October 2022 Murfreesboro Pulse

Fajitas

20

22

IN EVERY ISSUE

6 Events

CONCERT CALENDAR

EVENTS

CALENDAR

DAVE MACON

Bark in the Boro, Amelia’s Closet Project ReStyle, Theatre Crawl at Oaklands, Everybody Drum Some, Tennessee Valley Winds Fall Concert and more

12 Sounds

MUSIC NOTES

The Wild Men of Cha Wa at Hop Springs

Glen Wagner, Ashley Dawn, Secret Commonwealth and more

17 Reviews

ALBUMS Emily Miller MOVIE Barbarian 22 Living

THE MR. MURFREESBORO MINUTE

28 Food

RESTAURANT

The Blue Porch

30 News

BUSINESS BUZZ

The Eclectic Road, Haunted Murfreesboro, Joanie’s, Sa Bai Dee Cafe and more

BUSINESS MOMENTUM

Morale Is contagious.

GREETINGS, PULSE SUPPORTERS.

We are just feeling blessed, blessed here.

The Pulse crew doesn’t make huge piles of money doing this, though I am thoroughly honored, aware and joyful that the idea for a Murfreesboro community publication nearly two decades ago has blossomed into a legitimate small business. With time and strong roots, may a mighty tree grow! Yeah, I am not yet a millionaire, but there’s lots of love in my life. Fantastic!

And I feel totally pleased that this little community publication is communicating valuable and entertaining information to many people in the community, and supporting the Mayo family. Wow. Thanks for your role in it, and for participating in some way in this localized information source celebrating the area and its people.

We have already moved into the last quarter of 2022; the year has had some busy times that require discipline as we prepare all of this information for you each edition, but also some great memories and fun.

Lots of big fundraisers and community activities continue to occur in Murfreesboro—some of the numerous local ministries doing good work present Project ReStyle for Amelia’s Closet, Wine Around the Square for the St. Thomas Rutherford Foundation, a Maskara Night for Helping Hands, the Firefly Supper for Doors of Hope, Adult and Teen Challenge’s Banquet, and Boro Bourbon and Brews benefiting Feed America First, just to name a few—and the business community remains strong here in Rutherford County, Tennessee. The area has great opportunity and energy.

CROSS THE SEWANEE

BRIDGE

Mixtape Annual ’80s Halloween Show, Oct. 28

Smo and His Kinfoke Come to Panther Creek, Oct. 29

AROUND

Thriller at the Miller Features Granger Smith/Earl Dibbles Jr., Sean Stemaly, Logan Wheat, Matt Dillon, Oct. 28

History of tornadoes in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County 26 Art

EXHIBIT

Acorn Haven Studios

THEATER

The Play That Goes Wrong

The Rocky Horror Show

34 Opinion

FREE YOUR CHILDREN

Local schools pushing UN goals.

EDUCATION

Read to children.

SPORTS TALK UT Vols and the King are back.

LIVE . . . WELL

Prepare for more.

Find all of the cool local businesses in the Pulse! The Pulse can show you where some quality tacos and burritos are, where’s the area’s top cat cafe, the greatest indoor golf simulator in town, quite a range of restaurants from Steak ’n’ Shake to Primrose Table, and the paper contains information on where to find French bulldogs, a Montessori school, junk pickup service, auto repair and real estate, and how to take a fun sightseeing flight over Murfreesboro.

I had a chance to use the phrase “as an ad at” recently (“We have posted your logo as an ad at boropulse. com”). Wow! Four two-letter words in a row, all beginning with “a.”

The English language continuously unveils its glory. Or is that continually . . . ?

I sense some anger out there, but you don’t have to participate in that!

There’s plenty of beauty to take in—God-made and man-made—instead.

October is a fantastic time to take in some natural beauty, with the leaves bursting forth in their fall colors and comfortable temperatures during most daylight hours.

Little, Zach Maxfield,

The Pulse continues to illustrate that the Middle Tennessee area, our little region of this spectacularly awesome Earth, contains all sorts of different environments only a short day trip away.

Take a hike, pick a pumpkin, take in the sweet string band sounds at Uncle Dave Macon Days.

Eat something unfamiliar, meet someone new, call your relatives. Play music, make art, smoke some meat.

Let go of the stress.

EVENTS CALENDAR  OCTOBER 2022  BY ANDREA STOCKARD

OCT. 4–7

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

MTSU Theatre brings the beloved Dashwood sisters, their bravery, their beaux and their banknotes (or lack thereof) to life from Oct. 4–7 at Tucker Theatre (615 Champion Way) with a unique staging of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, directed by Department of Theatre and Dance Assistant Professor Lauren Shouse. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for K–12 students, with curtain times at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free for MTSU students, faculty and staff. Tickets, are available at tinyurl.com/mtsusensetickets Seating is limited for the shows; putting the audience onstage with the cast, while making for snug accommodations, helps reveal the actors’ actions and reactions. The 2022–23 MTSU Department Theatre and Dance schedule also features Jerre Dye’s Southern ghost story Cicada Oct. 20–23. For more information on the department, visit mtsu.edu/theatreanddance.

OCT. 6

ST. CLAIR SENIOR CENTER HEALTH EXPO 2022

The St. Clair Senior Center Health Expo features free healthcare information, screenings and assessments alongside snacks, giveaways and door prizes on Thursday, Oct. 6, from 8 a.m.–noon at the Center (325 St. Clair St.). Participate in health checks and assessments including: hearing and vision tests, flu shots, nutrition information, depression screening, foot assessments, brain health, sleep check-ups, skin checks and more. For more information, call 615-848-2550 or email lgrissom@murfreesborotn.gov.

OCT. 7–8

UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS

Fountains at Gateway will host the historic 2022 roots music festival, Uncle Dave Macon Days, set for Oct. 7–8. Additionally, admission to the festival will be free to the public this year. Old-time, bluegrass and roots music will kick off at 5 p.m. Friday evening, and again at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Performers include The Cleverlys, Glade City Rounders, Jake Leg Stompers, Uncle Shuffelo & His Haint Hollow Hootenanny and mnay others. View the full schedule

OCT. 9

RAMBLINGS ON ROCK SPRINGS ROAD: MEET THE AUTHOR

Meet local author Gilbert Gordon at Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.) on Sunday, Oct. 9, at 2 p.m. Hear short stories from his 2021 book Ramblings on Rock Springs Road. Gordon spent the first half of his 60 years on his family dairy farm in southern Rutherford County. Over the last 30-plus years, teaching has been his vocation. He and his wife, Ginny, founded Cedar Hall School on a part of the family farm in 1991 and were privileged to teach their children while they taught others. Ramblings centers around the farming community on Rock Springs Road, and includes tales of peach-pie redemption, a serial killer during the 1920s, the Civil War spy Kate Patterson (his great-great-aunt) and the struggles of a boy coming of age on a southern rural road. This event is free and open to the public, but reservations must be made online. For more information, visit oaklandsmansion.org/ramblings-rock-springs-road.

on page 14. Starting from humble beginnings on the lawn of the Rutherford County Courthouse in 1978, Uncle Dave Macon Days has been a Middle Tennessee tradition for decades, inspired by the legacy of America’s rich musical heritage. Fountains at Gateway is located at 1500 Medical Center Pkwy. For more information visit uncledavemacondays.com

OCT. 8

LINEBAUGH HOSTS AUTHOR DETARIO YANCEY

Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) welcomes local author Detario Yancey for a book signing on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Yancey signs and sells copies of his book, Daddy, is it ok to cry?, published in

January 2022. This children’s book is about a boy with big emotions and a dad who wants him to hold them. The day comes, however, when they both show how they really feel. The book teaches readers ages 3 to 8 about end-of-life, emotions and communication. Yancey received a bachelor’s degree in social work from MTSU. He loves talking about mental health and has worked with children for many years. Books are $15. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-893-4131.

OCT. 8

BARK IN THE BORO

Come out for free family fun at the first Bark in the Boro! on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. outside of the MTSU Stu-

dent Union Building (1768 MTSU Blvd.).

A portion of the proceeds benefit Beesley Animal Foundation. The pet-friendly day consists of vendors, adoptable animals, games and more. For more information, visit barkintheboro.com

OCT. 11

RUTHERFORD CABLE BREAKFAST MEETING

Rutherford Cable’s October Breakfast Meeting hosts an engaging and thought-provoking presentation by public historian Rebecca Price, who tells the story of women’s economic equality, enduring obstacles and the surprising opportunities along the way to equal pay. Price takes a fresh look at, and a deep dive into, the stories of Tennessee women in order to make them relevant to our experiences today. She is a public historian and museum professional with over two decades of experience specializing in women’s history. “Equal Pay: Women, Work and Wages” takes place Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 7:15–9 a.m. in-person at the Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.) or virtually. Remember to bring plenty of business cards and grab a card on the way out to make a connection. For more information, visit rutherfordcable.org or email yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com.

OCT. 11 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce holds its October Business After Hours at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at Volunteer State Bank (2019 Memorial Blvd.). This is an informal social networking event designed to connect business professionals from across Rutherford County. Bring plenty of business cards. Admission is $10 for Chamber members and $20 for future members. No registration is required. For more information on Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cuttings and other events, visit rutherfordchamber.org.

OCT. 12

LIVING SENT MINISTRIES

Living Sent Murfreesboro will have its October meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Experience (521 Old Salem Rd.). Michael Murray

speaks about the effect our identity has on the way we think, work and live, both personally and professionally. Lili Moran is a pediatrician, wife, and mom of four elementary school children. She has taken more than 15 mission trips, many of them medical missions. Moran tells us what it means to her to live and work in India, Ecuador and Bolivia. A complimentary lunch is provided by Sean Moran and Red Barn Financial. RSVP by emailing bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com.

OCT. 13

HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE SERIES

Students can explore their world through science at Homeschool Science Series at Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.). Students study different topics in each class with hands-on demonstrations. Thursday, Oct. 13, is Trees & Forests. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. There are separate classes for ages 9–12 and ages 5–8, and classes meet Thursdays from 10–11:30 a.m. The cost is $5 per person. For more information, email lrosser@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017

OCT. 13

DISCOVERY CENTER ALL ACCESS NIGHT

All Access Nights are a time for specialneeds families to enjoy the Discovery Center’s (502 S.E. Broad St.) exhibits in a sensory friendly environment. All Access Nights are free, but reservations are suggested. October’s All Access Night is Thursday, Oct. 13, from 5–8 p.m. For more information, call 615-890-2300 or visit explorethedc.org/allaccess

OCT. 13

COMEDY AND COVERS

Comedy and Covers showcases local musical artists and comedians the second Thursday of each month. October’s entertainment kicks off with White Kyd Tom and Uncle Carl presenting Brendie, Luso and Squeeky Barnes with the Comedy & Covers House Band at Luna’s Night Club (527 W. Main St.) on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. This event is 21 and up, and doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 (VIP option available). For more information, find LUNAS night club on Facebook.

OCT. 13

AMELIA’S CLOSET PROJECT RESTYLE

Amelia’s Closet has announced its first fashion show fundraiser, Project ReStyle, on Thursday, Oct. 13, from 6–8 p.m. at

OCT. 14

THEATRE CRAWL AT OAKLANDS

The second annual Rutherford County Theatre Crawl features eight Middle Tennessee theatre companies in a spooky night of candy collecting and performances. This evening includes two local food trucks, music, and of course the theatre crawl itself, inside historic Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.) from 5–8 p.m. Donations are encouraged, as is attending in costume. Pay what you can. Upon presenting a ticket, you will be assigned to a tour group and led through the historic Oaklands Mansion on a spooky tour. Each room will highlight a local performing arts troupe who will be performing a specially prepared piece. Bring a basket to collect candy along the way. Participating local theaters include AcTEENg, Bravo Boro, Boro Tellers, Center ror the Arts, Consider This Theatre, Ghost Light Studio, Murfreesboro Little Theatre and Radical Arts. Limited free parking is available onsite. Additional free parking is available near the pavilion at Oaklands Park. For more information, visit oaklandsmansion.org or find Oaklands Mansion on Facebook.

Liberty’s Station (850 NW Broad St.). Demetria Kalodimos is the emcee. ReStyle is a restyling competition and fashion show with donated clothes from Amelia’s Closet featuring prizes for the winners. Since 2015, Amelia’s Closet has helped women from disadvantaged circumstances prepare for employment by providing professional attire, tips for successful interviews, and makeovers. Clients are referred from nearly 50 organizations, including Doors of Hope, Greenhouse Ministries, and The Journey Home. The night also consists of a silent auction. Light hors d’oeuvres are provided by The Tasty Table and served by some of Liberty’s Station’s interns. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance. For more information, find the Project ReStyle Fundraiser event on Facebook.

OCT. 14–16

NAIA POW WOW AND ARTS EXHIBITION

and “Carpe Artista Arts Academy It’s Not a Pumpkin Contest” on Friday, Oct. 14, and “Earth Experience Dino Days,” “MTSU Geosciences Rocks, Fossils, The Civil War and the Revolution” at Fortress Rosecrans, “Discovery Center STEAM-A-PALOOZA” and “Big Bug Hunt” at the Sam Davis Home (in Smyrna) on Saturday, Oct. 15. For the full schedule and more information, visit tnsteam.org.

