Murfreesboro, TN August 2024 by City Lifestyle

AugustKids & Pets Issue

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.

This issue is always one of my favorites. I suppose because of the immense joy that children bring to their families and the significant impact they make on their communities.

Children are not merely the hope for a brighter tomorrow; they are the foundation upon which our society stands. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment and we are happy to highlight the best for Murfreesboro's kids in this issue.

Secondarily, who could forget pets? The special kind of companionship can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. Pets provide us with unconditional love, the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends? The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship.

I will never forget our childhood basset hound named Flash, named after the character in The Dukes of Hazzard. He was so slobbery and adorable and loved me and my brother unconditionally. When he was a puppy his ears were so long that he would trip on them when running!

Although children are of infinitely more value, what children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention and intention shapes how they are raised and who they become. We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.

Cheers!

AMANDA OAKS, PUBLISHER @BOROCITYLIFESTYLE

August 2024

PUBLISHER

Amanda Oaks | amanda.oaks@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Matilyn Jennings | matilyn.jennings@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Matilyn Jennings, Lynn Caldwell, Maddy Williams, Joe West, Cassidy Polman, Leigh Achenbach

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jennifer Viscardi, Patricia Drach, Jim Davies, Feiten Photography, Carla Lynn Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

MTSU vs. Tennessee Tech Floyd Stadium Saturday 6 p.m. *Tickets required

Rutherford County College Night

Sept. 4 Student Union Ballroom

Sept. 26–29, 7:30 p.m Tucker Theatre SAVE THE DATE 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Sept. 11, 7:30 a.m. Miller Education Center Football Home Opener

ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL

BUSINESSES

Pure Glow Skin Refinery Celebrates 10 years in business!

Join in celebrating 10 years in business with Pure Glow Skin Refinery Experience complimentary Cryotherapy with an exfoliating treatment, brow waxing, and chair massages. This event will also feature Permanently M Permanent Jewelry. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine, and discounts on skincare product and treatment packages. We look forward to seeing you! Aug 22nd, Celebrate 10 Years with Pure Glow Refinery, Pure Glow Skin Refinery, 308 Uptown Square Murfreesboro / 5p - 7p

Lodge N’ Learn Collaboration

With the Lodge N’ Learn program, your pup will be trained while you’re away by one of Wag It Better’s experienced dog trainers, on-site at My 4 Dogs Academy & Spa. During five 30-minute training sessions (Monday – Friday), the trainer will work with your fur baby to master sit, down, touch, and 2 other skills of your choosing. Trainer will also work on proofing those skills around distractions. Register a https://wagitbe tter.com/lodgenlearn.

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J Taylor Designs Celebrates 15 years in business!

Jamie Taylor started her company organically and has grown into something beyond her wildest dreams. Home design is her passion, and over these 15 years Jamie has had the honor and blessing to help clients create their dream homes. Jamie puts intention in every detail throughout your new home design inspired by your unique lifestyle. Happy 15 year anniversary J Taylor Designs!

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Come Celebrate 10 Years In Business

DISCOUNTS

SPECIAL TREATMENTS

Free Eyebrow Waxing | Free Facial Cryo Treatment | Free Chair Massage | Discounts On Permanently M Jewelry

SWEET EATS

Enjoy An Array Of Mouthwatering Sweets And Delectable Treats While Sipping On Wine And Champagne.

mor e. With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only.

Expir es 8/30/24. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.

INTRODUCING

FOUNTAINS AT GATEWAY

Where you can live your best life.

Maybe you work here. Or dine here. Or shop here. Or ice skate here. Or attend a concert here. Now, you can live here!

Atrium at Fountains luxury condominiums are just steps away from all you’ve come to enjoy about Fountains at Gateway.

For more information, visit our website or send us an email to schedule a showroom visit and virtual walkthrough!

visit www.atriumatfountains.com email live@atriumatfountains.com

your favorite unit today for only $5,000

Conquer Playroom

THREE SIMPLE STEPS TO ORGANIZE YOUR PLAYROOM AND BRING PEACE TO YOUR HOME

ARTICLE BY LEIGH ACHENBACH PHOTOGRAPHY BY FEITEN PHOTOGRAPHY

STEP 1: EMPTY AND SORT

Empty every bin, cabinet, and drawer, sorting like items together. This step helps you see how much you have. By pulling everything out, you will start to see your space differently and discover new and better options for organization.

STEP 2: PURGE

By sorting items first, you have already kick-started step 2! When items are sorted into smaller categories, you can tackle the room in manageable pieces. Look for toys that are broken or missing pieces to purge. Next, decide whether the remaining items are age-appropriate and if your children still play with them.

STEP 3: ORGANIZE AND LABEL

Finally, you have made it to the fun part! It’s time to rethink your space and find creative ways to store items. Keep the categories you have already created, and repurpose any storage items you have or find matching bins to store toys in. Labeling your storage bins will help keep your new system in place and maintain organization for a long time.

DEAR

SELF Younger

A MESSAGE TO MY 16-YEAR-OLD SELF AS AN MTSU ALUMNA

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MADDY

WILLIAMS

Dear 16-year-old Maddy,

Your time in college is coming to a close. It's hard to wrap your head around. I know at 16, it feels like you have all the time in the world but trust me—it flies by.

