October 2018 Murfreesboro Pulse by The Murfreesboro Pulse

OCTOBER 2018 / VOL. 13, ISSUE 10 / FREE

Middle Tennesseeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Source for Art, Entertainment and Culture News

It's Fall Y'all A Ton of Fall Fun in Middle Tennessee

IN MUSIC

STERFRY / THE GATHERING AT MILTON / BIG CREEK WINERY TASTING ROOM / FIRST FRUIT JAZZ PROJECT / AND MORE!

Contents

ON THE COVER: Top row, from left: photo by Kristin Amaro; pumpkin seeds by Bracken Mayo; fall leaves by by Sarah Rausch; Second row, from left: Gregory Mill Park by Melissa Scott; park bench by Sarah Rausch; Third row: fall leaves by Sarah Rausch; white pumpkins by Barbara Maloney Bottom row: pumpkin latte by Bracken Mayo; mums by Barbara Maloney

Nashville Predators-themed corn maze at Lucky Ladd Farms

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

10 BLONDE ON BLONDE

New book explores Nashville recording sessions of Bob Dylan.

14 COUNTRY GATHERING New Gathering at Milton venue hosts Oct. 13 fall festival.

16 FALL FAMILY EVENTS

Hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkins, festivals, trick-or-treating and more.

24 HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS 2018 guide to Middle Tennessee haunted houses and woods.

40 MIDTERM ELECTIONS

Alex Antoine wants to help clients live in health and positivity.

BOROPULSE . COM Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo

5 Events

26 Art

38 News

THIS MONTH

THEATER

LOCAL NEWS

Battle of Stones River Descendants’ Reunion, Wines of the World, Harvest Days

9 Sounds CONCERTS

The Katies, 8 Ball Aitken, Mixtape, TubaWeen and more! MUSIC NOTES

Big Creek Winery Tasting Room, Uptown Live and more! ALBUM REVIEWS

Sterfry; The Music of Nashville Shakespere Festival: Vol. 1

20 Living

Blackburn faces former Gov. Bredesen in U.S. Senate race.

41 I AM THE GYM!

Dead Land Haunted Woods

GARDENING

Easy fall prep work pays off; October Farmers Market free class schedule LIVE . . . WELL!

Ten benefits of spa services

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow; Jekyll & Hyde the Musical EXHIBITS

Michelle Swett, Pet Photography by Sandra Hafford, Boro Art Crawl POETRY

Inmates write of hard times and hope.

32 Movies REVIEWS

Eighth Grade, The Predator LIVING ROOM CINEMA

The Occult: Part 2

NEW RELEASES

A Star is Born, Goosebumps 2, Johnny English and more!

36 Food RESTAURANT REVIEW

Cali’s Creamery

Advertising: Contributors: Jennifer Durand, Don Clark Joseph Kathmann, Jordan Hall, Laura Lindsay, Leslie Russell-Yost Rick Malone, Zach Maxfield, M.C. Radford, Justin Reed, Edwina Shannon, Jay Spight, Art Director: Sarah Mayo Andrea Stockard, Norbert Thiemann, Semaj Thomas, Elizabeth Tullos, Phil Valentine, Copy Editor: Kory Wells, Andrew Wigdor, Michelle Willard Steve Morley

Plans for Blackman Park uncertain. BUSINESS BUZZ

Reeves-Sain, 219, Uncle Bud’s, Dog Haus, Poke Fun

41 Sports MTSU SPORTS

Blue Raiders move to 2–2 after thrilling victory against FAU. SPORTS TALK

Is the NFL going soft?

44 Opinion HIGHER THOUGHTS

For everyday living READING

Ecce Deus

PHIL VALENTINE

Figures don’t lie, but sometimes liars figure. SPIRITUAL MATTERS

A unique perspective

Copyright © 2018, The Murfreesboro Pulse, 10 N. Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. Proudly owned, operated and published the first Thursday of each month by the Mayo family; printed by Franklin Web Printing Co. The Murfreesboro Pulse is a free publication funded by advertisers. Views expressed in the Pulse do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. ISSN: 1940-378X

SIGN UP to receive our weekly digital newsletter at BoroPulse.com/Newsletter 10 N. Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 • 615-796-6248 To carry the PULSE at your business, or to submit letters, stories and photography: bracken@boropulse.com

I HOPE THANKFULNESS AND JOY FILL YOUR LIVES. Most of us direct a large portion of our time, energy and concern towards finances, going to work, making sales, budgeting, trying to make money—and save money—acquiring things, paying for things and finding a deal on things. That’s okay. An effort to take care of your household is a noble aim. Each day, block out a little bit of downtime, some fun time, some relaxing time, some family time and some personal time, too. Breathe deep and stretch it out, make sure your limited time goes towards achieving your goals, and bettering yourself and your community. Sometimes one can find joy and satisfaction even in repetitive or difficult work-related tasks—keep in mind, you do it to make a better future for your family, and to produce a meaningful product for your clients and supporters. Create! Create something—poetry, music, art, food, knives, videos, vehicles, hats or whatever it is that you are skilled at. Observe the creative expression of others in the area. You will always find listings for upcoming concerts in the Pulse. This has been a big part of our mission over the past 13 years, to let the people of Murfreesboro know when and where our local bands and musicians will perform in the area. I encourage you to select one of the area concerts that sounds interesting and go check it out, whether it’s The Katies at The Boro, 8 Ball Aitken at Mayday, Uncle Don Clark at Green Dragon, Pamela Ward at Puckett’s, MTSU Tuba Ensemble, I Am the Law at Autograph, Mixtape at Main Street or Delyn Christian at Hank’s. Both Big Creek Winery Tasting Room and The Gathering at Milton will present celebratory fall festivals and concerts in October. Friends of the Stones River National Battlefield will host a Descendants’ Reunion this month; an Oct. 11 evening of barbecue and brews will benefit the local Domestic Violence Center. The upcoming NaturAle event will support the Earth Experience. And I hear that organization will also host a full-size stegosaurus statue outside of the museum on Oct. 11 and 12. Michelle Sweatt has an exhibit currently over in Cannon County, and the Boro Art Crawl is back on Oct. 12. The Harvest Days community festival returns to Cannonsburgh this October, and fall festivals, pumpkins and trick-or-treating opportunities are all over the place. It’s the time of the year the nighttime temperature drops and for Dead Land Haunted Woods in Wilson County and other area haunts, as Middle Tennessee prepares to experience an increase in spooky activity. Area personal trainer Alex Antoine wants to inspire his clients to achieve their optimum health and be a positive role model for the youth in the community. Turn the pages to read more on all of these and other topics of local note. Until next time, the Pulse continues to seek the truth and report it in Murfreesboro and beyond. Peace, BRACKEN MAYO Publisher/Editor in Chief

Events BY ANDREA STOCKARD

OCT. 6 AUTHORS EVENT AT CENTER FOR THE ARTS Have you been planning on writing a book? Local author Denise Daisy offers advice on how to start writing or how to finish the book you’ve been working on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Daisy also covers the ins and outs of self-publishing, landing an agent and signing with a publishing house. Bring your latest work and join in the read and critique. For more information, visit boroarts.org.

OCT. 6 OCT. 6 BICYCLE TOUR OF STONES RIVER BATTLEFIELD Join a ranger for some exercise and education at Stones River National Battlefield (3501 Old Nashville Hwy.) Saturday, Oct. 6, from 9–11 a.m. For more information, visit nps.gov.

OCT. 12–13 BATTLE OF STONES RIVER DESCENDANTS’ REUNION Are you interested in a guided tour of Stones River National Battlefield and hearing a fascinating speaker talk about the battle? Would you like to meet descendants of the Battle of Stones River? Would you like to hear live music of the Civil War era? If so, consider attending the Battle of Stones River Descendants’ Reunion, Friday, Oct. 12, and Saturday, Oct. 13. Relatives and family members of Battle of Stones River veterans will join the staff and volunteers of the Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro to acknowledge their ancestors’ roles in the battle. If you had an ancestor fight at this battle or just want to be involved in a great program, organizers invite the public from all over. Dr. Earl Hess, noted author, lecturer and historian will be the featured speaker. Music of the Civil War era will be provided by the Home Sweet Home band. Battlefield historian Ranger Jim Lewis will conducted bus tours. Volunteers dressed in period costumes will give living history presentations. First Presbyterian Church, 210 N. Spring St., will host a reception on Oct. 12 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. There will be light refreshments, an artifact room, sharing of stories and live music. On Oct. 13 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. participants will tour the Stones River National Battlefield, Fortress Rosecrans and view living history programs. Lunch is included. At 5:30 p.m. the artifact room opens at First Presbyterian and Home Sweet Home band performs. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. followed by Keynote Speaker Dr. Earl Hess, Professor of History at Lincoln Memorial University, author of Civil War in the West, Kennesaw Mountain and many other titles. There is no cost to attend the Friday night reception and presentation by Dr. Earl Hess. The cost to attend the full program is $75; make reservations at stonesriverbattlefield.org. For more information, contact Ed Arning at 615-268-9339 or edarning@gmail. com, or Jim Lewis at 615-893-9501 or jim_b_lewis@nps.gov.

PLEIN AIR PAINT-OUT AND COWBOY GATHERING Join the Murfreesboro Art League on Saturday, Oct. 6, at Cannonsburgh Village (312 South Front St.) for the Plein Air Paint-Out and Cowboy Gathering. Paint outdoors for the chance to receive cash prizes and ribbons. If you’re not a plein air painter, watch cowboy re-enactment group Riverchase Posse do two “shoot-outs,” witness a “living history camp” and watch the painters while shopping at vendors’ booths, all starting at 10 a.m. on Oct. 6. Enjoy food trucks, live music by artists such as Jerry Green from 1–2 p.m., blacksmiths, antique cars, a “wet paint” exhibit from 6–8 p.m., and The Farmer and Adele concert from 4–6 p.m. Admission is $10.

Proceeds benefit the Murfreesboro Boys and Girls Club. For more information, contact murfreesboroartleague@gmail.com or visit murfreesboroartleague.blogspot.com.

OCT. 6 CAMPGLADIATOR BOOT CAMP Start your Saturday with 60 minutes of a free boot camp-style workout at CoreLife Eatery (2330 Medical Center Pkwy.) Saturday, Oct. 6, from 10–11 a.m. All of the workouts are designed and led by a certified personal trainer. All levels are welcome. Bring water and a mat (extras available). Stay afterwards for lunch at CoreLife Eatery and receive 50 percent off your meal. For more information, visit campgladiator.com.

OCT. 9 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce presents Business After Hours, an informal business networking event, on Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 5–7 p.m. at Kious Rodgers Barger Holder & King PLLC, 503 N. Maple St. Bring plenty of business cards. Admission is $10 for Chamber members and $20 for future members. No registration is required. For more information, visit rutherfordchamber.org. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

OCT. 9 JUNE MCCASH BOOK SIGNING Join Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) for a June McCash book signing Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. A celebrated author of historical novels, nonfiction and poetry, McCash signs and sells copies of Marguerite’s Landing. Like much of McCash’s work, Marguerite’s Landing explores the history of Jekyll Island, located off the coast of Georgia. The novel tells the true story of a couple forced to flee Brittany, France, during the French Revolution. Seeking refuge in the U.S., they must survive in a politically charged and economically staggered environment. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

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OCT. 18 AUTUMN TAILGATE PARTY The Avenue (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) will host an evening under the stars at Thursday Night Lights—Autumn Tailgate Party, the second series of events for adults by SupperClub Popups. Enjoy music, food and drinks, games and giveaways on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank

of Middle Tennessee and The Tennessee Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Enjoy bites from Bar Louie and BJ’s Brewhouse, desserts from Mimi’s Café and cocktails, craft beer and bourbon samples from Knob Creek Distillery and Steel Barrel Brewing. Find tickets for Thursday Night Lights—Autumn Tailgate Party at The Avenue on Eventbrite, or for more information, contact 615-895-8107 or neal@dpamedia.net.

History (816 Old Salem Rd.) welcomes the community to Dino Days on Friday, Oct. 12, from 2–9 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 13, from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. View several large displays in the parking lot including a full-size Stegosaurus statue. Students from MTSU Department of Geosciences present a fossil dig set up for kids, and the Geoscience faculty identifies rocks and fossils—bring your rocks for identification. (National fossil day is Oct. 17). Earth Experience is the only natural history museum in Middle Tennessee and the only museum in all the South to have an active dinosaur dig program that, every summer, collects more dinosaur bones in Montana. It is also the only museum in Tennessee to display real fossil bones from dinosaurs such as triceratops and T-Rex. Participation in the outdoor activities is free; standard museum rates apply for indoors. For more information, visit theearthexperience.org.

OCT. 12 WINES OF THE WORLD

tonk music with delicious wings and BBQ, tasty dessert and root beer floats at Copper Ridge Event Venue (3597 Betty Ford Rd.) Thursday, Oct. 11, from 6–9 p.m. This year’s benefit party includes a silent auction featuring bottles of wine, a dream vacation and more. Proceeds directly benefit the local Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center, protecting victims, preventing violence and empowering survivors. Admission is $40 in advance and $50 at the door. For more information, visit dvpshelter.org.

a dance audition or a recital, The Dance Store (1602 W. Northfield Blvd. #501) offers slightly used costumes for sale for $25 Oct. 11 and 12 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Oct. 13 until 4 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Dance for Hope Scholarship Fund in providing scholarships for young dancers to go to summer dance programs and intensives. The inaugural costume sale is an opportunity for dancers and non-dancers alike to find a beautiful outfit. For more information, visit thedancestoretn.com.

OCT. 11

OCT. 12 AND 13

ESTATE PLANNING

DINO DAYS To celebrate National Fossil Day and the Tennessee STEAM festival, Earth Experience: Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural

Join Stones River National Battlefield (3501 Old Nashville Hwy.) for Stones River Service Days Wednesday, Oct. 10 (and every second Wednesday of the month) from 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Earn community service hours by helping maintain natural resource management teams. For more information, visit nps.gov.

When the future is uncertain, and with the possibilities of Alzheimer’s, dementia, strokes and other conditions that limit capacity, powers of attorney and healthcare directives contain important instructions for the last years of life and allow you to name a trusted individual to oversee your care and financial affairs. Estate planning through wills and trusts is essential and allow you to customize plans for the distribution of your assets, provide for your chosen beneficiaries, and choose who will oversee your estate administration. Meet at Cultivate Coworking (107 W. Lytle St.) Thursday, Oct. 11, from 6–8 p.m. for a conversation with local professionals about estate planning. For more information or to register, find The Pulse Stops Here – Estate Planning Conversation on Eventbrite.

OCT. 11

OCT. 11–13

BOOTS & BREWS

ENCORE COSTUME SALE

Enjoy a fun evening out to sample local craft beers while swinging and mingling to honky-

No matter whether you are looking for a costume for Halloween, a play, a talent show,

OCT. 9 RUTHERFORD CABLE OCTOBER MEETING Join Rutherford Cable at the Stones River Country Club (1830 NW Broad St.) Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 7:30–9 a.m. for “How to Advocate for YOU & What You Want,” a presentation by Nicole Provonchee. Gain the tools and skills to be a better advocate for yourself. Learn how to determine your market value and ask for the raise, promotion or the title change you want. Provonchee, founder of Bright Blue Consulting, is an experienced business leader and executive coach with over 20 years in strategy, consulting, business development, communication and marketing roles, including 14 years in the healthcare industry. Bring business cards and make connections. For more information, visit rutherfordcable.org or email yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com.

OCT. 10 STONES RIVER SERVICE DAYS

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Sample wines from all around the world at Wines of the World by Jennifer Bass. Light hors d’oeuvres are provided by The Alley on Main with Farrer Farm. This “open house” features wines in different rooms throughout Kymari House (308 N. Spring St.) Friday, Oct. 12 from 6–9 p.m. 100% of the proceeds support Kymari House’s mission to keep kids safe in this community. Tickets are $30 and are limited. For more information, visit kymarihouse.org.

OCT. 13 QUICK STYLES FOR CURLS Classic Curls and Coils events present Quick Styles for your Curls, a free, two-hour session on hair education at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.) from 12–2 p.m. Learn what to do to grow your hair, how to retain your length, keep

OCT. 18 DOORS OF HOPE FIREFLY SUPPER The fourth annual Firefly Supper benefiting Doors of Hope features local chefs offering farm-to-table meals Thursday, Oct. 18, at Stone Gate Farm (714 Floraton Rd.). Local talented chefs from Five Senses, Adams Place, Milano II and Jack’s Place gather to prepare a wonderful meal in an elegant, rustic venue, served by the students from Blackman High School’s Culinary Arts Department. The Bart Warner Volunteer of the Year Award is also presented. The Doors of Hope mission is to strengthen the community by offering support services to women recently released from incarceration who are making the difficult transition back to societal life. To learn more about Doors of Hope, contact 615-900-0634 or ejohnston@opendoorsofhope.org, visit opendoorsofhope.org or find OpenDoorsofHope on Facebook.

your hair moisturized, quick styles followed by a Q&A. For more information, visit the naturalstylistofmurfreesboro Facebook page. Crystle Jones-Bond is a natural hairstylist and owns a salon called Assuage Hair and Body and a natural hair product line called Classic.

OCT. 13 ANTI-BULLYING CLASSES Understand how to recognize and prevent bullying while learning the basics of JiuJitsu and self-defense in a fun environment Saturdays, Oct. 13, 20 and 27 and Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. at Gracie Barra Murfreesboro Jiu-Jitsu (at Stones River Mall, 1720 Old Fort Pkwy.). Recognize bullying, how to stop and walk away, and stand up and protect yourself. For more information, visit gbmurfreesboro.com

OCT. 13 MIDDLE HALF MARATHON The 12th Annual Murfreesboro Half Marathon kicks off Saturday, Oct. 13, at 7 a.m. at the MTSU Dean Hayes Track & Soccer Complex (1568 Greenland Dr.) and travels through Murfreesboro’s historic district. Find more information on the annual half marathon at themiddlehalf.com.

OCT. 13 MURFREESBORO OPEN ON NATIONAL CHESS DAY National Chess Day is the second Saturday each October, and the Murfreesboro Chess Club presents a five-round Swiss-style chess tournament on Saturday, Oct. 13, to observe the occasion. Come out to First Cumberland Presbyterian Church (907 E. Main St.) with registration from 7:30– 8:45 a.m. Cash prizes awarded; members of the US Chess Federation only. Entry fee is $25 prior to Oct. 10 or $30 at the door. Early entries welcome. For more information, visit murfreesborochess.weebly.com or email murfreesborochess@gmail.com.

