.m. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Visit murfreesborotn.gov/1783 for more information.
march 29
natIonal take a walk In the park day
When was the last time you took a stroll in the park? Enjoy the warming spring weather and celebrate National “Take a Walk in the Park Day” by walking Barfield Crescent Park’s paved Marshall Knob Trail (697 Veterans Pkwy.) on Saturday, March 29, from sunrise to sunset. Along the trail will be a selfguided tour of Barfield Crescent Park’s history and interesting facts about the wildlife at this park.
march 31
faMIly MoVIe
Bring your favorite movie snacks and
join for a family movie featuring a wild robot at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Monday, March 31, from 10 a.m.–noon. All ages are welcome. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884.
april 5
greenhouse MInIstrIes prayer MeetIng
Pray for the community and the nation for an hour on Saturday, April 5 (and the first Saturday of each month), at Greenhouse Ministries (307 S. Academy St.) from 8–9 a.m. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ESV – “16 Rejoice Always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you.” For more information, visit greenhousemin.org
april 5
sprIng open house at cannonsburgh VIllage
Learn more about historic Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) at the Spring Open House on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. There will be live music, clogging, family crafting, food trucks and more. Murfreesboro Art League, Rutherford County Blacksmith Association and the Stones River Car Club will also be on hand with displays and demonstrations. Come out and walk the grounds at a slower pace reminiscent of days gone by. Free and open to all ages. For more information, call 615-890-0355 or email mbnevills@ murfreesboro.gov
april 5
frIends of sMyrna lIbrary fun run
Friends of Smyrna Library (FOSL) hosts its third annual Run to Read Fun Run on Saturday, April 5, at the J.J. CONTiNuEd ON PAgE 12
McWilliams Old Rock School Park, outside of the Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd., W.) from 9–11 a.m. (registration at 8:30 a.m.). The event is free and open to all ages. The day offers prizes for the most laps completed by children and adult runners. The event kicks off National Library Week. This year’s theme is Alice in Wonderland, with potential sightings of book characters and an ice cream truck on site for a post-run treat. Activities under the pavilion will give non-runners something to do in the shade while the more competitive complete more laps. Runners may purchase a Tshirt or register for no charge at foslr2r. com. For more information, find Friends of Smyrna Library on Facebook.
april 12
butterfly festIVal
Walk through the greenhouse and enjoy the unforgettable experience of being surrounded by 2,000 butterflies at the Butterfly Festival sponsored by Learning Zone at Hop Springs (6790 John Bragg Hwy.) on Saturday, April 12, from 2–8 p.m. The event also consists of over 150 vendors, hot air balloon rides, firework show, train rides, petting zoo, reptile bus interaction, face painting, live music, food trucks and more. For more information, visit brianna-victory-events.com and find “Upcoming Evens” or email briannavictoryevents@gmail.com.
ongoing
step Into art
The Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St.) continues to host a traveling art exhibit, “Framed: Step into Art.” This exhibit provides visitors with an opportunity to explore interactive environments inspired by famous paintings and will be on display through May 11. This is a traveling exhibit created by the Minnesota Children’s Museum. Visitors can engage with iconic works of art by stepping into immersive environments based on famous paintings. The exhibit features activities centered around iconic works including: Diego Rivera’s “Corn Festival,” Clementine Hunter’s “Big Chicken” and Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.” This exhibit is included with general admission and is free for museum members. For more information, visit explorethedc.org or call 615-890-2300.
ongoing
f3 workouts
F3—which stands for fitness, fellowship and faith—holds free, outdoor, peer-led
12 * March 2025 * boropulse.com
workouts for men across the country. The free weekly workout sessions welcome all men and always end with a “circle of trust,” emphasizing the group’s commitment to faith. In Murfreesboro, F3 holds workouts on the Murfreesboro Public Square at 5 a.m. on Tuesdays; at Oakland Middle School (853 Dejarnette Ln.) at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesdays; at the Murfreesboro Medical Clinic/Gateway Island parking lot (1272 Garrison Dr.) at 5 a.m. on Thursdays; and at Old Fort Park (201 Golf Ln., at the north entrance parking lot) at 6 a.m. on Saturdays. In Smyrna, F3 meets for workouts at Cedar Grove Elementary (354 Chaney Rd., Smyrna) at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesdays; at Thurman Francis Arts Academy (221 Todd Ln., Smyrna) at 5:30 a.m. on Thursdays; and at Stewarts Creek High School (301 Red Hawk Pkwy., Smyrna) at 6 a.m. on Saturdays. The group meets every week, rain or shine, hot or cold. For more information, visit f3murfreesboro.com.
mondays
Monday nIght hIstory
The Patriot Institute presents free Monday Night History classes every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. at Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken (1290 NW Broad St.).
The instructor, Galen Walker, formed The Patriot Institute in 2015 and has taught Monday Night History at various locations ever since. Classes started back with the Greek City-States, have progressed through Greece, Rome, the Middle Ages, the Pilgrims, the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis and Clark Expedition and other topics. Monday Night History will continue exploring the history of money in March. Visit thepatriotinstitute.org or find The Patriot Institute on Facebook for more information.
mondays
technology coach
Bring your phone, tablet and laptop questions to our volunteer Technology Coach and they will help work out the answers on Mondays at 1 p.m. at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.). For more information, visit rclstn.org.
mondays & tuesdays
sIlly song and dance
Join Ms. Nicole for Silly Song and Dance
Mondays at 10 a.m. at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.)
Mondays and Tuesdays in March from 10–11 a.m. This is an exciting high-energy program for all ages. Songs are geared for toddlers and preschoolers to stretch, dance and sing. Learn about shapes,
Fridays
Murfreesboro coMMunIty chess
Murfreesboro Community Chess meets at McAlister’s Deli (2357 Medical Center Pkwy.) every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Organizers invite those of all ages and skill levels to this casual chess meetup each week. Those attending may bring a board and a clock if they can, but there should be plenty of supplies on hand.
colors, letters and numbers while singing and dancing. For the March 17 story time, wear green. Adult participation is encouraged. Programs close at 10 minutes after start time. All ages are welcome. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884.
tuesdays
old-tIMe JaM sessIons at cannonsburgh
Get those fingers moving and join in the jam sessions on Tuesdays in March (March 4, 11, 18, 25) from 1–2 p.m. in the Lions Club building at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). Bring your own instrument and enjoy an afternoon of sharing old-time music. Free and open to all ages with no reservations required. Spectators welcome. For more information, call 615-801-2606.
tuesdays
paJaMa story tIMe
Join Pajama Story Time at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) Tuesday evenings from 6–6:30 p.m. Children are encouraged to come dressed in their coziest pajamas and bring a stuffed animal friend as we listen to stories, sing songs, and have lots of fun. Programs close 10 minutes after start time. No advance registration is required; all ages are welcome. For more information,
visit rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884.
Wednesdays
weaVIng & watercolor
The Murfreesboro Art League will be demonstrating their talents every Wednesday in March (March 5, 12, 19, 26) from 10 a.m.–noon at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). Be sure to stop by their gallery and check out this talented group. Free and open to all ages. For more information, call 615-801-2606.
Wednesdays
all ages story tIMe
Come out to Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) for All Ages Story Time to read stories, sing songs, and play fun games to enhance early literacy on Wednesdays in March (5, 12 and 26) from 10–11 a.m. Programs close 10 minutes after start time. All ages are welcome. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884.
Wednesdays
sIght word snack attack
Sight Word Snack Attack is held at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W) on Wednesdays from 3:15–3:45 p.m. Children are given a snack and water, and then play a round of Sight Word Bingo. Children can choose from a variety of fun
CONTiNuEd ON PAgE 13
sight word games to play. This activity is geared toward ages preschool-3rd grade; adult participation is highly recommended. Sight words are common words that kids recognize instantly without sounding them out. Recognizing words by sight helps kids become faster, more fluent readers. This school year focuses on 10 words at a time from the Fry Sight Word list. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615459-4884.
Wednesdays
sound healIng sessIons
Sound healing is a therapeutic practice that utilizes sound frequencies to promote relaxation, meditation and overall well-being. By employing various instruments, such as singing bowls, chimes, drums and other instruments, sound healing aims to balance the body’s energy, reduce stress and enhance emotional clarity. This practice has been shown to facilitate deep states of relaxation, which can lead to improved mental clarity, pain relief and a heightened sense of connection to oneself. Engaging in sound healing sessions often helps individuals achieve a meditative state, promoting introspection and emotional healing while fostering a sense of peace and tranquility. Presently, these Deep Diver Single Sessions are Wednesdays March 12, 19 and 26, and April 2, at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. To register and for more information, visit berkeleycreativecompany.com and find “Events.” Use the code “Pulse” to get $10 off registration.
thursdays
basIc coMputer usage
Basic computer usage classes, designed to teach attendees about computer usage and the tools needed to succeed at technology, are held every Thursday from 5–6 p.m. at Smyrna Public Library
(400 Enon Springs Rd. W.). The recommended age for this event is 13 and up. Any library patron under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an official guardian. No advance registration is required. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-459-4884.
Fridays
c3 networkIng
C3 is an open networking group for local business professionals at Achieve Entrepreneur and CoWorking Center (1630 S. Church St.) held on Fridays from 8:30–10:30 a.m. The mission is to build relationships, connect local businesses with potential clients and support each other’s growth. Coffee and snacks are provided. For more information, find Prohibition Home Brewing on Facebook.
saturdays
coffee & conVersatIon
The Rutherford County Historical Society has been preserving and promoting Murfreesboro’s 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 morning from 9 a.m.–noon at the Ransom School House Museum (717 N. Academy St.). This is a very informal, fun and informative event. Bring old photos or questions about the past to ask members, and enjoy free coffee and donuts. For more information, visit rutherfordtnhistory.org
sundays
coffee/breakfast
wIth a Veteran
All are welcome to join local veterans for coffee or breakfast and conversation on Sunday mornings from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Joanie’s, located on the Public Square in downtown Murfreesboro. mp
concerts
Live Music in M idd L e tennessee
Wed, 3/5
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Jeff Lysyczyn
MTsu w righT Music Building
Daniel Kuk
t hurs, 3/6
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Carson Mac
h ank’s h onky Tonk
Michael & Black
MTsu w righT Music Building
SOAL/TEBA Chorales
Fri, 3/7
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Kyle Elliott; Silent Ruckus
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
h appy’s s por T s l ounge
BlueAshes
h eroes d en
The Fog
h igh s ocie T y
The Bar Tabs
Jack’s p lace
Tony Castellanos
MTsu w righT Music Building
Tom Naylor Competition; Aaron Goff and Brent
Webb; William Hicks
p ucke TT ’s
Karli & James
sM yrna VF w p os T 8422
Shane & the Money Makers
T n c ra FT Bu T cher
Danny Martin
w oods V iking Bar B ershop
Jeff Lysyczyn
s at, 3/8
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Kevin Wolf; Eden Storm
Fron T sT ree T p u B
Milford Academy
g rinds T one c ow B oy
Darryl and Julie O'Donnell
h ank’s h onky Tonk
Nathan Belt
h appy’s s por T s l ounge
Southbound Crows
h eroes d en
Dueling Pianos; The Revenue Man
p ucke TT ’s
LynnMarie & E3
s un, 3/9
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Will Paustian
h ank’s h onky Tonk
The O’Donnells
h op s prings
Da Jam Band
m on, 3/10
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Brittany Evers
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
sM yrna VF w p os T 8422
Randy and Friends
t ues, 3/11
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Pepper Brooks
Wed, 3/12
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Bronwen Fair
t hurs, 3/13
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Glenn Brown
h ank’s h onky Tonk
Nick Smith
Fri, 3/14
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Vinyl Four
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
h ank’s h onky Tonk
Robert Abernathy;
Marissa Luna
h appy’s s por T s l ounge
Stovetop Rhythm & Blues
h ar V es T er eV en T c en T er
Randy Steele and High Cold Wind; Wild Bill and the Bruisers
h eroes d en
Phil Valdez
Jack’s p lace
Tony Castellanos p ucke TT ’s
Troy Kemp
sM yrna VF w p os T 8422
Shane & the Money Makers
T n c ra FT Bu T cher
Aaron Raitiere
s at, 3/15
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Mad Dog Smith & Animal
Control; Tony Castellanos
c edar g lade Brews
Stones River Revival
g rinds T one c ow B oy
Open Mic Night
h ank’s h onky Tonk
Sara Simmons; Kevin Key
h appy’s s por T s l ounge
Top Tier
h eroes d en
Mark & Tim
Middle g round Brewing c o.