OCT. 15

BORO BOURBON AND BREWS

Join Panther Creek Brews (714 W. Main St.) in benefiting Feed America First at Boro Bourbon and Brews on Saturday, Oct. 15. Gates open at 3:30 p.m. with the corn hole tournament at 4 p.m. The day consists of bourbon samples from various distilleries, food trucks, live music by Tom Davison, football games on the big screen, a silent auction, additional raffles and surprises throughout. A free BBC Glencairn glass is included with the first 10 tickets sold. A designated driver ticket is $10, general admission is $40 and 2 general admission tickets plus corn hole team entry is $100. For tickets, visit feedamericafirst.com/bbb

THROUGH OCT. 15

BOWL PAINTING FOR COOKIN’ TO BUILD

Bowl painting for Cookin’ to Build is underway thorough Oct. 15 at The Pottery Place at The Avenue (2615 Medical Center Pkwy. #1520). The $30 registration cost includes paint, a bowl, and a ticket to Cookin’ to Build on Saturday, Nov. 5. For more information, visit thepotteryplaceavenue.com or find The Pottery Place on Facebook.

The Native American Indian Association of Tennessee puts on its 41st Annual NAIA Pow Wow and Arts Exhibition from Oct. 14–16 at Long Hunter State Park (2910 Hobson Pike, Nashville). View ceremonial songs, dances and more. The exhibit opens at 9 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The opening ceremony will be at 10 a.m. on Friday and Sunday; Saturday’s opening ceremony will be at 11 a.m. Weekend admission is $8 for teens and adults, $4 for kids 6–12, and seniors over 65, kids 5 and under, and individuals with handicaps are admitted free. For more information, visit naiatn.org/powwow

OCT. 14–23

TENNESSEE STEAM FESTIVAL

The Tennessee STEAM Festival is an ongoing statewide project that includes many events from Oct. 14–23. Rutherford County events include “Trees are Terrific!”, a self-guided tour at the MTSU Arboretum,

OCT. 16

SYMPHONY STORYTIME

Enjoy a kid-friendly afternoon of free music and storytelling at the MTSU School of Music’s Hinton Hall on Sunday, Oct. 16, from 3–4:30 p.m. The Middle Tennessee Sinfonietta presents its fall concert “Symphony Storytime”, an evening filled with music from Mussorgsky and Saint-Saens and storytelling. They are joined by author Antonia Royal-Whitmore, poet Kory Wells, and illustrator Christian Young to present their new book entitled Wander Long, Wonder Strong, as well as other literature alongside the orchestra. Directly following the performance, hear from the authors about this project and how they wrote this new children’s book. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5. Donations are accepted, both at the door and in advance at mtsinfonietta.com. Proceeds

from the concert helps support the Middle Tennessee Sinfonietta. For more informa tion, call 864-706-3647 or email info@ mtsinfonietta.com, or find Middle Tennes see Sinfonietta on social media.

OCT. 18

OUTDOOR COOKING

Outdoor Cooking at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) introduces you to a variety of outdoor cooking methods on Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 9–10 a.m. Learn how to create delicious meals and snacks for camping or backyard events. Enjoy cof fee and a Dutch oven breakfast. This event will take place rain or shine. Ages 18 and up are welcome. Tickets are $5 per per son. For more information, email lrosser@ murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

OCT. 18

TENNESSEE VALLEY WINDS FALL CONCERT

The Tennessee Valley Winds Annual Fall Concert is Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m. at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.). There is no cost for admission, though donations will be accepted. For more information, visit tnvalleywinds.org or find Tennessee Valley Winds on Facebook.

OCT. 20

THE CONNECTION

Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken will host the October 2022 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Profes sional Networking and Business Brain storming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20. 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 experi ence and energy. Champy’s is located at 1290 NW Broad St.

OCT. 21

THE MASKARA/ MASQUERADE BALL

The Maskara/Masquerade Ball will help raise funds for the nonprofit organization Helping Hands Worldwide Services to help people in the Philippines with the organization’s five core projects: disaster relief, nutrition, education, health and medical, and pump and infrastructure programs. Come out to The View at Fountains (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.) on Friday, Oct. 21, from 6–10 p.m. Masks and formal attire encouraged. For tickets and more information, visit helpinghand stn.org and click on fundraising.

OCT. 21

SPECIAL KIDS FALL GOLF CLASSIC

Special Kids holds a spring and fall Golf Classic to raise funds in support of its programs and services that are provided to Middle Tennessee children and their families. The 2022 Special Kids Fall Golf Classic takes place Friday, Oct. 21, at Cedar Crest Golf Course (7972 Mona Rd.). This Golf Classic supports the pro grams and services Special Kids provides to Middle Tennessee children and their families. The four-person scramble is $150 for individual players and $600 for a team of four. You can bid in the auction from anywhere on Oct. 21 to support the Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center. For more information, visit givesignup.org/ ticketevent/specialkidsfallgolfclassic

OCT. 21

EVERYBODY DRUM SOME COMMUNITY RHYTHM EVENT

Everybody Drum Some founder Ross Les ter continues the 3rd Friday Community Rhythm Event series for those who would like to join their neighbors in some drum ming. The next session kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, in the fellowship hall of St Patrick’s Anglican Church (7103 Baker Rd.). It is free to participate. Participants may bring drums, shakers, tambourines, woodblocks or percussive instruments of any type, but instruments will be available for use from the Everybody Drum Some collection. To learn more, call 615-6317458 or visit everybodydrumsome.com

OCT. 22

CLUE PARTY

Murfreesboro’s zaniest fundraiser is the Clue Party, a night of mystery, murder and madness. Was it Miss Scarlet in the hall with the revolver? Or Mrs. Peacock in the lounge with the candlestick? Everyone has a motive. Community members can participate on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 6–9 p.m. A murder has been committed at the Gray Mansion, and guests will use clues marked around the mansion and interview the characters to solve the mur der. The perfect setting is the Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.), and all for a good cause. This year, applications were accepted for the proceeds. Of the many nonprofits that applied, Community Helpers of Rutherford County was se lected. Community Helpers is a nonprofit agency that assists Rutherford County residents in meeting their emergency rent, utility, and medicinal needs. General admission is $75 and includes two drink

tickets, and light appetizers. There is free valet parking for all. For tickets and more information, visit wildgoosechase.events/ clue-2022

OCT. 22

WINE AROUND THE SQUARE

Wine Around the Square returns to the Murfreesboro Public Square on Satur day, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. All proceeds of the event will benefit the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation’s Power of Pink Fund, fighting breast cancer by providing mammography for underinsured and uninsured women in Rutherford County. A wide variety of wines will be available for sampling throughout the evening. Guests will also receive a full dinner provided by The Alley On Main. Additionally, Nashville-based artist Chris Ferrara, who can often be found perform ing with his band The Common Good on Broadway, will perform for Wine Around the Square this year. Learn more about the event on page 24. Find tickets at winearoundthesquare.net.

OCT. 22

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event dedicated to Al zheimer’s care, support and research. Bill Wilson, Mr. Murfreesboro, is the emcee for this year’s Walk. Join the fight to end Alzheimer’s at Gateway Island in Mur freesboro (1875 W. College St.). On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony, a mission-focused experience that signifies their solidarity in the fight against the disease. The colors of the Promise Garden flowers represent people’s connection to Alzheimer’s and their personal reasons for fighting to cure the disease. Options will be offered to participate online and in local neighbor hoods. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, a leading cause of death in the United States. To register, call 800-272-3900 or visit act. alz.org/rucowalk

OCT. 22

PANTHER CREEK BREWS MOVIE NIGHT TAKEOVER

Join Panther Creek Brews for a Movie Night Takeover on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m., at Jackson Heights Shopping Center (810 NW Broad St.). Tickets are $20 and include admission to watch Ghostbusters on the big screen and two drink tickets. For more information, find Panther Creek Brews on Facebook.

OCT. 17

RUTHERFORD COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Rutherford County Historical Society Meeting for October is about haunted places in Rutherford County. Join the meeting on Monday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at Carriage Lane Inn (337 E. Burton St.). This meeting is free and open to the public. Wear a Halloween costume if you dare.

OCT. 22 & 23

ARTILLERY SAVES THE DAY

On Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 22–23, visitors are invited to experience the power of Civil War artillery while exploring the key role the big guns of the Union Army of the Cumberland played in making the Battle of Stones River a Union victory (3501 Old Nashville Hwy.). Programs are offered at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22, and at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23. On Saturday, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the Home Sweet Home Band presents a concert featuring songs from the Civil War period. For more information, find Stones River National Battlefield on Facebook.

OCT. 25

NATURE JOURNALING AT THE WILDERNESS STATION

Enjoy a relaxing time of nature journaling at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 9–10 a.m. Take a short hike to enjoy the changes of the season. This is a time to slow down and capture an observation through drawing, painting or your choice of artistic expression. This is a beginner’s class.

Please bring a notebook or journal. Ages 18 and up are welcome. There is no cost to join. For more information, call 615-217-3017 or email lrosser@murfreesborotn.gov

OCT. 27

FIREFLY SUPPER

Doors of Hope will hold its annual Firefly Supper at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at Copper Ridge Venue (3597 Betty Ford Rd.). Doors of Hope provides emergency shelter and transitional housing for women. For event tickets, sponsorship details and more information, email wrandolph@opendoorsofhope.org or visit opendoorsofhope.org

OCT. 28

ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE BANQUET

The Adult & Teen Challenge Heartland Banquet takes place Friday, Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m., at Turning Point Church (1033 Barfield Church Rd.). Tables can be sponsored for $500. There will be giveaways at the banquet, and a lucky attendee will receive a brand-new, 70-inch UHD Android flat-screen TV. For more information or to reserve or sponsor a table, visit atctn.org, call 615624-7878 or email gene@atctn.org.

OCT 28 & 29

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW SCREENING

The cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show will be screened Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29, at 8:30 p.m. at Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.). The movie will include a shadow cast production for those wishing to participate. There are a limited number of prop bags for sale at the door. The costume contest will be held at 9 p.m., with doors opening at 8:30 p.m. The movie starts at 10 p.m. For more information, find Mayday Brewery on Facebook.

OCT. 29

FALL INTO WINE

The Epsilon Psi Foundation of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority hosts a “Fall into Wine” Tasting Event on Saturday, Oct. 29. The fun is from 7–11 p.m. at the Grove at Williamson Place (3250 Wilkinson Pk.). The night consists of food, live music, silent auctions, a cigar tent, vendors, and wine and spirits. All proceeds support the Forming Innovative Leaders and Scholars Foundation (FILS). For more information, find Fall Into Wine 2022 on Eventbrite.

THROUGH NOV. 15 OUTDOOR SCULPTURE COMPETITION

The Arts Center of Cannon County and Chinkapin Craftstead will host an outdoor sculpture competition. Proposals are being accepted from Tennessee-based artists through Tuesday, Nov. 15. Designs should focus on indigenous animals and/ or plants. A panel of judges from the local government and the two arts organizations choose the winning submission. The new work will be sited in Woodbury. The winner will be announced Thursday, Dec. 15. The installation must be completed by May 31, 2023. Mail submissions to Beth McCrary, The Arts Center of Cannon County, 1424 John Bragg Hwy., Woodbury, or email them to artscenter@artscenterofcc.com

MONDAYS

CONNECT MURFREESBORO

Join Connect Murfreesboro each Monday from 9–10 a.m. at BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse (2839 Medical Center Pkwy.) for a casual networking event designed to connect professionals, build relationships, drive referrals and help grow businesses. Please prepare a 60-second pitch about who you are and what you do, as well as a specific referral request for attendees on what can be done to help promote your business. The approximately 20 minutes at the end of each meeting is

for members to set up one-on-ones and socialize. For more information on this and other networking events, visit connectnashvillenetworking.com/events

TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

FARMERS’ MARKET

The Rutherford County Agricultural Extension Cooperation presents a producer-only farmers market at the Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) open through the last Friday of October from 7 a.m.–noon every Tuesday and Friday. Market vendors from over 20 Middle Tennessee counties sell a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, baked and canned goods, plants and more. “Come & Go” informative sessions are open to the public from 9–11 a.m. in the lobby. Topics range from sustainable gardening, cooking, food preservation and environmental education. The Master Gardeners of Rutherford County are available for questions and tours. For more information, visit rutherford.tennessee.edu/farmers-market, call 615-898-7710 or 615-785-0862 or email hlambert@utk.edu.

WEDNESDAYS

CORN HOLE TOURNAMENT

Cedar Glade Brews (906 Ridgely Rd.) hosts a corn hole tournament every Wednesday starting at 6 p.m. There is a $5 buy-in per person. No advance registration is required; show up, network, make new friends and play some corn hole. For more information, visit cedargladebrews.com or find Cedar Glade Brews on Facebook.

WEDNESDAYS

BORO 2 SQUARE RUNNING GROUP

The Boro 2 Square running group meets at Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.) every Wednesday at 6 p.m. The group welcomes runners of all paces looking to run and socialize with other runners. Normal run distances are between 3 and 5 miles. Participants are welcome to hang out and socialize following the run. For more information, visit facebook.com/boro2square.

SATURDAYS

MURFREESBORO SATURDAY MARKET

Main Street Saturday Market in downtown Murfreesboro is a weekly farmers market on the Murfreesboro Public Square every Saturday from 8 a.m.–noon through the end of October. Spend the day with real farmers, real food and real community. For more information, find Murfreesboro Saturday Market on Facebook.

Autumn Fun A- MAZE -ing

Festivals, Hayrides & Carnivals

OCT. 21 & 22

BARFIELD BASH CARNIVAL

Join the Barfield Bash for ghostly games, frighteningly fun prizes, spooky music, and a chilling costume contest at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.)

Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21 and 22, from 5–8 p.m. There will be a startling story time, paranormal petting zoo and a fortune teller, among other activities. For more information, email vstembridge@murfrees borotn.gov or call 615-962-8773.