OCT. 14 DOUBLE YOUR ENERGY AND INCOME Double your energy and income with a private men’s event with “Super Coach” Micheal Burt and and renowned physician Dr. Steven Hotze, founder of the Hotze Health and Wellness Center in Houston and author of the best seller Do a 180 and Take Control of Your Health, at Burt’s home (1847 Sanctuary Pl.) Sunday, Oct. 14, from 6–8 p.m. Learn how to double your energy and income, what the body needs to get back to its intended state, and how to market and sell your services around the world. For more information, visit coachburt.com.

OCT. 14–20 FOOD FOR FINES Join Rutherford County Library System’s Food for Fines Oct. 14–20. For one week, patrons of the library system can bring in canned goods to pay off library fines. Not only will you be getting rid of some fines, but you will be helping those in need. Food donations are welcome throughout the week. Smyrna’s collection benefits the Nourish Food Bank, Eagleville’s goes to the Eagleville Community Center Food Bank and Linebaugh will collect for The Salvation Army. Charges for lost or damaged items or referral fees cannot be waived. Each can waives one dollar in fines. Please bring only new, unopened cans within expiration date. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with showtime at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Rock the Red Mic Eventbrite page.

OCT. 18 FEARLESS AND FABULOUS

OCT. 16

Reed and Associates holds a Women’s Empowerment Event and Expo on Thursday, Oct. 18, from 6–9 p.m. (201 E. Main St.). BYOB for a fun night of socializing, networking, and great speakers, a selfie station and select vendors. Leaders of the event are Rolanda Holman, author of Living the Good Life on Purpose, Leah Hulan, Miss Tennessee 1992 and owner of Grumpy’s Bail Bonds, and Tina Holder, wellness coach and founder of Break the Cycle. Wear jeans or your most fabulous cocktail dress and bring your own wine for a fantastic evening of conversation and inspiration with other extraordinary women. For more information, call 615-367-0100.

IDENTITY THEFT SOLUTIONS

OCT. 18

Identity theft is common. On Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 12–1 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce (3050 Medical Center Pkwy.) join a free lunch-and-learn on Identity Theft Solutions presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union. Learn the methods that identity thieves use to access confidential information, as well as tools to prevent ID theft and steps to take should identity theft occur. The event includes a box lunch, space is limited. For more information on this event, contact financialeducation@redfcu.org.

LYTLE CREEK RESTORATION PROJECT Join the Tennessee Environmental Council staff, volunteers and community members for food and drinks at Mellow Mushroom (2955 S. Rutherford Blvd.) from 5:30–7:30 p.m. to learn about the Lytle Creek Restora-

tion Project, a project to improve the water quality of Lytle Creek led by the Tennessee Environmental Council and Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Lytle Creek runs through the middle of Murfreesboro, where it joins the Stones River and leads to Percy Priest Lake, a source of regional drinking water. The Council is building rain gardens, planting trees and stabilizing the stream bank to provide cleaner water to Murfreesboro. The community has an important role in helping to accomplish these tasks. Registration required; contact sam@tectn.org for more information or visit tectn.org.

OCT. 20 FREE COMMUNITY YOGA Yoga for My People (1180 Park Ave.) invites the community every third Saturday of the month from 3:30–4:30 p.m. The class is free but donations are welcomed. Canned goods, clothes, shoes, socks, toys and other donations are accepted as well. For more information, find Yoga for My People on Facebook.

OCT. 20 ’BORO INTERNATIONAL Join an incredible community event ’Boro International Saturday, Oct. 20, from 11 CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

OCT. 18 THE CONNECTION Local small business owners will gather for The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18, at Champy’s Chicken, 1290 NW Broad St. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation event, where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. An open roundtable discussion will encourage participation from those in attendance, asking them to articulate their vision for their business and calling for examples of some of the business challenges and solutions they are experiencing. The series will continue the third Thursday of each month.

OCT. 18 ROCK THE RED MIC Join the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Rutherford County Alumnae Chapter, for Rock the Red Mic, the official kickoff to MTSU Homecoming 2018, on Thursday, Oct. 18, at LTA Depot (450 Butler Dr.) with singer and comedienne Rita Brent. BOROPULSE.COM

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$100. Sponsorship opportunities available. For more information, visit kimberlyfamily.org.

a.m.–4 p.m. at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). ’Boro International is an international cultural festival sponsored by Murfreesboro City Schools in partnership with MTSU, the Confucius Institute and Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation. This free festival offers food, crafts and entertainment from an array of cultures and countries represented in Middle Tennessee. Craft vendors offer homemade products. For a detailed schedule, visit the 2018 ’Boro International Facebook event page.

OCT. 27 PUG FESTIVAL

OCT. 21 NATURALE BEERFEST 2018 Join Earth Experience: Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History (816 Old Salem Rd.) on Sunday, Oct. 21, for the fifth annual NaturALE Beerfest from 2–6 p.m. The ticket price is $30 and includes a souvenir 5-oz. sampler glass, craft beer and ciders provided by the festival’s excellent vendors, music, games, and a tour of the museum. This family-friendly event offers a play area in the museum for children. Enjoy award-winning brews by Mid-State Brew Crew, The Brewsters and Panther Creek. For more information, visit theearthexperience.org.

OCT. 23 ADVANCE FALL SOCIAL Join Advance Rutherford’s third annual Fall Social on Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Discovery Center at Murfree Spring (502 SE Broad St.) Space is provided for each partner to display and distribute information. Admission is $10. Light refreshments, wine and soft drinks are provided. Advance Rutherford is a voluntary, non-partisan consortium of organizations and programs serving women and girls in Rutherford County. For more information, visit advancerutherford.org.

OCT. 24 FIGHT SUICIDE MOVEMENT Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the US. Local volunteers, students and community members are joining the quarter of a million people walking in towns across the country to draw attention to the fight for suicide prevention. The MTSU Out of the Darkness Community Walk, hosted by the Tennessee Chapter of AFSP, will be held at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at MTSU’s Student Union Courtyard. Registration begins at 11 a.m. This walk supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. For more information, contact 615-393-4742 or kcloud@afsp.org.

OCT. 25 RUMMAGE AND BAKE SALE 8 * OCTOBER 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF WGNS RADIO

OCT. 27

Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) hosts the third annual Middle Tennessee Pug Festival on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. to raise funds for a nonprofit pug rescue. All attending dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations and must remain on a leash during the festival. Volunteers are needed. The festival is registered with TNACHIEVES as an event satisfying students’ community service requirements. For more information on the event or volunteering, email midtnpugfestival@gmail.com.

HARVEST DAYS

SAT. & MON.

Celebrate the 43rd Annual Harvest Days at Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village (312 S. Front St.) Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Step back in time to visit this fullsize community of the 1800s and watch blacksmiths, yarn and wool spinners, visit the general store, see antique tractors and autos, and enjoy a hayride. For more information, visit murfreesborotn.gov.

Join Barnes & Noble (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) Saturdays and Mondays at 11 a.m. for children’s storytime and coloring. For more information, call 615-895-8580.

STORYTIME

WEDNESDAYS Join the annual Rummage and Bake Sale at Adams Place (1927 Memorial Blvd.) on Thursday, Oct. 25, from 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Admission is free beginning at 10:30, but first priority will be given to VIP patrons arriving at 10 a.m. for $20 admission. Donate gently-used items for the rummage sale through Oct. 24 (no clothes or shoes, please). For more information, call 615904-9111 or visit adamsplace.org.

OCT. 25 COURTYARD FALL SOCIAL Come out to the Courtyard by Marriott Nashville SE/Murfreesboro (1306 Greshampark Dr.) on Thursday, Oct. 25, from 5–7:30 p.m. for the Courtyard’s second birthday celebration. Meet in the lobby for free live music, vendors and networking. Featured vendors include Project Donuts, Scentsy, Scooter Cakes, Younique and Taco Garage. For more information, contact 615907-3105 or mramos@vhghotels.com.

OCT. 26 PROJECT ONE FOUR GOLF TOURNAMENT Project One Four presents its 11th Annual Golf Tournament at Old Fort Golf Club (1028 Golf Ln.) on Friday, Oct. 26. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the shotgun start at 10 a.m. An auction features items like a signed bat from Aaron Judge, framed signed jersey from Mookie Betts, signed, game-used jersey from David Price and several signed baseballs from MLB teams. Sponsorships available. Proceeds are disbursed among

several different agencies that help benefit the youth throughout Middle Tennessee. The event is open to the first 32 teams, and entry includes green fees, cart fees, breakfast foods (coffee and pastries) and lunch by Chuy’s. For reservations, contact 615-4780007 (text) or bonnie@project14.org. For more information, visit project14.org.

OCT. 27 NATURAL HAIR EXPO Pampered Pretty and Corene Gardner present a Natural Hair, Beauty and Business Expo on Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County (820 Jones Blvd.) from 1–5 p.m. Not only is natural hair and beauty highlighted, but women in business are honored. Entrepreneurs from around the world gather and empower, inspire and ignite a flame within each other. Events include hair battles, barber battles, natural hair care classes, makeup classes, a natural hair fashion show, tribute to breast cancer awareness and swag bags. For tickets ($10) and vendor registration, visit pampered-pretty.com.

OCT. 27

BORO2SQUARE RUNNERS Boro2Square Runners is a running group for individuals interested in running and socializing with other runners. Weekly runs begin at 6 p.m. each Wednesday, starting from the Boulevard Bar and Grill, 2154 Middle Tennessee Blvd. Distances covered are 3–5 miles, with runners of all paces welcome to participate. For more information, visit facebook.com/boro2square.

WEDNESDAYS WRITERS GROUP The Murfreesboro Writers Group meets every Wednesday at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) from 6–8 p.m. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

THURSDAYS CHESS CLUB Murfreesboro Chess Club meets each Thursday at 6 p.m. at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 907 E. Main St. Chess players of all levels are invited to come meet and play against other local chess enthusiasts. For more information, call 615-713-9256 or email murfreesborochess@gmail.com.

CHARITY CASINO NIGHT

FRIDAYS

Join the Kimberly Family Foundation for their second annual Charity Casino Night, presented by The Crossings at Victory Station and The Alley on Main, on Saturday, Oct. 27, at The Warehouse in Murfreesboro (730 Middle Tenn. Blvd.) from 6–11 p.m. Enjoy two rounds of heavy hors d’oeuvres by The Alley, an open bar and three hours of Vegas-quality casino games. Tickets are

Hang out around the cafe at Barnes & Noble (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) to enjoy any available demo games or play with the local Chess Club on Fridays. Anyone is welcome to participate. For more information, call 615-895-8580 or visit the Barnes & Noble Facebook event page.

GAME NIGHT AND CHESS AT BARNES & NOBLE

CONCERTS WED, 10/3 ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

MTSU Chamber Winds

THURS, 10/4 HANK’S

Mike Phillips

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

MTSU Women’s Chorale

THE BORO

Jackson Harrison

FRI, 10/5 BURGER BAR

Kyle and Jimmy

COCONUT BAY CAFE

Bueller Band

HANK’S

Delyn Christian, Sarah Martin

MAYDAY BREWERY

Ted Drozdowski

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

Herrick

THE GREEN DRAGON

Uncle Don Clark

SAT, 10/6 AUTOGRAPH REHEARSAL STUDIO

Ophiuchus, Iraconji, Stump Tail Dolly, Wuden Boi

HANK’S

Joe Hooper, Zach Neil & Dale Clear

8 BALL AITKEN MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

Drake Wallace Memorial composition recital

THE BORO

Live Jazz

THURS, 10/11 HANK’S

Zac Edington

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

MTSU Symphonic Band, MTSU Wind Ensemble

NACHO’S

Devin Port

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

Lacy Green

THE BORO

Radical Arts Open Mic Comedy Night

FRI, 10/12 BURGER BAR

Kyle and Jimmy

COCONUT BAY CAFE

Crossroads Band

HANK’S

Bailey Rose, Jack Finley Band

MAYDAY BREWERY

8 Ball Aitken

MURFREESBORO PUBLIC SQUARE

Greg Reish and friends

THE BORO

Plow’d, Nashville Non-Prophets

MAYDAY BREWERY

SAT, 10/13

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

AUTOGRAPH REHEARSAL STUDIO

The Jackillacs

Pamela K. Ward

THE BORO

Mark Henes and the Strippers, Stan Lassiter

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

MTSU Symphony Orchestra

SUN, 10/7 HANK’S

Emily Miller

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

MTSU Schola Cantorum and Middle TN Choral Society; MTSU Brass Chamber Ensembles

MON, 10/8 MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

Stones River Chamber Players

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING, ROOM 173

Wire’s Jazz Combo

TUES, 10/9 BURGER BAR

Sarah Martin

HANK’S

Don Mealer

Hallow Point, Purity Among Thieves, Abyss Walker, Heretics

FRI, 10/12 @ MAYDAY BREWERY

Originally, a “fire-haired lad from far North Queensland [Australia],” the now-Texasbased troubadour 8 Ball Aitken returns to Murfreesboro for a Friday, Oct. 12, performance. 8 Ball brings his rowdy, skilled and energetic swamp rock / Delta blues, laced with slide guitars, harmonica and soulful vocals, to Mayday Brewery. There is no cover charge, and the 7 p.m. show is open to all ages.

TUES, 10/16 BURGER BAR

Sarah Martin

HANK’S

Troy Breslow

THE BORO

Live Jazz

WED, 10/17 MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

Nicole Davis

THURS, 10/18 HANK’S

Spencer Maige

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

Caleb Littleton

THE BORO

Jackson Harrison

FRI, 10/19

THE BORO

The Katies, Hurts to Laugh

SUN, 10/21

TubaWeen

TUES, 10/23 BURGER BAR

Sarah Martin

HANK’S

Delyn Christian

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

MTSU Jazz Combos

THE BORO

Live Jazz

HANK’S

COCONUT BAY CAFE

MAYDAY BREWERY

HANK’S

Preston Ary, Justin Dukes Lincoln Layne

My July Band

Sara Simmons, Hank Cawthorne

PATTERSON PARK COMMUNITY CENTER

MAIN STREET MUSIC

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

MAYDAY BREWERY

THE BORO

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

Dewdrop Jamboree Steel Blossoms

Skeetzo ’N Krysis, Fargo Strut

SUN, 10/14 HANK’S

The O’Donnells

STONES RIVER NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD

Tennessee Valley Winds

MON, 10/15 THE CROSSROADS AT TRENZILORE

Overwhelm_ed, Blacksheeprhythm, Strepitus Diaboli

Rubiks Groove

Jackson Harrison Matt Lund

THE BORO

M-Prov! Murfreesboro Improv

SHACKLETT’S

The Ryan Casey Trio

SAT, 10/20 COCONUT BAY CAFE

Karaoke with the Hitman Walker

HANK’S

Colleen Lloy, Wes Loper

MAYDAY BREWERY

The Cosmic Collective

 To view the Pulse concert calendar online, visit BOROPULSE.COM/CALENDAR

Carpe Artista 101 Front St., Smyrna 615-984-4038 CJ’s Restaurant 352 W. Northfield Blvd. #1A 615-546-4164 Champy’s 1290 NW Broad St. 615-225-8040 Coconut Bay Café 210 Stones River Mall Blvd. 615-494-0504

COCONUT BAY CAFE

Zone Status

HANK’S

Blake Esse, Jack Finley Band

MON, 10/22 MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

Sid King; Oystein Baadsvik

THE BORO

Tail Light Rebellion

THURS, 10/25 HANK’S

Bailey Rose

NACHO’S

Devin Port

THE BORO

Radical Arts Comedy Night

FRI, 10/26 BURGER BAR

Kyle and Jimmy

MAIN STREET MUSIC

Mix Tape

MAYDAY BREWERY

Tim Myles

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

Free the Reed with Hu Jianbing and Howard Levy

Autograph Rehearsal Studio 1400 W. College St. 615-686-6121 Burger Bar 1850 Old Fort Pkwy. 615-895-5555

THE BORO

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

DJ RDP

PICK

SHACKLETT’S

George Dunn

WED, 10/24

Kyle and Jimmy

PULSE

HANK’S

BURGER BAR

COCONUT BAY CAFE

IF YOU GO

First Fruit Jazz Project Stupid Games

SAT, 10/27 AUTOGRAPH REHEARSAL STUDIO

Deface the Dream, Kanypshyn, Deadwatt, I Am the Law, Skullkin, Sic Semper Tyrannis

COCONUT BAY CAFE

Scaryoke with DJ Krazee D

HANK’S

J.D. Myers, Tyler Stephens

MTSU FLOYD STADIUM

Contest of Champions

THE BORO

Future Chord, Weathertalk, The Schwa

SUN, 10/28 HANK’S

Karree J. Phillips

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

Keyboard Artist Series: Kirill Gliadkovsky

MON, 10/29

Georgia’s Sports Bar 555 S. Lowry St.,Smyrna 615-267-0295 Green Dragon 714 W. Main St. 615-801-7171 Hank’s 2341 Memorial Blvd. 615-410-7747 Main Street Music 527 W. Main St. 615-440-2425 Mayday Brewery 521 Old Salem Hwy. 615-479-9722 MTSU Wright Music Building 1439 Faulkinberry Dr. 615-898-2469 Nacho’s 2962 S. Rutherford Blvd. 615-907-2700 Patterson Park Community Center 521 Mercury Blvd. 615-893-7439 Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant 114 N. Church St. 629-201-6916 Shacklett’s Photography 105 S. Church St. 615-893-2369

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 116 N. Academy St.

TUES, 10/30

Stones River National Battlefield 3501 Old Nashville Hwy. 615-893-9501

MTSU Flute Studio

BURGER BAR

Sarah Martin

HANK’S

Pontiac Alley

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

Saxophone Studio Recital

THE BORO

Live Jazz

The Boro Bar & Grill 1211 Greenland Dr. 615-895-4800 The Crossroads at Trenzilore 6097 Lebanon Pk.

