September 2023 Murfreesboro Pulse

feAtureS IN eVery ISSue

24

Big Joe Milton throwing bombs for the Vols; Titans hoping to compete for AFC South behind new offensive line

Mtsu footBall

Season kicks off at Alabama; Murray State, Colorado State at home

27

Boro Bourbon & Brews, Cinnaholic, Notes Live, Angelo’s Picnic Pizza, Southern Soul Cuisine, Slim & Husky’s, WaWa, Casa Adobe Express

38 opinion constitution study

Judge tells federal government to stop pressuring Facebook Business MoMentuM

A better model of diversity free your children

Mental health initiatives in schools are nothing more than a gun grab

Money Matters

Student loan payments are back. Now what?

Who took our rACk from heleN’S hot ChICkeN?

The Pulse newsstand sat inside the otherwise empty, locked-up space for months after the hot chicken joint abandoned the unit. Now it is nowhere to be found.

Let me know if you see a lost Pulse rack out there somewhere . . .

Murfreesboro has a legitimately stacked mural scene. We have included an impressive selection of local murals in this edition, but once the Pulse crew started looking into this, we soon realized there’s no way we could include every single mural in town. Discover some in our section this month, as well as the dozens of others around town.

The August MTSU Fan Day was a terrific, but brutally hot, affair. I am glad there was a water slide there. That made my day better. This kickoff event to the football season and gathering of Blue Raider supporters and sponsors is an excellent event, and all of the kids (I) enjoy the chance to run around on the football field.

Football is here. Woo-hoo!

Let’s see . . . otherwise, this past month was filled with swimming, networking, jogging, chess, mowing, foosball, smoking meats, visiting murals and family members and advertisers and trying to keep up with all of the events, businesses, concerts, people, places and events that are going on in Murfreesboro.

And that is a lot!

September is hoppin’ in the Murfreesboro area. Our events section is jam-packed—so much to do: Cars for a Cause at Liberty’s Station, the Firefly Gala benefiting Doors of Hope, the White Oak Craft Fair in Woodbury, the Top Gun Night Run 6K, Smyrna Depot Days, the Boro Art Crawl, Oktoberfest at Oaklands, Homegrown Humor at Emerald Heart, Groovin’ in the Boro to support The Journey Home, MTSU football, the Gatsby Party, the Smyrna Rotary Club Wings of Freedom Fish Fry, the Journeys in Community Living luncheon, Live in the Boro benefiting Greenhouse Ministries, Mule Days down in Shelbyville, the Eagleville Fall Festival, Bingo in the Barn for Stepping Stones Safe Haven . . .

publisher/editor in chief: Bracken Mayo

contributors: Tiffany Boyd, Britney Brown, Delores Elliott, Paul Engel, Bryce Harmon, Laura Lindsay, Blaine Little, Zach Maxfield, Destiny Mizell, Sean Moran, Ashleigh Newnes, Jay Spight, Andrea Stockard, Bill Wilson

art director: Sarah Mayo

copy editor: Steve Morley

advertising: Nneka Sparks

sign up for the Pulse Weekly Digital Newsletter at Boropulse.coM/newsletter

online: @boropulse /boropulse the murfreesboro pulse @boropulse @boropulse

714 w. Main s t., s uite 208, Murfreesboro, tn 37129 615-796-6248

to carry the pulse at your Business or to submit letters, stories and photography: bracken@boropulse.com

And, as has been the routine, the Business Buzz is also packed with new enterprises coming to the area— whether those are brand-new concepts launched by locals, or large national brands that want a presence for Murfreesboro, construction and business activity continues to be at a constantly impressive pace in the Rutherford County area.

Thanks to Mike Sparks for the rocks!

We love you, Murfreesboro, but the Mayos are going to the Gulf for a welcome change of scenery, a chance to say goodbye to summer. Smell you later.

events C alenda R ››› s eptembe R 2023 ››› by a nd R ea st OCK a R

For more information, call 615-898-7710.

sept.

7

wilderness hike

Join a naturalist on a long hike through the back country hiking trails at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) in search of local wildlife on Thursday, Sept. 7, from 8–9 a.m. There is no cost to join; ages 12 and up are welcome. For more information, call 615-217-3017 or email ekreuziger@murfreesborotn.gov

sept. 9

wings of freedoM fish

fry and cruise in

The Smyrna Rotary Club has been supporting Rutherford County and the community since the club was chartered in 1971. The Wings of Freedom Fish Fry has grown into the premier fundraiser of the Smyrna Rotary Club. Enjoy fish, food, drinks, classic cars and music honoring Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans at the Azure Corporate Flight Management Hangar (278 Doug Warpoole Rd., Smyrna) from 5–9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9. Proceeds assist local nonprofits. Car entries are $50 per car and dinner tickets are $50 per person. For more information, visit wofsmyrna.com

sept.

Boro

sept. 9 and 10

white

oak craft fair

9

gatsBy party

The Great Gatsby Foundation proudly presents the return of the Boro Gatsby Party on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m. at Copper Ridge Event Venue (3597 Betty Ford Rd.). The foundation, a newly established Murfreesboro nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing much-needed support and assistance to individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and their families in Rutherford County. The organization offers financial support to local organizations and groups that provide essential programs and services for these individuals. The muchanticipated annual Gatsby Party is the primary fundraising event and a celebration filled with glamor, entertainment and community. Tickets to the grand Boro Gatsby Party are $100. Sponsorships and direct contributions are also welcome. For more information, visit borogatsby.net or call 615-445-5073.

Spend an early fall day in the country at the 33rd Annual White Oak Craft Fair from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10. This year offers something for everyone interested in uniquely designed, handcrafted items. Artists and craft vendors display their work along the banks of the East Fork Stones River at the Arts Center of Cannon County (1424 John Bragg Hwy., Woodbury). Artisans sell original textiles, jewelry, woodcarving, metalwork, pottery, rocking chairs, baskets, ironwork, stained glass and more. Everything is chosen for its excellence by a highly respected selection panel. Continuing this year is the Kids Tent, offering free children’s activities and “make and take” crafts as well as artist demos to show patrons how crafts are made. For the first time, enjoy live music from local artists on both days. A special exhibit in Cannon Hall features master basket maker Sue Williams, a recipient of the Tennessee Governor’s Folklife Heritage Award. Also appearing is the Bee Group, a local quilting group that demonstrates another longstanding craft tradition. Admission is free with a $3 parking donation benefiting the Cannon County Rescue Squad. For more information, visit whiteoaktn.org or call 615-563-2787.

sept. 9

Birding and paddling with outdoor MurfreesBoro

Paddle down the river in search for water-residing birds. Kayaks are supplied but bring clothes to get wet in. Information on the location will be provided upon registration. Meet at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9. The cost to participate is $15 per person; ages 16 and up are welcome. For more information, call 615-217-3017 or email ekreuziger@murfreesborotn.gov.

sept. 9

grape harvest day

All are welcome to learn from the Master Gardeners on how to harvest grapes at the Lane Agri-Park Vineyard (315 John R. Rice Blvd.), on Saturday, Sept. 9, from 7–11 a.m. The MTSU destemmer and crusher will be on site. Park at the Community Center building parking lot. Items to bring include: pruners, gloves, hat, sunscreen and water. Bring clean gallon jugs to take grape juice home in afterwards.

sept.

9

fall lawn care field day

Invest two hours of your Saturday morning at the Lane Agri-Park Outdoor Turfgrass Demonstration Area (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) from 9–11 a.m. to learn about fall lawn care practices to promote turfgrass quality and performance. Topics include: tips and tricks for overseeding or renovating tall fescue turf, fall fertilization of cool-season turf and fall and winter weed control. For more information, call 615-898-7710.

sept. 9

cars for a cause

Car enthusiasts are invited to cruise over to Cars for a Cause benefiting Liberty’s Station (850 NW Broad St.) on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 8–10 a.m. The show helps bring awareness to those who are fueled by potential. Show off your classic cars including antiques, muscle cars, exotics, Corvettes, Mustangs and custom vehicles to raise funds for Liberty’s Station, which helps those with employment obstacles find their purpose. The local eatery is a progressive workforce pipeline in which the majority of its employees have intellectual and developmental disabilities or other employment barriers. They help clients acquire long-term gainful employment in the community through a paid internship program. For more information, find the Cars for a Cause benefiting Liberty’s Station event on Facebook.

sept.

9 and 10

dave raMsey at world outreach church

Known for bringing messages of life transformation that provide struggling families with hope, Dave Ramsey serves as guest speaker at World Outreach Church (1921 New Salem Hwy.) on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 9 and 10. As founder and CEO of Ramsey Solutions, he has helped people take control of their money and their lives since 1992, providing biblicallybased, commonsense education and empowerment. Ramsey will speak at the worship services on Saturday at 6 p.m.

and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. He is an eighttime national bestselling author, personal finance expert and host of The Ramsey Show, heard by 23 million listeners every week. For more information, visit wochurch.org and find Events.

sept. 10

hoMegrown huMor

Emerald Heart (810 N.W. Broad St., Ste. 212) will host Homegrown Humor—Stand

Up for Comedy on Sunday, Sept. 10. The standup comedy show also highlights cannabis advocacy. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show is from 7–9 p.m. There is no admission cost. For more information, visit emeraldheartboro.com.

sept. 11

stones river kayaking

Meet at the river for a casual paddle down the Stones River on Monday, Sept. 11, from 4–7 p.m. Enjoy wildlife, birds and wildflowers along the trip. Space is limited and registration is required. Equipment and instructions will be provided. The cost to join is $15 per person; ages 12 and up are welcome. For more information, email ekreuziger@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

sept. 12 and 25

night sounds hike

What goes bump in the night? Tag along with one of the naturalists on a night hike to see whoooo is up and active at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Tuesday, Sept. 12, and Monday, Sept. 25, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Headlamps are provided, but bring water and closed-toed shoes. Registration is required. The cost to attend is $3 per person; all ages are welcome. For more information, call 615-217-3017 or email ekreuziger@murfreesborotn.gov.

sept. 12

live in the Boro

The largest music and comedy talent show in Murfreesboro, Live in the Boro, returns for its second year benefiting Greenhouse Ministries on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 6 p.m. at Hop Springs (6790 John Bragg Hwy.). A general admission ticket is $25. Each VIP ticket is $50 and includes a special pre-show performance and refreshments. Comedian, TV show creator and professional fundraiser Tom Riles serves as master of ceremonies. This year’s performers include singer Zoey Parker, guitarist Lance Allen, comedian Adam Davis, member of The Fabulous Hudson Hornets band Ken Austin, singer Jamie Brabham, Stephen

sept. 15

top gun n ight r un 6 k

The Capt. Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial hosts the annual Top Gun Night Run 6k on Friday, Sept. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Victory Recreation Park (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E., Smyrna). The 3.7-mile course includes the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport and Smyrna Municipal golf course with the finish line at the Jeff Kuss memorial. Spectators and runners enjoy live music and food trucks in the park. The run will be chip-timed and USATF-certified, and it is limited to only 650 participants. Proceeds help maintain the memorial dedicated to the decorated Blue Angel Marine Captain Jeff Kuss, who lost his life in an accident while flying as Blue Angel #6 for the Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna. The price to run is $50. For more information, visit townofsmyrna.org and find Community or visit runsignup.com and Find a Race.

Hall of the Stones River Bluegrass Band, singer Charlotte Shealy, and guitarist and harmonica player Danny Martin. The top three performers receive prizes and the event features a live auction. Greenhouse Ministries provides relational ministries whose efforts include food and clothing assistance, classes offering literacy and life skills for adults, and connection to job opportunities and housing. For tickets, visit liveintheboro.org.

sept.

12

rutherford caBle

The Rutherford Cable September Breakfast Meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 7:15–9 a.m. at The Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.). See how the founding, operation and continual growth of Thistle Farms is a case study for how love can be the grounding force, with host Becca Stevens. Stevens is a nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, priest, survivor and founder and president of Thistle Farms and the Center for Contemplative Justice. She has founded 14 nonprofits and justice enterprises, mentored another 60 and raised over $75 million to support them. She has authored 12 books and sold over 300,000 copies. Stevens served as chaplain at St. Augus-

tine’s Chapel on Vanderbilt’s campus for almost 30 years. She has been featured on many networks, named a CNN Hero and White House Champion of Change, and holds five honorary doctorates. Bring plenty of business cards and grab a card from the basket on the way out to make an additional connection. For more information on Cable and the meetings, email yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com.

sept. 12

Business after hours

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce holds its September Business After Hours at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at Ferguson Enterprises (540 New Salem Hwy., Murfreesboro). This is an informal social networking event designed to connect business professionals from across Rutherford County. Bring plenty of business cards. Admission is $15 for chamber members and $25 for future members. No registration is required. For more information on Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cuttings and other events, visit rutherfordchamber.org

sept. 13

tennessee trails Meeting

The Tennessee Trails Association’s

monthly meeting of the Murfreesboro chapter is Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 7–8 p.m. at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Park (401 Volunteer Road). For more information, visit tennesseetrails.org, or call or text 615-971-8894.

sept. 13

living sent

Join the September 2023 Living Sent Murfreesboro meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Experience (521 Old Salem Rd.). Guest speaker Felita Smotherman is an affiliate broker at Intero Real Estate in Murfreesboro. She explains how she combines her career with her love for people and helps them with their Jesus journey. Joel Bigelow will share his God Story. A complimentary lunch is provided by Momentum Seminars. To RSVP for the meeting, email bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com

sept. 14

charity chopped

Charity Chopped in the ’Boro battles hunger, homelessness and gaps of opportunity in Rutherford County on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 6–9 p.m. at Liberty’s Station (850 NW Broad St.). Enjoy this incredibly entertaining live cooking competition to see who will be crowned Charity Chopped in the ’Boro Champion 2023 and be able to donate $5,000 to their organization. The three charities include Second Harvest Food Bank, Amelia’s Closet and Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity. For more information, visit charitychoppedintheboro.com, email shannon@shannonwheeler.com or call 615-417-6640.

