May 2020 Murfreesboro Pulse by The Murfreesboro Pulse

BUSINESS BUZZ Music Migrates to New Media: Concerts Move to Online Platforms Fruit Tea Sounds Good to Me: The Story of Alley Cat Tea

COSTCO / FIVE’S CORNER SPOT / ONE LESS LIMB / LOS BARRILES / CASA ADOBE EXPRESS / FRESH BITE MAY 2020

VOL. 15, ISSUE 5

FREE

School at Home: Fun and Free Ways to Engage Children

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

The Great Suppression: Executive Orders Across the Nation Raise Serious Questions

TRAVEL With TURNER Murfreesboro Businessman Moves Groups While Keeping Them Entertained

Contents

8 A T ime to

School

at Home

page 15

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

CHANGING TUNES

Music migrates to new media media.

SPRINGTIME BY THE WATER

All ages enjoy local recreation areas areas.

4 Letter

20 Art

FROM THE EDITOR No doom or gloom on the sunny side

MURAL Frizzell and Armes art duo complete outdoor mural at Bug Man.

LOCAL REAL ESTATE UPDATE Market holding steady with strong property values, low interest rates and high demand.

5 Events

QUARANTINE CREATIVITY Local artists share their recent work.

HIGHLIGHTING BUSINESS Floativation: Lockdown Edition

POETRY Bring your poems and dreams online to share.

FINANCIAL COACHING 4 financial strategies during crisis

CALENDAR Home Expo; parks features reopening; online prayer breakfast

TRAVEL WITH TURNER

Murfreesboro entrepreneur uses three luxury vans to move groups entertained. while keeping them entertained

8 Sounds

A TIME TO SCHOOL AT HOME

Fun and free resources to engage and home. educate your kids at home

TENNESSEE FRUIT TEA

Murfreesboro’s Alley Cat Tea sitting shelves. pretty on supermarket shelves

THE GREAT SUPPRESSION

Executive orders across the nation questions. raise constitutional, liberty questions

ALBUM REVIEWS Sterfry; Steve Purcell

14 Living GARDENING Look into urban gardening.

16 Food

RESTAURANT REVIEW FatGuy Barbecue at the KwikSak

Art Director: Sarah Mayo

Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo

Opinion

REVIEWS Extra Ordinary Cats

28 News

BUSINESS BUZZ Five’s Corner Spot, Los Barriles, Costo, Mellow Mushroom, One Less Limb, Fresh Bite and more

Contributors: Melissa Coker, Joseph Kathmann, Tony Lehew,

Copy Editor: Steve Morley

Laura Lindsay, Jon Little, Angela Loupe,

Advertising: Dave Trout

Shaterial Starnes, Andrea Stockard,

Zach Maxfield, Edwina Shannon, Jay Spight, Phil Valentine, Kory Wells, Michelle Willard

PHIL VALENTINE Business owners should have the right to reopen.

34 Sports SPORTS TALK Isaiah Wilson, Kristian Fulton, Darrynton Evans become Titans

Copyright © 2020, The Murfreesboro Pulse, 714 W. Main St., #208, Murfreesboro, TN 37129. Proudly owned, operated and published the first Thursday of each month by the Mayo family; printed by Franklin Web Printing Co. The Pulse is a free publication funded by advertisers. Views expressed in the Pulse do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. ISSN: 1940-378X

To carry the PULSE at your business, or to submit letters, stories and photography: bracken@boropulse.com

@BoroPulse

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714 W. Main St., Suite 208, Murfreesboro, TN 37129 • 615-796-6248

The Murfreesboro Pulse

IT WAS ALL A DREAM, I publish the Pulse magazine! The Pulse rolls on. Despite the shutdowns lately, we continue to deliver a slice of Murfreesboro life to our readers. As always, thanks to every one of the sponsors who make this endeavor possible. Please support these businesses. Pay Sunshine Nutrition a visit. You may find something there to help boost your immunity or otherwise achieve your health goals. Now that the dining rooms of Hank’s, Station Grill, 219 Mixed Cuisine, Nacho’s, The Alley, Carmen’s Taqueria, Primrose Table and Donut Country are back open, I am sure they would like to see you. The good folks at Nexgen Barbershop will help you out if you are emerging from isolation looking like Chewbacca. I’ve had Bracken Jr. teaching me some katas and laying the smack down during home training in karate and other forms of combat that involve the chokeslam and his signature Angus stomp. Remember, each and every one of you is essential! Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Some local business owners did not like being told that their business was not essential. I’d bet the business is pretty essential to the business owner, even if someone else says otherwise! My condolences go out to the families of the 11 individuals who died due to the coronavirus in Rutherford County (according to the Tennessee Department of Health). The community is saddened at these families’ loss, and I hope that they remember the good times with their loved ones. All lives matter. I definitely felt the discouragement in the Murfreesboro business com-

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munity in April 2020. State executive orders mandated that restaurant owners, many of whom expected to have large crowds of patrons enjoying a meal with their family and friends, could not host dine-in customers; gyms, many of which have large communities of regulars who come in to work towards improving their health, were required to lock up; and Easter and springtime gatherings of 10 or more were banned. MTSU, normally bustling with activity during this time of year with students congregating outdoors in the spring weather and a crop of seniors working hard to complete the final coursework before graduation, became a locked-down ghost town. Social media moms debated the ethical and social ramifications of having a haircut or going to the park. Lots of anger. Some fear, loss of control, a little depression. I sensed some frustrated emotions swirling in the air and in the hearts of the people. Will this incident plunge our nation, one built on ideals of liberty, free markets and individualism, into some sort of ultra-controlling tyrannical state where government seizes even more power and dictates even more of what can and cannot happen in personal life? Will citizens of the U.S.A. lose freedoms to assemble, to work, to shop, to worship, to attend sporting events, concerts or school, to travel, to get a manicure or massage, to eat a sandwich in the neighborhood restaurant or practice yoga in a group setting? “Nothing good will come of this!” many lamented. “I want the old normal back!” While I don’t dismiss these valid and important concerns, I continue to attempt to stay positive and look on the sunny side. The idea that nothing good will come of all this—nonsense! Just a few of my favorite positive elements about a world in pandemic and a socially distant country in lockdown: You can wear masks in public! Have fun with it. Express yourself through the facial covering of your choice. Maybe it’s a tribute to your favorite masked wrestler or an old Soviet gas mask, or maybe you sport kitty whiskers on your mask or wear a futuristic steam-

punk covering. Or maybe you reject the forced masking of America. More time to practice the instrument of your choice. Public life is cancelled. Most everything is closed. Play music! Compose a new piece or learn a classic. Have you ever wished you had more time to dive into those dusty piles of sheet music? The time is now.

Less traffic. So many people used to complain “oh, the Murfreesboro traffic is so awful.” Well, they should have driven around in mid-April. Hardly any traffic.

No one expects you to be anywhere. At all. No expectations. Get out of bed . . . or not! “Yep, my schedule is clear, whatever day this is . . .”

More time to enjoy the outdoors and gardening. It happened during springtime when the sun was beautiful and garden planting time was upon us. Most people would want to be home for that, right? Get outside and become one with the dirt. Learning as much as possible about food production may prove useful.

It was a wake-up call. It’s kind of a fun simulation of a real doomsday event. Good thing the food supply, gasoline, electricity and water didn’t actually get cut off, or you’d really be screwed then, eh? Get prepared. Unless you truly had respiratory issues connected to the virus, it’s not like this thing caused many real emergencies. Most unpleasant situations related to this were not caused by the thing itself, but rather by man-made, manufactured responses to the thing, and those can be corrected. It’s not like a huge meteor hit the earth and quickly wiped out a huge percentage of the population. Consider this a practice run.

The curve flattened. The whole shutting down of gatherings and everyone staying home seemed to have worked. No millions of people dead as many predicted.

The realization that going to school or work or the store really wasn’t all that necessary. Students didn’t attend group classes in

a traditional school building, but many of them likely still learned something and furthered their education at home. Numerous office workers didn’t report to the office, but many still used available technological resources from home and kept projects moving forward. Shoppers couldn’t browse items in a brick-andmortar store, but the good folks at a certain highly profitable online ordering service with a massive distribution center right in Murfreesboro would bring it right to the porch. This may eliminate some of the pointless commuting (an area that may be truly non-essential in some cases) and the going just for the sake of going in the future. Challenges make us stronger. Many have had to use a little creativity and imagination and determination to get through this strange period. They are probably stronger and more skilled for it.

Family game time. It’s a great opportunity to spend some time with the people in your house now that there are not as many options for everyone to scatter in different directions.

It did not interrupt the NFL season. The draft went off just fine and professional American football looks to be on track for the fall. Good timing.

q w e

Less traffic means less pollution. Urban air is getting cleaner. Cheaper gas. Demand goes down, so do prices.

So, be all “doom and gloom” and “end of the world” and “loss of civil liberties” and “economy is tanking” and “disruption” and “panic” and “many of those in power are using this as a way to advance the agenda of their political party” if you want, I’ll be over here on the sunny side. I say life is still great, I have lots for which to be thankful and it’s a wonderful world! Rejoice, fear not and do not worry. Play music, stay healthy and God bless America!

Peace, BRACKEN MAYO Publisher/Editor in Chief

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

THROUGHOUT MAY RUTHERFORD COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM CURBSIDE PICKUP Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) and Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd.) will offer curbside pickup service Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. beginning May 4. Parking for Smyrna curbside pickup service is located in the small parking lot near Smyrna Library’s side-of-the-building service door and parking in Murfreesboro is the pull-off area on Church Street. Text or call the curbside number 615-809-9225 for Linebaugh. Signs are posted in the Smyrna parking lot with the Smyrna phone number. Visit the Rutherford County Library System app or rclstn.org to search the online catalog for an item and pick the location. For any questions, call Smyrna Public Library at 615-459-4884. Book drops are now open for returns; however, the buildings remain closed to the public. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or find Rutherford County Library System on Facebook. The Rutherford Country Library System offers many ways for all ages to continue learning and stay active with children and family members. Visit rclstn. org for the Virtual Library, Book Recommendation Newsletters, RCLS Reads weekly lists, Awards Lists, E-book Alerts, Author Spotlights and more. The sites booklistonline.com and hoopladigital.com offer books online through the library, and StarNet offers a wealth of resources and activities for people of all ages at clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/66activities. Visit worldbookonline.com for distance learning resources.

MURFREESBORO PARKS FEATURES REOPENING All Murfreesboro park greenways, hiking trails, bike trails, disc golf, outdoor tennis courts and open green spaces remain open. Beginning May 4, the city will implement the following updates: OPEN: Adams Tennis Complex

CALENDAR / MAY 2020

BY ANDREA STOCKARD information, visit nashvilleconflict.org.

STONES RIVER BATTLEFIELD REOPENING TRAILS Stones River National Battlefield has reopened access to trails connecting to the Stones River Greenway and the Visitor Center parking lot. Access to the Visitor Center Parking Lot is through the Old Nashville Highway entrance from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Parking is limited to 31 paved spaces and strictly enforced. Access to the visitor center, tour road, national cemetery and other parking areas remain closed as of May 1. For more information, visit nps.gov/stri.

MAY 7 VIRTUAL MAYOR’S PRAYER BREAKFAST The Murfreesboro Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast has been changed from an in-person event to an online virtual prayer breakfast Thursday, May 7, from 6:30–8:15 a.m. Call Greenhouse Ministries at 615-4940499 for more information.

MAY 16 VIRTUAL WALK TO CURE ARTHRITIS

Indoor Courts open for play with physical distancing and sanitation protocols; Water fountains, coffee stations, locker rooms remain closed. OPEN: Cannonsburgh Village grounds and restrooms; Visitors Center closed. OPEN: McFadden Community Center pre-planned structured programs and activities, pickleball (with reservations); Game room, open gym remain closed. OPEN: Patterson Park Community Center weight room, fitness classes, indoor track; Pool, Washington Theatre, game room, racquetball courts, water fountains, coffee stations, locker rooms remain closed. OPEN: Sports*Com weight room, fitness classes, indoor track; Pools, water fountains, coffee stations, locker rooms remain closed. OPEN: Wilderness Station at Barfield, trails, restrooms; Gift shop and visitors center remain closed. For more information and updates, visit murfreesborotn.gov/1700.

 Send community event information to CONTACT@BOROPULSE.COM

EVENTS MOVED ONLINE:

MAY 6 AND 13 ACE AWARENESS LUNCH & LEARNS Learn about studies of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the long-term impact of childhood trauma on both physical and emotional health with Nashville Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) online May 6 and 13. This information can shape effective communication with low-income and indigent clients. Video meetings address a variety of topics relevant not only to mediators, but to anyone interested in the challenges and strategies of conflict resolution. The May 6 session explores the pros and cons of breakout rooms and the waiting room. The May 13 session, also at noon, teaches the use of DocuSign for both phone and video mediation sessions. Classes are free. Nashville Conflict also provides free mediation via video conferencing for families, roommates, co-workers and tenants to de-escalate tensions, resolve conflicts and keep relationships intact. For more

Donations are needed to find a cure for arthritis and the 1.6 million Tennesseans, including children, who have one of these conditions. Donations stay local to help Tennesseans in the first Walk to Cure Arthritis in Murfreesboro. Register for the virtual walk on the arthritis.org Facebook page and tune in for the walk May 16 at 3 p.m. After taking your own personal walk, join Facebook for live conversations, stories and fun together. Honor the 54 million Americans battling arthritis. For more information, contact chenry@ arthritis.org or 714-402-9448, or visit events.arthritis.org.

