April 2026 Murfreesboro Pulse

Buster’s Place

Nostalgic local favorite still serving burgers, wings and beer after more than 50 years murfrees B oro r estaurants of Yester Y ear

DAY: AUG. 6, 2026

JEFF WOODEN CITY COUNCIL

EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP FOR MURFREESBORO’S FUTURE

Jeff Believes in Practical Solutions Over Politics ★

PRIORITIES

★ RESPONSIBLE, SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Rapid growth must be managed carefully to ensure infrastructure, services and quality of life keeps pace.

★ TRAFFIC & INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

Traffi c congestion is one of the most common concerns residents raise.

★ STRONG SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY

Supporting Police, Fire/Rescue/ EMS and Emergency Management

• U.S. Navy Veteran: Combat Proven Aviator

• Experienced First Responder: Volunteer Paramedic and Reserve Deputy Sheriff

• Senior Policy and Crisis Response Official

★ FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Residents deserve careful stewardship of public funds.

★ PROTECTING QUALITY OF LIFE

Growth should not come at the expense of livability. Paid for by Jeff Wooden, Zaneta Wooden Treasurer

20

wAter dis A ppe A rs Exploring Lost Creek Falls.

22

eA rth dAy outdoors

Earth Week celebration events set for April 20–24.

24

Boro restAurANts of yesteryeAr

A look at local spots with over 50 years of dining history.

26

Buster’s plAce

6 Events

28 News

BusiNess Buzz

MurFrEESbOrO, it’s now the season for the Boro Barbecue Festival, plant swaps, lots of 5K runs and outdoor activities, Easter egg hunts, Earth Week, gardening, spring festivals and that sort of fun.

The Pulse always tries to bring you coverage of cool things like muskrats, milkshakes, hiking, waterfalls, the Special Kids Race, music, pizza, fun local community activities, area dining news and such finer things in life. Keep it positive!

This edition, Mr. Murfreesboro explores some of the historic local restaurants, some of the establishments that help weave together the fabric of the town, places where many locals have made some great memories.

Congratulations to any local businesses that can stay in operation 40, 50 or 60 years. A run that long likely means that the business is doing some things right and adds some real value to people’s lives. It marks quite an accomplishment.

That’s beyond successful; that’s generational!

c

Local favorite has served burgers, wings and beer for more than 50 years.

32

loop it

New Cherry Lane–Stonesbattle Parkway Bypass aims to ease Murfreesboro traffic.

cAleNdAr Spring Festival, cookie decorating & Easter Bunny photos, MTSU Alumni Showcase, Butterfly Festival, Project ReStyle, Pioneer Days, Special Olympic Games, JazzFest, Boro Beach Party, Boro BBQ Festival, Singo, and more!

16 Sounds

coNcerts

Music Note School of Rock

Big Bad Breakfast, Boro Bazaar, Buffalo Wild Wings GO, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Seven Brew and more!

grANt AwArd National Park Service to preserve 37 acres at Stones River Battlefield.

33 Opinion

MoNey MAtters

Why “equal” isn’t always “fair”

free your childreN

The bullying epidemic tech tAlk

The AI scams you won’t see coming heAlth

Small shifts to change how you feel each day

liVe . . . well!

Voting: What’s the big deal?

For a brand to be so meaningful to enough local folks that now, even though the founders may be out of the picture, a whole group of other people desire to be its team, customers and supporters—pretty cool.

Bracken Jr.’s chicken biryani came out a grand success. That dish had a lot of lovely flavors going on. The new Boro Bazaar was very useful in helping accomplish this goal.

Now . . . what to do with all of this extra cardamom, star anise and mace? I’m sure we will figure out something delicious.

My new slogan: “Cultivate Indifference.” Words of wisdom. I want it on a T-shirt. It can be exhausting to care about every single little thing, to worry, to dwell upon things out of one’s control, to want things some way other than the way they are. Cultivate indifference. It can be very liberating and peaceful.

In this edition, Jennifer Durand encourages folks to participate in voting, to educate themselves on the issues of the day, to get involved in politics at all levels.

Yes . . . I suppose the intelligent, responsible and educated thing would be to vote and to stay informed of politics and current events. But that can lead to much stress and frustration sometimes. And it often seems like some of the elites do not care what the majority of everyday people think and want, and that they have already made their minds up on which position they will take based on backroom deals, party loyalty, or their own self interest. So I remain indifferent. I will show everyone how little I care, doing my thing, as detached as possible from all of that.

The politicians can take my taxes and freedom and pass stupid laws and start wars, but they can’t steal my joy! Don’t get drawn into every little drama in the workplace, school or church, every assassination or bombing of another country—a load of stress and frustration. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Don’t let outside nonsense distract you from joyful times with family and friends.

Though, in the spirit of being a good American citizen and informed person, it’s probably a good idea to vote, occasionally. Especially for Jeff McKinney and Jeff Wooden—two excellent candidates and quality men of integrity with servants’ hearts.

You heard it in the Pulse

Peace, Br Acke N M Ayo

Publisher/Editor in Chief

April 2 & 5

holy week At st. MArk’s Holy Thursday at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church (1267 N. Rutherford Blvd.) will be observed on Thursday, April 2 at 5 p.m. The church family meal (pork chops with orzo pasta, sauteed spinach, a salad bar, and lemon blueberry ricotta cake) begins at 6 p.m. Holy Thursday worship will be in the spirit of the Last Supper, with Holy Communion and the opportunity for foot washing. On Easter Sunday, April 5, the children’s Easter egg hunt will take place at 9:15 a.m. in the front yard, followed by a 10:30 a.m. Easter worship service, with the children’s butterfly parade and Easter selections from Handel’s Messiah shared by the chancel choir and orchestra following. For more information, visit stmarkstn.org.

April 3

fAMily MoVie

Enjoy a movie with the family at the Smyrna Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) for Zootopia 2. Bring your favorite movie snacks on Friday, April 3, at 10 a.m.

April 3

grilled cheese

ANd MooN BeAMs

Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day under the glow of the moon during a scenic hike to the Barfield Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) campground on Friday, April 3, at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy warm grilled cheese and set off on an optional night hike to explore nature after dark. For more information, call 615-890-5333.

April 4

cookie decorAtiNg &

eAster BuNNy photos

OFLOW (115 N. Maple St.) will host Easter cookie decorating and photos with the Easter Bunny from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 4. Decorate a cookie for $5 or three cookies for $10. OFLOW provides all the candies, sprinkles, and icing, and does the cleanup. No reservations needed. Visit overflowb.com/events to learn more, or find Oflow (Overflow Brews and Bakes) on Facebook.

April 4 & 11

NAshVille soccer gAMes

Through April 12

eAster celeBrAtioN ANd spriNg festiVAl

The spring festivities continue at World Outreach Church through April 12 with special musical artist guests, biblical messages from Pastor Allen Jackson, food trucks, children’s activities, live animals and more. Easter Weekend Celebrations begin at 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday April 3 and 4 at the outdoor sanctuary on the east side of the World Outreach Church building. Services start at 6 p.m. with outdoor water baptisms and an outdoor worship concert after service, with a live feed into Three Crosses Sanctuary for those who prefer to be indoors. Charity Gayle will present a worship concert following the service on April 3, while CAIN will perform on Saturday, April 4. Easter Sunday activities begin at 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 5, with the service at 9:30 and another worship concert by CAIN. The Katinas will also lead worship in Three Crosses Sanctuary during all three Easter services. Indoors, there will be special children’s ministry presentations for ages 2 through 5th grade featuring Miss PattyCake, Kidz Blitz, and Lil’ K Live with Kai. The Spring Festival continues The following weekend. Activities kick off at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, with the service at 6 p.m. followed by a worship concert featuring Jamie MacDonald; MacDonald will perform again after the 9:30 a.m. service on Sunday, April 12. For more information, visit wochurch.org/spring.

Nashville Soccer Club away games will be shown at Middle Ground Brewing Co. on Saturdays April 4 and 11, and May 2. All the games will be on the large screen and Middle Ground invites area NSC supporters to gather during the matches. Visit middlegroundbrew.com for more information, or find Middle Ground Brewing Co. on Facebook.

April 6 And 20

lego Block pArty

The LEGO Block Party is a fun and engaging after-school program at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Mondays, April 6 and 20, from 3:15–3:45 p.m. where imagination knows no bounds. Designed for kids of all ages,

this bi-weekly program invites children to come together and build amazing creations using the collection of LEGO bricks. Bring your enthusiasm and creativity; no registration is required. Visit rclstn.org/venue/smyrna-public-library for more information.

April 7

ArchiViNg orieNtAtioN

The Historical Research Center (435 Rice St.) will offer a new do-it-yourself digitization service allowing patrons to create digital copies of family or community history to easily share with others; all you need is your library card and a device to save the items to. The tools in the cart allow for the duplication of VHS tapes, VHS-C tapes,

and floppy disk files to a more accessible and storage-friendly format. A dedicated laptop helps organize the new digital files, which can then be saved to a thumb drive, cloud storage, or burned to a DVD supplied by the patron. Also available to patrons at the HRC, are the use of the photograph and negative scanners, as well as book scanners. Orientation classes and oneon-one appointments will be offered, with the first orientation being held on Tuesday, April 7, at 2 p.m. Registration is required. One-on-one appointments will be available on Fridays, starting April 10 upon request. Email hrc@rclstn.org or call 615-893-4132 for more information.

April 7

MidtN MAgic group

Join the MidTN Magic Group on Tuesdays April 7 and May 5 from 6:30–8 p.m. in the second-floor conference room at Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.). This group, part of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, meets monthly (the first Tuesday of each month) to promote, advance and present entertaining magic while preserving the heritage of the craft. Anyone interested in the magical arts is welcome to attend this free meeting. For more information on Rutherford County Library events, visit rclstn.org/event

April 9 And 16

fAMily VioleNce pANels

MTSU’s annual Family Violence Panels returns on Thursdays, April 9 and 16, offering practical guidance and community resources to help the community respond effectively to abuse. Hosted by the Human Development and Family Science program in MTSU’s College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, the free panels that are open to the public will be held at 1:15 p.m. on Thursdays April 9 and April 16 in Room 102 of the Academic Classroom Building (1751 MTSU Blvd.). There will also be a virtual option, and a sign language interpreter will be provided. The series addresses child abuse and intimate partner violence on April 9, and sexual assault and elder abuse April 16. Following each session, a networking reception will be held at 2:45 p.m., with light refreshments served.

Email rebecca.oldham@mtsu.edu for more information. An RSVP is encouraged, but not required. To register for in-person and virtual options and find bios of panelists, visit bit.ly/4lfapq0

April 9–18

Mtsu AluMNi showcAse

The MTSU Alumni Association gears up for its annual Alumni Spring Showcase, a 10-day extravaganza of events for both alumni and the public. Now in its 15th year, MTSU organizes the showcase to help reconnect alumni with their True Blue roots and immerse them back in the thriving, bustling MTSU campus and community of today, deep in the full swing of a busy semester. Featured events include Alumni Family Day at the Nashville Zoo (April 11), Celebrate 100 Years of Sidelines! (April 9), Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (April 9–11), Fundamentals of Culinary Arts Class (April 15), The Rock & Roll Monologues (April 13), Homegrown Conservation with Dr. Doug Tallamy (April 13), Alumni discounts for Blue Raider softball and baseball games, and many other activities. Find the full schedule for the over 50 events slated for this year’s April 9–18 MTSU Spring Showcase at mtalumni.com/springshowcase.

