ThE RuThERFORd COuNTy Habitat for Humanity put on another successful Cookin’ to Build soup event on the Square—delicious soups, fun times and a good cause. Honorable mentions go to the Oakland Archery cooking team for their delicious tomato basil soup, as well as their tasty, herby grilled cheese accompaniments, to County Clerk Lisa Duke Crowell for her buffalo chicken soup topped with blue cheese crumbles, and to the Breakfast Rotary Club for one of my personal favorites of the many chilis represented there, their well-seasoned Rotary Firehall Chili blending a beef and turkey combo with some Rotel.
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12
JIm breuer
Comedian makes appearance at The Caverns. Enter to Win Tickets!
24 smell the c o ffee Where in the ’Boro to satisfy those caffeine cravings.
34
chemtra I ls Tennessee becomes the first state to ban airspace geoengineering.
36
c ook IN g for a cause Minutes Wisely founder releases cookbook to promote veterans causes.
37
hurr I ca N e hele N e rel I ef Feed America First, Beesley Animal Foundation among many assisting.
iN EvERy iSSuE
5 Events
caleNdar Pecan Festival, Black Barn Market, Veterans Day Event, and more!
Wreaths Across America
Reno Collier at Hank’s
16 Sounds coNcerts Party in the Grove
18 Reviews album Los Swamp Monsters movIe The Wild Robot book Caveman Chronicles
22 Living explore Murfreesboro Greenway mr. murfreesboro Chief Black Fox Nature News Armadillos
30 Food restauraNt
Joanie’s on the Square
32 News busINess buzz
Frida’s Cafe, La Cucina Italiana, Ten Seconds Rice Noodles, Hemispheres and more
NoNprofIt Cooking for a Cause Hurricane Helene Relief
38 Opinion free your chIldreN Call to Action busINess momeNtum Lance Chandler tech talk Glenn Turkey Giveaway sports talk It is truly football time in Tennessee lIvINg . . . well! It starts with you moNey matters Year-end tax planning
Paul
Bryce
Jodie
Enjoy yet another edition of the Murfreesboro Pulse. Let’s make sure the current copies get into the hands of readers, but know that many of the old copies of the paper go to good uses, too (Mr. Ferret be peein’! He needs to keep his cage liner fresh!).
The restaurant turnover in this town remains high. New ones continue to open in Murfreesboro, but it seems like the area has reached the saturation point where for every new one that arrives, an existing one leaves. With the cost of dining out continuing to rise, and the high level of competition in the industry, it’s just hard to squeeze all of these new ones into the market without kicking others out.
Many of the ones that do not make it, though, appear to have displayed halfhearted commitments to customer service, food quality, keeping price points reasonable, creativity, advertising, speed, friendliness, cleanliness, using healthy and natural ingredients, the entertainment factor, ambiance and/or creative marketing and branding.
Not every single restaurant has to excel at every single one of the elements to survive; you don’t have to check all of the boxes, but good gracious, why would anyone go and spend money at an establishment where the staff acts like they don’t want to be there, the prices are inflated, the wait time is long, the food is inconsistent and the tables are dirty when there’s hundreds of other spots to choose from, some of which demonstrate some level of commitment to excellence?
Explore the Murfreesboro Greenway. What’s your favorite area? For which activities do you most enjoy using the Greenway? Jogging, fishing, bird watching. kayaking? Some business professionals like to schedule walking meetings, when possible, rather than simply sitting in the office for discussions that could be combined with a walk, getting some fresh air and exercise while exploring business opportunities. Multitasking!
It’s cool to be able to tell the story of Chief Black Fox within this issue. I will have to explore his area soon. I have still never been to the Black Fox Spring and surrounding trails there. We encourage you to look up at the sky. Compare the trails you observe coming from jets to the ones that remain there for hours. Read more about Tennessee banning the release of chemicals into the airspace above the state in this edition as well.
It looks like just about every weekend from now until Christmas will have a holiday market or craft fair in the Murfreesboro area. Check out these local events and vendors as you are doing your holiday shopping.
But definitely do enjoy what you already have during this month of thanks. Remain grateful.
I love the Thanksgiving season and the reminder to appreciate your life, liberty, property, family, friends, experiences, health and comfort. Counting your blessings is good for the mind and soul all through the year.
If you struggle to find something to be thankful for, but have not lost anyone close to you recently and have your physical health for the most part, those are a couple of things to begin with.
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. (Numbers 6:24–26)
Peace!
brackeN mayo
Publisher/Editor in Chief
Nov. 7
b rew b us IN ess mI xer Brew Business Networking continues the first Thursday of each month at Middle Ground Brewing Co. (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.) on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend and network. For more information, visit middlegroundbrew.com or find Middle Ground Brewing Company on Facebook.
Nov. 8
dow N tow N after 5 hol I day ed I t I o N
Main Street Murfreesboro invites the community to enjoy hot chocolate, small bites, trunk shows and holiday shopping fun while discovering new stores and visiting familiar favorites in historic Downtown Murfreesboro from 5–8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8. Visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org for more information.
Nov. 8
r ead to s ucceed c elebr I ty s pell IN g b ee Eleven Rutherford County leaders compete for the title of Best Speller in Read to Succeed’s 18th Annual Celebrity Spelling Bee on Friday, Nov. 8, at The View at Fountains (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.). Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m. The night features an interactive spelling bee, online auction and food and drinks from The Sweet Addiction, Julie’s Bartending and Cedar Glade Brews. Participants in the 2024 spelling bee will be Jami K. Averwater, Dr. David Beaird, Derek Blake, Connie Casha, Veronica M. Clark, Dr. Takisha Ferguson, Darren Gore, Hans Malebranche, Mike Panesi, Ladawna Parham and Dr. Cathy Pressnell. The Celebrity Spelling Bee serves as Read to Succeed’s main fundraiser of the year, bringing in an average of $60,000 in donations and sponsorships. These funds are used to provide literacy programming and events for children and adults throughout Rutherford County. In the past three months, Read to Succeed has donated 2,638 books to children, adults, and teachers in the community, taught English as a second language to 485 adult learners and provided one-on-one ABE tutoring services
Nov. 8
tpo v etera N s c o N cert
The Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra honors veterans through patriotic music serving as a profound tribute to their sacrifices and dedication on Friday, Nov. 8, at First United Methodist Church (265 W. Thompson Ln.) under the baton of Matthew Phelps. From the stirring notes of “The Star-Spangled Banner” to the charging melodies of “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” these songs evoke deep emotions and a sense of national pride. Music has a unique ability to resonate with individuals, and when it is dedicated to those who have served, it becomes a powerful medium for expressing gratitude and remembrance, passing down stories of valor, resilience and a sense of pride. For tickets and more information on the Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra, visit tnphil.org.
to several additional learners. For more information, email mediaevents@readto succeed.org or visit readtosucceed.org/ celebrity-bee for tickets.
through Nov. 9
toys for tots 2024
Destiny Center helps families that have been affected with challenging times due to unemployment, family crisis or trauma, debilitating illness or not being otherwise able to provide gifts for Christmas. Toys will be distributed to families in need on Sunday, Dec. 21. Anyone in Rutherford County who wants to request a toy from the Toys for Tots will have to complete the application (found at form.jotform.com/ destinycenter/2024T4T), bring all documents to Patterson Park Community Center
(521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.) on Nov. 9, and pick up toys on the designated date and time shown on the provided voucher. For more information, email info@ thedestinydome.com, visit destinycentertn. com, call or text 615-653-6134 or find Destiny Center on Facebook.
Nov. 9
d el I ght the lI ghts
Head to The Avenue Murfreesboro (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) for the annual tree lighting event, Delight the Lights, on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 3–5 p.m. Shop with Santa and enjoy a DJ, aerialist and holiday crafts at the festive celebration. Enter for the $1,000 shopping spree. Visit theavenuemurfreesboro.com/eventsand-news for more information.
Nov. 9
t he b lack bar N h ol I day m arket
Kick off the holiday season with Events at East 96 (9901 Lascassas Pk.) for the Black Barn Holiday Market on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Enjoy this magical outdoor market with over 100 festive booths to find the perfect holiday gift. Enjoy live holiday music by Nashville Island, savor delicious bites from local food trucks, see demonstrations from talented artisans, snap free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and have fun at the Kids Zone and Petting Zoo. For more information, find The Black Barn Holiday Market event on Facebook.
Nov. 9
myp I N augural c har I ty pI ckleball tour N ame N t Join Murfreesboro Young Professionals for the group’s Inaugural Charity Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 8:30–11 a.m. (registration at 8 a.m.) at the MTSU Rec Center (1848 Blue Raider Dr.). The cost is $100 for a team of two players (bring your own paddle). Court and table sponsorships are also available. Register your team at murfreesboroyp.org under “Events – Pickleball Tournament.”
Nov. 9
p eca N f est I val
Come out to Williamson Family Farm (3250 Wilkinson Pk.) for their annual Pecan Festival on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. for a day full of excitement. Whether you’re a food lover, music enthusiast or crafter, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy delicious food trucks, great music, unique craft vendors, fallthemed activities, fun hayrides and pecanrelated games. Admission is $15. For more information, call 615-995-6682 or visit authentictennessee.ticketspice.com/pecanfestival24
Nov. 10
c edar g lade c lass I c
c ar c ru I se-I N
Shine ‘er up and drive ‘er in at the Cedar Glade Brews (906 Ridgely Rd.) second
ON PAgE 6
Sunday of the month classic car cruise-in on Sunday, Nov. 10, from 1–4 p.m. Carticipants get a free CGB pint (1 per car). Stick around for trivia at 5 p.m. There is no sign-up required and no cost to join. For more information, find the CGB Classic Car Cruise-In event on Facebook or visit cedargladebrews.com.
Nov. 10
h o N or IN g v etera N s a N d s erv IN g the c ommu NI ty Commander Darrell, of VFW Post 8422, and Bridget Poole are the host and sponsor of “Honoring Veterans and Serving the Community” at the Smyrna VFW Post 8422 (10157 Old Nashville Hwy., Smyrna) on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 3 p.m. Honor veterans for their service and share in community awareness and various opportunities. The event consists of food, activities for youth, guest speakers, singing and presentations honoring veterans of all branches with the help of sponsorship and donors. Volunteer, vendor and sponsor options are available. Email blppoole@yahoo.com or bridget.glight@gmail.com or call 727-6129718 for more information.
Nov. 12
lI v IN g s e N t
Come out for the November 2024 Living Sent Murfreesboro meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at Wilson Bank & Trust (3110 Memorial Blvd.).
Jeremy Tutt, CEO and Founder of Tutt Group, talks about “Trusting in Sight With No Visibility” and Zachary Rosson shares his God Story. Living Sent Ministries aims to inspire and equip business and professional leaders at all levels to live out their Christian faith, “connecting Sunday to Monday.” A core principle of the group is that God gave you your business or job to help build His Kingdom. A complimentary lunch will be provided by the Amanda Howell Agency. RSVP by emailing bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com
Nov. 12
b us IN ess a fter h ours
The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce will hold its November Business After Hours networking event at the new Shores Road location of Murfreesboro Medical Clinic (3325 Shores Rd., near I-840 and Veterans Parkway) on Tuesday, Nov. 12, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for chamber members and $25 for non-members. For more information on this and other Chamber of Commerce events and ribbon cuttings, visit rutherfordchamber.org and find Events.
Nov.
11
murfreesboro veteraNs day servIce
The 2024 Veterans Day Celebration Service on the historic Rutherford County Courthouse Square will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11. This year marks the 28th year of the event. This year's speaker will be Lieutenant Colonel David A. Young, who served in the in the U.S. military for over 25 years. The event is free and open to the public, rain or shine. Bring your own chair for seating.
Nov. 12
raa November m ember
& f r I e N d mI xer
The Rutherford Arts Alliance will hold the year’s final RAA Member & Friend Mixer on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy a fun evening of connecting with fellow creatives at Heroes Den, located in the old Farrell Calhoun paint store (1257 NW Broad St.). The So-Cali Taco Shop Express food truck will serve up delicious bites for purchase. These relaxed gatherings are a way to meet new people, spark creative conversations and sometimes enjoy an informal Q&A with other local artists and advocates. No membership is required and there is no cost to attend, so bring your creative friends along. For more information, email rucoartstn@gmail. com, visit rutherfordartsalliance.org or find Rutherford Arts Alliance on Facebook.
Nov. 13 aNd 27
c ockta I ls a N d
c o N versat I o N s
Cocktails and Conversations meets every other Wednesday night from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at The Goat (2355 Adwell St.) for a
fun networking mixer. This is a great opportunity to meet other local business professionals and connect in the community. Everyone is welcome to attend. November meetings will be held on Wednesdays Nov. 13 and 27. For more information, find a Cocktails and Conversations group page on Facebook or call or text 615-557-4827.
Nov. 16
v etera N s parade
The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System holds its annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the VA Hospital (3400 Lebanon Rd.). The pre-parade entertainment begins at 10 a.m. and the parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Enjoy retail and food vendors, children’s activities and veteran information tables. If you or your group are interested in volunteering or participating in the parade, please email annette.allen@va.gov
Nov. 16
Jeff Nola N d b ook sI g NIN g Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) hosts local author Jeff Noland for a book signing on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The author will be signing
and selling copies of his book Locked In and Locked Out: Tweets and Stories on Prison and the Effects of Confinement
Locked In and Locked Out is an eye-opening look at the American prison system and how confinement affects the capability of being successful while incarcerated as well as after being released. It includes popular tweets as seen on @cellsecrets, which has a large, dedicated following of people interested in reform of the current injustice system. Noland is an activist for prison reform, restorative justice practices and helping disenfranchised people in his community. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-893-4131.
Nov. 16
arts a N d crafts f est & u NI ted wome N of fa I th bake sale
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Nov. 16 from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. for a day of creativity, community and delicious treats at the 9th annual Arts and Crafts Fest at First United Methodist Church (265 W. Thompson Ln.), where the community gathers to showcase unique handmade items and share warm hospitality. Vendors interested in participating can register at fumcboro.churchcenter.com/registrations/ events/2479955. All proceeds go toward local mission projects.
Nov. 17
c rypt I d c lub
Visit the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.) on Sunday, Nov. 17, from 5–6 p.m. to discuss all the stories surrounding imaginary monsters, where they come from and why they tend to live under our beds. All ages are welcome. No advance registration is required. For more information, rclstn.org or call 615-225-8312.
Nov. 20
b ooks & b rews
b ook g roup
Join the Technology Engagement Center at Tailgate Brewery (210 Stones River Mall Blvd.) on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 5:30–7 p.m. for the next meeting of the Books & Brews Book Group, which discusses a variety of genres. The November title is A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers. No advance registration is required. For more information, visit rclstn. org or call 615-225-8312.
Nov. 21
t he c o NN ect I o N at c hampy’s Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken will
host the November 2024 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation networking event, where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. Networking begins at 5 p.m. with introductions at 6 p.m. Champy’s is located at 1290 NW Broad St.
Nov. 22
4th f r I day f u N * work IN g
The monthly “fun working” event at Cedar Glade Brews is held the fourth Friday of every month from 5–7 p.m., presented by Reed and Associates of Primerica and Spread the Positive at Cedar Glade Brews (906 Ridgley Rd.). The event is focused on shining a light on what’s going right. Each month the event highlights a business making a positive impact in the local community and gives the public an opportunity to talk with them. Meet some of your favorite STP podcasters and get to know the people behind the microphone. There will be a food truck onsite, so grab a drink and a bite while you connect with the best in the ’Boro. For more information, find 4th Friday Fun*Working on Facebook.
Nov. 23
h ol I day m arket
Kick off the holiday season with a festive shopping experience at the Holiday Market at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Explore over 80 vendors offering unique Thanksgiving and Christmas items, perfect for holiday gifts or treating yourself. Don’t miss the chance to meet Santa from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and snap a free picture with your camera. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, while supplies last, and indulge in delicious offerings from local food trucks. Guests can also visit a free petting zoo. Support local businesses and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. In the spirit of giving, donations will be accepted for local nursing homes. Suggested items include throw blankets, socks, underwear, personal hygiene products, men’s pajamas, gowns, large print books and crossword puzzles. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 931-952-0472 or follow Brianna Victory Events on Facebook.