Lisa Law Trio
p ucke TT ’s
Golden Soul Revue
s easons o F Mur F rees B oro 2
Jeff Lysyczyn
The Boro Bar & g rill
Steady Rotation
s un, 3/16
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Natalie Williams
h ank’s h onky Tonk
Tawnya Reynolds
h op s prings
Da Jam Band
Middle g round Brewing c o.
Muddy Boots
MTsu w righT Music Building
Middle Tennessee
Sinfonietta; Sam O'Hare
m on, 3/17
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Jace Craddock;
Scott Hogue
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
c edar g lade Brews
Secret Commonwealth
h igh s ocie T y
The Bar Tabs
sM yrna VF w p os T 8422
Randy and Friends
t ues, 3/18
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Eden Storm
MTsu w righT Music Building
Tim Hagen
Wed, 3/19
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Gray Daniels
MTsu w righT Music Building
Guest Clarinet Recital
t hurs, 3/20
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Dueling Pianos
g rinds T one c ow B oy
Richie McDonald
h ank’s h onky Tonk
Zach Neil & Dale Clear
MTsu w righT Music Building
Saxophone Studio Recital
Fri, 3/21
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Tony Hartman; Carson Mac Band
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
h eroes d en
Roland Justice
Jack’s p lace
Tony Castellanos
MTsu w righT Music Building
Lillian Warren; Erin Seifert
p ucke TT ’s
Cade Ortego &
The Mood Swings
sM yrna VF w p os T 8422
Shane & the Money Makers
T n c ra FT Bu T cher
Tyson Leeman
s at, 3/22
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Jack Finley; C.J. Conklin
Fron T sT ree T p u B
Jeff Lysyczyn
h appy’s s por T s l ounge
JILLfm
h eroes d en
Blake Esse
Middle g round Brewing c o.
Tony Hartman
MTsu w righT Music Building
Flute / Clarinet Day; Christina Vongsiharath oF low
Tallie; Josie James p ucke TT ’s
Kristy Cox
The Boro Bar & g rill
Sedona
s un, 3/23
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Rob Major Trio
h op s prings
Da Jam Band
MTsu w righT Music Building
Tuba Equinox; Tom Naylor Competition
The Boro Bar & g rill
Chunder; The Norse; Grizzly Ironside
m on, 3/24
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Trey James
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
MTsu w righT Music Building
Stones River Chamber
Players
sM yrna VF w p os T 8422
Randy and Friends
t ues, 3/25
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Kaleb Scherer
MTsu w righT Music Building
Schola Cantorum
Wed, 3/26
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Scott Hogue
h ank’s h onky Tonk
Zach Neil & Dale Clear
MTsu s aunders Fine a rTs
Music Industry Collective (MIC)
MTsu w righT Music Building
Katherine Beatty
t hurs, 3/27
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Shannon McCue Trio
h ank’s h onky Tonk
Nick Smith
MTsu w righT Music Building
Ethan Morrell
Fri, 3/28
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Vagabond Train; Nick Ray
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn h eroes d en
Phil Valdez
Jack’s p lace
Tony Castellanos
MTsu s aunders Fine a rTs
Jazz Clinic with Miguel Zenon; Jazz Clinic with John Raymond
MTsu w righT Music Building
Ryder Smith; Haylee Casper p ucke TT ’s
The Heels
sM yrna VF w p os T 8422
Shane and the Money Makers
T n c ra FT Bu T cher
The Singing Barber w oods V iking Bar B ershop
Jeff Lysyczyn
s at, 3/29
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Southbound Crows; Tony Castellanos g rinds T one c ow B oy
Micaiah Sawyer h ank’s h onky Tonk
Tawnya Reynolds h appy’s s por T s l ounge
Down South Band h eroes d en
Jim Seekamp
MTsu w righT Music Building
Illinois Jacquet Festival p ucke TT ’s
Joe West Trio
The p rin T s hop
Jeff Lysyczyn
s un, 3/30
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Landon Talley h op s prings
Da Jam Band
MTsu w righT Music Building
Nadgir Piano Studio; Abigail Miller; Will King
The Boro Bar & g rill
Joey Fletcher
m on, 3/31
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Nick Bentley
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
sM yrna VF w p os T 8422
Randy and Friends
t ues, 4/1
MTsu w righT Music Building
Percussion Ensemble
Concert
Wed, 4/2
h ar V es T er eV en T c en T er
Pam Tillis; Phillip Lammonds
HOUR DAILY, 2–6 P.M.
Sounds music note
M ts U Ill I no I s Jacq U et Jazz Fest I val Welco M es s axophon I st M I g U el z enón March 29
ThE ANNuAL MTSu iLLiNOiS JACquET
JAzz FESTivAL celebrates jazz music and education. Held this year on Saturday, March 29, the day-long festival will feature a packed slate of jazz at MTSU, which has a connection to legendary swing saxophonist Illinois Jacquet, as his daughter has endowed the university with funds for a scholarship.
This year’s festival will include a performance by alto saxophonist and composer Miguel Zenón, known for his deep knowledge and incorporation of Puerto Rican folk and dance music traditions. “He is a virtuoso saxophone player, and I look forward to getting to know him a little bit,” says Jamey Simmons, director of jazz studies at MTSU, as he prepares to participate in Zenón’s performance. “It’s challenging me.”
Zenón, who won a 2024 Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album for his El Arte Del Bolero Vol. 2 release, will perform with the university’s big band as well as in a small group setting.
The festival honors the legacy of tenor saxophonist/band leader Illinois Jacquet, who rose to prominence in the 1940s with the big bands of
Count Basie and Lionel Hampton.
The festival includes a full day of clinics and concerts, showcasing players from middle schoolers to MTSU students and faculty performers to pros.
The highlight of the day will be a 5:30 p.m. concert featuring Zenón joining the MTSU Jazz Ensemble I held in the Hinton Hall of the MTSU Wright Music Building. Earlier in the day, Zenón will lead a 3:30 p.m. clinic, also in the Hinton Hall.
The fest kicks off with ensemble performances at 8:30 a.m. A jazz jam session begins at 10 a.m. and at 2:15 p.m. jazz faculty will conduct a Q&A session—The Art of Small Group Jazz Performance—among other activities. All events occur in the Wright and Saunders music buildings on the MTSU campus.
Evening concert tickets are free for MTSU students, faculty and staff and $10 for the general public.
For more details on the March 29 illinois Jacquet Jazz Festival and the MTSu jazz program, visit music.mtsu.edu/jazzfest or contact Jamey Simmons at james.simmons@mtsu.edu or 615898-2724.
sWay I n’ lI ke a t ennessee lU llaby: pa M tI ll I s to hI t sMI thv I lle’s h arvester on a pr I l 2
COuNTry MuSiC FANS can experience an evening with Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Pam Tillis at the Harvester Event Center in downtown Smithville on Wednesday, April 2.
With a career spanning decades, Tillis soulfully sang of Southern summer nights on her 1991 hit “Maybe It Was Memphis” and continues to captivate audiences.
“In many ways this part of my career is more fun because it feels like the pressure’s off,” says Tillis, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. “I feel much more relaxed and I can just enjoy the journey a little bit more.”
Phillip Lammonds kicks off the night at 6 p.m. before Pam Tillis takes the stage at 7:30 p.m.
Darius Rucker and Pam Tillis both made guest vocal appearances on Lammonds’ 2024 release Cowboy Things, an album that also contains a song co-written with legendary actor Bill Murray. Harvester Performance and Event Center is located at 206 W. Main St., Smithville. For tickets to the Wednesday, April 2, show find Pam Tillis at the Harvester in Downtown Smithville on Eventbrite or visit bertdriver.com/event-calendar for more information.
& Gold
It’ll soon be 20 years since the release of Richie Kirkpatrick’s 2005 Ghostfinger album These Colors Run. Following a move to Nashville about a decade ago, the post-Ghostfinger solo endeavors continue for the alt-country/rock frontman/madman—well known in the local house show scene—with his third full length album, Silver & Gold, out of Mountain Lion Island Records, to kick off his and his band’s second decade in Nashville.
He’s not writing it for a girl or anything; Kirkpatrick seemingly wrote the album to, and about, alcoholism, and to himself in its grips, after organ failure due to addiction. The kicker is, he’s performing the material on the other side of health and sobriety, after its release, ironically creating a healing factor and a dichotomy between pre- and post-sobriety. This guy’s fascination with absurdity came full circle since Ghostfinger.
effect-laden electric guitar work still to come.
The autobiographical title track seemingly references development and motivation in Richie’s life in Nashville: Now, I know you’re lucky, so along a path to greatness, but you gotta pay up . . . / Because you know these city lights are all silver and gold
If there’s a song on this album talking to the nature of alcoholism, “Take Another Piece of My Heart”—a garage-rager with up-tempo bass thumps and matching tom percussion—is it. You did a lot of time dreaming / You did it all by yourself / Try to focus and believe it / You ain’t the only one bleeding, now, bleeding out. Plus, there’s some great guitar work, tone and mixing on there.
“Disco Tears” stands out as the single of the album, a slow-march disco ballad about the changing of the vanguard and winding down. It’s a good time to be alone / It’s a good time to face the fact that you’ll never be alone highlights an ongoing theme throughout Richie Kirkpatrick’s career, before hitting the epic-est of Silver & Gold’s freedom-rock empowerment choruses, followed by a funky, soulful blip of a guitar solo.
In the vein of a roadhouse Tom Petty or Bruce Springsteen runner, “All for You,” echoey and canny, party-chants You keep the peace / You keep the groove / There’s something you keep in your attitude / It’s in a lot of the things you say / It’s in a lot of the things you do, before Richie humbly sings I think about running away, I think about telling the truth / It’s all for you . . . It’s something you gotta do Nashville bassist Ben Garner, Silver & Gold producer and guitarist Joe McMahan and drummer Jeff Ehlinger (who also serves as Cage the Elephant’s drum tech) accompanied Ri¢hie on the release, along with some floating side musicians (Jonathon Shoemaker, Doni Schroeder, and others).