April 10 & 24

phoNe photogrAphy 101

Unlock the full potential of your smartphone to capture stunning photographs through expert guidance on camera settings, composition techniques and editing strategies at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Fridays April 10 and 24, from 2–3 p.m. All ages are welcome. Children under the age of 13 must have a parent present and some knowledge of smartphones. For more information visit rclstn .org/venue/smyrna-public-library

April 11

celeBrAte trAils dAy

VoluNteer eVeNt

Help improve the Sharp Springs Park Mountain Bike Trail (311 Jefferson Pk.) on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Spend the day cleaning up and adding features to the trail, and then have a chance to ride it and appreciate all your hard work. There will be food and s’mores to roast over a campfire for all volunteers to enjoy afterward. Meet at the entrance to the bike trail and break off into groups. For volunteers under the age of 18, please contact Mike for more information. All equipment will be provided. Registra-

April 18

Butterfly festiVAl

The Butterfly Festival flutters back on Saturday, April 18, from 2–8 p.m., at Williamson Family Farm (3250 Wilkinson Pk.) with unique shopping vendors, live butterfly encounters and a breathtaking fireworks show to close out the night. Bring your family, friends and your love for nature. Vendor applications are open. For more information, visit brianna-victory-events.com/vendor-applications or find the 2nd Annual Butterfly Festival event on Facebook.

tion is suggested through the Community Pass. For more information, Email mike .kraft@townofsmyrna.org

April 11

spriNg spriNt fuN ruN

Participants will run the 1-mile loop at Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.) on Saturday, April 11, at 9 a.m. There is no cost to join; all ages are welcome. Register for the Spring Sprint 1-mile Fun Run at runsignup.com or the day of the race.

April 11

teeN AdVisory BoArd

Teen Advisory Board is open to anyone ages 13–18 who is interested in creating the change they would like to see in their library and their community. T.A.B. meets once each month on the second Saturday (April 11) from 2–3 p.m. at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) to share ideas and information regarding the teen space, collection, programming, and vision for the future.

April 11

All Ages crAfterNooN

Tap into your creativity at the Saturday Crafternoon program for Take Your Child to the Library Day on Saturday, April 11, from 1–2 p.m. at the Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.). All ages are welcome to participate. Supplies are provided. For more information, visit rclstn.org/venue/smyrna-public-library .

April 13 & 27

pokeMoN cluB

Hang out with Pokémon fans, watch the show and talk about your favorite characters, and show and trade cards at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Mondays April 13 and 27, from 3:30–4 p.m. Ages 6–12 are welcome. Attendees must bring their own cards to participate in any card trades. To learn more, visit rclstn.org/venue/smyrna-public-library

April 14

teNNessee trAils MeetiNg

The Tennessee Trails Association’s monthly meeting of its Murfreesboro chapter is set for Tuesday, April 14, from 7–8 p.m, at the Wilderness Station in Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.).

Allison Davidson, wellness and fitness coordinator with the City of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation, will present a CPR demonstration. You do not have to be a member to attend. Come and see what TTA has to offer. For more information, visit tennesseetrails.org.

April 14

seNior sAMpler fitNess

The Senior Sampler Fitness Class at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) is a great way to try out some fitness classes that are designed for ages 55 and up. These are taught in 15-minute mini-sessions and

for all fitness levels on Tuesday, April 14, beginning at 9:35 a.m. Included with facility admission. For more information, call 615-890-5333.

April 15

writer’s group

Come out to Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) for a writing workshop open to ages 16 and up on Wednesday, April 15, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Written mosaic brings together creatives and their bits and pieces to form a beautiful written mosaic in a workshop environment. Plan to bring a notebook and writing utensil. Ages 16 and up are welcome. For more information, visit rclstn.org/venue/smyrna-public-library .

April 16

the coNNectioN

Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken (1290 NW Broad St.) will host the April 2026 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, April 16. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, noobligation 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.

April 16 & 23

tAles to tAils with BellA Tales to Tails is a heartwarming library program at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) designed to combine the joy of reading with the therapeutic benefits of spending time with dogs. In this paw-some program, participants are invited to come to the library to read aloud to friendly therapy dogs in a relaxed environment. Ten-minute slots are available on Thursdays starting at 3 p.m. Email smyrnays@rclstn.org or call 615459-4884 for more information.

April 16 And 30

Archery cluB

Try something new or sharpen your existing archery skills on Thursdays April 16 and 30 at Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pwky. E.) from 4:30–6 p.m. Programs are led by USA Archery-certified instructors or coaches. The cost to join is $3 for members or $5 for non-members per class. Ages 8 and older are welcome (no exceptions). Registration is suggested through the Community Pass; walk-up guests are welcome.

Email mike.kraft@townofsmyrna.org for more information.

April 17

cryptid costuMe pArty

April is known as Cryptid Artist Month, so to celebrate, all cosplayers, cryptid enthusiasts, and kiddos are invited to Smyrna Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) dressed up as their favorite cryptid on Friday, April 17, from 4–5 p.m. There will be crafts, snacks, games and a prize for the best-dressed cryptid and the runnerup. Visit rclstn.org/venue/smyrna-publiclibrary for more information.

April 18

yArd ANd crAft sAle

Looking for treasures and crafts? Stop by St. Clair Street Senior Center (325 St Clair St.) for some great buys on Saturday, April 18, from 7:30 a.m. All are welcome. For more information, call 615-890-5333.

April 18

pickleBAll ANd cookout

Join Barnabas Vision for one or both events on Saturday, April 18. This year Barnabas Vision will hold its classic community cookout at 2217 Battleground Dr. from 4–7 p.m. This will consist of a dinner buffet hosted by The Alley on Main and a program running from 5–6 p.m. with client stories about the amazing work God has done through the Barnabas Vision. RSVP by emailing ansly@thebarnabasvision. org. This year’s fundraiser will include a pickleball tournament titled Rally for a Cause, conducted at Boro Pickleball (605 River Rock Blvd.) from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Registration costs $70 per team ($35 per person) and gets each team the chance to win a trophy and a custom Barnabas Vision pickleball paddle. In addition to the big prize, players will be registered to receive door prizes of gift cards, merchandise and more. To register for Rally for a Cause, visit thebarnabasvision.org/donate-2025 and check Rally for a Cause, or visit zeffy. com/en-US/ticketing/rally-for-a-cause.

April 18

hot

rods iN the hills

Hot Rods in the Hills, in memory of Gary DeBerry, returns for another car show at The Gathering at Milton & The Vault (12026 Milton St.) on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. for food, fun, live music and cars. Food trucks will be on site. Enjoy live music from Frazier and Company. Sponsors will be handing out trophies for their picks at 1 p.m. There is no cost to at-

tend. There will be event T-shirts available for purchase. Dash plaques will be available for the first 150 cars registered. For more information, find the Hot Rods in the Hills Car Show 2026 event on Facebook.

April 18

ruN to reAd fuN ruN!

Visit Smyrna Public Library on Saturday, April 18, from 9–11 a.m. and take a lap around Old Rock School Park for the Friends of Smyrna Library’s (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) 4th Annual Run to Read. This event is free for all ages, and there are prizes for both kids and adults for the most laps run. For more information, visit rclstn.org/venue/smyrna-public-library .

April 18

high teA pArty

OFLOW (115 N. Maple St.) will host its next high tea party on Saturday, April 18, with seating at 1 p.m. The limited-set menu will feature nine different pastries and savories as well as fresh-brewed loose leaf tea, coffee and Taiwanese Bubble Tea. The cost is $35 per person or $25 for children between 3–8 years old, plus tax. Dress for a high tea party (semi-formal or smart casual). There will be a prize for the best-dressed. Reservations are limited. A nonrefundable $10 per-person fee is required to secure your spot. For more information, visit overflowb.com/events or call 615-900-1676.

April 18

cAreer fAir

Come out to Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) from 1–4 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, for a job fair sponsored by American Job Center and VR Training for Industry Skills, sponsored by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and Rutherford Works. This event is free to the public; ages 16 and up are welcome. For more information, email smyrna3dprint@rclstn.org.

April 18

MAterNAl ANd iNfANt wellNess celeBrAtioN

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Sigma Chi Zeta Chapter, cordially invites the community to attend The Sophisticated Blue Crown Maternal and Infant Wellness Celebration—an event dedicated to supporting mothers, protecting infants, and strengthening the overall health of families in the community, on Saturday, April 18 at 2:30 p.m. at the Murfreesboro Police Department (1004 N. Highland Ave.). This celebration will focus on raising awareness of maternal and infant wellness

while providing direct support to those in need. Two expectant mothers will receive assistance with the purchase of essential baby items to help ease the transition into motherhood. Expectant mothers interested in being considered should complete a brief application. For more information, visit rutherfordcountyzetas.org . RSVPs are required. For more information, email sigmachizetachapter.cs@gmail.com .

April 18

All Ages storytiMe

Head over to Smyrna Library for the All-Ages Storytime on Saturday, April 18, from 1–2 p.m. There will be books, rhymes and big smiles. The program will close to arriving participants 10 minutes after start time. For more information, visit rclstn.org/ venue/smyrna-public-library

April 18

iNtro to tiNkercAd

Learn how to design your own 3D printables at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Fridays from 12:30–1:30 p.m. This is not a 3D printer class or orientation, but a great way to better understand Tinkercad before (or after) you take the orientation. The recommended age for this event is 13 and up; any library patron under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit smyrna3dprint@rclstn.org.

April

19 And 24

pAMpered pAiNt pArty

Enjoy wine as you unleash your creativity with a paintbrush in hand at Middle Ground Brewing Company (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.) on Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m. and Friday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. Create beautiful artwork in a laid-back atmosphere and connect with other like-minded women in a supportive and encouraging environment. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new, this event is perfect for young professional singles wanting to have a good time while expanding their network. For more information, find Middle Ground Brewing Co. on Facebook or visit pamperedartist. com/public-events.

April 19

clAssic cAr cruise-iN

Shine ’er up and drive ’er in—the Cedar Glade Classic Car Cruise-In returns on Sunday, April 19, at Cedar Glade Brews (906 Ridgely Rd.). Every car that comes to show gets $3 off their first CGB pint. Visit cedargladebrews.com for more information or find the Classic Car Cruise-In event on Facebook.

April 20–24

eArth week outdoors

Join Outdoor Murfreesboro and our conservation partners to celebrate Earth Week in the great outdoors from April 20–24. Choose your own adventure from 10 outdoor activities in and around Murfreesboro. For more information, call 615-890-5333 or visit murfreesborotn.gov/203.

April 21

sight word sNAck AttAck

The Sight Word Snack Attack will be held at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Wednesdays at 3:15 p.m. Sight Word Snack Attack is a childfocused but all-ages program that includes a snack, water, and a round of Sight Word Bingo. Afterward, participants can choose from a variety of sight-word games to play, such as Tales to Tails. Sight words are common words that kids recognize instantly without sounding them out. Recognizing words by sight helps kids become faster, more fluent readers. This is geared toward preschool through 3rd grade; adult participation is highly recommended. All ages are welcome. Visit rclstn.org/venue/ smyrna-public-library or call 615-4594884 for more information.

April 21

project restyle

Amelia’s Closet will hold the fourth annual Project ReStyle fashion design competition fundraiser on Tuesday, April 21, from 6–8 p.m. at Liberty’s Station (850 NW Broad St.). Individuals and groups of up to three are invited to craft an outfit using at least four different used clothing items plus their own special touches. All designs are created ahead of time and displayed at the event. Attendees are invited to vote for their favorite head-turning ensembles, enjoy modeling of styles from Amelia’s Closet, hear uplifting stories from clients whose lives have been transformed, and also participate in a silent auction, enter to win door prizes, shop Amelia’s Closet’s expanded AC Garage Boutique, and treat themselves to mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres and sweet delights. Every guest goes home with a swag bag. Amelia’s Closet empowers women in need by providing professional outfits, interview coaching, and a strong dose of hope and confidence. Through partnerships with nearly 50 local organizations, countless women have been supported on their journey to new careers and financial independence. Event tickets are $75 and must be purchased in advance at bit.ly/ProjectReStyle26. For design

ON PAgE

competition entry information, visit bit.ly/ PR26designentry

April 23

rhApsody iN red, white ANd Blue

Join the Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra on Thursday, April 23, at Belle Aire Baptist Church (1307 N. Rutherford Blvd.) for Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue, a musical celebration honoring 250 years of American music. The program highlights the timeless brilliance of Rhapsody in Blue, one of the most beloved orchestral works ever written. Dr. Matthew Phelps, a nationally acclaimed conductor, will lead this exciting finale. This is your last chance to hear the orchestra during Season 44. Tickets for Season 45 (which will feature numbers from popular pieces like Star Wars and Wicked) are now available also. For tickets and more information, visit tnphil.org

April 24

4th fridAy fuN*workiNg

Turn your Friday into an opportunity for connection and inspiration at Fun*Working, held the 4th Friday of the month (April 24) beginning at 5 p.m. at the Spread the Positive Studio (105 N. Maple St. Suite 1) This unique networking experience features a live podcast and a chance to connect with business professionals, nonprofit leaders, and community champions as organizers spotlight good things happening. A happy hour meetup will begin prior at 4 p.m. Bring your energy, your ideas, and your love for building a better community.