Nov. 23
l ast s aturday c od IN g
Visit the Technology Engagement Center
Nov. 22–24
a rt stud I o tour
The Annual Art Studio Tour is a free community event presented by the Stones River Crafts Association. This year it takes place Friday through Sunday, Nov. 22–24. The nine participating studios in the Stones River Area will be open to the public from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Learn about the process of making art at each one. Crafts include: ceramic artists making pots, wood turning, textile artists turning fiber into cloth and more. Creations will be available for purchase. Locations include: Red Oak Pottery (2925 Spain Hill Rd., Lascassas), Hickerson Woodworks (4172 Betty Ford Rd., Murfreesboro), Blue Pony Studio (88 Hoyt Knox Rd., Readyville) Gayle Levee Fine Art (2444 Sawmill St., Murfreesboro), Jonathan Griffith Studio (4330 Meadowland Dr., Murfreesboro), Everich Farm (8695 Hwy. 269 Bell Buckle Rd., Christiana), Russell Faxon Gallery (104 Wartrace Rd., Bell Buckle), Bell Buckle Mosaic House (181 Bynum Rd., Bell Buckle), W Michael Bush Art (3222 Fairfield Pk., Bell Buckle). For more information, visit artstudiotour.org/tour
(306 Minerva Dr.) on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 2–4 p.m. for a coding class directed toward building games. Come to the last class of the season and have Chuck the Super Duck throw snowballs at piles of presents. Ages 12 and up are welcome. No advance registration is required. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-225-8312.
Nov. 25
m urfreesboro c hess
lu N ch
Who wants to play a game of chess? Community members interested in gathering with other chess enthusiasts to play and discuss chess, promoting the game of chess locally, sharing ideas on how chess can benefit others, or involving their business in chess events and tournaments can come to a Murfreesboro Chess Lunch at Carmen’s Taqueria (206 W. Northfield Blvd.) from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Monday, Nov.
h ol I day m arket
Come out for the 4th Annual Small Business Saturday Holiday Market on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Lane Agri-Park Community Center (475 John R. Rice Blvd.) for local vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, holiday shopping and festive decorations. This is a fantastic way to support local small businesses while enjoying a family-friendly, fun and festive atmosphere. Vendors will be offering unique, handcrafted products perfect for holiday gifting. There is no cost to attend. For more information, call 615-796-6491, 615-738-6491, email fridaynightmarketintheboro@gmail.com or visit fridaynightmarketintheboro.com.
dec. 6
r utherford c ou N ty c hr I stmas t ree lI ght IN g
On the first Friday night of December, holiday revelers gather around the historic Rutherford County Courthouse on the Murfreesboro Public Square for the annual lighting of the Rutherford County Christmas tree. Main Street organizes this event, featuring entertainment, caroling, the lighting of the tree and a visit from a very special bearded gentleman. Bring your family downtown for dinner, view the live nativity, shop in unique stores and enjoy an hour-long program full of choir music, dancing, acting and Santa. There are free activities for children and carriage rides, and pictures with Santa run from 5:30–8:30 p.m. For more information, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org/ celebrate-christmas-downtown
dec. 7
25. For more information, find an event page for Murfreesboro Chess Lunch on Facebook, text or call 615-796-6248 or email bracken@boropulse.com.
Nov. 26
s myr N a chr I stmas tree
l I ght IN g ceremo N y
The Town of Smyrna's festive annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will include an all-kids sing-along led by the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (SOAC) staff, local food trucks, and the chance to capture magical memories with Santa and Mrs. Claus—courtesy of the Smyrna Fire Department. Come celebrate the season and be a part of this cherished community tradition on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. at 98 Front Street in Smyrna. This event is free and open to the public.
Nov.
30
s mall b us IN ess s aturday
mI ddle t e NN essee s cholast I c c hess c hamp I o N sh I p
The Middle Tennessee Scholastic Chess Championship at Central Magnet School (701 E. Main St.) is set for Saturday, Dec. 7. This annual tradition is a great tournament for both new and seasoned scholastic chess players. For new players, there are two unrated sections to get their first tournament experience. For experienced players, traditional rated sections (primary, elementary, high school) determine Middle Tennessee Scholastic Champions. Rated sections require a current US Chess membership ID, but no knowledge of chess notation, playing with a clock or previous tournament experience is necessary to play in the unrated section. The format for all divisions is a five-round Swiss tournament using 30-minute time controls with a five-
second delay. The early registration fee is $20 and is due by Tuesday, Dec. 3. For more information, email rundbergj@ rcschools.net or igozhislin@gmail.com
Onsite registration and check-in will take place between 7:45 and 8:30 a.m., with Round 1 beginning at 9 a.m. dec. 7
w ho w ere the wI se m e N a N d w hat dI d t hey s ee?
Nashville Biblical Studies Fellowship presents “Who Were the Wise Men and What Did They See?: The Wonders of the Birth of Christ” on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at Greenhouse Ministries (307 S. Academy St.). The event consists of Biblical presentations, live music and lunch. No ticket or reservation is required. What was the star the wise men saw? Why did they come to worship Jesus? Biblical and astronomical records can give clarification. Come see for yourselves what rocked King Herod and all of Jerusalem. For more information, email setthehookntn@gmail.com or call 615-405-4994.
dec.
7, 14 & 21
f ree p hotos w I th sa N ta Families can capture the magic of the holidays with pictures with Santa on Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. inside the historic Rutherford County Courthouse. Bring your own camera to take pictures. Free and open to the public.
dec. 8
murfreesboro
c hr I stmas parade
Save the date for the 2024 Murfreesboro Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. This theme of this year’s parade is “A Vintage Christmas.” The parade starts at Middle Tennessee Blvd. and Main St. by MTSU, and ends on Walnut St. just past the Murfreesboro Square. For more details, or to register to participate, go to https://forms.office. com/pages/responsepage.aspx.
oNgoiNg
t homas e d I so N ’s s ecret l ab
The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring (502 SE Broad St.) continues hosting the traveling exhibit Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab all month long. Created by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in collaboration with Genius Brands International, this immersive and educational exhibit is inspired by Genius Brands’ popular
Nov. 28
borodash
The annual Borodash begins at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28. The mission of Borodash is to bring glory to God by raising funds for charitable purposes and to provide the community with well-organized, family-friendly event—a 4-mile walk/run through historic Murfreeesboro. Participants should plan to pick up their race packets on Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at North Boulevard Church of Christ. Learn more or register to participate at borodash.org
animated series. Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab is included with general admission to the Discovery Center and offers interactive programming exploring science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts. The exhibit features characters from the animated series, including Thomas Edison and his group of friends, as they tackle various scientific challenges and solve problems using various scientific principles. Visitors will have the chance to operate the six simple classical machines, explore a giant interactive periodic table of elements, delve into the basics of coding and more. The exhibit runs until Sunday, Jan. 12. For more information, visit explorethedc.org, call 615-890-2300 or email juhl@explorethedc.org.
oNgoiNg
f 3 workouts
F3—which stands for fitness, fellowship and faith—holds free, outdoor, peer-led workouts for men across the country. The free weekly workout sessions welcome all men and always end with a “circle of trust,” emphasizing the group’s commitment to faith. In Murfreesboro, F3 holds workouts on the Murfreesboro Public
as well as a specific referral request for attendees on what can be done to help promote your business. The approximately 20-minute period at the end of each meeting is reserved for members to set up one-on-ones and socialize. Visit connect nashvillenetworking.com/events for more information or directions.
moNdays
m o N day N I ght hI story
The Patriot Institute presents free Monday Night History classes every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. at Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken (1290 NW Broad St.). The instructor, Galen Walker, formed The Patriot Institute in 2015 and has taught Monday Night History at various locations ever since. Classes started back with the Greek City-States, have progressed through Greece, Rome and the Middle Ages, and most recently covered the Pilgrims and Puritans and the French and Indian War. The Nov. 4 class will cover The Louisiana Purchase and the group will discuss The Lewis and Clark Expedition on Nov. 11 before breaking for the holiday season. Monday Night History will then begin 2025 with the War of 1812. Classes involve more than just listening to a lecture—they include quality video productions to cover each topic. For more information, visit thepatriotinstitute.org or find The Patriot Institute on Facebook.
moNdays
Square at 5 a.m. on Tuesdays; at Oakland Middle School (853 Dejarnette Ln.) at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesdays; at the Murfreesboro Medical Clinic/Gateway Island parking lot (1272 Garrison Dr.) at 5 a.m. on Thursdays; and at Old Fort Park (201 Golf Ln., at the north entrance parking lot) at 6 a.m. on Saturdays. In Smyrna, F3 meets for workouts at Cedar Grove Elementary (354 Chaney Rd., Smyrna) at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesdays; at Thurman Francis Arts Academy (221 Todd Ln., Smyrna) at 5:30 a.m. on Thursdays; and at Stewart’s Creek High School (301 Red Hawk Pkwy., Smyrna) at 6 a.m. on Saturdays. The group meets every week, rain or shine, hot or cold. For more information, visit f3murfreesboro.com.
moNdays
c o NN ect m urfreesboro
Join Connect Murfreesboro each Monday from 9–10 a.m. at BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse (2839 Medical Center Pkwy.) for a casual networking event designed to connect professionals, build relationships, drive referrals and help grow businesses. Please prepare a 60-second pitch about who you are and what you do,
t ech N ology c oach
Bring your phone, tablet and laptop questions to our volunteer Technology Coach and they will help work out the answers on Mondays at 1 p.m. at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.). For more information, visit rclstn.org.
moNdays & tuesdays
c omputer c lass: workforce e sse N t I als
Take advantage of free computer classes with the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.) on Mondays in September from 3:30–5 p.m. (drop-in) and Tuesdays in September from 2:30–4 p.m. (drop-in). Come learn basic computer skills, Windows 10, Google Docs, Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint and more with self-paced modules and guided instruction. The library has laptops you can use in-house. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-225-8312.
tuesdays d IN ovember
Visit the Technology Engagement Center
Fridays
murfreesboro commuNIty chess
Murfreesboro Community Chess meets at McAlister’s Deli (2357 Medical Center Pkwy.) every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Organizers invite those of all ages and skill levels to this casual chess meetup each week. Those attending may bring a board and a clock if they can, but there should be plenty of supplies on hand.
CONTiNuEd FROM PAgE 8
(306 Minerva Dr.) Tuesdays in November (Nov. 5, 12 and 19) from 11:30 a.m.–noon for ages 2–4 and 3:30–4 p.m. for ages 5–7 to celebrate all things dinosaur as part of the Tiny TEC & Tinker TEC series during the month of November. Read books and participate in fun science activities. No advance registration is required. For more information, visit rclstn. org or call 615-225-8312.
tuesdays & Fridays
r utherford c ou N ty farmers’ m arket The Rutherford County Agricultural Extension Cooperation continues its producer-only farmers’ market in the indoor/open-air community center at the Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). The RCFM is open from 7 a.m.–noon every Tuesday and Friday. Market vendors hail from over a dozen Middle Tennessee counties and sell a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, baked and canned goods, flowers, plants and more. There are also “Come and Go” informative sessions for the general public every market day from 9–11 a.m. in the lobby. Topics range from sustainable gardening, cooking, food preservation and
thursdays
tec storyt I me: g rat I tude
Visit the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.) Thursdays in November (Nov. 7, 14 and 21) from 10:30–11 a.m. for a storytime all about gratitude. Read books, sing songs and color fun pictures. This storytime is aimed at kids 0–4 years old, but all are welcome. No advance registration is required. For more information, email rclstn.org or call 615-225-8312.
Fridays
c 3 Network IN g
C3 is an open networking group for local business professionals at Achieve Entrepreneur and CoWorking Center (1630 S. Church St.) held on Fridays from 8:30–10:30 a.m. The mission is to build relationships, connect local businesses with potential clients, support each other’s professional growth and educate people on how to participate in the local community. Complimentary coffee and snacks are provided. For more information, find Prohibition Home Brewing on Facebook.
saturdays
hI stor I cal s oc I ety
c offee & c o N versat I o N
The Rutherford County Historical Society has been preserving and promoting Murfreesboro’s local history since 1971. The RCHS aims to be a community resource for those researching their family, property or perhaps just old fun facts. The Historical Society hosts Coffee & Conversation each Saturday morning from 9 a.m.–noon at the Ransom School House Museum (717 N. Academy St.).
This is a very informal, fun and informative event. Bring old photos or questions about the past to ask members, and enjoy free coffee and donuts. For more information, visit rutherfordtnhistory.org.
suNdays
c offee/ b reakfast
wI th a v etera N
All are welcome to join local veterans for coffee or breakfast and conversation on Sunday mornings from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Joanie’s, located on the Public Square in downtown Murfreesboro.
environmental education to other local topics of interest. The Master Gardeners of Rutherford County are available from 9 a.m.–noon in the demonstration garden for questions and tours. Shop with local artisans on “Artisan Fridays” to find an array of treasures: wood crafts, jewelry, sewn and hand-crafted items, body care products, candles, home and yard decor and other creations. For more information, visit rutherford.tennessee.edu/farmers-market or call 615-898-7710.
WedNesdays
Network IN g for awesome p eople
Are you looking to meet and connect with other local business owners? Do you want to grow your network and pick up some skills along the way? Networking for Awesome People meets each week on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at the Achieve Entrepreneur and CoWorking Center (1630 S. Church St.). All you need to bring is a good attitude. Each attendee gets about a minute to explain what they do and what they need, followed by a discussion question of the week. Networking for Awesome People encourages open discussion to help everyone grow. For more information, find a Networking for Awesome People group on Facebook.
Event
Wreaths Across America
organization
to
lay wreaths upon veterans’ graves
at
evergreen cemetery
by elIsha NelsoN
WreaThs aCross aMeriCa is hosting its first wreath-laying ceremony for Murfreesboro’s Evergreen Cemetery this holiday season. With Veterans Day on the horizon, the community of Murfreesboro has gathered to show support to honor and remember the 680 veterans buried in Evergreen Cemetery, located on Greenland Drive.
Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization that focuses on hosting wreath placements at the gravesites of veterans to help honor them and their families. The organization is fueled by the efforts from volunteers who set aside their time to work with Wreaths Across America, from the location coordinators to the semitruck drivers helping to deliver wreaths.
2024 marks the first year that Evergreen will be recognized by Wreaths Across America.
“The goal is to get wreath sponsors, so that on Dec. 14 we can lay wreaths on as many veteran graves as possible to honor and remember them,” said location coordinator Leanne Bogle, who is working alongside sister Laura McMillian on the effort. The goal of WAA is to help to teach the next generation the value of freedom and the cost U.S. veterans had to pay to achieve it.
Leanne’s father, a proud Vietnam-era veteran, was a Nike Hercules missile repairman who was stationed in Germany. He was a part of the American Legion and was honored in Woodbury in September of 2023 for the Legion’s annual Veterans Day ceremony.
“We had bought him a brick on the Memorial Wall in La Vergne for veterans. After that we purchased a wreath for him ourselves and placed it at Evergreen Cemetery,” Bogle said.
Leanne and her sister Laura noticed the lack of wreaths throughout the rest of the
cemetery grounds, so the sisters decided to take matters in their own hands to help recognize the other 679 veterans lying peacefully at Evergreen.
“It made us sad that the other veterans around here weren’t being recognized,” she said. “We decided this year we would try to be the location coordinator so that Evergreen can be recognized by Wreaths of America.”
With December approaching, it will take some community outreach to reach the full goal of 680 wreaths for WAA, but Bogle maintains that—although this is the first year for Evergreen’s involvement in the project and it being her and McMillian’s first time serving as location coordinators—the goal is attainable.
“We’re hoping to hear from more people in the community,” said Leanne.