BOROPULSE.COM

* OCTOBER 2018 * 9

Sounds

Read more about local music at

BoroPulse.com/Category/Music

 BIG CREEK WINERY TASTING ROOM HOSTS OCT. 20 CELEBRATION Big Creek Winery Tasting Room in Christiana, Tenn., will host its official grand opening celebration on Saturday, Oct. 20. The business invites everyone to enjoy a pleasant day of wine, music and relaxation during the rise of the fall season. From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., The Big Creek Winery Tasting Room will feature a variety of locally-made products such as honey, lotions, etched wine glasses and festive gift baskets. There’ll also be plenty of opportunities to win door prizes throughout the day. Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. Sit back and sip wine under the crisp October sky. It should be a perfect time to grab a bite to pair with fine wine from one of Tennessee’s newest wine tasting rooms. Attendees are welcome to bring picnics or walk across the street to Miller’s Grocery to enjoy scratch-made Southern delicacies. That traditional country cafe is a treasure to Christiana that has been rooted in the area for close to 75 years. Sink your teeth into Tennessee history! The official music lineup for Oct. 20 is an earthy blend of folk, Americana, country and Southern rock. A few Nashville artists will supply great music, followed by Murfreesboro’s own Ian C. Parker. Music begins at 11 a.m. and will continue into the evening: 11 a.m. – Jason Harrison 12 p.m. – Laura Lane 2:15 p.m. – Travelin’ Kind  4:30 p.m. – Pickin Crows 6:45 p.m. – Ian C. Parker Candy Wence started the tasting room in July, and she’s excited to welcome family and friends to this fall festival celebration. Big Creek Winery Tasting Room, 7027 Main St., Christiana, is open 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays, and from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, visit bigcreekwinerytennessee.com or call 615-785-2124. — JORDAN HALL 12 * OCTOBER 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

FIRST FRUIT JAZZ PROJECT, RYAN PROJECT CASEY PERFORM ON THE SQUARE IN OCTOBER 

THE UPTOWN LIVE CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES in October on the Murfreesboro Public Square with performances by First Fruit Jazz Project and the Ryan Casey Trio. The concerts, held on the balcony of Shacklett’s Photography, are free, and organizers hope that those shopping, dining, strolling or hanging out near downtown Murfreesboro enjoy the talented local musicians who participate in the project, and that the music might even draw some people to the Square. “We do this to promote downtown business, and to get folks together to just enjoy one another, make new friends, and have good memories of historic Murfreesboro to share with their kids,” Uptown Live organizer Thom Christy said. On Friday, Oct. 19, beginning at 7 p.m., the Ryan Casey Trio will perform at Uptown Live. The following Friday, Oct. 26, also at 7 p.m., the First Fruit Jazz Project will take the balcony. The Murfreesboro combo First Fruit Jazz Project plays a unique blend of jazz, funk, gospel, blues and improvisational rock. According to keyboardist Mark Cherry, traditional gospel hymns are rich in their lyrical content but the melodies and chords accompanying them are sometimes unable to match the emotion the lyrics evoke. A jazz-based approach was needed, he says, to bring a fresh energy to the many traditional hymns. “They’re all extremely accomplished players, and I’m sure they will rock the house,” Christy said of FFJP. For more information on Uptown Live, visit facebook.com/uptownlivemurfreesboro; Shacklett’s Photography is located at 105 S. Church St.

 ENTERTAINMENT

DJ, BINGO, TRIVIA & KARAOKE NIGHTS SUNDAYS SAM’S SPORTS GRILL Trivia, 8 p.m.

MONDAYS AHART’S PIZZA GARDEN Trivia, 6:30 p.m. HANK’S Open Mic, 6–10 p.m. LEVEL III Trivia, 7 p.m. JACK BROWN’S Trivia Night 7 p.m. MT BOTTLE Bingo 7 p.m.

TUESDAYS COCONUT BAY Live Trivia, 7:30 p.m. NACHO’S Trivia, 7 p.m.

OLD CHICAGO Trivia, 9 p.m.

WHISKEY DIX DJ Cliffy D, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS

FRIDAYS

CAMPUS PUB Karaoke, 10 p.m.–2:30 a.m. HANK’S Karaoke, 7–10 p.m. PHAT BOYS Karaoke, 7–11 p.m. SAM’S SPORTS GRILL Trivia, 8 p.m. STATION GRILL Trivia, 7 p.m.

GEORGIA’S SPORTS BAR Karaoke, 9 p.m. MT BOTTLE Karaoke, 9 p.m.–3 a.m. PHAT BOYS Karaoke, 8 p.m.–1 a.m.

THURSDAYS CAMPUS PUB Trivia, 6:15 and 8:15 p.m. GEORGIA’S SPORTS BAR Karaoke, 7 p.m. PHAT BOYS Karaoke, 8 p.m.–1 a.m.

SATURDAYS CAMPUS PUB Karaoke, 10 p.m.–2:30 a.m. MT BOTTLE Karaoke 9 p.m.–3 NACHOS Trivia, 7 p.m.

 Send karaoke, trivia, open mic and events to listings@boropulse.com

ALBUMS BY JORDAN HALL

STERFRY

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Producer Sterling Scott, a.k.a. Sterfry, stormed out of the gate with his album, Kitchen, this past July. The album, constructed from experimental jazz colliding against an electronic cascade of sound, is a particular gem that shimmers with uncommon oddities sprinkled all over. Sterfry meticulously created an unforgettable electronic album that fuses jazz, hiphop, trance and lo-fi into exotic soundscapes. Sterfry’s fusion electronica sounds a lot like Tipper’s articulate style paired with Flying Lotus’ cosmic jazz. The melodies are all over the place. Choruses are nowhere to be found, with the exception of “Avalanche.” Rhythmically, there is a lot of scattered variety. This is a predominantly instrumental album without defined musical boundaries. A dash of open-mindedness goes a long way. Sterfry doesn’t follow any conventional styles as he throws listeners down a dark corridor and hides the key. From the start, “Nightcrawler” knocks us off guard with a wild blend of dissonant saxophone and an earful of fuzzy synth among Sterfry’s low-end trickery. Kick drums fire left and right. Mountains of bass swell. Obscure sounds are found wedged in odd places. Fragments of free-form jazz fly sporadically. Kitchen is wild and untamable, and might deter casual music fans from listening to it regularly, as it probably falls in the experimental category. However, Sterfry’s ability to navigate through complex arrangements, his sense of timing and superb mixing skills are astounding. Still, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the onslaught of sound in some tracks; “Noodle Party” is a tough track to follow. Sterling’s sister, Sunshine, makes an appearance on the last track, “Avalanche.” Her expertly modulated vocals on the track are an attractive complement to Sterfry’s messy sound design. The contrast between clarity and chaos couldn’t be sweeter. Find Kitchen, an otherworldly, vibrant piece of work, at sterfry.bandcamp.com.

The Nashville Shakespeare Festival recently released the first volume of its riveting collection of Shakespearean country, blues and folk tunes. The NSF presents lively musical adaptations of themes from Shakespeare’s legendary work. The Volume 1 album includes songs chosen from NSF performances that took place between 2014 and 2018, forged by some of the best composers and writers of Music City. Producers Brent King and Jack Kingsley helped steer the project, working with a broad variety of musicians and co-writers, including the project’s executive producer, Denice Hicks. Seven songwriters come together to interpret and portray the Bard’s work on the album, and numerous other musicians were involved. Continuity is hard to maintain when mixing recordings from different artists and styles. Surprisingly, as diverse as it is, the album displays a reasonable level of track-to-track continuity. A country-blues-Shakespearean album is an odd concept to digest; while this sort of project is a novelty, that doesn’t mean it deserves to be tossed out. There’s little question what city the album came from. We hear strong elements of traditional genres that are native Southern favorites. Potent Southern gospel meets the rich bluegrass heritage fashioned by the greats. Browsing quickly through the album will spark echoes of Bob Dylan. Every now and then, the album pays a nod to Broadway. Scraps of skiffle and classic rock loosely bleed through the collection. Unless you’re well-versed in Shakespeare or share an interest in classic literature, expect a hard time fully grasping The Music of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, featuring modern artists respectfully building new renditions of an art form we’ll never get to experience in full authenticity. In front of the right audience, the first volume released by the NSF shines. Behind the red curtain, it blends in with the typical Nashville sounds.

Kitchen

The Music of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival: Vol 1

A CLASSIC OUTSTANDING

AVERAGE BELOW AVERAGE

AVOID AT ALL COSTS DEAD

Sounds

Side of the Gathering with new paint and new gooseneck lighting

Old Milton Store

Country Gathering

Philip and Alanna Vaught in front of The Gathering at Milton

Gathering at Milton holds Oct. 13 Fall Market and Craft Fair BY JORDAN HALL ON SATURDAY, OCT. 13, The Gathering at Milton will celebrate its grand opening by hosting the first Milton Fall Market and Craft Fair. More than 50 different festival booths will feature baked goods, crafts, art, antiques and music from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event serves as a new beginning for the former Milton County Store. The Gathering at Milton team is excited about the great products and services coming to the fair. Woodworkers, designers, bakers and jewelers are eager to display their hard work and goods. Enjoy live music while you browse. The country/bluegrass band Texarkana will travel from Hendersonville to perform at the event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Surrounding churches and business in the area have offered fields and lots to use for parking space. The Gathering will also feature festivities for children, including an inflat-

able John Deere tractor from Tennessee Event Specialists. The Mini Creek Farm petting zoo will also be available for kids to enjoy. The old building, formerly known as Milton County Store and as Manuel’s Cajun Country Store, holds a lot of significance in the Milton community. How did Philip and Alanna Vaught become the new proprietors of the building? “We joked about buying [Milton County Store] in the past,” Alanna says. “However, we were never serious.” But the couple made the decision to buy the building after Philip stopped to check up on the store while its recent auction was underway. The Vaughts shared a vision to create a venue where the community could “gather” for multiple occasions. This, in a building once known for being a place where country music superstars would drop in, eat and often

Texarkana

14 * OCTOBER 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

perform, during its time as Manuel’s. “This was the heartbeat of the community, where family and friends gathered. Thinking about that is how I came up with our name,” said Alanna, an instructor with Middle Tennessee State University School of Agriculture. “We want it to continue to be the gathering place at Milton, where people come and make memories for the next 100 years.” The undertaking began on a cold rainy morning in February 2018 when Phillip

Vaught, an agriculture entrepreneur, made a spontaneous stop at the auction of the property. He said it was not his intention to make a bid. However, after the final gavel fell, the couple were the owners of the former store building, the house and the lawn next door, and they began bringing back the century-old structure which had sat empty for almost a decade. “Maybe I’m a little crazy,” he said. “But I like a project and part of me hated to see a piece of history slipping away. Alanna and I are both passionate about the potential of this area. We are raising our family on a farm nearby and we think there is a great future here.” The Vaughts now intend to rent out the venue for formal occasions, shows, live music, seasonal events and more. Many folks in the Milton area greatly appreciate their restoration efforts, revitalizing a local treasure with important historical significance. Admission to the grand opening is $5. For a full list of vendors, and more information on the new venue, visit thegatheringatmilton.com or call (615) 653-6018. The Gathering at Milton is located at 12026 Milton St.; the Oct. 13 Milton Fall Market and Craft Fair kicks off at 9 a.m.

It's Fall Y'all

Fall Fun in Middle Tennessee

iddle Tennessee offers a ton of family-friendly pumpkin patches, fall festivals, corn mazes, and even some that are free of charge. Carve out some time and some pumpkins with your loved ones this season. Happy fall! BY LAURA LINDSAY

Lucky Ladd Farms

4374 Rocky Glade Rd., Eagleville luckyladdfarms.com Open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Wednesdays–Saturdays and noon–5 p.m. Sundays A Middle Tennessee favorite, featuring a Nashville Predators corn maze, a pumpkin patch, slides, swings, pony rides a pumpkin slingshot and fall concessions. Lots of activities for kids and adults. $13.99 for adults, $11.99 for seniors over 65 and kids 2–12

Fall for Lascassas

Lascassas Farmers Market, 7684 Barlow Ln., Lascassas Follow the pumpkin patch signs from Hwy. 96. Open 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on Saturdays through Oct. 27 Farmers market, kids maze, pumpkin patch, crafts and more. A different event each weekend. For updates, find Lascassas Farmers Market on Facebook.

Hayride, trick-or-treat and scary tours. Cost is $13 for members, $16 for non-members; free for ages 2 and under.

Shadow Chasers of Middle Tennessee Ghost Walks

12–5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 The fall edition of the La Vergne Farmers’ Market (behind the library) includes pumpkins, pumpkin painting station, games, vendors, food trucks, live music and more.

Oct. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 S. Public Square, Murfreesboro Walking tour of downtown Murfreesboro leaves from Big B Cleaners on the square every 30 minutes starting at 7 p.m. with the last tour leaving at 9:30 p.m. Tour lasts about an hour. Cost is $5. Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Fall Handmade Market

La Vergne Fall Farmers’ Market and Festival

Haunted Hayride

5063 Murfreesboro Rd., La Vergne, 615-207-4678

CEF Fall Fest

Lane Agri-Park, 315 John R. Rice Blvd., 615-244-4373 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 Enjoy food, fun, all things fall, shopping with vendors, face painting, prizes, games, bake sale, concessions and a pumpkin patch. Proceeds benefit the Child Evangelism Fellowship of Middle Tennessee. Free

Boo at the Zoo

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere 3777 Nolensville Pk., Nashville 5–9 p.m. Oct. 12–14, 18–21 and 25–28; nashvillezoo.org/boo Featuring the Howl-O-Ween 16 * OCTOBER 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

Mid-TN Expo, 1660 Middle Tennessee Blvd. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 D&Co. Markets presents the Fall Handmade Market for handmadeonly craft and food vendors. The event includes an indoor pumpkin patch, free photos and treats. Admission is free.

Barfield Crescent Park, 697 Veterans Pkwy., 615-217-3017 7–9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19

Brown’s Farm Corn Maze

7231 Cainsville Pk., Lascassas Open 3–10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturdays and by appointment on Sundays through Nov. 3 $12 for adults, $10 for children ages 5–12, 4 and under are free. Murfreesboro Parks & Rec presents a frightening hayride through Barfield Crescent Park. $5

Carnival and Twilight Trail Barfield Crescent Park, 697 Veterans Pkwy., 615-217-3017 5–7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19 and 20 The Twilight Trail is a fun and notfrightening activity sponsored by the Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation Department. At the same time, there is a family-fun carnival going on at the park. Cost is $4.

Walden Pumpkin Farm 8653 Rocky Fork Rd., Smyrna, waldenfarm.biz Open 3–6:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Saturdays and noon–4 p.m. Sundays throughout October Pick a pumpkin and other fall items, enjoy the hayride and visit the farm animals. Food and beverages including pumpkin fudge and chocolatedipped cheesecake are available for purchase. Free admission and free parking.

Sam Davis Home Ghost Tours

1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna 7–11 p.m. Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27 samdavishome.org Spooky hayride and ghost stories. $10, $5 for children 5–12

Flashlight Nights in Oaklands Mansion

900 N. Maney Ave., Murfreesboro 7–10 p.m. Oct. 24–27 oaklandsmansion.org Explore and experience mourning customs and superstition of the Victorian era. Bring your own flashlight to the tour. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for students and children.

Spooky Soiree for Those with Intellectual Disabilities Patterson Park Community Center, 521 Mercury Blvd. 6–9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26 615-893-7439 Patterson Park Community Center hosts a Spooky Soiree Halloween Party in the adult gym for age 13+ children with intellectual disabilities. Free

Harvest Days Celebration at Cannonsburgh Village

312 S. Front St., Murfreesboro 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 Music, hayrides and an antique car show. Watch clogging, CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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pottery and blacksmith demonstrations and much more. Food and craft vendors onsite. Free admission.

MLT Fall Festival

702 Ewing Blvd., mltarts.com 2–6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 Carnival games and Halloween fun, a special “pay-what-you-can” outdoor performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

Shabby Lane’s Fall Treats & Holiday Sneak-A-Peak

Lane Agri-Park Community Center 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 Join over 60 vendors for shopping, trickor-treating, food and fun. There will be free photo ops, games, costume contest, BBQ from Next Pig Thing. Free admission

Trail of Treats

Veterans Memorial Park, , La Vergne 2–4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 Includes a hayride, games and a hike along the park trail to trick-or-treat at local businesses. New this year, spooky story time at the La Vergne Public Library at 1:30 p.m. just before the park’s event. Free admission

18 * OCTOBER 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

Family Chiropractic Fall Festival

1114 N. Tennessee Blvd. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 wellnessmurfreesboro.com Children ages 4–12 can decorate pumpkins, play ring toss, cornhole and pin-thehand-on-the-skeleton games and win prizes at this free family event.

Halloween in the Park

Sharp Springs Natural Area Park 311 Jefferson Pk., Smyrna 3–8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 Smyrna Parks and Rec hosts games, free inflatables, a pie eating contest, vendors and zombie laser tag. A costume contest will be held in various age categories: 3 and under at 3:15 p.m., 4–5-year-olds at 3:45 p.m., 6–7-year-olds at 4:15 p.m., 8–9-year-olds at 4:45 p.m., 10–14-yearolds at 5:15 p.m., and ages 15 and up at 5:45 p.m. Free to attend, $2 hayrides, $3 haunted house

Harvest Hoedown at World Outreach

1921 New Salem Hwy., Murfreesboro Oct. 28, 1–4 p.m. Wear your costumes and enjoy story time,

face painting, inflatables, music, food trucks, tons of candy and plenty of fun. Free and open to the public. For more information visit wochurch.org.

Borderless Arts Halloween Party

MTSU Tom Jackson Building 628 Alma Mater Dr. 6–8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29 Participate in Scary Food Bake-Off contest, dance contest, crafts and games at Borderless Arts Tennessee’s Halloween Party

Children’s Halloween Party at Patterson Park

Patterson Park Community Center 521 Mercury Blvd., 615-893-7439 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30 Children ages 3–5 are encouraged to wear their costumes and be a part of the trick or treat parade. Free.

Trick-or-Treat on Greek Row

MTSU's Greek Row is located off the corner of Alumni Dr. and N. Rutherford Blvd. 5–7 p.m. on Oct. 30 Kids ages 12 and under can enjoy games, activities, prizes and candy (while supplies last). Free and open to the public.

Special Needs Treat-or-Treat

Jones Therapy Serivces 855 W. College St., Murfreesboro 4–7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30 Geared toward children with special needs and their families. Costumes are encouraged. For more information and to reserve a spot, contact marissad@ jonestherapy.com

Fall Celebration and Hayride at Cannonsburgh 312 S. Front St., Murfreesboro 2–4 p.m. Oct. 31, 615-890-0355 Games, candy and a tractor-drawn hayride. $2 per person

Trick-or-Treating at the “Old Maney Mansion”

900 N. Maney Ave., Murfreesboro 4–7 p.m. on Oct. 31 Stop in to trick-or-treat on Halloween.

Trick-or-Treat on the Square Murfreesboro Public Square Until dusk Wednesday, Oct. 31

Living

Farmers Market Education Series BY EDWINA SHANNON

Easy Fall Prep Work Pays Off Next Year

ter Gardeners. A wide range of topics are offered. Many of the classes are recorded and can be viewed at the RC Farmers Market YouTube channel.

Free Classes In October: OCT. 2 Mushrooms in the Home Garden Learn about growing your own mushrooms with Certified Master Gardener Floyd Adams.