April 25

pioNeer dAys

Come out to Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) for hands-on demonstrations, food trucks and handmade crafts on Saturday, April 25, at 10 a.m. Enjoy live music, art on display by the Murfreesboro Art League, blacksmith demos by the Rutherford County blacksmiths, and view the antique cars at the Stones River Car Club. For more information, find Cannonsburgh Village on Facebook.

April 25

studeNt Art gAllery

Break Your Chain, a student art gallery presented by Wired Human in partnership with Carpe Artista, will take place Saturday, April 25, at Trellis & Vine (27 S. Lowry St., Smyrna). The exhibit will be offered in three sessions from 2–4 p.m., 4–6 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. and will feature student-created artwork exploring the

impact of social media and technology on youth, including themes of mental health, anxiety and digital addiction. Part of the national Wired Human Youth Coalition initiative, the exhibit showcases work that has been shared with leaders and displayed at the U.S. Capitol, and invites the community to engage with student perspectives and take part in a broader conversation about the impact of technology on youth today.

April 25

plANt swAp

Gardeners, plant lovers, and green thumbs of all levels are invited to the 2026 Rutherford County Master Gardeners’ Annual Plant Swap on Saturday, April 25, from 9–11 a.m. This free community event is an excellent opportunity to exchange plants, share gardening knowledge and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Participants are encouraged to bring healthy, pest-free, and labeled plants rooted in soil. Bring one plant, take one; bring 10 plants, take 10. No invasive species. (Visit tnipc.org for a list of invasive plants). For more information, find the 2026 Master Gardener Annual Plant Swap event on Facebook or email jonmheatherly@gmail.com

April 25

oflow BreAd tAstiNg

Downtown Murfreesboro bakery and coffee shop OFLOW (115 N. Maple St.) will hold a free bread-tasting event featuring its sourdough breads, English muffins, ciabatta and more from 9–11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25. For more information, visit overflowb.com/events or find Oflow (Overflow Brews and Bakes) on Facebook.

April 25

NoVel Nerds

Avid readers who read across multiple genres and love the library may be a Novel Nerd. Ages 18 and up are welcome to join Novel Nerds on Saturday, April 25, from 12–1 p.m. at the Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.). For more information, email smyref@rclstn.org

April 26

BlAziN’ for Bleeders 5k

Get ready for a fantastic day of fun and fitness at the 8th Annual Blazin’ for Bleeders 5K and Fun Walk at Gateway Island (1524 Williams Dr.) on Sunday, April 26, at 10 a.m. The 5K race and walk make it accessible for participants of all ages and fitness levels. By taking part in Blazin’ for Bleeders, you’re contributing to the Tennessee Hemophilia & Bleeding Disorders Foundation’s mission to provide support, education and advocacy for those living

with bleeding disorders. For more information or to register visit runsignup.com or findarace.com/us/events

April 26

eVeryBody druM soMe

Everybody Drum Some will offer a relaxing and engaging hands-on rhythm experience beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, within Thompson Hall of St. Patrick’s Anglican Church (7103 Baker Rd.). All ages and all skill levels are invited to come explore the joys of recreational musicmaking on a wide variety of drums and percussion instruments. There is no charge to participate or spectate, but donations are welcome. For more information call or text Ross at 615-631-7458, find Everybody Drum Some on Facebook or Instagram, or visit everybodydrumsome.com

April 26

plANt swAp

Start your seeds and take some cuttings at Healing Cypress Massage & Wellness (515 Highland Terrace, parking in back of building) on Sunday, April 26, from 2–4 p.m. for an afternoon of plant-loving fun. Bring what you’ve got and trade for something new: cuttings, small or potted plants, succulents, seedlings, bulbs, tree saplings and seeds. Whether you’re a seasoned plant person or just getting started, this is a great way to grow your collection and connect with fellow plant lovers. Visit linktr.ee/healingcypress or call 615-6174424 for more information.

April 27

hooked oN yArN

Hooked on Yarn is a space for any fiber crafter—crochet, knitting, embroidery, etc.—to work on projects and talk with other artists at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.). Supplies will be provided, but you can also bring your own supplies. This event meets Monday, April 27, in the Conference Room from 4–5 p.m.

April 30

show your till

Mark your calendars for the Show Your Till Charity Luncheon, an annual fundraising event for the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center (DVSAC), on Thursday, April 30, at the View at the Fountains (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.) from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. This unique luncheon is dedicated to raising essential funds to provide crucial healing and protective services within the community. The featured speaker is Dr. Wes Carr-Patterson, an advocate and creator of the Victoria W. Carr

Foundation. Tickets are available at the Show Your Till page on Eventbrite. For those interested in sponsorships, contact 615-896-7377 or ericka@dvsacenter.org or visit dvsacenter.org

mAy 1

BArfield BeAch pArty

Who said there were no beaches in Murfreesboro? Have a real beach party at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) on Friday, May 1, at 5 p.m. Over 60 tons of sand is used to create the beach, before it is used throughout the park systems. Join in for music, dancing and a variety of games and activities. For more information, call 615-890-5333.

mAy 1 & 2

jAzzfest

JazzFest in Murfreesboro is scheduled for Friday, May 1, from 6–10 p.m. and Saturday May 2, from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. at The Fountains at Gateway (1500 Medical Center Pkwy.). Enjoy music from student and professional bands. This is free to the public; bring a chair. For more information, visit carpeartista.com/jazz-fest or email halfordl@rcschools.net

mAy 2

hoNor the fAlleN 5k

Come out to The Grove (6463 EudaileyCovington Rd.) in College Grove, Tennessee, on Saturday, May 2, for the inspiring Honor the Fallen 5K & GORUCK event. This occasion is dedicated to honoring our nation’s fallen heroes while supporting the incredible work of Memories of Honor. Participants can look forward to a challenging 5K race starting at 9 a.m., along with the opportunity to take part in the GORUCK challenge, designed to build camaraderie while paying tribute to those who have served. Registration fees go directly to support families of fallen service members. All participants will receive a finisher’s medal, an event T-shirt and for those participating in the GORUCK, a commemorative patch. Awards will be given to the top finishers in various age divisions, as well as prizes for the most patriotic team and the largest team. For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com or findarace.com.

mAy 2

Build A Biosphere

Explore the amazing world of animal habitats at the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Saturday, May 2, at 1 p.m. Every animal has a specific habitat they live in, with conditions that are just right for them. Learn about different types

of habitats and put your knowledge to the test by creating your own model of one for a specific animal. For more information, call 615-890-5333.

mAy 2

weBB school 5k color ruN

The Webb School’s student-run Webba-Thon Club hosts a 5K Color Run on Saturday, May 2, at 9 a.m., to raise funds for the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. The race, held at Webb School in Bell Buckle, is open to all age groups, with registration priced at $30 per runner/walker. For more information, visit thewebbschool.com.

mAy 2

see spot ruN

The See Spot Run 5K is a fun, familyfriendly race that brings together runners, pet lovers and community supporters—run or walk to help local pets receive the veterinary care they need on Saturday, May 2, at 8 a.m. at Gateway Island (1875 W. College St.). Proceeds support the Oliver Pet Assistance Fund, a Beesley Animal Foundation program providing financial assistance grants for family-owned pets needing urgent veterinary treatment in Rutherford and Cannon Counties. Packet pick-up is available on Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at Wag It Better Dog Training and Boutique (215 Robert Rose Dr.). For more information, visit runsignup.com or donate at givebutter.com/SeeSpotRun.

mAy 4–5

speciAl olyMpics gAMes

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy. Over the last five decades, Special Olympics Tennessee has been advocating a powerful message: individuals with intellectual disabilities not only can but will thrive when provided with opportunities. The 2026 Rutherford County Spring Games will be held at the MTSU Dean A. Hayes Track & Soccer Stadium (1500 Greenland Dr.) on Monday and Tuesday May 4 and 5. Register by emailing mmcafferty@murfreesborotn.org. Visit specialolympicstn.org for more information.

mondAys

MoNdAy Night history

The Patriot Institute presents free Monday Night History classes every Monday night

mAy 2

Boro BBQ festiVAl

The 14th Annual Boro BBQ Festival is set for Hop Springs (6790 John Bragg Hwy.) on Saturday, May 2. If you’re craving smoked perfection, family-friendly fun, and a full day of live entertainment, this is the can’t-miss barbecue celebration. Friends and neighbors are invited to cheer on 50 KCBS Competition Series teams, taste award-winning barbecue, explore more than 100 food and craft vendors, and enjoy live music, a craft beer garden, inflatables, a petting zoo and more. The live music stage features School of Rock at 10 a.m., Mario Williams at 11:15 a.m., Shantelle Black at 12:15 p.m. and Allman Brothers Band tribute act End of the Line at 2:20 p.m. Attending the festival is free. A $15 entry fee lets attendees be the judges of competition cookers’ pulled pork samples; this people’s choice award program includes six 2-ounce samples for $15. For more information, visit borobbqfest.com or find the Boro BBQ Festival event on Facebook.

at 6:30 p.m. at Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken (1290 NW Broad St.). The group will continue to explore Civil War campaigns. Instructor Galen Walker formed The Patriot Institute in 2015 and has taught Monday Night History at various locations ever since. For more information, visit thepatriotinstitute.org

mondAys & TuesdAys

silly soNg ANd dANce

Join Ms. Nicole for Silly Song and Dance Mondays and Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.). This is an exciting, high-energy program for all ages. Songs are geared for toddlers and preschoolers to stretch, dance and sing. Learn about shapes, colors, letters and numbers while singing and dancing. Adult participation is encouraged. Programs will close to arriving participants 10 minutes after start time. To learn more, visit rclstn org/venue/smyrna-public-library or call 615-459-4884.

TuesdAys

After school cliMBiNg

Join SOAC staff on Tuesdays from 4–6 p.m. to climb on the indoor rock wall and challenge yourself at the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley

Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E.). Find Smyrna Outdoor Adventure center on Facebook and Instagram. There is no cost to join. All ages are welcome; walk-up guests are welcome. Email soac.group@townofsmyrna.org or call 615-459-9710 for more information.

WednesdAys

liNe dANciNg

Krisdale Hoggatt presents line dancing lessons every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. at Strike and Spare (1720 Old Fort Pkwy.), offering a fun and social way to learn popular line dances in a casual setting. Open to all experience levels, the weekly event invites participants to dance, meet new people and enjoy an energetic night out.

Wed. & Thurs.

poker At lA cuciNA

La Cucina Italiana (451 N. Thompson Ln., Suite A) now hosts free Ante Up Poker League Texas Hold’em games on Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning at 6 p.m. The league welcomes players of all experience levels to join the free weekly no-limit games. Find the Ante Up Poker League’s group page on Facebook for more information on this and other local poker nights.

ThursdAys

After school Art cluB

Pkwy. E.). Climbers must weigh at least 50 pounds and wear closed-toed shoes and clothing appropriate for climbing. The cost to climb is $2. All ages are welcome; walk-up guests are welcome. For more information call 615-459-9710 or email soac.group@townofsmyrna.org

WednesdAys

writers group

The Murfreesboro Writers Group gathers each Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the second floor meeting room at Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.). Writers of all interests and experience levels are welcome to join this regular critique and writing community meetup to share work, offer feedback and grow their craft together. Styles may include science fiction, poetry, alternate reality, memoir, fantasy, mystery, literary fiction and others. For more information on Rutherford County Library events, visit rclstn.org/event

WednesdAys

wild wedNesdAy

Discover something wild about the natural world with the SOAC staff on Wednesdays from 4:30–5:30 p.m. Meet a SOAC animal or enjoy a nature-based activity each Wednesday at the Smyrna

Join the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E.) from 4:30–6 p.m. on Thursdays to create some art to take home. Participants will develop art skills, learn about art history and have fun. All supplies are provided. The cost is $3 for members and $5 for non-members per class. Ages 7–17 years are welcome; age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is suggested through Community Pass; walk-up guests are welcome. For more informationmail, email sam.kaviyakone@townofsmyrna.org.