“Our hope is that with the public’s help we can show our appreciation for many of our local veterans this year,” said Leanne. “We can still honor them, even though they’ve passed. They shouldn’t be forgotten; they gave up a lot for all of us.”
help to honor and memorialize Evergreen’s 680 veterans on National Wreaths Across America day, Saturday, dec. 14, at 12 p.m. by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering or inviting friends to get involved at Evergreen Cemetery, located at 519 greenland dr., or at hundreds of other cemeteries across the country. Wreaths are $17 each and can be paid for directly through WAA’s website at wreathsacrossamerica.org/tnegrn by heading to the Sponsor Wreaths section. volunteer opportunities are also available on WAA’s website and all who are able are welcomed to participate.
Event
JJim BReueR
ers of being conspiracy theorists, but yet, here you are on live television watching a young man who’s been an athlete his entire life, he gets tested twice a year with his blood and everything else, he’s a professional player, and he drops on the field. He was forced to get a COVID shot, and for anyone to not question that or be ridiculed . . . so the people that get vaccinated are very upset, they get very angry. And to me, the joke was, “I love how everyone says, ‘Oh, what are you? Some crazy conspiracy theorist? Oh, look! The NFL.’” And then I dropped “and then they say, ‘Wow, not sure what happened.’” So I never would apologize for that, and nor should I. I believed in everything I said at that moment.
I had bits that I used to love by Bill Cosby that were absolutely brilliant. But now you’re like, “oh my God, that turned into . . .” Hands down, I love anything Richard Pryor. I also love [Sam] Kinison too, when he talked about “Jesus could never have been married,” that was a hilarious bit.
do you have a favorite routine of your own?
I get sick of my routines immediately, and my standup is constantly changing, so what I’m doing this week is not going to be the same show six weeks from now. So technically, my favorite stuff is always whatever I just created.
do you ever feel like you’ve run out of things to joke about?
by JodIe kINzer
im Breuer, who many may remember as a cast member on saturday night Live from 1995 to 1998 and from the film half Baked, is coming to The Caverns in Grundy County on Friday, Dec. 6. The Long Island comedian spoke with the Murfreesboro Pulse prior to his Middle Tennessee appearance, discussing his comedy, career, controversy and family.
mp: describe your comedy.
JIm breuer: My comedy is based on real-life situations. I talk about things that I experience and things that I see, but that’s really it. It’s just observational storytelling. I talk about my wife, I talk about my father that passed away, I talk about my kids, I talk about social issues from a common-sense point of view, and I try to make it funny.
where did you start with comedy?
There was a lot of laughter in my family. There was a lot of pain there. We didn’t have a whole lot, but we always found that laughing seemed to deepen our connection. Laughter always felt right when there was something going on in life or with family. It breaks the first boundary of healing, which is why I think we’ve seen such an attack on laughter the last few years, because that’s another form of control that’s actually keeping you from being healed or being humbled, because that’s where laughter usually comes from.
are you experiencing drawbacks to doing comedy right now?
The intensity of people trying to censor or claim their feelings have been hurt—it’s probably some of the most outrageous statements in human history to think you are worth more than the rest of the world and try to stop humor that way it is. Quite frankly, it’s extremely dangerous for themselves and everyone.
I understand that there has been a situation recently where it seems people were pretty upset about a joke you made regarding the Nfl. Yeah, this was about a year and a half ago. Basically what I was saying is how anyone who didn’t get vaccinated was bullied and told that they were a conspiracy theorist. They were shamed, and I personally know some people that had horrible effects from the vaccine, and at that time, the media and everything that controls media were doing their best to not exploit some of the horrifying reactions of getting the COVID shot, and when you watch that NFL player, they were extremely quiet after he got hit. He was walking and then just collapsed. So the joke was, the people accuse the oth-
And these days, when you question things, the pushback is, again, words like “controversy “ or “conspiracy” and what that does is immediately take away anything you say to make it not legitimate, and that’s the power of mind control, which people are really going to have to start understanding.
favorite place to perform?
Long Island. That’s where I’m from. But there’s a lot of places—Boston, Philadelphia, Arizona, certain [parts] of Texas . . . but I have to go with Long Island. I grew up with everyone. There’s a bunch of places where I felt like I was in Metallica when I was performing there. The energy is just incredible.
would you say that there’s a comedian out there who inspired you or shaped your work in any way?
No one really shapes me, and no one really shapes what I do. I’m still the kid that was in high school, finding humor in everything. I was calling out everything that I was seeing in the room, and everyone interacting. Although I’m a fan of a lot of comedians out there, no one shapes what I put out there.
do you have a favorite routine?
One of my all-time favorite comedy bits is Eddie Murphy’s The Ice Cream Man. That’s one of my all-time favorite comedy bits ever, because he wrapped up my whole childhood when we were out playing every day . . . and he actually grew up right near where I grew up. He nailed it when Mr. Softy would come and stop everyone from playing.
All the time. I took a break for over a month, the entire month of October, and I disappeared. I didn’t want to come out of the gate and start doing some of the stuff I was already doing. I wanted to come out with brand new, fresh stuff, because that’s when I’m most animated, energetic, and I’m passionate, because it’s brand new. So I don’t know what’s coming but I’m pretty sure, before my first show back I’ll know exactly what I’ll be putting out there, and I’ll be super excited about it.
any big goals?
I want to work on my podcast. I want to work on more stuff that’s more entertaining for an entire family to watch together, because I feel like the times need it. I feel like the last couple of years, there’s been an overload of division, and I think, honestly, it was well packaged, well planned and well advertised and they purposely did it. When people take a broader look, whether they believe in this politic or that politics, I think the monster that controls all of it, I want to see that person lose all its power and for all of us to understand—without politics and without social media and without a lot of things—when we just talk to each other, it’s a lot easier to connect.
When you’re helping your friend out who has a situation where they have an autistic child, or their grandmother’s, you know, getting ready to go to the nursing home, and you’re going over there to help . . . no one cares what your political rank is, what rally you went to. That connection breaks that. That’s what breaks all of the boundaries, and that’s what I hope I can get out there more and more.
Find tickets to Jim Breuer’s dec. 6 performance in The Caverns at thecaverns.com
Event
Ren O C OLL ie R
hank’2 hosts comedian this November
STANd-uP COMEdiAN Reno Collier will come to Murfreesboro for a Saturday, Nov. 23, show at Hank’2 Doors Down.
A former P.E. teacher, Collier has endeared himself to a wide range of audiences. His journey in comedy began at the Punchline Comedy Club in Atlanta where he tended bar to supplement his day job. One night he found himself onstage during the weekly open mic night. His unique outlook on life—mixed with a six-pack—was instantly popular and provided a platform to launch a career as a comedian.
In 2004 Collier joined Larry The Cable Guy on the hugely successful Tour of America. Following the success of that tour, in 2005 Reno taped his own Comedy Central Presents half-hour special. Collier has continued to build a reputation by selling out comedy clubs and colleges nationwide. Collier’s other national tours include theater and arena tours with the legendary Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Ron White. From 2007–16, he re-joined Larry the Cable Guy for his wildly successful arena tour spanning the United States and Canada.
Collier’s TV credits include NBC’s Late friday, the Martin short show, TBS’s Blue
Collar Comedy: the next Generation, his own Comedy Central special, and the Comedy Central Roast of Larry the Cable Guy. He also appeared in CMT’S holiday special, Larry the Cable Guy’s hula Palooza Christmas Luau and the 2012 special them idiots. Reno also made appearances in the feature films Witless Protection (2008) and Jingle all the Way 2 (2014).
Through the years, Reno has headlined the Comics on Duty tour for American troops stationed in the Middle East and Africa. He is a weekly correspondent on the Bob & tom show and regular guest on the Big D and Bubba syndicated radio shows and Country Music Television, hosting various specials for the network. He was a co-host on the Sirius Satellite Radio show Chewing the fat with fellow comedian Leanne Morgan for three years.
Reno is also the national spokesperson for A Soldier’s Child, an organization that serves the children of fallen military personnel.
The Saturday, Nov. 23, show will begin at 7 p.m. Find tickets, for $35, on Eventbrite. hank’2 doors down is located at 2333 Memorial Blvd.
concerts
Live Music in M idd L e tennessee
Wed, 11/6
Boro Bour B on & Brews
C.J. Conklin
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Kenna Elpers
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Clarinet Chamber Music Fest
t hurs, 11/7
c ar M en’s Taqueria
Jeff Lysyczyn
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Sir Anthony
Hop s prings
WoodsTAUck: Alpha Tau
Omega Battle of the Bands
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Guitar Ensemble Studio
Fri, 11/8
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Brothers in Black
cH a M py’s cH icken (sMyrna)
Glen Wagner
g rindsTone c ow B oy
Micaiah Sawyer
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Bailey Rose; Jack Finley Band
Happy’s s porT s l ounge
Revolution
Heroes d en
Aaron Gallegos
Hop s prings
Banda Party Night
Jack’s p lace
Tony Castellanos
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Kirill Gliadkovsky
p ucke TT’s
Kenny Durham Trio
sMyrna VF w p osT 8422
Shane & the Money Makers s at, 11/9
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Eden’s Storm
c iT y c a F e
Everette Brown Trio
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Aniston Pate; Mikki Zip Band
Happy’s s porT s l ounge
BlueAshes
Heroes d en
Jeff Lysyczyn
Hop s prings
Forever Abbey Road
Beatles Experience
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Piano Masterclass with Kirill Gliadkovsky
p ucke TT’s
Stone Silo
sMyrna VF w p osT 8422
Tony and the Attitude
s u N , 11/10
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Aaron Gallegos
Hank’s Honky Tonk
The O’Donnells
Hop s prings
Dallas Burrow; Da Jam Band
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Nadgir Studio Recital; Allie
Blackwell; Flute Studio
TH e Boro Bar & g rill
Joey Fletcher Band
m o N , 11/11
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Open Mic Night with Toast
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Commercial Music Ensemble
sMyrna VF w p osT 8422
Randy and Friends
t ues, 11/12
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Kaleb Scherer
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Robert Abernathy
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Jazz Vocal Studio
Wed, 11/13
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Clint Draper
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Robyn Taylor
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Dawson Campbell; Benjamin Earl
t hurs, 11/14
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Sweet Degenerates
g rindsTone c ow B oy
Mo Pitney
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Cary & Sherrie Lynn
Har V esTer eV enT c enTer
Big Al and the Heavyweights; Johnny Cats and Phil Hall
Hop s prings
Omega Delta Psi
Bluelight Sessions
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Bryan Hayslett
Fri, 11/15
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Chuck Harvill Band
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
cH a M py’s cH icken (sMyrna)
J Mays & Z Bro
g rindsTone c ow B oy
Timmy McKeever
Happy’s s porT s l ounge
Cole Bradford
Heroes d en
Roland Justice
Hop s prings
Apache Jericho;
Tyler Powell; John Salaway; Beavers Brothers Band
Jack’s p lace
Tony Castellanos
Mayday Brewery
Red Wine Hangover
MT su w rig HT Music Building
MTSU Chamber Orchestra p ucke TT’s
Radio Farm
sMyrna VF w p osT 8422
Shane & the Money Makers
w oods V iking Bar B ers H op
Jeff Lysyczyn
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Sara Simmons;
Jeff Caron Band
s at, 11/16
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Hard Drive
c a J un sTea M er Bar & g rill
Jeff Lysyczyn
c iT y c a F e
Everette Brown Trio
Hank’s Honky Tonk
The Hammonds; Cooter
River Band
Happy’s s porT s l ounge
Doc Flannel
Heroes d en
Chris Jordan
Hop s prings
Keller Williams
Mayday Brewery
Mize and the Drive;
Joey Fletcher Band; Red Wine Hangover
p ucke TT’s
Bella Lam
sMyrna VF w p osT 8422
In Cahoots
s u N , 11/17
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Miles Miller
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Emily Miller
Hop s prings
Da Jam Band
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Handel’s “Messiah” with Schola Cantorum; Brass Chamber Ensembles
TH e Boro Bar & g rill
Joey Fletcher Band
m o N , 11/18
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Rob Major
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Open Mic Night with Toast
g rindsTone c ow B oy
Craig Campbell & Friends
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Jazz Ensemble I
sMyrna VF w p osT 8422
Randy and Friends
t ues, 11/19
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Jasco
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Jesse Black
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Woodwind Mid-State Band
Audition Clinics
Wed, 11/20
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Vagabond Train
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Izzy Grace
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Bassoon Studio Recital; MTSU Singers
t hurs, 11/21
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Dueling Pianos
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Will King
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble
Fri, 11/22
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Jack Finley Band
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
cH a M py’s cH icken (sMyrna)
Zone Status
g rindsTone c ow B oy
Line Dance Lessons
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Ashton Butler; Justin Dukes
Happy’s s porT s l ounge
Graham Anthem Band
Heroes d en
Phil Valdez
Hop s prings
Line Dance Night with the Rockin Country Band and the Let’s Go Girls
Jack’s p lace
Tony Castellanos
Me M ories Bar & g rill
Revolution
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Chinese Music Ensemble
p ucke TT’s
The Howlin Embers
sMyrna VF w p osT 8422
Shane & the Money Makers
s at, 11/23
Boro Bour B on & Brews
The Sugar Daddies; Scott Hogue
c edar g lade Brews
Roland Justice
c iT y c a F e
Everette Brown Trio
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Whiskey Smoke
Happy’s s porT s l ounge
Hammbone
Heroes d en
Mark Seekamp
Hop s prings
Fleatwood Mac
Middle g round Brewing c o.
Jeff Lysyczyn
MT su w rig HT Music Building
MTSU Symphony Orchestra p ucke TT’s
The Mighty Train Wrecks
sMyrna VF w p osT 8422
Shane & the Money Makers
s u N , 11/24
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Troy Breslo; Glenn Brown
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Brothers in Black
Hop s prings
Da Jam Band
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Soprano/Alto, Tenor/Bass Chorales; MTSU Opera
TH e Boro Bar & g rill
Joey Fletcher Band
m o N , 11/25
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Open Mic Night with Toast
MT su w rig HT Music Building
MTSU Salsa Band
sMyrna VF w p osT 8422
Randy and Friends t ues, 11/26
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Eddie Ray Arnold
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Delyn Christian
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Colin Miller
Wed, 11/27
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Jace Craddock
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Jeff Caron
Fri, 11/29
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Justin Bowman & The Drifters; Mark Henes
cH a M py’s cH icken (sMyrna)
Revelry
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Blake Esse;
Hank Cawthorne Band
Happy’s s porT s l ounge
Izzy Grace with Griffin Towe
Heroes d en
Carter Elliott
Jack’s p lace
Tony Castellanos p ucke TT’s
Cole Ritter Band
sMyrna VF w p osT 8422
Shane & the Money Makers s at, 11/30
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Shane Douglas Band c iT y c a F e
Everette Brown Trio
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Lonnie Cook; Jake Clayton Trio
Happy’s s porT s l ounge
Trifecta
Heroes d en
Bill Mizell
Middle g round Brewing c o.
Roland Justice p ucke TT’s
Kristy Cox
sMyrna VF w p osT 8422
Randy and Friends
s u N , 12/1
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Crosstown
Hop s prings
Da Jam Band
MT su w rig HT Music Building
Jakob Young m o N , 12/2
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
Hank’s Honky Tonk
Open Mic Night with Toast
MT su w rig HT Music Building
MTSU Jazz Ensemble II
sMyrna VF w p osT 8422
Randy and Friends
If You Go
B ig daddy’s H andle B ar 2601 E Main St.
Boro Bour B on & Brews 124 N.
Sounds
129th army band, t yke t, carly rose ratcliffe, c hloe k imes to play n ovember party in the Grove p rior to mts U f ootball Games
MTSu ALuMNi WiLL CONTiNuE to return to campus to perform at this season’s final Party in the Grove events, the official pregame tailgate of Blue Raider Football.
Hip-hop artist Tyrone Stroble—better known as Tyke T—will take the stage before the Saturday, Nov. 9, noontime game against Liberty University, while country-folk performer Chloe Kimes will be in the Grove before the called 1:30 p.m. contest on Saturday, Nov. 23 against New Mexico State University.
Party in the Grove activities begin three hours before kickoff in Walnut Grove, the traditional campus gathering point in an open field between Peck Hall and the Cope Administration Building. In addition to the performance stage, the Grove will also feature Raider Walk by the football team, food trucks and several sponsor tents and activities.