OCT. 21 & 22

OLD SCREAM ROAD: MURFREESBORO’S SCARIEST HAYRIDE

If you dare, take a frightening hayride into the depths of Barfield Park on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21 and 22, from 7:30–9 p.m. at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.). Who or what is lurking in the woods? The night is recommended for ages 10 and up. The ride starts at dark, and tickets are sold until 9 p.m. Tickets are $5. For more info, call 615-890-5333 or email bgarrett@ murfreesborotn.gov

OCT. 22

FALL FESTIVAL AT MCKNIGHT PARK

The Fall Festival at McKnight Park (120 Dejarnette Ln.) features food trucks, artisans, trick-or-treating, face painting, free inflatables and more on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. The festival is free to attend. For more information, find 2nd Annual Fall Festival on Eventbrite.

OCT. 28

SPOOKY SPLASH AT PATTERSON PARK POOL

Hit the pool for a spooky fun time at Patterson Indoor Water (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) on Friday, Oct. 28, from 5–8 p.m. Enjoy swimming, crafting, dinner and a pudding surprise. Make sure you are ready to find what might be hiding in the pudding, and leave your mark on a T-shirt. Bring a white T-shirt to tie dye. Ages 8–14 are welcome. The cost to join is $5 for pre-registration and $7 the

day of the event. For more information, call 615-893-7439 or email cstafford@ murfreesborotn.gov

OCT. 29

CANNONSBURGH VILLAGE HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL

Celebrate Halloween at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) with trick-ortreating, food trucks, vendors, music and fun for all ages from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29. Bring your best, or worst, singing voice for Scaryoke. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Entry is free and leashed pets are welcome. For more information, find Cannonsburgh Village on Facebook.

OCT. 29

CANNON COUNTY PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

The Cannon County Courthouse (200 W. Main St., Woodbury) will host the annual Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Immerse the family in pumpkins, handmade craft booths, trickor-treating, food trucks, games, contests and more. The festival is free to attend.

For more information, find Cannon County Pumpkin Festival on Facebook.

OCT. 31

FALL FESTIVAL AT PATTERSON PARK

Join the Community Fall Festival at Patterson Park (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) for free games, food, prizes, and crafts for the whole family on Monday, Oct. 31, from 5–7 p.m. Ages 8–12 are welcome. There is no cost to join. For more information, call 615-893-7439 ext. 6121 or email cellis@murfreesborotn.gov.

OCT. 31

TRICK OR TREAT ON THE MURFREESBORO SQUARE

Little ghosts and goblins are invited to trick-or-treat on the Historic Courthouse Square from 3–5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31. The event is sponsored by Main Street Murfreesboro and made possible by generous local businesses. For more info, call 615-895-1887.

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Sounds

MUSIC NOTES

AIN’T NO PLACE I’D RATHER BE than down on a Sunday in New Orleans, Cha Wa sings on its latest release, My People. The funky, colorful bunch of “wild men” will perform at Hop Springs in Murfreesboro on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Channeling the spirit of Mardi Gras and old-school funk acts like The Meters and Parliament-Funkadelic, the Murfreesboro show kicks off the fall tour for the brass band.

Cha Wa’s music takes shape from the sounds of New Orleans’ Sunday brass band parades and centuries-old masking culture, particularly the Mardi Gras Indian community of which the band’s vocalist Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. is a fourth generation member.

“Mardi Gras Indian tradition and culture goes back over 250 years in the city of New Orleans. And it’s a culture that derives from men of color wanting to celebrate the Mardi Gras holiday but weren’t able to at the time,” Boudreaux said. “So what they did was they created these elaborate suits, it represented the Native Americans that helped the blacks escape slavery, and they actually helped them throughout the swamps and the bywater to get where they needed to go. So to pay homage to those natives, these men created what we call today Indian suits.”

When they open up their wings, gonna make the people scream

Find more on Cha Wa at chawaband.com.

Mutual Groove opens the Oct. 6 show at Hop Springs; find tickets on ticketweb.com.

MIXTAPE ANNUAL ’80S HALLOWEEN SHOW SET FOR OCT. 28

MIXTAPE ’80S TRIBUTE BAND will hold its annual Halloween concert and 1980s costume party on Friday, Oct. 28, at Hop Springs.

In what should be a tubular blast to the past, Mixtape will transport the crowd to a time when songs recorded from the radio were the soundtracks to our lives.

Expect to hear tunes originally recorded by Journey, Bon Jovi, Toto, Huey Lewis and the News, Van Halen, Peter Gabriel and the like.

The Oct. 28 show kicks off at 8 p.m. Find tickets, starting at $17 at ticketweb.com.

Hop Springs Beer Park is located at 6790 John Bragg Hwy.

SMO AND HIS KINFOKE COME TO PANTHER CREEK OCT. 29 FOR HALLOWEEN ‘SMODOWN’

PANTHER CREEK BREWS will host a special Halloween SMO*down with hick-hop/country-rap artist Smo and some of his closest Kinfoke.

Kicking off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, the outdoor event will also include a costume contest. Additional artists taking the stage include Wade B, Stoney Banks, Nitty Gritty Greg Roberts, Pa Pa Fresh and West 10.

Many know Smo from his days on the Big Smo TV series, but the Middle Tennessee-born and bred rapper has since worked hard to shed some pounds, also dropping the “Big” from his stage name.

Panther Creek Brews is located at 714 W. Main St., Murfreesboro. The House of Eggrolls food truck will be onsite for the Oct. 29 event.

Find tickets to the Oct. 29 Tennessee Halloween SMO*Down on Eventbrite; tickets are $20.

IGNITER

has announced the first show of its new country music series, Coliseum Nights, coming to the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Mur freesboro. The inaugural show, set for Friday, Oct. 28, will include a headlining performance by Granger Smith featuring Earl Dibbles Jr., along with sets from Sean Stemaly, Logan Wheat and Matt Dillon.

Texas troubadour Granger Smith created his redneck alter ego Earl Dibbles Jr. in humorous coordination with the release of his “The Country Boy Song” and its viral music video. The response to the exaggeratedly countrified Earl was such that the persona now splits the headlining bill with Smith.

“We are beyond excited to be bringing this new country music concert series to Murfreesboro and the Middle Tennessee area,” said Jonny Hill, founder and executive producer of Coliseum Nights. “This will be the first show in the series for Coliseum Nights with many more to follow at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum. We are grate ful and proud to be in the partnership with this venue, showcasing these artists and everything Middle Tennessee has to offer.”

Hill, also the founder of Lynchburg Music Fest, has a vision for his role in the Ten nessee country music scene to include giving developing artists a chance to perform on the same stage as top touring artists.

“Lynchburg Music Fest built a platform and strong network within the music industry,” Hill said, adding that he is excited for the opportunity to execute some highcaliber nights of music and fun in Murfreesboro.

“We look forward to the MTSU student body involvement in this event,” he said.

Gates open for the Oct. 28 concert at 6 p.m. The Tennessee Miller Coliseum is located at 304 W. Thompson Ln. Free parking is available onsite and food and bev erages, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic, will be available for purchase. Tickets for the all-ages show start at $25.

For tickets and more information, visit coliseumnights.com.

Sounds

Macon Music

Free bluegrass festival welcomes The Cleverlys, blending instrumental skill, comedy and energy just like Uncle Dave did

BY TYLER LARRABEE

UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS MOVES TO THE FOUNTAINS AT GATEWAY for its 2022 roots music festival, set for Oct. 7–8. Additionally, admission to the Uncle Dave Macon Days festival will be free to the public this year.

Old-time, bluegrass and roots music will kick off at 5 p.m. Friday evening, and again at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Fountains at Gateway is located at 1500 Medical Center Pkwy.

Starting from humble beginnings on the lawn of the Rutherford County Courthouse in 1978, Uncle Dave Macon Days has been a Middle Tennessee tradition for decades. Inspired by the legacy of America’s rich musical heritage, organizers of Uncle Dave Macon Days intend to continue expanding the all-ages event’s musical genre experience over the coming years.

“Stomp your feet, clap your hands, and sing along with us, let’s have a good ol’ Tennessee sing-along,” said Paul Harris, a.k.a. Digger Cleverly, as his band The Cleverlys went into a traditional American stringband version of “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC at one of the group’s many performances. That piece is definitely a classic Tennessee string-band sing-along tune . . . at least it was after The Cleverlys got a hold of it. Maybe a “good ol’ Tennessee sing-along”

has less to do with the song selection and more to do with the “stomp your feet, clap your hands” and string band parts.

The Pulse got a chance to speak with Paul, as well as Ben Wilson, The Cleverlys’ agent, and talk about traditional country music, Uncle Dave Macon, The Cleverlys, and how they all intertwine, prior to the band’s performance at the upcoming Uncle Dave Macon Days festival here in Murfreesboro.

For those who may not know, Uncle

2022 UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, OCT. 7

5 p.m. – Glade City Rounders

7 p.m. – Jake Leg Stompers

9 p.m. – Uncle Shuffelo & His Haint Hollow Hootenanny

SATURDAY, OCT. 8

1 p.m. – Will MacLean Band

3 p.m. – Mid State Cloggers Square Dance

5 p.m. – Caleb Christopher Edwards

7 p.m. – Jake Leg Stompers

9 p.m. – The Cleverlys

Dave Macon, the “Dixie Dewdrop,” was an old-time American banjo player who was a successful Vaudeville performer in the 1920s before becoming the very first star of the Grand Ole Opry. Dave was known to “Make Happy”; audience members enjoyed his stage presence and his energetic personality, something Wilson believes he and The Cleverlys share in common.

“Part of the reason we love playing [Uncle Dave Macon Days] is that we want to bring more progressive old-time music to introduce new people to the genre,” said Wilson. The group was slated to play the festival in 2019 but couldn’t due to rain. The pandemic interrupted the festival the next two years, but Uncle Dave Macon Days is back in 2022.

Uncle Dave was born just a “stone’s throw” outside of McMinnville, Tennessee,

and died in Murfreesboro in 1952, a big part of why the Uncle Dave Macon Days festival exists in Rutherford County.

“This year marks the 43rd Anniversary of the Uncle Dave Macon Days festival starting with small beginnings which attracted only a few old-time music enthusiasts on the lawn of the Courthouse in 1978,” according to uncledavemacondays.com. Uncle Dave Macon Days will take place Oct. 7 and 8 at Fountains at Gateway in Murfreesboro, and it aims to honor traditional American music as well as the impactful career of Dave Macon and all the pioneers of the genre.

“Uncle Dave’s banjo playing was aggressive for the times,” Wilson said. “He was almost like the rock ’n’ roll of old-time music.”

That’s partly why Wilson feels that The Cleverlys’ style of music is true to the spirit of

Read more about local music at boropulse.com/category/music

GLADE CITY ROUNDERS

Dave Macon. “They embody making happy.”

Regarding the origin of The Cleverlys, “I started doing stand-up comedy for 15 years before creating The Cleverlys,” Paul Harris told the Pulse. The Cleverlys started as a concept for a TV show about a traditional bluegrass family band with characters and stories created by Paul as a way to combine his love of music with his acting background.

“I filmed a couple videos as Digger Cleverly and they went viral, and suddenly we were putting a band together and go ing on tour,” he said.

Paul grew up in the Ozarks of Missouri among a deep theater community of enter tainers who put together shows.

“Bluegrass is really about community. It’s amazing to continue to see young and old people dancing and laughing at our shows,” he said.

If you’ve never seen The Cleverlys per form, their set is a mix of stand-up com edy and fantastic musicianship devoted to creating traditional country covers of well-known rock, rap and pop songs. Their innately comedic versions of “No Diggity” and “Low” are laced between hilarious stories of Digger’s nephews and bandmates. While they do well in theaters, comedy clubs and PACs, they still play traditional festivals such as Macon Days.

“A lot of the other bands on the lineup are a lot more traditional than The Clever lys. I like to have a wide buffet of choices for the fan experience, and we get to be the change-up,” said Wilson.

Certainly some of The Cleverlys’ listen ers are discovering traditional bluegrass music for the first time, even if it is via the song “Thunderstruck.”

So, if you feel like stomping your feet, clapping your hands and singing along, be sure to come out to Fountains at Gateway to see The Cleverlys along with Glade City Rounders, the Will MacLean Band and many others “make happy” with a little bit of music and dance—no ticket needed!

The opening day of the 2022 Uncle Dave Macon Days is also the 152nd anniversary of Macon’s birth. Around 6 p.m. Dr. Mike Doubler, Uncle Dave’s great-grandson and author of Dixie Dewdrop, will lead a unique birthday celebration. Country mu sic artist Leroy Troy will perform several Uncle Dave tunes on the banjo and lead the singing of “Happy Birthday to You” As a teenager, Leroy Troy was one of the first Uncle Dave Macon competition winners on the Square in the ’80s.