ThursdAys

Microsoft word 101

The Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) presents an introductory computer class to help attendees better understand the software and operating processes of Microsoft Word, held on Thursdays from 6–7:30 p.m. Ages 13 and up are welcome. Registration is required and seating is limited. For more information, email love@rclstn.org

FridAys

c3 NetworkiNg

C3 is an open networking group for local business professionals at Achieve Entre-

preneur and CoWorking Center (1630 S. Church St.) held on Fridays from 8:30–10:30 a.m. The mission is to build relationships, connect local businesses with potential clients and support each other’s professional growth. Complimentary coffee and snacks are provided. For more information, find Prohibition Home Brewing on Facebook.

FridAys

fArMers MArket

The Rutherford County Farmers Market will be open Fridays only from 8 a.m.–noon at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). The market features a variety of local vendors providing seasonal produce, herbs, mushrooms, canned goods, meats, baked goods and other farm-fresh items. This new addition ensures that residents can continue to enjoy high-quality, locally sourced foods year-round while supporting local farmers and producers. Email rcfm@rutherfordcountytn.gov or call 615-898-7710 for more information.

FridAys

coMMuNity chess

Murfreesboro Community Chess meets at McAlister’s Deli (2357 Medical Center Pkwy.) every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Or-

ganizers invite those of all ages and skill levels to this casual chess meetup each week. Those attending may bring a board and a clock, but there should be plenty of supplies on hand.

sATurdAys

siNgo At NAcho’s

Play SINGO on Saturdays at 7 p.m., hosted by BrainBlast Trivia at Nacho’s Murfreesboro (2962 S. Rutherford Blvd.). SINGO is the musical BINGO that will have everyone dancing in their seats; no singing is required. It is family friendly, free to play, and there are prizes every time. For more information, find BrainBlast Trivia on Facebook or visit brainblasttrivia.com.

sATurdAys

coffee & coNVersAtioN

The Rutherford County Historical Society aims to be a community resource for those researching their family, property or perhaps just old fun facts. The Historical Society hosts Coffee & Conversation each Saturday morning from 9 a.m.–noon at the Ransom School House Museum (717 N. Academy St.). This is a very informal, fun and informative event. Bring old photos or questions about the past to ask members, and enjoy free coffee and donuts. Learn more at rutherfordtnhistory.org

concerts

Live Music in M idd L e tennessee

Wed, 4/1

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Blues Jam

MT su w righT Music Building

Percussion Ensemble

sM yrna VF w Pos T 8422

Sharon & Dave

Thurs, 4/2

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Pepper Brooks

h igh s ocie T y

Cary and Sherrie Lynn

MT su w righT Music Building

Kylie Loh; Cade Spradlin

Fri, 4/3

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Copper & Lead

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn; Delyn Christian

c ha MPy’s sMyrna

Cooter River Band

h a PPy’s sP orT s l ounge

Rudge Powell Band

h eroes d en

Scott Hogue; Jeff Caron

MT su w righT Music Building

Dawson, Hayslett and Ko

Faculty Trio

sMyrna VF w PosT 8422

Shane & the Money Makers

Tn c ra FT BuTcher

Roland Justice

sAT, 4/4

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Memory Train

c edar g lade Brews

Barz in the Boro hip-hop

h eroes d en

The Fog

MT su w righT Music Building

Ryan Hungerpillar; Jordan Mathis; Caitlin Clements

Po P’s Bar & g rill

Sharon & Dave

sMyrna VF w PosT 8422

Shane & the Money Makers

s un, 4/5

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Dirt Road Daisies

h o P sP rings

Da Jam Band

m on, 4/6

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Caleb Mills

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

h ank’s h onky Tonk

Open Mic Night

MT su w righT Music Building

MTSU Concert Band

sMyrna VF w PosT 8422

Randy and Friends

Tues, 4/7

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Steven Schlussel

h igh s ocie T y

Shane Douglas

MT su w righT Music Building

MTSU Wind Ensemble

Wed, 4/8

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Jenny Grace h igh s ocie T y

Jam with Mickey

MT su w righT Music Building

Bassoon Studio Recital; Donavan Hamlett

sMyrna VF w PosT 8422

Sharon & Dave

Thurs, 4/9

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Brett Bartschi

MT su kuc knoll

Blank Page

MT su w righT Music Building

Daniel Mazur;

Guitar Ensemble

Tn c ra FT BuTcher

Delyn Christian

Fri, 4/10

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Kaleb Scherer Band

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

c edar g lade Brews

Andrew White Chi-Town

Blues

FronT sTree T Pu B

Glen Wagner

h ank’s h onky Tonk

Cooter River Band

h a PPy’s sP orT s l ounge

Phoenix Rising

h eroes d en

Nick Jackson; Tune Twisters

Middle g round Brewing c o.

Muddy Boots

Me M ories Bar and g rill

Breakin Steel

MT su w righT Music Building

Zach McBroom Jr.

sMyrna VF w PosT 8422

Shane & the Money Makers

sAT, 4/11

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Eden Storm

c edar g lade Brews

Speed Trap

h a PPy’s sP orT s l ounge

Rubiks Groove

h eroes d en

Roland Justice; Hobo Road

h o P sP rings

Lisa Law, Delyn Christian

Me M ories Bar and g rill

Cooter River Band

Mur F rees B oro Moose l odge

Jeff Lysyczyn

MT su w righT Music Building

Isaac Ivy; Jordan Russell

BA Capstone; Katie Beatty

Po P’s Bar & g rill

Sharon & Dave

sMyrna VF w PosT 8422

Tony and the Attitude

s un, 4/12

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Butter & Grit

h o P sP rings

Da Jam Band

MT su s aunders Fine a rT s 117

Matty Travis

m on, 4/13

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Will Sarver

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

h ank’s h onky Tonk

Open Mic Night

sMyrna VF w PosT 8422

Randy and Friends

sT. Paul’s eP isco Pal c hurch

Rawlings/Hassler Recital

Tues, 4/14

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Lauren Freebird

h igh s ocie T y

Shane Douglas

Wed, 4/15

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Jeff Lysyczyn

h igh s ocie T y

Jam with Mickey

sMyrna VF w PosT 8422

Sharon & Dave

Thurs, 4/16

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Cam Shelton

c edar g lade Brews

Beau Tatum

MT su w righT Music Building

MTSU Opera's Carmen

Fri, 4/17

Boro Bour B on & Brews

The Fog

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

c edar g lade Brews

Delyn Christian

c ha MPy’s c hicken (sMyrna)

Jack Finley Band

h a PPy’s sP orT s l ounge

The Band ASHH

h eroes d en

Cary and Sherrie Lynn;

Glen Wagner

Middle g round Brewing c o.

Blank Page

sMyrna VF w PosT 8422

Shane & the Money Makers

sAT, 4/18

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Kevin Wolf; Dueling Pianos

h a PPy’s sP orT s l ounge

Stovetop Band

h eroes d en

Doc Flannel

Middle g round Brewing c o.

The Bar Tabs

MT su w righT Music Building

MTSU Opera’s Carmen

Po P’s Bar & g rill

Sharon & Dave

sMyrna VF w PosT 8422

DJ Dance Party

s un, 4/19

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Bronwen Fair

h o P sP rings

Da Jam Band

MT su w righT Music Building

Dylan Kubilus; Flute Choir; Chamber Orchestra

m on, 4/20

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Mark Henes

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

h ank’s h onky Tonk

Open Mic Night

MT su w righT Music Building

Andrew Davis; Schola Cantorum

sMyrna VF w PosT 8422

Randy and Friends

Tues, 4/21

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Jennifer Alvarado

h igh s ocie T y

Shane Douglas

MT su w righT Music Building

MTSU Chamber Winds, Symphonic Band

Wed, 4/22

Boro Bour B on & Brews

The Tune Twisters

h igh s ocie T y

Jam with Mickey

MT su w righT Music Building

MTSU Salsa Band

sMyrna VF w PosT 8422

Sharon & Dave

Thurs, 4/23

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Glenn Brown; Delyn Christian

MT su w righT Music Building

Chinese Music Ensemble

Fri, 4/24

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Southbound Crows

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

FronT sTree T Pu B

Roland Justice

h ank’s h onky Tonk

Jack Finley Band

h a PPy’s sP orT s l ounge

New Binge

h eroes d en

Southern Toast

h igh s ocie T y

The Bar Tabs

MT su w righT Music Building

Jayna Powell; Clark Ko

MT su s aunders Fine a rT s 101

Desmond Arias

sMyrna VF w PosT 8422

Shane & the Money Makers

sAT, 4/25

Bar l ouie

Jeff Lysyczyn

Boro Bour B on & Brews

725 Band

h a PPy’s sP orT s l ounge

Pretty Grimm h eroes d en

Dueling Pianos

h igh s ocie T y

Cooter River Band

Me M ories Bar and g rill

The Bar Tabs

MT su w righT Music Building

Dustin Bloom; Hazel Crossler; Norah Wells; Sully Sullivan; Yassin Adams

Mur F rees B oro Moose l odge

Roland Justice

Po P’s Bar & g rill

Sharon & Dave

sMyrna VF w PosT 8422

Stove Top

Tn c ra FT BuTcher

Johnny Hayes; Joey Fletcher Band; Beau Tatum and the Coyotes;

Craig Campbell

s un, 4/26

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Kara Cole

h o P sP rings

School of Rock

MT su w righT Music Building

Isaac Sweeney; SOAL/ TEBA Choirs; Brass

Chamber Ensemble

m on, 4/27

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Ciera Mackenzie

Burger Bar

Jeff Lysyczyn

h ank’s h onky Tonk

Open Mic Night

MT su w righT Music Building

Commercial Music Ensemble

sMyrna VF w PosT 8422

Randy and Friends

Tues, 4/28

Boro Bour B on & Brews

Kelly Riley

notes

s chool of r ock m urfreesboro c elebrates

o ne year of r ocking w ith a pril 26 c elebration

SChOOl OF rOCk Murfreesboro will hold its first anniversary celebration, a community bash set to take place on Sunday, April 26, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Hop Springs Beer Park, 6790 John Bragg Hwy. In just one year, School of Rock Murfreesboro has become a vibrant hub of musical education and performance, and this free community event celebrates that milestone with the people who made it possible.

The anniversary bash will feature live performances from School of Rock students and staff, giving the community a front-row seat to witness the talent that has grown within the local program in its first year. Attendees can enjoy a lineup of food trucks and enter to win raffle prizes, and families looking to enroll aspiring musicians can take advantage of exclusive discounts on upcoming School of Rock programs.

“We are so proud of everything our students and staff have accomplished in our first year. This celebration is our way

of saying thank you to the Murfreesboro community for their incredible support,” according to a statement from School of Rock Murfreesboro. “We can’t wait to share the stage—and the fun—with everyone!” School of Rock Murfreesboro is part of the globally recognized School of Rock franchise, dedicated to teaching kids and adults the skills they need to perform live music. Through a performance-based music curriculum, students learn guitar, bass, drums, vocals and keys in a collaborative, band-based environment.

The April 26 event is free, all-ages and open to the public. School of Rock Murfreesboro invites everyone—current students, interested families and local music lovers—to come out and experience firsthand the power of music education.

For more information about School of rock Murfreesboro and its programs, visit murfreesboro.schoolofrock.com or call 615-619-1233.

explore living

Where the Water Disappears

e

xploring lost c reek falls in s cott’s g ulf wilderness

Tucke D away in T he wil D and rugged land between McMinnville and Sparta, the massive Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park sits not far away from other popular Tennessee State Parks Rock Island and Fall Creek Falls.

The 9,500 acres of this huge park contain many points of interest, accessible by multiple entrances and trailheads, including a long trek to Virgin Falls and other areas scattered around the far reaches of the backcountry.

But one of its fascinating features, Lost Creek Falls, is one of its most approachable. Entering from McMinnville via Hickory Valley Road and Big Bottom Road sets the tone for the remote park.

Shortly after a scenic bridge crossing over the Caney Fork River, the winding country road enters the park land and transitions into a dusty, gravel stretch that feels increasingly isolated, even in comparison to the surrounding expansive cow country of White County, Tennessee.