OCT. 5

THE FALL EQUINOX HAS PASSED, so the season has officially arrived. For me, it is the season when I assess everything that I want to do differently in my gardens for next year. Part of that assessment is recognizing that I need to get the spring garden area ready now for planting next spring. If you wait until planting time, which can start as early as February, the soil will be too wet to furrow or mound. I know: I have tried, and failed, with a good spring crop. Get it ready now. Cover the prepared area with a mulch throughout the winter so all you have to do is plant between the mulch or pull it back to allow a row of seed. The land should not be left bare. Consider a cover crop. If you plan on starting a garden next spring, now is the perfect time to start. Consider putting a lasagna garden together now which would have the area available for planting next spring. What is a lasagna garden? It is a super-easy, lazy way to get good soil. It is organic and the name does not reflect what will be grown there but rather the method used for layering. Some will use it as a basis for a raised bed. Others will add to an existing open bed. All materials used are organic and compostable. Many start with the existing plants. If it is a weed bed that you are replacing, I would pull the weeds before they go to seed. I have read of others who just mash them down and pile them on top, in layers. Thus the lasagna concept. Thankfully, there is no hard and fast rule. The mission is to build rich, pliable soil with a humus base. Collect and flatten cardboard, newspapers 20 * OCTOBER 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

(just stay away from glossy paper), composted leftovers (no meat or bones), sawdust, aged manure, grass clippings from grass that is not chemically overdosed with weed killers and fertilizers, old hay and leaves, preferably chopped by the lawnmower. Peat moss is a great soil amendment to have as part of the mix. An experienced lasagnagarden maker told me to think of peat moss as cheese in lasagna . . . layer generously between other layers. Then consider wood ash as the Parmesan that goes on top. With heavy snows in northern climes, it is easy to layer 24 inches, which will compact and decompose. The expectation is that the end result will be between one-quarter and onethird as high as the original lasagna. If it does not become as compacted as expected and remnants of your layers are still discernible at planting time, just plant on it anyway. The layers continue to decompose as the crop matures. The more organic and natural my gardening practices become, the easier the process is for me. Try it. Use those Amazon boxes and perused newspapers as something other than landfill.

Farmers’ Market Open

The Farmers’ Market located at Lane Agri-Park Community Center, 315 John Rice Blvd., is indoors and open from 7 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Fridays. It is a producer-only market. UT Extension offers free educational classes for the local gardener at 9 a.m. on both days of the market. Classes last about one hour and are given by professionals and Mas-

Planting Garlic and Spinach Certified Master Gardener Anna Paddon discusses the planting, what to expect during the winter, care and harvesting garlic and spinach.

OCT. 26 Soup-er Nutrition Extension Agent Misty Layne-Watkins teaches about how nutritious and easy-to-prepare soups can be, using a simple formula.

OCT. 30 Seasonal Eating Extension Agent Carla Bush offers a food demonstration to offer recipes and tips for selection and preparing our local, fresh foods.

Other Activities: THE FALL MARKET ARTS FESTIVAL occurs during the Market days in October. While shopping for produce, you will see vendors selling handcrafted items, sewn items, wreaths and candles. You can certainly pick up some holiday pieces.

OCT. 9 Family and Community Education Club Extension Agent Carla Bush discusses FCE; education, leadership, and community service are the purposes of this group of volunteers.

OCT. 12 Family and Community Education Club Extension Agent Carla Bush discusses FCE; education, leadership, and community service are the purposes of this group of volunteers.

OCT. 16 Planting Trees and Shrubs Now is the time to plant trees and shrubs. Learn the best methods and how to choose your species from Extension Agent Rachel Painter.

OCT. 19 Fall and Winter Container Gardens Certified Master Gardener Linda Lindquist demonstrates how to have beautiful ornamental plantings during the fall and winter in containers.

OCT. 23 Vegetable Nutrition Extension Agent Misty Layne-Watkins discusses how vegetables can help you get important nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins and minerals.

CARVED OR DECORATED PUMPKIN CONTEST On Oct. 9. There are several age levels: toddler–4 years; 5–8, 9–12 and 13–16. Pumpkins need to be finished at home and entered by 9 a.m. OCT. 12 IS APPRECIATION DAY. Members of the Pork Producers of Tennessee will provide free samples. OCT. 12, 16 AND 19 are the market days during the Tennessee STEAM Festival. Make a Mason Bee House on all three days. The Preschool Nature series is at 10 a.m. Project Wet is showcasing on Oct. 12. GIS Technology in Action from Tennessee State University is showcasing on Oct. 16 and 19. FUNDRAISER LUNCHES The tradition continues of raising funds for the United Way. The fundraiser lunches are made by members of the Extension staff. The lunch on Oct. 19 is chili and on Oct. 26 is soup. Come early for a good selection. Lunch is $5 with the United Way receiving the benefit.

Living

Live Exceptionally...Well! BY JENNIFER DURAND

Top 10 Benefits of Consistent Spa Services I AM OFTEN ASKED “How often should I have a massage?” or “How frequently should I have a facial?” The answer depends on what you are trying to achieve. What results are you looking for? Since I believe that everyone deserves to look, feel and beamazing, I want to highlight the transformations I’ve witnessed over the last 16 years in this line of work. I will start by giving you the top 10 benefits to visiting your favorite spa on a regular basis. 10. It’s important to take care of yourself. Attitude begins with liking yourself enough to do this. 9. A professional service provider will consistently help you grow with your everchanging needs. Nothing stays the same. 8. Consistent care builds comfort and confidence in how you look and feel. 7. Physiological benefits occur that lengthen

the life of treatments received. Results last longer. 6. Professionals always have access to the latest trends and developments to keep you informed. 5. Supporting a local business community makes you feel you’re a part of something, not just a body. 4. Intentional pauses from the hustle of life create more opportunity for productivity. 3. Supportive education and tips received and products help make daily life just a little easier. 2. Results. Results. Results. 1. You feel more alive in your body! In addition to these benefits I have witnessed mood changes: • People angry at life have experienced a

literal melting of negative thoughts and felt tension fade. • Nervousness over important life decisions has been calmed. • Anxiousness about work, relationships, health, money, parents, children, politics has softened to expand thought. • Insecurities morphed into confidence. • Sadness and depression gently lifted as feeling becomes more apparent. Physical shifts that have occurred: • Damaged skin has been corrected and confidence has soared. • Tight muscles have relaxed to a more natural state. • Headaches have been relieved. • Injuries due to accident or illness have been restored to normal function. • Breathing has become more natural. • Proper makeup application brings out your natural beauty. • The art of how to hug has been learned! What results do you want for your body, face, mind, spirit, heart? Begin with selecting a source or establishment that can deliver. Ask questions. What does the business believe in? Does that line up with what you believe? Ask about what is offered, what you can expect, what is include or not included, the credentials of staffers. They will help you choose services that will be right for you. Sometimes you need to just relax. No fuss, no muss. Other times you may need attention to specific areas regarding massage. Facial skin needs will change with the season and change as you mature. Be sure your professional service providers offer you home care consistency as well as at spa services. You must develop good habits when away from the spa, with the use of

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good products as well as having spa services on a regular basis. Don’t invest the time and money in spa services if you’re not going to maximize the results by doing good things in between. A FEW FREEBIES THAT YOU CAN DO ON YOUR OWN: • Breathe with intention. Full expansive inhalations and complete exhalations. • Take a soak in a hot tub with Epsom salts several nights a week. This helps to restore muscle tissue and relax the body. • Walk. Move. Simple limb rotations, joint mobilization (movement). • Notice. Notice. Notice. Pay attention to your posture (sitting, standing), your breath, your mental state of mind. When you notice you’re holding your breath— that’s a good reminder to pause and BREATHE. If you feel stiff, that’s a good reminder to MOVE, stretch. • Drink plenty of water. A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day. Hydration keeps things functioning at optimum capacity. Results are visible externally in the suppleness and smoothness of your skin. • Sleep. Good solid, consistent sleep has a profound impact on clarity of mind, skin tone and attitude. Now, in case it’s been more than six weeks since your last spa service —STOP— make an appointment now. “The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it!” – Jim Goodwin Jennifer Durand is the owner and operator of The Nurture Nook Day Spa & Gift Shoppe. Learn more by calling (615) 8967110 or visiting nurturenook.com.

Creepy Hollow Haunted Woods creepyhollowwoods.com 2133 Joe Brown Rd., Spring Hill Open 7–11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7–10 p.m. Sundays and Halloween New scenes and more scares in the woods and the barn this year at Creepy Hollow.

Dead Land Haunted Woods

2018 Middle Tennessee Haunted Attraction Guide

ou might find them along a trail in the woods or inside a scary looking house; sometimes you run into creeps from the scary movies. It’s hard to tell who is hiding behind the next corner. There are many haunted houses and woods in the Middle Tennessee area. You may be more likely to escape from Short Mountain Haunted Woods, where most of the actors are EMTs. Short Mountain Distillery owner Billy Kaufman promises “you will be fine” at his place. Short Mountain is offering a combo ticket with Meyers Creek Haunted Woods, available for sale at either location, Kaufman said. Slaughterhouse, the longest-running haunted house in Nashville, is one of the places you may not be able to escape from. It features some actors who have been there more than 20 years, has many twists and turns that are hard to figure out, and fills up the size of five movie theaters at the Hermitage facility, said Full Moon Inc. co-owner Stacey Dixon. Horror movies play on a lot of weekend nights in another theater at Full Moon so you can watch a scary movie and visit the haunted house. For those who really like horror movies and want to meet some of the actors from classic and cult films, Full Moon Cineplex, as part of the Full Moon Tattoo and Horror Festival, will run horror movies Oct. 19–21 with introductions from actors and guests including Sid Haig, Adrienne Barbeau, Bill Moseley and Ken Foree, said Full Moon Inc. co-owner Ben Dixon. To hear of real-life terrors, spend an hour on Murfreesboro’s square this season taking a tour from Shadow Chasers Ghost Walks. Shannon Minner, secretary of Shadow Chasers, says they even have videotape testimonials they will share while they show all the haunted hot spots in downtown Murfreesboro. — BY LAURA LINDSAY

Beast House beasthouse.com 3976 Dickerson Pk., Nashville Open 7–11:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 27, and 7:30–11 p.m. Oct. 28 and 31 Experience a terrifying walk through the Beast House, located on the site near Goodlettsville where lawyer Isaac Kechem murdered his family, and subsequently killed himself, at his enormous plantation mansion in 1899.

Bloody Acres Haunted Woods bloodyacres.webs.com 318 Big Station Camp Blvd., Gallatin 24 * OCTOBER 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

Open 7 p.m.–1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7–11 p.m. Sundays Follow the haunted woods trails and wander into various rooms and scenes. Bloody Acres describes itself as familyfriendly with gore and without controversial themes. Admission is cash only.

Clarksville Zombie Hunters clarksvillezombiehunters.com 3975 Marthas Chapel Rd., Cunningham, Open Fridays and Saturdays through October Enjoy a zombie paintball hayride, zombie shooting gallery, escape games, a maze and a free movie.

deadlandwoods.com 7040 Murfreesboro Rd., Lebanon Open 7 p.m.–midnight Fridays, Saturdays and Halloween though Nov. 3. Each of the three Dead Land attractions feature a walk along a dark trail in the woods. This is a family-friendly event with a bonfire and concessions.

Devil’s Dungeon slashvillehaunts.com 510 Davidson St., Nashville Open through Oct. 31 Travel through the dark and dismal to escape the undead.

Haunted Hell slashvillehaunts.com 3930 Apache Trl., Nashville Open through Nov. 4 Journey through twisted chambers of shock and mayhem. Along your travels, encounter an old plantation house that is not what it seems.

Meyers Creek Haunted Woods meyerscreekhauntedwoods.com 4734 John Bragg Hwy., Murfreesboro Open 7–11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays throughout October Take a walk through haunted mazes in the woods, just outside of Murfreesboro. Beware of the pig-man!

Millers Thrillers millersthrillers.net 1431 Carters Creek Pk., Columbia Open 7–11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 27 Millers Thrillers features new scenes this year. Zombie Paintball is a 30-minute ride through the woods. The Haunted Woods walk has expanded to a full hour. There will also be a stage show with up to 160 performers.

Nashville Haunted Hayride and Woods nashvillehauntedhayride.com

4001 Bell Rd., Hermitage Open Oct. 5–6, 12–14, 18–21 and 25–31 From the creators of Nashville Nightmare.

Nashville Nightmare nashvillenightmare.com 1016 Madison Sq., Nashville Open 7–11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 27, 7:30–10 p.m. Sundays and Thursdays through Oct. 25 and Oct. 24, 29, 30 and 31, and 8–11 p.m. Nov. 2, 3 and 10 Multiple attractions include the interactive Mini Escape Games; Fairy Tale Hell, featuring your favorite fairy tale characters; Phantoms, where fear lurks in every corner; the postapocalyptic Industrial Undead; and the Reformatory.

Short Mountain Haunted Woods 8280 Short Mountain Rd, Woodbury Open 7 p.m.–midnight Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27 Proceeds from the haunted woods, located at Short Mountain Distillery, benefit the volunteer fire department and Cannon County Rescue Squad. The Stillhouse Restaurant hosts a costume contest and dance party on Oct. 27. For more information, call 615-216-0830.

Slaughterhouse fullmooncineplex.com 3445 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage Open weekends through Nov. 3, and Oct. 25, 30 and 31 Nashville’s longest-running haunted house, featuring new and veteran actors and elaborate sets, now has outside entertainment for people waiting in line.

Full Moon Tattoo and Horror Festival fullmoontattooandhorrorfestival.com Held at Hotel Preston, Embassy Suites Hotel and Full Moon Cineplex, Nashville Oct. 19–21 Up to 75 tattoo artists and tattoo contest at Hotel Preston. Celebrity guests, vendors and movie panels at Embassy Suites. Horror movies will play at Full Moon Cineplex with introductions by actors in the films. Cost is $75 for a weekend pass plus Slaughterhouse admission, other ticket packages available.

BID ONLINE NOW THROUGH OCT. 4

Art

MARK DAVID WILLIAMS STARS IN JEKYLL & HYDE THE MUSICAL AT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

 THEATER

THE SPOOKY CLASSIC THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW comes to life at Murfreesboro Little Theatre this October, and the thrills, chills and laughs will keep young audiences on the edge of their seats. This work, based on the classic story by Washington Irving, revolves around awkward schoolteacher Ichabod, the coquettish Katrina and Ichabod’s brutish rival, Brom Bones. With storytellers weaving this spooky tale, this outdoor youth production is a Murfreesbro must-see for the Halloween season! Other campfire tales will be told along with this one. Performances are at MLT at 7 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 12–14, 19–21 and 26–28. This youth production is suitable for all ages. Additionally, on Saturday, Oct. 27, MLT will have a Fall Festival from 2–6 p.m., featuring carnival games and Halloween fun, followed by the outdoor performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Murfreesboro Little Theatre is located at 702 Ewing Blvd. For tickets or more information, visit mltarts.com.

PHOTO BY TYLER TSOUMBOS

MLT GIVES THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW NEW LIFE WITH OCTOBER YOUTH PRODUCTION

JEKYLL & HYDE THE MUSICAL takes the stage at the Center for the Arts this October. The classic exploration in split personalities tells an evocative tale of two men—one, a doctor, passionate and romantic; the other, a terrifying madman—and two women— one, beautiful and trusting; the other, beautiful and trusting only herself—with both women in love with the same man and both unaware of his dark secret. Mark David Williams stars as Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde, while Alexius Frost plays Lucy Harris and Lindsey Wortham plays Emma Carew. The cast also includes Adam Boe, Matthew Wells, Tony Seal, Micah May and Tiffany Smith. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20; and at 2 p.m. on Sundays, Oct. 7, 14 and 21. The Center for the Arts is located at 110 W. College St., Murfreesboro. For tickets or more information, visit boroarts.org.

Art

 EXHIBITS

Michelle Sweatt’s Creepy Doll Works on Display in Cannon County Throughout October  Middle Tennessee artist Michelle Sweatt presents an exhibit of her work at The Arts Center of Cannon County through the end of October. Sweatt, who operates under the business name Inclined to Improvise, creates mixed-media assemblages featuring skeletons, toys, horses and lots of dolls, not necessarily in one piece. “Everything has potential to be repurposed,” Sweatt says. “My passion is reclaiming, repurposing and reimagining uses for the discarded and unwanted. My art is an expression of this passion. I am inspired by the challenge of restoring and reanimating objects that, at one time in their existence, were considered prized belongings to someone but now find themselves either sitting on a dusty shelf in a thrift store or permanent fixtures in the landfill.” The Arts Center of Cannon County is located at 1424 John Bragg Hwy., Woodbury, and has regular operating hours of 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Tuesday–Saturday. This art display is located in Cannon Hall, and Sweatt says she is appreciative of the opportunity to share her creations with the public during the Halloween season. For more on Sweatt’s art, visit inclinedtoimprovise.com.

Local Photographer Opens Pet Photography Studio, Receives Photographers Association Awards  Murfreesboro photographer Sandra Hafford says she was honored to recently win several Tennessee Professional Photographers Association awards at the organization’s yearly convention held in Gatlinburg. She won first place in two separate categories—architectural and illustrative photography—and also received the distinguished “Stan Baker Award.” Additionally, Hafford has recently opened a Murfreesboro photography studio on Thompson Lane. Pawzitively Purrfect, 2159 N. Thompson Ln., B4, specializes in pet photography. “In my photos, I strive to capture a glimpse of your pet’s emotions, expressions and unique personality,” Hafford says. Prior to opening Murfreesboro’s first photography studio geared for animals, Hafford worked at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital as a newborn photographer, and also worked weddings and in other professional capacities. She is currently working on her Photographers Master Degree from Professional Photographers of America For more on Pawzitively Purrfect, call 615-4390799 or visit pawzitivelypurrfect.com. 28 * OCTOBER 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

Artists Gather Downtown for Oct. 12 Boro Art Crawl  The Boro Art Crawl returns to the Murfreesboro Public Square on Friday, Oct. 12. This community art collaboration, held the second Friday of every other month, features many talented local artists displaying, selling and discussing their artwork in downAbove: artwork town Murfreesboro venues. by Kara Stallings; Middle Tennessee artists Below: Beth Periotte Morgan Westerbeck, Amberly encaustic collage Clemons, Ryan Cripps, Joy Sneed, Brette Leonardson, Beth Moore, Jacolyn Wingo and many others will exhibit work in October. The Art Crawl is always free to attend, and many of the businesses host music, refreshments or special events in conjunction with each Art Crawl night. Venues include Boro Town Cakes, Onyx Shear Hair Art, Trendy Pieces, Bella’s Boutique, Earth Experience, Scale House Print Shop, Funtiques, L&L Contractors, Sugaree’s, Write Impression, Mayday Brewery, The Exchange, Center for the Arts, ReVintaged Lemon, 214 West Vine, Jimmy Fox Agency, Liquid Smoke, Moxie and Vedas. For more information, visit boroartcrawl.com.