sept. 14

survival skills workshop

Test your outdoor skills and learn a few more at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 4–6 p.m. Primitive fire building, safety rehydration, knot tying and more will be covered. All ages are welcome. There is no cost to join; reservations are required. To register, email ekreuziger@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

sept. 14

groovin’ in the Boro Groovin’ in the Boro will support The Journey Home on Thursday, Sept. 14, at Copper Ridge Event Venue. The VIP Reception begins at 6 p.m. with the main event at 7 p.m. Sponsors and ticket holders enjoy a memorable evening featuring

two talented songwriters, Tim James and Dan Couch. Enjoy a delicious meal by Copper Ridge Catering and an auction featuring artisan items and experiences. For tickets or more information, email lcouser@lovegodservepeople.org, visit lovegodservepeople.org and find Give Help – Events or call 865-278-8757.

sept. 14

adult Maker group

Crafters and makers of all kinds are welcome to attend an Adult Maker Group at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.). Bring a project you’re working on or an idea to share. Consider this group as a sounding board and a crafting community. This meets the second Thursday at 6 p.m. Ages 16 and up are welcome. For more information, email info-tec@rclstn.org

sept. 15

friday night live concert

The 2023 Friday Night Live Concert Series continues on Friday, Sept. 15. Main Street Murfreesboro throws a musical party on the Murfreesboro Public Square from 6:30–9:30 p.m. featuring Ultimate Oldies. There’s always room in front of the stage to cut a rug, or bring a chair and enjoy the music sitting down. There is no cost to attend. For more information, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org/ friday-night-live.

sept. 15

Boro art crawl

The Boro Art Crawl and Sidewalk Chalk Contest will be held Friday, Sept. 15, from 5–8 p.m. featuring over 20 area artists downtown including Diana Marsella, Gregory Lannom, Ryan Frizzell, Valentina Wayman and Amanda Cline. For more information, visit theboroartcrawl.com.

sept. 15

everyBody druM soMe

Everybody Drum Some founder Ross Lester continues the third Friday Community Rhythm Event series for those who would like to join their neighbors in some drumming. The next community rhythm session kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, at Old Fort Park in Murfreesboro between the playground and outdoor tennis courts. (In the event of rain, drumming will be moved to the fellowship hall of St Patrick’s Anglican Church; check the Everybody Drum Some Facebook page for updates.) There is no cost to participate, and people of all ages are invited to come join the drumming or to spectate. Participants

sept. 16

cruisin’ the ’Boro

Show off your car, listen to music and meet new friends at Cruisin’ the ’Boro on Saturdays, Sept. 2 and 16, from 4–8 p.m. at River Rock Baptist Church (2248 Highway 99). The Murfreesboro Hot Rod Club hosts the event, which will feature music, door prizes and games for the kids. Parking costs a $1 donation to charity. Concessions are provided by the RRBC youth Groups. Everyone is welcome. For more information, find the Cruisin’ the ’Boro on Saturday Nights event on Facebook, or call 615-405-5271 or 615-556-0547.

may bring drums, shakers, tambourines, woodblocks or percussive instruments of any type, but instruments will also be available for use from the extensive Everybody Drum Some collection. For more information, visit everybodydrumsome.com or call 615-631-7458.

sept. 16

kittrell school reunion

The annual Kittrell School Reunion is set for Saturday, Sept. 16 at Science Hill Church of Christ (8120 Woodbury Pike, Readyville) from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Everyone who attended, graduated from or has an interest in Kittrell School is invited. The Firey Pig, a food truck operated by one of the alumni, provides lunch (for purchase). During the day, various classes will be recognized starting with the class of the oldest graduate present. Faculty members will also be honored and 50th anniversaries celebrated for the classes of 1970, 1971 and 1972. For more information, call 615896-3559 or email appdancer@aol.com.

sept. 16

greenway art festival

The 19th annual Greenway Art Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m at Old Fort Park trailhead (916 Golf Ln.). Dozens of local talented artists once again display and sell their creative and original work along the Greenway trail, host-

ed by the Cultural Arts division of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department. A variety of original art (oil paint, watercolor, pottery, textiles, metal, glass, sculpture and jewelry) will be available for purchase. This year also features art from local schools in the Junior Art Festival and a large kids’ area with a performance of The Lion King, Jr. Refreshments may be purchased from a variety of food vendors. For more information, visit murfreesborotn.gov/595/greenway-artfestival, or email shicks@murfreesborotn.gov or smayo@murfreesborotn.gov.

sept. 16

haMMer down for haBitat

Join Habitat for Humanity for the 15th Annual Hammer Down for Habitat Poker Run on Saturday, Sept. 16. The event includes a 100-mile motorcycle and car “poker run” through beautiful Middle Tennessee countryside and a 26.2 mile Marathon Relay Run, all ending up at Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.) for poker, prizes, lunch and entertainment. These motorcycles, cars and runners will raise funds to build affordable housing for low-income families. Runners registration starts at 7 a.m. with motorcycles and cars at 8 a.m. The run starts at 8:30 a.m. at Mayday Brewery and riders/drivers will start at the Habitat for Humanity Office (850 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.). For more information, visit rchfh.org.

sept. 19

Bingo in the Barn

Stepping Stones Safe Haven, a charity that provides supportive services and shelter to women and children experiencing homelessness in Rutherford County, hosts its annual fundraising event, Bingo in the Barn, at Saddle Woods Farm (9522 Franklin Rd.) on Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 6–9 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.). This year’s theme is “Denim and Diamonds” and the suggested dress is jeans and bling. The night provides funding for the operations and programs of the shelter. Tickets include dinner and beverages for $35 per person. Bingo cards can be purchased separately for each game and are $5 per card. Bingo prize baskets include barbeque items, restaurant cards, travel and attractions, family activities, pet supplies, spa services and more. Baskets may contain up to $1,000 in value. There will be a silent auction for items including airline ticket vouchers, a handmade quilt, original artwork and one-of-a-kind items. For more information, call 615-9004427, ext 104. Tickets can be purchased at steppingstonestn.org under Events.

sept. 19

fishing for Beginners

Start a new hobby and learn the basics of fishing while paddling around the lake at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 4–6 p.m. Instruction on types of fish, best lures, tips on how and where to cast and kayaks are included. Beginners are welcome. Registration is required. The cost to join is $15 per person; ages 12 and up are welcome. A current fishing license is required for ages 14 and up. For more information, email ekreuziger@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

sept. 21 the connection

Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken will host the September 2023 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation networking event, where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. Networking begins at 5 p.m. with introductions at 6 p.m. Champy’s is located at 1290 NW Broad St.

sept.

21

fall crafting

Get creative while canning pumpkins to take home for decoration or give as a gift. Reservations are now open for the Thursday, Sept. 21 class from 10–11 a.m. at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). Admission is $10 per person and reservations are required by Thursday, Sept. 14; ages 12 and up are welcome. For reservations, call 615-801-2606 or email mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov

sept. 22

adult pool tournaMent

Drop by the Adult Pool Tournament for a friendly game of pool with dinner provided at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd.) on Friday, Sept. 22 from 6–9 p.m. The cost to join is $4 for adults and $3 for seniors. For more information, call 615-893-7439 or email strysonrich@murfreesborotn.gov.

sept. 23

eagleville fall festival

Eagleville hosts a fall festival with vendors and food trucks on Saturday, Sept. 23 on Eagleville Pike. Eagleville provides shirts and hats to make ornaments, wind spinners, tumblers, key chains, wooden door signs and DIy paint kits. Shop from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. For more information, find the Eagleville’s Annual Fall Festival event page on Facebook.

sept. 23

paw patrol: adventure play at discovery center

Kids and families can now play and save the day with the heroic PAW Patrol pups at the brand-new PAW Patrol: Adventure Play exhibit opening Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring (502 SE Broad St.). Based on the hit preschool series PAW Patrol, this interactive exhibit gives visitors an opportunity to run rescue missions and work together to overcome challenges in a fun and immersive environment. Visit Adventure Bay with a group of eight rescue pups, each one inspired by a real-world job like the heroic pups. Kids learn about different jobs within a community and how those real-life professionals coordinate to keep people safe and happy. The exhibit is included with general admission to the Discovery Center and runs until Sunday, Jan. 7. The museum is open Tuesday–Saturday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.–4 p.m. General admission is free for members and children under 24 months,

sept. 22 and 23

depot days

The Depot Days celebration is set for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22 and 23. Vendor spaces are limited. Friday night, a car show will be presented from 6–8:30 p.m. with live entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden and more. On Saturday from 10–4 p.m., vendors will be set up all around the Historic Train Depot in Smyrna (98 Front St.). Several bands will perform on the Depot Stage including Luke B. Wood, Beatles 4 Sale, The Enablers and East Kin. On the Pub Stage will be Chloe Penney, Shayne Pulley, Bill Simms and Allen Price. Enjoy food, drinks and entertainment for the whole family. For more information, visit simatn.org and find Depot Days or text 615-596-5185.

and it is $12 for ages 2 and up. For more information, call 615-890-2300 or visit explorethedc.org.

sept. 23

dewdrop jaMBoree

Dewdrop Jamboree returns to Seasons of Murfreesboro (2227 Old Fort Pkwy.) on Saturday, Sept. 23, beginning at 6 p.m. Performers scheduled to appear at the September Jamboree include Teresa Camp, Pat Jackson, Sadie Gordon, Larry Martin, Chloe Beth, Mark Thomas, Rhonda Tenpenny, Bill Schneider, Julie Richardson, Ben Jamison and Luke Tenpenny. The ongoing series of Dewdrop Jamboree variety shows aims to showcase, preserve and promote a variety of American styles of music—classic country, bluegrass, gospel, rock and blues. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, visit amagroup.org or find Dewdrop Jamboree on Facebook.

sept. 23 and 24

faMily caMpout

The Family Campout is a family-friendly backpacking adventure. Begin with an easy 1-mile hike into the campground. Park staff will be on hand to help attendees set up and settle in. Participate in various activities or just relax in front of the campfire.

Dinner and breakfast are provided. Enjoy guided night hikes, children’s activities and games, campfire fun and music. Tents (2-person and 4-person), ground cloths, sleeping pads, and backpacks (available in both youth and adult sizes) are available by request when registering. Schedule your Wilderness Awareness Workshop when you register; required before you camp. Registration is required. Dinner includes hotdogs or campfire pita pizza, chips, a drink and s’mores. Breakfast includes muffins, coffee and orange juice. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 and concludes at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24. The cost to attend is $10 for ages 13 and up, and $5 for ages 5–12. Ages 1–4 may attend free. Meet at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.). For more information, email ekreuziger@murfreesborotn.gov.

sept. 25

chess lunch

Who wants to play a game of chess? Community members interested in the initiative of teaching others the game of chess, helping raise funds and interest for getting the game in the schools, sharing ideas on how chess can benefit others, involving their organization in promoting the game, or just

desiring to gather with other chess enthusiasts to play and discuss chess can come to a Murfreesboro Chess Lunch at Carmen’s Taqueria (206 W. Northfield Blvd.) from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25. For more information, call 615-426-7373 or email rmitchell@rutherfordcountytn.gov.

sept. 26

partners in the journey luncheon

Journeys in Community Living (JICL), a nonprofit committed to supporting adults with disabilities in Rutherford and Cannon counties, hosts its annual fundraising luncheon, the 7th Annual Partners in the Journey Luncheon, beginning at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at The View at Fountains (1500 Medical Center Pkwy., Ste. 4D). This year’s event feature motivational speaker H.K. Derryberry, often known as the man who remembers everything. Derryberry takes his audiences on a rollercoaster ride of emotion, perseverance, and love as he shares his personal journey. He was born blind with cerebral palsy and other lifetime medical issues. This year’s goal is to raise money to support the comprehensive transportation services program for those with disabilities, which currently operates and maintains 45 vehicles for medical appointments, grocery shopping and other activities. For more information, to donate or become a luncheon sponsor, visit journeystn.org, call 615-8904389 or email dana.smith@journeystn.org.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the Annual Partners in the Journey Luncheon event page on Eventbrite.

sept. 26

tech council ai talk

The Murfreesboro Technology Council presents a series looking at the future with artificial intelligence and how to make it work for you. Ever wondered what AI was or how to use it for your your business? Come out to a special session with the Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee Technology councils on Tuesday, Sept. 26, starting at 3 p.m. This installment, the third in a three-part series held at the Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy., first-floor event space), focuses on practical applications for AI and how to use AI for your business. Networking starts at 3 p.m. with a speaking session from 3:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. Following the talk, the Technology Council will hold its September Networking Social. For more information or to register, call 801-857-4233 or visit murfreesborotechnology.com.

sept. 28

firefly gala

The annual fall Doors of Hope fundraiser, Firefly Gala, presents “Illuminating Hope” on Thursday, Sept. 28, at Copper Ridge Venue (3597 Betty Ford Rd.) beginning at 6 p.m. Join in lighting up the city with hope for women leaving jail and battling addiction. Spend the evening with an exclusive live auction, cocktail hour, prime appetizers, live music, and the main event and dinner at 7 p.m. For more information, call 615-2035221 or visit opendoorsofhope.org

sept. 29

duck river kayaking

The Duck River is the most diverse river in North America with over 150 fish species and 50 different freshwater mussels. Explore the aquatic life this important river has to offer on Friday, Sept. 29, from 3:30–6:30 p.m. Meet at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.), where you will be transported to the Duck River. Enjoy a guided hike and information about the critters you find. Bring water shoes and a sense of adventure. The cost to join is $15 per person; ages 13 and up are welcome. Registration is required. For more information, email ekreuziger@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-217-3017.

sept. 30

oktoBerfest

Oaklands Mansion’s ninth annual Oktoberfest is Saturday, Sept. 30, from 4–8 p.m. The craft beer festival will be held outdoors on the grounds of Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.). Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets. Dogs are permitted but must remain on a leash. Admission for craft beer drinkers (ages 21 & up) is $50, designated drivers (ages 17 & up) are $20 and children and students ages 16 and under are free. For more information, visit oaklandsmansion.org and find News & Events or email oktoberfest@ oaklandsmansion.org

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-minute period at the end of each meeting is reserved for members to set up one-on-ones and socialize. For more information or

saturdays

sM yrna d epot far M ers Market

Carpe Artista presents the Smyrna Depot Farmers Market in partnership with the Town of Smyrna from 8 a.m.–noon at the Historic Smyrna Front Street Depot District (98 Front St.) every Saturday through Sept. 16. For more information, visit carpeartista.com/farmers-market or call 615-984-4038.

directions, visit connectnashvillenetworking. com/events

tuesdays & Fridays

r utherford c ounty far M ers’ Market

The Rutherford County Agricultural Extension Cooperation continues its produceronly farmers’ market in the indoor/open-air community center at the Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) from 7 a.m.–noon every Tuesday and Friday. Vendors hail from over 20 counties and sell a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, baked and canned goods, flowers, plants and more. For more information, visit rutherford.tennessee.edu/ farmers-market, email hlambert@utk.edu or call 615-898-7710 or 615-785-0862.