THROUGHOUT MAY GETTING STARTED WITH ESSENTIAL OILS Learn more about essential oils and how they can aid in producing a more natural and healthier life including immune support, relaxation and sleep, stress relief, emotional balance, skin care, respiratory health, cleaning, and even muscle tension and pain in an informational class hosted by Well Oiled Machine. Originally planned for the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, classes are now available online. For more information, contact hello@ welloiledmachine.co.uk or find the Getting Started with Essential Oils – Murfreesboro event on Eventbrite.

FOOD FOR THOSE IN NEED Rutherford County Schools expands its free food program for children to 26 sites during the shutdown; for a complete list of locations and more information, visit rcschools.net or call 615-893-5812. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 BOROPULSE.COM

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contact@transparentheartyoga.com for more information, to receive the meeting ID and be added to the general email list. For a complete list of classes, visit transparentheartyoga.com/live-schedulevirtual-classes.

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Meals 4 Hearts offers free daily lunches at Nourish Food Bank (1809 Memorial Blvd.) from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (while supplies last). Contact Nourish Food Bank for hot meals at 615-203-3963. Free meal delivery is available for children and elders who cannot go get food. Call 931-9542049 and give code Meals4Hearts.

RESCHEDULED EVENTS:

JUNE 5, 6 AND 12 SENIORS ACTING UP

LifePoint Church is providing food boxes for families in the area; contact the church at lifept.org/forthecommunity. Feed America First is accepting food donations to help those in need. For more information, visit feedamericafirst.com.

THROUGHOUT MAY ONLINE CLASSES WITH THE CHATTERY The Chattery, a nonprofit learning collective located in Chattanooga, offers fun, affordable and accessible classes and workshops for adults to learn from a variety of community leaders, experts and hobbyists. Upcoming online classes include Writing for Stress Relief, Abstract Doodling, Planning for Parenthood, Mocktails 101, Stock Market Basics and more. For more information, visit thechattery.org.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY SCHOOLS RESOURCES Rutherford County Schools offers optional assignments and activities to keep students engaged throughout the COVID-19 shutdown. Two local internet service providers are offering free high-speed internet service for two months for those without internet access. For classes like ACT Prep, Physical Education, Spanish 3, The US Presidency, Visual Literacy, Lifetime Health and Wellness and more, visit rcso.rcschools.net.

OTHER ONLINE CLASSES AND RESOURCES: KidSpeak offers an introduction for children learning new languages at rclstn.org/ databases. Girls Who Code has made educational activities free to download for anyone at home at girlswhocode.com/code-at-home.

MAY 29–31 MURFREESBORO HOME EXPO The Murfreesboro Home Expo is happening Friday–Sunday, May 29–31, at MidTN Expo Center featuring local and national vendors. The show will help area homeowners conceptualize and finish all sorts of home improvement projects. See the latest in home improvement, remodeling, design, outdoor living and more. The expo is set for 12–8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday and will include live demonstrations, food sampling, contests, prizes and more. The first 1,000 tickets are free, presented by Bath Fitter; admission is $5 if those supplies are exhausted. Mid-TN Expo Center is located at 1660 Middle Tennessee Blvd., Murfreesboro. For more information on the Murfreesboro Home Expo, call 800-201-HOME or visit murfreesborohomeexpo.com.

Cassie Stephens, an art teacher at Johnson Elementary School in Franklin, is offering live classes online for children via her Instagram live (@cassie_stephenz) and her Facebook every weekday from 11–11:45 a.m. until schools reopen. Themes range from wizards to unicorns. May includes Snacktastic Treats Week and Mother’s Day Crafts. Parents can email Stephens their children’s finished work. Her videos are also available via her YouTube channel. For more information, visit cassiestephens.blogspot.com or cassieart.etsy.com. Digital magazines can be found at issuu. com and at flipster.ebsco.com. Imagination Library offers resources and engaging activities to do along with each book your child receives, and those resources from the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation can be found at governorsfoundation.org.

The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program continues at 1000booksbeforekindergarten.org/resources.

Murfreesboro Academy of Music Virtual Lessons allow students to participate in music lessons while at home. For more information, contact 615-905-1882 or info@murfreesboromusic.com, or visit murfreesboromusic.com.

Highly acclaimed author and illustrator Mo Willems hosts daily online drawing sessions on the Kennedy Center’s YouTube channel.

Visit explorethedc.org/discoveryathome to access resources for at-home learning and play from the Discovery Center

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while it is closed. Find activities, videos, favorite staff-picked links, online “Art with Abby,” and a weekly Pre-K presentation on Facebook: SPARK Live Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The goal is to continue engaging curious minds to fuel the future, so stay connected via social media, especially the Discovery Center Facebook page and the blog at explorethedc.org/blog.

ONLINE WORKOUTS: Join Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation and Murfreesboro Sports*Com on Facebook for a schedule of the live workout videos throughout the month. Premier Athletics offers interactive virtual classes with regular physical activities to benefit both the body and mind, improving bone and muscle strength and increasing balance, flexibility and fitness. Virtual classes are set up for preschool tumbling and gymnastics, tumbling, gymnastics, ninja and dance. Sign up at premierathleticsmurfreesboro.com. Bill Taylor’s Bushido School of Karate offers a variety of workout and karate videos online, from stretching and warmup exercises to advanced kata and karate instruction. Visit bskonline.com and click on “Home Dojo.” Transparent Heart Yoga Class offers yoga classes for all levels on Zoom. Email

The Seniors Acting Up show “Trouble at the Circus,” originally scheduled for April 24, 25 and May 1 at St. Clair Senior Center has been postponed to June 5, 6 and 12. For more information, find St. Clair Senior Center on Facebook.

JUNE 11–12 SPECIAL KIDS GOLF CLASSIC It is the goal of Special Kids that no child is turned away due to their family’s inability to afford services. Special Kids relies on 40 percent of its income to come through community support. The Special Kids Golf Classic is a unique opportunity to raise much needed funds while enjoying a great day out on the golf course with friends. Enjoy a beautiful day at Indian Hills Golf Course (405 Calumet Trace) June 11 and 12. Participants, in a fourperson scramble style, compete for prizes from Indian Hills and other local sponsors. Players receive a free lunch and the option to play in the Thursday or Friday afternoon tournaments. Registration and lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. An awards ceremony follows. A team of four is $600 and individuals are $150. For more information, visit specialkidstn.com/golfclassic.

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

AUG. 13 LEAVE A LEGACY Leave A Legacy benefits the Rutherford County Area Habitat for Humanity at the MTSU Student Union Ballroom (1301 E. Main St.) Thursday, Aug. 13. Enjoy a full buffet dinner and an appearance by football legend Eddie George. George

speaks about how perseverance and overcoming obstacles framed his career and how people can use the same determination to realize their life goals. George says he admires how Habitat for Humanity prepares and empowers families and individuals to become homeowners and all that they can be. Nashville sports radio personality Dawn Davenport is the master of ceremonies. For more information, visit rchfh.org or find the event on Eventbrite.

AUG. 29 SHABBY LANE’S MOTHERS & DAUGHTERS CUPCAKES AND TEA Shabby Lane’s Mothers & Daughters Cupcakes and Tea has been set for Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Farmers Market building and the Ag Barn at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Enjoy free cupcakes courtesy of Sun-up Cupcakes and tea or lemonade while shopping among the wares of over 90 vendors. Dads, brothers, grandpas, grandmas and friends are also welcome. Admission is free. For more information, visit shabbylaneshoppingevents.com.

SEPT. 3 CELEBRITY WAITERS DINNER The Exchange Club of Murfreesboro has

rescheduled its 11th annual Celebrity Waiters Dinner to Thursday, Sept. 3, at Stones River Country Club (1830 NW Broad St.) with a reception and dinner alongside live entertainment, silent auction and a live auction. Funds raised through the dinner support the programs of The Exchange Club including Americanism, youth activities, community service and their national project, the prevention of child abuse, specifically via Kymari House and The Family Center of Tennessee. For more information, contact 615896-9460, 615-494-7970 or 615-893-2067 or visit noonexchange.org.

OCT. 23 SHAKESBEER Shakesbeer, set for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, is a night of fun and revelry dedicated to highlighting local craft brewers at Discovery Center with performers from Murfreesboro Little Theater, M-Prov and Inebriated Shakespeare. Each year the event gives guests the opportunity to sample some of the best craft brews Murfreesboro has to offer while enjoying Shakespearean performances and plays and other fun. The outdoor event is for ages 21 and up. Proceeds benefit Discovery Center. For tickets and more information, visit explorethedc.org/shakesbeer.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

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

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

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

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

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

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BOROPULSE.COM

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Sounds

Read more about local music at

boropulse.com/category/music

RADIO put on a “Live from Quarantine” edition of the beloved Music City Roots program. Benefiting the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund and still available on Facebook and YouTube, the evening featured music from host JIM LAUDERDALE, LILLIE MAE, JOHN OATES, SAM BUSH and SIERRA HULL with JUSTIN MOSES.

ERIC PASLAY

Points also go out to THE NASHVILLE PALACE and its neighboring “sister” Scoreboard Bar and Grill. Both have made a sound business out of serving up inhouse performances from artists including PAM MILLER, LEITH LOFTIN, JOE DENIM, NIKKI NELSON, CODY JOE HODGES, an around-the-campfire show

Changing Tunes

big annual celebration of bluegrass, have discussed joining the realm of online concert experiences and say they will release more details on a virtual Roots Rendezvous in the coming months.

BY MELISSA COKER

Among those who are improvising solutions is RIDENOUR REHEARSAL STUDIOS. In riding out Murfreesboro’s musical silent treatment during shutdowns related to COVID-19, Ridenour has helped offset the lack of in-person audiences with performances streamed live, straight from its stage onto Facebook. These interactive full length-shows have allowed for requests and opened up the opportunity for artists to earn tips via Venmo. Some have brought in more than 20,000 views. CHRIS TAYLOR, KYLE ELLIOT and HAYDEN COFFMAN  (a talent contest winner who has 8 * MAY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

played with the Grand Ole Opry’s house band and opened for many acclaimed artists including Aaron Tippin at Ridenour back in November), all took part in these party-from-a-distance soirées. Nearby, LINEBAUGH LIBRARY has turned a page and has mixed things up as well, offering online story times and book readings, and even free music selections through their Hoopla Bonus Borrows program. The CENTER FOR THE ARTS has taken up virtual reading as well, so if your offspring have taken to acting out then it might be time to get your act together and give CFTA’s Tuesday and Thursday night Facebook Live story time, featuring Center actors, a try. With a lively lead-in of “From every edge of Music City, from some of the finest bedrooms and basements in town . . .” by renowned announcer KEITH BILBREY, WMOT 89.5 ROOTS

Middle Tennessee resident and SiriusXM radio host STORME WARREN oversaw recent STAGECOACH virtual replacement “Stagecouch,” even offering an enthusiastic inside look at the so-called campground and festivities map of the XM- and Instagram-based weekend shindig featuring CARRIE UNDERWOOD, ERIC CHURCH, JON PARDI, ASHLEY McBRYDE and THOMAS RHETT among others. The rumor is that organizers of UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS, Murfreesboro’s

Local music migrates to new medias during pandemic LATELY, THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY has really had to live up to its name. Some local venues have upped the creativity level with a few new takes on their jam plans, making for events worth watching even while many who are listening to those jams remain jammed in at home.

with CRACKER BARREL to turn the “jam” up a notch, encouraging viewers of a special performance to donate meals to hospital workers. Through May 12, for each $10 e-gift card purchased (at crackerbarrel. com/comfort) Cracker Barrel promises to donate a meal to a hospital worker.

from Palace mainstays  WHISKEY WOLVES OF THE WEST and other tipworthy opportunities during May 2020 to online patrons. With the Opry House just down the road from these two venues, it would be remiss not to pause and make mention of the grand tradition of the GRAND OLE OPRY and the fact that live Saturday night broadcasts of the revered institution have played on in a scaled-down format over radio, streaming video, and even television (locally on WSMV). MTSU grad turned cafe-namesake turned Nashville Star turned country music superstar CHRIS YOUNG  recently joined in on the streaming trend too, but with a tasty twist. Young and Sony Music partnered

While the building remains closed to the public, The COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM has moved its weekly Songwriter Sessions program to an Instagram Live format. Just like the on-location sessions, participants will still be able to ask questions of the songwriters and hear stories behind the songs. MTSU grad ERIC PASLAY is the featured writer on May 5, with other sessions for the month featuring BRANDY CLARK, CHARLIE WORSHAM and DON SCHLITZ. Find archived sessions at countrymusichalloffame.org. Bottom line: It’s OK to jam to a jamboree in your jammies.