The tailgate winds down 45 minutes before kickoff with a Follow Me to Floyd parade led by Student Government Association President Michai Mosby and Blue Zoo President Bretlyn Warner, who will also serve as the emcees.
“This has been a great addition to our pregame experience, all shows featuring alumni,” said MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee.
Tyke T is a Billboard-charting hip-hop artist based in Memphis. A 2009 graduate in marketing and a 2011 graduate of MTSU’s Master of Business Administration program, his music has been featured in several television shows. He was featured during a show by forbes magazine held at the legendary Orpheum Theater in Memphis, during which he was awarded an honorary professorship
in MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry.
As a nod to the Nov. 9 game’s Salute to Veterans and Armed Services, the 129th Army Band will open in the Grove. Tracing its lineage back to 1780, the 129th has represented the state of Tennessee and the Tennessee Army National Guard at events ranging from two World’s Fairs to marching in a presidential inaugural parade, as well as numerous VIP performances. It was one of two reserve bands called to active duty in support of Operation Desert Storm.
Chloe Kimes, a 2019 graduate of the commercial songwriting program, released her debut album in 2022, a self-titled live effort that landed her a spot on NPR Music’s Top 10 Nashville Artists on the Rise list in 2022 and also received Listener’s Choice Album of the Year recognition from Michigan’s WYCE Radio Jammie Awards. Kimes went viral with a live performance of the single “Coors Light” on the Blue Plate special radio program out of Knoxville, attracting over 4 million views across her social media platforms.
Carly Rose Ratcliffe, currently a commercial songwriting student at MTSU, is set to open for Kimes in the Grove on Nov. 23. She performs both covers and originals in her shows and cites artists such as Dolly Parton, Tyler Childers, Miranda Lambert and Sara Evans as influences.
Party in the grove is produced through a partnership with the MTSu division of Student Affairs, the College of Media and Entertainment and Blue Raider Athletics.
Reviews
los swamp moNsters
From San Antone to Muscle Shoals
U m
Tex-Mex/Zydeco/cowpunk/roadhouseblues-driven Smyrna quintet Los Swamp Monsters hopped on the scene with its 2014 debut, bringing a Louisiana punk sound as they kick in the door to your mule stall or turn out a punk room with accordions. Ever since, the group has been touring in and out of the area with gusto, growing an everevolving catalog, crafting new songs and perfecting established ones, while producing live recordings—including a series of releases out of Texas.
This ultimately led to a jump to Muscle Shoals to lay down the fruit of all this work at the Southern rock mecca FAME (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) Studios. According to Los Swamp Monsters, it’s likely “the first band to bring bajo sexto, rubboard and accordion in FAME” during these recording sessions at the historic Alabama studio, a collection released in August 2024 as from san antone to Muscle shoals.
The album opens with a metal feel until frontman C.J. Benoit’s gritty voice takes us
on a Seger/Cocker rasp through a heartbroken man’s blues on “Tornado Alley Sunday,” possibly also the name of Dennis Derevenko’s saxophone, as its out-of-the-gates sax solo smashes a stool against the bar, accompanied by an electric punch.
The well-covered country and roots chestnut “(Is Anybody Going to) San Antone?” is a celebratory example of the band’s style of party-blastin’ the accordion in a way that can get a dive bar moving raucously.
Borderlining on a whimsical Benny Hill chase scene with the sax, “Hot Sauce (Conjunto Style)” whips up a freight train blues, with more Joe Cocker-like rasp from Benoit and rollicking sax work, capped by a wellplaced bonus nod to the Allman Brothers Band’s classic “Whipping Post.”
The album’s punk doo-wop ballad, Freddy Fender’s seminal swamp/Tex-Mex hybrid “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights,” passionately presents Benoit’s bilingual ability, alternating Spanish and English. Wait, it’s
movie
ThE Wild RoboT
diRECTOR Chris Sanders
STARRiNg Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor
R ATE d P g
Why are animated robots always trying to make me cry? From the iron Giant to Wall-E, these soulless hunks of metal and circuitry are the perfect mediums for us meatbags to teach ourselves more about . . . well, ourselves. Add the Wild Robot to that pantheon.
Based on the first book in a trilogy by Peter Brown, the Wild Robot follows ROZZUM 7134, Roz for short, a domestic helper robot whose shipping container crash-lands on a forest island. Roz (Lupita Nyong’o)
a trilingual album, as lead guitarist Wes “Rooster” Covington showcases his French skills on the upbeat punk-meets-bayou treatment of Cajun classic “Jolie Blon’.” from san antone to Muscle shoals’ single should be the Monsters’ cover of the Willie Nelson/Ray Charles 1984 country hit “Seven Spanish Angels,” delivering a gospel feel with the Wurlitzer electric piano, until the accordion and sax jam to a softly rocking rhythm accompaniment, mish-mashing all of the distinct Americana elements, languages and highly versatile instrumentation that make Los Swamp Monsters stand out while simultaneously mixing in with the rest of the goodness found around here. from san antone to Muscle shoals is a great idea with its instrumental versatility, capturing the energetic appeal of Los Swamp Monsters’ live shows.
Find From San Antone to Muscle Shoals on Apple Music, Amazon, YouTube, Distrokid and Bandcamp.
— bryce harmoN
awakens and begins searching for a task to complete, as per her programming, amidst the varied wildlife of the woods, all trying to kill and eat each other, as per their “programming.” When she rescues a gosling egg from a loner fox, she unwittingly finds a task that might be impossible to complete. While the plot may follow a predictable path, writer/director Chris Sanders (Lilo & stitch, how to train Your Dragon) handles the material with impeccable pacing and tone. Roz’s found family on the forested island evokes as many joyous chuckles as it does reluctant tears, all while exploring multiple themes—the found family, being an outcast, what it means to be a mother, using kindness as a survival method, and more. I can’t deny that this cynic’s hardened heart was moved more than once. Where the Wild Robot really comes together is in the synergy of its voice-actor performances with its art direction and animation. Lupita Nyong’o deftly rides the line between cold machine and emotive being as Roz, while the subtle color accents and eye movements of Roz’s character design bring her fully to life. Pedro Pascal imbues Fink the fox with just the right touch of bravado masking a deep loneliness, while his fur hints at a softness underneath. The animation style needs another mention. While not as expressive or bombastic as the spiderverse films or the recent tMnt: Mutant Mayhem (which I also loved), there is a painterly quality to all the natural backdrops and textures in the Wild Robot that separates it from the last 30 years of digital animation.
— Jay spIght
Sensei Bill Taylor Instructors and Staff
caveman c hronicles: caverns f o U nder t odd m ayo r eleases m emoir
TOdd MAyO, the visionary behind The Caverns, a celebrated music haven nestled in Tennessee’s heartland, has shared his life story in a captivating memoir.
Caveman Chronicles is currently available on Amazon in ebook, audiobook and paperback formats.
The book charts Mayo’s odyssey from troubled youth to entrepreneur, all in a richly musical atmosphere.
With candor, humor and self-revelation, Mayo reflects on his idyllic childhood summers, his burned-out adolescent years and his transformative passage into fatherhood. Along the way, he gathers spiritual breadcrumbs that would guide him along his journey. As a caregiver for loved ones with both physical and mental illnesses, Mayo would find grounding and humility. As a world traveler, music lover and reader, he would find myths and magical realism, inspiring him toward imaginative pursuits.
“A beautiful chaos of a story that leads to a wholesome, profound read,” Manhattan Book Review said regarding Caveman Chronicles. Despite heartbreak and setbacks—divorce, failure, scams and scandal—Mayo returns always to grace and wonderment through thickets and brambles of doubt. Through twists and turns, he emerges where he was always destined to be: in a magic cave of his own making.
“Necessity and fatherhood help a longtime gambler strike music gold,” according to Kirkus Reviews. “Mayo writes with tremendous energy and Southern wit, painting a colorful portrait of his picaresque rise to success.”
Find Caveman Chronicles by Todd Mayo on Amazon; find more information on The Caverns, including upcoming concert dates, at thecaverns.com.
living explore
Which Way to the Greenway?
For all sorts of outdoor adventures right in the heart of Murfreesboro, embark on a journey along the massive Murfreesboro Greenway.
Numerous trailheads offer the chance to explore the 15 miles of the trail system in sections. A main Greenway artery travels 10.5 miles from the Thompson Lane Trailhead to Barfield Crescent Park. The energetic can take on this entire path all at once. While that 21-mile journey may not be doable on foot for most, bicycles are indeed allowed on the Greenway, and for some cyclists the prospect of a 21-mile trip on pavement free from cars is a welcome one.
Offshoots from this trail lead to Cannonsburgh Village and to Fortress Rosecrans, while a separate 1.3-mile standalone piece known as the North Murfreesboro Greenway
If You Go
murfreesboro g reenway trailheads
greenway trailheads open at daylight and close one-half hour before sunset.
Barfield Crescent Park Trailhead
697 Veterans Pkwy.
Southridge Boulevard Trailhead
104 Player Dr.
Barfield Road Trailhead
1989 Barfield Rd.
Cason Trailhead
1100 Cason Tr.
Old Fort Park Trailhead
1025 Old Fort Pkwy.
Fortress Rosecrans Trailhead
Golf Lane
Overall Street Trailhead
264 Overall St.
Cannonsburgh village Trailhead
312 S. Front St.
Manson Pike Trailhead
1208 Searcy St.
Redoubt Brannan Trailhead
1300 W. College St.
general Bragg Trailhead 1540 W. College St.
West College Street Trailhead 1584 W. College St.
gateway island Trailhead 1875 W. College St.
Broad Street Trailhead
1921 NW Broad St.
Thompson Lane Trailhead
2240 N. Thompson Ln.
Central valley Trailhead
Central Valley Road
Walter hill Trailhead
Highway 231
connects the Central Valley Trailhead to the area near Walter Hill Dam, aside from the main, lengthier portion.
Wherever you are in Murfreesboro, you’re probably not too far away from a Greenway entry point.
When the weather is nice, the Greenway’s miles of beautiful and peaceful trails are loaded with cyclists, scooters, strollers, dogs and pedestrians.
With plenty of room for a whole swarm of folks to spread out along what some describe as a “linear park,” the Greenway can feel a world away from nearby traffic jams and commerce.
Connecting many of Murfreesboro’s parks and linking other interesting and important local destinations, the city intended those of a wide variety of skill levels to use
Trailheads throughout Murfreesboro access scenic local Greenway system
story by b racke N m ayo
photos by sarah m ayo
the trail recreationally, for exercise and to experience nature, but also as a legitimate travel corridor for those on foot, bicycle, e-scooter, skateboard, roller blades or even the occasional e-unicycle.
Those traveling the Greenway can reach Cannonsburgh Village, Fountains at Gateway, Stones River National Battlefield, Old Fort Park and its popular playground, tennis courts, golf course and, now, skatepark; Barfield Crescent Park and its disc golf course, hiking trails of its own, Wilderness Station and baseball fields; fishing points and boat ramps, historical reading regarding significant Civil War sites along the trails at Fortress Rosecrans, and the Bark Park at General Bragg Trailhead. It travels near the Square, near the hospital, alongside or across many of Murfreesboro’s busiest roads, and provides access to many of the most popular parts of town, but for the most part, the trail itself remains a green ribbon of preserved nature winding along the Stones River.
to Barfield Crescent Park— visitors find that, as much of the trail also does, it follows alongside the Stones River.
This part of the Greenway contains one large foot bridge over the water and various other smaller ones, and plenty of points from which to fish. The wasps were very active in this area on a warm October afternoon, as were the squirrels and birds—and bicyclists.
With the majority of the Greenway following the path of rivers and creeks, the sounds of running water and birds provide the soundtrack as people travel the trail through the woods, much of it well shaded, with wildflowers lining parts of the pathway and adding splashes of color, and deer roaming about the nearby forest.
“The greenway provides a venue for active lifestyles as well as connecting the community with an alternative transportation option,” said Rachel Singer, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department assistant director.
With the Murfreesboro Greenway System consisting of 15 miles of trails and 16 trailheads, some locals have their preferred sections that they travel repeatedly, while others intend to walk the entire thing, a segment at a time.
Exploring the section from Southgate to Barfield Park—a portion that officially opened in 2020 and now connects Cason
Visit some of the Murfreesboro Greenway’s 16 trailheads, each one offering access to unique sections of the trail from historical sites to river views and wooded areas, offering value to all, from seasoned cyclists to young children eager to throw stones in the river. View the trees, flowers, fish and rocks, get some exercise and fresh air, try to spot owls, foxes and other creatures, and step away from urbanization for a time.
Trailhead
Joanie’s
2 LOCATiONS:
13 S. Public Sq., Murfreesboro
smell the wake up and
Where to satisfy those caffeine cravings for a cup of coffee, a jolt of joe, lunch and a latte in Murfreesboro by J od I e k IN zer
MuRFREESBORO iS FuLL OF uNiquE, ChARMiNg COFFEE ShOPS, if you know where to look. This handy guide to the area’s many independent coffee houses can help you discover your new favorite spot for coffee, espresso, tea and other specialty drinks, as well as donuts, burritos and much more.
Donut Country is family-owned and operated and has been serving fresh coffee, doughnuts, sandwiches and other options for 40 years. The Murfreesboro institution has long been a popular latenight/early-morning hangout. The DoCo on Memorial offers coffee and donuts 24/7, while the smaller, drive-through location on Middle Tennessee Blvd. can satisfy those morning-time cravings.
Recently featured on America’s Best Restaurants and Tennessee Crossroads, Joanie’s has taken Murfreesboro by storm. This restaurant offers an extensive scratch-made menu, with drink options including their famous Red Bull Bull Riders.
Bigfoot and the Bee Coffee Co. MOBiLE
629-261-4360
bigfootandthebee.com
Find the mobile Bigfoot and the Bee Coffee Co. at various events and festivals around town. Bigfoot and the Bee also operates the coffee bar inside of Julia’s Bakery (1911 Medical Center Pkwy.) on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Fan favorites include Bigfoot Bourbon Maple latte, Buzzin’ Berry (dark chocolate with strawberry sweet cream) and a peanut butter and chocolate combination. It also serves “Yetis”— espresso, cream and various flavors blended with ice.
The Dapper Owl is a coffee pub and bakery. The Dapper Owl offers a cozy atmosphere that provides a great feel for the many community events held there, such as book club events, poetry events, and live acoustic sessions.
Brunch and Brew Cafe
1220 E. Northfield Blvd. C, Murfreesboro
OPEN: Mon.–Sat. 6 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sun. 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
615-397-0784
brunchandbrewcafe.com
Brunch and Brew Cafe (formerly known as Joe & Dough cafe) works hard to provide a nostalgic feeling each time you bite into one of the eatery’s warm, fluffy, homemade donuts. Along with donuts, Brunch and Brew offers tea, coffee and a full menu of homestyle meals.
Brass horn Coffee roasters
410 W. Lytle St., Murfreesboro
OPEN: Mon.–Sat. 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
615-624-7060
brasshorncoffee.com
Brass Horn Coffee strives to create a positive impact on its customers, farmers and employees alike. If you can’t get enough of Brass Horn’s brews, you can purchase bags of coffee beans and blends in the store or online.
oflow
115 N. Maple St., Murfreesboro
OPEN: Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.–8 p.m. overflowb.com
OFLOW (or Overflow-Brews & Bakes) is a local/veteran-owned coffee shop and bakery that puts heavy emphasis on giving back to its community. Every purchase helps support OFLOW’s partner Narrow Gate Coffee in Franklin to train and equip young men, including recovering addicts, with business skills that could shape their future. OFLOW has also been known to partner with local charity organizations and support campaigns such as Breast Cancer Awareness and Operation Coat Boro. Find bubble tea, nitros and more on the OFLOW drink menu.
Mobile • 615-663-5780
travelintomscoffee.com
Travelin’ Tom’s coffee truck is a one-of-a-kind coffee shop on wheels. This one, reminiscent of a food truck, offers signature coffee products, TILT Nitro Energy, hot chocolate, lemonade and tea. To find current Travelin’ Tom’s locations, utilize its website’s search function.