Wednesdays

n etworking for aweso M e p eople

Are you looking to meet and connect with other local business owners? Do you want to grow your network and pick up some skills along the way? Networking for Awesome People meets each week on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at the Rutherford County Veterans Community Center (439 Rice St.). All you need to bring is a good attitude. Each attendee gets about a minute to explain what they do and what they need, followed by a discussion question of the week. Networking for Awesome People encourages open discussion to help everyone grow. For more information, find a Networking for Awesome People group on Facebook.

thu. & sat. Muddy-vator 5 training

The Muddy-Vator 5 Training Program is a 9-week obstacle course training program from Sept. 2–Oct. 26 on Thursdays from 5:30–6:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 7–8 a.m. that will result in an opportunity for a local event. Lift buckets, carry sandbags, jump, crawl, spear-throw and run in short bursts to improve your strength, grip and endurance for OCR events while promoting teamwork. Then run an OCR Event as a team in October. Headbands and other incentives are given during or at the conclusion of the training program. Training takes place at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.). The cost to join is $30 per person; ages 16 and up are welcome. For more information, email rbrady@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-893-7439 ext. 6113.

thursdays

Mad c ow t rek c lu B

The Mad Cow Trek Club running group meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. at Panther Creek Brews (714 W. Main St.). The group embarks on a route of 4–8 miles and welcomes runners of all paces and abilities. Affiliated with the Mad Cow Running Company in McMinnville, the Trek Club hosts races and free get-togethers to share its love of running with the community. Find Mad Cow Running Company (MCRC) on Facebook for course routes and more details. All runners are encouraged to stay after each run for food and drinks.

Fridays

c 3 n etworking at p rohi B ition

C3 is an open networking group for local business professionals at Prohibition Home Brewing (906 Ridgley Rd.) on Fridays from 8:30–10:30 a.m. The mission is to build relationships, connect local businesses with potential clients, support each other’s professional growth and educate people on how to participate in the local community. Complimentary coffee and snacks are provided. For more information, find Prohibition Home Brewing on Facebook.

Fridays

coMMunity chess

Murfreesboro Community Chess meets at the Murfreesboro Barnes & Noble (within The Avenue, 2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Organizers invite those of all ages and skill levels to this casual chess meetup each week.

Fridays

funny friday coMedy

The Holistic Connection in Murfreesboro presents “Funny Fridays,” a weekly comedy showcase and open mic hosted by Willi Will, every Friday. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. with open mic time following at 8 p.m. The Holistic Connection is located at 527 N. Thompson Ln. For more information, call 615-603-7356 or visit theholistic connectiontn.com.

saturdays

saturday Market

The Main Street Saturday Market continues in downtown Murfreesboro. The weekly farmers’ market will take place 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 and find a wide variety of produce, locally raised meats, fresh breads and pastries, mushrooms, honey, soaps and lotions, sauces, jams and more. For more information, find Murfreesboro Saturday Market on Facebook.

saturdays

coffee & conversation

The Rutherford County Historical Society has been preserving and promoting Murfreesboro’s local history since 1971. RCHS hosts Coffee & Conversation on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m.–noon at the Ransom School House Museum (717 N. Academy St.). Bring old photos or questions about the past to ask members. Enjoy free coffee and donuts. For more information, visit rutherfordtnhistory.org.

Wed, 9/6

cedar glade Brews

Blues Jam

hank’s honky tonk

Kenna Elpers

hop springs

Oliver Wood Trio;

J.P. Ruggieri

panther creek

Brews

Muddy Boots

puckett’s

Live to Vinyl contest

thurs, 9/7

hank’s honky tonk

Sir Anthony

Fri, 9/8

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

cedar glade Brews

Glen Wagner

front street puB

Luke Wood; Colton Randall

hank’s honky tonk

Bailey Rose; Bill Ashmore & The Last Stand

happy’s sports

lounge

Graham Anthem Band

hop springs

Long Live Taylor

jack’s place

Tony Castellanos

Mayday Brewery

Tony Hartman

Mtsu wright Music

Building

Kokocelli

panther creek

Brews

Roland Justice

puckett’s

Chad Cates Trio

sMyrna vfw post

Shane and the Money Makers

sat, 9/9

Boro BourBon & Brews

Jeff Lysyczyn

cedar glade Brews

Vagabond Train

city cafe

Everette Brown Trio

craB fever

Outside Franklin

front street puB

Brad Howard

hank’s honky tonk

Tawnya Reynolds;

Cody Purvis

happy’s sports

lounge

DJ Vince hop springs

Bass Drum of Death

panther creek

Brews

Charlie Byrd & Chuck Harvill

puckett’s

Aaron Bucks Trio

sMyrna vfw post

Tony and the Attitude

sun, 9/10

hank’s honky tonk

The O’Donnells

mon, 9/11

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

hank’s honky tonk

Open Mic Night

sMyrna vfw post

Jam Night

tues, 9/12

front street puB

Open Jam Session

hank’s honky tonk

Joe Hooper

Wed, 9/13

cedar glade Brews

Blues Jam

hank’s honky tonk

Robyn Taylor

hop springs

Fortunate youth; Kash’d

Out; Dubbest

puckett’s

Live to Vinyl contest

thurs, 9/14

copper ridge event venue

Tim James; Dan Couch

hank’s honky tonk

Cary & Sherrie Lynn

Fri, 9/15

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

cedar glade Brews

Todd London

front street puB

Luke Wood

hank’s honky tonk

Charlie Byrd;

Jeff Caron Band

happy’s sports lounge

Silent Ruckus

harvester event

center

Margaritas & Mariachi

with DJ Rosendo

jack’s place

Tony Castellanos

Mayday Brewery

Brad Frazier Band

puBlic square

Ultimate Oldies Rock and Roll Show

puckett’s

Radio Farm

sMyrna vfw post

Shane and the Money Makers

the Boro

Jackson Kai Band

walnut house

Studio 54 Dance Party

sat, 9/16

cedar glade Brews

Captain Sam

city cafe

Everette Brown Trio

craB fever

Jeff Lysyczyn

front street puB

Cindy Ellis & Steve Burkett

hank’s honky tonk

The Hammonds; The Cooter River Band

happy’s sports lounge

Peter Moon Band

hop springs

King Parrot; Thetan; Ghost Gore

panther creek

Brews

Micah Armani; Shanny and the East Men

puckett’s

Brian Golden Blues

Experiment seasons of MurfreesBoro

Real Deal;

Bubba’s Jukebox

sMyrna vfw post

Reunion Station

the Boro

Grizzly Ironside

sun, 9/17

hank’s honky tonk

Emily Miller

mon, 9/18

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

hank’s honky tonk

Open Mic Night

sMyrna vfw post

Jam Night

tues, 9/19

front street puB

Open Jam Session

hank’s honky tonk

Jesse Black hop springs

Ballyhoo!; Jimmie’s Chicken Shack

Wed, 9/20

cedar glade Brews

Blues Jam

hank’s honky tonk

Izzy Grace

panther creek

Muddy Boots

puckett’s Live to Vinyl contest

thurs, 9/21

hank’s honky tonk

Will King hop springs

Spafford; Steady Rotation

Fri, 9/22

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

cedar glade Brews

Roland Justice

fountains at gateway

Experience Worship Night

front street puB

Luke Wood

hank’s honky tonk

Tucker Wilson; Justin Dukes happy’s sports

lounge

Stretta

jack’s place

Tony Castellanos

Mayday Brewery

The WNy

puckett’s

Sam Gyllenhaal Band

sMyrna vfw post

Shane and the Money Makers

sat, 9/23

Buddy’s place at cedar springs

ranch

Drew Irwin; Wolf Mahler; Bobby Watson; Shantaia; Callie McCullough;

Dylan Gerard

cedar glade Brews

Jeff Lysyczyn city cafe

Everette Brown Trio

front street puB

Chloe Penny; Bill Simms; Shayne Pulley; Allen Price

grindstone cowBoy

Craig Campbell; Izzy Grace

hank’s honky tonk

Krystal King; Whiskey Smoke

happy’s sports

lounge

DJ Vince

hop springs

Big Bubble Rave

panther creek

Sleep Nation

puckett’s

The Road Crew

sMyrna vfw post

Dillard and Southern

Express

the Boro

Zentrance

sun, 9/24

hank’s honky tonk

Lexy Dunn

mon, 9/25

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

hank’s honky tonk

Open Mic Night

Mtsu wright Music

Building

Stones River Chamber

Players

vfw sMyrna post

Jam Night

tues, 9/26

front street puB

Open Jam Session

hank’s honky tonk

Delyn Christian

Mtsu wright Music

Chamber Winds; Symphonic Band

Wed, 9/27

cedar glade Brews

Blues Jam

hank’s honky tonk

Phil Valdez

Mtsu wright Music

MTSU Wind Ensemble

puckett’s Live to Vinyl contest

thurs, 9/28

hank’s honky tonk

Silent Ruckus

Mtsu wright Music

Jazz Artist Series

Fri, 9/29

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

cedar glade Brews

Paul Mann

front street puB

Russ Pyle

hank’s honky tonk

Taylor Hughes; The Wentzel Brothers

happy’s sports

lounge

Gypsy Nights

hop springs

The Lacs; Dustin Spears;

Justin Champagne

jack’s place

Tony Castellanos

panther creek

Nuclear Bubble Wrap;

Aye Mammoth and more puckett’s

Cole Ritter and the Night Owls

sMyrna vfw post

Shane and the Money Makers

the Boro

Caravan Discordia; Soviet Shiksa

sat, 9/30

caMpus puB

J Logan; Ceeto Bankz;

Shamaz and more

cedar glade Brews

Howlin Embers

city cafe

Everette Brown Trio

craB fever

Jeff Lysyczyn

front street puB

Dawson Steagall;

Billy Knight

hank’s honky tonk

Jenn & J Kyle;

Mikki Zip Band

happy’s sports

lounge

Top Tier Band

Mtsu wright Music

Jessebeth Lowery

panther creek

Jason Saitta; Zentrance

puckett’s

Matt Nicholls Trio

re-invintage

Joe West

sMyrna vfw post

Billy Tarkington and the Bonafide Outlaws

the Boro

Skeetzo N Krysis; Neptune the Mystic; Badhippy; Abated Mass

of Flesh and more

tn golf station

Brett Bone world outreach

church

Matthew

If You Go

Sounds

A Song Can Change a Life

By M elissa coker

“Where words fail, music speaks” (credited most often to Hans Christian Andersen) speaks volumes to the missions that Joe West feels he’s been called to carry out.

From a longtime weekend gig at Carmen’s Taqueria in Murfreesboro and being a resident performer at the Nashville Airport, to celebrity encounters, huge crowds, new music and back again, West has had a wealth of adventurous musical experiences. He’s humbly dubbed himself with the title of “the richest man” (also the name of one of his songs, and his website)—but money has nothing to do with that moniker.

“I’m not a star. I’m not a celebrity,” the grateful West said zestfully. “But I’m wonderfully, wonderfully busy. It’s happening right now. It’s a dream come true. I literally feel like I’m walking through a dream.”

“And I love it. To play music is the greatest gift ever and at the level I’m able to do it right now is a miracle. I mean, I’m not this young guy just coming to town to figure out how to do this industry, I’ve been here for 22 years now,” West told the Pulse. “I was a retail manager for 27 and had a dissected aorta in

a store and almost died. And that gave me the courage. I had to do the other thing that I was designed to do, and that was music.

“That’s all I’ve done now . . . since 2007.” It could do well for a would-be passerby to stop and give West a good listen at one of his in-airport performances.

“‘A Song Can Change a Life,’ that title is exactly what I believe,” the artist said. “I have a card I laminated in my wallet that a guy put in my tip jar where he wrote ‘Your music may have saved me.’ And I keep it in my wallet at all times. He impacted me as much as I impacted him.

“Warren Matson, the producer of our film A Song Can Change a Life, he came up after I played the airport Tootsie’s stage and introduced himself. My parents are believed to be America’s first black country & western music duo. He talked to me about why I was playing country music and the story of my parents came up. And he was just captivated from the very beginning and asked me, ‘Hey, how would you like to have a documentary done about your parents’ story?’ Of course I was blown away. He and his team worked

on the documentary for about two and a half years. We were on the road for about two weeks interviewing people, visiting my hometown and different places, you know, gathering information.”

West refers to his dad and mom as his heroes.

“I watched them go into these redneck bars . . . [filled with] people who thought they would hate my parents. And by the time my parents walked out of those rooms, I watched the whole color of the room change. And that’s been my mode of operation. Because of my parents,” West said. “I know there’s people that will not expect me to play what I play, sing what I sing and say some of the things I say but . . . music just breaks down walls. My parents did that and that’s the main reason I do what I do now, because my parents set it up for me that way. In my mind they are legends. They laid the foundation.”

Whether it’s an intimate songwriter’s night, a BNA spotlight, opening for Sara Evans or other big-name artists, or an opportunity to personally share the story of his music-making, barrier-busting parents Sarge and Shirley, West remains grateful and keeps an every-day-is-a-blessing attitude.

“I’ve played Carmen’s [Taqueria] for a zillion years. My good friend Carlos, who runs the restaurant, started booking me to play there and then he wanted me there every week. So that’s how I first ended up in Murfreesboro, and I love that restaurant. I love his team,” West said of his Carmen’s residency.

Lately he’s been spending time in the studio to track not one but three albums with varied leanings: one with a country bent, another a more songwriting-focused project,

and the third a “groove sort of record.” Acclaimed keyboardist Gordon Mote is among the assembled musicians joining the projects.