ALBUMS

STEVE PURCELL

STERFRY

Guitarist Steve Purcell has captured a tremendous variety of musical genres on his debut solo album, Ample’tudes, in a way few releases have done. For each track, the guitarist seemingly picked a particular genre to pay homage to, and went all-in for the flavor of that number, all while showcasing his virtuoso axe skills. Purcell also gets some points for creative use of sound effects to suggest these different vibes. The opening track of Ample’tudes, “Hammer Down,” displays some motorcycle engines and crowd noise, which lends it a little Mötley Crüe arena-rock feel. Wah-wah drenches the wild guitar work as Purcell flashes some incredibly fast scales and passages. Another instrumental number follows the opener, but the vibe changes as rattles and reverb-soaked guitar sounds reminiscent of “Pipeline” and early surf-rock bring to mind an expansive Western desert in this one, “Rattlesnake Road.” A slowly clanging church bell opens “Angel in Hell,” causing a listener to wonder if a Metallica or AC/DCtype riff may lurch in . . . but instead comes a longdrawn fiddle note, while Purcell taps into an acousticstrings bluegrass vein, topped with a little slide guitar work. “Messin’ with the Kid,” punctuated by squealies (pinch harmonics), gets into the energetic and rowdy blues a la ZZ Top; the requisite acoustic love ballad is checked off the list with “Trouble With Love,” and “Skippin’ Lickin’” displays some dizzyingly fast chicken pickin’ inspired by the likes of Don Rich, Chet Atkins and country legends of their fleet-fingered ilk. Some may consider the release, which also includes a jazzy vamp, some tender mandolin lines and a groovy, upbeat number, “all over the place” while some may find it an excellent overview of all things guitar-rock. Many guitarists would probably find a riff or a few within the ample variety found on Ample’tudes to gain their interest and would probably also appreciate Purcell’s refrain from locking into a narrow mood or style. — BRACKEN MAYO

As a genre, electronic dance music (EDM) is as nebulous as it is popular. But before it took over the mainstream, it was a fractured collection of genres and subgenres, including house, techno, drum and bass, dubstep, jungle, breakbeat, triphop and so many more. In a dingy apartment off of West End, my college roommates dangled tantalizing 12-inch slices of each before me, hoping to draw me into the vortex of electronic music. The swelling, filtered synths, the chest-pummeling bass and frantic, stuttering drum loops of Sterfry’s Inside My Head took me back to that old apartment and to those records my roommates so richly revered. “Stuck in the Microwave,” the insistent opener, sets the agenda. With its chunky synths, huge, rumbling bass, and head-cracking barrage of drop loops and fills, Sterfry makes it clear that this is no easy-listening electronic pap. On “Shots Blazin’,” Sterfry eases back—way, way back—with what sounds like a chopped-andscrewed remix of a spaced-out dubstep track. The slow opening and tinkling, jazzy keys keep the vibe mellow on “Fireworks,” until a bridge of sawmill-synths chews through the relative calm. The album is rounded out with two uptempo tracks, “swag ON” and “what I want,” each featuring furiously quick drum loops and swaths of synth punctuated by blips and buzzing effects. Being almost entirely instrumental, Inside My Head may only appeal to a limited audience, and that’s a shame. Each song on the 5-track EP is a densely layered, polyrhythmic treat. If Tower were still selling records on West End, I’d expect to see a vinyl pressing of this album prominently displayed beside the cash registers, where an employee would talk up its virtues, doing all he could to entice you into the vertiginous world of electronic music. — JON LITTLE

Ample’tudes

Inside My Head

A CLASSIC OUTSTANDING

AVERAGE BELOW AVERAGE

AVOID IT DEAD

Living

Springtime by the Water Children of all ages enjoy local recreation areas after staying at home BY TONY LEHEW

lowly, the world is opening up again, or at least attempting to. This virus has wreaked havoc on the entire world and no matter your opinion on how it’s been handled, without the quarantine it could have been far worse. I’ve seen it repeated many times that the common flu kills more than COVID-19 and that’s true. But we have herd immunity and vaccinations for the flu and working knowledge of its general potential to cause severe sickness and death. COVID-19 is a brand-new virus and there is a good possibility that it has not shown the world its full potential yet. Staying home is our only real defense, for the moment. But, the economy can only stand still for so long and it appears we have reached that point. In late April, some of the parks

reopened around Murfreesboro and after a morning of shoveling dirt and pulling weeds, I decided to take the top outta Old Jeepster and go for a ride. My first stop was at Walter Hill recreation area. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of people who were there (kind of a step away from the norm for me, usually I don’t care for crowds). They must have had cases of the same cabin fever I was suffering from. So, I went down to the river, just below the dam. Walter Hill, mid-afternoon, on a week-

day. There is much uncertainty and anxiety in the world right now, but there are also some positive signs. This particular warm spring day gave those signs a chance to shine—signs like kids playing in the river water and their excited voices filling the air, voices of joy, voices of momentary crisis over a slight by another child or a scolding from a flustered mother, voices calling out “the water is so cold!” and laughter. A thought came over me and I smiled. This is what it was like before computers, cellphones, Facebook, instant messaging and all the things that distract from everyday life. I found me a rock at the water edge, carefully took off my muddy boots and socks, and put my lily-white, sundeprived feet in the water. That kid was right, this water is cold! A small redheaded boy runs into the water after his older brother. He stops and gasps from the bite of the cold water, just as I did when I was his age. The older boys laugh and splash water at him. He’s a little younger, not as rough and tumble yet as the older boys. But it’s only a momentary lapse. He summons up his courage and plows straight ahead, unwilling to be left behind. Two pretty young girls in summer dresses and a young man with a camera— either a boyfriend, brother or someone who is a denizen of the dreaded friend zone—pose for pictures at various picturesque spots around the park. They smile and pose together and separate. Then they make goofy faces and laugh at each other as they bound off to the next perfect picture spot. There are children here casting nets in the water for minnows. It’s about all they can catch in that shallow water, although I’m sure any fish caught is a whale to them. There is a mother trying to bait a hook for her son. She is completely out of her element, and it shows. Above the dam, there is a romantic couple with their feet in the water, maybe exchanging lifelong commitments. Thousands of gallons of water run over the dam, cascading on the rocks below, under the shadow of an old electric mill that hasn’t generated power for decades. I wonder how many memories have been made here, good or bad. If you lived for any length of time in this area, you almost certainly have a few for yourself. I know I do. Now, the sun is beating down on me

and I am in the beginning stages of a sunburn on the exposed skin poking out of my tank top. Tank top marks are my version of a farmer’s tan. I like this, and even when the quarantine is completely lifted, hopefully a little of this will remain. As stated, I have fond memories of this place as a child, during the dark ages of the ’60s and ’70s. Hot river rocks cooked my feet as I raced to the water, on those long ago mornings, only to be replaced by the biting cold water of Stones River water rushing over my feet. Back in those days we didn’t have to wear shoes to play in the water. Now, I wouldn’t wade out into that water without shoes on. Back in my childhood days, there was a bait shop just as you entered the Walter Hill area. It was a special treat if we got a bag of chips or some candy before we went down to the water. My mom or one of my aunts, would spread out a blanket on the hot rocks, sit and talk while cousins, brothers and sisters would run for the water. Those were good times and I look back on them fondly. This place feels smaller than when I was a child. Maybe the world was smaller then, but it sure felt big to me. Epilogue: After my visit to Walter Hill, I opted to continue my adventure and rode to other boat dock and recreation areas, taking a leisurely drive down some country roads. As I was turning into East Fork boat ramp (my last stop before heading home), my Jeep died. I glanced down at the gauges and the old girl had overheated. She had been sitting still all winter and I’m sure the thermostat just stuck shut at my last stop at Nice Mill. I usually carry a small tool kit everywhere I go, but not today. On most days, this would be a real source of frustration for me, but not this day. Instead, I used my cellphone, which had politely not bothered me all afternoon, to Google and call a tow truck. For the hour it took him to arrive, I sunned myself on a surprisingly comfortable rock. Cost me a hundred bucks to get home, but the conversation was good and the weather was nice . . . circle of life.

If You Go WALTER HILL RECREATION AREA 5636 Lebanon Rd, Murfreesboro Open Daily, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

BOROPULSE.COM

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Living

TRAVEL With

TURNER Murfreesboro businessman moves groups while keeping them entertained STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRACKEN MAYO

or those in the Murfreesboro area ready for a night out in Nashville with friends, a group trip or a celebration for a special occasion, Turners Transportation and Travel will carry groups of up to 24 on “all types of travel and adventures,” as business owner Ricky Turner says. The local entrepreneur, a Murfreesboro native who formerly ran the Cedar Bucket Restaurant, was employed at Nissan and doing Uber and Lyft as a side hustle in the summer of 2016. “I took a leap of faith,” he said, and he launched his travel and transportation company. “Now it’s my livelihood.” “None of the Murfreesboro hotels have airport shuttles,” Turner said, noting that his company frequently makes runs from Murfreesboro to the Nashville International Airport. Wanting to set himself apart from the popular Uber and Lyft services, Turner focuses on transporting larger groups. “On weekends I take a lot of the college students downtown,” Turner said. “A group of 12 or 15 can all ride together, for maybe $50 per person. “Every now and then I have a personal

12 * MAY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

car I can take if it’s just one or two people, but I do mainly groups.” For the first vehicle in the Turners Transportation and Travel fleet, Turner converted a regular passenger van into a party bus that seats about 12. Dubbed “Cashville,” this vehicle displays a bright, multi-colored exterior featuring a musical and concert theme and images of the Nashville skyline, and bench seating along each side inside so passengers can face one another, quite ap-

propriate for a night of fun in Music City. “Cashville started it all,” Turner said. “Some of the MTSU students started calling it ‘Uber Lit.’” A more traditional and streamlined black Ford Transit XL offers seating for 15 and lots of luggage space for the business travelers. And the largest bus, NashVegas, has 24 seat belts. This party bus with multicolored lights, music, a large TV and even

karaoke can accommodate quite a party. “My aim is to entertain them while they get from point A to point B,” Turner said. One pleased customer, Jenny Harper, agreed that Turners Transportation and Travel “can keep you entertained on the way to your destination” and that Turner was “reliable, very professional, always on time and very kind.” In late April 2020, with so many gatherings, events and celebrations put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Turner, a U.S. Navy veteran, said he was in “dry dock mode,” a time to rest and strategize and keep the ships maintained. But he believes that people will be itching to get out and socialize and attend events this summer. Turner hopes to take a group to the Kentucky Derby, which has been rescheduled from the first weekend in May to the first weekend in September. Whether a group wants to go to the club or to the book club, to a wedding or to a professional conference, they can give Turner a call for all types of group transportation needs. Mary Connolly said Turners helped immensely when transportation plans for a wedding party and guests needing to get from Murfreesboro to Lascassas and back changed with very short notice. “Our decision to go with Turner was very last-minute when we realized early in the day that ride app services would be much more expensive, require multiple cars for the large party and difficult to get for a latenight ride back. Ricky responded within minutes of my message and was able to accommodate our needs and our timing. The service was safe, reasonably priced and truly outstanding! “We had three separate trips with Turner Transportation in one day,” the customer

continued. This included an initial trip getting seven bridesmaids and all of their dresses, a cake and other items to the wedding site in Lascassas in the afternoon; guest transportation to the wedding site in the evening; and then the late-night return of bridesmaids and guests to Murfreesboro. “When he picked us up for the return trip to Murfreesboro he ‘warned’ us that he would be using the party bus. What a wonderful surprise,” Connolly said. “The party van was spotless, and had all the bells and whistles a party van should have—flashy lights, comfortable seating and a great Bluetooth sound system to connect with music on a phone. Thank you, Ricky, for making me the cool mom!” Connolly said her group found the vehicles to be spotlessly clean and the service safe, reasonably priced, on time, professional and pleasant. “First-class service right down to his dress slacks, suit coat and hat!” she said. In 2019 Turner took a group of high school seniors on a college tour through

the South, and has also worked with little kids’ birthday parties, bachelorette parties, employee outings, business trips and other group trips. Groups can let Mr. Turner know what their itinerary is, and if the group would like to eat somewhere in particular prior to being dropped off at a concert or event, and he will take care of the transportation safely and professionally. Turner said that networking with quality local professionals has caused his business to grow, and wanted to give a special shout-out to Rita Ash, who he calls his “biggest supporter and advertiser.” He mainly wants the community to know that a local guy who grew up in the area now offers this service for the people of Murfreesboro. For more information on Turners Transportation and Travel or to get your group outing on the schedule, call 615-7137836 or visit turners-transportationtravel-services-llc.ueniweb.com.

Living

Farmers Market Education Series BY EDWINA SHANNON

ROOFTOP GARDEN I was on a tour of a major league baseball park, on the way to sit in the seats of the famed Green Monster, when the tour went through the rooftop vegetable garden that sourced the high-end restaurants inside the facility. The extra produce was gifted to the local shelters and kitchens for the destitute. The gardens were raised beds with an irrigation system. The plants were abundant with edibles.

PRECISION FARMING

Expanding Local Sources for Food Look into urban gardening, mushrooms, herbs IT IS GOOD TO PLAN. Plans provide a focus and a goal even if they may prove to be unnecessary and overdone. We are currently in a pandemic with no announced food shortages, but rumors swirl of their coming. What a blessing to be provided three growing seasons. It’s time to plant and learn food storage techniques. One never knows what the worldly future holds. I have been spending time both researching and perusing what creative thinkers are doing to produce food locally. Did you know that there is a 37,000-square-foot underground farm in Paris that grows vegetables and mushrooms? Alaska has been trying underground gardening for awhile. Both are delving into locally sourced food. Permaculture is the word used for patterns and principles that mimic nature and non-altered food ecosystems. It embraces natural balance rather than actions imposed for a desired result. Its goal is to be a permanent agricultural system which embraces perennial plants and minimal tilling. Permaculture includes food production, wildlife habitat, air quality improvement and carbon absorption. As it is a broad topic, you will find various approaches to the overall goal.