Coffee Fusion offers a variety of drink options such as Vietnamese coffee, Lao coffee, boba and tea. The shop is also known for its Asian fusion meal options.
The Bean Loft
2136 Middle Tennessee Blvd., Murfreesboro
OPEN: Every day 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
615-603-7382
beanloft.com
After being run out of a hand-built coffee trailer for two years, The Bean Loft opened its brick-and-mortar establishment in 2020. This restaurant/coffee shop, located just across Main Street from MTSU, offers an array of beverages as well as an extensive waffle menu with a build-yourown-waffle selection.
shelli’s Coffee + social
352 W. Northfield Blvd., Suite 4B, Murfreesboro
OPEN: Mon.–Thurs. 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Fri.–Sat. 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
615-624-6742
shelliscoffee.com
Shelli’s takes pride in being a coffee shop as well as a community space for making friends and building relationships. Shelli’s provides a kids corner and an extensive library of board games for all ages, along with various events taking place throughout each month.
Grindstone Cowboy
115 N. Main St., Suite C, Eagleville
OPEN: Mon.–Thurs. 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
Fri.–Sat. 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
615-640-9040
thegrindstonecowboy.com
Grindstone Cowboy is a restaurant, music venue, coffee shop, and bar all in one. In addition to the lattes, frappes, cold brew,
smoothies and other beverages, Grindstone offers a full menu of sandwiches, wraps, salads, burritos and more. Operated by country music artists Craig and Mindy Campbell, the spot hosts regular musical performances as well as comedy and karaoke. Grindstone hosts a men’s Bible study every Wednesday at 5:15 a.m. and a women’s Bible the second Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m.
Just Love
3 LOCATiONS:
129 MTCS Rd., Murfreesboro
OPEN: Sun.–Mon. 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
615-624-8169
1440 Medical Center Pkwy., Suite A, Murfreesboro
Just Love Coffee Cafe offers high-end, exotic brews from around the world with complex flavor profiles, as well as simple, traditional roasts. Just Love also offers assorted food items from breakfast tacos to club sandwiches. This shop, now a successful chain branching into Nashville, Nolensville and Mt. Juliet, originally started in Murfreesboro.
Subculture, a coffeeshop and restaurant, puts emphasis on using fresh, preservative-free ingredients, fresh baked bread, and all natural, locally raised meats. With the original location residing on Nolensville Pike in Nashville, and a menu including burgers, salmon, chicken and waffles and tacos and ramen, this coming-soon Smyrna cafe will be the second location for the brand.
7 Brew is a drive-through coffee shop stand specializing in handmade custom brews and a great go-to for sugar-free options such as sugar-free tea, lemonade, 7 Energy and 7 Fizz, as well as a wide array of other syrups for coffees, lemonades and shakes.
Gone are the days of driving to Smyrna for your morning Golden Eagle. The beloved chain has opened a store in Murfreesboro offering its signature energy drinks, smoothies, lemonades and most importantly, coffees.
White Bison
110A John R. Rice Blvd., Murfreesboro (located inside of the Shell gas station)
OPEN: 24/7
615-893-4321
whitebisoncoffee.com
This gas-station coffee shop is the perfect place for a pick-me-up any time of day or night. This location also includes a deli featuring varying food items.
Cool Beans
MOBiLE
615-887-1437
thecoolbeansco.com
Cool Beans Coffee Company is a mobile coffee company operating in Middle Tennessee. You can book this truck for any event that could benefit from coffee, smoothies or tea.
For a different café atmosphere, stop in Catfeine Cat Café, where visitors can enjoy their coffee alongside adoptable cats. Get your caffeine fix in this cozy and relaxed space, sipping coffee while socializing with friendly felines. Since its inception, Catfeine has helped find homes for hundreds of rescue cats.
bIll wIlsoN
The Legend of Chief Black Fox
visit Black Fox s pring Today on r ed Mile r oad
When i Think oF ThanksGivinG I think about the Pilgrims and Indians of 1621 having a huge feast. With that being said, the first Indian I think of around these parts is Chief Black Fox. So, this month why don’t we talk about Chief Black Fox and his connection to the Murfreesboro area?
Chief Black Fox (c. 1746–1811), also known as Enola, was a Cherokee leader during the Cherokee–American wars (1776–94). He was a signatory of the Holston Treaty of 1791, which set boundaries between the U.S. and Cherokee. He later became a Principal Chief of the original Cherokee Nation in 1801. In 1801 Black Fox was named by the council of chiefs of the Lower and Upper Towns to succeed Little Turkey as Principal Chief of the original Cherokee Nation. The majority of Cherokee at that time lived in the Lower Towns (lower little Tennessee River). They were more isolated from European-American contact and tended to be more conservative, maintaining traditional practices and language.
During his term in office, Black Fox was the leading negotiator for the Cherokee
people with the United States federal government. He is noted for relinquishing nearly 7,000 square miles of land in what is today Tennessee and Alabama, under the treaty of Jan. 7, 1806, for which he was given a lifetime annuity of $100. A controversial leader, Black Fox was deposed for a period, only to later be reinstated as Principal Chief in a compromise between two regional factions of Cherokees.
Black Fox Spring is located between Bradyville Pike and Manchester Highway on Red Mile Road and was used for many years before Tennessee was a state in 1796. French entrepreneurs set up camp at this landmark to trade with the native American hunters. Some of the things they traded for were beaver, fox, mink and other hides that were in demand for European high fashion.
The spring itself was a deep blue hole, where an underground stream rose to the surface and continues north towards Murfreesboro. This area was named, more than
likely, by these French traders for the Cherokee chief who led hunting parties and traded with the French all around this area. Black Fox himself “formerly hunted and encamped at the spring not far from the spot where now is the site of Murfreesboro,” according to Rutherford Reflections by Greg Tucker.
During this time, a friendly Indian known to the settlers as Black Fox, with a few associate hunters, was camping and hunting upon land recognized by the recent treaties as Indian territory, where they sold venison and skins to the settlers.
In 1794 the settlements around the Cumberland, including the Black Fox Spring, were threatened by hostile Creek and Chickasaw parties. In response to that, under the command of Major James Ore, the Army marched on Sept. 7, 1794, to the Black Fox Spring, where they camped for the night without incident.
In 1812 the spring was considered as one of the four possible sites for Murfreesboro, but it was the first to be dropped from consideration.
From 1803 to 1813 Black Fox Spring was the voting precinct for the southern half of the county, but this role was moved to Murfreesboro at the first meeting of the quarterly court in the new county seat in January 1813.
The Black Fox Spring settlement began to decline as private landowners began farming the area.
Stories have been passed down through the generations regarding Chief Black Fox. One in particular is that he was overpowered by some enemies and, rather than fall into their hands, he leapt into the spring and sank from sight. The story would have been incomplete, had he not come to light again. According to tradition, Black Fox
emerged alive at Murfree Spring, which is near the Discovery Center on Broad Street. Some even allege that this superhuman escape occurred during the campaign led by Major Ore.
If you are from this area you probably know that the Black Fox Elementary School on South Rutherford Boulevard is named after Chief Black Fox.
Black Fox is also mentioned in White, Bradley, Claiborne and Grainger counties in Tennessee. So one could say that not only were the Long Hunters here hunting, but the Cherokee, including Chief Black Fox, were certainly roaming the Tennessee area as well.
The Black Fox Spring winds its way underground and deposits into a marsh behind the old Kroger off of the Bradyville Pike entrance. It was interrupted in the 1930s when Todd’s Lake was formed nearby on South Rutherford Boulevard. Today, you can still visit Black Fox Spring on Red Mile Road in between Manchester Highway and Bradyville Pike. Some of the old Indian trails are still there. Then, go to Murfree Spring at the Discovery Center on Broad Street to give you some perspective on how far Chief Black Fox would have had to swim underground.
I hope everybody has a happy Thanksgiving. Always remember to go out and do something nice for someone else.
I’d like to thank Greg Tucker, our county historian. A lot of the information from this piece came from his book, Rutherford Reflections, which you can purchase at the Rutherford County Historical Society or, if you are cheap like me, check out at the Linebaugh Library.
Call Bill Wilson for your local real estate needs at 615-406-5872.
i n h onor of Joanie
Although certainly steeped in coffeeshop vibes, the Murfreesborobased Joanie’s brand boasts a broad menu far beyond its popular lattes, bull riders, refreshers and lemonades.
The Joanie’s menu covers everything from breakfast classics to some delicious, fresh salad combinations, breakfast burritos, French toast, beefy burgers and more, many items having a creative twist and name.
Named for owner Jason Day’s mother, Joanie, the establishment serves its entire menu during all business hours out of its two Murfreesboro locations.
With both locations open until 9 p.m. six days a week, many diners are glad to have another area night spot for waffles, French toast—available in such options as Nutella, pumpkin, and cinnamon with cream cheese glaze—breakfast burritos and scrambled egg bowls.
“We need more brunch food open late,” said one Yelper, Daniel, adding that “the crepes were great.”
Joanie’s serves a wide assortment of crepes, both sweet and savory. For a sweet indulgence, the banana walnut crepe comes topped with bananas, walnuts, Nutella and a peanut butter drizzle. Customers can also select a crepe, waffle or pancakes covered in cinnamon roll glaze, topped with powdered sugar and served with a whipped cream garnish.
On the savory side, these crepes—huge, thin, eggy pancakes filled with various ingredients and folded over twice—are a hit, stuffed with options such as spinach, mushrooms, cheese, chicken, bacon or eggs.
Signature hot or iced latte: $5.50; Big dawg Breakfast Burrito: $11; Tombstone; Joanie or Swiss Congeniality burger with fries: $15; Entree size Buffalo Chicken or Strawberry Walnut Salad: $14; Cuban coffee: $5; Count of Monte Cristo: $12 oNlINe joaniesboro.com
portioned,” says one customer. “I can’t wait to come back and try more.”
The Daybreak Crepe highlights the classic egg, cheese and bacon or sausage combination, while other options include the chicken, bacon and ranch; the Murfreesboro Mexi Crepe with chorizo and eggs drizzled with sour cream and enchilada sauce; and the Captain Caprese, topped with spinach, diced tomatoes, house made pesto, mozzarella cheese and a housemade honey balsamic drizzle.
Raegan Anick found Joanie’s to be a “wonderful local coffee shop. I had a mimosa and the Funky Monkey crepe today. Both were delicious.”
Many patrons appreciate the nostalgic theme, with 1990s music videos playing on the TV and small signs displaying images of pop culture characters given to customers rather than order numbers.
During the month of November, if Snoopy is drawn as your table marker character at either location when you dine in, any (non-alcoholic) drink on the menu is yours free, as part of the Joanie’s character of the month promotion.
Additionally, many of the names of the signature lattes pay tribute to classic rock artists, such as the Bean Jovi (two shots of espresso with white chocolate, caramel and vanilla flavorings), the Sister Hazelnut (with brown sugar, hazelnut and cinnamon), Oreo Speedwagon (cookies & cream and vanilla) and the Fleetwood Macaroon (white chocolate, hazelnut and coconut).
“Wonderful variety of craft latte brews. Had the Livin’ the Vida Mocha and Java the Nut,” said another pleased customer,
story by b racke N m ayo | p hotos by s arah m ayo
Jennifer. “The peach mimosa was also outstanding.”
Some customers say the Cuban coffee, combining brown sugar, espresso and steamed half & half, is one of the best in town.
Further exploring the coffee menu leads to traditional drip coffee (light and dark roast selections), cold brew and cappuccino.
“The Honey Bear coffee was excellent,” a customer, Collette, posted following a visit to Joanie’s, regarding that beverage with brown sugar, honey and cinnamon flavors. “Yes, they have oat milk alternative,” she added.
The broad array of hot and cold beverages also includes mimosas, beer, peach tea and strawberry lemonade.
With the original location nestled in a St. Andrews Drive strip mall and a second location directly on the Murfreesboro Public Square, Joanie’s makes a fine local spot for a cup of coffee, a filling breakfast burrito, a colorful salad or a local meeting spot with an upbeat ambiance.
It offers a great burger, too, and some noteworthy fries, wonderfully crisp and salty on the outside while soft on the inside.
“The fries are perfect,” Jonathan Harmon said, “especially in the magic sauce [a special Joanie’s house creation].”
Sweet potato fries and a delicious loaded baked potato salad are also side choices.
Among these excellent, meaty burger creations are The Tombstone, a halfpound burger topped with cheddar jack cheese, bacon, fried onions and BBQ sauce; The Joanie, with sautéed mushrooms, bacon and blue cheese crumbles; and The Big Lebowski—“Miss Piggy’s worst nightmare,” with not only half a pound of beef, but also pulled pork, bacon, coleslaw, American cheese and crispy fried onions.
The Count of Monte Cristo makes
another fine sandwich creation, featuring smoked ham and melted Swiss cheese served between two pieces of French toast, accompanied by both strawberry jelly and syrup.
“I had the Nashville chicken tacos, and the hubby had the Nashville hot chicken sandwich and Cajun fries. Everything was outstanding,” another customer, Debi, posted to Yelp. “Great food, great service, lovely atmosphere and very clean.”
The spinach-based salad selections are popular with those trying to keep things lean. The Happy Harvest Salad mixes sliced apples, dried cranberry, chopped tomatoes, avocado, walnuts and blue cheese crumbles atop a bed of spinach, served alongside a house-made apple cider vinaigrette. Other items in the salad section are the Strawberry Walnut Salad and Buffalo Chicken Salad, and there’s pulled pork, tacos, hot chicken and much more on the expansive menu.
Owner Jason Day frequently engages with customers in person and online, keeping a candid sense of humor when addressing feedback, his dedication to making
Joanie’s a positive, quality addition to the town’s restaurant scene apparent. In just a few years, Joanie’s Murfreesboro has become a community fixture, being featured on america’s Best Restaurants and tennessee Crossroads, earning local awards and ranking highly on online review platforms. For a local coffeeshop experience, great burger, weekend brunch and a fun and relaxed atmosphere, stop by either of the Joanie’s locations, and soak in the ’80s–’90s vibe while enjoying the flavorful food.
“Their breakfast burritos are huge and the tacos are awesome,” a Joanie’s customer, Andrew, posted. “Love their coffee drink options.”
aroUnd town ’boro b us IN ess buzz
Frida’s
Cafe, La Cucina italiana, Milkshake Factory, Che Taqueria, Ten Seconds Rice Noodles, hemispheres Wine Bar
by delores ell I ot t
FRidA’S CAFE has opened at 1798 W. Northfield Blvd., with hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The restaurant is decorated with vibrant art and portraits of Frida Kahlo, paying tribute to the famous Mexican artist.
The restaurant offers a variety of breakfast options, from oatmeal and omelets to ham & cheese and vegetarian crepes. The cafe also offers specialty coffees and mocha drinks, fresh squeezed juices, dinner options, Mexican sodas, shakes and more. For more information, find Frida’s Cafe on Facebook.
Smyrna will soon become home to a new boba, tea, candy and coffee shop called CANdy CLOud, located at 801 Industrial Blvd. The new shop offers canned-to-order drinks from homemade horchata to specialty frappes, lemonades and caffeinated drinks.
The Candy Cloud idea began in 2019, shortly after founders Alex and Paityn Edwards suffered the loss of their daughter, Evelyn.
While selling flowers, Paityn had the vision to spin happiness out of thin air and begin offering fresh cotton candy. In 2022, the family opened their own physical storefront—eventually offering Hawaiian shave ice, horchata,
LA CuCiNA iTALiANA has opened at 451 N. Thompson Ln. The new restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine in a welcoming family atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of sandwich and pasta options, with Monday nights featuring a special pasta promotion that provides a salad, pasta, soft drink and dessert option for only $13.99. La Cucina Italiana also offers chicken dishes, burgers, seafood, salads and soups. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
strawberry lemonade and iced coffee—followed by franchises, including the upcoming Smyrna one, the first in Tennessee. For more information, visit candycloudcompany.com
TEN SECONdS yuNNAN RiCE
NOOdLES has opened at 836 N. Thompson Ln., offering authentic Chinese meal options including dim sum, stir fries, lots of noodle dishes, soups, jellyfish, squid skewers
The team behind CASA AdOBE ExPRESS, which operates a restaurant at 1433A Warrior Dr., will open another Murfreesboro eatery. The new one, located at 1813 Memorial Blvd., next to Little Caesars Pizza (within the former location of The Clay Pit), will be known as ChE TAquERiA. Casa Adobe Express offers made-in-house agua frescas, build-your-own tortilla-based meals, shrimp and fish tacos, chips, dips, salsas, soup and salad options, and a handful of dessert options including xango, which is a creamy cheesecake wrapped in a pastry tortilla, lightly fried to a golden brown, and sprinkled with cinnamon and tortilla. For more information, visit casaadobeexpress.com.
and more. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit tensecondsricenoodletn.kwickmenu.com
hEMiSPhERES WiNE BAR, a new addition to downtown Murfreesboro, has opened at 208 W. Main St. The business will celebrate its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 14.