In addition to being BNA’s house band, he has opened shows including downtown’s Nashville’s Fourth of July festivities, classicrock mainstay The Steve Miller Band, private events for his mentor Naomi Judd, appeared with The Wooten Brothers and opened for the Opry’s newest member, Sara Evans, by her personal invitation. He is currently touring with the Black Opry Revue (having contributed to a panel discussion and performance with the Black Opry at the Country Music Hall of Fame in August) and helped raise awareness for efforts to save downtown Nashville’s historic Morris Building with a special performance at the nearby National Museum of African American Music. West is even in talks to have a feature exhibit about his parents placed at the CMHoF.

You may catch him at Carmen’s again, and in the meantime, West is scheduled to perform at Re-Invintage Home experiences from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, Sept. 30 and Nov. 4. Admission is free. Re-Invintage is located at 3781 Franklin Rd., Murfreesboro. Those browsing the craft and furniture booths can expect him and the piano player set up in a small area to the side.

“It’s perfectly situated for a very intimate performance. We like to play songs from Kenny Loggins, James Taylor, Charley Pride, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers . . . that’s an idea of [the vintage vibe] they might hear,” he said.

keep up with Joe West happenings at hestherichestman.com/shows.

Music-maker Joe West continues his musical mission; catch him this fall at Re-Invintage Market Days

west with s ara evans

performing at the c ountry Music hall of fame

Better Business Bureau Hosts FiF tH

nnual s ongwriters n ig H t s ept. 29

the better buSINeSS bureAu SerVINg mIddle teNNeSSee & Southern Kentucky will hold its Fifth Annual Songwriters Night on Friday, Sept. 29, at 5:30 p.m. at the Factory at Franklin. The evening’s talent will consist of country singer-songwriters Wyatt McCubbin, Erik Dylan and Brice Long.

“The Williamson County BBB Advisory Board began this event as a fundraiser for the BBB Integrity Foundation in 2017 in order to spotlight the importance of integrity in the music industry and to support the educational outreach of the foundation,” said Lorneth Peters, director of marketing and communications for the BBB. “Nashville is the home of country music, and this event was created to highlight the songwriters and let them tell the stories behind the hits we hear on the radio.”

Between them, the trio works with hundreds of country stars who have been admired for years.

McCubbin, who is heavily inspired by both country and blues music, has opened for artists such as George Jones and Charlie Daniels. Tracy Lawrence, among many others, has recorded his songs.

Dylan is often seen working with Luke Combs. However, he has also written songs for Brantley Gilbert, Trisha yearwood and Dustin Lynch.

Over 100 of Long’s songs have been cut by the likes of Garth Brooks, George Strait, Hank Williams Jr., Trace Adkins and other artists. In 2015, he received a CMA nomination for Song of the year for Randy Houser’s “Like a Cowboy.”

“We are looking forward to a great night of showcasing amazing local songwriters, plenty of fun and networking,” said Robyn Householder, president and CEO of Better Business Bureau serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. “More importantly, we are excited to share that all proceeds will benefit local businesses in the areas we serve.”

The money raised supports community programs and provides grant funding to small businesses in the 45 counties under the BBB of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.

The Factory at Franklin is located at 230 Franklin Rd., Franklin.

For tickets, sponsorship details and more information on the Better Business Bureau Songwriters Night, visit bbb.org or bbbintegrityfoundation.org.

— destiny Mizell

u

Dave Macon Days partners w it H aM erican Mule an D Music a ssociation in sH el Byville, s ept. 28– o ct. 1

After more thAN four deCAdeS of Murfreesboro performances, Uncle Dave Macon Days will be collaborating with American Mule and Music Association and relocating to Shelbyville for 2023. The Macon Music and Mules Festival will take place at the Cooper Steel Arena, 721 Whithorn St., Shelbyville, on the World Famous Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration grounds. The homage to roots music and traditions runs from Sept. 28 until Oct. 1 from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. each day.

music note s

Attendees can enjoy a plethora of activities such as songwriting workshops, mule competitions and showings, a craft fair and much more. On top of that, guests can nurture their ears with some of the finest bluegrass music in Tennessee all day long. Don’t worry about missing church, because on Sunday, Oct. 1, there will be many opportunities for prayer and worship services as well. Parking is $10 per vehicle, but admission is free; however, donations to support the United Veterans Council of Bedford County are welcomed. For the full itinerary, musical lineup and more information on Macon Music and Mules, visit maconmusicandmules.com — destiny Mizell

Bri C e Long

Wyatt Mc Cu BB in

Sounds

A Pair of Tickets to CaveFest

promises that “The late-night sets are going to be top notch. The sound and production at The Caverns are second to none.”

caveFest r eturns to t he c averns

2023 Fest Features

Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, Infamous Stringdusters, Jim Lauderdale, Airshow

story By M elissa coker

The Caverns slogan is “Where the Destination Becomes a Journey” for good reason—CaveFest will also feature cave tours and subterranean adventures, providing guests with the opportunity to delve deep and discover what lies beneath the earth’s surface. The Caverns will present hour-long walking tours through the otherworldly Big Room Cave, where the history of the region, cave geology and mythology intertwine. Those seeking even more of an adrenaline rush can opt for an Adventure Cave Tour that will take them beyond “Tombstone Pass” to witness an underground river, soda straw formations, and other fascinating sights.

Lindsay Lou, dubbed by fans the “Queen of CaveFest” in the festival’s inaugural year (“She was everywhere!” commented Caverns marketing director Jeff Meltesen), will return to the hoopla as an artist-inresidence. As such, in addition to her own performance slot, Lou will be sitting in with others all weekend long to create memorable collaborations and magical CaveFest moments.

freSh off The Caverns’ summer Big Mouth Bluegrass Festival, here comes CaveFest hot on its trail to serve up another helping of sights and sounds to the jamgrass fans who converge at the subterranean “Greatest Show Under Earth” venue, and its accompanying outdoor amphitheater, located near Pelham, Tennessee.

On its 2022 debut, CaveFest sold out— with guests in attendance from every one of the lower 48 states. With the advantage of everything The Caverns has to offer both above and below ground, the amphitheater will be put to use hosting headlining performances this Oct. 6–8, providing views of the scenic Cumberland Plateau while the crystalized venue’s underground concert hall serves as a second stage hosting additional performances, open jam sessions and cave yoga.

“This whole festival, from the bands on the lineup to the audience to the vibe is such

a perfect fit for us,” John Rodrigue, drummer and vocalist for the band Airshow said.

“Not to mention we get to play the coolest, most unique venue in America over a long weekend. Excited doesn’t begin to describe how we feel.”

The curated line-up for this year’s Fest features mandolin maestro Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters, Peter Rowan, The Travelin’ McCourys, Jim Lauderdale, Town Mountain, The Lil Smokies, Lindsay Lou, Sam Grisman Project, Jon Stickley Trio, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Larry Keel Experience, The HillBenders, Sicard Hollow, Big Richard, Fireside Collective, Airshow, Two Runner, Pert Near Sandstone, Pixie & The Partygrass Boys, Volunteer String Band, Off the Wagon, Three Tall Pines, Johnny Campbell Band, Big Daddy Love, Tree of Forgiveness (a tribute to John Prine), Hudost, and Wyatt Ellis & Friends.

“CaveFest was a dream come true last year, an ideal festival featuring favorite bands in the best autumn weather in the perfect place. Glad this dream is recurring and we’re excited to see the event grow to three days in 2023,” says The Caverns owner Todd Mayo.

Providing three underground late-night sets with a different take every evening (on one they’ll play originals, one is a dance party, and special guests will join the band at the other), Rodrigue’s Airshow crew members share with the Pulse how they’re ready to tackle their mountain men roles:

“It is truly an honor to be the late-night house band at CaveFest,” said Airshow mandolin player and vocalist Cody Chelius. “Getting to meet and play music in a cave with some of our heroes last year was already such an incredible experience. I can’t believe we get to do it again for three more nights!”

Airshow guitarist/vocalist Steve Gallagher

Three-day general admission tickets to CaveFest are $149 and include three-night camping (Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights) plus free access to shower trailers and climate-controlled bathrooms. RV guests can add a $99 pass for an RV campsite (hook-ups not available). A variety of VIP packages are offered for those looking to upgrade their experience with assorted perks like a premium campsite location, access to a VIP viewing area, access to a VIP lounge tent with delicious local catering, complimentary refreshments and snacks, open bar service and much more. The Caverns also offers on-site accommodations in its new climate-controlled Yurt Village and lodging packages which include a stay in nearby Monteagle and shuttle transportation to and from the venue.

Cavefest runs oct. 6 through oct. 8 at the Caverns, 555 Charlie roberts rd., pelham, tennessee. for more information, call 931-516-9724 or visit thecaverns.com.

Leftover SaLMon

SaM BuSh

LindSay Lou

airShoW

t i M Ja M es, Dan c ouc H at s ept. 14 g roovin’ in t H e Boro Fun D raiser F or Journey H o M e

the JourNey home, A NoNprofIt dedicated towards serving the homeless and disadvantaged of Rutherford County, will welcome supporters to an evening of fellowship, food and entertainment on Thursday, Sept. 14. Renowned songwriters Tim James and Dan Couch will perform some of their biggest country hits, alongside a silent auction with proceeds benefiting The Journey Home. The fundraiser will start at 7 p.m.

Grammy-nominated songwriter Tim James has written numerous songs for prominent country stars such as George Strait, Toby Keith, Montgomery Gentry, Alabama and over 30 others.

One of his songs he wrote in collaboration with Chris Stapleton and Kendall Marvel, “Either Way,” received recognition with two Grammy awards in nine years.

Lee Ann Womack won Best Country Solo

Performance in 2008 for the song on her first album, Call Me Crazy. “Either Way” was recognized again when Stapleton recorded it for his album From a Room, Volume 1, which received the Grammy for Album of the year in 2017.

music notes

Dan Couch wrote for several years in Nashville before finding country music artist Kip Moore. The two instantly connected and Couch has since written many songs for him, including hit singles such as “Somethin’ Bout a Truck” and “Hey Pretty Girl.”

Though he has collaborated with Moore the most, he didn’t get all of Couch’s hits. Couch also works with recording artists Cody Johnson and Elvie Shane. Admirers can expect performances of many of his works featured on the upcoming Elvie Shane album at the Sept. 14 Groovin’ in the Boro event.

Tickets are $100 each, which include general admission seating, Copper Ridge Catering and two drink tickets. Find tickets on The Journey Home’s website, lovegodservepeople.org.

Contact Lis Couser at lcouser@lovegodservepeople.org or 865-278-8757 for more information and sponsorship details.

— destiny Mizell

AutumN IS IN the AIr and as leaves come down, praises go up. Feed your spirit and your body at World Outreach Church throughout five weeks of fall at a series of outside festivities one may say was designed with the true “outsider” in mind.

Outdoor services will be held on Saturday evenings, Sept. 30 through Oct. 28.

Dove Award winning and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Matthew West opens the series on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Long-running gospel and bluegrass family band (and, as of 2021, Grand Ole Opry members) The Isaacs lead the concert on Oct. 21.

Other guest artists are David Leonard on Oct. 7, Katy Nichole on Oct. 14, and We the Kingdom on Oct. 28.

Services begin each Saturday at 6 p.m. and end with a free concert immediately following

the message from Pastor Allen Jackson. Sunday services are at 9:30 a.m. and the guest musicians will lead worship there, as well.

Fall Festival concerts are free to attend. Children’s ministry will be available beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Seating is provided outdoors, but feel free to bring your favorite lawn chair or blanket. Food trucks will be open two hours before service begins. Visit wochurch.org/event/fall-outdoorfestival/ for more information on the series and the artists. — M elissa coker

t H e isaacs, Matt H ew w est, katy nic H ole, we t H e king D o M play out D oor concerts

at worl D outreac H

We the kingdoM

Middle Tennessee dark-country troubadour Coleman Williams (IV) joined forces with his Strange Band at Jason Dietz’s Twin Oak Recordings in Murfreesboro (with the assistance of musician/producer David Talley) to embark on the creative journey that resulted in Southern Circus, IV and The Strange Band’s debut album.

Containing 12 tracks and clocking in at 44 minutes, Circus blends the time-honored traditions of Nashville country & western with a modern twist. It features soulful solo acoustic guitar ballads and foot-tapping shuffles, augmented by The Strange Band’s banjo, lap steel guitar and fiddle, which meld with the roaring intensity of high-watt-driven heavy metal and punk-thrash bangers to create a sound uniquely emblematic of the polarized 2020s.

iv & the strange Band Southern Circus

Lyrically, Williams takes on a persona that channels the enigmatic world of carnival and hobo clowns. His songs explore themes of love, struggle, personal growth, family and death (delving into such murky territory as incest and serial killings). His vocal delivery alternates between crooning and goat-vibrato, adding a distinctive touch to his storytelling.

IV shared his inspiration for one of the disc’s starlight-gazing country tunes, “Train,” at a 2022 live performance at Nashville venue The Basement: “I wrote this song about trains. They’re very important to me. They kept me out of trouble, and got me into some trouble, but y’know, if you don’t get stabbed once, or maybe go to jail once, or twice, you don’t learn a lot of the things you get to learn . . . sometimes the greatest things that can teach you lessons

teenage Mutant ninja

aren’t people, but objects, and this is about my love of travel.”

“I’m Gonna Haunt You,” a profoundly dark and captivating jealousy ballad, opens with eerie notes that foreshadow the song’s sinister atmosphere. Other tracks on Southern Circus, like the “saloon-y tune” “Drinkin’ Sad” (banjoist Daniel Mason works in some effectively silly string bends here) and “Filth” further showcase the band’s diverse musicality and storytelling prowess. Shooter Jennings, whose Black Country Rock label co-released the album, guests on piano on a number of tracks. As the son of groundbreaking “outlaw” artist Waylon Jennings, he brings a second iconic country bloodline to the table and the kindred element of another country music legacy known for boldly fusing genres and bending rules.

Southern Circus is more than a compelling country-grunge debut album; it’s an opportunity to witness a killer band continuing to evolve the spirit of the East Nashville alt-country scene of the 2010s into the 2020s. It feels similar to the impact of observing the progression of roots standbys like Old Crow Medicine Show or The Band.