FOOD FOREST Have you heard of a food forest? Cities such as Boston and Seattle have these green spaces that provide food for hu14 * MAY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

mans, living space for wild animals and a gathering spot for the community. Using the concept of a multi-layered growing environment like a natural forest, the food forest has vines like hops and grapes cultivated on tall arbors. Underneath are tables and benches. Low-lying bushes like blueberries and small fruit trees are grouped together with walking paths between.

SILVOPASTURE On the same idea of sharing space and being multi-purposed with land usage is the practice of silvopasture. It is defined as the practice of integrating trees, forage plants and domesticated grazing herds. It is a managed practice for simultaneous production and differs from unmanaged woodland grazing. It is compatible with fruit, nut and timber production. Woodlands do help the grazing animals in minimizing climate discomfort from blazing sun and excessive wind (cost savings). Another impact is on environmental control. From the US Forest Service, carbon sequestration is defined as “the process by which atmospheric carbon dioxide is taken up by trees, grasses, and other plants through photosynthesis and stored

as carbon in biomass [trunks, branches, foliage, and roots] and soils.” In 2019 an article appeared in greenbiz. com entitled, “How Regenerative Land and Livestock Management Practices Can Sequester Carbon.” The article highlights the impact of White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia, and the gradual changes to grazing methods made by the owner over 25 years. The end product is a high quality, grass-fed beef herd sold to General Mills’ Epic Provisions. The 3,000-acre ranch is a multi-species operation. “The cows graze the grass, the sheep and goats prefer the weeds, and the poultry peck at the roots, bugs and grubs. Through this kind of rotation, the pastures are grazed and fertilized in three ways. This combination of rotational grazing with other regenerative practices such as composting and maintaining perennial pastures has rejuvenated his [pasture].” There has been media attention focused on cattle production as a major contributor to climate change. Independent studies have determined the greenhouse gas footprint of the ranch. The carbon sequestration is three times higher than traditional ranching methods. So, the carbon impact is directly related to how the animals are raised and processed. The lesson learned from this big ranch can be applied on a much smaller scale. A recognized resource is the Savory Institute holistic methods of farming and ranching.

In Germany, Benedikt Gross has led the way in “precision farming.” Using algorithmic models, he designs patterns to plant various crops in complex patterns for the end result of ecological resilience and diversity. This creates healthier crops with minimum chemical use and the production of biogas, a renewable energy source.

MUSHROOMS & FUNGUS Paul Stamets is one of many studying the potential of mushrooms and fungus. Mushrooms are the fruiting body of the fungus, most of which is subterranean and can be recognized by its network of white thread-like strands called mycilium. More and more human attention is on the power of mushrooms as they prove their ability to clean up the environment after humans. Studies are tracking the building and replenishing the immune system of humans. Sun is not needed for a great crop of mushrooms. If there is an apocalypse, being a mushroom farmer would have some advantages.

OTHER METHODS Don’t have much space? Check out microgreens and container gardening. Both can be done inside, with or without grow lights. What about hydroponics? Families and community groups can include children in the efforts to grow food. These groups can help provide an education not only in where food comes from but also allows for many research topics. Right now, we need to be outside in our gardens. I just put in an herbal garden and have been looking into the medicinal folklore of herbs that may come in handy. I am planting heirloom vegetables so the seeds can be collected in the fall. I am hoping to produce enough this season to learn how to do canning. May you all be productive.

A Time to

School at Home

VER THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS,

many parents who had never considered schooling their children at home were faced with the challenge for the very ﬁrst

1. Read, Read, Read

Read with your child, and have fun with it. Learning happens when children are reading. It doesn’t have to be timed or complicated. Let your children pick books that interest them, or take time to introduce your child to books you enjoyed as a child. If your child is young or just learning to read, implement “popcorn reading” by taking turns reading a sentence or paragraph aloud to them, and then let them read one aloud to you. Make time for this daily.

2. PBS Kids

For elementary-age children, pbskids.org offers a wide variety of fun, free educational games. Parents can browse by topic: science, vocabulary, numbers, spelling and many more.

3. Arts & Crafts

Visit crayola.com/kids for ideas for easy and simple crafts to do at home with markers, crayons and materials you probably already have on hand. Pinterest.com is a terrific resource for project ideas for all ages.

Families who cook together not only eat together, they also spend time together and learn together. Even if it isn’t easy, make plans to regularly include your child in meal preparations. Not much of a cook yourself? No worries. Start with planning a meal once a week, and take it one step at at time. Pick a recipe that your family will enjoy; plan and gather the ingredients, and dive into the process. Things are sure to get messy when kids are involved, but that’s okay. Incorporate some extra love and patience for one another, and a great meal will result. Kids can begin to explore the world of food and cooking with recipes and activities at americastestkitchen.com/kids.

With the plethora of information available on the Internet, there’s no excuse for not learning something new each day. When you can’t travel, Google Earth is a fun way to explore geography. Help your child locate cities or landmarks in their favorite state or foreign country, and before you know it you may discover a remote tropical island that you didn’t even know existed.

More Resources:

 Goodandbeautiful.com offers a free language arts course that combines reading, writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, literature, geography and art into one course set. This course is a free PDF download

BY SARAH MAYO

time. Taking control of your child’s education is an important responsibility that can be overwhelming for parents who don’t know where to begin, but it doesn’t have to be stressful or

5. Cook Up Some Fun

7. Google It!

Fun and helpful free resources for educating children at home

4. Khan Academy

Khanacademy.com is an excellent learning platform for learners of any age. It offers practice exercises and instructional videos in all levels of math, science, reading, art history, economics and more. Khan also offers ACT and SAT prep. Free login is required to get started. Not sure where your child should begin? If you think your child is advanced, start at their grade level. If your child is struggling to keep up, that’s okay—start on the previous grade level.

6. Grow Together

It’s the perfect time of year to explore the wonders of gardening. Don’t have a lot of time, money or space to invest? Start with a large inexpensive container and seed packets. Or, if you want to kick it up a notch, your nearby garden center (such as Valley Growers Garden Center at the Murfreesboro Co-op) can help you get started on larger garden projects. Companion gardening and square-foot gardening are popular small-space methods to implement in urban areas. If veggies don’t appeal to you, try planting a perennial flower garden instead. Much can be learned from getting our hands in the dirt and observing nature working its wonders in the springtime.

8. Get Outdoors

Growing up, my grandmother made us go outside to play, even when we didn’t want to. She understood the importance of moving around and getting enough sunshine (vitamin D), as opposed to being sedentary indoors. Hiking, biking, swimming, playing sports, playing games, even outdoor chores— there are many valuable lessons to be learned from moving around outdoors. With busy work schedules this isn’t always easy, but spending some time outdoors each day fosters healthy habits that are necessary to keep every body in the family fit.

for grade levels 1–5.  Kids.nationalgeographic. com offers videos, games and reading activities that allow kids to further explore geography, history and science related topics.  Kids and teens can learn more about history, culture, art and

complicated. As a parent, free yourself from the burden of being “perfect” and let your best efforts be “enough.” Don’t be afraid to dive in. Here are some resources and tips to get started.

science-related topics, as well as virtual exhibits from the videos and activities available from the Smithsonian at si.edu/kids.

Other Considerations:

 Learning happens in everything a child does—reading, drawing, cooking, exploring

9. Easy Peasy

One positive thing about the internet is that it has made homeschooling accessible and affordable for families who never thought it would be possible. Allinonehomeschool.com has proven itself a valuable online resource for many homeschooling families who wish to homeschool on a permanent basis. Also known as Easy Peasy All-In-One Homeschool, the program offers a complete, free online curriculum for pre-school through grade 12 using only free materials found on the internet. Each course provides 180 days of content, and parents can either start from the beginning, or pick and choose single lessons from subjects that a child may need more practice on. Corresponding worksheets are all printable. Parents can also take advantage of free lesson tracking.

outdoors, sports. Keep your child active and engaged.  Each family and child is different. Take time to read about and explore the various learning styles that work the best for your children. Don’t be afraid to change things or vary the routine each day to keep learning

interesting.  As a parent, you are inherently equipped by the Creator of all life as the primary keeper of the little souls that have been entrusted to your care. You are capable of teaching your kids if you have the desire. In other words—you've already got this! BOROPULSE.COM

* MAY 2020 * 15

Food

 RESTAURANT

FatGuy at the Kwik Sak

Ray Clark turns corner convenience store into smoked meat market STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO

MANY FANS OF SMOKED MEATS in Murfreesboro have discovered another contribution to the local barbecue scene at the Kwik Sak market at the corner of Broad Street and Medical Center Parkway, just across from Toot’s. Here, Ray Clark works his smoker out back, preparing ribs, pork, brisket, wings and even some specials like smoked spaghetti, meatloaf or whole chickens and turkeys. At first glance inside the store, the interior looks like a standard gas station. But then a customer notices a variety of guitars, ukuleles, harmonicas, kazoos and other musical instruments for sale throughout the shop, and perhaps a line of customers placing or awaiting orders at the small restaurant counter. Step right up and place an order. The restaurant component of the busi16 * MAY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

PHOTOS BY SARAH MAYO

ness, known as FatGuy Barbecue, offers some deliciously smoky ribs. Observe a fine smoke ring on these meaty sticks of goodness. The meat is not quite cooked to the point of being “fall off the bone” mush. The rib meat requires just a little bit of a tug with the teeth to tear it off of the bone, just as it should, according to many competitive barbecue judges. A very flavorful smoked sausage is another of the FatGuy options, and the Cowboy Nachos load a bed of tortilla chips with chopped brisket or pork, cheese, lettuce, sour cream and baked beans. “The brisket is so good!” Shelley Justiss said. “Ray is a genuinely nice guy and his business is a wonderful addition to the community.” Word has begun to spread on FatGuy,

what many locals call “a hidden gem,” and the positive comments on the food, and the staff, are piling up. “Do not let the fact that it is attached to a gas station turn you off. This is some of the best barbecue I’ve ever had. Every meat my husband and I tried was juicy, beautifully flavored and perfect,” according to another FatGuy customer, Leigh. “The collard greens and cornbread were also incredible.” Sarah Oakley said the ribs and brisket were some of the best around, and the baked beans and mac and cheese were a huge hit. The smoked wings “are out of this world,” according to Lib Nichols. “Support your local small businesses,” Nichols said. In addition to the basics, FatGuy serves up some daily specials as well: smoked meatloaf on Mondays, barbecue-stuffed potatoes on Tuesdays, smoked spaghetti on Wednesdays, whole chickens on Thursdays and a special Cajun fish on Fridays, cajun rice and beans, peppers and onions topped with fried catfish and tartar sauce. “It’s primo,” FatGuy manager Zeke Yanez

says of the Friday fish dish. Clark recruited Yanez, who formerly owned and operated the Murfreesboro Pizza Inn, to help take FatGuy to the next level. FatGuy opens for breakfast at 7 a.m. and breakfast items include chorizo and egg tacos, biscuits and gravy and biscuits with an option of pork tenderloin, brisket, smoked ham or sausage, egg and cheese, available before 10 a.m. “Man, what a great place,” Jonte Gaines

The Dish RESTAURANT: FatGuy Barbecue LOCATION: 904 NW Broad St. PHONE: 615-318-6602 HOURS: Mon.–Sat.: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. PRICES: Brisket sandwich: $5;

Smoked meatloaf with two sides: $10; Pound of pork: $12; Fried catfish with cajun rice and beans (Friday only): $9; Chorizo and egg taco: $3; Banana pudding: $2; Full rack of ribs: $15 ONLINE: facebook.com/fatguybarbecue

says. “Zeke and Ray have done an awesome job creating and working their dream! From the breakfast biscuits to the steak sandwich, this is a classic joint that this city has been missing.” The side selections don’t get too fancy, but the establishment has the barbecue house standards of baked beans (loaded with bits of meat), slaw, mac and cheese and a tangy potato salad, along with some other occasional off-the-menu selections such as turnip greens and mashed potatoes. In fact, FatGuy doesn’t appear to be doing anything extraordinarily revolutionary with the meats, it’s simply barbecue smoked right. “Tender. Flavorful. Simple. No new fusion flavors or anyone trying to reinvent the wheel,” according to another patron, Miriam, after she enjoyed a brisket sandwich. Food aside, Clark and his staff have earned a wealth of positive comments for their friendliness and going out of their way to get to know customers, operating under the slogan “come in as a customer— leave as a friend!” “The slogan is true,” Chris Green says. “It’s like the old sitcom, Cheers, but Southern style! This is a place where you can let your guard down, relax and have a great conversation with a stranger over

great food.” Another local customer, Joe, said he appreciated that the FatGuy team will offer a few samples for those struggling with what to order. “Ray and his daughter, Leslie, are extremely friendly and accommodating,” Joe said. “Leslie is running around the store working on something and she provides me a sample of Cuban beef picadillo. This was incredible! I am a huge fan of Cubano foods, and this small dish was so darn good that along with a pint of beans, I also took a pint of the beef picadillo to go.” Joe also spoke highly of the banana pudding. “This is a solid banana pudding, thick, rich, creamy and not overly sweet.” Now some may have a fierce loyalty to their preferred barbecue joint or pitmaster, and prefer ribs wet, or more tender, perhaps, their brisket a little more fatty, or barbecue pork more greasy and moist, but those who enjoy smoked meat and unique small businesses in Murfreesboro have a great spot to put on their rotation with FatGuy Barbecue. “Fantastic food and the owner is a great guy,” Chuck Ward says. “Please give it a try.” Where else in Rutherford County can a customer order ribs or brisket with a guitar and some cigarettes on the side? BOROPULSE.COM