 POETRY IN THE BORO BY KORY WELLS

Inmates Write of Hard Times and Hope AS THEY FILED INTO THE SMALL classroom in their shapeless orange uniforms, the 12 women greeted me politely, but their faces were guarded. I imagined mine was the same. I mustered a smile and told them this was not going to be a repeat of their high school English class. I wasn’t there to turn them all into writers. I was there because I believe words matter. I was there, at the Rutherford County Correctional Work Center, because one thing had slowly led to another. For years I’d ignored a nudge toward some sort of prison outreach. Then I was selected as the inaugural poet laureate of Murfreesboro. Established in 2017 by Cultural Arts Murfreesboro, a division of the city’s Parks and Recreation department, the painter, photographer and poet laureate are tasked with outreach and advocacy, particularly to the underserved. This commission was the kick in the pants I needed. A training class and background check later, I was being escorted by an officer through a series of locked doors, the rules of engagement circling through my mind. Do not ask a person why they’re in jail. Do not give anything to, or take anything from, an inmate. Be alert for con games. Be your natural self. Now, through the room’s skinny window we could see it was a bright autumn day. I wondered when the women had last been outside. Did they long for the feel of a cool breeze? The weather suddenly felt too personal a topic to broach. Instead I asked the women to tell me their thoughts about poetry. “There’s no right or wrong answer here,” I assured them. Many looked at me skeptically. One openly scoffed. Another was “not a fan.” These reactions were not very different from most groups of adults I encounter. But one lifted her notebook and said she wrote often. Another loved rhyme. I’d found my way to this particular group of women through Doors of Hope, a local mentoring and training program that serves inmates in area correctional facilities. Participants are non-violent offenders who must be nominated by correctional staff to attend structured programming with a focus on education and counseling. After release, Doors of Hope clients continue to receive support

through a wide range of services, including job placement, residential assistance, education, medical and legal aid, and more. This proven program reduces recidivism and helps clients become productive citizens. Each time I visited, I’d bring copies of several poems and ask the women to read along with me. We read and wrote about food, relationships, gratitude, holidays, God and more food. We read poems written by former prisoners, by children of addicts, by Tennesseans and by famous poets. We’d talk about phrases we liked, images we could really picture, endings that took us by surprise, and the occasional meaning that confounded us. Then we’d have some writing time, often using one of the poems we read as a model. Eventually the women would say how much they identified with certain poems. Eventually they would ask for certain poets (Maya Angelou, Edgar Allan Poe) and types of poems (nature, humor, love). One of the things the women liked best was to write collective poems, where each woman contributed lines, and in subsequent sessions we revised the work to be sure it reflected what the group wanted it to say. I’d know we were done when they’d start copying down the latest revision, or asking if I’d bring extra copies next time. They were proud of their work, and I was proud of them. It was a privilege and a joy to work with these women, to remind them each time we met that words matter and that, marginalized as they have been, their voices matter. And what they tell themselves matters. That creative expression in any form is a tool for building a healthy and whole life. Now I read again the words they wrote, and I am so hopeful they believe. Firefly Supper Benefits Doors of Hope on Oct. 18 The fourth annual Firefly Supper benefiting Doors of Hope will take place on Thursday, Oct. 18, at Stone Gate Farm. Attendees will enjoy a farm-to-table dinner prepared by several local chefs and served by Blackman High School’s Culinary Arts Department. The evening’s program will include an update on the growth and accomplishments of the organization in the past year. Tickets to the event

are available by contacting Doors of Hope at 615-900-0634 or by emailing Stephanie Kinard at stephdrk@gmail.com.

WE COME FROM THE DOWN HOME BLUES by the Women of the Doors of Hope Reentry Program, May–June 2018 We come from sleepless sad nights, from a single mother in a house with a picture on the wall that says What’s a home without a mother. We come from fish sticks and ramen noodles, taters and beans most every day. We come from hard workers and winos, from Heinz 57 DNA. We come from ashtrays and aftershave, from the smell of country ham, the stench of nicotine and neglect. We come from can’t never could do nothing and go cut me a switch. We come from the workhouse— from hard bunks and handcuffs, thin blankets and push button showers, no privacy, constant scrutiny, NA, RU, New Vision, Doors of Hope, up at 4:30, an open Bible. But we also come from sweet honeysuckle vines and tall chestnut trees, from strong coffee and cast iron skillets, from shindigs and bonfires, railroads and red shag carpet, voodoo cousins and Holy Ghost tent revivals. We come from box TVs and record players, 8-track tapes and an achy-breaky heart. We’re black. We’re Irish. We’re native. We’re American. We’re from Tennessee and we’re proud. We come from hand-me-downs of funny and caring, of praying, of hearing You can do it. You’ll always be beautiful. Rise and shine.

Murfreesboro Writers Among Featured Authors at Southern Festival of Books Southern Festival of Books: A Celebration of the Written Word, now in its 30th year, is a free, three-day extravaganza of author appearances, readings, panel discussions and book signings. This year’s event, held Oct. 12–14 on the Legislative Plaza in downtown Nashville, includes almost 200 authors of every genre, including children’s and young adult books. Authors with Murfreesboro connections are represented each day of the schedule: Bonnie Tinsley of Murfreesboro will be appearing with fellow memoirists Kumiko Makihara and Jamie Sumner in a session at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 12. Tinsley’s new book is Against Every Hope: India, Mother Teresa, and a Baby Girl. Known to many as a Latin teacher in local high schools and at MTSU, Tinsley’s also the author of three books on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Singapore Botanic Gardens. Poet David Daniel, who grew up in Murfreesboro, will appear in a session at noon on Saturday, Oct. 13, with fellow poets Tiana Clark and Jason McCall. Daniel will be reading from his new book Ornaments from Pitt Poetry Series. Poet Bryanna Licciardi will be appearing in a session at noon on Sunday, Oct. 14, with Nashville poet Lisa Dordal. Licciardi, author of the chapbook Skin Splitting, is a doctoral candidate and academic advisor at MTSU and a co-curator of Poetry in the Boro. The writing of Murfreesboro native Jim Ridley will be featured in a session concurrent with Licciardi’s at noon Oct. 14. Ridley, beloved former editor of the Nashville Scene, passed away suddenly in 2016 at age 50. Over 100 of his criticisms and essays have been compiled and edited by Steve Haruch into the book People Only Die of Love in Movies: Film Writing by Jim Ridley. Visit humanitiestennessee.org for the full schedule. The festival is free and open to the public. Later in October: Oct. 24 the Barnes & Noble book club will feature the novel An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green. Oct. 25 Murfreesboro Little Theatre will host A Ghostly Gathering: A Weaving of Storytelling, Music and Poetry. The 7 p.m. show will feature performances by storyteller Kara Kemp, musician Tara Syester, poet Kory Wells and others. BOROPULSE.COM

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Movies

REVIEWS

actress, which to me is all the rationale I need to call it the best performance of the year. Kayla is accompanied by character actor Josh Hamilton, who portrays Kayla’s father, Mark. Their chemistry is wonderful. In my opinion, it would typically be hard to sell the awkward father/daughter relationship, but these two pull it off with ease. Hamilton has the most emotionally striking moment of the film in the form of a monologue reminiscent of Michael Stuhlbarg’s devastating one in Call Me By Your Name that basically comes out of nowhere. This speech is shot beautifully through the film’s incredible cinematography. Most of this film is shot through Kayla’s perspective, which

leads to some very claustrophobic and chaotic shots. There’s one shot in particular where Kayla is talking and pacing back and forth, and the shot feels so dynamic thanks to a colorful background and (I think) a telephoto lens. It relates the disorienting feeling Kayla is experiencing in this deliriously joyous scene. Mad kudos to cinematographer Andrew Wehde for the execution here. Anna Meredith’s use of synthesizers creates a very modern score, and they layer on top of each other brilliantly. The editing is executed perfectly as well, as the film utilizes YouTube videos from Kayla as voiceovers to create something of a modern montage sequence at moments. The film starts out as a comedy but around halfway through the second act Burnham veers the story hard to the right and turns it into a tearful drama with some gripping scenes. This works so well. Seriously, for a debut feature film Burnham brings the poise of a Paul Thomas Anderson or Damien Chazelle. This is an absolute must-see for all. And take your kids, too! This coming-of-age drama is about as light an R rating as you’ll ever see. Seriously, the MPAA really needs to revamp its ratings system when something as touching as this is rated R while something disturbing like World War Z gets a PG13 rating. — JOSEPH KATHMANN

played Hawkins in Predator, penned the first Lethal Weapon and, more recently, directed the LA-noir buddy-comedies Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Nice Guys. Co-written by Black’s longtime collaborator Fred Dekker (The Monster Squad), it’s almost a shame the dialogue isn’t sharper than it is. The blame can be shared by the writers and actors alike. The script and performances

are serviceable, with moments of charm often clashing with an antiquated ribaldry that isn’t as funny as it was 30 years ago. But the tried-and-true tropes of the genre remain, many of which still work today. Set against a rain-slicked Halloween night, a ragtag group of shell-shocked veterans known as “the Loonies” are the film’s bad-guy good guys, analogous to the first movie’s squad of doomed commandos (Moonlight’s Trevante Rhodes elevates the material, while Thomas Jane, Keegan-Michael Key and others fall flat.) Olivia Munn plays a biologist whose encounter with the predator unleashes her inner Linda Hamilton. Sterling K. Brown relishes his role as the shady government official. And Jacob Tremblay plays McKenna’s on-the-spectrum son whose technological prowess attracts an even greater threat. Add to these elements a generous helping of over-the-top action, and you have an enjoyable throwback and welcome addition to this faltering franchise. The Predator may not hit all the right notes, but it hits a lot of them. — JAY SPIGHT

EIGHTH GRADE DIRECTOR Christopher McQuarrie STARRING Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby RATED R

Every so often, a movie comes along that blows me away on every level. Films that come to mind include Mad Max: Fury Road, Gravity, Moonlight, La La Land and Phantom Thread. Now you can add Eighth Grade to the list. The stunning debut from Bo Burnham, Eighth Grade takes you on an emotional roller coaster as you follow the very relatable life of introverted eighth grader Kayla, played by Elsie Fisher. The film flawlessly executes every level of filmmaking, and I found myself hanging on every word and every scene. I instantly connected with the kind but shy Kayla, and I think many of us unpopular kids will see a lot of our daily struggles play out in her life, with a modern twist to top it off (you had Snapchat in fifth grade???). The best film of the year so far, Bo Burnham cements

himself as one of the best in the business. At the center of this film is an incredibly intimate performance from its lead, Elsie Fisher. Her performance was reminiscent of Sasha Lane in American Honey, or Kitana Kiki Rodriguez in Tangerine. Honestly, this entire film feels directly inspired by Sean Baker. Most filmmakers can only dream about making their characters feel as human as the characters of something like Tangerine or The Florida Project. But that’s exactly what Kayla feels like. She is subdued and emotional while being awkward and fun. And cool. Fisher’s performance comes with the added bonus of it being a debut lead role for the talented young

THE PREDATOR DIRECTOR Shane Black STARRING Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay RATED R

Last month I reviewed The Meg, a film about a giant shark preying upon humans that aimed for dumb fun but only managed to be the former. If you’re looking for a movie that is both, look no further than The Predator. The 1987 flick Predator was the stylistic epitome of a genre of sleeveless musclemen showing off their big guns. Basically just an action flick, it cemented its place in the cinematic pantheon by adding a sci-fi twist with an indelible creature designed by Stan Winston that has carried the franchise well beyond its life expectancy. Somehow squeezing even more juice from

this dried fruit is The Predator. When a predator ship crash lands somewhere in Mexico, interrupting US Ranger Quinn McKenna’s (Boyd Holbrook) covert operation, it sets off a series of events that expands the Predator mythology in silly and entertaining ways, all while retaining the spirit of its 20th-century origins. Writer/director Shane Black is both a veteran and pioneer of this genre, having

A CLASSIC

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OUTSTANDING

AVERAGE

BELOW AVERAGE

AVOID AT ALL COSTS

DEAD

OPENING IN OCTOBER PLAYING THIS MONTH

OCT. 5 A Star Is Born, Venom, Private Life

OCT. 12 Bad Times at the El Royale Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween Apostle

OCT. 19 Halloween An Evening With Beverly Luff Linn Can You Ever Forgive Me?

OCT. 26 Johnny English Strikes Again Suspiria Hunter Killer

LIVING ROOM CINEMA column by NORBERT THIEMANN

facebook.com/livingroomcinema

The Occult: Part 2 AS ALL HALLOWS’ EVE APPROACHES, stay alert for operations performed by devils, witches and the occult! The Devils (1971) is directed by Ken Russell. A 17th-century priest is accused of witchcraft as he tries to combat the forces of outside corruption. Despite long crusades from the director and other emboldened cinephiles, The Devils has notoriously been censored and banned throughout its existence. Originally released with an X-rating, it graphically symbolizes criticism for the politics based within the institutions of Catholicism and Christianity. Rosemary’s Baby (1968) is directed by Roman Polanski. A young couple moves into a New York tenement and begin socializing with their unusual neighbors. Once pregnant, Rosemary starts having fears about her safety and that of her unborn child. It’s a brilliantly creepy contemplation of distress and paranoia. Don’t Deliver Us From Evil (1971) is directed by Joël Séria. Bordering on the exploitation niche of the horror genre, Don’t Deliver Us From Evil is a wickedly wonderful watch. Two girls become fast friends at an all-girl school, and start practicing mischievous deeds. The ending is epic! Virgin Witch (1972) is directed by Ray Austin. Wholeheartedly embracing its exploitative nature, Virgin Witch portrays a model and her sister as they travel to the English countryside for an extended stay. She is there to participate in a photo shoot, but more importantly, she finds herself recruited into a witches’ coven. 34 * OCTOBER 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

BOROPULSE.COM

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Food

See more photos from this month's restaurant feature at BoroPulse.com/Category/Food

The Dish RESTAURANT

Cali’s Coffee and Creamery LOCATION

901 Rock Springs Rd #110, Smyrna PHONE

615-462-5605 HOURS

6:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Tuesday–Friday; 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Saturday–Sunday PRICES Single scoop waffle cone: $5; Reuben: $9; 16-oz. pumpkin spice latte: $5; Bacon gouda croissant: $4; Orange or pineapple mimosa (weekends only): $7; Loaded biscuits and gravy: $8 ONLINE

caliscoffeeandcreamery.com

Coffee, Cream, Croissants and Cali-zones

Smyrna Coffeeshop offers nice variety of lunch, brunch, ice cream selections BY BRACKEN MAYO JUST OFF OF BUSTLING Sam Ridley Parkway in Smyrna sits a quiet escape for lunch, coffee or something sweet. Cali’s Coffee and Creamery, one of the many fine independently owned establishments in Rutherford County, has earned many local fans over the past year for its ice cream, coffee, hot food and delicious desserts. The shop opens early for breakfast, 6:30 a.m. during the weekdays, and serves biscuits and gravy and breakfast sandwiches in addition to all of the standard hot and cold coffeeshop beverages made from Muletown Coffee. It makes a comfortable spot for meetings over coffee or to get work or studying done, or, for those who have time to hang out and relax, for one of the board games or books that Cali’s keeps on its shelf. “This is a great locally owned place. They have a great selection of ice cream, baked goods, coffees and lunch items,” customer Nicole Burch said. “My family will continue to come here often!” Those lunch options include chicken salad on flaky croissants, various heated flatbread 36 * OCTOBER 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

sandwiches and a very popular Reuben that receives rave reviews from customers. “I thought the Reuben was pricey until I got it, and not only was it the best Reuben ever, it was enough for two meals or to share!” Tonya Anglea said. She said she has also had breakfast items, sausage gravy biscuits and ice cream, and all were terrific. “It’s my favorite new local spot.” Joe Falzone agrees with the assessment of the sandwich, calling the Reuben “the best in Smyrna, a must-try.” Cali’s even serves deep-dish pizzas and “Cali-zones,” its version of the calzone.

One team member suggested calling ahead for those items if a customer is in a hurry. However, if urgency isn’t an issue, there’s a comfortable spot to wait on the couch with a cup of coffee. More than one customer has described the atmosphere as “chill,” and that’s not just because of the ice cream freezer. The establishment does make for a cozy and comfortable spot, and many hang out for business meetings, Bible studies, or to check messages or read, rather than just a quick dine-and-dash. The walls display a large number of inter-

esting signs and packages related to coffee, groceries and agriculture, presented in an organized fashion that doesn’t feel cluttered or randomly thrown together. “What I liked most about this place is the ambiance,” Denise Arizpe said. “There’s a nook with a big comfy couch. I can see myself spending hours here working.” And of course the ice cream—acquired from The Ice Cream Club, out of South Florida— draws many families into Cali’s as well. Cali’s offers ice cream flavors including, but not limited to, lemon cheesecake, strawberry shortcake, cappuccino crunch, apple pie, pistachio almond, pumpkin praline, banana pudding, Superman, raspberry chocolate and many other varieties. “The ice cream here is delicious; I highly suggest Tennessee toffee and sangria flavors,” Andy Qualls said. “The funnel cake is made fresh and is crazy good,” he added. In addition to the ice cream and funnel cakes, Cali’s offers all sorts of sweets like pumpkin waffle sticks, pineapple or orange Dole whips, cinnamon rolls, and doughnut selections from Murfreesboro’s legendary Donut Country. Grab some MTSU milk to accompany your cake if you like. Interestingly, the few complaints about Cali’s generally have to do with the coffee, the item listed first in its name. Some area folks say they didn’t care for their espresso or macchiato drink or the taste

of the brewed coffee, or that they find that drinks are not made consistently depending on which team member makes them. Plenty of others have very positive feedback on the coffee and mixed drinks, though. Also, many say that the spot can be a little pricey for what it offers. Some say that every single eatery in the county is pricey, but one family of three recently found that three sandwiches, three ice creams, a latte and a milk topped $50 at Cali’s. Reminiscing with your wife over a

Dole Whip about your Hawaiian wedding 10 years ago—priceless. Otherwise, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and between the sweets, coffee, sandwiches, pizza, waffle sticks and chicken salad, anyone can find something satisfying on the Cali’s menu no matter the time of day or their appetite. Cali’s now offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays with new items, even including mimosas made from its Dole Whips, and the patio is dog-friendly.