Find more information on this year’s Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival at uncledavemacondays.com

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CONCERTS

THURS, 10/6

HANDLEBARS

Blues Jam

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Jesse Black

HOP SPRINGS

Cha Wa; Mutual Groove MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING MTSU Soprano/Alto and Tenor/Bass Chorales WALNUT HOUSE Obey the Trooper

FRI, 10/7

CARMEN’S TAQUERIA

Joe West

CEDAR GLADE BREWS

Gary Smith

FOUNTAINS AT GATEWAY

Uncle Dave Macon Days HANK’S HONKY TONK

Thomas Heard; In-Cahoots HOP SPRINGS

Family Karaoke Night

JACK’S PLACE Tony Castellanos MAYDAY BREWERY Roland Justice

PUCKETT’S GROCERY Herrick

SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Cooter River Band

SAT, 10/8

BERT DRIVER’S BURLAP ROOM

Captain Midnight Band CARMEN’S TAQUERIA

Joe West

CEDAR GLADE BREWS

Paul Mann

FOUNTAINS AT GATEWAY

Uncle Dave Macon Days

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Alexis Taylor; Phil Valdez PANTHER CREEK BREWS

Aye Mammoth; Resistance Band; Thunderfrog PUCKETT’S GROCERY

Josey Clay

SUN, 10/9

HANK’S HONKY TONK

The O’Donnells

MON, 10/10

BURGER BAR Glen Wagner

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Open Mic Night

TUES, 10/11

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Sir Anthony

WED, 10/12

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Robyn Taylor

MTSU WRIGHT

MUSIC BUILDING Desmond Ng

THURS, 10/13

HANDLEBARS

Blues Jam

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Cary & Sherrie Lynn HOP SPRINGS

Triston Marez; Jon Wood WALNUT HOUSE

Teezy

FRI, 10/14

BURGER BAR Glen Wagner CARMEN’S TAQUERIA

Joe West

CEDAR GLADE BREWS

Stephen Waid HANK’S HONKY TONK

Bailey Rose; Jack Finley Band JACK’S PLACE Tony Castellanos MAYDAY BREWERY Tom Davison MTSU WRIGHT

MUSIC BUILDING Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia PUCKETT’S

The Jolly String Quartet THE BORO Cow Punx

SAT, 10/15

CARMEN’S

Joe West

CEDAR GLADE BREWS

Jeff Lysyczyn HANK’S HONKY TONK

The Hammonds; Cooter River Band MAYDAY BREWERY Track Suits PANTHER CREEK BREWS Tom Davison PUCKETT’S GROCERY Joyanna McDonald & Friends

SUN, 10/16

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Emily Miller

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

Middle Tennessee Sinfonietta; Will Perkins; Joseph Walker MON, 10/17

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Open Mic Night

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Jazz Ensemble I & II

TUES, 10/18

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Karree Phillips MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Drake Wallace Memorial Composition Recital WASHINGTON THEATRE AT PATTERSON PARK Tennessee Valley Winds

WED, 10/19

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Gray Daniels MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Saxophone Studio Recital

THURS, 10/20

HANDLEBARS

Blues Jam HANK’S HONKY TONK Will King MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Don Aliquo

WALNUT HOUSE Treat Coastal; Chase Cimala

FRI, 10/21

CARMEN’S TAQUERIA

Joe West

CEDAR GLADE BREWS

Captain Sam Rorex and Pals GALLAGHER

UNPLUGGED Ashley Dawn HANK’S HONKY TONK

Sara Simmons; Jeff Caron Band JACK’S PLACE Tony Castellanos

MAYDAY BREWERY

Caitlin Rushing MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Richard Blumenthal & Dr. Zach Stern

PANTHER CREEK BREWS

Isaac Corbitt’s DJ vs Harmonica

PUCKETT’S GROCERY

Tennessee Stills Band SEASONS OF MURFREESBORO Escape Band

SAT, 10/22

CARMEN’S TAQUERIA

Joe West

CEDAR GLADE BREWS

Kyle Mercer GALLAGHER UNPLUGGED

Jim Hurst with Jack Shannon HANDLEBAR Shane Douglas HANK’S HONKY TONK

Joe Hooper; Whiskey Smoke HARVESTER EVENT CENTER Falyn

MAYDAY BREWERY Robyn Taylor

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Mya Ray

PUCKETT’S GROCERY Callie Hopper

SUN, 10/23

HANK’S HONKY TONK Mike Villinies

MON, 10/24

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Open Mic Night MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Jazz Combo

TUES, 10/25

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Kristen Budde

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING MTSU Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band

WED, 10/26

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Phil Valdez

THURS, 10/27

HANDLEBARS Blues Jam HANK’S HONKY TONK Silent Ruckus

MTSU WRIGHT

MUSIC BUILDING

Clarinet Ensembles

WALNUT HOUSE

Riley Whittaker

FRI, 10/28

BURGER BAR

Glen Wagner

CARMEN’S TAQUERIA

Joe West

CEDAR GLADE BREWS

Bill Steber

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Michael Keys; Justin Dukes HOP SPRINGS Mixtape ’80s Tribute Band

GALLAGHER

UNPLUGGED

The Secret Commonwealth JACK’S PLACE

Tony Castellanos MAYDAY BREWERY

Carter Elliott MILLER COLISEUM

Granger Smith/Earl Dibbles Jr., Sean Stemaly, Logan Wheat, Matt Dillon PUCKETT’S GROCERY

Karli & James

SAT, 10/29

CARMEN’S TAQUERIA

Joe West

CEDAR GLADE BREWS

Howlin Embers

GALLAGHER UNPLUGGED Palmyra with Jack Schneider

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Lonnie Cook; Jake Clayton

PANTHER CREEK BREWS

Smo; Wade B; Stoney Banks and more SMYRNA VFW

Shane Douglas

SUN, 10/30

HANK’S HONKY TONK

JBD Express

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

Tuba-ween; H. Stephen Smith & Eunbyol Ko; Percussion Studio

MON, 10/31

HANK’S HONKY TONK

Open Mic Night

MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING

Lalo Davila & Friends

If You Go

BURGER BAR

1850 Old Fort Pkwy. 615-895-5555

BURLAP ROOM

175 Hurricane Ridge Rd., Smithville, 615-597-9560

CARMEN’S TAQUERIA 206 W. Northfield Blvd. 615-848-9003

CEDAR GLADE BREWS

906 Ridgely Rd. 615-900-3707

GALLAGHER UNPLUGGED

118 N. Walnut St. 615-624-4196

FOUNTAINS AT GATEWAY

1500 Medical Center Pkwy. 615-895-0850

HANDLEBAR 2601 E. Main St. 615-890-5661

HANK’S HONKY TONK 2341 Memorial Blvd. 615-410-7747

HOP SPRINGS

6670 John Bragg Hwy. 615-450-1907

JACK’S PLACE 114 E. College St. 615-624-7390

MAYDAY BREWERY

521 Old Salen Rd. 615-603-7699

MILLER COLISEUM

304 W. Thompson Ln. 615-494-8961

MTSU WRIGHT

MUSIC BUILDING 1439 Faulkinberry Dr. 615-898-2469

PANTHER CREEK BREWS 714 W. Main St. 615-203-5089

PUCKETT’S GROCERY 114 N. Church St. 629-201-6916

THE PUBLIC HOUSE 215 N. Church St. 615-482-0543

WALNUT HOUSE 116 N Walnut St. 615-707-7897

WASHINGTON THEATER 521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 615-893-7439

EMILY MILLER

They Say

It’s been a heaven of a year for Ohioan and now-Nashvillian country artist Emily Miller, as she released an empowering debut EP, They Say, a day before her Feb. 19 birthday this year and has kept a busy gig schedule since. Miller’s confidently honed, Reba-meets-Swift vocals (with a little Nancy Wilson and Alannah Myles sprinkled in) pairs with an alternative/country accompaniment on the release out of Nashville’s Dark River Studios.

The reaffirming “Avaline” introduces Miller as banjo and slide guitar (sounding similar to Lazlo Bane’s “Superman,” the Scrubs theme song) are emphasized and mixed over the rest of the standard country instrumentation for a poppy, mid-tempo composition. “Avaline” recounts a young lady with promise at her church steps, a young lady with beauty and intelligence, a choir singer and proud churchgoer, possessing confidence in opportunities she won’t let pass her by. But more so, someone who has found her own Prince Charming, there, as well.

So, Miller’s “Prince Charming,” follows in a similarly sweet fashion emphasizing the strummed acoustic guitar over the banjo while Miller opens up about prayers made as a young girl, listing hopes of eventually meeting a decent Christian man.

Well, “Momma Calls Me Trouble” seems to be when Prince Charming came over to Miller 20 years later to say he’d pay to watch her dance. There’s a clever hook in the chorus lyric here, but nothing too fancy when it comes to the mid-tempo, countrypop backing.

ALBUM MOVIE

“Dear Lonely” is another of They Say’s acoustic-led slow jams, with Miller remaining vigilant in a letter written to Lonely, or lonesomeness.

If there’s an actual sass-track, it’s Miller’s dump song, “Take the Trash Out,” an antideadbeat anthem set to a spurring roadhouse jam, with Miller, the queen of the household, belting it out.

Miller saved tribute to her grandmother for her ultimate, country-ballad title track, “They Say,” about a woman—Miller’s Eastern Kentucky matriarch—whose presence on this earth showed her the value of determination and strength (and sass) in a proud, Southern, Christian woman. Miller sings of missing her friend, teacher and grandmother, revealing the true inspiration for the EP, up to the last soothing, slide guitar notes.

Find Emily Miller’s debut EP They Say across the icons on Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, Pandora, iHeart and Deezer. Physical copies (autographed, too) can be found through emilymillerofficial.com

Miller’s been paying her dues around Nashville, frequenting Broadway’s Redneck Riviera, The Stage on Broadway, and Ole Red BNA (inside the Nashville International Airport), as well as the brewery/distillery circuit. Catch an upcoming appearance at Star Spangled Brewery in Clarksville on Oct. 15, with East Tennessee appearances also on the schedule this month. Locally, Emily Miller will perform at Hank’s in Murfreesboro, on Sunday, Oct. 16, at 5 p.m. She performs about 200 shows a year, according to her sites.

BARBARIAN

DIRECTOR Zach Cregger STARRING Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, Justin Long RATED R

The most common thing I’ve heard people say about the new horror film Barbarian is, “go in knowing nothing about it.” This is good advice, but it makes my job as a reviewer very difficult. I want to convince people to go see this magnificent, surprising, weird, disgusting movie, but I don’t want anyone to read this who hasn’t already seen it. So, I’ll do my best to be as vague yet enticing as possible, a carnival barker guiding you into a tent of wonders without giving away the show.

It’s not that Barbarian is so innovative or so unique that knowledge of it diminish its thrills (though there are many unforeseen, shall we say, developments). And it’s not reliant on sweaty plot twists or reveals either. No, Barbarian is just a clockwork of tension and relief, and knowing all the moving parts is like explaining how a magic trick is done. Each scene builds upon the last, building and building the tension until you almost can’t take it anymore. And then comes the relief. And then, again, the tension slowly builds.

Writer/director Zach Cregger’s background is in the comedy troupe and series The Whitest Kids U’Know, and, like Jordan Peele, years of honing his comedic timing translates perfectly to his first horror film. The trailers proclaim Barbarian to be one

of the scariest movies in years, and it is, but don’t let that fool you. It’s also very funny.

It’s hard to talk about the actors in the film without talking about their characters, and thus giving away plot points, but suffice it to say, they are all great. Georgina Campbell plays Tess, imbuing her with intelligence and strength while also keeping her grounded and human. Bill Skarsgård— Pennywise in It (2017)—is perfect stunt casting as Keith, who might be a creep or might just be awkward. And Justin Long, as A. J., plays a verifiable creep very well for an actor who seems the opposite.

Honestly, Barbarian came out of left field. It’s meticulously if unconventionally structured, beautifully shot, unnervingly scored, and is both scarier and funnier than it has any right to be, as well as helmed by a relative unknown (at least in the horror world).

It also doesn’t shy away from being gross and disgusting at times, so fair warning.

Anecdotally, however, it’s not for everyone. After seeing the movie, the audience was stopped outside the theater to fill out a survey. One guy asked, “Why, so we can tell them it’s the worst horror movie ever?”

This took me aback, as I was delighted to fill out a glowing review, still high off of what might be the best music drop during closing credits ever. So I said, “I’ve always wanted to poll an audience after a movie but never had an opportunity like this. We know you didn’t like it, but what did everyone else think?”

I expected more of the same response. The film does get pretty weird. Then a guy to the right of me said, “I actually kind of liked it.”

“Me too,” said a guy to my left. “Cool, yeah, me too. I really liked it.” I said, my tension once again relieved.

— JAY SPIGHT

Living

Cross the Natural Bridge

STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO PHOTOS BY SARAH MAYO

For a unique, striking, natural Tennessee landmark, check out the Natural Bridge, just outside of Sewanee, Tennessee.

Exit I-24 on top of Monteagle Mountain and the Natural Bridge is only 10 minutes away. After heading through downtown Sewanee, motorists take a pleasant drive through a thickly forested area for a few minutes, hearing the sounds of leaves rustling and the animals chirping and calling. Arrive at a very small parking area and the Natural Bridge feature is only a brief walk.

A formed staircase leads downhill to the unique archway. Halfway down the stairs a visitor can see both the bridge and their car at the same time, the walk is so short.

The archway makes an impressive scene in the Tennessee woods. The trail coming from up top leads to the top of the bridge, so upon arriving at the feature the next portion of the journey is walking across the top. The bridge is a couple of feet wide, it’s

not exactly walking a tightrope, but don’t be goofing off up here or lose your orientation while taking a picture—it’s about a 25foot drop from the top of the bridge to the rocky ground below! Losing one’s balance and falling would be severely uncomfortable (probably worse).

Once on the other side of the bridge, a visitor can descend down a gradual slope to explore the area underneath. Near the base of the natural bridge, the cliff wall opens revealing a small cave, just large enough for a couple of people to take shelter. A fire pit inside the cave contains a date of 1914.

Even those traveling along I-24 without a whole lot of time to spare can still swing off the interstate and take a few minutes to check out this beautiful rock feature carved into the forest.

For those looking to spend longer hiking—even an entire day—the nearby University of the South, an Episcopal school with a beautiful campus, maintains 65 miles of hiking trails, many quite difficult.

“Sewanee’s Domain offers student recreational experiences unparalleled on any other campus in the country,” according to University of the South literature. “Whether you are interested in hiking, biking, camping, climbing, fishing, or all of the above, the Domain has an experience for you.”

Definitely check out Morgan’s Steep, an overlook near the campus with a breathtakingly expansive view of Tim’s Ford Lake and surrounding valley and hillsides.