Vehicles first pass by the Centennial Wilderness Wildlife Management Area—Big Bottom Unit. The Rylander Trailhead provides access to the Rylander Cascades, Dry Creek Falls, Meditation Rock, and—nearly four miles away—the impressive Virgin Falls.

But passing this area (when approaching from the south) soon leads to another parking area for Lost Creek Falls.

Just after stepping out of the car here,

explorers can already hear the crashing water echoing off of the rocky basin, somewhere just out of sight. But this beautiful waterfall doesn’t require a long trek to reach it.

Trail options lead below and above the falls. And both are short. The proximity of the falls to the parking area makes it an accessible introduction for those who can’t cover long distances.

Descending, a short walk reveals a massive rock face with a large cave opening gaping wide, greeting visitors as they make their way to the lower portion. After curving around, they can now see Lost Creek Falls.

Closer to the base of the 40-foot-tall falls, cool cave air hits those approaching, a steady breath of underground temperature.

The water tumbles down powerfully, splashing into a small, rocky pool below. It’s quite loud down there with the water crashing on the rocks. But where the water flows next sets this point apart from many other Tennessee waterfalls—the creek doesn’t continue downstream in the usual sense. Instead, it gets lost! The water slides directly into a cave opening at the base of the falls and disappears underground.

Climbing back up to the top of the waterfall a whole second layer of exploration opens up. Even above the falling point of the main falls, the creek spreads out into a broad, lively cascade, tumbling down the rocky slope before plunging over the edge.

Those willing to venture a bit farther up

still get to see another remarkable reward. Getting to the origin point of this section of creek requires climbing up a few large boulders, it’s not for everyone, but there’s another beautiful cave feature containing multiple natural archways where the creek emerges before beginning its journey downward. Incredible—a magical entrance into daylight for Lost Creek.

The large cave down in the basin, Lost Creek Cave, unlike many caves on Tennessee State Park land, is open to visitors

If You Go lost c reek t r A ilhe A d

3990 White’s Cave rd., Sparta

who would like to explore its seven miles of passages. Cavers must apply for a (free) permit, though, and these are available May 1 through Aug. 31 only.

These features are just small pieces of the Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park, which spans miles of deep gorges, sandstone bluffs and remote trails. It contains numerous old homesteads, overlooks, arches, and a wealth of interesting elements. Those looking to move more can spend days walking the

more than 30 miles of trails within Scott’s Gulf and truly go off the grid for a while.

But the Lost Creek area in itself, though just a fractional sliver of the Scott’s Gulf area as a whole, is worth spending good piece of a day exploring—it offers a taste of remote wilderness without requiring an all-day hike, which can mean time to slow down,

watch the creek flow, look at the plants, explore the nooks and crags of the cave entrances, and have some moments of quiet and calm without rushing.

It’s an impressive place, one where water doesn’t just flow, it disappears, and—like the wealth of Tennessee’s other scenery—is waiting and available to anyone willing to get out and explore.

nature news

By A shleigh N ew N es

e arth Week o utdoors s et for a pril 20–24

Spring iS here, and Outdoor Murfreesboro invites the community to step outside and experience the natural world right in our own backyard. Earth Week Outdoors, running Monday through Friday, April 20–24, is a mostly-free week of guided outdoor adventures put together by Outdoor Murfreesboro and a dedicated group of local conservation partners.

This year’s theme—Greenways, Blueways, and Flyways: Finding Nature in an Urban Setting—asks us to look a little closer at the city we already live in. The rivers, wetlands, and green corridors woven through Murfreesboro are alive with things most of us walk right past. Earth Week is a chance to slow down and actually see them.

“Not only is Murfreesboro in the heart of Middle Tennessee, it’s in the heart of one of

the coolest ecosystems on the planet,” said Outdoor Murfreesboro’s Natural Resources Assistant Coordinator Lauren May, the driving force behind Earth Week. “There are plants and animals native to this area that are found in few other places, and some that are found only in Tennessee’s Inner Central Basin, right outside our door. In April, the glades, barrens, and wetlands around us explode with wildflowers and wildlife.”

What makes Earth Week Outdoors special isn’t just the activities, it’s the people behind them. Outdoor Murfreesboro has assembled an impressive lineup of local naturalists, scientists and educators who bring genuine depth to each outing. These aren’t generic nature walks, they are led by people who care deeply about Middle Tennessee’s ecological heritage and want to share it with their neighbors.

So what’s on the schedule? Quite a lot, and there’s something here for just about everyone. The week spans land, water, and sky, with activities ranging from creek-critter hunting and kayak paddling to nighttime bat walks and cedar glade hikes. Whether you want to get your hands dirty planting

native species at a community garden, spot migrating birds at Murfree Spring on Earth Day morning, or float a stretch of the Stones River by kayak, there’s a way in.

All of these events are free (save for the kayak paddle, which runs $15), registration is required, and spots fill up fast. Most events cap between 10 and 20 participants, which means the experience is intimate and personal rather than crowded. Rain dates are in place for every event, so weather is no reason to hold off on signing up.

a ctivities include:

Mo N dAy, April 20

10 a.m. – Crazy Cool Creek Critters

1 p.m. – Low-Head Dams of the Stones River Watershed

t uesdAy, April 21

7 a.m. – Birds & Blooms at Jordan Farm

1 p.m. – Greenway Gambol with TennGreen w ed N esdAy, April 22

7 a.m. – Visit a Flyway Rest Stop— Birding at Murfree Spring

7 p.m. – Wetland Night Life at Murfree Spring

t hursdAy, April 23

9 a.m. – Planting a Native Garden

1 p.m. – Kayak Paddle Down the Stones River f ridAy, April 24

9 a.m. – Tree ID and Forest Health on the Barfield Crescent Park Tree Trail

1 p.m. – The Glades and Barrens of Overbridge State Natural Area

The organizations and experts behind Earth Week Outdoors are doing this work yearround, restoring native habitats, monitoring water quality, tracking wildlife and managing natural areas.

Participating in Earth Week is a way to support that work, to learn from the people doing it, and to become a more informed, more engaged resident of this place. The more people who understand and value Murfreesboro’s natural assets, the better chance those assets have of being around for the next generation.

For full event descriptions, age requirements, and registration links, visit murfreesborotn.gov/2692

Restaurants of y e ST eryear Murfree S boro

By B ill wilso N

Sir Pizza, buster’s Place, hardee’s, kleer-vu lunchroom, Far East

All have Over 50 years of dining history

hey everyboDy, I hope everyone is having a great spring, that all your basketball teams won for March Madness and you’re getting ready for the Easter bunny. For this month’s story I’ve been asked to talk about the history of local cuisine, in particular Murfreesboro restaurants that have been in business for at least 40 to 50 years. Some of these will be your new favorites. Most have been my favorites for the last 40-plus years. When I’m feeling down and want to feel good there’s nothing like a delicious meal that I don’t have to prepare.

Toot’s

EST. 1965

Let’s not forget about Toot’s, which has some of the most affordable food and fun around. Founded in 1985 as “Tooter’s,” the Murfreesboro brand would later become Toot’s. It has been a staple in the community since then, doing lots of charity events and supporting the community throughout the years.

If you’re wanting to go watch your favorite team play and have a great burger, oysters, shrimp or salad—possibly washing it down with a cold beverage—this is your place.

Wade and Nick Hays have done a great job of keeping that Toot’s spirit alive. My go-to there is the catfish basket.

Sir pizza

EST. 1966

Sir Pizza has been a staple here in Murfreesboro since 1966. The first one was located next to the movie theater in Jackson Heights Plaza. But my favorite is the one on East Main Street, which opened in 1968. With all of its cool decorations, you feel like you’re stepping back into the 1970s when dining at this Sir Pizza location.

My go-to pizza is the Farmer’s Almanac (with ham, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, sausage, beef and black and green olives). Meredith’s favorite is the pineapple, cherry tomato, mushroom and ham pizza. A lot of people don’t know that when the Fortner family was on its way from Muncie, Indiana, to Florida, they stopped in Murfreesboro and never left! I’m so glad they stayed and started the Sir Pizza tradition.

h ardee’s e st. 1972

Who out there remembers when the first hamburger chains came to Murfreesboro in the early 1970s? The first Hardee’s came to Mercury Plaza in 1972. The location on Northwest Broad Street opened in 1974. This one had the giant slide in the back called Gigantica. My grandparents lived right around the corner, and we would go to Hardee’s and we kids would slide down that slide during the summer and would burn our tall ends off.

McDonald’s e st. 1973

The first McDonald’s in town came to Southeast Broad Street in 1973, where McDonald’s (though remodeled) still operates today at 106 SE Broad St., which was right next to the Dairy Queen. If I remember correctly, there was originally an outdoor play gym for all the kids.

b uster’s b urgers

e st. 1973

When I think of a good, tasty cheeseburger I think of Buster’s Place, which was founded in 1973. Current general manager Savannah Rampy told me about how Buster Pugh started Buster’s and how, back in the day, they would often sell so many burgers they ran out of meat (they ran out of meat on a recent day I visited, as well!).

far e ast EST. 1973

If you like Chinese food, head to one of my favorites on East Main Street—that’s Far East Cafe, which has been in business 50-plus years now. Far East, first established in 1973, was a mainstay for me while going to college at MTSU. My usual there is the cashew chicken, with half rice and half noodles (here, you can get both!), an egg roll, and that sweet lemony tea. Don’t forget your fortune cookie.

k leer-vu lunchroom

EST. 1974

On Highland Avenue, in between MTSU and the Square, you will run into Kleer-Vu Lunchroom, which has the best soul food around and dates back to 1974. Served cafeteria style, my favorites here are the meatloaf, mashed potatoes, pinto beans with a slice of onion, and some purple beets. They have some of the best desserts, including chess pie, peach cobbler and chocolate pie.

The ladies on staff are always so friendly. You need to get there by 11:30 a.m. or prepare to stand in line. It’s that good!

Donut c ountry

EST. 1978

Well-loved local doughnut shop Donut Country traces its origins to 1978. Rick and Carol Egles bought the business in 1986, and their daughter, Kristy, and her husband Bo Davis operate the shop today. The DoCo located on Memorial Blvd. stays open 24/7. Not only do they have fresh homemade doughnuts, they have great chicken salad and tuna fish sandwiches. If you’ve been to a business meeting in a board room in Murfreesboro in the past few decades, you’ve more than likely had some doughnuts or sandwiches from DoCo.

Slick pig

EST. 1995

Head just down East Main Street from Sir Pizza and Far East for one of my favorite meat and threes—that’s Slick Pig, named after Slick Robinson. Founded in 1995, it is known for smoked wings, barbecue, catfish and its vegetables. I dare to say it has the best desserts in town. Slick Pig has banana pudding, coconut cake, pecan pie, lime pie and chocolate pie. Let’s not forget about that JoJo’s Fruit Tea as well!

Food

t he Place for Burgers

murfreesboro now has a wealth of spots to grab a burger; new restaurants continue to open all over town, each offering its own spin on the American staple. But one spot predates them all.

Buster’s Place has operated in its modest home, a small brick building on Broad Street not far from Northfield Boulevard, since the early 1970s, and still continues its burger and beer tradition there today. It’s not overly fancy, but comfortable.

“Looks like your ‘hole-in-the-wall joint’ but we all know how most of those are,” Tracy Mitchell Marquez said of Buster’s.

The menu and the atmosphere stay simple. The single-sheet menu contains burgers, wings, fries, onion rings, chili and a few other items such as a pork chop sandwich, grilled chicken salad, hot dogs and fried green tomatoes. Various TVs show sports while country music from years past plays, and a whole smattering of different college football helmets and MTSU gear decorate the place. And thousands and thousands of burgers

have come off of that hot Buster’s flatiron over the decades.

“Walking up to the door we could smell meat grease (in a good way),” a diner, Mel, posted in a review. “Just a good burger joint filled with locals.”

This Murfreesboro institution founded in 1973 has slowly evolved from a dive bar where cold beer flowed and bikers converged to a beloved piece of local nostalgia where diners young and old can enjoy a cheeseburger, the kind of place soaked in local vibes where longtime regulars feel right at home and newcomers quickly understand why.