Owned and operated by the team of Lisa Davis, Autumn Eklond, Tammy Stump and Susan Davis, Hemispheres offers lounge seating for intimate gatherings, table seating for food and drinks, and bar seating for casual experiences.
Each quarter, Hemispheres Wine Bar will highlight and offer wines from a different region. Hours are Monday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sweet Cece’s’ former location at The Avenue will soon house the MiLkShAkE FACTORy. The Milkshake Factory began in 1914 as a gourmet chocolate company in Pennsylvania that later started offering milkshakes crafted with house-made ice cream. In addition, the shake shop offers a variety of sundae flavors, classic and dairyfree shakes, root beer floats, and gourmet limited-time flavors. For more information, visit milkshakefactory.com.
duTCh BROS continues work on its third Murfreesboro location near Victory Station on Franklin Road. This comes in addition to the coffee company’s other locations at 3255 Memorial Blvd., currently in operation, and 1950 Old Fort Pkwy., itself currently under construction.
LOS ChuRRASCOS has opened at 1668 Memorial Blvd. in the restaurant space that formerly hosted El Cubilete. This location is in addition to the restaurant’s Nashville location at 2500 Murfreesboro Pk. The Guatamalan-themed restaurant offers a variety of nacho options, quesadillas, churrascos, fajitas, chimichangas and more. Hours are Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call 615-962-8437.
Tyler Campbell, owner of kETTLE CORN CLASSiC, has been exploring plans to open a brick-and-mortar store on Franklin Road, near Mr. Brews and Teriyaki Madness. “The idea for Kettle Classic came to me while attending a farmers’ market. I was at my produce stand and smelled the sweetest aroma in the air. It was kettle corn! There was a vendor there who gave me a sample and I was hooked,” according to Campbell. “Being the food lover that I am, I was convinced that I wanted to perfect this delicious treat and share it with others.”
Visit kettlecornclassic.com for more.
CONTiNuEd ON
The coffeeshop at 15 N. Lowry St., Smyrna, formerly known as Red Bicycle and then Depot Drips, will soon be SuBCuLTuRE. With an existing location on Nolensville Pike in Nashville, Subculture boasts a menu including burgers, salmon, chicken and waffles, tacos and ramen, as well as a full slate of coffee beverages. For more information, visit subculturecafe.com.
TRiOuT AdviSORy gROuP recently announced the launch of the Thompson Lane Project, which includes a 9.5-acre commercial development on Thompson Lane near Old Fort Parkway. The site will offer potential for retail, office and hospitality use.
“The Nashville metropolitan area is booming, and Murfreesboro is quickly becoming a prime location for businesses looking to capitalize on this growth. Our Thompson Lane Project is ideally situated to meet this demand with high-quality commercial spaces,” said TriOut Advisory Group Senior Partner Mike Outlaw.
The busy intersection of Thompson Lane and Old Fort Parkway sees a traffic volume of over 63,000 vehicles per day.
The development plan includes negotiations with Wawa and City BBQ on the south side of the property, and potential fitness centers or city facilities on the north side.
TriOut Advisory Group is a real estate investment and management firm based in Florida. For more information, email info@trioutadvisorygroup.com.
This holiday season, SAM’S SPORTS gRiLL will once again partner with Love From Music City to host a toy and clothing drive benefiting local foster children, ages newborn to 18 years. According to the Tennessee Alliance for Kids, about 8,000 kids are in the state’s foster care system, and less than 4,000 homes are available.
Donation boxes will be available at the front of all Sam’s locations across Tennessee—including the Murfreesboro location at 1720 Old Fort Pkwy.—to collect items for the Music City Christmas Party on Dec. 8. As a thank you, guests who donate a new toy or clothing item at any location will receive a $5 Sam’s gift card for each donation.
Learn more about how Love From Music City advocates for the needs of foster children and orphans at lovefrommusiccity.com
STEPSTONE FAMiLy ANd yOuTh SERviCES, formerly known as Braley & Thompson, recently celebrated its rebranding and looks forward to providing services and support to foster youth in the area.
StepStone Family & Youth Services provides the full spectrum of support to chil-
ThE JOuRNEy hOME has broken ground on its new facility, located at 1207 Old Salem Rd. The new two-story, 20,000-square-foot building will allow the organization to offer more services to homeless in the area, including temporary housing, low-barrier healthcare, and additional general support.
The new building will offer a community cafe with space to seat 50 people, an expanded commercial kitchen, ten 300-square-foot short-term family housing units, shower stalls, secure storage lockers, a wellness clinic, a chapel, a market for personal necessities, housing coordination services and a training center.
According to The Journey Home, an estimated 4,000 people experienced homelessness in Rutherford County in 2022. This facility was designed to address the need for temporary housing for families with children, who make up more than a quarter of the unhoused population in the county, the ministry said. For more information, visit lovegodservepeople.org.
dren in need of alternative, safer and more positive living environments with residential and family services. StepStone connects children and youth who need homes with foster families, as well as foster care training, respite care and support services. For young adults transitioning from foster care to independent living, StepStone provides personalized guidance and training on basic skills, including money management, life skills and education. For more information, visit stepstoneyouth.com
United Way of Highway 55, along with United Way of Bedford County and United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties, recently joined to create the uNiTEd WAy OF SOuTh CENTRAL TENNESSEE. This strategic partnership will enhance resources, expand reach, and strengthen the ability to serve those in need across the region.
“This partnership will allow us to have access to more internal resources, as well as increased opportunities to apply for state and federal funding that might not have
“I had the best time with my team, Jingle Bell Ballers, whom I will introduce to you soon. This is one of the best experiences I’ve been honored with in my cookie career, and I can’t wait to share it all with you guys,” said Sammie B’s Sweets owner Samantha Baughman. “Tune in and watch as we make incredible holiday displays!”
Baughman is a self-taught, awardwinning cookie artist and educator who has also appeared on the Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge. She also runs Operation Cookie Takeover, a project that sends thousands of cookies all over the world to deployed troops. She’s a six-time CookieCon Instructor, and is currently in the process of developing online courses. Learn more at sammiebssweets.com
WORLd OuTREACh ChuRCh has applied to rezone its New Salem Highway campus from Residential to Commercial zoning. The reclassification would eliminate the need for any additional special-use permits from the Board of Zoning Appeals for any future expansion.
The church is requesting to rezone its 92 acres from RS-15 (Single-Family Residential, 15,000 square-foot lot size minimum) to CH (Commercial Highway). World Outreach Church is currently allowed in the RS-15 district by special-use permit. The church has obtained special-use permits on three occasions in 2003, 2007 and 2012 to complete additions for additional parking, a building and parking expansion, and outdoor speakers, respectively.
been tapped into before. We are honored to be a part of United Way of South Central Tennessee and to continue the legacy of impact in our local area on an even larger scale,” said United Way of Highway 55 Board Chair Michele Simmons.
United Way of Highway 55 was founded locally in 2000 to support education, financial stability, health, and basic essentials for thousands of individuals in Coffee, Moore and Warren counties.
PREMiERE 6 CiNEMA, located at 810 NW Broad St., recently announced that its recent construction and remodeling should be complete sometime in early November. The remodel features new seats, an upscale layout, room for private events and more. The venue will also continue to host its weekly Smash Brothers tournament, and will offer space for parties and other events.
Murfreesboro-based SAMMiE B’S SWEETS appears on Season 6 of the Food Network’s holiday Wars program. The season premiere aired on Sunday, Nov. 3.
The CH district would permit the existing church by right, eliminating the need for additional special-use permits, according to the Murfreesboro Planning Department.
closINgs
dELiCiAS COLOMBiANAS has closed its restaurant location at 2042 Lascassas Pk., but will continue to operate its food truck in Murfreesboro and surrounding areas. Visit deliciascolombianarr.com for more information.
After seven years serving Murfreesboro, BuRgER REPuBLiC has closed its doors to the public, but the brand will continue to maintain its Nashville and Mt. Juliet locations.
ThE TASTiNg ROOM in Smyrna announced that it will close its doors on Nov. 2. The Tasting Room’s Chef Robert Fuller brought fine dining to the former Omni Hut building (618 S. Lowry St., Smyrna) in 2021, with its tapas-style menu available in tasting sizes and full-size portions, along with an extensive wine menu.
News Cloud Seeding, Chemtrails, Contrails
tennessee becomes the first state to ban airspace geoengineering
by e l I sha Nelso N and bracke N mayo
TENNESSEE gENERAL ASSEMBLy passed a bill earlier this year focused on preventing geoengineering, a practice that modifies the Earth’s atmosphere to manipulate the weather. The new law, which went into effect July 1, 2024, forbids the intentional release of chemicals into the air for these purposes, making Tennessee the first state to pass such a law banning geoengineering.
“The intentional injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the expressed purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight is prohibited,” according to the bill.
Republican Senator Steven Southerland out of Morristown proposed the legislation, with 25 other senators co-sponsoring the bill.
The bill outlaws any form of aerial weather modification altogether, such as cloud seeding methods which can assist with prolonged droughts.
“Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that improves a cloud’s ability to produce rain or snow by introducing tiny ice nuclei into subfreezing clouds,” said WSMV’s
has been linked to numerous health risks, including toxicity, reproductive disorders, developmental defects and cancer,” Dr. Rai said. Infants and young children can also be at higher risk for silver iodide toxicity, with symptoms including vomiting, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal complications.
Despite these concerns with the safety of the chemical compound, experts such as Dr. Nayana Ambardekar, a professor of medicine at Emory University, contend that the risks of cloud seeding are insignificant.
“There is a lot more iodine in iodized salt (table salt) than there is in this form of rainwater,” said Ambardekar. “The concentration of silver in a storm from cloud seeding is far below the accepted limit of 50 micrograms per liter.”
Kristen Meghan served as a bio-environmental engineer with the U.S. Air Force before she started digging into weather manipulation and what her office did.
“The climate change we need to be worried about is manmade climate engineering, also known as geoengineering,” she said. “I thought that was insane. Why would we do that—modify the weather using hazardous materials in our atmosphere?”
the idea that trails left by jet engine fuel in the sky could be a sign of sinister intent by government to use aviation against the population in harmful ways, such as dispersing chemicals through the airspace.
“It’s been going on a long, long time,” Republican Senator Frank Niceley told NBC News. “If you look up—one day, it’ll be clear. The next day [the skies] will look like some angels have been playing tic-tac-toe. They’re everywhere. I’ve got pictures on my phone with X’s right over my house. For years they denied they were doing anything.”
According to David Keith, a professor of applied physics at Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, “Chemtrails refer to the theory that governments or other parties are engaged in a secret program to add toxic chemicals to the atmosphere from aircraft in a way that forms visible plumes in the sky, somewhat similar to contrails.”
Various speculations for the motivations of chemtrail spraying consist of sterilization of the population and reduction of life expectancy, aside from weather control.
meteorologist Cruz Medina. “You have clouds that already contain moisture, and you introduce something that will let go of that moisture in the form of rain or snow.”
To release the moisture, a discharge called silver iodide is released from an aircraft, which acts as a trigger that encourages formations of ice crystals within the cloud. Flares filled with silver iodine are attached to the wings of the plane, where silver iodide is emitted into the cloud layer of the atmosphere. The compound acts like a magnet for water, enhancing the chances of precipitation by up to 15 percent. Cloud-seeding programs exist across the Western United States, but are not prevalent in the Southeastern United States.
While silver iodide can be found in nature in trace amounts of soil, the compound used in agricultural practices is created by fusing iodide solution with silver nitrate to form a yellowish solid state.
Dr. Vandana Rai, a prosthodontist from Sri Rajiv Gandhi Dental College, says that those who live in areas where the compound is used for cloud-seeding practices could be at risk when inhaling air from the atmosphere.
“Unfortunately, the use of silver iodide
Meghan, who now considers herself a geoengineering whistleblower, discovered that the U.S. government, and others around the world, were injecting “nanoparticulate metals”—various sulfates, barium, positronium and aluminum, as well as silver iodide—into the atmosphere.
“It’s getting into the food, it’s getting into the soil,” she said. “It really shook the core of my oath.
“If you are modifying the weather, you are messing with Mother Nature. It does not make sense when you are altering nature where things are not naturally supposed to occur.”
Aside from cloud seeding, among the ideas that helped push Senate Bill 2691 to be signed into law is the chemtrail theory:
Many of the trails in the sky simply represent contrails produced by jet engine exhaust, containing water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and other emissions. When the exhaust mixes in the air at high altitudes, the stream freezes and forms into ice crystals, appearing as white stripes amongst a blue sky.
“The challenge here is that the whole chemtrails conspiracy has blurred and subsumed all these distinct technologies with distinct aims, which makes it challenging to disentangle these theories,” stated Justin Mankin, a climate scientist at Dartmouth College. “Policymakers, instead of relying on science to appropriately debunk conspiratorial belief, have rendered it [legitimate] through legislative action.”
But some who notice the lingering trails in the sky just ask that folks observe and explore on their own. While, yes, jet engines do indeed
leave contrails, those generally disappear within a couple of minutes at the most, even under the most favorable conditions (high humidity) for them lingering the longest, observers say. Other streaks across the sky, ones that last for hours, will appear much different from the fuel exhaust from planes. While the source of these and the intent may be a mystery, “Hopefully, we can find the answers in the future. Until then, just look at the sky with an open mind and understanding of what a contrail actually looks like compared to other ‘stuff’ that is up there,” one curious Middle Tennessee farmer said. “Contrails [fuel exhaust] are only visible for minutes or seconds as opposed to hours. This is kind of like looking at real money to be able to spot the counterfeit.”
Although Tennessee lawmakers do not have clear proof that hazardous chemicals are being released by planes in the state of Tennessee—and despite the fact that there is no flight history of cloud-seeding aircraft in the state—the law prohibiting the injection of chemicals into the atmosphere found traction in the Tennessee Legislature.
The variety of appearances to these trails in the sky can arise from a wide array of factors. Humidity, temperature and difference in altitude are some of the ways contrails can remain in the sky longer than at other times. The time of day can also affect the visibility of contrails, with some trails brightening due to the position of the sun in the sky.
Sailors out at sea have been known to use these contrails to forecast the weather for the day, where on clear days one could expect to see a short-lived contrail and on a bad weather day the contrail would persist throughout the sky, foreshadowing the rain that would follow on a humid day.
Still, plenty of state residents raise suspicions regarding what is happening overhead.
One Tennessee resident pointed out the oddities of trail patterns throughout the sky through a recent Facebook post. “I know it’s been going on in Nashville heavily for at least a decade. Nowadays they do a lot at night while people are sleeping,” said Johnathan Ramirez.
Other onlookers link the trails in the sky to the rise in autism, Alzheimer’s, cancer and mental illness.
“We’re being sprayed with chemicals without our consent,” another local resident, Cody Parish, commented. “It’s corporate and government control of living organisms. I think there are different agencies using aerosols for different purposes. Some to block the sun ‘because of climate change’ and some to cause rain. . . . It’s a worldwide phenomenon with the majority of the governments partaking in the practice.”
One Tennessean said she watched nine planes flying in patterns above Clarksville.
“I’ve never seen more than four, but today topped it all,” according to Pauline Mei. “They spray aluminum and barium. They make us sick . . . allergies, respiratory infections, etc.”