Lyrically, Silver & Gold stands as an homage to a life left behind, but Richie’s skill for creating party-banger rock anthems still carry us along for a ride, as the record opens with a catchy, dream-like, bongo drum machine leading into a folksy-sounding acoustic guitar strum before blasting into the stellar,
This album was reviewed and listened to on cassette tape; Silver & Gold can also be found across the icons at Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music and iHeart, and on Ri¢hie’s distrokid, where the cassette releases can be found as well. As always, the album streams 24/7 at richiekirkpatrick.band camp.com/album/silver-gold. For more information and live performance dates, follow Ri¢hie Kirkpatrick @sweetbabyrichie on Instagram, and @Richie Kirkpatrick on Facebook. — bryce harMon
Art
s eniors a ctin G
u p
Local seniors acting troupe to present murder mystery this spring by l aura lI ndsay
ThiS SPriNg, local theater ensemble
Seniors Acting Up will present the comedy mystery A Plot of Murder. Seniors Acting Up—a group of actors and actresses, directors and stage crew, all ages 60 and up—has performed in Rutherford County since 2008.
The cast for A Plot of Murder includes actresses Carolyn Sneed Lester, Dorthy Jenkins, Judy Finch, Dee Elston, Bev Brockus, Kim Mullins, Edna McKnight, Carol Vincent and Cindy Dembowczyk with actors Wayne Johnson, Dave Reynolds, Don Hill and Jim Trasport. Ed Dembowczyk serves as stage manager. The upcoming play is directed by Anne Jaspers and Karen Carothers.
“This year we have decided to do the comedy mystery dinner theater,” Jaspers said. “We are having a good time with it.”
The play deals with a homeowners’ association meeting, a setting that many local seniors can connect with, Jaspers said.
“People complaining about the grass being too high, bugs in the yard, and kids riding through the neighborhood. It really gets out of hand and is hysterical,” according to the co-director. “And then someone unexpected dies. And then they are figuring out who did it and voting on who they think the killer was.”
The play will open on Friday, April 4, with dinner served. The troupe will also perform it as a matinee on Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 6, at St. Clair Senior Center in Murfreesboro. The play is open to the public with tickets available at the door.
About 50 people have been involved in Seniors Acting Up since the group formed and started practicing in 2007. Charlie Parker served as the group’s first director. Parker was also a pianist, so the troupe performed musicals initially.
“Our favorite thing about performing is the interaction with the community,” Trasport said. “When we go to a place like Mindful Care, we like to visit and see the fun they have. Whether they understand the story or not, the fun comes from interacting. If nothing else, we want to spread that fun to other people in the community.”
Jaspers said they also have fun meeting new members of the acting group.
“Karen and I had a great little skit that we did about gossip in a beauty parlor,” she said. “We had a lot of fun with that and a lot of laughs.”
And, memorization is not required to perform with Seniors Acting Up.
“This is because most of the time, the audience kind of expects us to make mistakes,” Trasport said. “We use different props, we try to learn our lines and memorize them the best that we can. We practice and a lot of times it is ad-lib. What they always tell you as director is that you need to get the last two or three spoken words right because it is the cue for the next character. So we take liberty, but we do have to stick with the script as best we can.”
Seniors Acting Up includes all kinds of talents.
“Bev just loves to get into costume,” Trasport said about Bev Brockus, who often designs costumes.
“You wouldn’t believe the things I buy that are in my closet,” Brockus said. “I have wigs and hats . . . My husband and I were gypsies about six years ago and we traveled all around. You know, in a gypsy wagon, and I met different people . . . it was fun.”
Karen Carothers has written and acted in plays for decades.
“The first play I wrote was one about my sister, who is a pianist and a singer. She had a concert that I turned into a play, and we did that play all over different states for about two years,” Carothers said. “And then I wrote plays over the next 20 years.”
Dorthy Jenkins says she started acting about 20 years ago after she got a divorce and decided to do something out of her comfort zone.
“I was in Marietta, Georgia, and started writing little scripts and made skits, and people I went to exercise class with would do them with me,” she said. “Then I moved here and I came to the senior center to be involved in this group. And I think I am the oldest person in Seniors Acting Up . . . at least the most mature,” she quipped.
Edna McKnight did prison ministry for over 20 years in women’s federal prisons.
“We used to do little skits in the prison,” McKnight said. “Some of them were serious, but most of them were comedies because you don’t have any fun in prison, so the skits were always a delight.”
David Reynolds said acting has really helped him since he was diagnosed with dementia.
“My doctor says I have Alzheimer’s,”
Reynolds said. “I started acting about 13 years ago. It gave me something to do and to concentrate on.
“I also have done karaoke and a little dancing. Now I’m just a senior acting up.”
For more on Seniors Acting up and tickets for A Plot of Murder, contact Kathy herod with St. Clair Senior Center at kherod@ murfreesborotn.gov, call 615-848-2550 or drop by the center at 325 St. Clair St.
Mural Timeline Project Documents Murfreesboro History, Purchase a Piece of Artwork This Summer
MAiN STrEET MurFrEESbOrO ANd ThE WALNuT hOuSE have recently unveiled the Historic Timeline Mural Wall, a community art collaboration. This project, created by 13 local artists, depicts key time periods, landmark events and historic buildings from downtown Murfreesboro.
The mural, a partnership between Main Street Murfreesboro, The Walnut House and The Rutherford Arts Alliance, will remain on display through the end of June at the Walnut House, 116 N. Walnut St.
The mural includes paintings by Gregory Lannom, Justyna Kostkowska, Henry Jones, Carol Berning, Mary Watkins, Melinda Tate, Nadine Shillingford, Robin Caddell, Abby Reish, Madison Pantuso, Pam Mack, LeAndra Crystal Richardson and yakruti Patel, and covers the Murfreesboro’s history, growth and culture from the early 1800s to present day.
Following its display, the mural pieces will be auctioned at the Taste of Rutherford fundraising event on July 19 at Oaklands Mansion. Proceeds from the auction will support an arts-related project for downtown in 2026, further enriching the community’s cultural landscape.
For more information on Main Street Murfreesboro and the mural project, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org.
clockwise from left: Education by Pam Mack; religion by Mary Watkins; Entertainment/radio by Madison Pantuso; Agriculture by Carol berning
Living
Grundy Forest
If You Go
g rundy forest day loop
fiery gizzard north trailhead
131 fiery gizzard rd., tracy city, tn
take in views of b lue hole falls and b lack c anyon c ascades on the g rundy forest d ay loop
story by b racken M ayo p hotos by s arah Mayo
Grundy FOreST dAy LOOp TrAiL, located at the north end of the 12-mile Fiery Gizzard Trail within South Cumberland State Park, offers hikers a chance to experience a variety of remarkable natural attractions within a manageable 2-mile hike. This scenic tour through the Tennessee forest features not one, but two waterfalls that empty into strikingly blue plunge pools, a narrowly rushing rapid feature shooting down a sharply descending portion of Fiery Gizzard Creek, a cavern carved beneath a hanging rock ledge among other interesting geological formations, towering old-growth trees and other sights.
Just an hour’s drive from Murfreesboro, this unique trail sits nearby downtown Tracy City, Tennessee. From I-24, take the Monteagle exit, and the Fiery Gizzard North Trailhead, about five miles east and situated behind Tracy City Elementary School, is a gateway to some of the state’s plentiful natural wonders.
This trailhead features a well-maintained parking area with restrooms, a water bottle filling station, a covered picnic area, and flat grassy spots—making it an excellent place to stretch out, relax, or enjoy a meal before or after a hike through the woods.
Setting off on the Grundy Forest Day Loop in a clockwise direction, hikers soon hear the soothing sounds of flowing water as they make their way toward the creek below. The trail leads to a masterfully crafted rock staircase, descending towards the creek level below. Down here, discover a cavernous opening cutting into the hillside beneath a rugged rock overhang. Some interesting hollow trees and holes dot the landscape, while some clearly ancient trees add to the magical
woodland atmosphere.
Clockwise, left and above: blue hole Falls; a cavernous opening cutting into the hillside; a crafted rock staircase descends towards the creek level; bottom: hanes hole Falls
The trail continues along the creek, leading to a section of falling creekwater labeled on some maps as simply “small waterfall.” A narrow passage of pathway elevated above the creek on one side, flanked by a rocky cliff
on the other, provides a cool approach to Blue Hole Falls. You can’t miss Blue Hole Falls and its mesmerizing pool of crystal-clear water. The deep water of the Blue Hole should make it a lovely swimming place in hot weather, the rock ledge at the top of the falls providing a potentially awesome spot to leap into the cool, blue depths (if the water level is indeed deep enough and weather and water conditions allow).
Pockets of warm air and cool air swirl and mix about in the park. The temperature can swing quite a bit in just a few minutes, from the sun-exposed land above to the cool, shadowy, damp and cavernous environment below. Shortly after passing Blue Hole Falls, hikers should definitely take a brief detour across a large metal bridge spanning the creek. This leads to a close-up view of Black Canyon Cascades, a dramatic scene where rushing water shoots into a narrow, rocky chute. While Black Canyon Cascades can be spotted from across the creek while still on
the Day Loop, taking the bridge and the main Fiery Gizzard Trail provides direct access to this stunning feature.
Unlike Blue Hole, this area is absolutely not suitable for swimming, but its powerfully cascading water funneling down the cold black rocks makes it a must-see element.
For the experienced hikers, continue on down the Fiery Gizzard Trail (12 more miles) to Foster Falls; yet those looking for a reasonable walk in the park can head back over the bridge and finish out the Day Loop.
As hikers ascend the hill, the scent of campfire smoke may drift through the air, signaling the proximity of a nearby campground.
The trail then arrives at Hanes Hole Falls—another picturesque scene and wading and swimming point, quite similar to the layout of Blue Hole Falls, comprised of a blue pool tucked beneath a rock ledge overhang where water flows continually in the secluded piece of forest.
Shortly past here, a small offshoot trail leads to the remnants of the Civilian Conservation Corps barracks. During the Great Depression, men lived here while working on parks and conservation projects in the area. This historical loop displays placards detailing the park’s early development.
Grundy Forest Day Loop is very clearly marked, not incredibly difficult other than some moderate elevation changes, and packed with beautiful woodland scenes. The forest and water are rich with deer, salamanders, birds and many other creatures, such as mink. Some of the massive hemlocks here are gauged to be over 300 years old, some growing in their very spots prior even to Amer With lots of fascinating points of interest over its 2-mile distance, visitors say the trail is a gem, a good bang for the buck for hikers looking to experience a variety of features the South Cumberland region has to offer, all within just a couple of hours of traversing an ancient natural landscape.