“If you’re not looking for it, you’ll completely drive past it. But I’m telling you, this is one place you don’t want to pass up,” according to Sarah, a Smyrna resident. “If you’re looking for a burger spot in Murfreesboro, definitely give Buster’s Place a try!”

Another local diner, Andy, said he has lived in Murfreesboro for years, but just recently finally tried Buster’s for the first time.

“Best burger I’ve ever had in a restaurant,” he reported.

Buster’s p l Ace

1615 NW b road St. Mon.–Sat.: 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Sun.: 12–6 p.m. 615-895-5464

Classic single buster burger: $9.95; h alf dozen smoked wings: $9.95; g rilled pork chop sandwich: $8.95; Whipped feta, bacon jam and pickled onion double burger: $14.95; l arge chili cheese fries: $8.95; h alf dozen fried green tomatoes: $5.95

bustersintheboro.com

The classic Buster Burger—the straightforward cheeseburger with lettuce, onion, pickles and a thick slice of tomato, the one that “made them famous”—remains the foundation. But the menu goes well beyond the burger basics.

Buster’s rotates a selection of 21 different burgers, each one taking its turn as the featured weekly special, one at a time.

On a recent week, the Boutique Burger stacked fresh mozzarella, bacon, pesto and arugula atop the beefy patty.

Other popular specialty burgers include the sloppy joe burger, various creations involving pulled pork, and the doughnut burger sitting upon a split and grilled Donut Country doughnut, according to the team.

“The jalapeño popper is the best burger on the menu with chorizo burger coming in second,” according to a customer, Amber B., who said she appreciates the unique options, juicy burgers and fantastic service. “This diamond in the rough has a great atmosphere.”

A couple of specialty burgers remain on the menu always: the pimento cheese and

bacon burger, a mushroom Swiss burger, the Frito pie burger (containing chili, cheddar cheese, sour cream, jalapeño and Fritos), as well as the whipped feta, bacon jam and pickled onion burger—a “great combo of sweet and smoky,” another pleased diner said.

Some of these specialty builds, though, can become ridiculously unwieldy. With slippery toppings like bacon jam, pimento cheese, chili, salsa verde, soft fried egg, mac and cheese or sauces layered on generously, some burgers can fall apart and definitely present more of a fork-and-knife situation than a neat and clean handheld experience.

For diners looking for a manageable sandwich, the classic bacon cheeseburger may be the safe route, though Buster’s seems to conceptualize its specials with the idea that the messier and wilder, the better.

Beyond burgers, the chicken wings also stand out as a strong offering.

Smoked first and then fried, these are some of this writer’s favorite wings.

“Quite possibly the best plain smoked wings I’ve eaten,” Scott Mueller said. “Flavor

and crispness were perfection.”

With their smoky flavor and crispy exterior, the wings are delicious naked, but also available tossed in Buffalo, BBQ or Nashville hot. Or, they pair quite well with the restaurant’s poppin’ jalapeño ranch.

“These were the absolute best wings we have ever had,” said another customer, Shawn Luman, in a Google review.

Other menu items round out the experience. The grilled pork chop sandwich, topped with barbecue sauce and slaw, offers a solid alternative for those not in the mood for a burger, while those in need of a fried green tomato fix can find that Southern side that they seek here.

The chili, onion rings and cheese fries receive lots of praise; the crinkle-cut fries draw some mixed reactions. Some enjoy them, while others say they feel they don’t exactly have a “wow” factor, they could be a bit crisper, and don’t match the quality of the burgers.

As with many eateries lately, value is a concern. A classic single Buster burger

sits right at $10; though, that’s without a side, and adding sides, going with a specialty or double burger and drinks, prices can climb quickly.

“The food was fresh,” Kirsten Sanders said. “But for five of us it was $100. Five single patty burgers, five fries, two waters, three teas and an order of fried green tomatoes.”

Some longtime customers also suggest the burgers may not be quite as juicy or loosely packed as they remember from years past; still, the overall sentiment surrounding Buster’s Place leans strongly positive.

In a town full of new restaurants and a world full of constantly evolving food trends, Buster’s Place remains a constant, doing what it has done for more than 50 years—keeping it relaxed and simple: burgers, bikes and beer. And wings!

“Your good, old country town burger joint,” said Eric McElroy. “Burgers are always on point. . . . There is nothing more Boro than Buster’s.”

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, big bad breakfast, buffalo Wild Wings gO, Empanada Sonata, Ascension Saint Thomas, Seven brew

By delores elliott

bOrO bAzAAr has opened at 131 Cason Ln. in the former Float Alchemy and Boro Health and Wellness Spa location. The new international grocery market specializes in Indian and South Asian ingredients, including a large selection of spices, lentils, fresh produce, snacks, bulk rice and a variety of frozen samosas.

The market is affiliated with Indus Kitchen, a Nashville-area Indian restaurant. iNduS FlAvOr ON WhEElS will operate as a food truck in the Boro Bazaar parking lot, and will offer freshly prepared Indian street foods and comfort dishes such as butter chicken, dosa, chaat, curries, biryani and naan.

Additionally, Boro Bazaar plans to take over the former Om Sai location on Old

a round t own

Fort Parkway and will open another Murfreesboro store there.

buFFAlO Wild WiNgS gO has opened a new location of its pick-up wing concept in Murfreesboro at 2943 S. Rutherford Blvd., Suite E, across from Walmart.

The “GO” format is a streamlined version of the traditional Buffalo Wild Wings sports bar, focusing on takeout and delivery with a smaller footprint and a simplified menu. Guests can expect the brand’s signature bone-in and boneless wings and tenders with all of the favorite sauces and rubs, as well as fries, burgers, cheese curds, onion rings and more, designed for quicker service and off-premise dining.

The Murfreesboro location is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Buffalo Wild Wings, founded in 1982, has expanded its GO restaurants in recent years as demand for carryout and delivery food options continues to grow. For more information or to place an order, visit buffalowildwings.com

A sign for lOTuS & JAdE, the new store near Golden Lanzhou Bowls on Lascassas Pike, is now up announcing the new business, which sells vases, floral arrangements and plants.

An interior doorway connects Lotus & Jade and the Golden Lanzhou Bowls restaurant.

FrEddy’S FrOzEN CuSTArd & STEAkburgErS has announced plans to open a Murfreesboro location at 1441 Beasie Rd. near Costco. Menu options will include steakburgers, chicken, fish, frozen custard, patty melts, hotdogs and more and the new restaurant will offer dine-in, takeout and drive-thru options. Freddy’s also operates a location in Smyrna.

SEvEN brEW COFFEE will open another Murfreesboro location, set for the Westlawn development along Veterans Parkway near Blackman Road. Chipotle will also open a new store in the area.

big bAd brEAkFAST will open in the former City Cafe building at 113 E. Main St. Big Bad Breakfast will offer a Southern-style breakfast and lunch menu, with options including biscuits, eggs, flapjacks, fried chicken, burgers, bloody marys, brunch cocktails and more. Big Bad Breakfast previously explored opening at a development on Veterans Parkway alongside Vui’s Kitchen, Waldo’s Chicken and Taziki’s, but those plans were later dropped. This will be the company’s seventh location in Tennessee in addition to restaurants in Nashville, Franklin, Memphis, Chattanooga, Spring Hill, and South Pittsburg. Learn more about Big Bad Breakfast at bigbadbreakfast .com.

McdONAld’S plans to build a new restaurant on Joe B. Jackson Parkway near Elam Farms Parkway.

gOOdWill will open another area location—its third in Murfreesboro—at Veterans Parkway near Franklin Road. The new store will offer more than 17,000 square feet of thrift retail space.

A new ice cream shop and dental office combination will come to Veterans Parkway, according to reports. Construction has begun on the space in the building that also houses Waldo’s, Taziki’s and Vui’s.

The space located in the gas station at 1911 Lascassas Hwy. that formerly housed the krySTAl restaurant is currently undergoing renovations. An employee states that the space will become a coffee shop—with rumors suggesting that TiM hOrTON’S will open there—though nothing official has yet been announced.

lOWE’S has proposed building a new Murfreesboro location along Highway

231. If plans materialize, the new home improvement store would be located across from MMC near the Joe B. Jackson Parkway intersection.

Husband-and-wife team Yefri Quinones and Nikki Crupi have opened a new franchise location of 1-800 WATEr dAMAgE in Murfreesboro. Yefri has owned and operated his own construction company since 2020, and Nikki has experience in the administrative area of business.

Since disasters never happen on a schedule, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE is available 24/7 to answer calls and provide prompt property restoration services.

In addition to flood and water damage restoration, the brand provides a range of services including fire and smoke damage restoration, sewage cleanup, commercial restoration services, and mold removal and remediation.

For more information, email nikki.crupi@1800waterdamage.com.

MANSON PikE MEMOry CArE has unveiled plans to construct a two-story assisted living and memory care facility on Manson Pike.

ASCENSiON SAiNT ThOMAS has received approval from the Tennessee Health

CONTiNuEd ON PAgE 30

“I

EMPANAdA SONATA, which formerly operated a popular downtown Murfreesboro restaurant, has returned.

Though still not back in brick-and-mortar form, Empanada Sonata now offers “take and make” empanadas by the dozen or half-dozen, which can be fried or baked at home or frozen for later, as well as hot orders for pickup through DoorDash, Grubhub and Empanada Sonata social media.

Empanada Sonata has relaunched as a ghost kitchen operating out of the Tasty Table commissary space on Seven Oaks Boulevard in Smyrna, according to founder Marlyse McAdam.

“This is all very new, but we still have our brand and our amazing food,” McAdam said. “We hope to have a food truck or a physical storefront again one day.”

Find Empanada Sonata on Facebook or Instagram for updates or to order.

Facilities Commission to move forward with construction of a new freestanding emergency department in eastern Rutherford County. The $19 million facility will be part of Murfreesboro Medical Clinic’s upcoming development near the intersection of Lascassas Pike and East Pitts Lane.

This facility will provide 24/7 emergency care and complement the outpatient services offered at MMC’s new location on the same site—another collaboration between two of the county’s leading healthcare providers, building upon the integrated care model already in place on the west side of Murfreesboro at Westlawn, where MMC and Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford currently operate side by side.

Ascension Saint Thomas expects the new Lascassas facility to create 32 new jobs.

“This project reflects what’s possible when two organizations come together around a shared mission to better serve our community,” said Joey Peay, CEO of Murfreesboro Medical Clinic. “By co-locating emergency and outpatient services, we’re creating a more seamless, patient-focused experience, just like we’ve done successfully in Westlawn.”

Construction is expected to begin by late 2026.

ThE Child AdvOCACy CENTEr of Rutherford County recently purchased a new and official office space at 503 High-

land Terrace, and continues its progress on a capital campaign to fund the building purchase and renovations.

“This step has been 26 years in the making for this vital organization,” said Murfreesboro City Schools Director and CAC Board Chair, Trey Duke. “Since its inception, the CAC has not had a permanent location or adequate space. They need more room to ensure privacy and confidentiality for the children and families they serve, more space for the Child Protective Investigative Team to collaborate on cases and enough office space for their staff.”

Led by founding Executive Director Sharon De Boer, the CAC, serving both Rutherford and Cannon Counties in the 16th Judicial District, is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 to provide safety, justice and healing for victims of child abuse and child sexual abuse, drug-endangered children, and their non-offending family members.

The CAC’s staff conducts legally defensible forensic interviews of child victims. They also support potential victims and non-offending family members by providing crisis intervention counseling, case management, and referrals to community resources. This team approach helps children heal from the trauma and helps families rebuild their lives. To make a contribution to the capital campaign, visit cacrutherford.org.

grAzE CrAzE has announced that it expects its new Murfreesboro location at 1440 Medical Center Pkwy., Suite D, at Fountains at Gateway, to open early this summer.

Graze Craze offers customizable charcuterie boards in the form of picnic boxes, platters and grazing tables, for parties, work events, special occasions, gifts or everyday snacking.

The brand previously operated a location at 675 Middle Tennessee Blvd., and Graze Craze currently has additional Tennessee stores in Franklin and Nashville. For more information visit, grazecraze.com.

loop

national Park service awards $4.8 million Grant to Preserve 37 acres at stones river Battlefield

By B o BBy sch N eider

The c i T y of Murfree S boro continues to move closer to a long-discussed and needed transportation project: a northern bypass loop designed to connect the Blackman area to Walter Hill and give drivers a new way across town without relying on increasingly congested main corridors.