The Sewanee Trails definitely contain all the hiking one can handle in a day—lots of room to burn some calories—and don’t seem to have a whole lot of foot traffic. The university advises visitors to park at Lake Cheston while using the trails.

And while residences sit just atop many of the ridges surrounding the area, it feels like a very secluded place to be, taking in the stillness of the Tennessee forest.

Look for more on the Sewanee Domain Trails in a future edition of the Murfreesboro Pulse.

If You Go

Natural Bridge State Natural Area

591 Natural Bridge Rd., Sewanee, Tennessee (From Sewanee, turn south onto Highway 56 and look for Natural Bridge Road in about two miles).

For more on the University of the South’s trail system, visit sewanee.edu.

Living

OCTOBER IS A FUN TIME

in Middle Tennessee with many harvest festivals and happenings. A number of Middle Tennessee farms will host tons of activities in celebration of the season.

The Farm at Route 8

Shady Lane 

3722 Shady Ln., Murfreesboro (near Lascassas)

Open daily in October: 2–9 p.m.

ADMISSION: $5 person; 4 and under free ONLINE: facebook.com/route8shadylane

FEATURES: Haunted woods; pumpkins, cornstalks and straw bales for sale; food trucks

Lucky Ladd Farms

4734 Rocky Glade Rd., Eagleville

Open Thurs.–Sat.: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun.: 12–5 p.m.

ADMISSION: General admission $17–23

ONLINE: luckyladdfarms.com

FEATURES: Petting zoo, splash pad, pump kin patch, slides, hayride, playground, corn and hay mazes, fish pond, tractor train, tire mountain, kid maze, corn box, toddler maze, duck races, pony swings and more Walden Pumpkin Farm

8653 Rocky Fork Rd., Smyrna

Open through Oct. 31, Thurs.–Fri.: 2–6 p.m.; Sat.: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun.: 12–6 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free; activities require Walden Bucks, punch cards available for $10

ONLINE: waldenpumpkinfarm.com

FEATURES: Hayrides, farm animals, hay and corn mazes, pumpkins, mums and other fall produce for sale, concession area offer ing BBQ, burgers and treats, country store, jams, jellies, honey, carving kits and toys

Wilson Family Farm

4809 Byrd Ln., College Grove (31 miles west of Murfreesboro)

Open Saturdays and Sundays throughout October: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

ADMISSION: $12; kids under 2 are free

ONLINE: thewilsonfamilyfarm.com

FEATURES: Concessions, pick-your-own pumpkin, corn maze, hay wagon farm tour, cow train ride

Cedarwood Farms

2900 Old Nashville Hwy., McMinnville (34 miles east of Murfreesboro)

Autumn Fun A- MAZE -ing

FEATURES: Ride a train to Grandma’s Cabin for a first-hand look at real life on a farm, hay rides, slides, jumping pillow, pedal tractors, pony rides (weekend only), gold mine, live animals, world’s largest rolled-hay maze

Honeysuckle Hill Farm

1765 Martins Chapel Church Rd., Springfield (56 miles northwest of Murfreesboro)

Open through Oct. 31, Wed.–Fri.: 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; Sat.: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun.: 12–6 p.m.; open special hours for fall break, Oct. 10–14: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Middle Tennessee Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes and Farm Celebrations

BY LAURA LINDSAY

Open through Oct. 31, Thurs.: 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.; Fri.: 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sat.: 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun.: 12–5 p.m.

ADMISSION: $14 ages 11 and up; $12 for kids 3–10; Pumpkin for each guest included with admission

Bonfire Admission is an additional $4; includes hotdogs, marshmallows, chips and a drink (cash or check preferred)

ONLINE: cedarwoodfarmstn.com

FEATURES: Pick-your-own pumpkin, mazes, jump pad, live music and bonfire by the pond, 100-foot super slide

Gentry Farms

1974 New Highway 96 W., Franklin (41 miles west of Murfreesboro)

Open in October, Sat.: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun.: 1–5 p.m.; open Mondays from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. for home-schoolers

ADMISSION: $10 per person; adults over 65 and children under two get in free (credit or debit card recommended)

ONLINE: gentryfarm.com

FEATURES: Inside maze, grain barn, farm arcade, tire swings, kids’ play general store and farmers market, animals, wagon rides, corn maze, tractor playground, labyrinth, nature trail with views of the West Harpeth River, mini-farm putt-putt

Grandaddy’s Farm

474 Highland Ridge Rd., Estill Springs (54 miles south of Murfreesboro)

Open through Oct. 29, Tues.–Thurs.: 11:30

a.m.–6 p.m.; Fri.: 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.–8 p.m.

ADMISSION: Tues.–Fri.: $15.95; Sat.: $17.95 plus tax; free for children under 2; season pass: $40.95; hayrides included with admission, pumpkins are $5 each ONLINE: grandaddysfarm.com

FEATURES: Hayrides, pumpkins, pig races, corn maze, animal corral, picnic shelters, slides including the 150-foot Landslide, jump pad, corn boxes, fall market

Shuckles Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch at Fiddle Dee Farms

7526 Swift Rd., Greenbrier (54 miles northwest of Murfreesboro)

Open through Oct. 30, Sat.: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun.: noon–8 p.m.

ADMISSION: $14.55; children 2 and under free; must purchase tickets online to guarantee entry

ONLINE: shucklescornmaze.com

FEATURES: Magician Bruce Amato per forms four shows daily, 150-foot slide, corn maze, pumpkin patch, concessions, games

Bottom View Farm

185 Wilkerson Ln., Portland (55 miles north of Murfreesboro)

Open daily through Oct. 31, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.

ADMISSION: $10 per person; age 2 and under free ONLINE: bottomviewfarm.com

ADMISSION: $19.95; Saturdays and Sundays: $21.95; age 2 and under free; season pass: $44.95

ONLINE: honeysucklefarm.com

FEATURES: Pumpkin patch, farm market, bonfire pits, gemstone mining, Milking par lor, swing ride and carousel, hayride, nature trail, musical garden, tire mountain, bungee trampolines, tree house village, bubble hut, apple blasters, ziplines, slide, corn maze, rock wall, pumpkin hopper, pig races, skel eton band, pumpkin twister and more

McCulley’s Amazin’ Acres

2857 Old Kentucky Rd., Sparta (60 miles east of Murfreesboro)

Open through Nov. 6, Fri.: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Sat.: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sun.: 1:30–7 p.m.

ADMISSION: $13.95; age 2 and under free; age 65 and up $10

ONLINE: amazinacres.com

FEATURES: Great Pumpkin Harvest, three corn mazes, farm animals, steer roping, pig races, honey bees, corn box, Busy Bee Zipline, pirate ship, tractor pull, trike track, tug of war, barn yard slide, bubble station, tire mountain, duck races, rainbow bouncer, ball games

Lyons Family Farm

130 Bellview Rd., Taft (61 miles south of Murfreesboro)

Open through Oct. 30, Wed. and Thurs.: 1–7 p.m.; Fri.: 1–8 p.m.; Sat.: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun.: 1–7 p.m.

ONLINE: lyonfamilyfarms.com

FEATURES: You-pick pumpkins, photo ops, corn maze, wagon rides, you-pick sunflowers, zinnias and wildflowers; slides, ziplines, petting zoo, pillow bounce, corn box, rat roller, pig races, tractor rides, cow train, coyote mountain, ball zone, caramel apples, ribeye sandwiches

Living

History of Tornadoes in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County

AS WE ENTER HURRICANE SEASON, especially after Hurricane Ian just hit southern Florida hard, I can’t help but think of our own weather issues we have had here in Rutherford County the past hundred-plus years. Many of us have seen what hurricanes have done to much of the Gulf Coast and East Coast over the years. While the coastline states have to deal with the possibility of hurricanes, other states like California, Oregon and Washington have to deal with not only earthquakes but also the dreaded wildfires along with the Santa Ana winds that direct the wildfires.

The

number one weather threat—the awful tornadic weather we have from time to time. With hurricanes, at least you can escape inland and get away from them for the most part. The difference between hurricanes and tornadoes is we don’t know exactly when the tornado is going to drop out of the sky and cause havoc below. (Of course, hurricanes also have spinoff tornadoes that create havoc.)

by BILL WILSON Minute

With the influx of folks moving here from California and other places, some of these new Tennessee residents may not know our

I’m going to discuss some of the tornadoes that hit Rutherford County over the last century. If you have lived in Murfreesboro for over 25 years you will probably remember the Barfield tornado that swept over the Southridge subdivision off of Barfield Road in the late afternoon of Jan. 23, 1997. It was an F4

tornado with wind speeds of nearly 200 miles an hour. I vividly remember this one because I had just gotten off work and was driving back from Nashville on I-24. I was getting off the Church Street exit headed to my home on Rucker Road in Christiana. I remember the sky looking dark green and everything being dark. What I didn’t know at the time was that an F4 tornado had just crossed Church Street in front of the Neil Sandler Buick dealership and the Indian Hills Golf Course (near hole number 15). My sister and brother-in-law at the time lived in the Southridge subdivision on Daly Drive that was a direct hit of that same tornado. That tornado had started on Kimbro Road, then hit Southridge, crossed Church Street, and skipped over to Elam Road near Manchester Highway. This tornado injured 18 people and caused $5 million in damage.

Years later, an F3 tornado hit near Gum Road off Manchester Highway on April 28, 2002. There were 10 to 15 homes damaged and 20 people injured.

A more recent one that many of us remember vividly was the Good Friday tornado that hit Murfreesboro on April 10, 2009. It was an F4 with wind speeds up to 170 m.p.h. The twister was on the ground for nearly 24 miles, with a maximum width of a half mile at times. The initial touchdown was just north of Eagleville in southwestern Rutherford County near Kelly Road. Sadly, there were two fatalities caused by this tornado at the corner of Haynes Drive and

Sulphur Springs Road. There were another 58 injuries. Over 845 homes were damaged; of those, 117 were destroyed.

There were 18,000 homes without power for several days. The tornado did extensive damage to the Highland Park/Wilkinson Pike area near the Battlefield and the Riverview subdivision off Thompson Lane and the Haynes Drive and Compton Road area.

With all of that being said about the events of 2009, a lot of people don’t know there were multiple storms that caused local fatalities in March of 1913.

Visit boropulse.com to read a full article from a 1913 edition of the Nashville Banner detailing this Murfreesboro catastrophe and the damage it caused on the Murfreesboro Public Square.

Folks, with this history of destruction in our section of Middle Tennessee, we all need to take heed when there are tornado warnings announced. Peak tornado season in Tennessee runs March through May each year. However, there’s a secondary season in the fall that brings a high number of tornadoes during November. Tornadoes are ripe to form when warm, moist air collides with colder air above. May you all be safe and sound until we chat again. God bless!

Tune into WGNS at 100.5 FM or 1450 AM each Sunday at 9 p.m. for The Mr. Murfreesboro Show. Call Mr. Murfreesboro, a.k.a. Bill Wilson, for all of your local real estate needs at 615-406-5872.

Southridge Tornado, 1997

Downtown Tornado, 1913

Living

Charlie and P.J. Patel

Wine Around the Square Returns

Chris Ferrara

WINE AROUND THE SQUARE

a progressive wine and spirits tasting event, returns to the Murfreesboro Public Square on Saturday, Oct. 22.

All proceeds of the event will benefit the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation’s Power of Pink Fund, fighting breast cancer by providing mammography for underinsured and uninsured women in Rutherford County, including screenings, diagnostics, ultrasounds and MRIs.

Power of Pink supports two Mobile Mammography Coaches that serve 26 counties in Middle Tennessee as well as the Cancer Wellness Program at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford.

Wine Around the Square has raised over $2 million for the Foundation’s Power of Pink Fund since its inception.

Thanks to Stones River Total Beverages, a wide variety of wines will be available for sampling throughout the Wine Around the Square evening. Included in each ticket, guests will also receive a full dinner provided by The Alley On Main.

Many downtown businesses will be

,

Oct. 22 Sampling Event Raises Funds for Breast Cancer Screenings and Treatment

open for after-hours shopping on Oct. 22. Additionally, Nashville-based artist Chris Ferrara, who can often be found performing with his band The Common Good on Broadway, will perform for Wine Around the Square this year.

The 2022 Wine Around the Square event will kick off with a VIP party at the new Whiskey Dix, located at 22 N. Public Square. VIP ticketholders will have access to an exclusive pre-event party from 5–7 p.m. where they can enjoy a full bar, hors d’oeuvres from Five Senses Restaurant & Catering and Doodles Kitchen & Bakery, samples of six high-end bourbons, and a special souvenir.

Each year’s selected honorees are also celebrated at the VIP party.

This year, Wine Around the Square honors Drs. Max and Mary Moss, both of whom have dedicated their careers to breast health and cancer detection. Both recently retired from their 20-plus-year careers; Dr. Mary Moss served as an OBGYN with Advanced Women’s Care and Dr. Max Moss as a radiologist with Premier Radiology.

Many know Stones River Total Beverages

Drs. Max and Mary Moss

proprietors Charlie and P.J. Patel from their heavy involvement in numerous charitable endeavors in Murfreesboro over the years.

“Wine Around the Square is an event that we have been participating in now for a number of years,” Charlie Patel said. “Year after year we have a great time and seem to get rave reviews from everyone in attendance. Aside from that, the cause supported is one that is very near and dear to our hearts. One of our partners at Stones River Total Beverages has lost a parent to breast cancer and we have another partner with a survivor in the family. This is a disease that affects many across the nation and we like to show our support in beating it.”

They will once again bring many of their favorite wines to the event, including a selection of rosé varieties for a special “rosé garden.”

“What better way to support the cause than with some pink wines!”