Clockwise from top left: Sunlight glistens off of Fiery gizzard Creek; a large metal bridge connects the grundy Forest day Loop and the Fiery gizzard Trail; bridge at hanes hole Falls; black Canyon Cascades
nature news Living
story and photos by a shle I gh n ewnes
Our Local Wading Birds: Herons
iF yOu’ve ever STrOLLed ALOnG the Stones River Greenway or wandered the boardwalk at Murfree Springs, you’ve probably caught a glimpse of one of the water’s most fascinating residents—the heron. These birds can be found standing motionless in the shallows or soaring overhead with slow, steady wingbeats. From the towering great blue heron to the petite green heron, these birds add a special charm to our local waterways.
Let’s start with the giant of the group, the great blue heron. These are the ones you’ll see most often, towering over the water with their long legs and lengthy beaks. With their blue-gray feathers and impressive six-foot wingspan, they’re easy to spot. Despite their impressive size, they only weigh from 5 to 6 pounds, thanks to their hollow bones. They’re expert fishers, standing still for what seems like forever before striking lightningfast at their prey. But fish aren’t their only meal—they’ll also go after crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles and even smaller birds. If the great blue heron is the patient fisherman, the green heron is the crafty one. These smaller, stockier birds tend to hide out in thicker vegetation, so you’ll have to look a little harder to spot them. Their dark greenish backs and chestnut-colored necks help them blend in. One of the cool-
est things about them: they actually use tools! They’ve been known to drop insects or small objects onto the water’s surface to lure fish in.
The next one’s a bit of a night owl, well, night heron. Stocky and short-necked with striking red eyes, the black-crowned night heron is more active after dark, hunting for fish, frogs and crustaceans. If you’re near a river or pond in the evening, you might hear their distinctive calls before you actually see them.
A close relative of the black-crowned night heron, the yellow-crowned night heron stands out with its bold yellow crown
and long legs. These birds are expert crustacean hunters, often seen stalking prey in shallow wetlands and wet fields. Their diet leans heavily on crabs and crayfish, which they catch with a quick lunge before shaking them apart or swallowing them whole. While they are most commonly found in coastal marshes and barrier islands, they thrive in Tennessee’s waterways, where crayfish are abundant.
If you want a guaranteed chance to see herons up close, Murfree Spring Wetlands is the place to go. This hidden gem in downtown Murfreesboro is a prime habitat for wading birds, offering shallow waters, veg-
etation and plenty of food. Great blue herons are a common sight here, gracefully wading through the water, while green herons and night herons lurk in the shadows or thick vegetation. Bring a pair of binoculars and slowly walk along the boardwalk—you never know what you’ll spot! Often, all three can be spotted on the same trip. (And maybe an otter or a beaver, too.)
Herons are currently ranked as a low concern for conservation. They are pretty resilient and widespread, but that doesn’t mean they don’t face challenges. As Murfreesboro grows, wetland habitats shrink, pollution increases and human disturbances become more frequent. Clean waterways are essential, not just for herons but for countless other wildlife species, too.
Local conservation efforts like river cleanups and habitat protection projects help keep their homes safe. You can pitch in, too—keeping trash out of waterways, taking care not to disturb nesting sites, and supporting wetland conservation all make a difference.
Not sure how to help? For opportunities and tips on how to make a difference right here in our town visit Outdoor Murfreesboro’s volunteer page (murfreesborotn. gov/1937/Volunteer-with-Us).
Clockwise from left: great blue heron; yellow Crowned Night heron; green heron; great blue heron
hELLO EvErybOdy, I hope life finds you doing well and looking forward to some spring weather. I know I am. For this month’s story I thought we would concentrate on what 18–21-year-olds did growing up in Murfreesboro in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. So, fasten your seat belt, we’re gonna take a look at the places where we cruised, shot pool, played Tron and other arcade games, ate fried chicken and just hung out. First of all, isn’t it a rite of passage when you get your driver’s license? Along with that comes freedom. Freedom to move around . . . well, as long as you don’t get too many tickets, like yours truly. True story, my late father, Floyd Wilson, was one of the first State Farm agents here in Murfreesboro (he actually had an office at the old James K. Polk Hotel in the early ’60s). One day, he called me to stop by his office. I was like “Dad, what have I done?” He said “Son, I’m gonna have to cancel your insurance because you have too many points.” LOL. The beginnings of the prodigal son. But don’t feel bad because my own father canceled my insurance. I’m sure there are worse things that have happened to us. By the way, the cancellation of my car insurance did not take place at his office at the James K. Polk hotel. I’m not that old. Now, back to the story. For one thing, our driver’s license in 1984 was just a green piece of paper with the yellow seal of Tennessee. No, I’m not gonna say that some friends of mine may have altered their driver’s licenses to appear older so they could get into certain places, since after all, there was no photo ID at that time. How-
The legendary Captain hiram Lester, who helped keep all of the high school kids out of jail and car accidents
Cruising Old Murfreesboro
Going to the pool Hall or Arcade
ever, because of actions of certain other people, the photo ID was coming soon.
As far as cruising around Murfreesboro we cruised the car wash at the corner of Memorial and Clark. It was right behind Farmer Brothers’s Insurance. We would also cruise Clark’s parking lot, which is now the Nissan dealership here in town. We would cruise Family Billiards, today the location of Avalon, the workout joint.
As we cruised Family Billiards, from time to time local police officer Hiram Lester would sometimes make us pour out our adult beverages in the parking lot. No tell-
ing how many lives he helped save over the years. Thank you, Hiram!
Some of my older friends would cruise the Shoney’s parking lot and the Jackson Heights Plaza, which housed the Martin Twin movie theater on Broad Street. Today that movie theater is known as the Premier 6, and they have the best popcorn in town. Dave Gober does a great job of keeping the old-school feel of what a movie theater should look and feel like. It reminds me of the Cinema Twin that Hal Christiansen owned and operated off of Tennessee Boulevard back in the day.
I worked at the Martin Twin theater for Mr. Tomlinson and wore some sort of smock; I only lasted one night.
As far as playing pool, you could actually play pool up on the Square at Norris Lovvorn’s pool hall, close to Past Time Barbershop. Of course we also shot pool at Family Billiards on Memorial, which was also an arcade where teenagers could be found on Friday nights hanging out in the parking lot or playing Tron and Space Invaders inside. We also cruised the old TSC parking lot, next to a present-day tire shop on Memorial. We also used to go to the Marbro Drive-In Theater, located on Northwest Broad Street, just past the railroad tracks. I remember having a 1948 De Soto and we would pile into that car, probably with five people in the trunk trying to sneak in. When I opened that trunk, it looked like a Shriners circus of clowns.
Oh yeah, one other thing that teenagers did, we would cruise up to Tiger Hill and look out over the little town of Murfreesboro. That was cool.
Later, in my college years we did a little bit of reveling and sometimes we would end up at Miss Ann’s. Miss Ann’s was located next to Patterson Park Community Center, and she had the best fried chicken. It was like a meat and three similar to a Kleer Vu but it was mainly open late night into the wee morning hours. If my memory is right, it was her actual house, a brick ranch home that had a different colored light, either a red light or blue light, out front by the front door. My friends and I would go in to eat her famous fried chicken
and vegetables after a night of reveling. I remember she had a gold tooth. She would always ask us “Is there anything else I can get you boys?” I was told there was a bordello in the back. I answered “No ma’am,” but you would often see local attorneys and maybe a few judges in the mix eating their fried chicken at Miss Ann’s.
Today teenagers are glued to their cellphones, whether it’s Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. This is the new way of life: how many likes? What did this person say or what did that person say? I’m guilty of it, too. One of these days maybe we’ll go back to having penpals.
One thing you can do these days is going to Go USA and play putt-putt, race some go-karts, hit some golf balls or hit some
baseballs, play arcade games. The same family that owns Go USA also owned Family Billiards back in the day. That is cool. I know I’ve left out some places, especially for different generations of what they did but for the most part growing up in Murfreesboro was really cool where most everybody knew everybody. You may get in a fist fight every now and then, but then go have a beer together. Today you honk your horn and you’re afraid that somebody’s gonna shoot your car up. Crazy. Maybe it’s time to get back to the simpler things in life. You be the judge.
Now, go out and do something nice for somebody. God bless.
Call bill Wilson for your local real estate needs at 615-406-5872.
Carnival at Jackson heights Plaza, reflection of the ferris wheel from the top of a car hood
Tiger hill
Food
Sweet Spots
Something satisfying awaits taste buds at Murfreesboro’s local bakeries
by Matthew o lson
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, chasing a sweet tooth with a robust cup of coffee while studying in a quiet setting, or simply indulging in some sweet treats, check out these local options for baked goods (and much more, in some cases).
Brunch and Brew
1220 E. Northfield blvd.
The business, which launched under the name Joe and Dough, focuses on homemade donuts, bagels and bread, as well as coffee, breakfast sandwiches, burritos, salads and other lunch items. They roast their own coffee from various regions and the top-selling Brunch and Brew donuts are glazed, chocolate-iced and strawberry-iced. “Just keep it simple, keep what people like and sell out” says restaurant owner Raj Patel.
Bart’s Kitchen and Bakery
117 E. vine St.
For the month of March, Bart’s Kitchen and Bakery will have king cakes for Mardi Gras. For lunch enjoy their weekly soups and casseroles along with bakery items such as muffins, scones, pies or cakes. And, if you’re hungry and in a hurry, you can choose a pure and simple meal from the grab-and-go.
Oflow ( Overflow Brews and Bakes )
115 N. Maple St.
Oflow is a scratch kitchen, so everything here is made fresh, with no artificial preservatives. They make their rolls, English muffins, cakes, brownies, cookies and savory treats fresh. Along with pastries they also serve coffee, loose leaf tea and boba tea.
d onut Country
1311 Memorial blvd. and 1691 Middle Tennessee blvd.
One thing that separates Donut Country from the rest is the 24-hour service at the Memorial Boulevard location, so those working graveyard shifts and night owls won’t be left out. Donut Country has been familyowned in Murfreesboro for 40 years, making it a Murfreesboro staple. The maple bacon donut is well loved for its sweet and salty combination. Other patrons recommend the blueberry cake doughnut.
Five d aughters
1500 Medical Center Pkwy. Suite 1h
Five Daughters Bakery is a Middle Tennessee-based family business, owned and operated by Isaac and Stephanie Meek along with their five daughters, with locations also in Nashville and Franklin. Five Daughters recently opened a Murfreesboro location at the Fountains at Gateway. Stop in and try their croissant-style, hundred-layer donuts.
Simply pure Sweets
128 N. Church St.
When you enter Simply Pure Sweets, you’ll be greeted by a staff that’s as sweet as their red velvet cream pie. They have baked goods that will satisfy both your sweet and savory appetite and a rotating selection of some fantastic macarons.
Juilia’s Homestyle Bakery
1911 Medical Center Pkwy.
If you need a custom cake for celebrations, this is the place to go. Juilia’s Homestyle Bakery prides itself on 33 years of experience with a team that includes a master baker, a pastry chef and experienced custom cake decorators. Since 2022 Julia’s has been employee-owned, with all their pastries and desserts handled with care.
e l Hornito Bakery 2
2962 S. rutherford blvd.
This bakery features piñatas hanging from the ceiling, creating a vibrant and festive environment, adding to the appeal of the sweet smelling space. The selfserve bakery offers reasonably priced baked goods, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a treat without breaking the bank. Try the cream horns!