The roadway—known in segments as Cherry Lane, Stonesbattle Parkway and Blackman Road—will create a continuous east-west route stretching from Lebanon Pike (U.S. 231) near Walter Hill westward across I-840, through Northwest Broad Street (U.S. 41), and eventually crossing I-24 before it connects with Veterans Parkway in the Blackman area.

Murfreesboro’s continued population and commercial growth has placed increasing strain on major arteries like Memorial Boulevard, Old Fort Parkway and Medical Center Parkway. This bypass could eventually support an anticipated 123,000 daily trips driven by area residents and commercial vehicles, according to a study of the proposed corridor by the civil engineering firm Pape Dawson.

Planners say they expect the bypass to provide meaningful relief to present-day traffic congestion, and allow for additional volume that’s not there today. City leaders say the project has been decades in the making.

“This project started back in the late ’80s,” said former Assistant City Manager Sam Huddleston, who has worked on the plan for years. “We’ve adjusted and modified the plan on several occasions since that time.”

Currently, Phase 1 of the project, spanning part of Cherry Lane off of Lebanon Pike, is already complete

and open to traffic. Phases 2 and 3—expected to begin construction in the coming months—carry an estimated cost of around $60 million, with the full corridor projected at roughly $150 million.

Funding comes from primarily local tax dollars, with some state support and federal highway funds, though officials note that the majority of the project will be locally funded.

Plans call for a multi-lane corridor, with four-lane sections divided with a median in higher-capacity areas and five-lane sections with a center turn lane elsewhere requiring a turn lane. The design reflects expectations that the roadway will become a major connector between neighborhoods, commercial areas and interstate access points, and a way for drivers to more efficiently navigate from one side of Murfreesboro to the other without stopping.

One of the biggest unanswered pieces is whether the Stonesbattle Parkway route will ultimately include a new interchange at I-24—which would be located between the Almaville Road and I-840 exits—or whether it will simply cross the Interstate.

“At the earliest, it’ll be three years out before that interchange becomes available to traffic,” Huddleston said, referring to the potential I-24 connection.

That decision will involve coordination between the City of Murfreesboro, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and private partners involved in the I-24 Choice Lanes project. City officials have expressed support for adding the interchange.

While land for the current Cherry Lane phases has been acquired, the full bypass route is not yet completely finalized, and the city continues to work with landowners and developers as alignments are refined.

To guide that growth, Murfreesboro commissioned a small area study for the corridor, aimed at shaping land use, zoning and infrastructure decisions. Officials expect the roadway to spur additional residential and commercial development, making long-term planning critical.

The n aT ional park Service ha S awar D e D Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants of nearly $4.8 million to protect a 37-acre parcel associated with the Confederate attack on the Union right flank at the Battle of Stones River, on New Year’s Eve, 1862. The engagement, near Murfreesboro, which included a second day of fighting on Jan. 2, is remembered as having the highest casualty percentage of the Civil War.

Thanks to the $4,797,276 grant awarded via the City of Murfreesboro, plus a nearly-equal matching grant from the Tennessee Civil War Sites Preservation Fund (administered by the Tennessee Wars Commission, a division of the Tennessee Historical Commission), a major landowner donation, coupled with donations from its generous members, the American Battlefield Trust will purchase the 37-acre site in the coming months.

“Every acre of hallowed ground that we preserve is an opportunity for us and for future generations to have a better understanding of the formative conflicts that have shaped our nation,” said David Duncan, president of the American Battlefield Trust.

The American Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants Program promotes preservation of America’s most historically significant battlegrounds, all of which will play an essential role in the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. This latest grant awards also included funding for properties at Chickasaw Bayou, Miss.; Glendale and New Market, Va.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Fort LaRussy, La.; and Kennesaw Mountain, Ringold Gap, and Rocky Face Ridge, Ga.

Funds from the American Battlefield Land Acquisition Grants Program have been used to save approximately 36,000 acres in 20 states, including some of the most famous battlefields in American history: Antietam, Md.; Appomattox and Fredericksburg, Va.; Gettysburg, Pa.; Charleston, S.C.; Princeton, N.J.; Saratoga, N.Y. and Shiloh, Tenn. included. Tennessee has received $26.2 million in grants awarded for land at 13 battlefields, saving 2,537 acres of hallowed ground.

Legislation is currently pending in both houses of Congress to reauthorize this grant program, ensuring its ability to protect ground for the next decade. The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has helped protect more than 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states. Learn more at battlefields.org.

By se AN M or AN

opinion  money matters

generosity and intentionality. It is essential that you consider all three areas in your giving strategy. Contemplate whether giving now would be better than waiting. Imagine the joy that giving in your lifetime could bring.

t he s piritual Importance of Your Gift

l egacy vs. Inheritance: Why

“equal” Isn’t always “fair”

p eople ofT en look at legacy planning as an exercise in math. They think, “When I die, I’ll leave equal amounts to each of my heirs.”

It’s really important to give legacy planning the attention it deserves. Not doing so can be costly in many ways.

equal can Be equitable, or not I shared in a previous article that your children’s tax brackets can impact how much they actually receive. A $100,000 gift of IRA money is a different amount to different people. If one heir is in the 12% tax bracket and another in the 34% bracket, they would pay $12,000 and $34,000 in federal income tax respectively. State income taxes are a consideration as well. Challenge the idea that dividing assets evenly is the most responsible choice. Work with your financial advisor to find out if that is true in your situation.

the family conversation

I hear a lot of people say something like: “They will find out what they get when I die.” While, yes, any gift should be appreciated, this can leave people feeling slighted and relationships can be damaged due to the lack of understanding. One heir who helped you in your later years

might believe they should get a larger inheritance. Perhaps one is in need and you want to help. Maybe one person got financial assistance in the past and the other didn’t. It’s valuable to share this information with your heirs so they don’t end up resenting you, or each other.

Transparency can make a world of difference when you say, “I love you so much that I thought of giving you an equal portion, but the other person isn’t as well off as you, so I want to help them.”

Perhaps a loved one has health considerations and might benefit more from a financial gift where another may appreciate something more sentimental. You may also have a favorite charity you want to leave assets to, and communicating that will help ensure it happens in the way you desire. One of the biggest areas of hurt comes from the non-monetary gifts. If one child really likes a family heirloom and another doesn’t, splitting those items or gifting them without thinking it through could be hurtful.

stewardship vs. symmetry

One beneficiary may be equipped to receive a business. One may be responsible while another is not. Legacy involves modeling wisdom,

As a Certified Kingdom Advisor, I would be remiss not to discuss the spiritual aspect of a gift. There are a number of components to this area that require deep and prayerful consideration as well as conversation with trusted persons. Inheritance communicates values, so you want to know if you are sharing with your heirs the values that the gift entails. Often people leave an inheritance without sharing the values behind it. Have you identified your heirs? Have you trained them on what stewardship means and have you shared with them what it means to be a good steward of the gifts they will receive? Giving someone money without instructions can be a recipe for disaster. It can mean they spend the money on things you wouldn’t appreciate. What if they spent $80,000 on a car and you sacrificed to save that money? Consider leaving a letter of instruction or ideas you believe would be an honorable use of the money.

Further, consider whether leaving someone out of an inheritance will potentially make them more or less likely to find their spiritual path. If writing someone out means they don’t find the Lord, is it worth it? That doesn’t mean they need to get the “full portion,” but a small token or a path toward receiving a portion could go a long way.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not tax, legal or financial advice. To connect with Sean Moran, call 615-619-6919, email smoran@redbarnfinancial.com or visit redbarnfinancial.com.

opinion

# free Y our c HI l D ren

By tiffAN y B oyd

t he Bullying e pidemic

hOW MANy TiMES hAvE yOu read a devastating headline or seen a post about a child committing suicide because of bullying?

Unfortunately, it is not an uncommon occurrence, and may have even affected your local community. Despite schools implementing rules and policies to address bullying, it appears to be largely ineffective and has become an epidemic within the public school system that is not effectively being addressed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “A national survey found that 28% of

middle schools, 15% of high schools, and 10% of elementary schools reported the occurrence of bullying at school at least once a week. About 37% of middle schools reported the occurrence of cyber-bullying at least once a week, followed by 25% of high schools and 6% of elementary schools.”

Even more alarming are parents’ claims that bullying incidents are not being addressed in schools and, in some cases, are being ignored altogether. We have also received reports of incidents in which the victims have been subjected to disciplinary measures while the bully (the

aggressor) has not received any disciplinary action. Social media is full of exasperated parents sharing accounts of bullying their children are experiencing in school systems. What is being done at a state level to address the issue?

Tennessee law 39-17-308 states “harassment—defined as repeated, unwanted communication intended to annoy, alarm, or frighten—is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, fines up to $2,500, or both. Cyberbullying involving persistent electronic harassment can also lead to charges.

If bullying involves physical harm, it may result in assault charges under Tenn. Code Ann. 39-13-101. Intentional bodily harm, even without a weapon, can lead to misdemeanor assault charges with penalties including jail time, probation, and mandatory counseling. More severe cases involving serious injury or a deadly weapon may result in felony aggravated assault charges under Tenn. Code Ann. 39-13-102.”

According to a 2024 addition to Tennessee Code Title 49 related to Elementary and Secondary Education, “school personnel are required to investigate allegations of bullying.”

T.C.A. Section 49-6-4503 states: (d) (1) The principal of a middle school, junior high school, or high school, or the principal’s designee, shall investigate harassment, intimidation, bullying or cyber-bullying when a student reports to any principal, teacher or guidance counselor that physical harm or a threat of physical harm to such student’s person or property has occurred.

(2) The principal, or the principal’s designee, shall immediately inform the parent or legal guardian of a student involved in an act of harassment, intimidation, bullying, or cyber-bullying. The principal or the principal’s designee shall inform the parents or legal guardians of the students

of the availability of counseling and support services that may be necessary.

(3) Following any investigation required by this part, the principal or such principal’s designee shall report the findings, along with any disciplinary action taken, to the director of schools and the chair of the local board of education.

During the 2025 legislative session, an additional $20 million was allocated to school safety. Still, bullying remains a major issue.

According to the Tennessee Department of Education, during the 2023–24 school year there were 12,197 reported cases and 5,439 confirmed cases of bullying. These, however, are only the cases that were reported. The real question is, how many are reported to school staff and are ignored? In many instances these have ended tragically. The common theme is that the parents reached out to the school on numerous occasions regarding bullying only to have those concerns disregarded or not addressed sufficiently.

“Josiah Michael Dwinell died in Alstead, New Hampshire, on March 12 — just eight days after his 13th birthday. His family told local outlet WMUR they believe he took his own life after finding it increasingly difficult to deal with teasing from other pupils,” according to the Daily Record. “He was being bullied at school and on the bus. Not one person outside his home tried to help him.”

Autumn Brooke Bushman, 10, of Roanoke, died on March 21. According to her parents, the Roanoke County Public Schools district told Summer Bushman that it was handling the bullying allegations after the family first reported them.

“They said they had handled it, and that was about as far as it went,” Mark Bushman said in an interview with WSLS. “But, as far as we know, what we were told—at least by our daughter— was that it kept happening.”

“An 11-year-old, Jocelynn Rojo

Carranza in Gainesville, Texas, took her own life after being bullied by her peers,” the Huffington Post reported.

11-year-old Sophia Ballinger of Sumner County, Tennessee, passed away after her family says she took her own life after being bullied at school.

“The family of a 12-year-old girl who died after a fight at a school bus stop in Georgia is demanding a transparent investigation,” according to ABC 7.

“Attorneys for Jada West’s family claim there were ‘reports of bullying’ prior to the fight in suburban Villa Rica, about 30 miles west of Atlanta.”

Many parents are under the illusion that the school system will protect their children. That is a dangerous illusion. In Tennessee all allegations of bullying are required to be investigated. If your child has been a victim of bullying, make sure the school is following state law. Contact school officials immediately, as well as your local board of education. Report bullying to law enforcement if you feel that the allegations warrant it. Do not depend on the school to do this for you.