Find IV & The Strange Band’s Southern Circus on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, iHeart and at ivsonofiii. bandcamp.com. Physical copies, including CDs and 33 RPM vinyl, are available through ivandthestrangeband.com.

— Bryce harMon

turtLe S: Mutant MayheM

dIreCtor Jeff rowe and Kyler Spears

StArrINg Ayo edebiri, Jackie Chan, Ice Cube rAted pg

Had Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse not proven that well-known intellectual properties could not only withstand but thrive under an artistic vision spawned of love and creativity, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem might never have happened. Following in those footsteps, this story of four anthropomorphic reptiles trying to find their place among the mutant-hating humans of New York City is one of the best movies I’ve seen all year.

The animation is unlike anything I’ve seen before and it oozes style and creativity. It looks like rotoscoped Claymation. It’s like a teenager added notebook scribbles over frames of Wallace & Gromit, and it works so well. It feels strange to say this about animation— Mutant Mayhem has some of the best lighting I’ve seen in a long time. Taking place mostly under cover of night, every shot is lit like a last-century James Cameron or Michael Mann film. It might be a stretch, but it even recalls Katherine Bigelow’s Near Dark, all neons at night, nasty and beautiful. How’s that for a kids’ movie?

The character design is incredibly unique. From the main mutants to single-scene humans, the faces in Mutant Mayhem are allergic to symmetry, making every grin and grimace memorable. Each scene is littered with dingy detail, a possible nod to the grit and grime of the 1990 live-action classic.

Written by longtime duo Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg (Superbad) along with co-director Jeff Rowe (Gravity Falls, The Mitchells vs. the Machines), Mutant Mayhem hits all the right notes. As portrayed by actual teenagers, our heroes in a half shell are all hilarious and charming, with just the right amount of annoying. Splinter, as played by Jackie Chan, nails the understandably overbearing father figure, worried for his boys’ safety. The ubiquitous Ayo Edebiri rounds out the good guys as April O’Neil, a high-strung high schooler and aspiring journalist, and the first person to accept the turtles for who they are.

The titular “mutant mayhem” refers to a cadre of curiosities created by Baxter Stockman. His mob of mutants, led by Superfly (Ice Cube), are responsible for a series of thefts across the city, and are voiced perfectly by too many famous people to name.

The film is comprised of incredible ingredients that combine to make something truly special. I didn’t even mention the action (a movie with “ninja” in the title is invariably an action flick), but everything I’ve already said applies to the action scenes as well. They’re funny and exciting and tell a cohesive story. Turtle power indeed. — jay spight

Emery Gap & Debord Falls

H I ke R s can explo R e a fine piece of Tennessee back country at Frozen Head State Park in East Tennessee, near the town of Wartburg.

A short and easy trail leads to a highlight of the park, Emery Gap Falls.

Embarking upon this 1.2-mile Emery Gap Falls Trail (2.4 miles, round-trip), adventurers first come to a 12-foot waterfall known as Debord Falls. A staircase made of wooden beams and dirt leads down to the base of this falls, where folks can access the pool beneath. While this small Debord Falls pool is probably no more than five feet at its deepest, a fisherman was giving it a shot on an August afternoon. Someone told him that it was a good fishing spot, but “I think I was deceived,” he said; however, he then proceeded to pull out five small fish, one right after the other, from the water, surprising the visitor, although the fish were not big enough for keeping.

From this point, the trail continues uphill to Emery Gap Falls. Overall it’s a fairly easy journey and the trail is wide and clearly defined, but it does include some large rocks and roots to watch out for.

Arriving at Emery Gap Falls yields a fine area surrounding the falls. To the left (when

facing the falls) an impressive cavern feature towers overhead—a large rock wall capped by an overhanging ledge. Rocks of various sizes are scattered about at the base of the falls—though not extremely difficult, a little boulder scaling is necessary to make the final approach to the waterfall—and to the right, one can make the climb up the hill to the top of Emery Gap Falls.

Frozen Head State Park also offers playgrounds, campsites and over 50 miles of

If You Go

emery gap falls / frozen head state park 964 flat fork rd., Wartburg, tennessee 888-867-2757

other hiking trails, including the (reportedly quite difficult) 7-mile Chimney Top Trail and a 6.5-mile loop that travels to the top of Old Mac Mountain, among a quick storybook trail and various other paths. The park allows mountain bikes on the 8 miles of trail in the Lookout Tower area. (View a map of Frozen Head State Park at boropulse.com.)

Coming from Murfreesboro, adventurers have over a two-hour drive to get to Frozen Head. The Emery Gap Falls Trail can be

completed quickly, so the journey is a reasonable day trip. However, those wanting to explore the 24,000-acre Frozen Head State Park in a more thorough way could consider an overnight stay at the park.

One of the few drawbacks of the area on an otherwise very pleasant 75-degree day was the abundance of gnats, getting in hikers’ ears and even their eyes. But otherwise, a hiking party had no complaints.

From I-40, access Frozen Head State Park from the Crossville Buc-ee’s exit, a traveling plus for many modern adventurers.

Find the Emery Gap Falls Trail from the Panther Branch Trailhead parking area; the only road entering Frozen Head State Park dead-ends here, at the Panther Branch parking site. Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, now a tourist attraction that houses a distillery and hosts concerts (Blackberry Smoke plays there in October), also sits near the State Park.

The area also hosts the annual Barkley Marathons, a peculiar ultramarathon (a 100-miler) known for its extreme difficulty and partly inspired by the escape of James Earl Ray from Brushy Mountain Penitentiary and his subsequent wanderings through the wilderness.

story By B racken M ayo | p hotos By s arah Mayo

o nly a few of the highlights at frozen head s tate p ark, offering 50 miles of trails, camping

Fall Months Still Offer Plenty of Growing Opportunity

story By ashleigh newnes

T H e M uc H -love D season of fall I s nea R ly upon us! The Tennessee landscape will soon transform from the lush green of summer to a breathtaking palette of reds, oranges and yellows. As people retrieve their plaid shirts, adorn their porches with pumpkins and mums, and indulge in pumpkin spice lattes, there’s an opportunity that often goes unnoticed— the pleasures of a fall garden.

While gardeners typically anticipate spring and summer planting, many uproot their tomato plants at summer’s end and don’t wield a hoe until the following spring. However, early to mid-September presents an ideal window for planting a fall garden, coinciding with cooler temperatures and the potential to harvest vegetables for a Thanksgiving feast.

Temperature is a pivotal factor in the triumph and delight of a fall garden. Following a scorching summer spent battling heat to safeguard plants and gardeners alike, the cooler weather is a refreshing change, making gardening a more enjoyable pursuit. Moreover, the scarcity of pests during the fall minimizes the challenges faced by gardeners, adding to the odds of a successful crop. Once the plants reach maturity, the crisp autumn environment functions as a natural refrigerator, extending the life of the crops compared to spring and summer crops.

Surprisingly, certain autumn crops like kale and spinach can develop enhanced sweetness and flavor after experiencing a frost.

Tennessee’s moderate temperatures and reduced humidity during the fall create an optimal environment for an array of vegetables to flourish. The list of crops suitable for fall planting is extensive: lettuce, various leafy greens and bok choy thrive in this season, as do spinach, kale and chard. Brassicas such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower also shine. Root vegetables, including beets, carrots and, my personal favorite—radishes—can be sown in the fall with great success. Additionally, establishing an herb garden is a gratifying fall project. While annual herbs such as cilantro, chives and parsley can be planted, perennial herbs like thyme, oregano, lemon balm, sage and mint offer lasting enjoyment, gracing your dining table year after year.

Among the myriad reasons to plant a fall garden, my personal favorite is its positive impact on mental health. Roughly 10 million Americans contend with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression prevalent in colder, drearier months. A fall garden provides a compelling reason to venture outdoors, breathe in the fresh air, soak in vitamin D, and nurture something meaningful. It gives the gardener a sense of purpose and anticipation during the winter months, counteracting the hopelessness that some may experience.

So get out in the garden this fall; it offers a practical and rewarding way to enjoy a variety of fresh produce, mitigate seasonal affective disorder, and find purpose and bring joy to all ages during the colder months.

local

Colorful photo-worthy spots popping up all over Rutherford County

the Mural craze has hit MurfreesBoro. murals can make a fun photo op and bring unique character to a town. these are just some of the murals you can find throughout murfreesboro and Smyrna; there are many more. many of these murals are on the walls of independent, locally-owned businesses, providing color and contrast to the corporate logos commonly seen in towns across the country.

Goodness Gracious

The Dish

restaurant

goodness gracious restaurant & Catering location

1430 medical Center pkwy., Ste.1A phone 615-603-7834

hours

tues.–Sun.: 8 a.m.–2 p.m. prices

story By Bracken Mayo

photos By sarah Mayo

One of the few locally owned restaurants in the area specializing in brunch, Goodness Gracious features a fantastic menu containing various eggs Benedict creations, a Monte Cristo sandwich, omelets, French toast, quiche, pancakes and breakfast burritos, as well as burgers, salads and casseroles.

The Murfreesboro eatery first got its start in 2008 and now, after a few location and menu changes and the transfer of the business from founder Karen Ford to her son Eric and his wife, Nicole, it continues to thrive at its Fountains at Gateway home.

From pancakes and the traditional breakfast favorites to Benedicts, Polish sausages, chicken salad and more, many in Murfreesboro count Goodness Gracious among the top local brunch spots.

The Short Rib Spuds at the restaurant punctuates “a big bowl of hash browns” with braised short ribs, sautéed onions and poblanos, cheddar cheese, eggs and a chipotle hollandaise, while the Goodness Gracious Polish plate includes pierogis, kielbasa, eggs and a side choice, garnished with horseradish, sour cream and applesauce.

“The lemon blueberry French toast was a

standout, but the chicken and waffles were also incredible,” according to a local diner, Stephen. “Definitely a new go-to brunch spot for us. It’s exquisite.”

Specialty pancakes include the cinnamon swirl pancakes—swirled with cinnamon and topped with a cream cheese icing—and the white chocolate raspberry pancakes—filled with white chocolate chips and a raspberry swirl and topped with raspberry mousse.

The B.A.T. eggs Benedict makes a delicious, very peppery creation featuring cream cheese, pepper bacon, avocado and tomato along with the poached eggs and the chipotle hollandaise atop English muffins.

One recent customer stated that she found “the egg was cooked perfect” in the Goodness Gracious Benedict.

The Florentine eggs Benedict comes topped with spinach while the traditional eggs

b.A.t. eggs benedict: $18; monte Cristo: $15; Corned beef reuben and two sides: $15; ham and cheese omelet with two sides: $15; polish plate: $16; Cinnamon swirl or white chocolate raspberry pancakes: $16 online ggboro.com

Benedict includes ham along with the poached eggs, English muffin and hollandaise sauce. At times Goodness Gracious will offer eggs Benedict with salmon and other specials.

Considering the plating and preparation of the Benedicts, the swirls in the pancakes, the way the flavors are popping and interesting but not overwhelming, The Fords seem to appreciate the artistry of preparing food: the presentation, the details.

Also on the menu find a chicken puff— a chicken casserole-like blend of chicken, cheese and bacon stuffed in a puff pastry and baked until golden brown; a smoked turkey, brie and apple butter sandwich on toasted wheat bread; and two types of pimento cheese: sun-dried tomato or smokehouse.

“Lord have mercy! The food was absolutely incredible. Comfort food and then some,” a Yelper named Luis posted. “You can taste the love, flavor and care with every bite.”

After Karen Ford operated the Front Porch Cafe on College Street in downtown Murfreesboro (in the space currently occupied by Milano II), she launched Goodness Gracious on Northfield Boulevard in 2008. She moved the business to the restaurant space at the Readyville Mill, where it stayed

locally o wned restaurant Serves g ouda g rits, eggs b enedict, filled Strawberries and o ther b runch favorites at fountains location

for a decade. During that time, Eric and Nicole Ford assumed ownership of the business, and the couple took the opportunity to snag one of the restaurant spaces at Fountains at Gateway in 2022, relocating the restaurant once again.

“It’s been quite the journey,” Nicole said following a busy day at the restaurant, as oldschool jazzy music played over the restaurant speakers in the background. The response to the Fountains at Gateway location has “exceeded our expectations,” she added.

A visitor to Murfreesboro from California recently stopped at Goodness Gracious and reported that “the menu has a great variety and options”; she was also pleased that the restaurant’s patio was completely shaded during a 10 a.m. brunch.

While the original GG location on Northfield had somewhat of a dainty tea room atmosphere, popular with ladies dining on chicken salad, croissants and fruit, Eric wanted to add some burgers, kielbasa and meaty omelets, so meat-eating men and hungry patrons of all ages can feel comfortable in the establishment, whether they opt for eggs Benedict, French toast, a burger or a casserole.

Burger offerings include the smokehouse burger with the Goodness Gracious smokehouse pimento cheese, sautéed red onion and peppered bacon, and the Patti melt, served on swirl rye bread with ranch dress-

ing, Swiss cheese and grilled onions.

Choosing side options for a plate can be a difficult decision with a lot of delectable, rich, uncommon options available, such as long-time favorites gouda grits and filled strawberries along with hashbrown casserole, chocolate gravy, a sweet potato pancake topped with sautéed apples, pineapple cheese casserole, bacon and blue cheese slaw, and other rotating selections such as a fluffy and sweet pistachio salad creation.

The gouda grits are excellent for those who enjoy the smoky flavor of gouda cheese.

“Best hashbrown casserole ever,” Kris Young said.

One patron said she found the pineapple casserole a little too sweet, but gave high marks to the French toast and breakfast burrito.

The popular local eatery has truly positioned itself as one of the true culinary institutions of Murfreesboro.

“You simply have to get the pancakes . . . order the pancakes. They may just be the best buttermilk pancakes I’ve had in ages,” another Yelper, Hayley, posted after a recent meal. “Goodness Gracious is, by far, my new favorite brunch spot in town. Their new location at the Fountains is so cute and nicely decorated.