News

Uncertainty Over Blackman Park

Proposed soccer and hotel complex upset West Murfreesboro residents. BY ANDREW WIGDOR WHILE MANY IN THE BLACKMAN area on the west side of Murfreesboro have long been campaigning for a new public park, the city and mayor seem to be leaning toward a different plan, one that is upsetting many area residents. The Blackman Park, which was to open in 2021 on 123 acres off of Blackman, Burnt Knob and Vaughn roads, Veterans Parkway and Interstate 840, was proposed last year but faced funding delays over the summer. At the time, Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland said it was possible for the park to still open within the initial three-year goal. However, in August the city announced that they were considering a new plan: a 16-field soccer park with a hotel and commercial developments. Murfreesboro is also competing for a 20-year lease deal with the Tennessee

38 * OCTOBER 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

State Soccer Association to build a soccer park for tournaments, contributing to potential value for a new soccer complex. City Council members did say, however, that the original Blackman Park may be relocated to Franklin Road off of Highway 96. McFarland says that a new soccer park would be a great financial contributor to the city and lend itself well to residents of Blackman. “The opportunity to be the home of youth soccer in Tennessee and to host major regional tournaments will contribute significantly to the city as well as providing the Blackman area with the type of recreational facilities that are needed in the area,” McFarland said. McFarland clarified that no official decisions have been made and the proposals are

currently undergoing study. He added that no matter the final decision, a “major park” is planned for the area. The proposed soccer facility would include 16 fields—six in artificial turf allowing for all-weather play—plus a championship field seating 2,000 and an indoor practice facility, according to McFarland. “The development costs have not yet been determined,” McFarland said. “The facility would host practices, games, and local, state and regional tournaments. It would also serve as headquarters for the Tennessee State Soccer Association and have a facility for coach and official training.” McFarland said that he is aware of the complaints from Blackman residents and that the city is working to remedy concerns. “Although detailed planning has not begun, it is anticipated that open recreational areas will be incorporated both on the 840/ Veterans Parkway land and the Highway 96 land,” McFarland said. One such concerned resident is Andy Dickey, who has lived in the Blackman community since June 2013. Dickey is a member of and frequent contributor to the “Save Blackman Park” Facebook page who believes that the soccer park would be a bad choice. “We don’t have a park on the west side of town,” Dickey said. “The park that most of us utilize, Barfield Crescent Park, is overcrowded, especially for sports like baseball. Most teams will have one or two practices prior to the season starting and then just play games the rest of the season. This is not exactly an environment in which one can improve their skills or actually get a great deal of exercise.” Dickey says that the bottom line is that Murfreesboro has too little open park land when compared to neighboring cities such as Smyrna. According to the statistics that Dickey presented, there are approxi-

mately 800 acres of park land and 48,596 residents in Smyrna, meaning that there is approximately an allotment of .0163 acres per person. However, Dickey said that in Murfreesboro, there are approximately 1,200 acres (excluding the properties that may house the two proposed parks) and 131,947 residents, calculating to .0091 acres per person. Dickey added that residents are also upset by the idea of placing commercial developments on the soccer park property. “Many don’t want commercial development like hotels on that site,” Dickey said. “They don’t want hotels across from the church that is to be built across the street, and their homes. I would encourage you to drive the main roads like Burnt Knob, Brinkley, all the roads around that site. They are old and narrow. The city has a nasty habit of allowing an area to develop quite heavily without improving the infrastructure first or at the same time.” Dickey encourages anyone who is concerned about the situation to get involved by contacting the mayor, council members and city manager. He also encourages area property owners to express their views on the “Save Blackman Park” Facebook page and by signing a change.org petition created by the group, which currently has over 2,700 signatures. “It is a quality of life issue, especially with children,” Dickey said. “It is hard enough to keep them physically active with the distractions they have these days. Then, you put them into a sport that can hardly find a place to play or practice [and] it really sends the message that sports and health are not a priority for the community. Once land is given over to development, you never get it back. Now is the time to preserve these spaces. There are no second chances.”

AROUND TOWN ’BORO BUSINESS BUZZ

Reeves-Sain, Uncle Bud’s, Dog Haus, Poke Fun, Yoki Buffet and more

Georgia-based STARS AND STRIKES has opened its brand-new Smyrna, Tennessee, location. The location is Stars and Strikes’ 12th location and its first in the state of Tennessee. The company has invested over $7 million in the new facility, creating more than 100 jobs. The 55,000-square-foot facility located at 333 N. Lowry St. will house 24 bowling lanes, 8 of which are VIP lanes in the signature Main St. Lounge. Stars and Strikes also features a 7,000-square-foot arcade that houses more than 100 popular video and redemption games, and a prize store where players can make purchases with game prize tickets. The facility also encompasses a two-story laser tag arena, bumper cars, 7/10 Grille restaurant and a large fullservice bar surrounded by big-screen TVs for sports viewing.

BY MICHELLE WILLARD Rumors have been swirling about the possible closure of REEVES-SAIN DRUG STORE. Nothing has been officially confirmed but it does seem likely. In early September, Walgreens and Fred’s (which owns Reeves-Sain) announced they have entered into an agreement for Walgreens to buy pharmacy patient prescription files and related pharmacy inventory of 185 Fred’s stores located across 10 Southeastern states. This more than likely includes those of the Murfreesboro staple. Calls and emails to Walgreen’s corporate office have as yet gone unanswered. But for a clue, look to all the empty and overgrown Rite-Aids around town. The chain closed many of the area Rite-Aids after recently acquiring them. And ReevesSain doesn’t look anything like the typical Walgreens’ corner drug store. REOX AUTOMOTIVE has closed its doors on Broad Street but hopes to reopen in another location, owner Danielle Sapienza announced recently. Sapienza said she and her husband didn’t know anyone when they moved to Murfreesboro in 2012. But since taking over Reox, they have turned customers into friends. “Though we gained so many new customers, we really couldn’t afford to stay here anymore. The rent had really eaten up a lot of our possible profit,” Sapienza said. DOG HAUS BIERGARTEN has reopened. After a storyline worthy of a soap opera, Dog Haus corporate reopened the beleaguered hot dog joint on Sept. 22. The Dog Haus corporate office came to the rescue of the Murfreesboro restaurant last month, paid employees their back pay, reopened the store and rehired about 85 percent of its former employees. The Broad Street restaurant and biergarten is back open and serves a variety of all-beef hot dogs, corn dogs, chili dogs, turkey dogs, bacon-wrapped dogs, sausages and burgers with toppings ranging from egg and caramelized onion to sauerkraut and basil aioli. UNCLE BUD’S is back and ready to serve you catfish and hush puppies. The Middle

Tennessee legend returned to town in late September. According to the “Catfish Chronicle,” the original owners of the Franklin location (yes, the one with the lake) have gained ownership again. They hope to bring its catfish, chicken and such back to the midstate. The new Uncle Bud’s is in the old Jazzmatazz (and Sante Fe before that) building off Old Fort Parkway. There’s a sign up saying “POKE FUN HAWAIIAN CUISINE” on a window in the outparcel building near Chophouse on Medical Center. Poke is a traditional Hawaiin dish that includes diced fish, and the new eatery will offer bowls featuring tuna, yellowtail, crab, shrimp or octopus along with the customer’s choice of veggies, sauces and toppings. CHEF WANG’S has new owners. The restaurant closed a few months ago with little warning. In September, Crystal Dong, daughter-in-law of the new owner, reported that the building will soon become Yoki Buffet. The new owners plan to reopen in January 2019 after an extensive remodel. Dong said the interior would change but the buffet menu would stay the same but with a few additions.

the newest location for hot and ready pizzas. 219 MIXED CUISINE will hold a grand opening Oct. 9 at 219 NW Broad St. The restaurant formerly known as the Gondolier has changed its menu to feature Thai, Italian and American with a sushi bar. Sadly, the dessert case is gone. On the heels of being named one of the top 10 burgers in America, BURGER REPUBLIC made another prestigious TripAdvisor list: The best burger in Tennessee. The list accounts for ratio and quality of the burger reviews compared to overall ratings and reviews, as well as the quality and quantity of reviews received in the past year. Featured restaurants have a minimum of 4 out of 5 bubbles, 100 reviews and 10 locations or less as of June 2018. FRANKLIN SYNERGY BANK opened its newest location at 310 W. Main St. in Murfreesboro. To celebrate, the bank held a Big Rutherford Giveback poll. More than 3,000 people voted, and Greenhouse Ministries was awarded the top prize of $5,000 from Franklin Synergy Bank.

Speaking of timeless fare, the WAFFLE HOUSE takeover continues with a proposed diner on New Salem Highway near Cason Lane. The Murfreesboro Planning Commission approved plans to build a 1,991-square-foot restaurant near the strip mall that houses Pizza Inn. This would be the seventh Waffle House in Murfreesboro. They are becoming as common as Walmarts.

Speaking of good people doing good work, the DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT CENTER is moving its offices. “With more than 30 years of serving the needs of survivors and seeing a steady increase in numbers of clients served, we knew that we needed to think strategically about our future plans and the need for more office space,” explained Karen Lampert, the center’s Executive Director. They found the space at 1423 Kensington Square Place in Murfreesboro.

On the other end of Warrior Drive, LITTLE CAESARS plans to open near Rick’s BBQ. No opening date has yet been announced for

KA’ELEGANCE BOUTIQUE has opened on the second floor at 105 N. Maple St. on the Murfreesboro Public Square.

The boutique was born from “a vision that God gave me to break the cycles of oppression, depression, poverty, learned helplessness, etc. of His people,” the owner, Karen Bolden, said on her website. The shop features high-end ladies’ fashion and shoes. The big box on South Church Street that started life as a Food Lion and lived briefly as an IGA will soon be a PLANET FITNESS. No timeline has been announced. MODERN CITY FURNITURE has opened in the former Salvation Army store. The store is a chain retailer that provides an assortment of unique and high-quality, brand-new furniture, home-decor items, and mattresses at affordable prices. Jeff Hess and Jeremy King, of THE ASCENT, will soon open a bicycle shop on Veterans Parkway near Lemongrass Sushi and Thai. The shop, know as Spoke Easy, will sell Giant brand bicycles and other bike accessories and will also offer bicycle repair service. KIN-SOUL is a new local company that has created a way to help those awkward moments at funerals. The company created a ribbon that says “Family” that will be marketed to funeral homes. They can be worn so those attending the funeral will be able to identify the family members of the deceased. “Word-of-mouth has this industry excited for this change,” Kin-Soul founder and CEO Kim Honeycutt said. MURFREESBORO MEDICAL CLINIC broke ground on a satellite campus in mid-September on Shelbyville Highway (South Church Street) at Volunteer Road. The 30,000 square-foot building will have multiple practices, with a focus on family care and pediatricians. It is expected to open in summer 2019. BOROPULSE.COM

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★ 2018 ELECTION ★

Midterm in November Will ‘Blue Wave’ carry Bredesen to Washington? Blackburn faces former governor in Senate election BY ELIZABETH TULLOS NEXT MONTH, millions of Americans will head to the polls for the first major election since the divisive 2016 presidential election. Historically, midterm election turnout has always been significantly lower than general election turnout. In 2014, midterm voter turnout was the lowest it had been since World War II, with only 36.4 percent of eligible voters heading to the polls. In contrast, the 2008 election boasted the highest voter turnout since 1968, at 61.6 percent. On Nov. 6, Tennesseans will elect a new governor and senator, and fill 33 vacancies at the state legislature. Our state has not seen this many state office vacancies since the Reconstruction era. Since the 2016 presidential election results were tallied, Democrats have been promising a “Blue Wave” in 2018. Next month’s election will act as an unofficial referendum on the two major parties and the direction of the country. Previously, Tennessee had been considered a “safely red” state; Tennessee’s state government has been a Republican supermajority since 2012. However, pollsters are no longer certain of the party’s strength in Tennessee, especially in the race to replace Sen. Bob Corker. To confirm your voter registration status, locate your polling place, or view a sample ballot, visit govotetn.com.

★ TENNESSEE GOVERNOR

Former Nashville mayor Karl Dean (D-Nashville) has been fundraising and campaigning for the governor’s office since January 2017. During the August primary races, voters selected Dean and business owner Bill Lee (R-Franklin) for the candidates for governor. Dean defeated his primary opponent, Tennessee House Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley) with 75.2 percent of the total 373,390 votes. Lee secured his party’s nomination amongst five opponents with 36.8 percent of 792,888 total votes. Both Lee and Dean were attacked by their opponents with negative campaigning during the primary races. Dean’s opponent, Rep. Fitzhugh, attempted to weaponize Dean’s response to the Nashville Flood of 2010. Fitzhugh alleged that Dean had misappropriated federal funds for flood recovery by spending the earmarked funds on the construction of the Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville. The Dean campaign asserted that Dean’s administration directed their own funds towards assisting homeowners affected by the flood before the federal government provided any assistance. His campaign noted that the former mayor’s actions actually jump-started the recovery process in Nashville prior to the reappropriation of funds directed towards the riverfront development project. On the right side of the aisle, Congresswoman Diane Black campaigned against Lee during the final weeks before the 40 * OCTOBER 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

primary race by drawing attention to Lee’s political donations to former Nashville mayor Meghan Barry. Randy Boyd, the former Tennessee Economic and Development Commissioner, also attacked Lee as he rose in the polls, citing his affiliation with an organization that supported permanent residence for undocumented workers. Despite the attacks from his opponents, Lee chose to not launch attack ads of his own. Once Lee came out against attack ads and negative campaigning, his rank in the polls rose from third place to first place. Dean believes that the biggest mistake of the state legislature in recent years was failing to vote to expand Medicaid in 2015 with Gov. Haslam’s InsureTN proposal. He also considers increasing teacher pay, ensuring all school districts receive resources they desperately need, creating a thriving business environment in Tennessee and increasing access to health care in rural areas of the state as key priorities as governor. If elected governor, Lee says his priorities would be to reduce the tax burden and restrictions on businesses to promote economic growth, increase school choice and transparency and stand with law enforcement to keep Tennessee’s communities safe. While Tennessee is less securely red than it has been in previous years, Dean is still the underdog and needs every opportunity to speak to the voters about his platform. In September, Dean stood alone at a luncheon hosted by Middle Tennessee State University. His campaign claims that this is the tenth

event both candidates were invited to that Lee did not attend. Lee’s campaign explained his absence as a result of miscommunication and that the other events conflicted with his own campaign commitments. The two candidates are scheduled to attend three debates prior to the Nov. 6 election. These debates will be held Oct. 2 in Memphis, Oct. 9 in Kingsport and Oct. 12 in Nashville. Tennessee’s next governor will succeed Governor Bill Haslam, who is bound by term limits. During his tenure as governor, Gov. Haslam pursued education reform, juvenile justice reform and combating opioid abuse in Tennessee as some of his administration’s top priorities. Perhaps most notably, Gov. Haslam led Tennessee towards a 55 percent college degree or certificate completion rate by 2025 with his Drive to 55 program. Tennessee Promise was the first program in the country to offer two free years of continued education, through either technical education or community college. President Barack Obama proposed a similar, nationwide program to offer free community college, designed after the Tennessee model. In February 2015, Gov. Haslam convened an extraordinary session, a specially called assembly of the state legislature to consider a Medicaid expansion bill that would have provided health care to the 250,000 most impoverished Tennesseans. The bill expansion would have launched a two-year pilot program initially funded by federal dollars, but over time the state would have covered the cost. Senators and Representatives considered the measure but ultimately rejected the proposal in committee. Since then, Rep. Steve McDaniel (R-Parker’s Crossroads) noted that had the legislature passed Insure Tennessee, eight rural hospitals including Decatur General Hospital in Rep. McDaniel’s district, would not have been forced to close.

★ U.S. SENATE

In the race for Tennessee’s first Senate vacancy since 2007, former Gov. Phil Bredesen (D-Nashville) and Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-Brentwood) have been neck and neck in the polls for the duration of their campaigns. As it currently stands, the Republican Party holds a 51-member majority in the 100-member upper chamber. If Republicans lose one or more seats during the midterm elections, their strength in the Senate will be diminished. On Sept. 24, President Trump announced that he will return to Tennessee for the second time in four months to stump for Rep. Blackburn’s bid for the U.S. Senate. Last month, Rep. Blackburn and Bredesen

held the first debate in their battle for the vacant Senate seat. In the opening question, both candidates were asked to discuss what they viewed as the most pressing issue for Tennesseans today and their plans to address it. Rep. Blackburn stated that in her experience, Tennesseans are most concerned about maintaining the state’s economy and their favorability for tax cuts. For former Gov. Bredesen, Tennesseans’ concern about the dysfunctionality in Washington D.C. is the most pressing issue in the state today. “So many issues that affect Tennesseans . . . are stalled in many ways because of the lack of ability of Washington to engage with issues,” Bredesen said. “It’s become hyperpartisan. It’s become almost impossible to actually get things done and move forward.” Rep. Blackburn did not skip any opportunities to take jabs or attacks against her opponent. While discussing tax cuts in her opening question, Rep. Blackburn remarked that Bredesen had stated he would not have voted for the tax cuts, calling them “crumbs.” Much of Rep. Blackburn’s strategy for the evening seemed to be identifying her opponent as a placeholder for Sen. Chuck Schumer. Despite the flurry of attacks from his opponent, Bredesen stuck to his message and the theme of his entire campaign; Congress has become dysfunctional through partisan politics and Tennessee needs representation that is not afraid to work with both parties. Rep. Blackburn maintained her key priorities of developing the economy, reducing tariffs and increasing broadband access to rural areas.

★ U.S. CONGRESS

Tennessee is divided into nine Congressional districts, each drawn based on population sizes. Rutherford County belongs to Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District. From Maury County to Bradley County, over 700,000 citizens are represented in this district. For the last seven years, the Fourth District has been represented in Congress by Representative Scott Desjarlais (R-South Pittsburg). Up for reelection, Congressman Desjarlais, cites border security and immigration enforcement, repealing the Affordable Care Act, and preserving the coal and nuclear energy industries as some of his top policy issues. Rutherford County teacher Mariah Phillips, is the Democratic challenger for the Fourth Congressional District race this year. A first-time candidate for public office, Phillps is campaigning on the platform of environmental conservation, improving funding for K-12 education and expanding rural broadband access.

Fitness

I AM THE GYM!

Learn more about staying fit at

BoroPulse.com/Author/Semaj

STORY BY SEMAJ THOMAS

PHOTOS BY BRACKEN MAYO

EVEN IF YOU DON’T HAVE A GYM membership yet or are short on time due to the demands of life, if you can squeeze in 30 minutes a couple of times a week for a high-intensity workout with Alex Antoine, it is well worth it. Some of the the Murfreesboro personal trainer’s past clients are amazed by the results they’ve experienced after just the first month of 30-minute sessions with Antoine Fitness, even though many trainers recommended 45- or 60-minute workout minimums. Antoine aims to keep his operation “as portable as possible” and can meet clients at a park, work, local field or any place spacious enough for the exercises, offering even more of an incentive to train with him. He will bring some pieces of fundamental equipment to each workout session, such as jump ropes, kettlebells, sandbags, resistance bands and agility ladders, and will also go over a list of dietary recommendations to assure the best results based upon clients’ goals. Antoine, who formerly played football for MTSU (he played defensive end for the Blue Raiders from 2012 through 2015) said he made some mistakes after he graduated but ultimately realized that “fitness was going to be the way to free myself,” and take control of his life, he said. That decision led him to read many nutritional books, watch Youtube fitness videos and listen to motivational speeches while developing his training style and business plan. His intensity and ability to teach himself about health, nutrition and personal development put him in a position to help and encourage others, and ultimately opened the doors for Antoine Fitness.