Three Mothers Cuisine and Bakery
1002 Memorial blvd.
Three Mothers has only been open a couple of years and is already working to open a new location on Franklin Rd. They are an ideal restaurant for brunch, with a variety of soups and crafted sandwiches. Save room after for the highly recommended tres leches cake or cannoli, or other items from their wide menu of fresh baked treats.
T H ree M OTH er S F e AT ured O n pAG e 28 >>>
Delicioso
The aroma of baked goods and coffee fill the air, greeting visitors entering the eatery known as Three Mothers Cuisine & Bakery on Murfreesboro’s busy Memorial Boulevard.
Expansive glass cases filled with freshly baked items stretch to the back of the room, displaying big cakes, Danishes, cookies, cannoli, muffins, pastries and all sorts of treats. A good-sized crowd of customers having lunch one recent sunny mid-day filled the small dining room.
“There are tons of baked goods. You’ll want one of each!” said local customer Jessica Pulcifer, commenting on Three Mothers.
There’s pineapple upside-down cakes, flan, croissants, scones, cupcakes, tres leches cake and many other sweet options at the locally-owned restaurant and bakery with a passion for sharing fresh pastries with the community.
“Lots of great variety of pastries, cakes and cookies at a reasonable price,” Lori Glaze said after a visit, saying Three Mothers provided a “great opportunity to try something new without spending a fortune.”
Find some fantastic French toast at the bakery, made with thick, fluffy, fresh housemade brioche bread.
“That bread is something else; superb!” one diner said. “The best French toast I’ve ever had.”
Special French toast options include a berry-topped dish and a banana caramel French toast creation.
If a guest wants something savory before diving into all of the cakes, pies and whipped cream-topped waffles, Three Mothers Cuisine & Bakery offers plenty of good options there as well—soups, salads, wraps, sandwiches, breakfast plates, tamales and avocado toast.
Tres leches cake: $5; b anana or berry French toast: $12.99; Strawberry salad with chicken: $12; Western or chorizo omelet: $12.99; Cannoli: $3
three-mothers.com
restaurant’s “preparation and presentation of each meal,” and said that she and her husband both enjoyed their omelets there.
“Each ingredient was diced finely and topped with fresh Mexican cheese and a hearty portion of avocado,” she reported, adding that the coconut cake “must have had fairy dust in it! Light, fluffy, not too sweet; it just melted in our mouths.”
Lunch options include chicken salad on a croissant, a flavorful chicken tortilla soup loaded with corn, and a strawberry pecan salad containing thinly-sliced chicken and julienned strips of pear, a colorful blend of fruits and greens.
“Outstanding service and delicious food. We had the soups (potato was fabulous!) and club sandwiches,” Yvonne Lowe Norton posted after an experience at Three Mothers. “Brought a huge slice of bread pudding home for breakfast with coffee; it was delicious.”
The chipotle aioli served with many of the wraps and salads has a good zing to it—not overly spicy, but very tasty.
“The avocado turkey club sandwich was gigantic and delicious! Baked potato soup was packed full of flavor,” according to Monica Restrepo. “I will be back for my second visit soon!”
Numerous customers have commented about the high level of cleanliness at the restaurant.
The eatery’s name serves as a tribute to the mothers of the restaurant’s three owners, a large photo of the ladies displayed on the wall near the entrance.
“That’s my mother in white,” Three Mothers co-owner Luis Talavera tells a guest looking at the photo of the Mexican madres who inspired their sons’ culinary journeys, leading to the establishment of the Middle Tennessee bakery. Talavera grew up in Mexico City, he says, but has
story by b racken Mayo
p hotos by s arah Mayo
lived in the U.S. for over 20 years, now in Murfreesboro by way of North Carolina.
The owners recently announced they will soon open a second location on the other side of town, in the Franklin Road building that briefly housed Hwy. 55 Burgers.
This could be a good thing for the business and its customers; the original location doesn’t have a huge amount of seating.
“The chocolate on the cannoli is fantastic!” one customer says; “Best tiramisu I have ever had,” says another.
However, some don’t care for the drier, crumbly texture of Hispanic style pastries. Some of the few who have had disappointing experiences at Three Mothers say they found the pastries hard and dry, perhaps even they sat too long in the display case.
“Everything looks so good from photos online. We got a box full of desserts and everything was so hard and tasted extremely old. The frosting was so hard you couldn’t eat it,” one customer, Ashley L.,
posted in a review.
But plenty of others appreciate the array of Three Mothers creations.
“I can not recommend this bakery and cafe enough. High-end items at extreme savings,” Danielle L. said in another online review.
Three Mothers Cuisine & Bakery opens early for breakfast, opening at 7 a.m. every day other than Monday, its day off.
Give it a try for coffee and fresh pastries, for something sweet, for a light lunch, for avocado toast, brioche bread, cannoli, Danish, eggs, French toast and more. Or order a full cake for a special occasion. Three Mothers delivery is available through DoorDash delivery service as well.
“Coming to this delightful bakery each weekend always proves to be the highlight of my week,” Chris Register said. “The delicious food and pastries they make are wonderfully and artfully crafted.”
strawberry pear chicken salad
Patina unique boutique, Playa bowls, Paris baguette, Three Mothers, bargain hunt, valvoline
by delores ell I ott
PATiNA uNiquE bOuTiquE, located at 2295 NW Broad St., across the street from Bumpus Harley Davidson, offers various vendor booths featuring something for everyone, from antiques and vintage to handmade items from local crafters and soap makers, toys, comics and Lego bricks, local art, and local foods including sourdough goods, honey and jams.
“Me and my wife Jessica pride ourselves in making every shopping experience in our store incredibly fun and laid back for everyone,” said owner Blake Smith.
“We also have some of the most unusual gift items that you can find anywhere around. We are known as the store that has everything you didn’t know you needed but have to have. We currently have 54 unique vendors in our store and are bringing in more in the coming weeks.”
Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit patinauniqueboutique.com for more information.
PLAyA bOWLS will open two Murfreesboro locations this year. Playa Bowls specializes in refreshing acai bowls made daily, as well as smoothies and juices, and uses eco-friendly, easily compostable bowls, spoons, lids and straws at all locations.
The two new restaurants will be located at 2965 S Church St. and 5619 Franklin Rd. For more information, visit playabowls.com
ThrEE MOThErS CuiSiNE ANd bAKEry, which currently operates at 1002 Memorial Blvd., will open a second location at 5131 Franklin Rd. in the former Hwy 55 Burgers location, beside Christian Brothers Automotive. The second location is expected to open sometime in March.
vALvOLiNE iNSTANT OiL ChANgE will open a new location on Beasie Road between Warrior Drive and Costco, its sixth Murfreesboro location. Valvoline currently operates more than 2,000 locations in the United States and Canada, and offers a variety of services including oil changes, battery,
aroUnd toWn ’boro b us I
ness buzz
PAriS bAguETTE, a French-inspired bakery cafe with South Korean roots, will open a Murfreesboro location at the Avenue beside Bar Louie in addition to its current Nashville cafe, which is located at 1109 Church St.
“We opened our first U.S. cafe in 2005 and we are growing rapidly with a projected 1,000 locations by 2030. At Paris Baguette, our vision is to re-establish the bakery cafe as the heart of the community,” according to Paris Baguette. “We serve expertly crafted baked and brewed goods to our guests, made with the highest quality ingredients made by our skilled cakers, bakers and baristas. Guests can taste the difference in our pastries, cakes and breads that are made fresh on-site at each cafe while enjoying a warm and welcoming bakery cafe experience that delivers joy to everyone.”
Some of the cafe’s cake options include cheesecakes, chocolate mousse, and yogurt cakes. Other menu options include croissants, fruit pastries and Danishes, sweet potato tarts, breads, croissant and mochi donuts, quiche and breakfast sandwiches, cookies, coffees and more. Visit parisbaguette.com for details.
bulb and wiper replacements, tire rotations and more. Visit vioc.com for a list of locations and other services.
After 38 years of owning bud’S TirE, located at 3600 Woodbury Pk., Bud and Kay Mitchell have decided to retire. However, rather than closing the tire shop, longtime residents of the Kittrell community Johnny and Melissa Kincaid have purchased the business and intend to keep it running. Currently, they say they have plans to make a few renovations and system changes to improve the overall flow and customer experience while keeping the core of the business in mind. Visit budstireprostn.com for more information.
ThE dETAiL dEPArTMENT, located at 906 Ridgely Rd., sharing the building with Cedar Glade Brews and Spread
the Positive, offers a variety of car care products including cleaning materials, detailing brushes and tools, high-pressure spray bottles, container labels, microfiber towels, sealants and waxes, paint correction kits and more. For more information, visit detaildept.us
76 FENCE, a leading provider of residential and commercial fencing solutions, recently announced its latest franchise growth with the addition of regional developers Deana and Josh Persons in Tennessee. With plans to launch their first two territories in 2025, the couple held a ribbon-cutting for the Smyrna franchise in February, with future plans to expand statewide.
The Tennessee expansion builds on the momentum of the brand’s mission to deliver premium fencing services and support aspiring entrepreneurs in growing their own businesses.
“We are excited to bring 76 Fence to Tennessee and introduce its exceptional service and business model to our communities,” said regional developer of 76 Fence, Josh Persons. “With the brand’s strong foundation and proven success, we’re confident in its potential to meet the fencing needs of both residential and commercial customers across the state.”
The couple will oversee franchise recruitment, training, and support throughout the state, creating opportunities for aspiring business owners.
76 Fence’s first Tennessee location is at 6620 New Nashville Hwy. in Smyrna. Visit 76fence.com for more information or to request an estimate.
A new building going up on Broad Street near Rutherford Boulevard will house “MAriA MArKET ii” according to a sign recently hung there.
proMotIons
rEPubLiC bANK & TruST COMPANy has announced that Grady Payne will now serve as vice president, business development manager III at its Murfreesboro banking center, bringing decades of experience and expertise in banking and financial services to the bank’s Tennessee market. With over 25 years of financial experience, Payne joins Republic from F&M Bank, where he served as the assistant vice president, branch manager and a lender. Prior to that, Payne held leadership roles at First Tennessee Bank and Country Financial in Murfreesboro as well as positions at other area financial institutions.
Payne serves the Murfreesboro community as an active board member for Greenhouse Ministries and the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raider Athletic Association. Additionally, Payne is a Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Diplomat as well as a member of the Murfreesboro Noon Rotary and the Community Foundation of Rutherford County Guild.
ASCENSiON SAiNT ThOMAS ruThErFOrd has named Daphne David as its new president and chief executive officer, effective May 1, 2025. With more than 20 years of leadership experience in health care, David joins Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford at a time of continued growth and investment in advanced patient care.
David most recently served as CEO of
HCA TriStar Summit Medical Center in Hermitage. Under her leadership, the 234-bed facility experienced strong growth, improved patient experience and increased physician engagement, all while reducing staff turnover.
Prior to her role at TriStar Summit Medical Center, David served as CEO for North Suburban Medical Center in Thornton, Colorado, and chief operating officer for Orange Park Medical Center in Orange Park, Florida, and Garden Park Medical Center in Gulfport, Mississippi.