* MAY 2020 * 17

Food

Tennessee Fruit Tea Tastes Great to Me! Murfreesboro’s Alley Cat Tea sitting pretty on supermarket shelves, billboards BY MELISSA COKER IT’S BEGINNING to feel a lot like tee (and tea) time, and while some might write off one local entrepreneur’s dreams as a fluff piece, Alley Cat Tea continues to stir things up with its original recipe. With a glass half full (of love) the company shows no signs of slowing down. “You have to be crazy to enter the retail beverage market,” says founder Stephen Ashburn. Crazy like a cat, apparently. Some may say you can’t bottle happiness, but the self-appointed “Cat-illac of Lemonades,” Murfreesboro’s own Alley Cat, happily runs a business out of trying to prove that adage wrong. With an original family recipe—which is 48% fruit juice, by the way—and a devoted following, the locally bottled beverage enters local retail spaces littered with less exciting drink options. 18 * MAY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

The tasty concoction that Alley Cat brews, a non-tea-drinker’s tea, if you will, is well on its way toward having other markets under its paws as well, with distribution in Chattanooga and outlets throughout Tennessee and Alabama carrying the product. And there’s a real story behind the bottle. Company founder Stephen Ashburn was born and raised in Murfreesboro and is an alumnus of Riverdale High School and MTSU. In 2002 his love of food led him to open Ashburn’s Alley Cafe in Smithville, where the popular Alley Cat Tea became the signature sip. The demand for the fruit tea was always high. In 2009 the cafe caught fire. It was considered a total loss. Prior to the fire Ashburn had been researching bottling of the beverage. After discovering no one else was bottling fruit tea, he decided to focus

on packaging the product and bringing it to the retail scene. The recipe has been in his family as long as he can remember, passed along to him from his mother, Lynn Rooker. “Mrs. Lynn is his biggest supporter, and CFO of the company,” says Kimmberly Griffin, operations manager for Alley Cat Tea. “We are a Christian-based company and give thanks daily for the opportunity to witness to people with every bottle sold,” Griffin gratefully asserts. Their printed package labels proclaim the Bible verse of Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Griffin says sales have grown from eight to ten gallons a week at the cafe to now producing thousands of gallons a month. Initial testing for the tea started in the dairy lab at MTSU with further testing conducted at UT Knoxville. Ashburn still does some testing in the kitchen at his mother’s home with an ultimate goal of seeing distribution throughout the Southeast. Recent billboard sightings include along Highway 231 near Shelbyville. Occasionally, Alley Cat even features social media contests with activities such as who can spot the signage. So, who is the cat wearing nothing but a

smirk and a hat in the Alley Cat logo? “That’s our cat, Scratch,” Griffin clarifies. “Alley Cat Tea’s mascot originated at the Alley Cafe where the entrance was in an actual alley and often had cats meander through.” A radio ad for Alley Cat Tea features Shelby Lee Lowe, a Nashville country music artist who says the twist on a Southern classic hits a high note for him. Not only does he talk up the tea in the ad but his voice also croons the jingle (which he wrote). It’s a Southern-sweet, Tennessee treat, tastes so good to me, it’s Alley Cat Tea . . . the original fruit tea, quite a departure from Lowe’s recently released, twanging country cover of No Doubt’s 1996 hit “Don’t Speak.” “Packed with Vitamin C, it’s a healthy treat for kids and a refreshing alternative for adults,” states the voiceover in an animated TV commercial prominently featuring Scratch. “A recipe steeped in family tradition.” The feline family tradition-al tea consists of orange, pineapple and lemon juices blended with black tea and cane sugar— nothing artificial. Find Alley Cat Tea at Foodland, Publix, Kroger, Sprouts, the Mewsic Kitty Cafe, Gaylord Opryland, Ryman Auditorium and Mojo Burrito in the Chattanooga area. Griffin says they prefer consumers purr-chase the product at their local grocers, but it is also available online. Visit alleycattea.com to have it delivered nationwide.

Art

 MURAL

Frizzell, Armes Complete Colorful Mural at Bug Man RYAN FRIZZELL AND MEAGAN ARMES have recently completed their latest outdoor mural—a colorful bug-related project featuring bees, ladybugs, ants, grasshoppers and a beautiful butterfly—now on display at the Bug Man. The artist duo has created various other outdoor and indoor art pieces both collaboratively and individually, and both are heavily involved in the local music and art scene. The Bug Man, which specializes in residential pest control services, is located at 314 W. Lokey Ave., Murfreesboro.

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BY DAWANNA YOUNG

Quarantine Creativity Knowing the Murfreesboro area contains lots of creative individuals, and that those individuals likely had a little more art time on their hands during the April shutdowns, the Pulse put out a call to area artists to send in some of their artwork. Nice work!

BY OLIVER LANGSTON

BY MEAGAN ARMES

BY TERESA GREEN BY GREGORY LANNOM

BY RENEE BENNETT BY JEFF BERTRAND

BY MARK McCLISH

BY ALICIA MAYNARD

BOROPULSE.COM

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Art

 POETRY

BY KORY WELLS

Bring Your Poems and Dreams Online to Share POETRY, SPOKEN WORD, storytelling and other literary-related productions are going virtual in May. To apply a seasonal maxim, area creatives have plenty of opportunities to bloom where they’re planted, from home. Here’s a roundup of events and calls: FRIDAY, MAY 8 Online Writing Workshop for Middle Schoolers Murfreesboro poet and actor Cam Mitchell leads middle schoolers in a free online writing workshop through Southern Word. Middle Tennessee youth will work with a mentor to learn and grow in creative writing, which could make a big difference in their being ahead of the game when they return to school. Capacity is limited; register at southernword.org/event/the-write-time-2. Mitchell also offers for purchase a collection of original writing prompts. Suitable for ages 12 and up, the prompts encourage those struggling with mental

health issues, or anyone who wants to embrace creative writing as a positive outlet. Contact him at bookcmitch@gmail.com to learn more about Metanoia: Changing the State of Mind. THURSDAY, MAY 7 Mama Tried Bloom: The Stage Where Our Stories Grow returns to the Walnut House to live-stream the second show of its 2020 series. The 7 p.m. show, entitled “Mama Tried: From Raising Us Better to Raising a Ruckus” will pay homage to motherhood through spoken word, poetry, storytelling and live music by Mason Nolan. Local creatives are encouraged to submit up to five

minutes of video of a personally crafted true story, poem or spoken word piece about motherhood. Recordings must be submitted in an .mp4 format no later than May 4 to karajkemp@gmail.com. Selected submissions will be revealed during the broadcast, which will be from the KJ Kemp Facebook account. Preshow music starts at 6:45 p.m. and the show will start at 7. FRIDAY, MAY 8 Submission Deadline for Pandemic Panoramas Dreamers, poets and visual artists are wanted for a project called Pandemic Panoramas: Dreamscapes In Crisis. The Murfreesboro Arts Laureates want images, and creative involvement, from those in the community in a new project that uses

SUNDAY, MAY 17 Poetry in the Boro Open Mic Poetry in the Boro will resume in a virtual format. As of press time, the exact plan for the popular open mic was still pending; however, organizers say that you’ll be able to connect at 6:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7. As usual, you can share a poem of your own or a favorite by another author, with a four-minute time limit. All styles of poetry and spoken word are welcome. Check out Facebook or poetryintheboro.org for a Zoom link and details. ALSO IN MAY A Virtual Spoon River Anthology Murfreesboro Little Theatre will be streaming a virtual production of Spoon River Anthology, an iconic story of American rural and small town life told through the epitaphs of its residents. Written by Edgar Lee Masters over 100 years ago, the production will include over 50 actors, including some far-flung friends of MLT, each of whom have recorded their monologues in isolation. Watch MLT announcements for the debut date of this innovative production in May.

An excerpt of “Silas Dement” from Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters, 1916

those images in a creative response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The brainchild of poet laureate Amie Whittemore, the laureates are recruiting creatives to contribute their visions and dreams. “While we are all confined to our homes and neighborhoods, our dreams remain unrestricted, and many have reported dreaming more vividly during this time,” Whittemore states. “A dreamscape can be any place you go to in a dream. It might be one that exists in waking life, or be dominated by features other than landscape.” Dreams do not have to be from this time of pandemic. Residents of Murfreesboro and the surrounding area are invited to participate. Contribute a dream, or indicate your interest in responding to a submitted dream through art or poetry, by May 8. Poetry and art will be on display in a virtual gallery in June. To submit, visit tinyurl.com/dreamscapetn. 22 * MAY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

It was moon-light, and the earth sparkled With new-fallen frost. It was midnight and not a soul was abroad. Out of the chimney of the courthouse A grey-hound of smoke leapt and chased The northwest wind. I carried a ladder to the landing of the stairs And leaned it against the frame of the trap-door In the ceiling of the portico, And I crawled under the roof and amid the rafters And flung among the seasoned timbers A lighted handful of oil-soaked waste. Then I came down and slunk away. In a little while the fire-bell rang— Clang! Clang! Clang!

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MOVIE

Martin (yes, you read that right), a single father and widower who is being haunted by his dead wife. She tells him what shirt to wear and reminds him to do his taxes; she’s a ghostly burden, but a comforting one Martin is unwilling to give up. When Martin’s daughter becomes the subject of a virgin sacrifice to the devil, perpetrated by a washed-up, one-hit wonder named Christian Winter (Will Forte), he enlists Rose’s aid, and Bob’s your uncle.

Originally screened at last year’s SXSW, Extra Ordinary was beginning to see some theatrical release in the states when the coronavirus hit. Now available for rental ($4.99) on Amazon Prime as part of its 2020 film festival collection, the film is worth the price for its subdued charm and sometimes striking cinematography. The irreverent tone suits the idea of these common people in situations that are anything but, but a few failed landings hinder the idea’s potential. Will Forte’s final line is a misplaced callback to one of the film’s least funny running jokes, and the bit with the ectoplasm turns into a dead horse. The budding romance (it’s no spoiler) between Rose and Martin too often is interrupted by a comedic beat, as is the demonic horror (which itself, is frequently used to comedic effect). But were the characters given a chance to breathe, the flowers of romance a chance to bloom and the grip of terror a chance to tighten, the punch of the jokes could’ve been a knockout. As it stands, Extra Ordinary is merely an enjoyable oddity. — JAY SPIGHT

The editing varies wildly from number to number. I’m pretty sure I counted something like 25 cuts in less than 30 seconds in one number. That is not how you want to film a musical. Fortunately, “Memory” is almost a single close-up on Grizabella (Jennifer Hudson) in a moment that is totally not a shameless attempt to recreate the “I Dreamed a Dream” sequence in Les Misérables. This sequence is about the only thing of any value Cats has to offer. How do you butcher the sound in a musical? I’d rather listen to cats howl than listen to this again. The vocals were clearly added in post-production, so how do you not get the balancing right among the singers, and how do you not balance the singers with the

instrumentation properly? These are basic qualities of a movie musical. The lighting is bad. The sizing of the cats in correlation to the set around them is wildly inconsistent. It’s distracting watching a cat transform from the size of a peanut to the size of a human in relation to the set around them from one scene to the next. But the worst offender in all of this is undoubtedly the digital fur technology, and the actors underneath the disturbing CGI. At best, the CGI creates a disturbing cathuman hybrid, a science experiment gone horribly wrong, and at worst we witness an abomination that would make Sega Genesis graphics proud. This was amplified by the cast, which clearly didn’t rehearse together before shooting. Some (like James Corden) are actually trying to act like a cat, others (like Rebel Wilson) are making jokes at the expense of cats, and others (like Ian McKellen) are just walking around like humans, clearly not even trying. What on earth are Ian McKellen and Judi Dench doing here? They can’t sing, they barely dance, they don’t have a chance to act under all the CGI. This indecipherable disaster is the very definition of “so bad it’s good,” destined for cult status, a joyous meowntain of cat litter. — JOSEPH KATHMANN

EXTRA ORDINARY DIRECTOR Mike Ahern and Enda Loughman STARRING Maeve Higgins, Barry Ward, Will Forte RATED R

In these trying times when commercials are overusing phrases such as “during these difficult times” and “now more than ever,” one phrase we haven’t heard in a while is “coming to a theater near you.” Movie theaters are empty and most new releases are being postponed until they reopen. A few films, however, are being released ondemand as “still in-theater rentals.” It was while scrolling through this unappetizing selection that I stumbled upon Extra Ordinary, a peculiar indie Irish film of paranormal proportions. Think the VHS-aesthetics of Napoleon

Dynamite, Ghostbusters, and late 20thcentury satanic panic and you’ve got a close idea of what Extra Ordinary has to offer. Maeve Higgins plays Rose, a driving instructor in a small Irish town. She is sweet and lives alone and can, as she puts it, “chat with ghosts.” She may have accidentally committed “dadslaughter” through a magical mishap in her youth as well, and has since hung up her ghosthunting hat. Barry Ward plays Martin

CATS DIRECTOR Tom Hooper STARRING Jennifer Hudson, James Corden, Idris Elba, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson RATED PG

It’s not hard to know what you’re going to get with Cats. Universally panned, bombing at the box office, the reputation of this film far precedes itself at this point. Yet from the first moment to the end credits of this 110-minute disaster, my hands never left my mouth. I was shocked and amazed, and yet delighted that something as purrible as this could possibly be green-lit by a studio, and even have that studio legitimately think they had a glitzy and deserving awards contender on their hands. Yet this film somehow, inexplicably exists, and we are better off for it. Cats comes to us from director Tom Hooper (bless his heart, he’s done good work before and will make good films again) and is an adaptation of the musical from Andrew Lloyd Weber. The musical is essentially cats

introducing themselves for two hours via hitor-miss numbers, with the final cat (that the rest initially shun because that cat is poor and uncharismatic, but we won’t talk about the message of hating something simply because it’s different) singing the iconic “Memory.” Tom Hooper’s cat-daptation tries to use CGI to create “digital fur technology” (yes, that is the official PR phrase from Universal) so it doesn’t look like we are looking at people in form-fitting unitards dancing around. Instead, we have to look at some of the worst CGI on the planet. If you’re looking for a disaster in filmmaking that is so bad it’s kind of fun to watch it implode on itself . . . look no further than Cats. Every aspect of this film is catastrophic.