The 2022 Wine Around the Square kicks off at 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22. Find tickets at winearoundthesquare.net.

Acorn Haven Studios

Carving out an eclectic space to create; hosts open studios Oct. 15

LEES

DAWNA MAGLIACANO, SCULPTOR and 2020 Painter Laureate for the City of Murfreesboro, is a regular fixture in Rutherford County’s art community. Magliacano spent this past summer revamping her home studios in Lascassas, Tennessee, and in the process carved out enough room for a few other artists to have space to create.

In 2021, Magliacano started hosting 3rd Saturday Open Studios at her Acorn Haven Studios—a large workshop/barn on the farm that she and her husband purchased in 2016. The open studio events were met with enthusiasm from friends and family who attended. This year, Magliacano transformed more of the space in the barn into additional studio areas for other artists, while also expanding space for a “classroom.”

Four months of long days through the heat of the summer for her husband and a couple of gracious friends, and a hodgepodge pile of materials led to the studios reflecting Magliacano’s signature eclectic style. The new spaces are already occupied by four local artists: Kaitlin Savage, a ceramic artist; CatieBeth Thomas, a fiber artist and print maker; Dorothy Stevens, an oil and watercolor painter; and Mary Ann May, an oil painter.

“Working in the studios, rather than at home feels more focused and spacious. Plus, being able to participate in the 3rd Saturday Open Studios is great,” Thomas said regarding the shared space. Saturday, Oct. 15, will be the first 3rd Saturday Open Studio since the barn’s facelift. The studio occupants, along with seven other guest artists, will be there from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Acorn Haven is located at 8265 Lascassas Pk., Lascassas.

The Play That Goes Wrong at The Arts Center of Cannon Co.

THE ARTS CENTER OF CANNON

County continues its production of The Play That Goes Wrong through Oct. 8. Actors do everything wrong so right within this hilarious play within a play. After benefiting from a large and sudden inheritance, the inept and accident-prone Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society embarks on producing an ambitious 1920s murder mystery, a whodunit that has everything from an unconscious leading lady to a corpse that can’t play dead and actors who trip over everything (including their lines). The accident-prone thespians battle to make it through to their final curtain call.

The play opened on Sept. 23 and will continue Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit artscenterofcc.com/tickets.

The Rocky Horror Show Plays at Center for the Arts

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW IS set to open Friday, Oct. 7, at The Center for the Arts.

“There are slight differences in what you can expect to see onstage with this show. But, the energy, feel, and story are still there,” said show director Keri Boe. “We encourage you to come in costume!”

One fateful night, an innocent couple set out to visit an old professor. Unfortunately, this night out will be one they will never forget. A thunderstorm and a flat tire force them to seek help at the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. A loving homage to the classic B-movie sci-fi and horror genres with an irresistible rock ’n’ roll score, The Rocky Horror Show is a hilarious, wild musical ride.

The play is rated R; showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Oct. 7 and 14, and Saturdays, Oct. 8 and 15; and at 11:59 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 8 and 15. Find tickets at boroarts.org, by calling 615904-ARTS, or at the Center for the Arts Box Office, 110 W. College St.

Hey Middle Tennessee!

experience

tried

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The Dish

The Blue Porch

STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO PHOTOS BY SARAH MAYO

Just across from the towering Rutherford County Judicial Center sits The Blue Porch, a sandwich shop (and more) ready to quickly serve filling and tasty meals to those at the judicial center as well as the nearby Rutherford County Health Department and county offices as well as patrons from other downtown Murfreesboro businesses.

Cynthia Richie, the owner/operator of Blue Porch makes it her goal to serve lunch to busy attorneys and professionals in 10 minutes of wait time or less, offering “good food fast.”

The eatery’s close proximity to the judicial facility has inspired various legal-system-related menu item names, such as a delicious sandwich with ham, gouda bacon dip and Tiki Torch Jam (a hot tropical creation from Marcy Jams) called the Harry Stone in honor of the lead character from Night Court; a veggie sandwich known as Judge Judy; the Joe Friday wrap (“Just the facts, ma’am”) with ham, turkey, bacon, lettuce and tomato; and the Wapner, named for the presiding magistrate of The People’s Court—this sandwich has bologna rubbed with espresso and mustard, smoked, and served with pimento cheese, relish and mustard.

Also find four different types of chicken

salad—traditional, bacon ranch, chipotle and, for the basil lover, a pesto chicken salad.

“I try and do one hot meal every day,” Richie said of her daily specials like sloppy joes or burritos.

Monday may mean meatloaf or shrimp and grits at Blue Porch, which also celebrates Taco Tuesday and somewhat of a wild card on Wednesday, such as the sloppy joe. A piggy mac and cheese (loaded with pork barbecue) is often the Thursday special, and The Blue Porch serves loaded baked potatoes on Fridays.

“The meatloaf is delicious,” customer Linda Halbeck said.

Of all of the flavorful creations here, perhaps none are as popular as the gouda bacon dip.

“You can put that on anything!” Desiree Franks said, taking home a packaged to-go container of the dip.

“It’s the whole reason my husband let me buy this business,” Richie said with a smile. She also gives a shout-out to an Abingdon, Virginia cafe called The Girl & The Raven for helping inspire her to open a restaurant.

Gouda

The Wapner:

Going back to the origins of the Blue Porch, original owner Wanda Thompson opened a bed and breakfast in Readyville in 2007. She and her son, Aaron, later opened a restaurant in Woodbury, within the Arts Center of Cannon County.

They later closed that Blue Porch restaurant and became the in-house caterer for The Grove in Murfreesboro.

Cynthia Richie then purchased the company and took it over from the Thompsons about five years ago, running it out of her house for a few years and also setting up a booth at the Murfreesboro Saturday Market.

“I probably couldn’t have done this without the Farmers Market,” Richie said, while proudly pointing out to a customer that the peaches in a peach and blueberry strata are local.

The restaurateur opened the brick-andmortar Blue Porch establishment on Lytle Street, next to Cultivate Coworking (in a space formerly home to Boro Town Cakes for a time), in 2021.

While that legendary gouda bacon dip was part of the former Blue Porch fare, the new owner came up with new ways to utilize the flavor-packed spread in other recipes, including using it on some of the standard sandwiches and in a popular strata made with the creation; a strata is “a savory bread pudding,” Richie said, an egg casserole which may include various different meats, veggies and cheeses, but breadier than a quiche.

“We sell 60–80 gouda bacon strata every

The Harry Stone

Clockwise from top: Pesto chicken salad; chicken salad sandwich, gouda bacon strata, creamy potato soup

farmers market morning!” she said.

One Blue Porch customer, Michele Dannen, says the Lytle Street cafe is one of her “main go-to places for lunch.” While she enjoys the chicken salad, for one recent meal she “wanted something warm, so I opted for their bacon and gouda strata. This was heaven.”

On cooler days, hungry patrons can also enjoy soups, such as a very good creamy loaded potato soup at the Blue Porch.

Richie said she finds balance in food important, and enjoys playing with blends of sweet and salty, or spicy and fruity. Most dishes at her restaurant contain unique combinations, but are not overwhelmingly spicy or cheesy or sweet.

The Harry Stone, with its fruit and pepper jelly along with the gouda bacon dip, balances all sorts of spicy, sweet, fruity and savory notes.

Also on the Blue Porch menu, find various low-calorie sparkling waters, a sunbutter and strawberry jam sandwich, and moonshine

cookies made with Short Mountain Shine.

Catch them before they close at 2 p.m. every weekday if you want to try out The Porch. Keeping business hours for breakfast and lunch only serves the judicial center and downtown business community well, but gives the business owner evenings with her family. Family time is very important to her, Richie said.

As a special service to the community, The Blue Porch offers bag check lockers for those visiting the judicial center and unaware that they cannot bring a bag inside. Some are surprised to get to court and not be able to take their bag in.

For $2, they can rent a locker at The Blue Porch for the day and leave their bag there. Many are not exactly having the most peaceful, stress-free time on their court day, so this is one little way a local eatery can help solve one problem.

( Note: The Blue Porch will take a fall break the first week of October, but will resume business beginning Oct. 10. )

AROUND TOWN ’BORO BUSINESS BUZZ

The Eclectic Road, Haunted Murfreesboro, Floor Coverings International, Overflow, Joanie’s, Liberty’s Station, Sa Bai Dee, Mayweather Boxing

BY DELORES ELLIOTT

THE ECLECTIC ROAD – A WORLD BOUTIQUE will celebrate its grand opening on Sunday, Oct. 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The new boutique will be located at 1404 Hazelwood Dr. in Smyrna, and will offer a variety of products including handmade clothing from India and Nepal, stones and crystals, incense, tarot cards, and $5 gemstone earrings, pendants and rings from India, handmade quilts and towels from Stitches by Jackie, candles from Burning Embers, woodworking products, and other items from local artists.

The boutique also sets up other locations inside The Painted Tree in Murfreesboro and Franklin, and in High Cotton in Dickson. For more information, visit theeclecticroad. com or call 615-462-5156.

HAUNTED MURFREESBORO recently started offering tours in Murfreesboro, just in time for the Halloween season. Haunted Murfreesboro includes a downtown walking tour for longtime residents and Murfreesboro visitors alike. The new walking tour includes more than 20 stops around the historic Murfreesboro Public Square, and focuses on locations well-known by way of folklore and tales of eerie occurrences and spirit sightings.

Freeman spent some time studying Murfreesboro’s history and interviewing residents and business owners. Most of her interviews included the personal experiences of her interviewees.

Tours run throughout the year from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., weather permitting, with check-in times at Haunted Murfreesboro headquarters, 105 N. Maple St., just across from the Rutherford County Courthouse. For more information, visit instagram.com/ hauntedmurfreesboro

FLOOR COVERINGS INTERNATIONAL has opened a local franchise in Murfreesboro at 316 W. Lytle St., offering services including a mobile showroom with over 3,000 different flooring samples. This is one

SA BAI DEE CAFÉ at 505 Cason Ln., Ste. E has reopened after a long hiatus for renovations. The restaurant is currently only open for pickup and delivery due to some last-minute updates, but has plans to fully reopen for dine-in soon. Some of the changes made at Sa Bai Dee include an expanded dining area and new overhead lighting. Current hours are from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and closed on Monday.

Menu options include fried crab and pork wontons, fried ribs, a variety of soups, pho, fried rice, noodles, salads, homemade sausage, coffee, tea, bubble tea, and a multitude of other meal options. Call 615-900-3777 for more information, or to place an order or view the menu, visit sabaideecafe.com or.

of the franchise’s few locations in Tennessee, locally owned by 41-year-old Middle Tennessee resident and veteran Scott Grisham.

Those interested can call to schedule a complimentary, in-home consultation with the business’ design associates to help provide the perfect flooring design for any home. Associates offer information for both flooring and design, and are fully prepared to meet in the convenience of the customer’s own home to review project details.

“Our inventory of name-brand carpets, hardwoods, tile, stone, vinyl, cork and more are from reputable, national producers, which ensures we have something for every style and lifestyle budget. The flexibility of our Mobile Flooring Showroom allows you to see how different flooring options will look and perform in your home,” according to company promotional materials.

The business also includes factory-trained professional flooring experts who install the flooring. After 10 days, professionals will return to the property to evaluate the performance of the install.

In addition, Floor Coverings International also offers haul-away services for old flooring, furniture moving, subfloor preparation, trim additions, and cleanup and removal of excess

materials. For more information, call 615-9005658 or visit floorcoveringsinternational.com.

OVERFLOW BREWS AND BAKES has opened at 115 N. Maple St. on the square in Murfreesboro. The new bakery—locallyowned, veteran-owned and woman-owned— is located in the former Nonie’s Bakery location. Overflow Brews offers pour-over coffee, drip coffee, cappuccinos and lattes, nitro brew and other coffee options, as well as hot and cold brewed teas, bubble teas, and freshly baked cookies, English muffins, scones and bread. Current hours are Monday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and closed on Sundays.

A second POPEYES LOUISIANA KITCHEN has opened in Murfreesboro at 2435 S. Church St., located beside the Pilot Travel Center. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.

Jason Day, the owner and operator of the Murfreesboro RED BICYCLE locations, recently rebranded both Murfreesboro locations to operate under the name of JOANIE’S, in honor of Day’s late mother.

The restaurants will operate as usual with the addition of some new menu options including scratch-made waffles. Hours for both locations are Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m to 4 p.m. For more information, visit joaniesboro.com

LIBERTY’S STATION has opened at 850 NW Broad St. after celebrating a soft opening mid-September. Liberty’s Station is a progressive workforce pipeline where 90% of the employees have intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities or other employment barriers. Employees are assessed, trained, and gain work experience to then confidently acquire long-term community employment.

Liberty’s Station offers a tasty grilled cheese lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and plans to eventually offer lunch on Saturdays. in addition to the cafe, Liberty’s also offers event space and a local market with offerings including private label coffee and one-of-a-kind gifts.

For more information, visit facebook.com/ libertysstationtn and libertysstationtn.org

MAYWEATHER BOXING + FITNESS is coming soon to Murfreesboro, and will be located at 2108 Medical Center Pkwy. near Cajun Steamer. Mayweather Boxing + Fitness is a high-intensity fitness experience dedicated to those who want to enjoy a more authentic experience and learn from undefeated champion boxer Floyd Mayweather’s own techniques and training regimens. Workouts are expected to build strength, confidence and passion within the tight-knit community. Workouts include a combination of boxing, strength and cardio conditioning intervals designed to enhance performance.

The fitness center will offer classes including Undefeated: a fast-paced, 45-minute workout that includes six rounds of boxing and two rounds of fitness; and Advanced Bagwork: a 45-minute workout that includes longer boxing combinations, more footwork and Mayweather’s famed defensive movements. For more information, call 615-716-1165.