Many scientists and aviators dismiss concerns, maintaining that cloud seeding for weather manipulation purposes poses little risk, and all other streaks observed are natural or the result of jet engine emissions freezing.
“Increasing appearance of contrails and cirrus cloudiness is a fixture of global aviation operations,” said Dr. David W. Favey, director of the Chemical Sciences Laboratory at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Aside from all of this is the question of what jurisdiction state governments hold regarding their airspace. The federal government delegates sovereignty over the airspace to the Federal Aviation Administration, which holds authority of regulating all navigable airspace in the United States. However, both Senate Bill 2691 and the FAA acknowledge the state’s rights to prosecute crimes committed on board aircraft within a state’s borders, including all airspace. This allows for Tennessee’s General Assembly to legislate what activity is acceptable when the aircraft is in its airspace.
Aircraft emissions are typically regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with the agency’s Clean Air Act calling for the “establishing of aircraft engine emissions standards for any air pollutant that could reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare.” The Department of Transportation oversees and enforces the standards set by the EPA, and the DOT chose to delegate responsibility of this oversight to the FAA, who reviews and approves engine emissions certification levels regularly.
The new Tennessee law’s enforcement falls on the Tennessee Department of Environmental Conservation. TDEC clearly states its commitment to enforcement, stating, “Compliance with environmental laws is our goal. Environment and Conservation seeks to maximize compliance by providing increased access to timely public information about our enforcement activities,” via its website.
Violators of the law could be charged with a Class C misdemeanor offense and fined up to $10,000 per day for each violation cited.
However, concerns have grown among Tennesseans about how to properly enforce the chemical injection ban.
Tennessee is the first state to pass such a geoengineering bill, but other states, including Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota and Pennsylvania, are also attempting to pass anti-geoengineering legislation into law.
Those who observe violations of the law can report the offense to TdEC’s Air Pollution Control by calling 615-532-0554.
Cook for a Cause
Minutes Wisely founder releases cookbook, podcast host continues to promote
veterans causes
by JodIe kINzer
navy veTeran anD aWarD -WinninG podcaster Richard Fleek recently released his new cookbook, from sailor to Backyard Cook: Cooking with squidly. This cookbook contains easy-to-follow recipes for all skill levels alongside quotes from both local and non-local veterans, all for a cause.
“When I’d go to an American Legion, if I saw an old man sitting at the bar, I’d always stop and pick his brain and, you know, find out his story. And I soon realized, these stories needed to be documented, because once these individuals pass on, that story goes with them and that story is never to be heard again,” Fleek said. “I was thinking of other ways to get the stories out, because not a lot of people want to sit
and listen to a twohour podcast, right?
So my goal was to write a book with short stories in it, so kind of like a Chicken soup for the soul
“I came up with this idea. ‘How about I just write a cookbook?’ In the cookbook, you’ll get a recipe, and next to a recipe, there’ll be a quote from one of America’s heroes, and it turned out awesome.”
You can find full versions of these veterans’ stories within Richard’s podcast, the scuttlebutt Podcast. This podcast was also born from Richard’s interest in veteran stories and his
desire to preserve them, an intrigue that began some time ago as he comes from a long line of veterans.
“When I was a young kid, I was fortunate enough to have seven grandparents. I had four of my grandparents and three great-grandparents. So out of that, I had three grandfathers, and all three of them were combat veterans,” Fleek told the Pulse. “My great-grandfather served in World War I in the United States Navy, and his son served in the United States Army with Old Hickory 30th division, and he served in World War II, and he fought Hitler’s SS Division twice, and beat him both times. My other grandfather—my dad’s dad, my Grandpa Fleek—he was in the United States Navy. He was actually in boot camp in the Navy, and they cut his boot camp short and sent him to Pearl Harbor to clean up the wreckage—you know, fill body bags.”
Fleek said he used to love to talk to his grandparents about their days in the service and was fascinated by the impact it had on them.
“My Grandpa Karr, the one in the Army, he would break down and get emotional, and it always intrigued me, because this man was the strongest person I’ve ever met in my life. He really was. He basically lived off the land. He was just one strong dude. And for him to break down like that, it just intrigued me even more,” Fleek said. “So, I just spent an entire life asking these guys questions. Well, then I became a sailor myself, and I joined the Navy.”
These experiences and conversations led Richard to start an organization called Minutes Wisely, which combats veteran suicide
and spreads mental health awareness. The proceeds from the cookbook go fully towards funding this nonprofit organization.
“I realized real quick that there’re a lot of broken souls out there, and a lot of these guys are committing suicide. So I wanted to do more, rather than, you know, just share their stories,” he said.
“I started a nonprofit, and the nonprofit’s name is Minutes Wisely, and what we do to combat veteran suicide is we send veterans, first responders, and Gold Star family members to sporting events.”
Minutes Wisely is currently asking supporters to focus their attention on their most recent donation campaign.
Recently, a local veteran lost his battle with mental health, leaving behind a wife and child. Donations go towards funding this family’s Christmas to show them the love and support they need during this difficult season of their lives.
Donate to this campaign at givebutter. com/RGnQLP. This link can also be found on the Minutes Wisely Facebook page. Every single dollar will go directly to the affected family.
“When I’m out at an event somewhere,” Fleek says, “I’ll have my table and someone will say ‘Oh! A cookbook!’ I always respond with ‘Yeah, it’s not just any cookbook. It’s the only cookbook in America that saves lives.’”
Find From Sailor to Backyard Cook: Cooking with Squidly on Amazon. visit scuttlebuttpodcast.co to tune into The Scuttlebutt Podcast, and visit minuteswisely.com to learn more about the Minutes Wisely organization.
rIchard fleek
gold star veterans attending sporting events courtesy of the minutes wisely organization.
Long Road Ahead
Feed America First, Beesley Animal Foundation among many assisting those hit by h urricane helene by l aura lIN dsay
huRRiCANE hELENE BROughT
extensive damage to East Tennessee and Western North Carolina this past September and was the deadliest storm in North Carolina’s state history.
North Carolina will still need help from volunteers for quite a while, said Julie Vandel, Director of Development for Feed America First, located in Rutherford County.
“It’s definitely going to be a long road ahead,” she said. “There is one community we have found in all our trips there where, last we heard, it might take a few more months for them to get running water and electricity. There are still a lot of people in North Carolina dealing with extensive damage, using generators, needing fresh water and all that.”
Vandel said it’s hard to quantify the damage because some areas are completely gone while others are getting back on their feet. In some of the harder-hit areas, it’s about losing everything and completely rebuilding.
“Donations of food and water are always going to be necessary, especially when people are rebuilding,” she said. “They are working with insurance companies to make claims and fix things. When you have all these additional expenses—even when it is normal everyday life and not a disaster— you pay your bills first and groceries are the last thing you budget for.
“So when people recover and deal with these expenses, then our first focus is to help them with is food.”
Feed America First regularly supplies food to food pantries across Tennessee and surrounding states. They are a largescale operation, so thankfully they had the equipment they needed to help after Helene, Vandel said.
“We got a truck there the following Saturday,” Vandel said. “There were ways to get in—we actually had to go down the Tail of the Dragon [a stretch of US Highway 129 connecting Tennessee and North Carolina known for its curves]. It was tricky
with a flatbed truck, but we made it in.”
Vandel said the storm was very personal, as she couldn’t reach a loved one there for over 18 hours.
“It was very scary,” she said. “We are kind of like a family at Feed America First. And we have had a lot of experience with disaster relief like Hurricane Harvey in Texas. So this is something we do regularly.”
Katie Peachey, Grants and Marketing Administrator at Beesley Animal Foundation, said they were not able to get into the area with their horse trailer, so they focused on delivery to shelters that were collecting pet food and supplies.
“Last time we were there the shelters were working to get it distributed,” Peachey said. “They were letting people come and get items to bring to the areas. The response was tremendous.”
Peachey says Beesley Animal Foundation will continue distributing pet food and supplies to the area for a long time.
“The food and supplies we need is not just for the shelters, it is for the people who can’t get out of their homes through the destruction,” she said.
Beesley Animal Foundation will post updates of needed food and supplies on their Facebook page; for updates on opportunities to donate through Feed America First, visit feedamericafirst.com and follow them on Facebook as well.
OThER WAyS TO hELP: Second harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is looking for volunteers to pack disaster Relief Boxes. To volunteer, visit secondharvestmidtn.volunteerhub.com.
help North Carolina with its recovery through the North Carolina disaster Relief Fund, managed by united Way of North Carolina. donations can be made at nc.gov.donate and are being used to provide grants to nonprofits working directly in the impacted areas.
opinion
by t I ffa N y boyd
Call to a ction
WhEN i SEE ChRiSTiANS CALL FOR their brothers and sisters in Christ to be still, pray and have faith, it leads to a stirring deep within my psyche. All of those actions are a given for Christians, or at least they should be. Statements such as these assume that Christians are not already implementing these tenets of their faith and I feel that many times it is an excuse to not do costly things, such as act.
“God is in control but he doesn’t expect you to lean on a shovel and pray for a hole.”
Just think what might have happened if our forefathers had not taken action. I’m certain they were already praying and studying God’s Word. God gave them what they needed to change the trajectory of our nation and to make history. Americans enjoy their freedoms today due to the actions of our forefathers and the sacrifices of those brave enough to take action. All enjoy the fruits, yet so few understand the cost. What I would like to see in our nation, particularly from Christians, is a call to action. God has already given us the tools. Will we use them?
Unfortunately, the American public has
been distracted by devices, sports and entertainment meant solely to lull us into complacency. It is no wonder that football stadiums are reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, which was used in the same manner. It served as a distraction from the issues of the day, hosting events offering free food and entertainment referred to as “Panem et Circenses” (bread and circuses), a very effective political strategy still being utilized today.
“Panem et Circenses : bread and circuses: sustenance and entertainment provided by government to appease public discontent”
— Merriam-Webster
A large portion of the American public has no idea how government works nor how a bill becomes a law. Many do not even know who their representatives are, how to find them, nor which district they reside in, yet many of the same individuals know all the stats from their favorite sports teams. Hours are spent mindlessly scrolling social media, and enormous amounts of money are spent on concerts and sporting events. Mindless entertainment such as this has set a snare for the American public and created a politically
ignorant society that believes that the only action its citizens are required to take is to vote, if they even bother to do that. Then we cry and rail over the state of our nation. What does action look like? For the most part it has been reduced to nothing more than social gatherings where wellintentioned individuals beat their chests and have deep discussions about the state of affairs, boldly professing how they will not stand for having their liberties stripped away. Then they leave, feeling like they have solved the world’s problems and go home and partake in their mindless entertainment once again.
On Sundays and Wednesdays, they likely attend church, where the pastor steps around the real issues, avoiding the elephant in the room or, even worse, spews propaganda that sells the congregation a false and dangerous lie about freedom, now branded “school choice.”
The goal of school choice is to advance communism and this results in all forms of education being government controlled. In case you don’t know, communism isn’t fond of Christianity. At the helm of most churches are pastors controlled by committees and boards, 501(c)(3) statuses, and who are afraid to share truth from the pulpit. Afraid to take a stand. Afraid to educate and protect their flock.
If a church is encouraging its congregants to take advantage of government funded programs, then it has abdicated the responsibility of the church to the government. The church has the sole responsibility of making sure the needs of its congregants are met, and it is their responsibility to make sure their congregation is educated regarding the snares that are being set for Christian families.
I have met numerous pastors over the years through my work with Free YOUR Children. Very few know or understand the educational climate in our state of Tennessee and the U.S. Even fewer are willing to have the conversation. Most will do almost anything to avoid the conversation. Does your church leadership understand the medicalization of schools, the history of school choice and the goal of the globalization of education? If you haven’t had a conversation with your church leadership, I would encourage you to do so. The future of our nation depends on it.
No doubt, the dissemination of information is invaluable. Free YOUR Children is committed to arming families
with the information they need to protect their educational, parental and Constitutional rights, yet it mustn’t stop there. By implementing strategic, operational and tactical levels of analysis we can formulate a blueprint of action, as noted in Doctrine for the Armed Forces of the United States, and JP 3-0, Joint Operations. “The three levels of warfare—strategic, operational, and tactical—link tactical actions to achievement of national objectives.”
We recognize that we are in a battle. It is a battle we cannot lose. Are we willing to allow our children to be the spoils of the war? Free YOUR Children is engaged and prepared to fight. Will you stand with us on the battlefield? We are taking action and committed to the fight.
Education is the first course of action and serves as the strategic way to identify issues. Christians should be asking themselves how are we affected at a local, state, national and global level by these issues and what can we do.
Free YOUR Children has been and will continue taking action. We have real boots on the ground. We are politically engaged and we are on the front lines.
We have been planning for an alternative home-school option in Tennessee that would give home-school families complete autonomy. That language has now been sent to be finalized and we are launching a campaign for legislation titled the FREE Act. Home-school families must act if they want to maintain their freedoms. They must start calling senators and representatives now and tell them to support the FREE Act. Free YOUR Children will be an active presence again this legislative session. We will be tracking legislation, attending committee meetings, and fighting for the rights of Tennessee families and families across the nation. We will be hosting seminars, interviewing experts across the U.S. on the free YOuR Children radio and TV show, penning articles for the Pulse to keep you informed and much more, but we need your help. Are you willing to suit up and join us? If you are committed to freedom, contact me at freeyourchildren.com for more information on how you can help.
Tiffany Boyd is the founder of Free yOuR Children, a homeschool advocate, consultant, speaker and the founder and administrator of Middle Tennessee Christian homeschool Connection. Contact her at freeyourchildren@gmail.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PRESSMASTER / PE x ELS
by bla IN e l I ttle
Put Your Head Down and Get to Work Hometown Insurance Agent Lance Chandler
iT
iS NEvER EASy TO START yOuR OWN business. For Lance Chandler, it was the rediscovery of an old desire to work for himself.
His entrepreneurship journey started at the age of 13, when he began a DJ company for events and parties. Too young to drive, his mother would haul him around from one gig to the next. Along the way, he learned a lot about sales and customer service. But eventually, he fell into a corporate job in telecommunications sales. After several years in this field, he learned this was not where he wanted to be.
During the COVID pandemic, his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Lance took time off from his job in telecommunications to take on the role of caretaker for his mother. After stepping away from work, he could see clearly that he did not want to go back to the corporate life. He wanted to find something that would allow him to help others and to provide them something they need, the insurance industry seemed to be the perfect fit. He earned his first professional license and went to work for an agency in town. Though he enjoyed his time at this agency, another opportunity came knocking at the door and he moved on to another firm after just one year. Although Chandler thought he was making the right choice by moving to a corporate brokerage, he soon learned it was not the right fit for him. To him it always felt like he was still considered an employee and not an insurance agent. What he really wanted was an office of his own.
So, with nothing but a few years’ experience in the industry, he figured out what it would take to start a company from scratch. As one may guess, it was even more paperwork and longer hours. But he recalled the advice given to him by a family friend who became wealthy in the entertainment industry.
His friend told him, “Once you decide what you want to do, being successful is like digging a ditch. Keep your head down and work as hard as you can. After a while, look up to see how far you have made it, then put your head back down and get back to work.”
He sought out what startup costs would be through online research and from other agents in the area. He found through this research that it would cost about $10,000 bare minimum. The bare minimum was about all he could afford, so he summoned his courage and took the plunge. That was back in September of 2022.
The pandemic saw a lot of businesses come and go. For those who wanted to strike out on their own, the timing just seemed right. It certainly was for Lance Chandler. He named the company 615 Insurance Agency, which is a tie to the Middle Tennessee community that he grew up in. He also offers coverage from several carriers in home, auto, life, health, commercial and long-term care.
Recently, he moved into a larger office building just off the Square, which offers him even more room to grow, but growth happens gradually. He was able to get a website address he liked: 615insured.com, which plays into one of his business slogans, “Are you 615 insured yet?”
I asked about why the industry has seemed to raise auto insurance premiums by so much. He claims that several carriers actually lowered their prices during COVID but now are steadily raising them. Reach out to Lance at 615-809-1225 to discuss how he may be able to save you some money.