A CLASSIC

24 * MAY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

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News THE GREAT SUPPRESSION FREEDOM IN 2020

Executive Orders Across the Nation Raise Serious Constitutional, Liberty Questions BY BRACKEN MAYO APRIL 2020 SAW MANY AMERICANS

stay at home willingly, avoid large gatherings and some even call on government officials to “shut it all down!” due to the rapid spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus. Others don’t feel like it’s a state governor’s place to distinguish “essential” from “nonessential” businesses and activities, and have the opinion that those who wish to stay at home should do so, but those who wish to gather, to travel, to conduct business, to work out in a gym, should do so freely. Some business owners and free-market supporters said the people who shout to “shut it all down” know not what they ask. During this pandemic, every state declared a state of emergency, with each governor making some sort of executive decision in regard to modifying schools, businesses, travel and gatherings. All but six states—Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah and the Dakotas—implemented an order asking, or requiring, residents to stay home. In Tennessee, during the month of April, gyms could not operate, restaurants could not host diners inside, state parks were closed and gatherings of 10 or more people were banned. In light of the rapid spread of the virus and in an effort to take pressure off of healthcare facilities, many Americans will26 * MAY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

ingly reduced their trips to public spaces, and health experts say the banning of mass gatherings and closing of schools helped halt the spread of the virus and flatten the curve. But others felt the restrictions decreed by governors and mayors—in the form of executive orders limiting freedoms of assembly without the validation of legislatures and councils—overstepped the limits of power a single elected official should have. Perhaps the government should require those who have tested positive for COVID-19, or even those who have come in contact with it, to isolate in order to slow the spread and flatten the curve. But why should everyone receive a sentence for house arrest for committing no crime?

Free people act out of self-preservation, but they shouldn’t be coerced to act through the authoritarian whims of the state. “Free people act out of self-preservation, but they shouldn’t be coerced to act through the authoritarian whims of the state,” David Harsanyi wrote in the National Review in a piece titled “Coronavirus Authoritarianism Is Getting Out of Hand.” “Politicians act as if a health crisis gives them license to lord over the most private activities of America people in ways that are wholly inconsistent with the spirit and letter of the Constitution.” This period of pandemic saw police officers in a town in Colorado detain a father for playing T-ball in a park with his wife and 6-year-old, allegedly violating a COVID19-related order. The father (who was a former law enforcement officer himself ) said the family was in an open space in the park, socially distant from all other people, until the officers came nearby. The police did not hold the man for long, and the city soon issued an apology, but the father said that being placed into a police car in handcuffs in front of his 6-year-old was outrageous and never should have occurred. A paddle-boarder made waves in California as officers placed him under arrest for violating stay-at-home orders after he rode his board in the ocean, again, very far away from other human beings until police got into his six-foot personal space zone. A few golfers from Massachusetts, unable to play a round in their home state, traveled to a golf course in Rhode Island for a round of golf on a spring day. This activity resulted

in arrest, violating a constitutionally-iffy order in the state limiting play on Rhode Island golf courses to only residents of the state, after a Rhode Islander reported the out-of-state license plate. Police in Philadelphia dragged a man off of a bus for failure to wear a face covering. While these incidents are isolated and extreme examples, the responses can illustrate a significant divide in national perspective. Some Americans seem to think that the government should restrict almost anyone from even venturing outside. Others on the other extreme say that the slightest adjustment to business or travel from a governor or mayor is an unlawful and un-American infringement of liberty. “States and localities have fairly broad police powers, recognized in the 10th Amendment, over issues of health and safety. Such powers are similar to those that allow for compulsory vaccinations, which the Supreme Court has upheld,” according to John Vile, constitutional historian with the MTSU Free Speech Center and the Chair of the MTSU Department of Political Science at MTSU and Dean of the University Honors College. “Laws generally need to be phrased in general fashion, so as to avoid due process challenges.” But what if restrictions extend beyond recreational rights and seep into the sacred and constitutionally-protected free exercise of religion. A pastor in Florida faced criminal charges after encouraging worshipers to attend church services, which law enforcement interpreted as being in violation of a state emergency order banning mass gatherings. “in times of genuine public health crises, churches, synagogues and mosques are no more exempt from neutral and generally applicable laws designed to protect health than are any other institutions,” Vile said. Another high-profile situation involving church services during the pandemic occurred in the town of Greenville, Mississippi. Here, the mayor issued an order specifically geared towards churches “that orders all church buildings closed for in-person and drive-in church services.” The city police officers subsequently handed out $500 tickets to those in their cars attending a drive-in service. “On April 8, Pastor Arthur Scott preached God’s Word from an empty church building. He spoke into a microphone connected to CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

BOROPULSE.COM

* MAY 2020 * 27

AROUND TOWN ’BORO BUSINESS BUZZ

Reopenings, Costco Five’s Corner Spot, One Less Limb, Saint Thomas Westlawn, Los Barriles BY MICHELLE WILLARD AS APRIL WOUND TO A CLOSE, some Tennessee businesses are reopening with limited capacity, while others are still awaiting the governor’s proclamations. As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 crept slowly through Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee ordered non-essential businesses to temporarily close. That meant restaurants and most retail was affected for about a month as many residents stayed at their homes. Lee recently announced that he will slowly reopen the economy, mostly by sector, starting with restaurants and retail. Executive Order 30 “allows Tennesseans and businesses to return to work in all industries where that can be safely accomplished by following health guidelines, while urging employers to allow or require remote work/ telework if possible” for the time being. For restaurants, this means they were allowed to reopen April 27 at half capacity. That doesn’t mean everyone did it, but some did. SaBaiDee Cafe, Pad Thai Cafe, Oishiya Hibachi & Sushi, The Fish House & More, Simply Pure Sweets and Poke Fun, to name a few, decided to wait and only offer curbside service until further notice. Champy’s, The Alley on Main, Nacho’s, Station Grill, Hernandez Mexican Deli, Metro Diner, Hank’s, Mayday Brewery and many others announced they would open at half capacity with staff wearing masks. Gyms and exercise facilities were allowed to reopen May 1, with the requirements that they screen customers, keep windows and doors open, encourage social distancing and clean equipment between uses, among other recommendations. Salons, barbershops, spas and other “close-contact” businesses may open with the governor’s blessing on May 6. In the B.C. (Before Corona) era, the Rutherford County Industrial Development Board approved tax incentives for COSTCO to be built off New Salem Highway. At the September meeting, the IDB approved $992,569 in property tax incentives. Well, now the bribe has come to fruition and the Murfreesboro Planning Commission 28 * MAY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

their Murfreesboro-grown malt. The altbier is dedicated to funding additional care packages for hospitality workers and their families who are still battling the effects of unemployment after the shutdown caused by COVID-19. Hop Springs will donate a portion of the proceeds from this beer in hopes of a swift recovery for all who are affected by this in some way. With the beer’s ingredients sourced locally, Morse said, “We called this beer a Tennessee Amber Ale. It truly is of Tennesseans, for Tennesseans, by Tennesseans. The benefit is, we’re going to be able to put care packages back into Tennesseans’ hands.”

Chef Mitchell Murphree announced he is expanding his empire with FIVE’S CORNER SPOT. The deli and market will feature local items, meal kits, high-quality meat and fish, house baked goods, soaps and more. “It will be featuring local farms, local products and some of our house-made favorites from over the years,” Murphree said. Five’s Corner Spot, located at 1602 W. Northfield Blvd., Suite 512 (next to Five Senses), will be open Tuesday through Saturday.

 CLOSINGS CORNER Just months after an ownership change, MELLOW MUSHROOM on South Rutherford Boulevard closed for good. FREEBIRDS WORLD BURRITO closed its Murfreesboro location in early April.

approved plans in April for Costco to build on 18.6 acres on Beasie Road and Warrior Drive. The project is set to bring 225 jobs at an average annual wage of $49,920 to $60,000, along with affordable laundry detergent and caskets. Ascension Saint Thomas announced plans to build a neighborhood hospital in the Blackman community. The estimated cost will be $24.6 million, and Saint Thomas officials expect the hospital to open by early 2022 in the mixed-use residential and commercial Westlawn development on Veterans Parkway and Shores Road on the west side of Murfreesboro, according to a press release from the nonprofit hospital. Named SAINT THOMAS RUTHERFORD AT WESTLAWN, the facility will include eight private inpatient medical beds, an emergency department with eight treatment rooms, diagnostic imaging and laboratory services.  FOOD AND BEVERAGE NEWS A new sign reading “FRESH BITE” has been hung on the former home of Smashburger and Buff ’s on Thompson Lane. According to its Facebook page, Fresh Bite is a breakfast, brunch and dinner restaurant. CASA ADOBE EXPRESS is opening in the strip mall behind the Speedway on Warrior Drive.

LOS BARRILES is the Mexican restaurant going in the former Pizza Inn on Salem. The HOP SPRINGS family introduced two new quarantine-inspired beers: the “Social Distance” Tennessee ale and an Altbier they’ve coined “Hospitality Strong.” You can pick up either brew at the beer park. For “Social Distance,” Hop Springs Brewmaster Derrick Morse reached out to Batey Farms’ Brandon Whitt to source some of

Chef Alex Belew has announced that DALLAS AND JANE will close for business in Murfreesboro. Belew has teamed up with Monte Silva and Christopher Thomas to form Made South Hospitality. They will start with a restaurant in Franklin and will continue producing Made South’s events like Made South Holiday Market, Southern Whiskey Society activities and the Franklin Food & Wine Festival.

Don Ferguson’s new recording studio is called ONE LESS LIMB—because “it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to record,” says Ferguson, who opened the studio earlier this year. He and his wife Misty moved to Murfreesboro in 2018 after visiting a few times and falling in love with the area. “We are a small studio looking for artists that play guitar, bass, vocals, keys. At the moment we do not have the space to entertain drums or things like that. Being a drummer myself, that hurts to say no drum tracking,” he said. “We look forward to building our business here in the ’Boro.” If you’re interested in playing or learning more, email Ferguson at df6664@ yahoo.com.

GOOD TIME TO BUY & SELL With strong property values, low interest rates and high demand to live in area, Murfreesboro home market staying stable BY LAURA LINDSAY THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC is creating a more balanced real estate market in Rutherford County, and is causing a slight decline in property values and activity, though not an extreme one, according to local home experts. “The market has slowed, but houses are still selling,” said Juanita Thouin, a Realtor with Exit Realty Bob Lamb and Associates. “What we’re seeing now is a more balanced market with more available inventory.” More homes have seen a price drop this year compared to last year during this period, Thouin said. Statistics from Realtracs Multiple Listing Service show that Rutherford County homes built prior to 2019, listed for sale between Mar. 15 and Apr. 29, and closed during that same period, saw a volume drop from 64 homes in 2019 to 33 homes in 2020.

Prices have dropped too, said Thouin, but not as much as some might think. Of homes that were listed between Mar. 15 and Apr. 22, 2019, less than 1 percent had a price drop prior to being sold. This year, during that same five-week listing period, 14 percent of homes still active or under contract have dropped in price. Nonetheless, home prices have still risen as compared to last year’s statistics. The average sold price of homes that listed and closed between Mar. 15 and Apr. 29, 2020, is $279,491, up from $244,460 between Mar. 15 and Apr. 29. 2019, according to information from Realtracs MLS. “Our market is still strong,” said Kelly Gafford, an agent with Reliant Realty. “As far as home values go, they are always determined by demand. I don’t think we are going to see a decrease in our value. I think we are going to see a stabilization.