“The bacon and gouda omelet was perfectly savory, the stuffed strawberries were great, and the biscuits are soft and perfect.”

arounD town

’ B oro Business B uzz

By delores elliott

Nick and Nikki Nee have announced that they will open a new CINNAholIC location in Murfreesboro at The Avenue Murfreesboro, 2615 Medical Center Pkwy., Ste. 780 (near Ulta Beauty). Cinnaholic features a wide variety of signature cinnamon rolls, with over 20 unique flavor options and customer flavor combinations. Some of their best-selling flavor combos include Cookie Monster, Campfire S’mores, Caramel Apple Pie and the classic Old Skool Roll. All products are 100% plant-based, dairy and lactose-free, egg-free and cholesterol-free. Cinnaholic also offers brownies, cookies, bite-size cinnamon rolls, cookie cakes, Cinnacakes, and cookie dough tubs.

Cinnaholic founders Shannon and Florian Radke appeared on Shark Tank in 2014; Robert Herjavec made an investment offer, which the founders eventually declined. The brand plans to open more than 30 new locations over 2023. For more information on opening a franchise or on products and flavors, visit cinnaholic.com

CASA Adobe expreSS has finally opened, a little over three years since it announced its Murfreesboro location at 1433 Warrior Dr. The eatery offers a variety of Mexican food options including chimichangas, burritos, refried beans and rice. Current hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

A new private cigar lounge called WhISkey ANd StICkS has opened at 630 NW Broad St. The lounge is open to members from noon to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 3 to 10 p.m. Sunday, and available for reservations on Monday and Tuesday. For more information, visit whiskyandsticks.com or call 615-852-8725.

In the former Krystal building on Broad Street near the bridge over Broad,

SoutherN Soul CuISINe has opened, serving fried chicken, meatloaf, chicken and dressing, pork chops and all sorts of Southern sides.

SlIm & huSky’S pIzzA beerIA recently opened its 13th location, this one on the Middle Tennessee State University campus. This makes the restaurant’s third college campus location in addition to Belmont University and Atlanta’s Morehouse College.

moe’S SouthWeSt grIll has opened another Tennessee location at 450 Sam Ridley Pkwy. in Smyrna. This is the 21st location in the state. For more information, visit moes.com

ColleCtIble CrAze ANd toyz

has opened at 401 E. Vine St. The store offers a wide selection of modern and vintage treasures including Funko Pops, Hot Wheels, NASCAR memorabilia, com-

boro bourboN ANd breWS has officially opened after celebrating its soft opening in late August. The restaurant is located at 124 N. Maple St. in the heart of downtown Murfreesboro. BBB offers happy hour every weekday from 3 to 6 p.m., live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, and a variety of bourbon options and food items—wings, nachos, loaded fries, bourbon salmon and pork chops, shrimp and grits, avocado toast, burgers and salads. The restaurant also features eight TVs for enjoying sports.

Hours are Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information, visit borobourbonandbrews.com.

ics, Star Wars figures and more. For more information, visit collectiblecraze.com.

Canadian activewear retailer lululemoN has opened a store at The Avenue Murfreesboro, next to Belk.

lululemon launched the yoga pants craze in the late ’90s and has since added a variety of athletic apparel for men and women including shirts, shorts, sweaters, jackets, undergarments and skorts available in the brand’s own type of microfiber, compression and moisture-wicking fabrics.

tACo bell has announced that it will open a location in the booming Veterans Parkway and Blackman area. Other plans for this area include a 7-Eleven gas station and convenience store, McDonald’s, Wells Fargo Bank, Liberty Federal Credit Union and Publix.

840 StorAge SolutIoNS will open a new storage facility on Florence Road near I-840.

Longtime Middle Tennessee pizza brand ANgelo’S pICNIC pIzzA has reopened in Smyrna at 1402 Hazelwood Dr. The Picnic Pizza Corporation itself has been in Nashville since 1976 with the original location being inside Hickory Hollow Mall. The restaurant is best known for its hand-crafted Italian style pizzas. Fan favorites include the Sicilian style crust, cannoli, calzones and picnicstyle seating and plates.

Daily specials include two one-topping slices and a drink for $10, an 18-inch round one-topping for $21 on Tuesdays, an 18-inch round three-topping for $25 on Wednesdays, and an 18-inch round three-topping with a two-liter soda or gallon of sweet tea and the option of a medium cheesy bread or garlic knots for $36.

For more information, visit angelospicnicpizza.com .

SIt meANS SIt dog trAININg has moved in with the Valley Growers location near the Co-Op on Middle Tennessee Boulevard. More details to come.

The Colorado Springs-based live entertainment company NoteS lIVe has partnered with New York-based investment bank Maxim Bank LLC for a capital raise, according to an August report from the Nashville Business Journal. Notes Live plans to construct a 4,500-seat amphitheater on

b oro b ourbon & b rews, Cinnaholic, Angelo’s p icnic p izza, Notes l ive, Southern Soul Cuisine, Slim & h usky’s, WaWa, Casa Adobe e xpress

CoNtINued from pAge 27

Medical Center Parkway in Murfreesboro and aims to raise between $5 and $45.5 million in investments through selling securities to a limited number of potential investors.

The company will sell up to 1.3 million units of stock at an offering price of $35 per unit, according to the report. The minimum investment amount is $245,000.

The company will use the funds to build entertainment campuses in Colorado, Oklahoma and Murfreesboro.

In 2022 Notes Live announced plans to construct a 4,500-seat amphitheater called the Sunset Colosseum, a 400-seat music and corporate event venue called Boot Barn Hall, and a Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern at its Murfreesboro property.

rIght At home SeNIor CAre has opened a new office in Murfreesboro at 519 Uptown Square. Owners Beau Green and Bradford Meythaler, two lifelong best friends and in-home senior care industry experts, currently own eight additional Right at Home locations, including three in Nashville.

The duo says demand for senior care is high in the Murfreesboro area and that they are excited to bring their experience and expertise to Murfreesboro and help meet that demand for in-home care in the area.

WAWA recently announced plans for an additional Murfreesboro location, to be located along Veterans Parkway and Blackman Road. The new location will include a 5,915-square-foot convenience store and a 6,300-square-foot gas canopy on 2.4 acres. This is in addition to the large WaWa convenience store and fueling center slated for New Salem Highway and Warrior Drive.

WaWa is best known for its 24/7 fresh coffee, hoagies, hot breakfast Sizzli sandwiches and clean bathrooms. Other Tennessee location plans include Springfield and Bellevue.

VeterINAry emergeNCy group, the only 24/7 pet emergency hospital nationwide that allows pet parents to stay with their pet during all phases of treatment, recently opened its newest hospital location at 207 Stones River Mall Blvd. VEG continues to focus on expansion; this will be its 57th location across 21 states.

Veterinary Emergency Group offers walkin treatment for emergencies, urgent care and a variety of ailments, even on holidays. VEG will also see a variety of animals, from dogs to hamsters.

The company also offers a program called Little Vets, where young children can attend weekly hands-on classes to learn about ER veterinary medicine. For more information, visit veterinaryemergencygroup.com or call 615-257-5160.

AuthorIty tItle & eSCroW coowner and closing agent Tabitha King has been elected as the president of the Tennessee Land Title Association. This appointment recognizes King’s exceptional industry knowledge, leadership skills and commitment to customer service.

“Being elected to lead TNLTA is a tremendous honor. I am excited to collaborate with the best title agents, underwriters and

mouNtAIN hIgh outfItterS has opened its third Tennessee location at the Avenue. The brand, with additional locations in Franklin and Knoxville, specializes in outdoor apparel, footwear and gear.

“No matter what kind of adventure calls you, Mountain High Outfitters carries the lifestyle and outdoor apparel and footwear to get you there,” according to the retailer. “We’ve got outdoor apparel, gear, and footwear for any activity you can imagine, including hiking, biking, camping, bouldering, skiing, yoga, paddle boarding, and so much more.”

Some featured brands include Patagonia, On Footwear, yeti, Carhartt, Hoka and Hemlock Hat Co., and other items include swimwear, jackets, dresses, skirts, camping supplies and climbing equipment.

MHO is located at 2615 Medical Center Pkwy., Ste. 2055 (near Chico’s and H&M), and is open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. For more information, visit mountainhighoutfitters.com.

partners as we strategically work to guide our industry and prioritize protecting our customers,” King said.

Authority Title & Escrow recently extended its operations into North Alabama, opening a new office in Huntsville. For more information, visit authorityclosings.com.

WgNS rAdIo recently announced that it will extend its broadcast partnership with MTSU. WGNS will continue airing MTSU football, baseball and men’s and women’s basketball for the next five years.

“The official 80-year anniversary for WGNS to air their first MTSU Football game will take place on Sept. 19, 2027, which is within the 5-year contract we signed,” said WGNS President Scott Walker.

He said the history between WGNS and MTSU is unique, because not a lot of businesses can say they still work with an organization they first worked with 76 years ago.

“I don’t know many businesses who can say a client, a customer, or in our case a uni-

versity, is a part of their story some 76 years later,” Walker said.

The Blue Raiders played under the title of the Middle Tennessee State College in 1947; the first year WGNS aired games for MTSC, the Raiders were led by first-year coach Charles M. Murphy, “whom the Murphy Center was later named after,” said WGNS Station Manager Bryan Barrett. Murphy would continue to coach the team until 1968.

In the mid to late ’60s, Bart Walker was a college student and also a WGNS employee.

“It was an exciting first year at Middle Tennessee: the Blue Raiders won the Ohio Valley Conference title, with their final in-season win against Tennessee Tech on the Horace Jones Field at MTSU,” Bart Walker said.

Today’s voice of the Blue Raiders is Chip Walters. At the beginning of Walters’ career in broadcasting, he called WGNS home. Walters worked at the station as an announcer over 40 years ago. Today, he still has a show on WGNS and can be heard every Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m.

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615-526-1969

615-526-1969

803 N. Thompson Ln. Suite 103A Murfreesboro aspiringhealthcc.com

RoMpIng anD RIDIng probably doesn’t even begin to encapsulate the type of thrill-mongering, adrenaline-flooding experience that Katie Coker undertakes every time she settles into the stirrups of a horse she doesn’t know in a 32-by96-inch bronc chute. The timer goes off, and the horse takes off, leaping across the arena with incredible speed and agility. These mares and stallions are bred to buck, trying their hardest to unseat their riders, and Katie Coker’s one job in that ring is to stay on for her eight-second ride.

This native of Rockvale, Tennessee grew up riding English and hunter/jumper style, which, as far as horse-related disciplines are concerned, is about as removed from bronco riding as one can get. However, just as it requires a lot of balance to ride a 1,400-pound animal over a six-foot jump, it also takes a lot of balance to hold onto a bronc in the rodeo ring.

Katie has fallen in love with the broncos and cowponies, according to her mother in a recent interview with WGNS News Radio following Coker’s 2023 appearance competing in the rodeo at Cheyenne Frontier Days.

“After Katie graduated from UT Chatta-

nooga in 2021, she decided to visit friends in Colorado, loved it and stayed to work with horses at a ranch there as well as in Texas. Her interest in rodeo events began about five months ago,” the proud mama, Elizabeth Coker, continued. Clearly, Katie’s career in the ranch bronco riding community has escalated at a rapid rate.

In July, Coker had the honor of being one of five young women chosen to represent the United States at the Women’s Ranch Bronc Championship held in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Riding teams from Belgium and Canada attended as well.

There, Coker posted the top score of Round One, sending her family and friends in the Rockvale community over the moon, and even sending her sailing over the horn of her saddle, after the ride was complete.

“I don’t need Red Bull to give me wings; I’ve got bucking horses,” Katie posted on Instagram following the round.

After competing at the bucking competition known as “The Daddy of ’Em All”— Cheyenne Frontier Days is reportedly the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration—who knows what heights this cowgirl will reach for next.

THESE NEW CUTTING-EDGE

Aspir ng Health Clin c of Chiropractic

803 N Thompson Ln Murfreesboro TN 37129 Dr Zac Ditmarsen Aspiring Health

oNe of murfreeSboro’S moSt SuCCeSSful hurlerS—local Riverdale High School grad Collin Snider—mixes a certain degree of simplicity in his personal life and his professional life. Snider is a down-to-earth, level-headed type of dude. He has achieved considerable success in his 22-year baseball career. Whether it’s been high school, college, or the Kansas City Royals, Snider plays his relief pitching role to a T. Over the past couple of seasons, Snider has been bouncing between the Royals and the team’s AAA-affiliate, the Omaha Storm Chasers.

Mr. Murfreesboro: Where were you born?

c ollin snider: I was born in Nashville and grew up in La Vergne and Murfreesboro. tell us about your immediate family.

Mom’s name is Cheri, Dad’s name is Jerry. My older sister is Danielle, who is married to Eric with two boys. My three younger brothers are Spencer, Andrew and Zachary. Andrew and Zachary are twins at UT. are you married? any children?

I have been married since Nov. 23, 2019. An 85-pound golden retriever is our only child for now. Jax is our 3-year-old golden retriever. We fell in love with golden retrievers in high school after spending time with my Aunt Margie and Uncle Kyle’s three goldens.

In 2020, when the baseball season was canceled and Rachel was working from home, we started looking for a dog. We found Jax and knew it was meant to be.

when did you start playing baseball?

When I was 5 years old.

do you come from an athletic family?

My mom played college volleyball and my dad ran track in high school so sports were always big in my family. All of my siblings played sports throughout high school as well. where did you go to school?

Rock Springs Elementary, Stewart’s Creek Middle School, Riverdale High School and Vanderbilt University.

did you dream about becoming a pro-

Minute

The by Bill wilson

fessional player at a young age? That was always a dream growing up, but it never really became real to me until my junior year at Vandy when I was going through the draft process. I just told myself I was going to play for as long as I could. where and when did you meet rachel jones?

I met Rachel in 2012 (my sophomore year) in Mrs. Hensley’s Spanish class at Riverdale. Once I got drafted and started living on my own I knew that I couldn’t live without her. We are on the road eight months out of the year for the season, but I’m very thankful we get to do it all together. who inspires you? My parents have always played a big role in my development. In 2021 my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, so watching her handle such adversity with grace and strength taught me how to handle my profession. I learned so much and became so inspired to attack each day in a different way, similar to how my family watched her beat cancer. And we are blessed to say that she is now cancer-free. what position do you play?