Blaine Little is the founder and CEO of Momentum Seminars Training and Coaching. Learn more at momentumseminars.com.
by byro N gle NN
More Than Just Turkeys
Glenn Family Helps Provide Thanksgiving Meals to Local Families
iN RuThERFORd COuNTy, the food insecurity rate for children was last reported to be 13.5%, according to feedingamerica.org numbers from 2022, an increase from 2020. Feeding America defines food insecurity as when people can’t access the food they need to live their fullest lives.
One of my favorite memories of the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, was waking up and smelling my mother’s sweet potato pie in the oven.
However, for some families in Rutherford County, those memories are fading due to the cost of Thanksgiving dinners. Kids are out of school for the week, and some parents are having to decide whether to provide standard food for the week or make a special Thanksgiving dinner.
In 2015, my wife and I wanted to help address the need for families to create Thanksgiving holiday memories by providing a frozen turkey to families in the community. Over the years, the program has evolved from providing only a turkey to a full traditional Thanksgiving box.
When I sat down with my wife, Michelle Glenn, I asked her about a story or memorable moments from past events.
“One of the main ones that sticks out immediately would be the single mom we delivered a box to in 2020. Her fiancé had just recently passed, and we wanted to make sure she received a box that year. This year will be her third year of giving back and volunteering with us by delivering boxes to other families,” Michelle said.
One of the frequently asked questions we receive is how we pay for the food. One of the biggest challenges is funding. The Glenn Turkey Giveaway is not tax-exempt, so we crowdfund and ask our friends and families to donate a box.
Due to the pandemic, we shifted from events to deliveries in 2020. In 2020, we
delivered 38 boxes. This year, we expect to help 75 families, with over 20 volunteers who will deliver the boxes to families two weeks before Thanksgiving.
We use technology to help fundraise and find families to help. We collect the names and addresses via social media and use apps to help the delivery drivers find the most suitable route.
“My best advice for anyone wanting to start a similar community initiative is to start small, keep the passion for helping people, and stay encouraged,” said Michelle. “What you see today is not how we started. You will make mistakes and learn from them.”
Over the years, the Glenn Turkey Giveaway has evolved from a community event in its first year, to an opportunity that allows community members to serve their neighbors by dropping off a box at their door.
When I think about some of the responses over the years that have stood out to me, one in particular is, “This is the first time I have been able to make a Thanksgiving dinner for my family.”
Michelle hopes for the Glenn Turkey Giveaway to continue to meet the needs of our community during the Thanksgiving holiday, to grow our impact and encourage others to get involved.
For more information or to get involved in the glenn Turkey giveaway, contact Byron and Michelle glenn at glennturkey giveaway@yahoo.com or find the glenn Turkey giveaway on Facebook.
Byron glenn is the Sales and Marketing Manager with Business System Solutions and Murfreesboro Tech Council board member. if you are looking for iT-managed services for your business, you can visit bssconsulting.com or call 615-400-8595.
i t i s Truly f ootball Time in Tennessee
ThE TRAiN dAddy iS BACk with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. all aboard!
I am writing this article on the heels of success for Tennessee athletics!
It’s rare you get a weekend where the Titans, Vols, Vanderbilt, MTSU and even the Nashville Predators all pull off a victory, but that’s exactly what happened on Nov. 2.
Shout-out to the loyal Vandy football fans. It’s been a bottom-feeding tough existence for them, but their team is playing some winning football in the SEC right now.
There are pros and cons to the name, image, and likeness system in college football currently, but there is no doubt that it has created a more
balanced game. Some old heads claim loyal players and team players are a thing of the past now and instead only care about the immediate payday. Maybe that’s true, but I know the product isn’t suffering right now. College football is giving us, the fans, amazing games, passionate games and hard-hitting games, and the field is finally more balanced!
This new 12-team playoff is going to be so much more enjoyable than that four-team window they had been giving us. All of that said, Vanderbilt is indeed playing winning football right now, and that regular season finale against my Volunteers is shaping up to be a good one.
The brackets are set for the TSSAA
Blue Cross Bowls. High school football isn’t exactly my forte, but I will always cheer football on in this state.
It’s been cool over the years watching my old high school dominate in football. A shoutout to Murfreesboro’s very own Oakland High School—state champions in ’84, ’98, ’08, ’18, ’20, ’21 and ’22. This team has been a juggernaut in the big boy class of 6A football.
Good luck to Oakland (9–1) as the playoffs get underway and they have a very real chance at another championship.
Warning: politically incorrect ramble ahead! I am so sick of this transgender debate in the realm of sports. I have been discussing it in this paper for over 10 years. I want to applaud all the colleges and female-led teams that have recently forfeited matches against San Jose State out of protest of their trans volleyball player Blaire Fleming. That’s what happens when you allow someone born with a winky to play with people born without winkies. You hear me?
The world needs more Riley Gaines to stand up and speak out. There is so much untapped potential in the world of female athletics. Watching what Caitlin Clark accomplished and the growth her play gave the WNBA was special to watch. I was fascinated and I watched nearly every Indiana Fever game this past season. Imagine if a Shaq-sized man felt like a woman and that person went to LSU and then hit the WNBA draft. Thanks to modern insanity, that scenario isn’t far-fetched at all. It would be allowed!
The world is tired of this madness and thankfully the polls show an overwhelming lack of support for this cause. I do believe the future will look back on this and laugh hysterically at the insanity of smacking biology in the face. We are way past the debate part of this topic because it’s getting us nowhere. Ridicule works! But to be honest, nothing will have more impact than these female athletes forfeiting and taking a stand together. Unfortunately, college
leaders seem worried about bad PR and getting sued, so they leave it up to the coaches and kids and say “good luck.” Biology matters in sports. The end!
Let’s jump into making another matter-of-fact statement. The Tennessee Vols’ “dark mode” uniform is without doubt the cleanest jersey fit in the history of ever! The 50-second social media video was an instant hit as it amassed over 20 million views those few days leading up to the Kentucky night game.
Spooky Rocky Top is one of the coolest things in college sports. Now we have the black goo from Venom creeping over the beautiful orange jerseys of the Volunteers and the result is the coolest jerseys in college football.
I will end on this regarding the Tennessee Volunteers football team: if this team wants any chance at making some actual noise down the stretch, Nico and this offense better turn it up. This Vols defense is stout, and it’s a championship-winning unit. This team’s weakness has been the offense’s inability to score in the first half.
I keep hoping I will see more progression from the offense. You have a defense that is good enough to keep you in the game against anyone in the country. Tennessee has a huge game coming up vs. Georgia, so they better get it together. The Vols are in good enough shape that they could lose a competitive close game against Georgia on the road and still be in potential contention that final top 12 ranking and a playoff berth.
Let’s talk Titans! I was happy to see Coach Callahan get his first victory in Nashville over the New England Patriots.
I was talking to another Titans fan who was upset they won that game and claimed they were doing nothing more than messing up their draft stock. Get that nonsense out of here! I don’t give a damn about draft stock midway through the season even if the season looks to be cooked. I will always cheer on and celebrate a victory.
Moron fans who believe embracing the tank is a good idea fail to realize the importance of a young head coach attempting to create a culture as we move forward.
Coach Callahan’s system is working and his scheme has potential. It just requires a smart quarterback, and that’s been sketchy at best this season.
I will say one bad thing about Callahan here. It is ridiculous that he hasn’t fired the first-year special teams coach Colt Anderson. The Titans’ special teams units aren’t just bad, they are historically bad. The Titans rank near dead last in every category that matters in return yards given up, blocked punts and penalties. It has been a disaster. I guess Callahan has his former Cincinnati buddy’s back because any other team would have fired that guy midway through.
Titans GM Ran Carthon didn’t make off-season moves that had a rebuild feel to them. Nope, he put together a team on paper that had fans believing they could compete if Levis played good ball and I drank the Kool-Aid.
But hopefully Ran can salvage this mess and turn it into something positive for 2025 and beyond, or his time will be short as a GM. If you have read these articles over the years, you know my passion for this team has always been ride-or-die, and my fandom will stay that way until they put me six feet under.
There is no other accomplishment in the world of sports fandom that I want more than the Tennessee Titans winning a Super Bowl in my lifetime. Please! Between now and the next issue we will celebrate Thanksgiving. I pray you all have a great one. I am thankful for my dad, who just went through prostate removal this month after a cancer diagnosis. He is doing well so far! I still have a few things to learn from the old man and I am thankful he will be around a bit longer. My motto remains a great recipe for life—the 5 F’s Faith, Family, Football, Food and Friends. The Z-Train is rolling into the station!
Live Exceptionally...Well!
by JeNNIfer duraNd
i t s tarts With you
Pause, get out into nature, watch the sun rise and other tips for balance
LearninG hoW To Move through life, relationships and situations starts with keeping yourself grounded, balanced and centered. Easy to say, but how do you do this? As we approach a time of year when life seems to speed up or make us feel squeezed in, it’s a good time to be reminded of some simple daily or weekly practices that can remind you to stay focused, balanced and centered. Simply stated, that means make peace for yourself in everything you do. If what you are doing causes you anxiety, stress, constant worry, sudden physical ailments or any other “out of the blue” discomfort, that’s a good indication it’s time to press the pause button on your life and do something to stop the flow of the emotional and physical “pile up” that can lead to even more of the unwanted aforementioned.
Here are some of my favorites to help keep you sane:
PaUse.
It’s okay to press the imaginary pause button in any situation. Stop talking. Stop thinking. Step away for a moment. Start breathing instead. This is especially helpful when you’re in a heated discussion, making an important buying decision, or trying to please someone else. Pause. It will all be there—if you choose it to be—once you’ve had a minute or more to gather your thoughts and be able to tune in to what your intuition is telling you.
get oUt into natUre.
Air, grass, breeze, nature sounds, water, sun. Feel it. Be a part of it. Notice it. Take a walk. You can certainly go on a long
hike and enjoy deeper parts of nature, but you can also have increased health benefits just by walking for 10–20 minutes in your neighborhood.
taKe a batH.
You may not be a “bath person,” but the benefits are plenty enough to at least consider doing it on occasion. 15–20 minutes in warm water with a nice bath bomb or epsom salts helps improve blood flow. Stimulate improved breath flow by taking the time to slow down, which will improve oxygen flow. Peaceful reflection calms the inner voice, which calms the mind. Warm water soothes muscle tension, soreness and helps to restore muscle tissue. Water is a great source of hydration for the skin, especially when done with a body oil. It’s also a mood enhancer or changer. It will improve the quality of your sleep and boost your immune system.
cold sHoWer.
In the opposite manner from the warm bath, it is invigorating to take a cold shower or at least finish your shower with a cold rinse. This practice refreshes your mind, also stimulates the nervous system and acts as a reset for your body. You can deepen this practice by taking a cold plunge in a tub or visiting a cryotherapy establishment. The idea is to submerge your body in cold for a limited time frame. Very refreshing.
create a neW ritUal. Intentionally do something different. Out of your ordinary. Short on ideas? They are all around you. You can even do something you normally do, but
sleeP.
Get adequate rest. A well-rested body and mind will increase your endurance to feel more active and alive— provided you add some other stimulating activities that were mentioned.
be gentle.
in a different way. One example is walking. Maybe you walk your neighborhood or you walk on the treadmill. Find a new path to walk. Explore. Discover. A couple other ideas can be:
sunrise/sunset: Pick a location to watch the sun rise or set. Arrive early, before the appointed time. Do this with yourself or a friend. Pack some tea or coffee, or your favorite breakfast snack (or choose a new one). For the sunset, bring some soup and bread charcuterie snacks with wine or another favorite beverage. Nestle in and then take pictures. Take a time-lapse photo.
scenic view: On a clear day take a blanket, binoculars and hors d’oeuvres to the top of a hill, mountain, building or any place you will have a panoramic view on a clear day. Meet a friend or fly solo. Take pictures of you and your view (selfie or an ussie). Make this spot a regular monthly or annual meet, same time, and document each reunion with a photo.
midnight rendezvous: Pick a friend and meet at an all-night diner or some obscure truck stop just outside town for a midnight snack. Add to the unusualness of the event by arriving dressed to the nines. If you prefer a less public setting, invite your friend over for midnight milk and cookies but enforce your footy-pajama dress code, or no service.
read.
Never stop growing and learning. Read something that will help you understand a different perspective from your own. Challenge your mind to expand and think.
of attachments. Be free.
There are so many more things you can practice, but just start with one then move to another. Build your toolbox one practice at a time. Feel the “Ahhh . . . !”
Be gentle to yourself. If you don’t want to participate, don’t. If you don’t understand something, be kind to yourself until you can figure it out.
let go.
If you can’t control it, let it go. Let go
Jennifer durand is the owner and operator of The Nurture Nook day Spa & gift Shoppe; she is a certified qigong and Breathe Empowerment instructor, a skin care and makeup specialist. visit nurturenook.com or facebook.com/nurturenookdayspa or call 615-896-7110 to learn more.
M
g et Ahead of Tax Season year-End
OST PEOPLE WA k E u P in 2025 and think about taxes they need to file. The problem is it’s too late to do most of the things that would lower your taxes. This is why now is the time to be proactive about year-end planning. When I say year-end planning, I don’t mean the week between Christmas and the new year; rather, early in November, ideally in October. In this article, I’m going to share some planning strategies to save more money on taxes.
Income and withholding
is tight, you can also donate stuff around your house that you don’t use so that you can get a larger charitable deduction. For 2024 the standard deduction is $14,600 if you are single, and $29,200 if married filing jointly, while head of household gets $21,900. Most of us can make a few moves to optimize deductions before it’s too late. Don’t forget one of the most valuable tools available, the Health Savings Account. With an HSA, you can save up to $8,300 (family) for future medical expenses and get a tax deduction. Then use the money for medical expenses and take it out tax free in the future. It’s a permanent tax benefit.
they can be deductible. You can be creative here—as long as it has a business purpose, you can deduct Bluetooth headsets, storage drives, even a smartwatch. retirement plans:
are you a business owner?
Whether you run a solo practice or have employees, there are great tax deductions and credits available, especially with Congress passing SECURE Act 2.0. Many small businesses can set up a retirement plan and get all their money back in credits. meals and entertainment: If you meet clients for meals, bring in food for employees or host client appreciation events, these can be anywhere from 50% deductible to 100% depending on the event and the reason. Also, if you take a business trip and also add in some rest and relaxation, you can deduct some or all of the trip.
If you have a W-2 job, you can do a quick tax calculation to see how much you might owe or potentially get back next year. Start by taking out last year’s return and see where you ended up. If you find that you got a refund and not too much changed this year, you may want to update your W-4, which is the form that adjusts your withholding and have less money taken out for the rest of the year. Why not get a raise now rather than wait until 2025 to get a refund? Do an internet search for a tax estimate calculator, like Intuit or H&R Block or even the IRS. Put your numbers in and you should have a reasonable idea where you will end up.
looking for deductions
You can contribute a bit more to your 401(k), set up an IRA or even make a contribution to your favorite charity to lower your taxes. While most Americans take the standard deduction, itemizing your deductions could result in a larger tax return. You can strategically work at reducing your income and increasing your deductions above the standard deduction. If cash
Several options can benefit you. I encourage you to work with a tax and financial advisor to help you maximize the benefits that are available to you. Here are a few to consider: travel:
Do you travel to client locations, to networking events, meet clients at a public place or go to community events? If you track your mileage, you can claim a tax deduction of 67 cents per mile. Keep in mind if you have an office that you drive to and from, that is commuting and isn’t deductible. work from home?
If you have a dedicated space which you don’t use for other purposes, you can potentially deduct that space and get a nice tax deduction.
computers, tablets, phones and more:
As long as these things are used primarily for business purposes,
business entity structure: It’s important to know whether you should be a sole proprietor, have an LLC or an S Corporation. Each have different legal and tax ramifications and choosing the right structure for you can save you a lot of money.
There are many more deductions available, so be sure you speak with a qualified tax professional or financial advisor with a tax background.
diSCLAiMER: The information in this article is not tax, legal or investment advice. Please consult your financial advisor and your CPA for specific tax questions that apply to your situation.
Contact Sean Moran with Red Barn Financial at smoran@ redbarnfinancial.com or call 615-619-6919.