“Right now, we are still closing on people who locked in at low interest rates. Interest rates have fluctuated quite a bit this month and that is going to make a change in what happens when everything goes back to normal business.” Broker Bill Jakes, owner of Bill Jakes Realty, says the immediate change he has seen is that people are moving faster to close deals. “Prices in the Murfreesboro area have been very stable over the last 45 days,” Jakes said in mid-April. “This is tradition-

ally the hottest time of year for home sales, so many people entered this lockdown with plans already in place to buy or sell real estate this spring. If anything has changed to date, it’s that people seem to be hurrying to complete their transactions as quickly as possible.” Bigger changes are expected as lenders and appraisers become more conservative, Gafford said, and also, some people may have problems paying their mortgages or meeting the income and credit requireCONTINUED ON PAGE 33

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* MAY 2020 * 29

HIGHLIGHTING BUSINESS

Floativation Special Lockdown Edition BY STEVE MORLEY Find previous installments of this series on the therapeutic resources at Murfreesboro’s Float Alchemy at boropulse.com/floativation. Float Alchemy plans to reopen on May 13, although use of the flotation tanks may not be immediately available. Keep up with updates at floatalchemy.com. SO . . . THINGS LOOK SIGNIFICANTLY

different right now than they did when I wrote my previous installment of Floativation in late February, six months into my exploration of floating and reporting on the experience. Today, the concept of floating takes on another level of meaning, as in rolling with changing tides: staying as mentally and emotionally limber as possible, so as not to squander precious energy by fighting forces that are simply more powerful than we are. Anything you’ve previously invested in that brings serenity—prayer, meditation, deep breathing, stretching, a barefoot walk in a meadow, (fill in your own blank)—has lost none of its value. If anything, its value has increased. The extent to which you’ve already invested in any form of self-care should now be paying dividends as circumstances invite stress into our minds and bodies. That’s an invitation you don’t want to accept. I miss my sessions at Float Alchemy, and I miss the smiling faces of business and mission partners Amy Grimes and Mark 30 * MAY 2020 * BOROPULSE.COM

Chesshir. And, make no mistake, they sorely miss the community of folks who have until recently been regulars at the healthful haven Amy and Mark have created on Cason Lane. But while I look forward to the next time I can get myself horizontal and weightless for a blessed hour, my brain now has a backlog, an imprint of that quiet, still, weightless sensation. Floating, I’ve learned, has residual benefits, and right now this is clearer than ever. If you’ve not yet had the pleasure, then at least focus on breathing deeply and steadily, on stilling your mind, on releasing tension from your muscles—all of which are elements of the typical float experience. My personal prediction is that healthsupporting, pain-relieving and anxietybusting serenity zones such as Float Alchemy will be more in demand than ever once we all begin circulating around in something resembling “normal” fashion. As a unique and therapeutic resource among the ’Boro’s local businesses experiencing severe challenges during lockdown, Float Alchemy will certainly appreciate your support, and it’s highly likely you will appreciate theirs, too. A win-win. The good folks at Float Alchemy are doing what they can to serve the community until they can reopen: In addition to Facebook videos from Amy offering updates, warm wishes and info on virtual group meditation sessions, the doors to Float Alchemy’s adjacent Kombucha Taproom

will be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Their tasty variety of fermented beverages contain live probiotic cultures that support immunity from sickness. Ditto for their kefir and sauerkraut, items that reside among a host of healthy, high-quality foods available in the Taproom. Especially under current conditions, these kinds of nutritious foods and beverages can provide delicious insurance for the immune system. You might also want to keep Float Alchemy’s custom-formulated CBD oil in mind. Theirs is the best quality you can find. So, in the last installment I was busy considering and researching the notion of the float tank as a suitable place to address some longstanding issues I now believe may have resulted from less-than-ideal conditions in the womb. I’m not finished, but since the Big Pause Control has been hit, it’s afforded an opportunity for reflection. Truly, the world poses its share of wonders and dangers. We all come into this life with no guarantee of a smooth ride, whether upon entrance, exit, or at any point on the road running between the two. Where does it all really begin—life, that is? We step in, not knowing what we’ll meet. Is life, at least in part, the adventure of responding to what happens, learning to respond as productively as possible, and to—with assistance either human or divine—break through barriers that would prevent a life more fully lived? There are things that one can do to seek out the least bumpy route, and places (like Float Alchemy) to get the struts and shocks worked on. But it may be equally wise to pull over and take time to be quiet and grateful, even if the journey’s been rough and repairs are in order. As we all begin to move forward and find

our footing, I wish you hope, courage and peace. If I may, I’d like to also encourage you to focus on anything you can truly be grateful for in spite of the very real challenges and unanswered questions we are all facing as a community, as a nation, as a planet. How you choose to re-emerge, and what you decide to bring with you, can make more of a difference than you might imagine. In closing, I want to pay respects to a dear friend and spiritual sister who recently crossed over to the other side. Holly Cumming was a world-class agent of healing, a licensed and fearless counselor who knew how to let God pour out the answers through her words and tools. Intuitive and highly curious about—and well-trained in—alternative healing modalities, Holly not only fought for those who came to her for help with their inner battles, but did so while bravely fighting her own battles for wellness. Late last November I got an email from Holly, who knew I’d been experimenting with float tanks as a tool for healing physical tension, anxious tendencies and the like. Beginning with a greeting, she then jumped right to the point. We have noticed in the last month or two you have seemed different . . . in a good way. You just seem more settled and more clear of mind and more able to speak up. I find myself wanting to hear what you have to say. . . . I am wondering if maybe the flotation tanks have something to do with this. I have been reading how flotation tanks help heal PTSD and how floating affects the brain. It’s absolutely fascinating. It apparently is actually re-writing connections of trauma memories to a new experience of calm. As she always did, Holly was digging deep to understand a therapeutic tool that offered new possibilities. I’m not sure how much I personally influenced Holly’s decision to explore the tanks, but I know I felt highly encouraged to receive her report that she’d observed positive changes in me since I’d begun doing regular floats. She told me she’d decided to try floating on a weekly basis, and was excited about what she might gain—though the intrusion of illness and necessary procedures prior to her passing brought her floating journey to a premature end. I’d like to think that her few excursions into effortless buoyancy served as a sneak preview of coming attractions. Today, I’m quite certain, Holly’s spirit is floating free. Stay tuned—and healthy—Murfreesboro, and may the freedom of the float be with you.

FINANCIAL COACHING BY SHATERIAL STARNES

4 Financial Strategies to

Implement During Crisis EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US WILL experience a life-altering event during our lifetime. The birth of a child, loss of a job, a death, children attending college or possibly becoming a caregiver for an older parent—these things are inevitable. The question is: are you prepared financially? In reality, most Americans are living paycheck to paycheck and with increasing costs of living, combined with a life-altering event, it is easy to see how one can feel trapped in a never-ending cycle. The following are some simple strategies you can easily implement during a time of crisis:

REVIEW YOUR EXPENSES Review your current expenses and see what can be eliminated or where costs can be cut. Check your cellphone plans, automobile and renter’s or homeowner’s insurance and cable services. It’s not uncommon that many are overpaying for these services and you would be amazed at the amount you can save by simply making changes to your existing plans.

CONTACT YOUR CREDITORS Contact your creditors (credit cards, utilities, cellphone bills and possibly mortgage) and make them aware you are experiencing an “unforeseen circumstance.” You do not have to provide specific details, but creditors can extend a deferment on your accounts, meaning they can allow you to “skip” payments for a few months and add the payments to the end of the loan. During this time, they will report to the credit bureaus you are making on-time payments on the account. The money you are not paying during this period you should save or apply it to bills that need to be paid. If you contact your mortgage company, make sure you are given a deferment

and not a forbearance. They are completely different. A mortgage deferment adds the payments to the end of the loan. On the other hand, a mortgage forbearance will require you to make a lump-sum payment at the end of the forbearance period, typically about 90 days. As an example, if you have a $1,000 monthly mortgage payment and you accept a forbearance, you will be required to pay $3,000 of mortgage payments at the end of the 90-day period. Make sure you know the details and receive the agreement in writing.

DETERMINE WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE If you find yourself unemployed or have a reduction in income, contact your local state services to file for unemployment, if you qualify. Keep in mind that receiving unemployment is twofold. You must

“Creditors can extend a deferment on your accounts, meaning they can allow you to ‘skip’ payments for a few months and add the payments to the end of the loan.”

register on the state website and certify weekly, and your former employer will have to submit information on your behalf for you to receive the benefits. During the current pandemic, employees and individuals that are self-employed and have been impacted by COVID-19 are eligible for unemployment benefits that pay $875 weekly. $275 is paid through the state unemployment and $600 is paid through the Federal Stimulus Package (the $600 portion will last for a four-month period). You do not have to complete any additional steps on the state’s unemployment website; however, you must indicate if you are self-employed. The Department of Human Services is offering additional supports through Tennessee Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Families that have been impacted by COVID-19 and have either lost their job or had their income decrease can receive a two-month stipend up to $1,000 depending on the size of the family. Income restrictions apply. Complete the application at tdhs.service-now.com. Also, you could be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits. SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) provides a monthly supplement to purchase food. A common myth is you can only receive SNAP benefits if you do not work. However, this is not the case. Many people work and receive these benefits. There are income restrictions and keep in mind you can stop the benefits once your finances return to normal.

CONSIDER USING FUNDS FROM YOUR 401K Some may disagree, but if facing bankruptcy or losing your home, this is definitely something to consider. The CARES Act has put measures in place to prevent individuals from receiving penalties if they use funds from their 401k, though your employer must agree to these terms. Research this option to see if it works for your family. During turbulent times it is very easy to make decisions based on impulse. I encourage you to explore all of these options and determine what is best for your situation.

Shaterial Starnes is a ﬁnancial coach and the owner of The Starnes Group. Her organization helps individuals and businesses address behaviors that lead them to poor ﬁnancial choices. For more information, call 615-593-2135 or visit coachstarnes.com.

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a low-power FM transmitter. Attendees were able to park outside the building and tune in . . . this was just about as CDC-compliant as any church service could be,” said John Harding, communications specialist with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a religious rights group that filed a lawsuit against the city of Greenville on the behalf of Temple Baptist Church and its supporters. “But as they listened to the sermon, eight uniformed police officers arrived at the parking lot and handed out $500 fines. Clearly, the City of Greenville is unconstitutionally singling out churches,” Harding continued. “As these churchgoers were being ticketed, Greenville residents all over town waited in restaurant parking lots for their meals to arrive. They sat in their cars, rolled down their windows, and received hand-delivered food. No tickets were issued in these cases.” The Governor of Mississippi, Tate Reeves, spoke out in support of the church as well. “We ordered churches safe from these outrageous actions. Don’t trample the constitution,” Gov. Tate tweeted after the police issued the tickets to the Temple Baptist churchgoers. Vile said he would “be very surprised” if a judge found the order by the Greenville mayor to be constitutional. “It seems to violate the principle of religious neutrality by treating drivethrough churches differently than drive-through restaurants,” Vile said, but pointed out that government officials, law enforcement, churchgoers and many others have a role to play in curbing this public health situation that has the potential to affect so many. “Just as some churches give others a bad name by flouting religious liberty in a manner to jeopardize public health, so too, Barney Fife law enforcement can give a bad name to legitimate governmental public health concerns.” As protesters request that governors ease restrictions on businesses, lawsuits regarding uncustomary arrests during the COVID panic unfold, businesses attempt to reopen, and millions of Americans decide whether to return to work and public life or to shelter in place, the social, legal, financial and political ramifications of this unprecedented time in American history will continue to reveal themselves over the coming months. BOROPULSE.COM

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Opinion Business Owners Should Have the Right to Reopen, Those Wanting to Remain at Home Should Do So

“

oo soon!” That’s what many are saying about reopening the economy. It’s interesting to note that a lot of these comments seem to be coming from the left. The Tennessee House Democratic Caucus criticized Governor Bill Lee for allowing businesses to reopen. Allowing them. More on that in a moment. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned President Trump not to reopen the country too soon. She warned of deadly risks if he does. Senator Angus King of Maine said if Trump opens the economy too soon and the coronavirus spikes, he “owns it.” The constant drumbeat of hysteria from the media has frightened the American people to the point that 66 percent were scared to reopen too quickly, according to Pew Research Center. I even heard one frantic shop owner in Florida almost in tears at the thought of opening up her business. Here’s a thought. If you’re scared, stay home. If you’re a shop owner who’s frightened, stay closed. Nobody’s forcing anybody to do anything. You can shelter at home for the rest of your life, just don’t keep the rest of us from going back to normal. But that’s what liberals do. They love to tell everyone else what to do. There was a school teacher recently who berated some teenagers for playing football in a park. She screamed that she hoped they “die a long, painful death.” Had she just walked on by there’s no chance any of those teens would have had any effect on her life. Well, Phil, what if they spread the virus? As long as she’s cowering at home it’ll never touch her. See, this is the central point that’s being missed. The media have so terrorized the American public that they think they’re going to die if they get coronavirus. If you’re healthy and under 65 you have very little chance of dying from it. If you’re not healthy

VIEWS OF A

CONSERVATIVE

PHIL VALENTINE

philvalentine.com

and over 65 then you probably shouldn’t have any contact with the outside world until this thing has run its course. For the rest of us, we want our lives back. Liberals, however, don’t want you to have your life back. They want to control it. They always have. They’ve been obsessed with what you eat, what you drink, what you drive, where you go. This whole lockdown has been a liberal’s dream come true. Who would’ve thought we’d willingly obey an order from our governors to stay home? I’ve asked a lot of legal experts this question. Does the governor have the authority to close businesses and make people stay home? Haven’t had one yet point to a law that allows it. In fact, even if there were a law, it would run contrary to the Constitution. Laws can’t do that. At least, they’re not supposed to. Attorney General Barr understands this. He’s been quite troubled by the abuse of power and has instructed his department to investigate excesses. I was down with the struggle when we were all volunteering to do this in order to “flatten the curve.” Once you voluntarily surrender your constitutional rights, those to whom you surrender them don’t want to give them back. We’ve seen examples all over America. Let’s hope we never have to do this again, but if we do, let’s learn a lesson. When you have a disease as targeted as this one, you protect those who are targeted instead of disrupting the entire economy. New York tried to tell us the rest of the country would soon look like them. It never did. Nor should the response be the same. Freedom should survive any virus.