David succeeds Gordon Ferguson, who has served as the hospital’s CEO since 2005 and will transition into the role of vice president of community relations for the next year.
ThE diSCOvEry CENTEr AT MurFrEE SPriNg, located at 502 SE Broad St., has appointed Bobbie Jo Meredith as its new vice president of learning. Meredith will oversee the museum’s educational initiatives, including program development, outreach efforts, and partnerships to expand STEAM-based learning opportunities.
Meredith previously worked for 11 years in the engineering field before transitioning to education. She taught mathematics and STEM in Rutherford County Schools and is currently pursuing a doctorate in education in K-12 educational leadership and policy at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College.
Meredith’s responsibilities at the Discovery Center will include advancing handson, inquiry-based learning experiences, strengthening community partnerships, and developing programs that align with state and national education standards. Visit explorethedc.org for more information on The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring.
ruThErFOrd COuNTy ArChivES recently welcomed County Genealogist Kayla Howard. She replaces Susan Daniel, who stepped down after serving for 46 years. Rutherford County Archives Director John Lodl said the county genealogist position was created in 1978 at the same time that the Rutherford County Public Records Commission was started by state mandate. The mission of the Rutherford County Archives is to preserve and protect the written documents, past and present, generated by the government offices of Rutherford County. The county records preserved at the archive include judicial proceedings, tax documents and administrative records. The Rutherford County Archives seeks to
make these documents accessible to the public at large. For more information, visit rutherfordcountytn.gov/archives
clos I ng
big LOTS recently announced it would be closing all locations as a result of bankruptcy; however, Gordon Brothers Retail Partners later announced that some of the company’s locations will remain open in an attempt to save the discount franchise and retain jobs for a majority of its employees.
The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2024, but has reached an agreement to keep 200–400 of its stores open, including its Murfreesboro location. As part of this agreement, Variety Wholesalers Inc., a company that operates over 400 discount stores across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, intends to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots locations while maintaining operations under the Big Lots brand.
The Murfreesboro store, located at 1262 NW Broad St. will remain open.
Big Lots President and CEO Bruce Thorn described the agreement with Gordon Brothers as the best opportunity to preserve jobs and maintain the continuity of the brand. The company had previously attributed its financial struggles to inflation and high interest rates, which led to a decline in consumer spending on home and seasonal products, significantly affecting revenue.
After more than 80 years in the business, JOANN FAbriC ANd CrAFTS has announced that it will be closing all 800 locations across 49 states after filing for bankruptcy less than a year ago.
Stores are expected to close by the end of May and employees say JOANN will hold clearance sales leading up to the final days. However, Mandy Fletcher, an associate at our local Murfreesboro store, recently mentioned in a Facebook post that store associates will not know the expected dates for clearance sales until they begin. In addition, stores can no longer offer fabric cuts of less than one yard or accept gift cards, customer discounts or fulfill online orders.
bArgAiN huNT, which had two Murfreesboro stores, has announced that it will close all stores across the U.S. after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
The discount retailer announced its intentions to close all of its 92 locations—31 of which are located in Tennessee. Goingout-of-business sales will continue as Bargain Hunt wraps up operations.
l andfill f i G ht f ar f rom o ver
republic s ervices continues effort to expand landfill operations
by el I sha nelson
FOLLOWiNg bFi WASTE SySTEMS of Tennessee’s move to dismiss an appeal in the Tennessee Court of Appeals that could have allowed its Middle Point Landfill to expand, Republic Services (the parent company of BFI) continues its efforts to expand in Rutherford County. Meanwhile, area residents wait to see how the next chapter will unfold.
The City of Murfreesboro initially touted BFI’s move to dismiss as “a victory for the residents of Murfreesboro, especially those residing near the formerly planned expansion,” although those area residents, many of whom have been long opposed to the landfill expansion, soon realized that the possibility of expansion for the landfill—known affectionately as Trash Mountain—is still alive and well.
Now that its plans to expand on its own land to the north have been scrapped, Republic Services has its sights set on expanding onto county-owned land to the south of its existing site.
After nearly four years of litigation, BFI Waste Systems of Tennessee relinquished its request for a 99-acre landfill expansion at Middle Point Landfill. The Central Tennessee Regional Solid Waste Planning Board and the City of Murfreesboro contested the expansion on environmental considerations and inconsistencies with regional waste management plans.
A 2023 ruling by the Davidson County Chancery Court agreed, upholding the board’s unanimous rejection of Middle Point’s expansion. BFI appealed, but just prior to that court’s decision, BFI opted to withdraw its appeal.
“It is telling that BFI filed to dismiss its appeal only after oral argument but before the Court rendered its decision,” said Murfreesboro City Attorney Adam Tucker. “It would seem that BFI had serious concerns that an adverse ruling by the Court of Appeals—one upholding the board’s decision— could have had on any future application to expand its operations to the south.”
Murfreesboro officials remain a part of another lawsuit against BFI and Republic Services involving federal environmental laws to address continued pollution concerns at Middle Point.
Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland and other local authorities reaffirmed their commitment to preventing future landfill expansions.
“The City has been and remains steadfastly opposed to any expansion of the landfilling operations at Middle Point, be it an expansion to the north as was at issue in this lawsuit or an expansion to the south onto the old Rutherford County Landfill that BFI and its parent corporation, Republic Services, are currently lobbying the County Commission to approve,” Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland said in a statement.
Republic has pivoted its expansion approach, now with its sights set on 288 acres owned by Rutherford County to the south of the existing landfill, a neighboring piece of land that contains a now-closed county-run landfill and the site of a future county solid waste transfer station.
Republic has also recently unveiled its “economic benefits package,” aimed to demonstrate the economic advantages to the community in order to gain approval for
Rutherford County is looking for. What we’re proposing is to guarantee free disposal for the citizens of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County for the next 50 years,” Classen stated.
He reiterated the plan’s commitment to reduce the volume of annual waste that enters Middle Point by half and keep Metro Nashville trash out of the plant.
While Republic Services argues that its bid would yield tremendous financial and environmental return, many local residents and officials remain skeptical about the long-term benefits of allowing the landfill to expand.
its expansion and plan forward in the rural Walter Hill area. Republic Services says its $1.13 billion economic benefits package could transform Rutherford County waste management. The “Rutherford County First” proposal promises to end long-term waste disposal costs for county residents, enhance environmental protections, and produce new revenue opportunities for the county—without charging local taxpayers.
One feature of Republic’s offer is the guarantee to offer Rutherford County citizens free waste disposal for the next 50 years. The program is anticipated to reduce household costs by an average of $201 annually, amounting to an estimated $769 million in total savings for the county.
Republic Services has also pledged to pay back $26 million in debt the county owes on a present transfer station. Republic Services intends to convert this plant into a state-ofthe-art recycling and diversion center.
One of the key issues of Republic’s proposal is the volume of off-county trash transferred to Middle Point Landfill. Under the new proposal, Davidson County residential trash will no longer be disposed of in the landfill. The proposal seeks to reduce the overall volume of incoming waste, eventually lowering landfill acceptance to 50% to extend the landfill life and ease the environmental burden on Rutherford County, according to statements made by the company.
By increasing the fee charged on trash accepted from outside the county, the county would gain an additional $70 million in revenue, according to Republic Services Area Director Mike Classen.
“We tried to craft this to reflect what
“Middle Point’s bid to continue filling Rutherford County as the state of Tennessee’s garbage can is absurd,” Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr said earlier this year in a press conference opposing the offer from Republic Services. “No figure is worth our community’s health and wellbeing. We’re saying no to 700,000 tons of foreign trash trucked into our county and dumped annually.”
State Representative Bryan Terry has been on the record for years expressing concerns over the long-term impact on the Rutherford County community and remains opposed to the latest proposal.
“My constituents strongly want no longer to be the dumping ground of Middle Tennessee,” Terry stated. “Any proposal that would recommend our community to continue to bear this burden for 50 more years while a solid waste company is able to generate millions, if not billions, during that span of time is more than concerning. The proposal is not worthy of serious consideration nor worthy of anchoring oneself to for negotiation.”
The promise of free waste disposal and generating revenue to the county in the proposal is a possible stimulus to the Rutherford County community’s economy, but plenty of questions regarding environmental concerns and the county’s role in regional waste management remain.
While the debates continue and Rutherford County considers Republic Services’ economic benefits package, area residents can get involved with their county commissioners and voice their opinion on what the future of their community’s waste disposal should be. Arguments surrounding waste disposal and landfill management in Rutherford County are far from over.
To contact rutherford County Commissioners, visit http://rutherfordcountytn.gov/ list_of_commissioner
PHOTO COURTESy OF ASHLEIGH NEWNES PHOTOGRAPH y
Opinion Librarians vs. the people’s r epresentatives
WHO deCideS what is appropriate for public libraries? That is at the heart of the case Fayetteville Public Library et. al. v. Crawford County, Arkansas et. al. The representatives of the people of Arkansas passed a law, Arkansas Act 372, which both established a crime of furnishing a harmful item to a minor and established guidelines for selection, relocation, and retention of such materials. A group of libraries, librarians, and related organizations sued Arkansas’ 28 prosecuting attorneys in the federal District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. The District Court issued a preliminary injunction, preventing the law from going into effect. Does it?
Background
In March of 2023, the Arkansas Legislature passed, and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed, Arkansas Act 372. The stated purpose of this was: To amend the law concerning libraries and obscene materials; to create the offense of furnishing a harmful item to a minor; and to amend the law concerning obscene materials loaned by a library. — Arkansas Act 372
On June 2, 2023, a group of libraries and library organizations sued, claiming that sections 1 and 5 of the law were unconstitutional. Specifically: Sections 1 and 5 of the Act remain vaguely worded and susceptible to multiple meanings; Section 1 violates the due process rights of professional librarians and booksellers and the First Amendment rights of library and bookstore patrons; and Section 5 empowers local elected officials to censor library books they feel are not “appropriate” for citizens to read and allows (if not encourages) content- and viewpoint-based restrictions on protected speech. — Fayetteville Public Library et. al. v. Crawford County, Arkansas et. al. Injunction
The libraries moved for a permanent injunction, preventing the law from being enforced, which the court granted. However, the entire case is legally moot.
Claims of the plaintiffs
The plaintiffs claim that the law violates their due process rights. However, I find this
Constitution Study by paul engel
guidelines include having written policies for the process of challenging material, addressing those challenges, standards for what can be relocated or withdrawn, and communicating decisions to the parties involved.
Court cannot rewrite the Constitution. Furthermore, the rationale the judge used involved violations of free speech, attempting to apply the First Amendment to state law, which is unconstitutional.
claim questionable at best.
While the complaint includes three counts where plaintiffs claim the law violates the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, there’s a lot more to that story. Let’s start by looking at that clause: . . . nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; — U.S. Constitution, Amendment XIV, Section 1
So where in this law is anyone deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law? According to the plaintiffs: The Availability Provision contains language purporting to describe criminalized acts which is vague and indefinite and subject to different meanings such that it fails to provide adequate notice to booksellers and librarians of violations of the Availability Provision, including the meaning of “presents,” “provides,” and “makes available” in Ark. Code Ann. § 5-27-212(b)(1).