Relief pitcher. I’ve always been a pitcher, but growing up I played almost every position at some point. I wouldn’t choose to switch to another position. I love pitching, and hitting is just way too hard. what was it like playing at riverdale high s chool?

Playing at Riverdale was a blast. I was a part of some great teams that made it to the state tournament three years in a row. We were very fortunate to have a great baseball facility at Riverdale and I even go up there frequently in the offseasons as well.

what was it like playing at vanderbilt university for coach c orbin? He’s the best coach I have ever had. There aren’t people out there like Coach Corbin. He helps form 18-year-old kids into adults, and the way that he coaches life lessons off the field is so valuable. He cares so much for each player and their development as a human, and happens to be an incredible baseball mind as well. The life lessons that I learned there have helped me along the way to being a Major League player. where were you when you found out you got drafted by the kansas city royals in 2017?

I was at my parents’ house working out in the garage when I got the phone call. what Minor league teams did you play for?

The Burlington Royals (Rookie Ball) in Burlington, North Carolina. After Burlington, I played in Lexington, Kentucky, for the Legends (low A), then Wilmington, Delaware, for the Blue Rocks (high A), then in Springdale, Arkansas, for the Naturals (AA), then in Omaha, Nebraska, for the Storm Chasers (AAA). when did you get called up?

I made the Kansas City Royals Opening Day roster in 2022. I was 26 years old. where were you when you got called up?

I was at a game in Spring Training of 2022. I had just pitched and was sitting in the dugout. Mike Matheny, our manager at the time came and sat next to me and told me I had made the Opening Day roster for the 2022 season. I pitched in the second game of opening weekend. who were y’all playing?

The Cleveland Guardians It was the opening series at home.

when was your first win?

My debut was my first win. I pitched in the 10th inning in a tied game. After I came out, Adalberto Mondesi had a walkoff hit, giving me my first win. do you have any superstitions?

I don’t have any superstitions anymore. I try to stay very loose and relaxed before each game. Some days I’ll play cards or throw around a football or Frisbee in the outfield when we stretch and play catch. what is your favorite baseball park to pitch or play in?

Fenway Park was probably my favorite. The atmosphere there is very unique and there’s always a big crowd that stays involved with the game. The stadium has so much history as well that it’s hard not to be in awe of that place. growing up who was your favorite baseball team?

Atlanta Braves

what is your biggest accomplishment so far in life?

My biggest career accomplishment is making it to the Major Leagues, but I don’t want to be defined by only baseball. So I would say my biggest life accomplishment is having married my best friend, and we have a great relationship. We are blessed in many ways and get to experience a unique lifestyle together. what are you most thankful for?

My family. Without their support my whole life, I never would’ve had the opportunity to have my dreams of being a Major League player come true.

the trAIN dAddy IS bACk with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard!

Football is finally here! The UT Vols kicked off the season in Nashville and the city turned orange on opening weekend as the Vols beat down Virginia in front of a sold-out Nissan Stadium. The boys from Knoxville are looking

’bout it, ready for battle!

This defense is nasty! It may be the backbone of this 2023 Vols team and I love that. It’s what Tennessee needed to do if they wanted to take a step forward from last season with a defense that was good, but not great. The competition wasn’t top tier, but the Vols defense imposed its will—sack lunches all day against

Virginia with a ridiculous 11 tackles for loss.

There is nothing better than a football team that plays phenomenal defense to go along with running the ball efficiently. The Vols ran the ball 52 times as a team for 287 yards, 5 TDs and an average of 5.5 yards per attempt.

It’s all about growing, and the Vols have something in the powerful quarterback that is Big Joe Milton, who went 21/30 passing for 2 TDs. He was efficient with his legs as well, running in for two more scores. He needs to continue to grow if the Vols want any shot at beating the Dawgs of the world or Bama on the road. But the “overthrow Joe” haters can silence. Nobody in the game has a bigger arm than Joe Milton. We saw one particular play where they let him air it out and it was perfect, but dropped by the receiver. Homie launches 80-yard monsters!

Volunteer fans have good reason to be excited imagining this all coming together, because all the pieces exist for greatness. I see a team that looks solid on defense with an offense that’s working out the kinks regarding its fast-paced tempo.

I am a tad worried that this team will miss receivers Cedric Tillman and Jaylin Hyatt more than I first believed. I have faith in some of these young, up-and-coming guys, but they must step up if this offense wants to remain a high-powered unit like it was under Hendon Hooker.

Much of it comes down to the quarterback, who has been given the keys to an orange Ferrari. Just make the right reads, hit the easy throws and be accurate on those deep daddies! Joe has a cannon and has become a viral sensation for good reason, launching balls and oranges.

Be excited, Vol Nation. The hype is real.

I spend most of my time watching, studying and obsessing over football, so why not just share what’s on my mind.

This article will hit stands just days prior to the opening of the Titans 2023 season on the road versus the Saints. Many pundits in the national media are writing off this Titans team, but I am a big fan of the 53 men the Titans put together this year. I see the potential.

It all starts with staying healthy—unlike the past two years—but if they can, I imagine the AFC South will be a fun race between the Titans and Jaguars, with the Colts and Texans likely being trash.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill must stay healthy. He may not be a game changer, but he manages the game well enough. Sorry to say it, but neither Malik nor Will are ready to start in this league, even though we saw some improvement from Malik this preseason.

There is no room for error in the Titans’ receiver room, either. Star receiver and Titans newcomer DeAndre Hopkins and second-year WR Treylon Burks need to stay healthy this season. Kyle Phillips is already starting the season on IR, so Chris Moore needs to step up and just be a dude who’s average. The receiver production was pathetic last season and I am just hoping 2023 is more of a middle-of-the-pack group.

My dude Chigoziem is about to get Chiggy with it and have a breakout year at tight end. Watch! My biggest concern is that offensive line. It’s a new line, and that’s not an awful thing considering how bad they were in 2022. The starting line looked alright in its brief moments during the preseason, but the regular season is another beast entirely, so we shall see.

One of the brightest spots coming out of the preseason has been the running back room. The Titans can sleep easy knowing they have some studs. King Henry, another year older, is still that dude, and now he has what appears to be some real talent behind him. Tyjae Spears looks like a solid draft pick who can make plays out of nothing, and Chestnut just had one hell of a preseason working to make this team. The Titans now have three running backs to be excited for.

This defensive unit has one of the best lines in the game, led by Big Jeff. They are some dudes who cause chaos, stop the run and get to the QB.

The secondary may have some question marks at cornerback, but these dudes look ready, and we have one hell of a safety duo in Byard and Hooker back there.

Onto some special teams talk: the Titans have been the worst team in the NFL over the past five years regarding the kicker position. Thankfully they just traded for a proven veteran in Nick Folk, and they added some insurance to the practice squad, adding former LSU standout placekicker Cade York, who is only 22 years old. The Titans are fortunate to have the best punter in the NFL in Ryan Stonehouse. I mean, his cleats were sent to Canton, Ohio, after his record-breaking 2022 season. Stonehouse averaged 53.1 yards per punt in 2022, breaking a record set by Slingin’ Sammy Baugh in 1940!

No season in the NFL is easy, but the group I just broke down—led by Coach Vrabel and with new Titans GM Ran Carthon making moves—will be in the mix, mark my words. This team stays gritty, and they were winning before injury derailed them in 2022, going from 7–3 to 7–10 in the blink of an eye.

Alright, the Z-Train is rolling into the station. Yee yee Tennessee, and Titan Up!

b ig Joe m ilton t hrowing b ombs for the vols + titans hoping to compete for AfC South behind new offensive line

m urray State, Colorado State come to m urfreesboro

By destiny M izell

After fINIShINg the 2022 season at 8–5, including a big victory at the University of Miami and a Hawaii Bowl win over San Diego State, the MTSU Blue Raiders open this season with some challenges.

The team opened the season at the University of Alabama on Sept. 2 (falling 56–7). This is followed by another SEC game the following week at Missouri. Bringing it home, Blue Raider supporters can watch the first Murfreesboro game of the season at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Floyd Stadium. MTSU will be playing against Murray State University. As with every first home game of the season, MTSU freshmen will be sprinting across the field at halftime. And tailgating will take place prior to the game in Walnut Grove and other locations near Floyd Stadium.

On Saturday, Sept. 23, Colorado State will come to MTSU.

After these first four Saturday games, Conference USA will experiment with some weekday games.

MTSU will visit Western Kentucky on Thursday, Sept. 28, will take on Jacksonville State on Wednesday, Oct. 4 and Louisiana Tech on Tuesday, Oct. 10—both in Murfreesboro—and then travel to Liberty University in Virginia on Tuesday, Oct. 17.

Middle Tennessee head coach Rick Stockstill expects Nicholas Vattiato, a redshirt sophomore, to start at quarterback for the Blue Raiders.

“He’s a great, great player. He’s fun to coach. He works extremely hard and he’s earned this opportunity to lead this team out of the tunnel the first game,” Stockstill said prior to the season opener.

Fans will see how MTSU quarterbacks coach Brent Stockstill—who played in Murfreesboro from 2015–18 under his father—can mold Vattiato this year, and how a practically all-new offensive line can function. The majority of the MTSU defensive line returned, and several of its linemen are on preseason watch lists for awards. Before the season, the team voted on captains for the year. Defensive tackle Marley Cook, safety Tra Fluellen, offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge, quarterback Nicholas Vattiato and defensive end Zaylin Wood will serve as 2023 MTSU team captains.

“This is the ultimate honor when your teammates make you a permanent captain for the season,” Rick Stockstill said. “It’s not just your play on the field but the way you conduct yourself off the field and how you lead and push your teammates. When your peers give you a vote for the way you practice every day and compete on the field and in the classroom there is not a better honor out there.”

for tickets, schedules, player profiles and more on the mtSu blue raiders, visit goblueraiders.com.

dj england-c hisolm

nicholas vattiato

opinion

Freedom of d isinformation

I doN’t thINk I’m exAggerAtINg when I say that Judge Terry Doughty did more to protect Freedom of Speech and the Press in America than anything else in my lifetime, possibly since the Bill of Rights was ratified in 1791.

What could one man do that had such a tremendous impact? While there has been plenty of hype about Judge Doughty’s order, as I have taken the time to review it, I am impressed both by its scope and its quotations from both the Constitution and the Founding Fathers to prove the rightness of its position. It recognizes an infringement on one of the most basic rights of the American people—the freedom of expression—and it stands against it.

Some may say it’s fate that this judge issued his preliminary injunction against the Biden Administration on the 4th of July, 2023.

I may disapprove of what you say, but I would defend to the death your right to say it.

— Evelyn Beatrice Hill, 1906, The Friends of Voltaire

This case is about the Free Speech Clause in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The explosion of social-media platforms has resulted in unique free speech issues— this is especially true in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. If the allegations made by Plaintiffs are true, the present case arguably involves the most massive attack against free speech in United States’ history. In their attempts to suppress alleged disinformation, the Federal Government, and particularly the Defendants named here, are alleged to have blatantly ignored the First Amendment’s right to free speech.

— Missouri v. Biden – Preliminary Injunction

Many so called “First Amendment” cases cannot be so because the first five words of the First Amendment are: “Congress shall make no law.” Since many free expression disputes have nothing to do with Congress, they cannot be violations of the First Amendment. However, this case involves the federal government, the President of the United

Constitution Study

States, and numerous members of the Executive Branch, which were created by Congress. So this truly is a First Amendment case.

So, what grievances are the plaintiffs claiming?

Plaintiffs allege that Defendants, through public pressure campaigns, private meetings, and other forms of direct communication, regarding what Defendants described as “disinformation,” “misinformation,” and “malinformation,” have colluded with and/or coerced social-media platforms to suppress disfavored speakers, viewpoints, and content on socialmedia platforms.

The judge then explains why freedom of speech is so important.

The principal function of free speech under the United States’ system of government is to invite dispute; it may indeed best serve its high purpose when it induces a condition of unrest, creates dissatisfaction with conditions as they are, or even stirs people to anger. . . . Freedom of speech and press is the indispensable condition of nearly every other form of freedom.

— Missouri v. Biden – Preliminary Injunction

Then, Judge Doughty quotes several of our Founding Fathers on the topic of free speech:

For if men are to be precluded from offering their sentiments on a matter, which may involve the most serious and alarming consequences, that can invite the consideration of mankind, reason is of no use to us; the freedom of speech may be taken away, and dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the slaughter.

— George Washington, March 15, 1783

Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the free acts of speech. —Benjamin Franklin, Letters of Silence Dogwood

Reason and free inquiry are the only effectual agents against error. — Thomas Jefferson

t he a lle G ations

Plaintiffs allege that Defendants suppressed conservative-leaning free speech, such as: (1) suppressing the Hunter Biden laptop story prior to the 2020 Presidential election; (2) suppressing speech about the lab-leak theory of COVID-19’s origin; (3) suppressing speech about the efficacy of masks and COVID-19 lockdowns; (4) suppressing speech about the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines; (5) suppressing speech about election integrity in the 2020 presidential election; (6) suppressing speech about the security of voting by mail; (7) suppressing parody content about Defendants; (8) suppressing negative posts about the economy; and (9) suppressing nega-

By paul engel

tive posts about President Biden.

— Missouri v. Biden, Preliminary Injunction

While the case is called Missouri v. Biden, there are actually a number of plaintiffs including the State of Louisiana, Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, Dr. Martin Kulldorff, Jim Hoft, Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya and Jill Hines. Each of these plaintiffs is alleging that the Biden Administration suppressed their speech by pressuring social media companies to censor, remove, de-platform or suppress their content.

Plaintiffs argue that Defendants have threatened adverse consequences to social-media companies, such as reform of Section 230 immunity under the Communications Decency Act, antitrust scrutiny/enforcement, increased regulations, and other measures, if those companies refuse to increase censorship. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act shields social-media companies from liability for actions taken on their websites, and Plaintiffs argue that the threat of repealing Section 230 motivates the social-media companies to comply with Defendants’ censorship requests. Plaintiffs also note that Mark Zuckerberg, the owner of Facebook, has publicly stated that the threat of antitrust enforcement is “an existential threat” to his platform.