“Nobody’s forcing anybody to do anything. You can shelter at home for the rest of your life, just don’t keep the rest of us from going back to normal.”

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

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

ments to purchase a home. But Murfreesboro has a strong economy in general and may do better than the nation overall. “In the big picture, the United States housing market as a whole will absolutely see measurable effects of the pandemic and the safer-at-home quarantine,” Jakes said. “There are many people who are not able to pay rents or mortgages right now and it’s way too early to see if this worsens in coming months. Most banks don’t start foreclosures until the payment is 90 days behind. If too many homes go into foreclosure, then it will create a chain reaction of heavy inventory, which leads to lower values. As far as Murfreesboro goes, I think our local economy is much stronger than a majority of cities in the nation. So no matter what the end effect will be on real estate as a

Beth Furbush, a loan officer at iServe Residential Lending, LLC, says her company has not seen the slowdown in Rutherford County that so many harder-hit areas have seen. “Many local lenders would say that we are seeing record funding numbers so far in 2020,” she said in April. “However, the credit market has been affected as far as credit score qualifications goes and has slowed the availability for credit below a 640 credit score.” As far as interest rates go, hovering around two or three percent, these very low rates benefit both buyers and sellers. “When rates are lower, purchasing power is increased, so it makes it easier for a buyer to get the home they want at a lower monthly payment,” said Bryan Nale, mortgage loan executive at Iberiabank Mortgage. “Lower rates help everyone,” he said. “Buyers, sellers,

has a crystal ball that says, ‘Today’s the day rates bottom and they’re going up from here.’” Jakes says interest rates are already rising fairly quickly at some lending institutions, and he expects mortgage rates to continue to rise before the end of summer. Along with a lower interest rate this spring, another advantage home buyers have today is less competition, Nale said. “The companies like Open Door and Zillow who were buying up homes have retreated from the market until they know they’ll be able to turn around and quickly sell their investments. This reduced competition has especially given first-time home buyers a window to see more of their offers accepted,” Nale said. Banks and appraisers are being more conservative so there is not a loss like in 2008–10, Gafford said, and there will be

mortgage lender.” DeSarla said, “For those who have been adversely affected by the pandemic here locally . . . I can only imagine what they must be facing, especially if they’re a home owner and they’ve been laid off or put on leave without pay. For someone in that situation I would first point them to the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau website at consumerﬁnance.gov. They have information on the site about mortgage relief options due to the pandemic.” Don’t think you are in an impossible situation, Gafford said. “Even if you are furloughed or laid off, it is just a roadblock,” she said. “Talk to the right professional

about what to do next, especially if you are a current homeowner who is looking to sell and buy again. Things like the forbearances and deferments can make a difference in your payment amounts and your debt-to-income ratio, so you really need to consult with a lender.” For more information on buying or selling a home in Murfreesboro, contact Juanita Thouin at 615-896-5656, Kelly Gafford at 615-828-1645, Bill Jakes at 615-546-4600 or Joe DeSarla at 615-424-4993. For more information on mortgage lending, contact Beth Furbush at 615-330-4303 or Bryan Nale at 615-243-3976.

“We’ve seen a rise in refinance applications as home owners are interested in taking advantage of this low-rate environment. A lot of people are shaving years and thousands of dollars in interest payments off of their mortgage.” — BRYAN NALE, MORTGAGE LENDER whole, I expect Murfreesboro to fare well overall.” Joe DeSarla, a real estate agent with Parks Realty, said that thus far he hasn’t seen an abnormal slowdown in transactions. “It’s still a good time for sellers since inventory levels are relatively low and a good time for buyers since interest rates are also low,” he said. “As long as our area continues to be popular and maintains or grows our current population, our real estate market should continue to be strong. If the economy is slow to recover from the pandemic, home prices may be affected, but not to a great degree. With our current population numbers, we’re at a new normal as far as property values are concerned.”

even holders of real estate fare better when mortgage rates are low. We’ve seen a rise in refinance applications as home owners are interested in taking advantage of this low-rate environment. A lot of people are shaving years and thousands of dollars in interest payments off of their mortgage. And for some households, being able to strategically skip a payment through the refinancing process is a welcome advantage. Other clients are happy to lower their monthly payment by reducing or eliminating mortgage insurance. I recommend homeowners review their current mortgage with a lender they trust and if the numbers are beneficial, lock the terms. Forecasts show rates will be low for the foreseeable future, but the reality is nobody

differences in this spring market for people to work around. “We all have to respect each other and be patient, it is not in all of our control, but as long as we work together we can make a transaction happen and that is the importance of having good quality professional people on all sides,” she said. “A good experienced realtor and lender are important if you are going to make a deal happen versus the buyers who go out and look for themselves and don’t have an agent or not using a local lender. Having a local lender is going to make a huge impact on what you can do versus an online lender because that local lender is going to be able to be able to be right there on the sidelines making things happen day-today. Look for a local bank or BOROPULSE.COM

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BOROPULSE.COM

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SPORTS

TALK

COLUMN BY “Z-TRAIN”

titanman1984@gmail.com

WILSON

FULTON

Isaiah Wilson, Kristian Fulton, Darrynton Evans Become Titans After 2020 NFL Draft THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! Let’s be honest, 2020 sucks! I don’t mean to say that I haven’t made the best of it, because I have. “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” A stimulus check helps, but Americans ultimately want work, not welfare. The Chinese virus has taken root around the world and its mark will be felt for years to come. I will say one good thing came from COVID-19—my yard has never looked better. Fresh landscaping, new flowers and some young trees planted. I’d say the start of 2020 makes any sensible person look to the woes of 2016–19 and say, “We can only be so fortunate to get back to such a time.” We all know a very passionate November election is on the way with crazy people on both sides of the aisle. Don’t let the fearmongers rile you up. This virus will end and American voters will head to the polls just like in the past 58 presidential elections this country has seen. We shall prevail! My prayers and thoughts go to you, the reader! Alright, let’s talk sports! I applaud the NFL for not cancelling the 2020 NFL Draft, even under some pressure. Before we talk Titans football and the 2020 NFL Draft, I found this recent news regarding Team USA women’s soccer quite interesting, considering I’ve written on the subject in the past. A federal judge recently ruled in favor of the U.S. Soccer Federation concerning the ongoing wage discrimination lawsuit brought by members of the U.S. women’s team. This was a blow to the so-called fight for equality. The suit alleged that the U.S. Soccer Federation’s payment practices amounted to discrimination

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by paying women less than men. I could spend the entire article explaining collective bargaining agreements that the women agreed to prior to this suit and how the men’s CBA is different from the women’s, but that’s boring! The judge who ruled in favor of U.S Soccer noted that the women’s team had rejected an offer to be paid under the same pay-for-play model as the men, instead opting for a deal that paid them more per game. Basically, the players agreed to a five-year deal in 2017 and, as team member Megan Rapinoe at the time stated, “I think the team should be very proud of this deal and feel empowered moving forward.” Funny how just a few years later it’s a fight for equality once again. Joe Biden just recently stated in a Tweet “@USSoccer: equal pay, now. Or else when I’m president, you can go elsewhere for World Cup funding.” This Tweet from Joe is pure ignorance on a few levels. It’s easy to look at the men’s team making more money with less success than the women’s team and say “that’s not fair!” From an economic perspective you should look at men’s and women’s soccer as two different sports with different labor markets. Why? Because they are. Yet Americans love to get riled up and base opinions off emotion rather than logic. The biggest “pay gap” is something U.S. Soccer has no control over. FIFA recently provided $400 million in World Cup prize money for the men’s tournament and $30 million for the women. Other parts of the world don’t celebrate women athletes like America does. It’s why you can watch a World Cup match where American women destroy a team like Thailand 13–0. It’s unfortunate, but true. Does the U.S. Soccer Federation have a

duty to fix this so-called unfairness? The attorney for the women’s team says yes. What do you think? We should always strive for equality, but we should also remember that pay gaps aren’t always the results of discrimination, especially in sports. Let me say that again, especially in sports! Alright, forget all that noise, Coronavirus, Slow Joe, wage discrimination, and let’s end this article on what really matters: Titans football! Let me give you a quick rundown on the Titans draft picks and my opinion. In the first round of the draft, Titans General Manager Jon Robinson decided he wanted a large, beastly man who picks his teeth with a hatchet. With the 29th overall pick the Titans selected Isaiah Wilson, the 6-foot 6-inch, 353-pound offensive tackle out of Georgia. Wilson played right side with a run-based offense at Georgia. Dennis Kelly, who just received a $21 million, 3-year extension, was slated to take over for the departed Jack Conklin at the position, making this pick somewhat of a head-scratcher. Wilson is a good player and probably a good fit, but does he make this team a better team? I will relent because I truly trust Jon Robinson after 2019’s #1-ranked draft class, according to Pro Football Focus. With the 61st overall pick the Tennessee Titans selected Kristian Fulton, a cornerback out of LSU. I love this pick! Many experts believed Fulton to be a first-round talent, so with that said if you’re upset about the Isaiah Wilson pick, just imagine—Fulton went in the first round and Wilson went in the second, and if you’re not okay with that value you’re crazy. Tennessee desperately needed a startingcaliber cornerback. In Fulton it looks like they found one. He has great speed and decent size. He can play both on the outside and slot. Mix him in with Malcolm Butler and Adoree’ Jackson and you have possibility. With the 93rd overall pick in the third round, the Titans select Darrynton Evans, a running back out of Appalachian State. I am more than excited about this pick. I will be honest—at first I was skeptical. Then, after an evening watching his tape and reading about him, I was sold. First off, the Titans entered the off-season with a serious need for a No. 2 back to compliment King Henry. I don’t know many Titan fans who will be missing Dion Lewis. Darrynton Evans ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at the combine and is seen as a smaller, quicker Derrick Henry. I heard some people say Evans will be the lightning to Henry’s thunder. But let’s be honest, King Henry is a total hurricane, full of lightning and thunder. Regardless, I love this pick, and Evans should be a viable second option when Henry needs rest.

The idea of a one-two punch in the running game gets me very excited. The Titans selected three other players in the draft—a defensive lineman, another quarterback from Hawaii (HA-HA) and a cornerback from Marshall. Defensive lineman Larrell Murchison, taken in the fifth round, was reportedly a player that Jon Robinson really wanted. To all you loyal Titans fans, keep an eye on Larrell. He may end up being one of Jon’s Boom-Shaka-Laka picks. By all accounts the seventh-round pick, Cole McDonald, has a huge arm and an unorthodox throwing motion that looks like he’s throwing a javelin. He is also super-fast. He is the definition of a developmental player and an exciting quarterback addition. Yet I hope this team that made a run to the AFC Championship game last season will be looking to add a veteran QB soon to back up Tannehill. The Titans had a very exciting and productive 2020 NFL draft, and I can’t wait to see how these players turn out. If they turn out as productive as 2019’s draft class, the Titans have a great shot at the division and, who knows . . . Super Bowl? Keep an eye open on the Jadeveon Clowney talk. I still believe signing him is very possible with the Titans, one of a few teams that have publicly shown interest and have the needed cap space. He won’t be cheap, so I understand the like and dislike of such a move. He is a baller, though! One last shout-out before wrapping this up! The University of Iowa’s school president Bruce Harreld did what it seems few other universities had the backbone to do. He logically talked about coronavirus and the difficulties of the not knowing and the safety issues for athletics. Yet he was the first to come out and say the football team would get back to practice on June 1. He set a date! For that, Mr. Harreld is my hero of the month. Time to wrap it up! I say this on a regular basis, but I am honored to write these articles. My intent has always been to make you laugh while I voice my opinions and express my love for Titans football. It’s really that simple. I know sometimes I say things that may offend someone, though I will never apologize for voicing my opinions. That’s what makes America great. Nobody should ever be silenced by the mob because their opinion is different. I pray we get back to a semblance of normalcy sooner than later. This virus took my job away and that sucks, but we keep on keeping on and the tough strive to be better. I don’t know about you, but I have a new appreciation for what freedom truly means and the dangers of government overreach. Y’all stay safe till next time! The Train’s rolling into the station. Choo-choo! BOROPULSE.COM

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