— Fayetteville Public Library et. al. v. Crawford County, Arkansas et. al. Complaint
Are the terms “presents,” “provides,” and “makes available” vague? According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary:
• Present: 1 : to make a gift to, 2 : to give or bestow formally, 3 a: to bring (something, such as a play) before the public, 3 b: (1) : to bring or introduce into the presence of someone especially of superior rank or status, (2) : to introduce socially, 4 a : to offer to view : SHOW, 4 b: to bring to one’s attention
• Provide: 1 a : to supply or make available (something wanted or needed), also : AFFORD curtains provide privacy, 1 b : to make something available to
• Available: 1 : present or ready for immediate use
So none of the terms the plaintiffs claim are “vague” are actually vague. Similarly, in count VI of the complaint, the plaintiffs argue that the terms “appropriateness” and “not accessible to a minor” as used in the law do not provide any definite procedural safeguards or standards. Yet Section 5 of the law specifically amends Arkansas Code for the “establishment of guidelines for selection, removal, relocation, and retention of materials.” These
I did not see the plaintiffs provide a single situation where they would be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. Their claims of due process seem to be based solely on a violation of the First Amendment. A person challenging material in the library has access to a written policy for how the library will address challenged material. The county librarian forms a committee of library personnel to review the challenge, and the person challenging the material may present his or her request to the committee. I find it odd that the very librarians who are suing to stop this law are the ones who vote to determine whether material should be relocated.
First Amendment violation?
This law cannot violate the First Amendment for one simple reason: It was not created by Congress. Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; — U.S. Constitution, Amendment I
Since Congress did not make this law, it cannot violate the First Amendment. I can assume that the attorneys for the plaintiffs believe the lie promulgated by the Supreme Court: that the Fourteenth Amendment somehow rewrote the First Amendment, but it did not. This brings up an interesting question: if this law cannot violate the First Amendment, did the District Court have jurisdiction?
Although the plaintiffs claim a First Amendment violation, this Arkansas law certainly does not violate it. And since none of the plaintiffs articulated a reasonable claim under the Fourteenth Amendment, the claim the District Court made was wrong. . . . the Court found that at least one plaintiff had standing to challenge the constitutionality of Sections 1 and 5 of Act 372.
— Fayetteville Public Library et. al. v. Crawford County, Arkansas et. al. Injunction
recommendations
If the District Court does not have jurisdiction, then the injunction ordered by the court is invalid. And if the injunction is invalid, there’s no reason why the government of Arkansas should recognize and follow it. I know, it sounds radical, even anarchistic, but it is the law. The Supreme
Lastly, the “vagueness” argument is just plain foolish.
Second, its terms are so vague that they fail to provide librarians and booksellers with adequate notice of what conduct is prohibited, thus violating their due process rights.
— Fayetteville Public Library et. al. v. Crawford County, Arkansas et. al. Injunction
But the terms are not vague, and the prohibited conduct is quite obvious. From Arkansas Act 372:
(b) A person commits furnishing a harmful item to a minor if, knowing the character of the item involved, the person knowingly:
(1) Furnishes, presents, provides, makes available, gives, lends, shows, advertises, or distributes to a minor an item that is harmful to minors; or
(2) Transmits or sends to a person that he or she believes to be a minor by means of electronic mail, personal messaging, or any other direct internet communication an item that is harmful to minors when the person knows or believes at the time of the transmission that a minor in this state will receive the item. — Arkansas Act 372 Prohibited conduct is stated plainly in the law. If librarians and booksellers know that something has been found to be harmful to minors and knowingly makes it available to minors, then and only then is it “furnishing a harmful item to a minor.”
In a factually similar case, Virginia v. American Booksellers Ass’n, the Supreme Court held that booksellers in Virginia had standing to sue the Commonwealth to enjoin a law that would criminalize the commercial display of materials deemed “harmful to juveniles.”
— Fayetteville Public Library et. al. v. Crawford County, Arkansas et. al. Injunction
There is, however, a major difference between the Booksellers Association case and this one. The Bookseller Association represents private book sellers. This case focuses on public libraries. Don’t the people, through their elected representatives, have the authority to determine what is and isn’t appropriate for minors in those public libraries?
How many children will be exposed to harmful content because a judge cannot read plain English or a group of unelected librarians think they have the right to distribute such content to them?
Opinion
E NT i CE PA r ENTS with the cheese and, once they take the bait, close the trap. That is the best description I can think of when describing school choice programs across the nation. Of course, that isn’t how they have been marketed to the public.
How often have you heard that school choice programs empower parents and put them in charge of their children’s education? It is true educational freedom, supporters say. Let’s take a closer look at what is really happening with these bills across the U.S.
In south carolIna , school choice legislation SB 62 has raised a red flag for home-school families as they are realizing that if they utilize online curriculum they will be signing up for wellness checks at their local public school. There their child will be separated from the parents and screened for abuse or neglect by a social worker, school nurse, teacher or principal.
In MIssourI , a state with no required home-school registration—their “school choice” bills, when passed, added certification, copious amounts of accountability, standardized testing, curriculum from approved vendors, and, once again, background checks on anyone 18 or older in the home. Yes, that would also include your great-grandma, if she resides in the home.
“oklahoMa is a great example of how ‘school choice’ expands the government’s education monopoly by making every education option government funded, then steadily adding regulations for ‘accountability,’” according to Schoolhouse Rocked. HB 4130 was introduced within months of Oklahoma’s school choice bill being signed; Sections 1-1-105 and 1-4-205 relate to “deprived children; defining terms; requiring parents to submit letter of intent when requesting a change in educational instruction; requiring certain information in letter of intent; requiring submission of letter of intent when changing school districts; directing the Department of Human Services to perform background check; directing the Department to maintain system; directing the Department to conduct biannual checks; prohibiting instruction in the home if there is abuse, neglect, or violence; directing the Department to explain reason for denial; and providing an effective date.
“This is a massive step backward for educational freedom—in a state that had
by t I ffany boyd
s chool c hoice
w hat t heir version of f reedom l ooks l ike
previously been completely free!”
As I have said many times before, school choice is incrementalism. All that is needed for them to implement their agenda is parents willing to sacrifice their freedom and their children on the altar of the almighty dollar. Nothing is free, and unfortunately this government entitlement program will cost families far more than they ever bargained for.
arIzona is often heralded as a state that has “no strings attached” to its school choice program. What you may not know is that in Arizona, if you opt in to their ESA program, by state law, your child will no longer be considered a home-school student. In New Hampshire, Florida and Utah families are also required to opt out of their home-school status if they enroll in school choice programs, according to myschoolchoice.com.
In west VIrgInIa , home-schooling families are required to enroll their children in public school for a minimum of 45 consecutive calendar days to be eligible for their ESA program. The overreach just keeps coming.
“new haMpshIre , for the third time, has put forward a background check bill that entangles independent, 193-A home education families in legislative attempts to put restrictions on the Education Freedom Account (EFA) program. This year it is HB 738 (2025) sponsored by Rep David Luneau.
It is the identical language previously used in HB 1664 (2022) and HB 628 (2024),” according to Granite State Home Educators.
“The bill states that education providers who accept taxpayer-sourced funds would be required to perform background checks on teachers and volunteers.”
What happens if a group of home-school
“We, too, born to freedom, and believing in freedom, are willing to fight to maintain freedom. We, and all others who believe as deeply as we do, would rather die on our feet than live on our knees.”
— franklin delano roosevelt
families are gathered together for a co-op, field trip or club and a home-school family is present that has made the unfortunate decision to participate in the state’s EFA program? According to this bill, it would be likely that every adult present would be required to have a background check. So when someone tells you “just don’t take the money and you will be left alone,” you can refer them to this example.
In Idaho , HB 93, the Parent Choice Tax Credit, which introduces tracking, registration, and government approval of private education, including home schools, just passed.
texas home-school families are currently fighting school choice legislation SB92 in their state. According to Alice Linahan, legislators are threatening that if school choice legislation does not pass, they will push for increased state oversight of home-school families. The irony of that threat is not lost. If school choice passes in Texas, increased regulation of home schooling will follow. That is the ultimate goal of school choice.
do you see a pattern yet? Does this look like parental empowerment and freedom to you? This is not just a battle for home-school liberties. It is a battle in which parental and constitutional rights are at stake. The government wants control and they will stop at nothing to get it. Being proactive is paramount. There is no time for complacency. When big brother is at your doorstep it is too late. No matter the state in which you live, get engaged. Show up at your Capitol, get involved in the political process and hold your elected officials accountable. Do your research and don’t discount the primaries. We need to understand that our civil duty does not begin and end at the voting booth. The cost of freedom is great but the cost of no freedom is greater.
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, mother, grandmother and a former tenured public school teacher. She and her husband have home educated for 18 years. Contact her by emailing freeyourchildren@gmail.com.
tech tal K
by byron glenn
rotecting Your d igital h ousehold
Simple Steps for Online Safety
grOWiNg uP, my world was limited to the places where I could ride my bike or drive with my parents. As technology evolved, communication transformed from receiving letters in the mailbox to hearing AOL’s iconic “You’ve got mail,” which opened the door to chat rooms (quite an experience, if you were around at that time).
Today the world is at our fingertips, including our children, grandchildren and friends, those we know and those we don’t. Our neighborhoods, schools, and places of worship are no longer the only spaces for connection; now we can go online and communicate with people from across the globe.
In today’s digital landscape, keeping children safe online is a top priority for parents and guardians. The internet provides opportunities for learning and connection. From social media and gaming consoles to school tablets, the average child has more access to the world, but this access comes with its share of risks.
The most common question I hear from parents isn’t about specific apps or technical settings; it’s about balance: “How do I know what my kids are doing online without invading their privacy?”
This question touches on both safety and trust. The answer varies by age and maturity level, and the approach evolves as your children grow.
for young children , I recommend that you keep devices in family spaces and be transparent about your oversight. “I’m checking your tablet to ensure you’re safe.”
for middle schoolers , consider yourself a coach rather than a referee. Discuss monitoring openly: “I have trust in you, but my job is to keep you safe until you can recognize all the dangers yourself.”
with teens , shift to a mentoring role. Would you believe me if I told you that surveillance without conversation rarely works? Ask questions like “have you seen anything unusual online lately?” rather than immediately grabbing their phone.
Your Wi-Fi is the front door to your family’s online world. Would you leave your actual front door unlocked?
Most modern routers come with builtin security features that are surprisingly easy to activate: Change those default passwords (you know, the ones on the sticker that say “admin/admin”). Enable parental controls through your internet provider’s app—Xfinity’s xFi and AT&T’s Smart Home Manager make this almost effortless.
these basics can provide a layer of protection with minimal setup:
on apple devices, Screen Time allows you to set content and time limits in just a few taps (Settings > Screen Time > App Limits/Content & Privacy Restrictions).
google family link offers similar protection for Android users and is completely free.
gaming consoles are often overlooked, but Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo all have strong family settings—make sure to use them!
here’s the truth: No technical solution is foolproof. The most substantial protection isn’t software; it’s conversation. Start discussions early and keep them ongoing. Use real-world examples: “I saw this news story about a child who shared too much information online. What would you do in that situation?”