Alex Antoine wants to help clients live in health and positivity He now proclaims “I Am the Gym” and believes everyone else can be, too. I believe it and absolutely love that affirmation. Antoine stresses that getting fit and living healthy doesn’t necessarily mean having to go to a gym, or even lifting weights, for that matter. He said he feels everyone has the ability inside them to learn, grow and develop; he just wants to bring it out and maximize everyone’s highest potential. After spending some time training at a couple of local gyms, Antoine wanted to bring his experience and connect in a new way to the Murfreesboro community, along with assistance from his number-one fan and business partner, Gabrielle Lacy, who plays a critical role in making sure everything with the business is functioning. Among the variety of services Antoine Fitness provides: boot camps for all ages, individual personal training for anyone who wants to improve themselves, and speed and agility sessions specifically geared towards local high school athletes. He has taught kids as young as six years old and knows everyone isn’t looking for the same training. But with everyone he comes in contact with, he uses tools of encouragement to keep them involved and focused on their goals. Antoine says he wants to be a positive role model for life in general, as well as being helpful for physical and athletic-oriented goals, especially with the young people he works with. “The way I train those kids, I try to give them positive words,” he said. “I’ll never verbally bring down an athlete or use negative comments towards my athletes.” Witnessing a recent Antoine Fitness boot camp held at FAD (Fitness. Art. Dance.)

Studio confirmed those words and showed his passion for young athletes as he led a local youth dance team in a full workout. The girls, looking tired and excited at the same time, finished their exercises and Antoine ended the workout with everyone’s hands together, simultaneously screaming “dance!” I related to what he stated earlier, that “positivity is something everyone feeds off of.” He told those kids that correct exercise form and breathing is similar to dance practice; it helps prevent injuries and allows you to be the best, most beautiful you, if done properly. Antoine also said that he plans on and

strives for equipping his personal training clients to do it themselves after a year of training with him. He says it’s “putting the power back in your hands.” Hard work, skills and encouragement go a long way, so join Antione Fitness today. He only asks you to bring some water and a mat, and the first class is always free. To schedule your first session, or for more information on Antoine Fitness, call 615-648-0845 or follow @antoine_ fitness on Instagram; “put the power back in your hands.” BOROPULSE.COM

* OCTOBER 2018 * 41

Sports

BLUE RAIDER UPDATE Story and photos courtesy of GoBlueRaiders.com

Blue Raiders Move to 2–2 After Exciting Home Win Against FAU HEADING INTO OCTOBER, the MTSU Blue Raiders sit at 2–2 following two tough losses to SEC opponents on the road and two victories at Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro. After a loss at Vanderbilt to open the season, the Blue Raiders sent their fans home happy after a win in a battle with UT Martin in the home opener. “This was a grind . . . it was a tough, competitive game,” MTSU head coach Rick Stockstill said following the game against Martin. Although the Blue Raiders ended up with a 61–37 victory, they also surrendered 460 total yards in the game, gave up an onside kick, allowed four sacks, missed two extra points, suffered six costly penalties and gave up 12 third-down conversions. “When you win and don’t play your best, that’s always a positive,” Coach Stockstill said after that contest. “We have to correct our mistakes, but it was good to see some explosive plays from our offense.” A punt attempt return for a touchdown by MTSU linebacker Wayne Parks, a 97-yard pick six by Gregory Grate Jr., five touchdown passes by MTSU quarterback Brent Stockstill and two rushing touchdowns from redshirt freshman Chaton Mobley helped the Blue Raiders rack up 61 points and earn the win. “We had a simple, effective plan going into this week, and we really executed it well,” Brent Stockstill said. On Sept. 15 the Blue Raiders traveled to take on the powerhouse Georgia Bulldogs, and fell 49–7 in that game. “It was tough sledding today,” Coach Stockstill said after the loss in front of a hostile crowd of over 92,000 at Sanford Stadium. “[Georgia] showed why they’re ranked where they are. They swallowed us up.” MTSU had an early bye week before opening C-USA play against defending conference champion FAU on Sept. 29, pulling off an unbelievable comeback win 25–24 over FAU in Murfreesboro. FAU head coach Lane Kiffin saw his defending C-USA champion Owls take a 21–3 lead in the first half, but MTSU kept fighting and put up a couple of touchdowns to keep themselves in the game. A 24–17 score lasted most of the fourth 42 * OCTOBER 2018 * BOROPULSE.COM

quarter, but Middle Tennessee capped a nine-play, 43-yard drive with Tavares Thomas rushing a touchdown on fourth down with 38 seconds remaining, bringing the blue and white to within 1 point, 24–23. Instead of going for the PAT and sending the game to overtime, Stockstill sent his offense back on the field for the two-point conversion and the win. Redshirt senior quarterback Brent Stockstill took the snap and ran to his left, and after pumping a few times, he threw with a man in his face over the middle of the end zone. Gatlin Casey, who made his first start for the Raiders, was there, jumping and snagging the ball with his fingertips to give Middle Tennessee a 25–24 lead, its only lead of the game. Safety Jovante Moffatt then intercepted an FAU pass on on the ensuing drive to ice it. “That’s the best win I’ve been a part of,” Brent Stockstill said. “The first conference game of the year against a really good team and the defending conference champ . . . it just makes it so sweet that we were somehow able to score one more point than the other team. “But, we have to get back to work. We have a really good team in Marshall, and we’re going to their place. We have to get ready.” Coming up, the Blue Raiders travel to West Virginia to take on Marshall on Oct. 5, followed by a trip to Florida to take on Florida International on Oct. 13. MTSU will host Charlotte in Murfreesboro on Oct. 20 before concluding October play at Old Dominion on Oct. 27. For more on Blue Raider athletics, visit goblueraiders.com.

Clockwise from top: #8 Ty Lee; MTSU cheerleaders before the home opener; #12 Brent Stockstill; #44 Chaton Mobley; Blue Raider receivers celebrate

SPORTS

TALK

COLUMN BY “Z-TRAIN”

titanman1984@gmail.com

THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK, bringing sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! It’s a new season, with beautiful colors, cool temperatures, primetime football and some great-tasting chili and beer. It’s football time in Tennessee, and if you’re a Volunteer fan, you may be singing the blues. Sorry, Rocky Top faithful, it’s excruciating to watch—cringe-worthy football. I have said in the past there is nothing more special than a dedicated fan, hell or high water you stand. So to all the Volunteer fans hanging in there, I salute your dedication, and to you bandwagon fans that have dropped off, I hope the wagon runs over your legs, and breaks only one, because I am merciful. Loyalty is a noble trait! I’m not here to talk about college ball, this is professional writing. The Titans are gods, they are the mighty, mighty Titans! Nashville is known as the Athens of the South, making the Titans’ name very appropriate. I am ready to get to discussing some NFL football, Titans-style. As always, we’ll discuss some random controversial topics and, as always, it will make some of you laugh, enlighten others and completely offend the more timid reader. Sorry, I can’t please you all. But I can say I appreciate all my readers. Let’s talk NFL, specifically penalties. There has been an influx of roughing-the-passer penalties this season. There is now a new emphasis on certain aspects of the roughingthe-passer rule, ultimately creating an increase in penalties. In 2009 the rule was tweaked due to Tom Brady getting hurt, placing emphasis on defenders going low. Last season, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers broke his collarbone after a defender landed on top of him, ultimately the reason behind the new emphasis this year on a defender not being allowed to fall on the quarterback with most, or all, of his weight. It is nearly impossible now for defenders to legally tackle a quarterback with the target zone shrinking, and games’ outcomes are becoming decided due to these penalties. Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott summed it up best: “I need to sit in the pocket and let them hit me more, simple as that.” The Cowboys offense sucks, sure, but he knows it’s easier to get that 15-yard penalty rather than a positive passing play! The NFL wants to protect these superstar quarterbacks who equal ratings and the league wants to further the idea that football is safe after years of ignoring concussions and their impact on retired players. But at what cost to the game? The game is fast and violent, and these men get paid big money to play.

IS THE NFL GOING SOFT? It’s a great start to the season for the mighty, mighty Titans The problem is, will it turn off fans who feel cheated? There is nearly a united voice coming from players and coaches around the league voicing their disapproval of the new emphasis on the rule. The NFL already has enough issues with ratings and social issues, so let’s not add being soft to the list. Clay Matthews called the league soft, Mike Tomlin said the games are harder to watch, and it’s a constant topic for the booth announcers during live games. It’s bad business when the fans, coaches and players all want the same thing, yet the league bigwigs recently doubled down, saying no change would come. Maybe the NFL is getting soft? That’s going to be a great motto for the new XFL league: “The not soft but HARD-hitting league.” Time for the special segment—random controversial topics! I will end this article with some Titans talk, but first let’s get funky like a fat kid named Chunky. Serena Williams is arguably the greatest female athlete to ever represent America. Last month she didn’t represent America, she embarrassed it. Most all of you know the details, it was international news for a week, but here is my quick take. Serena was under pressure before the match started. This is the US Open, she was playing in front of a home crowd, and many fans hoped to witness history and see her tie the all-time record for tennis Grand Slams tournament victories (24). During the match her coach did, admittedly, coach the player (something not allowed in tennis, evidently), Serena later broke her racket out of frustration and then called umpire Carlos Ramos a “thief.” Simple math: 1+1+1=3 violations! Serena cried sexism, screamed at the um-

pire and even pulled the mother card out, as if being a mother should keep her exempt from punishment. Ha-ha! Someone needs to give Serena a pacifier, tell her to chill out and quit laying blame all around for what was simply a bad day for herself. On to HBO, the network that brought us the greatest television series of all time The Sopranos. Dwayne the Rock Johnson may be the greatest living badass in the world, yet his hit show Ballers had to get crazy political. The show is a fictional story following the lives of NFL players, rich people, beautiful women and entrepreneurs, and constantly entertains the viewer with guest appearances from real NFL superstars. Eddie George, Jared Goff, Antonio Brown, Don Shula, Julian Edelman and others help make the show feel real. A recent episode dealt with a black NFL player named Ricky and his wife attending a party at their neighbors the Whites, who of course all happen to be white. As all white people do they were playing croquet and badminton and toasting champagne, making the black couple feel uncomfortable. I guess only average white people like me just barbecue and drink beer. The scene then showed a group of ignorantly rich white men being friendly with Ricky, talking about money, praising Trump and saying how the flag protest is disrespectful. Ricky flips out, calls Trump a racistexpletive-expletive and then goes on to praise Kaepernick before storming away mad. The episode ends with Ricky tweeting “F Trump and F the Whites.” Good job, HBO. It’s a shame that a show I love, a show that supposedly embraces diversity, filled with

popular hip-hop culture and music, has turned me off. In one episode HBO just called out half the country as racist. Imagine an anti-Obama episode where a single white guy shows up at a party hosted by the Blacks and then goes on a tirade about how Obama is destroying the country and then that white guy tweets “F Obama and F the Blacks” to end the episode? You know what would happen to that show—it would get the Roseanne treatment. Bye-bye! Let’s get to some Titans talk! Look, I want to keep this simple. Later, down the road, we will have more to go on. That said, this is a young team Titan fans should applaud, and coach Vrabel has done an excellent job managing this team so far. It’s nothing new, this Titans team getting a lack of attention from the national media. This Titans team just beat two dominant teams in a row, maybe a little power-rankings love? I mean, the Titans did just knock off two teams in the Top 5 of the power rankings, Jacksonville and Philadelphia, back-to-back! “It’s ridiculous that people don’t give the Titans enough credit,” Taylor Lewan stated. Boss Hog needs to be listened to. This team has battled numerous injuries, concussions, losing superstar Delanie Walker, Marcus dealing with a hand injury and that horribly long game in Miami. I told you last issue it is essential that Corey Davis steps up, especially now after that traitor Rishard Matthews walked out on his team. Davis caught the game winner against the Eagles with five seconds left in overtime and has been playing great. He is stepping up and becoming a true number-one receiver. The running game remains a mystery; the Titans need better chemistry between Henry and Lewis. Marcus really has been great on the run when needed. He has happy feet! There is nothing to say about the defense other than HULK SMASH! The defense has been on fire and I love the Smashville attitude. This defense has stepped up when the offense has struggled at times. With all that said it’s still to early to critique this team or any other. I can’t wait for the next issue. It will be the beginning of November at the midway point of the season, and the landscape should be clear by then. Create some juju, watch the games, go to the games, eat good food, drink better beer, and Titan up! The schedule is about to get lighter and the respect will come with it. That’s it, the Train is rolling into the station. Always remember the 5 Fs: Faith, Family, Football, Food and Friends. Live following that motto and life will reward you. Choo-choo! BOROPULSE.COM

* OCTOBER 2018 * 43

Opinion Higher Thoughts for Everyday Living Vol. X MIDDLE TENNESSEE HYPNOTIST, philosopher and motivator M.C. Radford encourages everyone to think positively and live life with a healthy, optimistic attitude. Here, he shares more points from his book Higher Thoughts for Everyday Living, suggesting that readers meditate on one each day—and be amazed at the positive changes that transpire in their lives.

1 1 2 3

A jury consists of 12 people who decide who has the best lawyer. Never forget: when you are free of fear, you are free to live. There is only one way to get rid of a problem and that is to solve it.

Your inner mind holds the answer to your every problem—it is the source of all inspiration and all creative energy. Thoughts are creative energy and will automatically draw all like thoughts into your mind which will cause your intense desire to become your new reality.

Your thoughts have made you what you are. And they can make you what you wish to become.

Your future is in your mind now, based upon your habitual thinking and beliefs.

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You don’t have to watch what you say—you must watch what you think.

A dog with fleas is more tranquil than a man without fleas because the man has something to occupy his mind. Do you suffer from terminal seriousness? Do you walk around like you have been weaned on a pickle?

We should live our life in such a way that will make other people want what we have.

come to you, then nothing good ever will. You can’t keep thinking defeat and expect to be successful. You can’t keep thinking about sickness and expect to be healed.

In the visible or physical world, you must see it in order to believe it. In the invisible or spirit world, you must believe it in order to see it or have it.

Competition casts all humanity into the same mold. Creativity makes each person an individual counterpart of God.

Remember: a bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives you roses. And when you do a good deed for another, you always retain a carbon copy for yourself.

You must learn to relax and then you will be able to concentrate better. As you learn to concentrate better, you absorb and utilize information better which helps you to be more effective in all areas of your life.

If you think you can’t, then you never will. If you think you don’t have what it takes, then you have lost the battle before you have begun. If you think nothing good can

y u i

A problem is the difference between what we have and what we want.

Money spent improving yourself will always find its way back into your pocket with interest. Your present thinking gives me a map of your future: You are where you are because of what you think you are.

Every thought we hold of lack, limitation, and despair restricts the body, interrupts the free flow of blood, constricts your muscles, heart, kidneys, etc., and can even cause growths to appear.

Everyone wants to feel important. Everyone is hungry for recognition. Make someone feel important and they will become your ally.

Ask yourself: what kind of city, state, country or world would it be if everyone in it were just like me? What kind of family would my family be if everyone in it were just like me?

An ounce of ink can color a gallon of water. A negative thought can color your whole day.

Don’t tell people your problems because 80 percent could care less and the other 20 percent are glad you have them.

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I know that sickness follows a belief. I know that good health follows a belief. I believe in good health. As I believe in good health, a chemical change takes place in my body and I am well.

Your imagination can become weak with lack of use just as your legs would become weak if you stopped using them.

What you continue to think, you create. So never waste your time thinking about things you don’t want. Never waste your time thinking about a problem. Always spend your time thinking of the way you want things to be. Never waste your time feeling guilty. Always picture in your mind ways of being better.

We see nothing as it is in reality because our eyes are geared to see according to our beliefs.

When we are cut with harsh words and do not resent, we are on our way to higher ground.

When you share with others a part of what you have, that which remains multiplies and grows.

; z

You will find that when you are good to others, you are best to yourself.

M.C. Radford will answer any questions on the mind, brain, body, spirit, hypnosis, cybernetics, parapsychology or metaphysics. He can help eliminate smoking, excess weight, fears, phobias, sexual problems, insomnia, anxiety, stage fright and other issues. For improved confidence, motivation and concentration, and to take control over your life, body and mind, call M.C. today at 615-351-2939.