If a child alleges that they are experiencing bullying at school, I urge parents to remove their child from the environment. Bullying is not a normal part of childhood. Children deserve to be safe and protected. Do not rely on the chance that the school system is going to protect your child. Don’t allow your child to become a statistic. If you need assistance removing your child from public school, contact us. If your child has experienced bullying and you feel it has not been adequately addressed please contact us. We will respect anonymity.

For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. — Luke 8:17

Tiffany boyd is the founder of Free yOur Children. learn more at freeyourchildren.com.

tech talk

By Byro N gle NN

t he ai s cams you w on’t s ee c oming

( a nd the o ne t hing t hat c an s top t hem)

Whil E Tr Av E li N g, i WAS lOO ki N g for a new show to watch, and I clicked on the Netflix show The Night Agent. The main character, Peter Sutherland, has to use code words to verify identity before trusting critical information over the phone. It seemed like spy drama fiction, the kind of thing that happens in high-stakes government operations, not real life.

Except now, cybersecurity experts say every family needs the same system. Not for espionage, but for protection against AI scams that can perfectly clone your voice in seconds.

In early 2024, a finance worker at a multinational company wired $25 million to scammers after a video call in which her CFO and colleagues urgently requested the transfer.

The problem was that none of them were real. Every person on that call was an AI-generated deepfake.

If you think AI scams still look like fake emails, it’s time to reconsider. Technology has advanced, making it difficult to trust what you see and hear. And these scams are hitting families and small businesses everywhere.

y our v oice i sn’t y ours a nymore

Scammers only need three seconds of your voice, pulled from social media, a voicemail, or any public recording, to clone it using AI.

Then, they can make “you” say anything. The result can fool even those closest to you. Imagine a loved one gets a 2 a.m. call. It’s your voice, sounding panicked, asking for money. Would they stop to verify, or send it immediately?

t he f amily a ngle g ets p

ersonal

The scammers aren’t just calling the elderly anymore.

They study your social media to know when you’re traveling, when your kids are at school, and when family members have health issues. Then they strike at the most vulnerable moment with the most convincing story.

The emotional manipulation is what makes it work. When you hear someone you love in distress, your instinct is to help immediately, not to stop and verify. That’s exactly what scammers count on.

s mall b usinesses a re g etting h it t oo

Local businesses face a form of fraud known as CEO fraud. An employee receives an email from the owner asking them to process an urgent wire transfer or update vendor payment information. The email looks legitimate. Sometimes there’s even a voice call or video message to back it up.

Why it works: Scammers use LinkedIn, the company’s website, and public records. They know their vendors and processes, and then accurately impersonate leadership with AI.

t he d efense t hat a ctually w orks

The good news: cybersecurity experts, including the National Cybersecurity Alliance and AARP, recommend a straightforward solution. Establish a safeword.

Sit down with your family today and pick a word or phrase that only you will know—something random that wouldn’t come up in a normal conversation, and that a scammer scraping your social media couldn’t guess. The recipient of an urgent call could request that their family member say the pre-determined safeword to make sure they are not speaking with an AI impersonation.

w hat m akes y ou v ulnerable

Every video you post on social media. Every voicemail greeting. Every podcast appearance. That’s all the material AI can use to clone you.

For business owners, consider which information about your company, such as your vendors and processes, is public. Scammers examine your LinkedIn page and website.

t he b ottom l ine

You can’t always trust what you see or hear; verification is essential. That’s not paranoia. It’s reality. Deepfake video technology can now operate in real time. According to BBC research, traditional detection methods, such as checking for unnatural movement or audio-syncing problems, are less reliable. The tools that help spot fake videos are becoming obsolete.

The safeword solution is simple yet effective. No matter how advanced AI becomes, it can’t tell what it hasn’t learned.

opinion

Small Shifts That Can Change how you Feel Each day

By tAMM y Mogul

MANy PEOPlE WANT TO FEEl healthier, more balanced and more grounded in their daily lives, but often feel unsure where to begin, whether they’re navigating stress, career changes or other life transitions. In my work, I’ve found that lasting change rarely comes from doing everything differently all at once. It begins with small, thoughtful shifts that fit naturally into a person’s life. Here are a few simple approaches that can make a meaningful difference:

start smaller than you think you should One of the most common patterns I see is people trying to change too much at once. Instead, choose one small, manageable shift— something you can realistically do even on a busy or difficult day. Consistency matters far more than intensity.

Rather than focusing on what to take away, I often encourage people to begin by adding something supportive. A simple place to start is hydration. Adding more water throughout the day can have a noticeable impact on energy, focus and overall well-being. For those who don’t enjoy plain water, there are easy ways to make it more appealing—adding a slice of lemon is a classic, but even one strawberry or a few slices of cucumber can make it more refreshing and easier to enjoy. Other small additions can be just as powerful. One client began by committing to a 10-minute walk each day, no matter what. Another found simple ways to add movement into their daily routine—walking up and down the stairs at home a few extra times throughout the day. Another began taking a few minutes to stretch while waiting for their coffee to brew in the morning. Have a quiet moment,

or a longer walk, at Stones River National Battlefield, such a beautiful Murfreesboro resource. These small additions often begin to shift habits naturally over time.

These shifts aren’t only physical—they often create clarity and steadiness in other areas of life as well, whether someone is navigating a busy season at work, rethinking their direction, or moving through a personal transition.

pay Attention to how you feel, Not just to what you’re doing

We often move through our days checking off responsibilities without noticing how we actually feel. Becoming more aware of your energy, stress levels, and mood can help guide better choices—when to rest, when to move, and what truly supports you. I often encourage what I call the “power of pause.” Slowing down, even briefly, can have a meaningful impact on how you feel throughout the day. This might look like taking a few quiet breaths before moving to the next task, stepping away for a moment or simply pausing to ask yourself, “What do I need right now?”

It can even be helpful to set a simple “pause” reminder on your phone. When it goes off, take a moment, intentionally, and breathe, reset and reconnect with how you’re feeling.

A client once realized her afternoon fatigue wasn’t just about being busy; it was tied to skipping meals and not stepping away from her desk. Small shifts like eating more consistently or taking a brief pause made a noticeable difference.

create gentle structure in your day

A few simple additions to your day can bring a surprising sense of calm and stability. In the spirit of adding in rather than taking away, these moments are not about restriction—they are about fueling yourself.

When you wake up, you might take a moment to stretch gently in bed, look out the window and notice the light coming in. With intention, pause and even allow yourself a small smile before starting your day.

Then carry that intention with you. Throughout the day, add in small moments—a gentle stretch between tasks, a refreshing glass of water, or simply taking a breath and resetting. Even something as simple as unwinding while singing in the shower or in the car can become a meaningful way to catch your breath.

It’s often these small additions that

begin to crowd out what no longer serves you. When you start to consistently add in supportive, nourishing habits, they naturally begin to replace what may have been depleting your energy.

let go of All-or-Nothing thinking

Many people feel they’ve “failed” if they can’t do something perfectly. In reality, progress is often uneven. Giving yourself permission to adjust, restart and move forward makes it much easier to stay consistent over time.

Rather than viewing a day as “off track,” one client began to focus on what she could do next that would support her—whether that was choosing a nourishing meal, getting outside, or simply resetting the next morning. That shift in mindset helped her stay engaged rather than discouraged.

Allow yourself support

Change is easier when you don’t feel like you’re doing it alone. Having someone alongside you can make the process feel more manageable and less overwhelming. Support can be simple—asking a friend to walk with you a few times a week, joining a local group or class, or simply having someone to talk things through with when you’re navigating a transition or making an important decision. Even small points of connection can provide encouragement and accountability.

Over time, these small shifts begin to build something more lasting. I often describe this as creating a personal “toolbelt” of wellness—simple, supportive practices you can reach for as life changes. There will always be different seasons, challenges and transitions, whether that’s a shift in career, growing a business, changes in relationships or simply feeling ready for something different.

Having tools you know work for you— hydrating more, pausing, moving your body, reconnecting with your priorities, creating space to think more clearly or otherwise—creates a sense of steadiness.

Tammy Mogul is a wellness and lifestyle coach and founder of TM Wellness Concierge, where she works closely with a small number of clients to provide personalized support, helping each individual to identify goals, create practical strategies and build sustainable habits. learn more by calling 615-979-3131 or visiting tmwellnessconcierge.com.

By jeNNifer durANd

voTe: A formal expression of preference for a candidate for office or for a proposed resolution of an issue; making your preference known; to express a choice or an opinion.

It is the season for making decisions about the future of your local community, how it is governed, managed, and nurtured for growth, prosperity and quality of living. Many people are unaware of this. Others may see signs for candidates that are running, or get their flyers in the mail. But sadly, it seems that the majority of people don’t bother educating themselves on just what makes their community thrive or dive. This would include getting to know (or at least doing a little research on) local citizens, business owners and community servants who are willing to step up and make a difference for the rest of us.

“We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”

— Thomas Jefferson

It is quite possible many who don’t participate don’t even know when elections are being held. Some are apathetic, thinking their vote won’t make a difference. If you don’t think your vote would make a difference, then what do you think would? Neglect, avoidance, abstaining? A silent protest or disengagement is essentially surrendering to whatever happens. There is a huge responsibility that comes with this kind of action. You are part of your community just by existing in it. You add to the waste, the wear and tear on roads, the population, the traffic, the taxes paid, the need for police, firefighters, health care and entertainment. If you don’t vote for the people who end up making the decisions about what goes into your community, you are allowing a very few people to make choices for the masses. It is important that your thoughts are known and heard. They help shape everything that affects where you live.

“Talk is cheap, voting is free; take it to the polls.”

— Nanette L. Avery

of my district because the things I heard from a few people seemed like they hadn’t thought anything through. To me it was about dissecting the details presented and putting them in a logical order.

I was alarmed at the lack of preparedness and reasoning by some. I could see how important it is to have leaders who are knowledgeable, compassionate and able to reason and distinguish the facts. There was definitely a mix of qualities represented, and I was thankful there were enough who saw what would be best for our community, with respect to the specific issues being addressed at that time. I also saw the importance of getting to know these leaders, at least a little bit, in order to decide who could represent what I considered important. It is good to remember the sacrifices that normal ordinary people make to hold a position that most won’t get out of their comfort zones to step into or even support. They have to listen to the agreeable and the critical while still trying to make the best possible decisions with the information they have at the time. It all starts locally, then expands all the way to a national level of representation. So, it isn’t just about voting for the president of the United States. The president doesn’t make decisions for our local community. It is about selecting our local mayor, city council, county commissioners, sheriff, school board, governor, state senators and representatives, judges and on up to U.S. senators and representatives.

“Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don’t vote.” — George Jean Nathan

As a small business owner I have hired, fired, trained and mentored dozens of people over the years. What I’ve witnessed has been a combination of those who spoke their mind (even when inappropriate), those who gossiped or just complained behind the scenes, and those who came to me directly to express their concerns. In orientation I always say I have an open-door policy. If you have a question about something, ask. Bring it to the person who can actually do something about it. If you simply mutter under your breath or keep it inside, you will never get clarity, let alone a change. I may not give you the answer you want to hear, but I will always be honest and listen to your concerns.

It’s obvious that not everyone agrees on everything. It is important, however, to listen to each other and try to understand why people think the way they do. Opinions can change over time based on experiences, new information and needs. Learning to assess what is most important in the moment should determine what you choose to do or support. To do nothing, however, makes you vulnerable to what someone else thinks is more important. That may not always align with what you value.

“The first duty of a man is to think for himself.”

— Jose Marti

That is designed to breed mutual respect. Unfortunately, I have seen more people than not simply run away from a problem rather than face it or try to understand the reason behind a difference of opinion. The point is, you have to be involved, one way or another, to effect change. Let your position be known. Nothing can change if you don’t express your concerns and point of view. And please—GO VOTE.

I remember attending a city council meeting many years ago after moving to Murfreesboro. I wasn’t very knowledgeable about how things worked, but I wanted to be more informed. After the meeting, I seriously considered running for county commissioner

Jennifer durand is the owner and operator of The Nurture Nook day Spa & gift Shoppe. Call 615896-7110 or visit facebook.com/nurturenookdayspa or nurturenook.com for more.