A new restaurant is coming to Murfreesboro at the old Pizza Hut location on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. A temporary sign on the restaurant mentions STREET TACOS, but little else has been publicly revealed about the space.

THE GREAT ESCAPE will celebrate its 45th anniversary this October across all loca-

LUCKY DUCK RIVER RENTALS in Shelbyville recently launched plans for a new 25-mile, 2-day kayak and canoe trip. Business owner Chuck Baker and his business partners Benji Garland and Beth Nicolay recently purchased a 20acre farm providing one-third of a mile of frontage on the Duck River in Bedford County, as well as more space for patrons of Lucky Duck.

This new access point will serve as a launch for short tubing floats, or the twoday trips in which river-goers board kayaks or canoes at Fisherman’s Park, float 11 miles to Baker’s farm, and then camp in one of the many tents on standby. Participants may order meals for delivery from Halls Mill Market during their overnight stay, and are welcome to fish on the many sandbars. After a night at the campsite, the nine-mile journey to Halls Mill Market will complete the 20-mile trip.

Lucky Duck River Rentals will also open a standalone business Normandy, Lucky Duck River Rentals II. Once this Normandy location opens in 2023, the business will be able to offer excursions on over 50 miles of the Duck River to customers.

“That’s incredible because the river is only 280 miles,” Baker said.

For more information, call 931-294-FISH.

tions with a Free Goods Day event that will include discounts on various merchandise items. Those who come out to the stores on the designated days will receive 10 free items ranging from comic books, records, toys, DVDs, CDs, posters, books, magazines, 45s, VHS and more. No purchase will be necessary to receive the 10 free items, which will be restocked during the duration of the event. The event will also offer various discounts. Events will take place on Oct. 1 at the Madison location, Oct. 15 in Murfreesboro, and Oct. 29 in Nashville.

The Great Escape was founded in 1977 and is dedicated to serving the Middle Tennessee and Kentucky area by offering a “hot spot” for those who wish to buy and sell their music, movies, comics and more. For more information, visit thegreatescapeonline.com.

JOE B’S FURNITURE, a longtime fixture on Front Street in downtown Smyrna, has closed.

BIG CREEK WINERY TASTING ROOM will soon move out of its home in downtown Christiana.

The property sold recently, and according to business owner and operator Candy Pomeroy the new owners gave her three weeks to vacate the building.

“In the meantime, I am looking for a

place to relocate,” she said. “I have actually been presented with a few options and with luck we won’t have much downtime.”

Fans of Big Creek Winery Tasting Room—which samples and sells products from the Tennessee-based Big Creek Winery and over the years has hosted numerous Jeep days, craft fairs and outdoor community events—have until Oct. 16 to visit the Christiana location of the tasting room.

Stay tuned for more developments and a possible announcement on a new location for the business.

HILLER PLUMBING, HEATING, COOLING AND ELECTRICAL will be featured on YouTube’s American Plumber Stories, produced by Pfister Faucets and hosted by country music artist and army veteran Craig Morgan.

American Plumber Stories is a popular docuseries featuring plumbing organizations across the United States. Companies detail how their business began, advice for future plumbers and other contractors, and the benefits of trade work and trade careers.

Jimmy Hiller began his journey in 1990 with a truck and a commitment to his 100% satisfaction guarantee of “Happy You’ll Be or the Service is Free!” Over the past three decades, the service company has grown exponentially. The business now

includes over 500 trucks and 700 associates across 16 locations in seven states.

CEO, founder, and namesake Hiller is willing to share many of his secrets to success with other businesses. In 2016, Hiller, Terry Nicholson and Jim Abrams partnered to launch PRAXIS S-10, a national success college for contractors across the U.S., providing resources for marketing, operations and hiring.

“I am so honored to have our organization featured on American Plumber Stories,” Hiller said. “The trades have been historically under-represented in media, so shows like this, that highlight the benefits and successful career pathways in the trades, are extremely important.”

Filmed at Hiller’s corporate headquarters in Nashville, the episode is scheduled to air in October. For more information, visit americanplumberstories.com.

 A historic home in Walter Hill has become a catalyst for a larger preservation movement in Walter Hill and Rutherford County.

“RIVERSIDE FARM,” built in the early 1830s, is a historic cotton plantation near the East Fork of the Stones River. Located at 1218 West Jefferson Pk. on about seven acres of land, Riverside has been a well-preserved historic home of Rutherford County for over a century.

It served as the stately home of Beverly Randolph and his descendants and was dubbed Riverside due to its close proximity to the banks of the Stones River.

Sold in June of 2022, it has recently been the center of a cry from the local community that is emphasizing the preservation of historic homes and land in the areas north of Murfreesboro, which has seen a large increase in population and suburbanization in recent years.

The new owner of Riverside, Stephanie Macca, has plans to turn the home into an event venue to preserve its heritage and surrounding acreage, and get the community more engaged with the property.

Riverside has historically been a centerpiece of Walter Hill and has hosted weddings in the past. At one point it was even an antique shop

that many older residents of Walter Hill will remember.

“Many homes and monuments just like it are at risk for demolition due to lack of care and maintenance. Riverside Wedding Retreat will preserve Tennessee history,” Stephanie Macca said in a Facebook post spreading her preservation plans.

No strangers to the hospitality business, Macca and her family recently closed their restaurant in Nashville, Joey’s House of Pizza. Macca said that she and her family wanted a change while still working in another facet of the hospitality and service industry.

“My family and I love history and we have always wanted to be involved in a project such as this,” Macca said.

The property has been included on the National Register of Historic Places since 2006.

“It is a nationally registered landmark in Walter Hill. However, that does not constitute protection from a developer to demolish and develop on the seven open acres. That is why The Riverside Wedding Retreat will be an asset to the community and the entire state of Tennessee,” Macca said.

Macca has actively been representing the project online and wants to get the attention and support of the Rutherford County Commissioners and area historic societies. She intends to host some historical tours for school kids and members of the public and for proceeds from this to potentially support the Rutherford County Historical Society.

Though the home has been well kept, it still would need work to become a regular wedding venue. Macca is using this preservation project to attempt and update the property.

“There have been seven generations to live in this home. My family and I intend to preserve the home as well as they did. It’s a beautiful thing to keep a tradition going,” Macca said.

It seems like many in the community support the preservation of the property, and strengthening the historical preservation systems in the state.

—ETHAN PICKERING

BY BLAINE LITTLE

Morale Is Contagious

The leader of an organization must set a positive, trusting tone for the whole team

I HAVE HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE of travel ing the country delivering workshops on leader ship, team building and improving communication. Over the years, I have spoken to thousands of businesspeople and heard the stories of “depress ing” places to work. But is it the facility or the work itself that is so gloomy? Maybe it’s the attitude of leadership being repeated by the followers.

Morale, whether good or bad, stems from top leadership. This responsibility lies with the head of the organizational unit whether that be a CEO, supervisor for a workgroup, or the independent owner of a business. Parents have a tendency to say “no” to children way more often than affirming what is positive. This kind of authoritative ap proach sets the tone for everyone in the building.

I can walk around a company, visit a few different areas, and after speaking with half a dozen employ ees, I have a good gauge of that organization’s team spirit. There are some easy indicators when morale is bad: people’s breathing is shallow, their movement is slow, eyes are down and they seldom smile. Some times there are signs, literal signs, reminding people what is acceptable or not. A workforce will resent this sort of in-your-face effort to control.

But there are cues signaling effective environments as well. Team members will take initiative to begin a task without being asked and even go the extra mile in their daily work and with customer service. Employees will have a sense of ownership that can only come from empowerment. The growth of an organization is dependent on the growth of its people.

Morale is usually a pretty good barometer of production too. Bad morale is contagious. It affects not only the staff but the customers as well. People want a professional and respectful relationship with a business owner. In the age of “quiet quitting” or doing the bare minimum, an entrepreneur needs to understand the mentality of his or her workers.

It is the team leader who brings about the esprit de corps. That individual is the glue for group cohesion. He initiates what the connection will be from member to member and individual to group. But that begins with respect between manager and subordinate.

What every group needs is synergy; that is to say a sense of how each individual works within the organi zation and a readiness to help one another in a time of need. Understanding how separate players add to the whole is paramount for success. It is an issue of trust.

And yet, I have seen, heard of, or met hundreds of so-called leaders who will pit one employee against another. They believe to throw a bone between two dogs will prove who is more aggressive and therefore the better worker. They point to the old adage that the

“cream rises to the top.” But I have long been opposed to using clichés as business plans.

This simply points back to bad leadership. Some times, the person in power is very aware of how deficient their own people skills are. There is probably a fair amount of self-loathing as well. Or it could be a person who learned from a predecessor and simply doesn’t know a better management model. They more than likely do not fully appreciate their own position and how what they say and do influences others.

But there are a few easy shifts to make when it comes to changing morale. I say “easy” because they are straightforward; changing oneself, however, is usually an internal struggle.

First, learn to trust. In short, drop the paranoia or concern others will take an upper hand of your au thority if you show a little vulnerability. Most respond favorably to openness and transparency. Of course, if one does take advantage of an improved work area by slacking off, it may be less of a managerial issue and a personnel issue on part of the corporation. That guy just may not be a good team player and needs to go.

Second, use positive language. A negative word will spread like wildfire. Though one may think himself a realist, he needs to realize the verbal hills he builds and holes he digs. A true pragmatist will try to find the good or silver lining in every scenario. Rarely is a situation a calamity without a solution.

Also, smile more. A sincere grin is the universal sign of happiness and that everything is alright. Most people do not like their smile. Get over it! It’s less about what you think of any crooked or yellowing teeth and more about the message you send to others.

Finally, pour some good thoughts into your own mind. It’s easy to find the negative in the world if we have been conditioned all our lives to look for it. We can train ourselves to become positive by reading books or listening to personal development programs. Attending church or spending meaningful spiritual time can be huge for our own attitudes. And of course, stop hanging out with negative people and taking in a constant stream of sour-grapes information.

Like a rudder turns a large ship, a little fine tuning on part of a business owner can lead to a better work environment as well as overall production. For some one with a lagging business or relationship, think of it as a “Plan B” to what has not worked in the past.

Blaine Little is founder and CEO of Momentum Seminars Training and Coaching, helping compa nies remain profitable by investing in their people. Learn more at momentumseminars.com. Find his book Managerial Mistakes, Missteps & Misunder standings on Amazon.

Opinion Education and the Global Agenda

DID YOU KNOW that Social Emotional Learning is tied to COVID relief funds?

Yes, the same money that also required schools to keep kids masked up and quar antined. ESSER, an acronym for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, are federal funds designated for one-time, short-term spending to address learning recovery. In order to receive these funds, the U.S. federal government requires schools to offer “Social Emotional Learning” programs.

Every state is required to be transparent in regard to how ESSER allocations are being implemented. Parents can go to their state department of education website and find their district to take a look at how those funds are being spent.

Parents across the nation have reached out to me for assistance to determine if their school district is implementing SEL pro grams that propagate Critical Race Theory. What they are finding out is that they have been misled by their local education agencies. They have been told that this isn’t happening, but when parents look into it and fol low the money, we discover that the programs are CA SEL- (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning) aligned and that their district has in fact accepted ESSER funds. These programs are propagating CRT.

and the safe reopening of schools. Based on recent reports, the Department of Education is allowing Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and related COVID relief funds to pay for ra cially biased and other progressive leftist programs,” wrote the Republican lawmakers.

#FREE YOUR CHILDREN

BY TIFFANY BOYD

“Specifically, Congress created the Elemen tary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) fund to enable schools to safely reopen and address learn ing loss caused by the CO VID-19 pandemic. Those taxpayer dollars, however, are being used to indoctri nate children in core tenets of leftist ideology.”

In Tennessee, the Williamson County Schools website is linked to the American School Counselor Association.

These findings have prompted top Republi cans to launch an investigation into the Depart ment of Education for allegedly using COVID relief funds to pay for radical left programs.

“Committees on Oversight and Reform and Education and Labor Republicans are investigating the use of COVID-19 relief dollars appropriated for virus mitigation

“It is an ‘expectation, not the exception’ for school counselors to integrate multicultural ism and social justice perspectives into their work as advocates and leaders,” according to the ASCA 2021 Position Statement.

The ASCA’s recent conferences have been heavy with transgender, gender identity and anti-racist material.

So what does this really mean? Parents

need to understand that there is a global agenda behind this initiative which is directly linked to the United Nations Edu cational Scientific and Cultural Organiza tion (UNESCO).

This agenda seeks to replace the role of parents with the government, Alex New man writes in the Freedom Project, com menting on a UNESCO report that “starts with the outrageous premise that the government—not the parents—is primarily responsible for the education of children.”

“Citing the UN’s so-called ‘Sustainable Development Goals,’ described by UN bosses as the ‘master plan for humanity,’ the report claims that ‘the State remains the duty bearer of education as a public good.’”

UNESCO’s website, is very clear that their desire is to “transform education with SEL through sustainable develop ment goals.”

Dr. Anantha Duraiappah directs UNESCO’s Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development in Asia. In a 2019 edition of The Blue DOT, a magazine featuring “the relationship between education, peace, sustainable development and global citizenship” and other UNESCO MGIEP activities and interests, “We focus on different aspects of social and emotional learning, including the neurosciences, teacher training, frameworks such as CA SEL and SEE Learning and systemic SEL, amongst others,” Duraiappah writes. “The issue includes a . . . cover story that focuses on how SEL can help to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, we feature interviews and

opinions from some of the world’s most prominent SEL experts on the importance of integrating SEL in our education systems.”