Establish that coming to you about uncomfortable online encounters won’t result in punishment or device confiscation. Kids who fear losing access often hide problems until they escalate.
here are a few resources when you need specific guidance: Internet Matters (internetmatters.org) offers device-specific setup instructions with screenshots. Family Online Safety Institute (fosi.org) provides its “7 Steps to Good Digital Parenting.”
Our Kids Center (ourkidscenter.com) specializes in digital safety education for families. The Technology Engagement Center (rclstn.org), a Rutherford County Library System branch, offers hands-on workshops and personalized support for families navigating digital challenges.
I don’t want to burst your bubble; perfect digital protection is a myth. However, as technology evolves, children and adults should develop skills to navigate online spaces safely and confidently.
The digital landscape our children live in today vastly differs from what we experienced growing up, and it will continue to change before adulthood. The most effective protection isn’t found in apps or settings; it’s in raising children who understand their connected world’s wonders and risks.
byron glenn is the Sales and Marketing Manager with business System Solutions; if you are looking for iT-managed services for your business, visit bssconsulting.com or call 615-400-8595.
Child Development
Work to easily improve children’s motor skills with these tips
by Josh bowden
lIl’ kIckers of Murfreesboro
A S AN OWNE r/OPE r ATO r of a business dedicated to a child’s behavioral, social and cognitive developmental milestones by using skills learned via soccer, the complexity and joy of the topic of child development is something I hold dear.
Let’s start off by simply setting a standardized understanding of exactly what the term “child development” means. In layman’s terms: it is the process by which children experience growth as they move from infancy to maturity. As they develop, they learn the abilities and behaviors needed to comprehend their surroundings. Their curiosity, determination and imagination emerge as they explore, play and interact with others.
Now that we have a general definition of child development, let’s begin to crawl our way through some simple best practices, theories and even some actions that we can take to help facilitate and en-
rich the development of our kiddos.
Let’s kick things off by taking a swing at a child’s physical development.
As children grow, they undergo significant physical changes that can also affect their psychological development. Beyond the visible physical transformations, they also develop more advanced motor skills, enabling them to engage with their surroundings in new ways. This, in turn, enhances their capacity to learn and acquire new abilities.
I have found, as a parent, that it is vitally important to “lean into” the nurturement of these motor skills as they become essential in our daily lives. They enable us to perform tasks without even thinking—like lifting objects, typing on a keyboard or, at the most basic level, walking. The retention of these motor skills (better known as muscle memory) is crucial when it comes to the growth mindset and our children’s developmental progress. Both of these begin
to develop right after birth and, with our assistance as parents, will continue to blossom as children grow.
encourage physIcal actIVIty
Strong motor control also allows children to explore their surroundings, which supports growth in a whole slew of other developmental areas.
So how exactly do we foster and lean into this responsibility to ensure our children are progressing as needed?
Simply put: encourage and demand (I know, a bit of a scary word, but it can be done gently) physical activity on a daily basis. Clearly your approach as a parent should vary depending on the age of the child, but the one simple piece of advice I can relay is to just be the example we want to set.
Kids get excited when we are excited, so talk to them in a positive and upbeat way about how good physical
movement and active play is for them and their bodies.
encourage posItIVIty
When they finish any kind of physical play (riding a bike, at the playground, sports, etc.) ask them what their favorite part was. Tell them how much fun it looked like they were having. Essentially conclude the activity, whatever it may have been, by impressing upon them a certain level of excitement that will lend itself to them intrinsically wanting to “return to that same level of excitement” next time. You are building up their desire to continue participating in that, and other, types of
physical activity. Okay, that is probably enough from me today . . . all this “talk” of physicality has me itching to get up and move. I do not know exactly where this adventure in prose will take us, but that is no reason to avoid starting the journey. My hope, by way of this column, is to help cultivate a resource for parents in our community. Maybe, just maybe, if we all read, share, suggest and collaborate, maybe we can all somehow stay one step ahead of our kids. Strength in numbers, right?! Ha! First bit of collaboration: we need a fun name for this column! Send suggestions to thepulse@thelkm.com .
money matters
by sean M oran
peace of Mind Through Financial p lanning
p e O p L e OFT en S ee K a financial advisor when facing a financial pain point. This could be the desire to retire soon, a marriage, a divorce, college planning, or even tax or other financial issues. Just as getting car insurance before an accident is essential, so is seeking financial advice before you think you need it.
What Help do you need?
Many people come to me unsure of the right questions to ask, sometimes even apologizing for not being where they think they should be financially. The truth is, there’s no shame in not being where you want to be. Taking proactive steps to improve your situation is the most important thing, and something to be proud of when you take that important step.
When choosing a financial advisor, ensure they understand your situation and demonstrate strong knowledge in your specific areas of need. Inquire about their educational background and experience. As Ron Blue says, “You can’t take someone where you haven’t gone yourself.”
Determine if you need a comprehensive financial plan. A financial advisor can help you develop one that considers your individual circumstances, goals and risk tolerance. This plan should be tailored to your needs and reviewed and updated regularly. It should address areas like budgeting, assets and liabilities, any businesses you own, and potential tax consequences of investment accounts and other assets.
A good advisor will help you organize a scattered financial situation into a clear picture. They should also review your investments, including workplace retirement plans and other accounts, to ensure they are suitable, diversified and strategically allocated. They can analyze which investments make the most sense in different account types. For example, tax-exempt interest might be better in a brokerage account than a tax-deferred account. A competent advisor can help with this, as well as rebalancing your investments if any become too large a percentage of your overall holdings.
What to expect
A financial advisor should provide ongoing support and education, helping you stay on track with your financial goals and make informed decisions. Remember, it’s your goals and your
decisions, the advisor is there to guide you along the way to achieving what you deem to be most important. Look for someone who can explain complex concepts clearly. This could include how your taxes are calculated, how you can potentially defer taxes, or when you might want to pay taxes now to avoid a larger bill later. They should be able to explain why it might not be advisable to put real estate or a business into your 401(k) or IRA. They should also help you determine whether a Roth or traditional 401(k) or IRA is the better choice, and if Roth conversions could be a smart move in a given year.
Estate planning is another area where your advisor should be involved, working in conjunction with your attorney. They should help you ensure efficient gifting strategies and address whether giving equal amounts of your estate to each child is truly equal, as this isn’t always the case. In some situations, without proper planning, the biggest winner could be the IRS.
I tell potential clients there are two key things to consider when choosing an advisor, and you can use these as a test with any advisor you meet. First, do you think they are knowledgeable? I believe this should be evident from the first meeting. I don’t believe in withholding information until someone commits to working with me. You should leave the first meeting with action items, regardless of whether you choose to work with the advisor. Second, do you like the person? No matter how smart they are, if you wouldn’t want to spend time with them socially, or something about them annoys you, they’re probably not the right fit. This is an important relationship, and you deserve to work with someone you enjoy. This will keep you motivated to take the necessary steps to move your financial future forward.
Ultimately, it’s about peace of mind. You want to know you’re on the right track. If you don’t feel that way yet, I encourage you to seek the help you need to get on that path.
disclaimer: This information is not tax, legal, or investment advice. Consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.
if you would like to connect with me, please call 615-619-6919 or email smoran@redbarnfinancial. com.
Live Exceptionally...Well!
by JennIfer durand
Status Quo or Status Go?
dO yOu ever FeeL like you are on the proverbial gerbil wheel that just goes round and round, in the same place, at the same pace, until you just plop from exhaustion of doing the same thing and getting nowhere different? You think about all the things you’d like to do or explore, but there is always something in the way, so the cycle continues. There is a buzz that pervades our current cultural climate that yearns to be accepted and willingly yields to “well, it’s just the way I am” or “that’s just the way things are.” There seems to be a considerable lack of desire to want to grow, evolve or try to be better.
“Competition is always a good thing. It forces us to do our best. A monopoly renders people complacent and satisfied with mediocrity.” — Nancy Pearcey
There is a difference in accepting the ways things are and striving to be better at (fill in the blank). The range of possibilities could be being better at life, love, communication, promises, forgiveness, relationships, compromising, parenting and so on. If we just accept the status quo of being complacent and spinning on the gerbil wheel there will be slim opportunities to experience anything else.
“Never take the position that things just happen to you; rather, they happen because of something you did or did not do.” — Grant Cardone
about it, or share it, it begins to blossom, grow and take shape until it becomes what it was meant to be. Ideas are infinite and ever-changing. When things change it’s because the elements have been tried, practiced, measured, tweaked, and transformed. The natural order of life is growth, not stagnation.
Oftentimes there is much comfort in routine. We become so used to it that we feel off if we aren’t doing the same things. Unfortunately, it is so subtle you don’t see the invisible shield closing you in. All situations, looking from the inside out, seem normal and natural. Caring for others who can’t care for themselves, working more than one or even two jobs, working and studying for a course, managing a family, children, work, friendships and other activities—these are just things that have to be done, and it leaves little time for you. Time for growth, change or even fun are not often in the picture. However, that is the subtle lie that would keep you complacent. Yes, it might require getting up earlier or going to bed later, but it requires making yourself a priority. It is necessary to nourish and feed your body, mind, soul and spirit if you want to break the complacency or status quo cycles.
“An inch of time is worth an inch of gold. But an inch of gold cannot buy an inch of time.” — Chinese proverb
I heard a phrase a long time ago that called certain life experiences “the right of passage.” Meaning, we reach certain points in life through experiences and action. Then it is a normal, natural right to progress toward the next phase of life, or “the right of passage,” distinct from, yet not necessarily disconnected from, the more commonly known rite of passage. Some examples of this are a child going from training wheels to a bicycle, a young adult moving out of the house and into their own place, retiring from a career and moving into a different phase of life, women going through menopause, and parents becoming empty nesters. All of these experiences are normal and natural and we move forward day by day into the next phase. What is not natural is to remain in a state of dormancy or complacency. It is not normal for someone else to do everything for us.
“Pushing beyond familiar boundaries is necessary for growth and achievement.” — John C. Maxwell Everything starts somewhere, often small, like a seed being planted, whether it’s a flower, tree, thought, idea or dream. As we water it, think
Make a decision to be “Status Go” and start small. Just do one thing different today than yesterday. Drive a different way home, maybe even go out of your way a little. Try that new restaurant you haven’t been to yet. If you brush your teeth before you take a shower, try brushing them after instead. Enter your house a different way. Get a best-selling book, read it, and then leave a review online. Volunteer for one hour this month at a new-to-you nonprofit. Go to a church service, or try a different church. These are very simple things to do, but you might need a simple start to get you going in a different direction. Make a pact with yourself for the next 30 days to do one little thing different each day. Keep a little notebook and write down what you do. When your 30 days is up you can review and see all the things you’ve done in a new way, or all the new things you’ve done. No more “Status Quo” for you!
Jennifer durand is the owner and operator of The Nurture Nook day Spa & gift Shoppe. visit nurturenook.com or facebook.com/nurturenook dayspa or call 615-896-7110 for more information.