 RECOMMENDED READING “This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America. Within the U.S., you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.” — books.google.com

Ecce Deus

Essays on the Life and Doctrine of Jesus Christ BY JOSEPH PARKER (1867)

Ch. IX

The Church - Part 1 For what purpose did Christ call men? Where they to be his bodyguard during his presence upon earth, and to be disbanded after his ascension? Or were they to be confederated into a perpetual memorial of his earthly mission? This brings us to an analysis of the ecclesiastical idea. The men who obeyed the call were classified under a special and most sacred designation. They were first known as “My disciples”; long afterwards “believers,” “saints,” “Christians,” became synonymous and interchangeable terms, the whole of them being frequently expressed by one word—church. This was a confederation of hearts, founded on a purely moral basis, subsisting continually upon a deep love for the Christ who had called them to his fellowship. The root idea of the church is that of a particular relation of man to man, originated by a common relation to Jesus Christ. When men are ardently attached to their native country, they are related to one another as compatriots, though they may differ upon every question in political science. It is the same in the church: attachment to Jesus Christ is everything; the widest differences upon theology may exist, but no doctrinal heresy can break up the vital and eternal union of souls which is brought about by an all-absorbing love for Jesus Christ. It may appear that faith is almost an insignificant condition of membership in Christ’s kingdom. Not so, however, when the matter is carefully considered. The word “belief ” is not simple, but compound—a term most inclusive and exacting. Popularly understood, “belief ” is supposed to denote an act of the mind in relation to statements which may be laid before it; as, for example, a man believes that Milton wrote Paradise Lost, that Columbus discovered America, or that a ship will leave Britain for Africa upon a given day. But such a belief may amount to nothing more than that the man does not disbelieve these statements; or if it mean that he has examined the evidence for himself, yet not one of the statements may touch his deepest nature: it would give him no

concern to know that Milton wrote the Iliad, and that Homer wrote Paradise Lost, or that the ship in the question is not going to Africa. The man cannot be said to “believe,” in any deep and true sense of that term. Belief means more than any act of the mere understanding can ever mean. Religion is not so much an appeal to the intellectual as to the moral nature; this is true of all religions, but preeminently characteristic of Christianity. The intellectual is to be affected through the moral; the mind is not to lie dormant, it is to be brought into the most active service; but the law is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy . . . mind.” Loving with the mind is the idea: the very intellect is to be turned into an organ of affection, logic itself to be aglow with moral fire; it is not, Thou shalt believe with thy mind, but, Thou shalt love with thy mind: “with the heart man believes unto righteousness.” Belief thus becomes more than an assent to a set of notions. It carries with it the whole man, dominating over his entire course; in fact, it is even more than this—it is life itself. Whatever a man lives for is his faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. What then? Is this extraordinary? It is one of the most common notions in life! Without faith it is as impossible to please man as to please God. Give any man to understand that he has lost the faith of his associates, and he will realize the most complete humiliation and impoverishment. In this vital sense the belief of man is challenged by Jesus Christ: out of it is to come the whole purpose and strength of life. Christ is to absorb affection, and his will is to be, not the arbitrary, but the heart-elected. Master everywhere. A man may believe that a house has been robbed, but his belief is altogether a deeper reality when he is given to understand that the house which has been robbed is his own. That which was merely a piece of information lodged in the mind becomes a compelling and ruling power in the life. So a man may say of Jesus Christ, “I believe he lived, died and rose again,” and may yet know nothing of the ruling force of these events in his heart. The facts have not become truths to him; they are outside realities, not internal and undisputed sovereignties. When he lives by them, he believes them; when he believes them, he lives by them; when belief and life are synonymous terms, the man is a member of the church of Christ—his nature is written in heaven. He may hold the most extraordinary conclusions in speculative theology, but he cannot be unchurched by metaphysics. Where the love

is right, the formal expression of notions is of small consequence. A man may keep his whole self and accept all technicalities in theology, but a man cannot love without giving up himself. He must either “sell all he has, and give to the poor” or he must be “born again” into a new spirit in which there shall be no self, and then he is in the kingdom of Christ. This shows the inclusiveness of the church. The sect can hold but a few, the church may comprehend all. Christ established no sect; he founded a church. To be a Christian, it is not necessary to be a scholastic theologian; nor is it necessary to choose a sectarian appellation; nothing is necessary but perfect love of the “Beloved Son.” It is with Christianity as with patriotism, to use an illustration: love of country is independent of love of party; a patriot might die for his sovereign without knowing the subtle degrees of loyalty which are indicated by party nomenclature. Entrance into the church is a transaction between Jesus Christ and the individual heart; whoever has given his love to God’s Son is a member of the church: whether, for the sake of convenience, or for purposes of evangelization, he may join with a sect, it is for him to consider, but most assuredly he is in Christ’s church, by the indefeasible and all-comprehending right of love. The immorality of love is the immorality of the church. The small mud huts of bigotry will be submerged by the mighty cataclysm of human progress, but the church founded upon a rock will remain above the floods. Love is the security of the church. Horror at what is called heresy may be accounted for on natural grounds. It is natural to venerate the ancient; it is natural, too, for the timid to dread what is speculative or experimental. Men hesitate before cutting down a bridge which bears the footprints of many generations, though a better bridge may be erected. Man cannot easily shake off the associations of time, nor is it desirable that he should. The known has certain advantages over the unknown. In business, in politics, in medicine, in government, and most of the concerns of common life, the same regard for the past prevails. Changes, it is thought, always involve more or less of risk; and though results may be right, processes may be hazardous and difficult. But by the noble boldness of many recent inquirers, even change itself is enriched with hallowed and inspiring associations. The heretics in civilization, not to speak of theology, have done most for the world. Timid men cringed, and selfish men denounced, when the heretics struck openly at the old method of doing things. They dreaded changes as men might dread floods which carry destruction everywhere. “Expatiata ruunt per apertos flumina campos; Cumque satis arbusta simul, pecudesque, virosque,

Tectaque, cumque suis rapiunt penetralia sacris.” [“The expanded rivers, with spreading waves, rush into the open plains and bear away the groves, with the standing corn, flocks, men, houses and temples with the sacred images and altars.”] Such swollen rivers as Ovid describes have been greatly dreaded in the church, as if no promise lay around that church as a perpetual defense. Poor buttresses can be made of paper; but who can storm the fortress of love? It is forgotten, besides, how great a guarantee of security has been provided by Christ in the condition requiring discipleship to be attested by the most practical service. Jesus Christ and his disciples were not a band of contemplative philosophers perambulating in the cold grandeur of isolation from all the rough world, in some charmed Lyceum; they threaded their enlightening and healing way through the thronging multitudes; daily were the disciples shown that love and work were the hemispheres of the Christian life. Love was not a mere sentiment, a self-considering and self-satisfying passion, but the spring of an inclusive and intensely practical philanthropy. Christ drilled his disciples in a reverent and generous regard for the human body. He told them to divide their small stock of provisions in the desert place with the 5,000 strangers; and when he sketched the proceedings of the great judicial day, he sent men to heaven or to hell according as they had been philanthropic or misanthropic towards himself as atomized by the least of his brethren. He asked no man what he believed, but told every man how much he had done to mitigate the sufferings of good men, or what opportunities of such mitigation had been neglected. Philanthropy was made the test of love towards God, for who can love God without loving his brother also? This is a valuable, and not less so because incidental, illustration of the inseparableness of the two great commandments of the law—Love God and love thy neighbor. The love of man comes from love of God, and in the judgement, love of God will be tried by love of man. The apostle John, who is generally supposed to have been incomparably amiable, said plainly that if any man says he loves God, and yet hates his brother, he is a liar; and no liar shall enter the church: he may surreptitiously creep into the sect, but shall have his portion in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. The true church-member can never become a heretic in any bad sense of the term: his love towards God and his love towards man keep him perfectly balanced; he has no time to go astray, as well as no will. The priest and the Levite will probably be excommunicated, but the philanthropist is too busy with wounded and dying humanity to be in any danger from CONTINUED ON PAGE 48 BOROPULSE.COM

* OCTOBER 2018 * 45

Opinion Figures Don’t Lie, But Sometimes Liars Figure

resident Trump caught a lot of grief for questioning the mortality numbers out of Puerto Rico concerning Hurricane Maria. Politifact said Trump was wrong. Why? Because the death toll that curiously jumped from 64 to 2,975 is “based in science.” Based in science? How about a body count? It shouldn’t be that hard, but the estimate didn’t come from bodies in the ground. It came from an estimate conducted by George Washington University. There’s an old joke that 67 percent of statistics are made up on the spot. There’s no doubt that the inflated numbers in Puerto Rico were designed to make this particular disaster “Trump’s Katrina.” What the left-wing media chose to ignore as they reported on the numbers they say are not in dispute is the malfeasance on the ground in Puerto Rico. Large pallets of supplies sent to help the hurricane victims sat rotting and never got to their intended destination. When Mayor Cruz appeared on TV with a “NASTY” T-shirt, the situation on the ground in Puerto Rico had undoubtedly turned political. This was her chance to do something for the “resistance.” What she did was use her own people as pawns to score points against Trump. At least CBS News reported that “donated food sent to Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria [was] left to rot in a parking lot of a government facility.” They said, “about 10 containers filled with non-perishable supplies sat at the government facility for 11 months.” If the death toll in Puerto Rico is actually dramatically higher, it’s no doubt due to the ineptitude of the people on the ground tasked with distributing much-needed supplies. The New York Times, which itself put the death

VIEWS OF A

CONSERVATIVE

PHIL VALENTINE

philvalentine.com

toll at 1,000, savaged the president for questioning the GWU numbers. They came up with 1,000, but if somebody else says it’s essentially three times that then, yeah, let’s go with that. It’s only when you start to peel back the layers of the study that you find the flaws. The GWU study counted indirect deaths like people having trouble refilling prescriptions. Any increase in diabetes deaths over the prior year were blamed on the hurricane. They even counted increases in suicide and Alzheimer’s disease! The left is famous for taking unrealistic numbers at face value if they can advance their cause. Who can forget the 97 percent consensus among climate scientists that humans are causing the earth to warm? That claim has been totally discredited numerous times but continues to be stated as fact by the left. Congressman Steve King’s office did a study several years back trying to determine how many Americans are killed by illegal aliens. Through news reports and government statistics they arrived at 25 Americans per day, on average, are killed by illegal aliens. The left-wing media went after King’s numbers with a vengeance. And I’m not saying they shouldn’t question them. They should, but they should also question numbers coming from the left. But they don’t. As the saying goes, figures don’t lie, but liars figure. Both the right and left will continue to use statistics to further their cause. It’s up to us as consumers of this data to question everything, especially if the figures don’t pass the smell test. You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time.

“Both the right and left will continue to use statistics to further their cause. It’s up to us as consumers of this data to question everything, especially if the figures don’t pass the smell test.”

Phil Valentine is an author and nationally syndicated radio talk show host with Westwood One. For more of his commentary and articles, visit philvalentine.com.

Spiritual Matters BY RICK MALONE

A Unique Perspective MY SISTER-IN-LAW LOVES TO GO kayaking. When she gets the chance, she grabs the provisions she needs, straps the kayak on the top of her car, and off she goes to an adventure in the wilderness. Once at her destination, she unloads everything and fastens herself in. Then, with paddle in the water, she begins her journey. Sometimes it is peaceful, sometimes exciting. The water can be a turbulent thrill ride, or it can be like gliding on a sheet of glass. At such times, when the river is calm and crystal clear, it plays a trick on her eyes. As the paddle enters the water it seems to kink and go in a different direction. This is because the light rays bend as they pass through the water so that the paddle appears to hinge at the point of entry. Of course, the paddle is still straight, but her perception is altered. In some ways this illustrates how we perceive the realities of God’s providence on this side of heaven. We do not have as clear of a picture as we ought. Our understanding is skewed, just like our view of the paddle. This is why the Apostle Paul tells us that while we are in this life we see as through a glass dimly, but a day is coming when we will see clearly (1 Corinthians 13:12). It is only when we are on the other side of the barrier between this world and the spiritual world that we can see things as they truly are. Over the past several months we have been looking at the gospel of John. And when we think about the story of Jesus, we may wonder: why are there four gospels in the Bible? We are inclined to compare the gospels to four different versions of a major historical event. Each writer witnesses that event from a different perspective and gives their needed contribution to tell the whole story. While there may be some merit in this, something more is going on: each author has a purpose to his gospel as it relates to a specific audience. With this being the case,

the individual accounts of the gospel writers are not deficient. They each tell the whole story of that which the writer wishes to communicate. Matthew’s gospel, for example, has a significant amount of Old Testament references showing that Jesus is the promised Messiah. By explaining how Old Testament prophecies meet their fulfillment in Christ, his gospel has particular relevance to the Jewish audience to whom Matthew wrote. Mark, on the other hand, has few Old Testament references because his book was written to a Gentile audience that would have little knowledge of those things. His gospel recounts Jesus’ interaction with many outside the family of Israel. His concern is to show that God’s family consists of Gentile believers along with the covenant people of Israel. Luke focuses on the inclusion of the outcast of society in his gospel. Through the example of Jesus’ care for the sick and the broken, he communicates that we are all spiritually outcast and in need of the healing the gospel brings. Each writer communicates the message of the gospel in a way best suited for their intended audience. Even with their differences, the first three gospel writers give a similar synopsis of the story of Jesus. For this reason, they are referred to as the synoptic gospels. John’s account, on the other hand, differs significantly from Matthew, Mark and Luke. He gives us more of a spiritual perspective as he writes his gospel. Matthew Henry wrote, “John gives us more of the mystery of that of which the other evangelists gave us only the his-

tory.” John’s goal is to take us beyond the barrier of the earthly realm and open our eyes to the heavenly side of the story. If we are going to grasp the significance of John’s gospel, we must let him walk us into the heavens and show us the view of Jesus’ story from the eyes of the angels and the Father above. It is fitting that John is the one who takes us on this particular journey. He is familiar with this territory. In the book of Revelation, which he also authored, he teaches us to see the spiritual side of the events happening in the history of the world. Things are not as they appear from an earthly perspective. Chaos seems to reign, but all the while God is in control, bringing about His purpose. This same heavenly perspective provides the framework for John’s gospel. He teaches us to see the spiritual side of events as they transpire in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We have seen examples of this by John referring to Jesus to as the “Voice” of the Father, and by referring to the necessity of being born into a new life. This truth was especially evident as we dealt with understanding the sign in the miracles. With earthly eyes, all that could be seen when Jesus fed the 5,000 was the bread and the fish. But with spiritual eyes the deeper meaning is understood. John wants us to have spiritual eyes as we read his entire account of Christ. Those eyes allow us to see the higher meaning of Jesus’ mission. They allow us to see that Jesus is more than just a carpenter’s son who is a great teacher, for His words have the power to impart life. Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself (John 5:25–26). John’s heavenly viewpoint also allows us see beyond the unjust trial of Jesus and His physical death on a cross to the greater truth of a cosmic tribunal that was taking place in heaven for the redemption of the world. Jesus explains this deeper aspect of His mission: as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life (John 3:14–15). I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent

“If we are going to grasp the significance of John’s gospel, we must let him walk us into the heavens and show us the view of Jesus’ story from the eyes of the angels and the Father above.”

me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day (John 6:38–39). Jesus speaks of being “lifted up” in death so that He might raise us up in life. By recounting these words, John raises our understanding of Christ’s mission. The Father sent the Son into the world to endure the ultimate act of humbling Himself to death on a cross. But John’s heavenly perspective shows us this humiliation is the path of Jesus’ exaltation. God was at work in every detail of Jesus’ death to bring Jesus into His glory, the glory of redeeming a new human race out of this fallen world. As Jesus enters Jerusalem on the last week of His life, He speaks of this glory. The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. . . . Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour . . . Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself (John 12:23, 24, 27, 31 and 32). When we view Jesus from the earthly perspective, we see a man whose life was ended because He dared to teach the way of love. He spoke of a kingdom in which peace would reign instead of war. And for this, He was hung on a cross. From this side of heaven, His life is seen as an inspiring one, but ultimately, a failure. From the other side, from whence we can look with heaven’s eyes, the cross is seen, not as His failure, but as His greatest triumph, for that cross possessed a redeeming value for this world, and by it, Jesus defeated the powers that held us captive. He canceled the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame by triumphing over them in it (Colossians 2:14 and 15). Just like the skewed view of the paddle in the water, the finite barrier of this world hides the fullness of the glory Jesus entered into through the cross. Do we see that glory? Does it change the way we view our own lives? Does it change the way we view this world? Do we dare teach and live His way of love? Reach Rick Malone at myspiritualmatters@gmail.com BOROPULSE.COM

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45 theological riddles and metaphysical enigmas. From his continually widening observation of human nature, he may be induced to ignore some of the faded nostrums of traditional quackery, but his heart will be sound and his faith strong. Seeing far into man, he will love his Maker more. Christ seldom made inquiry into the opinions of his disciples, but he never failed to keep them up to a large-hearted practice. When he did inquire into their opinions, it was always to know how they stood in relation to himself, and just in proportion as the disciples saw God in him, did he corroborate their judgment by pronouncing it a divine revelation. The education of the philanthropic element in his church members was Christ’s main concern. We do not know that he ever so much as named Adam and Eve, or that he drew any subtle distinctions, or laid down any precise definitions in reference to supralapsarianism (the position that God’s chosen were selected prior to the encroachment of sin into the nature of mankind) or prevenient grace (a divine grace that precedes human decision); but we do know that he drew up such a list of guests as probably never assembled at any board before his time; that he commended the poor, the lame, the maimed, the blind, to the special care of

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his members; that, with the most practical sarcasm, he measured the rich man by his clothes and his dinner (“clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day”), and sent the angels to carry the beggar to Abraham’s bosom. Christ’s philanthropy never failed, it never yellowed, or dropped as if winter were approaching. He was the divine teacher of philanthropy; by which is meant not official intermeddling about poorrates, provision-ventilation and workhouse discipline, but simple hearty, brotherly love of man as man in all zones and all ages. As such a teacher Christ taught the doctrine of the Fall more fully than if he had discussed it in daily discourses upon the garden of Eden. He never said, Lift a man up, without recognizing the Fall; he never expatiated upon “the lost” without going back to early events: he said nothing about the Adamic apostasy, but spent every moment of his life in seeking to reclaim apostates. This was the wisdom which cometh down from above. Two settled and unchangeable principles thus come up as including the idea of the church—love to Christ and love to man. Whoever has experienced this love is in Christ’s kingdom a living member; he hath eternal life. This dual love is another illustration of the dual life of Christ. As that life was divine

and human, the life of his members is divine and human also; it is not only purity of heart which sees God, but it is mercy which pities men—not poverty of spirit which claims the kingdom of heaven, but meekness which inherits the earth—not only the mourning which is followed by rest in the soul, but peacemaking which reconciles opposing hearts; it is dual as Christ was dual—weak enough to be bruised on the cross, strong enough to throw off the bondage of the grave. That men who know the power of this love should seek each other’s fellowship is not merely natural, but necessary. A common faith and a common philanthropy bring them into visible union; mark them off from all other men, giving them a luster which makes them the light of the world, a pungency which makes them as the salt of the earth, an elevation best represented by “a city set on a hill.” Their visible union causes them to be known as “the church,” in an inferior sense to that already named, and those whom they have left are known as “the world.” Speaking of his disciples in one of his prayers, Christ specially marks this distinction: “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world;” in it, yet above it—in the form of servants, yet in the spirit of mastery. In early days the disciples were known to one another

by endearing terms which our materialistic civilization can hardly use without a significant hesitation; they were “saints,” “brethren,” “servants of Jesus Christ,” “beloved in the Lord;” they were called a “royal priesthood,” a “peculiar people,” “temples of the Holy Ghost.” What wonder, then, if visible union should be a necessity? On lower conditions men enter into organization: artists unite; merchants “do congregate;” philosophers shut out the common people; bankers have their guilds; lawyers their inns; and savans their esoteric circles. Why should men with a common faith and a common philanthropy remain apart? When we have been in a foreign country, unable to speak the language, ignorant of all the customs, and have incidentally heard a fellow traveler speak in our own tongue, has not the surprised and thankful heart almost compelled us to claim acquaintance on the common ground of nationality, or identity of speech? Some such feeling as this must have been largely experienced by the first adherents of Christ; an accent might discover them, an allusion might bring them into mutual embrace. If such usual conditions do not now elicit such warm demonstration, is it to our credit if the deep emotion of genuine brotherly affection has subsided?