— Missouri v. Biden – Preliminary Injunction

The injunction then goes on to cite almost 150 specific instances of members of the Biden administration encouraging, coercing and bullying social media platforms to censor content.

t he i n J unction

According to Judge Doughty, the plaintiffs’ free speech rights thus far outweighs the rights of defendants. He goes on to quote Harry S. Truman: “Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one place to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear.”

. . . the Government has used its power to silence the opposition. . . . This targeted suppression of conservative ideas is a perfect example of viewpoint discrimination of political speech. American citizens have the right to engage in free debate about the significant issues affecting the country.

. . . During the COVID-19 pandemic, a period perhaps best characterized by widespread doubt and uncertainty, the United States Government seems to have assumed a role similar

to an Orwellian “Ministry of Truth.”

— Missouri v. Biden, Preliminary Injunction

The evidence provided led this judge to agree with the plaintiffs’ claims that they were the victims of a far-reaching and widespread censorship campaign. Doughty issued instruction prohibiting nine governmental departments and 38 individuals from:

- meeting with, or engaging in any communication of any kind with, socialmedia companies for the purpose of urging, encouraging, pressuring, or inducing in any manner the removal, deletion, suppression, or reduction of content containing protected free speech posted on social-media platforms;

- specifically flagging content or posts on social-media platforms for deletion or suppression;

- requesting content reports from socialmedia companies detailing actions taken to remove, delete, suppress, or reduce content containing protected free speech;

- notifying social-media companies to Be on The Lookout for specific postings (among other directives).

c onclusion

Just when I start questioning the effectiveness of the federal judiciary, we have decisions like this one. Public health departments like Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Surgeon General are implicated, along with security agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The surprising ones for me are the Census Bureau and the Department of State. And look at who some of the individuals are: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Counsel to the President Stuart Delery, Special Assistant to the President Aisha Shah, White House Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi, White House Senior Advisor Andrew Slavitt and others.

Remember, this is only a preliminary injunction. While it will remain in effect until the case is decided, there is still a long way to go. That said, this gives me hope that our judicial system isn’t completely corrupt.

paul engel is the founder of the Constitution Study, which encourages Constitutional discourse and promotes living in freedom and preserving the Constitutional republic. Contact him at paul@ constitutionstudy.com and read more at constitutionstudy.com

j udge gives gift of freedom on i ndependence d ay

B usiness M o M entu M

By B laine little

A Better Model of Diversity

Don’t Let DE i k ill t hinking, i nnovation, teamwork

WhAt do you thINk of when you hear the term DEI? The letters themselves stand for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. DEI—or otherwise, “diversity training”—has been in vogue over the past few years. But for many it conjures up thoughts of the mandatory “sensitivity training” during the 1980s, a sort of group therapy where everyone shared their feelings whether you wanted to or not.

True diversity brings us innovation or the pursuit of new ideas. It’s not shutting anyone out when they have something different to offer. But it is diversity of thought we should seek. Inclusion brings us collaboration or teamwork. It allows for a variety of people on a team.

And as for “equity,” well, who knows . . . ? Ask 10 different DEI trainers for a definition and you are likely to get at least half a dozen answers. In truth, equity is some sort of an attempt to place everyone at the same level irrespective of their individual work ethic.

But it’s that collaboration which gives us innovation. And that ingenuity gives a company its growth.

With so much confusion about the topic, is diversity training even important? Well, yes. But as stated in a previous article of mine, poor DEI training can do more harm than good. For that reason, I have created a model of diversity training witch fosters the growth of a team, yet respects individual potential.

The model of diversity I teach is IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Excellence and Autonomy. I wrote about it in my recent book, The Individual Team: How Fairness Wrecked the Workplace. We have discussed most of this acronym already. The first two concepts affect the functioning of the group itself, while excellence and autonomy are aspects of the individual employee.

Not everyone on the team is going to be a star player. And that’s alright, as long as everyone is operating at the best of their ability. Excellence is the optimum performance for each individual. What I have noticed is that

not everyone is aware of their full potential. This is where a good boss or leader can make a profound difference in the skill level and ability of each employee.

Autonomy is an understanding that we are responsible for ourselves and our actions. It is the acceptance that others will have different values from our own. However, we are each responsible for our own beliefs. And is that such a bad thing?

We are not responsible for convincing others to adopt our personal beliefs. That is their autonomy. And those who feel a need to convert others may give the impression that they lack confidence in their own convictions. It raises the question of how steadfast one is in their beliefs if he relies on others for validation.

Are you a vegetarian? Congratulations, but I do not want to hear a lecture every time I step foot in the break room. If I die of a heart attack due to too much red meat, that’s my fault. You found something that works for you and that’s great . . . for you. But I am not going to change how I live my life due to your convictions. Now, let’s get back to work.

Conventional DEI training has done such an effective job of dictating what is moral or not that we tend to dismiss what makes us individuals. We are being trained to stop thinking for ourselves, which kills collaboration, innovation and excellence.

Is that teamwork?

blaine little is founder and Ceo of momentum Seminars training and Coaching, a veteran owned business, helping companies remain profitable by investing in their people. he trains and coaches the power skills of leadership, team building and communication. learn more at momentumseminars.com. his book Managerial Mistakes, Missteps & Misunderstandings, is available on Amazon. Check out his podcast at bit.ly/toastcaster143.

tiffany B oyd

W elcome to tennessee: F uture P olice state

goVerNor bIll lee’S special summer session proved to be everything I said it would be and more. It appears that many of our sellout politicians believe that Big Brother knows best and our state needs more government overreach.

I have been warning for some time now that the mental health initiatives were nothing more than a gun grab. What better way to disarm the population than by diagnosing as many people as possible with a mental illness? You heard me right, they aim (no pun intended) to take your guns. They knew the pushback would be far too great if they tried to accomplish it outright, so they came

up with what they thought was a covert way to accomplish their goal. Our legislature didn’t disappoint.

Let’s take a look at some of the proposed legislation that sought to create “red flags,” which would deny residents their Second Amendment rights, and legislation that seeks to promote a nanny state.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but I’ll cite a few recent items that I found noteworthy:

HB 7034 (R-Sexton) requires the court to order a mental health assessment and requires the defendant to undergo treatment and the monitoring of drug intake. This would give the court the right to force an indi-

vidual into medical treatment.

SB 7030 (R-Taylor) allows the TBI to inspect records of a juvenile in a court proceeding.

SB 7069 (D-Akbari) would allow people to be detained for the purpose of a mental health examination and care or treatment if a law enforcement officer deems it necessary. Evidently our lawmakers believe that law enforcement officers should have the jurisdiction to detain a citizen for the sole purpose of a mental health examination. How could that go wrong? Right? Law enforcement officers are not trained medical professionals, yet this proposed bill would give them the authority of one.

HB 7072 (R-Sexton) is another slippery slope of data collection and the creation of databases that can be used to communicate across the state. I remember when this began in education, and was soon followed up with a national interoperable database used in the data mining of our children. Many Tennessee officials seem to believe that Big Brother should be able to data mine and track you!

HB 7036 (R-Sexton) seeks the “emergency detention” of individuals with mental illness or serious emotional disturbances and those who are deemed to need care, treatment or training. Who would determine exactly who would qualify for “emergency detention”? What qualifications do they have that would allow them to make such an assessment?

HB 7021 (D-A. Davis) specifically addresses the protection of healthcare providers providing gender-affirming care, making “frightening them” a Class E felony. Ironic that schools are loading up on mental health professionals that will be providing said care to our children in government schools. What happens if a parent doesn’t agree with the gender-affirming care being prescribed in schools? Would they then be charged with a Class E felony if they somehow “frightened” the healthcare provider?

Then there is the legislation that R-Cepicky sponsored. HB 7023 hopes to place a law enforcement officer in every school. This would certainly make it more convenient to enforce much of the legislation that has been introduced. Remember, legislation has been introduced that will allow individuals to be detained for the sole purpose of mental health examinations.

HB 7009 (R-Gillespie) seeks to establish a student loan repayment grant in order to attract more mental health professionals in the state who will subsequently diagnose more of our residents with mental illnesses.

HB 7076 (D-Freeman) requires the Department of Education to hire more school counselors. I have previously addressed what school counselors are propagating. In 2022 I warned that Tennessee school counselors were aligned with the American School Counselor Association and the NEA and that they would be endorsing legislation to increase the numbers of school counselors, social workers and psychologists in all 50 states—and the tax payers would be footing the bill.

HB 7061 (D-Love) is a bill targeting the utilization of federal grant programs to extend mental health services in schools. As I have said many times before, schools have become medicalized. The money is flowing from multiple departments through the federal government pipeline.

Tennessee is not the conservative, freedom-minded state that many believe it to be. Instead, we are quickly becoming a nanny state in which your lawmakers plan to pass laws in order to implement their agenda. That agenda is to strip away your rights so that you will fall into lockstep. Conservative lawmakers who are sponsoring and voting for legislation that seeks to strip away our rights are attempting to wrap their agenda up into the mental health package.

Recently someone said to me,

“Take a piece of legislation and then ask yourself, ‘How could my worst enemy use it against me?’”

Take a hard look at the aforementioned bills and ask yourself that question. Do you really think that these pieces of legislation were introduced in the best interest of the residents of the state of Tennessee?

In Tennessee we have experienced a mass influx of individuals who fled police states. They chose Tennessee because they believed the lie that this state was red and that it would provide them with the freedoms they deserve. Unfortunately, we are not the promised land. We are rapidly advancing toward the same climate that so many were desperate to escape. It is time for the freedom-loving, libertyminded residents of this state to get their heads out of the sand. Our children are at stake. Our state is at stake. Our Republic is at stake. If you are waiting for a politician to save you, you will be sorely disappointed. The solution lies with us, the people.

Help isn’t coming from any “hill.” We have to help ourselves. If you are looking for solutions and would like to know how grassroots organizations like Free YOUR Children are working to educate and implement change, you can reach me at freeyourchildren@gmail.com.

tiffany boyd is the founder of free your Children, a homeschool advocate, consultant, speaker and the founder of middle tennessee Christian homeschool Connection. She holds a b.S. degree in interdisciplinary studies from mtSu and is a former tenured public school teacher. She is a wife of 30 years and mother to five children, grandmother to two, and has been a home educator for 18 years. find more at freeyourchildren.com for more information on seminars, or if you are considering home schooling, you may contact her at freeyourchildren@gmail.com.

m ental health initiatives in schools are nothing more than a gun grab

THE ECLECTIC ROAD

Moran

s tudent l oan payments a re Back, n ow What?

o n Ma R c H 20, 2020 , the Federal Student Aid office began providing temporary relief via a loan payment pause and 0% interest. The COVID-19 pandemic pause on student loan payments is ending on Sept. 1, 2023. This means that starting in October, those with outstanding student loan debt will need to start making payments again.

If you haven’t been making payments during the pause, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to get ready for the restart.

What Happens n ext?

If you have a student loan you will receive a bill at least 21 days before your payment is due. If you moved, make sure your address is up to date—you don’t want your payment to be late. It is worth making sure your contact information is up to date. Make your payment as you did prior to COVID. If you have an EFT or automatic payment plan from your bank that was turned off, be sure to turn it back on. If you changed banks, you will want to update your account information and link the new bank.

e ligible for forgiveness?

There have been a lot of changes this year. You may recall there was a law to forgive student loan debt that got overturned by the Supreme Court. There are also other potential programs in progress that may forgive some of your debt, but you can’t decide not to pay in hopes that it gets forgiven.

You may want to proactively look at public service loan forgiveness, if you qualify, and explore other programs that may become available. The lesson here, though, is to pay on time until you have confirmed you are eligible for forgiveness.

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Be wary of any unsolicited offers for a “Pandemic Grant” or “Biden Loan Forgiveness” or anything like that. If you haven’t verified via a trusted source that something like this is happening, it’s probably a scam.

Don’t Have the Money?

Many people adjusted to life without student loan payments and added car loans, bought a home or added unsecured debt. Now that the student loan payments are coming, you may be wondering how you will be able to pay. Here are some ways to find the money: look at your overall budget: Do you have subscriptions, a car payment you can’t truly afford, costs for dining out, or other indulgences that aren’t necessities? What can be cut to make room for the student loan? While it may be painful to skip date

night on Friday, or going out for drinks with your friends, there are ways to find extra money in our budgets that we can use to make these payments. goal shifting: Are there goals that you were saving for like a trip, a new car, or a big upgrade on your home? Perhaps you can postpone or scale some of these expenses back.

Temporary deferment or forbearance: If there are circumstances that prevent you from paying some or all of your student loan debt, you can apply for a deferment or forbearance, which could turn off the payments for a period of time to help you get back on your feet. Your balance will go up though due to interest accruing.

consolidation: You might find it easier to consolidate all of your loan payments into a single loan, which can make payments streamlined. Be sure to consider the interest rate of the refinance compared to what you are paying now, as this could be a more expensive option for some.

Income-driven repayment: You can apply for an income-driven repayment plan. These plans base your monthly payments on your income. This can potentially make your payments more affordable.

If you’re still struggling to make your payments, you may want to consider seeking professional help. A financial advisor can help you create a budget and develop a plan to pay off your student loans.

To recap, here are some tips for managing your student loan debt:

Make a budget and stick to it. This will help you track your spending and make sure you have enough money to cover your monthly payments. Pay more than the minimum payment. This will help you pay off your debt faster and save money on interest.

Consider refinancing your loans. This may lower your interest rate and make your payments more affordable.

Don’t give up. It may take some time to pay off your student loans, but it is possible. Just stay focused and keep making payments.

disclaimer: the information contained in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. every individual’s personal situation is different, and concepts discussed may or may not apply to you. please consult a financial advisor before making any major financial decisions.

Contact Sean moran with red barn financial at 615-619-6919 or smoran@redbarnfinancial.com.

I wrote Deployed With My Mother , a story about me and my mom serving in Desert Storm together in 1991.

It’s designed for anyone who has ever had anything in life not go according to plan!

I share with my readers how to have hope, be encouraged, and a powerful story of forgiveness.

I explain the power of perspective and the difference it can make.

Dave Weill