The publication clearly outlines UNES CO’s relationship with CASEL.

I have read reports across the nation that outline how schools are surveying students and holding group counseling sessions without parental consent.

Data collection is occur ring and profiles are being created on students that will follow them through out their school career. In Tennessee parents can opt out of these programs but I recommend, if at all possible, you opt out of government indoctrination centers altogether. If the globalization of education and the destruction of true private education concerns you, get them out. If you believe that parents have the God-given right to educate their children as they see fit, get them out. If you believe that children belong to their parents and not the government, get them out.

This is not a new agenda. Charlotte Iserbyt sounded the alarm in the ’80s about this. It is not going away. As more and more parents wise up, the government is seeking to sink its tentacles in deeper by dangling the school-choice carrot. This “carrot” is an extension of this globalist agenda. They seek to destroy all forms of true private education. Will parents wake up before it’s too late?

What can parents do? Start by removing your children from government schools. Next, start contacting your elected officials and tell them that you see the writing on the wall and that you will hold them accountable for giving the green light for such programs. Politicians work for us, the people. They must not forget that. As I like to say, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”

Tiffany Boyd is a former tenured pub lic school teacher, the founder of Free YOUR Children and the founder of Middle Tennessee Christian Homeschool Connection. She holds a B.S. degree in interdisciplinary studies from MTSU. She and her husband have home educated for 18 years. She has appeared as a guest on Homeschool Loft podcast, on the Schoolhouse Rocked podcast and on The Sentinel Report with Alex Newman. To learn more about homeschooling, contact Tiffany at freeyourchildren@gmail.com.

Local schools paid to join worldwide government effort pushing U.N. goals

Reading 101 for Parents

READ ALOUD TO YOUR CHILD DAILY.

There. There you have it. You can close your device, walk away, and if you will com mit to doing this one thing, you give your child the most impor tant skill they need to succeed in school, and in life—a love of reading.

Minutes invested in a nightly bedtime story will pay unimagi nable dividends in personal confidence, academic accom plishments and even college tuition down the road.

Right now, someone’s rolling their eyes, doubting it’s that simple. Someone else feels overwhelmed, as anxiety floods in. The voices of pushback are shouting “but life is so busy. Our schedule is nuts running from work to errands to play dates to classes . . .”; “We’re too tired and cranky at bedtime to add something else to the routine”; “My kid is wound up at night. TV is the only way to calm him.”

The perfectionists’ eyes just widened. “Wait, every night? Do you mean 365 times a year? Because if that’s the standard, I’ve failed.”

Take a deep breath.

Many parents do read almost daily to their kids. Hold fast, friends. Your labor is not in vain. You may never fully know the extent to which you are blessing your children. But between screen media inunda tion, recent social isolation, and parents’ own screen-related dis traction, many others have given up. It’s easier to click a button and let TV take center stage.

If this is you, know that you are not alone.

Let go of the guilt—if you’re

Detox from digital devices and read to your children

BY ELISABETH GAY

still reading this article, you’re moving in the right direction. Most parents today feel helpless and anxious about the repercus sions of too much screen time. You can at least minimize these if you detox from the media monster and share the joy of reading with your child.

It’s not a magic formula, but reading daily is the jumping-off place. Books open the door to a world of confidence with infor mation, imagination and learn ing. This shared activity—time spent with parents in a close, positive, relaxed environment— will do more to set your child on the road to success than you can envision right now.

Even if your busy schedule only allows 10 minutes for a bedtime story, those may be the most important 10 minutes you spend all day. These minutes are more important to your relation ship with your child than hours of perfectly executed household chores, money-making business calls, or shopping for an ador able outfit for your playgroup’s zoo trip. They’re definitely more important than time spent on Disney+, Hulu or social media.

If you must skip something in your day, don’t skip the bedtime story. At least not often.

Someone reading this is bit ing their nails, asking, “What if I haven’t been reading consis tently? Are we already out of the game?” Absolutely not. Commit now to adding a consistent read ing time to your daily routine.

You decide when is best for your family. Bedtime reading is nice because it transitions your child to a calm state. Turn off all screens. Do baths, teeth brush ing, prayers, and whatever your bedtime routine holds; then find a cozy, peaceful spot and read.

Reading aloud helps kids form an emotional connec tion with books—one of peace, pleasure and confidence. Books can feel approachable, a place of comfort. This is important on so many levels. It makes school (and classrooms and assign ments) less intimidating and more inviting. It reduces schoolrelated anxiety. Fostering a love of reading is worth every ounce of energy you have, and those you don’t.

Reading to children often and modeling reading throughout the day are ideal. But on busy days when that’s not a reality, when you’ve run from errand to errand, cleaned your house from top to bottom, or spent most of the day in the car, make that bedtime story a priority.

At what age do children need this? Is there a window when it’s most important? We’ll talk more about the sensitive period for language (a vital window of time in child development) in the next article. But, for now: read to your elementary-age kids, preschoolers, toddlers and babies. They all need it.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDY KUZMA / PEXELS

The Vols and the King Are Back!

Titans Need to Figure It Out in the Second Half

THE TRAIN DADDY IS BACK with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! Don’t worry, the Z isn’t going to ramble very long this issue. September and October for me are packed with traveling for work so you won’t get an incredibly detailed breakdown of these Tennessee football teams until November’s issue. Just a little ramble talk!

I could ramble about how senile President Biden is, hollering out at a press conference for a member of Congress who isn’t even alive. His beleaguered staff tells us all is well and that Joe Biden is doing a great job. No worries!

showing up to see the Vols play Akron.

I am shooting in the dark here, but I believe Tennessee takes out LSU and Kentucky. If the Vols can, against all odds, win just one of the games between either Alabama or Georgia, we are talking some serious business at that point in the playoffs and Heisman watch. Either way, I am proud of this team. The offense is electric. Really, all that matters for me regarding these upcoming games: beat Kentucky! That would bring me much joy.

Fact is, these other fan bases, especially in the SEC, hate Tennessee fans and that rich tradition because they know without question that no fan base in all of America comes close to repping the passion Vols fans always show. Rocky Top on top!

TITANS TALK

Let’s ramble a little about the Tennessee Titans coming fresh off a dub over the sorry Indianapolis Colts.

player who still has it and is the focal point of this offense. He is still the best back in the NFL, without question.

QUICK THOUGHTS

Off the top of my head? Fire Todd Downing and hire the Z-Train to call plays for this offense! Todd has been a wreck since last year’s Bengals playoff game, and I wouldn’t have this team falling apart without any points in the second half.

Prayers up to rookie WR Treylon Burks. He exited the Titans’ locker room on crutches and in a walking boot. I am writing this article right after the Colts game so I am sure the real news will be released soon. It didn’t look good. Hopefully we get better news than bad. My prayers to Burks!

the country hates Tennessee

I could talk about how the Tennessee Vols have started the season out in style! Have you ever asked yourself why the rest of the country hates Tennessee fans? I mean, it’s clear as day. They hate Vol Nation because it’s the best fanbase in the country.

It doesn’t matter what this team’s record is or what sport—baseball, football, basketball— this fanbase is loud and proud. But damn, it feels good to beat Florida and it feels good to be undefeated and ranked Top 10 in the nation.

Some tough games are coming up for this team, but Coach Heupel and QB Hendon Hooker have Vol Nation headed in the right direction, a direction that has 100K-plus fans

Titans fans love it—a fourth straight victory over Indianapolis with the Titans rocking back-to-back AFC South titles.

Nothing has looked easy for Tennessee, though, unless it’s in the first half. This team has been a train wreck in the second half. Through weeks 1–4 this team has only scored seven points in the second half. Total. YIKES!

If we only had to play one half, this team would be one of the top teams in the entire NFL. But that’s not the case, and for this team to progress and get better they will have to figure out how to finish strong and score points in the second half of these football games.

I am so deep into Titans football I practically have every stat and every meaningful piece of nonsense locked in! I am not trying to gloat, I just passionately submerge myself in so much Tennessee football I find if I just freestyle these articles quickly without looking up a bunch of statistics I typically produce better articles.

One thing on my mind lately is the explosion of King Henry. The King is back! The haters wanted to say that Derrick Henry was washed up, old and not the same since last year’s injury. It was clear to me that he just needed to knock the rust off weeks 1 and 2. Then we head into weeks 3 and 4 and Henry has that pop, moving piles and looking fresh.

I love his work and emergence of production in the receiving game as well. In the two losses to start the season, King had 107 total yards and 1 TD, yet in the following two games, both victories, Derrick had 290 total yards and 2 TDs. That is an elite

With that said, the Titans are in desperate trouble regarding pass catchers. It was nice to see Robert Woods catch some balls and the rookie tight end Chig get some action, but the Titans need another weapon at wide receiver, and I don’t know who it is. Austin Hooper needs to be more involved in this offense, and hopefully the electric Kyle Phillips can keep healthy and get involved.

I have been impressed with the Titans’ offensive line keeping Tannehill clean and just being gritty. I have no explanation for it, but it’s nice to see these guys stepping up, because I expected them to be awful. Losing Taylor Lewan for the season was unfortunate but he just has not been the the same player that he was in his prime. He’s getting paid a lot of money and I saw him as more of a liability than a playmaker these days.

The defense has been up and down. Losing Harold Landry prior to the season hurt and this team is dealing with numerous injuries all over the place on defense. With that said, they have shown some good, but they are giving up far too many big plays and they need the stars on the field if they want to be a unit that opposing offenses fear.

But injuries are nothing new to this Titans team. I mean, it’s a big part of why Coach Vrabel won Coach of the Year honors last season. The team had a record-breaking number of injuries and roster moves and still grabbed the AFC South title and the #1 playoff seed in AFC—tough football, smart football and next-man-up mentality.

Alright, that’s it. The Train is rolling into the station! Thank you to all my readers. October football is going to be very telling for both the Vols and Titans and I am looking forward to my November issue and more in-depth breakdowns of each team once we get further into the season.

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Live Exceptionally...Well!

BY JENNIFER DURAND

How to Prepare for More

HOW DO YOU KNOW you’re ready for more?

You might be thinking that depends on the “what.” We all say we are ready for more money, time and love. Does it really matter what the “more” is if we haven’t truly appreciated the “what” that it is at the moment?

There is a passage from one of my favorite books that says “Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy). I have referred to this many times throughout my life, working to understand its meaning more fully.

Recently I was enjoying a delicious steak. It was the perfect temperature, tender, and flavorful. I noticed I was sort of devouring it. I thought I was enjoying it yet craving more at the same time. Then it occurred to me I was adding another piece of the meat to my mouth before I was even finished chewing the piece I had! A wonderful metaphor was revealing itself as the aforementioned passage came to mind. Was I expressing gratitude for the piece I was already chewing? Was I enjoying it fully? Or was I too busy thinking that I was enjoying it while obviously wanting more? This can imply a lack of genuine satisfaction or gratitude for what is.

Can we actually really receive more than we are ready for anyway? Like the example of food, you can have an entire buffet of decadent, beautiful and tasty things to choose from, but you will only be able to consume so much. If you just kept consuming you would eventually feel miserable, bloated, perhaps fatigued or ill. You certainly wouldn’t be prepared to receive more.

“There is a difference between wishing for a thing and being ready to receive it.” — Napoleon Hill

It’s the same with relationships, work, love and life. If you don’t appreciate and value what is right in front of you, the buffet that is available won’t matter, because you won’t be prepared to add more value to these areas of your life. You will continually be thinking that you like what you have, but you will not feel satisfied, and will always be looking for the next thing before you even finish enjoying what you have or what you’re doing. I’m not saying not to strive for more or grow. There is an abundance of opportunity available. I am saying that it’s like putting one foot in front of the other. Take each step. Feel each step. Notice every action and movement. Appreciate each person, conversation, idea, activity or action that leads you to the next person, conversation, idea, activity or action. That’s gratitude. That is preparing for what is to come next.

All that we could ever need or want is available to us. The individual path we take may vary or differ from the path of others, but the same things are available to us all. Think of life as a fountain that is continually pouring out its water. If you stood under the pouring water you could savor the coolness, the vitality of the pressure, the nourishment and hydration it provides. However, you will not be able to catch all of the water at once as it continually pours forth. If you tried taking it all in you could drown from too much consumption, or pressure pushing you down. You can enjoy what it provides, and you can try to contain some of it by filling containers, but you won’t be able to have it all, all at once. You can get what you need incrementally, though. One step at at time.

“You cannot make someone understand a message they are not ready to receive.” — The Mind Journal

One example of practicing to appreciate where you are and what you have is thinking about it in reverse. I’ll use health as the example. When you are healthy and fit, most people take for granted their ability to move, breathe, function and eat. When struggling with a health issue, most people have to be more deliberate in their choices and actions.

If you are used to walking without thinking about it, and all of a sudden you break a leg, or a toe, you can’t move as easily or quickly. Each step and action is a milestone to get to the next one in order to move or do a normal activity—like taking a shower or bath—whereas before you just did it without thinking about it. It was simply taken for granted. Make it a daily practice to choose one thing you do each day without thinking about it. The exercise is to pause and notice your abilities. Then break it down and become aware of each step it takes to actually fulfill it. Be thankful for each element, each noticing. This could be anything from getting out of bed, brushing your teeth, getting dressed or making a meal. Think about the extra effort it would take if you were physically impaired in any way. Feel gratitude for your abilities. This will prepare you to receive more.

“Most people have the will to win. Few have the will to prepare to win.” — Bobby Knight

Jennifer Durand is the owner of The Nurture Nook, a certified qigong and breath empowerment instructor and is licensed in massage therapy, body work and somatic integration. For more on finding your personal “ahh . . .”, visit nurturenook.com or call 615-896-7110.

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