I know you're scared of choosing the wrong college. I know you're hesitant to stay in your hometown when all your friends are heading out of state. Those fears will soon dissipate. MTSU is the right choice; you won't regret it. You will have so many invaluable experiences.

Not only that, but MTSU gave you a full ride! All your hard work in high school paid off — your dream of going to college debt-free came true.

Working for your high school newspaper is a brilliant choice. You may not realize this in high school, but you will major in journalism in college. Your love for writing will flourish, and you'll gain so many amazing multimedia skills in audio, social media, and marketing.

Your dreams of studying in England will soon come to fruition. You studied there for an entire semester at the University of Salford. Your classes were right by BBC News, and your journalism skills grew immensely.

Living alone in another country and traveling the United Kingdom and Europe will push you outside of your comfort zone, but you'll learn more about yourself and experience life outside of your hometown.

MTSU will provide you with so many amazing opportunities. You wrote articles and did social media for Sidelines and the Division of Marketing and Communications. You studied abroad in three different countries, visited 11 other countries, and worked at Bonnaroo twice.

Most importantly, you were exactly where you needed to be. Don't be afraid of this next season of life. College will give you everything you've hoped for and worked toward.

Sincerely, 21-year-old Maddy

“Don’t fear this next season; college will fulfill all you’ve hoped and worked for.”

Maddy Williams is a senior at Middle Tennessee State University. She will graduate in August with a degree in Journalism.

Younger Maddy

Bombshells Hair Studio

Striving to ensure that all of our customers are return customers, Tri Star Title and Escrow pursues quality customer service as our number one priority.

We implement processes that make our customers feel valued and respected as they make their home buying or selling decisions. Tri Star Title and Escrow has been in business for 19 years, over those years we have created a family like atmosphere.

Our clients whether first time or returning are always welcome to a seat at our table, and we are always eager to serve them in any way we can!

JOHN JONES: HOW FAMILY AND FURRY FRIENDS MAKES LIFE COMPLETE

Life, Art, and Real Estate

ARTICLE BY MATTIE JENNINGS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS PHOTOGRAPHERS

Birdie and Matisse

John Jones

John and Family

“

Tell the truth, take responsibility for your actions, and strive for self-improvement.

Having spent his entire life in the vibrant community of Murfreesboro, John Jones has deep roots in middle Tennessee. From his early days at Riverdale High School to his time at Tennessee Tech University, John's journey has been steeped in local traditions and values. "I had a great childhood, played a lot of sports, and eventually found my way into real estate," he recalls with a smile.

John's entry into the real estate world began on his 24th birthday. "I was baby-faced, scared to death, and didn't even own a home," he admits. "I worried that people wouldn't buy a home from someone who looked like they were 16." The early years were challenging, but by year three, John hit his stride thanks to the guidance and mentorship of industry veterans like Howard and Sally Wall and John Floyd. "They taught me that nothing in life is given to you. It takes work and resilience."

John attributes much of his success to his parents, both entrepreneurs who inspired him with their work ethic. "My mom was my best role model. She always went the extra mile for her clients and had a strong character."

John's family plays a central role in his life. "We always make time for each other, whether it's celebrating the holidays together, playing games, or vacationing at the beach every fall."

His two Australian Labradoodles, Birdie and Matisse, the latter of which is named after his wife's favorite painter, Henri Matisse, bring him an immense amount of joy. "No matter what kind of day I've had, they're always happy to see me."

Among his most cherished family moments is the adoption of his fourth child from China. "Going through that process is incredibly special."

Balancing a demanding career with family life has its challenges, especially when raising children. "It's all about being intentional with your time and keeping your promises to your family," John advises.

John's business philosophy is straightforward: "Tell the truth, take responsibility for your actions, and strive for self-improvement." Staying abreast of industry trends is crucial in real estate. John emphasizes the importance of reading, listening to podcasts, and being open to new technologies. "You have to be receptive to change. If you get complacent, it can derail your business." John's approach to new ideas is fearless. "We're not scared to try things. Sometimes they don't work, and that's okay. We just move on and tweak as we go."

Now that John and his wife, Tracy, are empty nesters, they've embraced travel and new hobbies. "We've gotten into painting together. It's therapeutic and gives us time to be together." John also enjoys golfing with his children and making the most of this new chapter in life.

Tracy's artistic talent has flourished, particularly in the collage art form. "She creates amazing pieces by blending different materials and concepts," John proudly shares. While he enjoys dabbling in art, he admires Tracy's natural creativity.

John Jones' journey from a young, apprehensive real estate agent to a successful, well-rounded individual is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the importance of family and community. As he continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of real estate, John remains committed to growth, innovation, and enjoying the second half of his life to the fullest.

Lodge and Learn for Furry Friends

TWO LOCAL COMPANIES CHAMPIONING CANINE CARE AND TRAINING IN MURFREESBORO

ARTICLE BY MATILYN JENNINGS

My 4 Dogs Academy and SpaJennifer White

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR BUSINESS?

I volunteered for the KY Humane Society and learned a lot about dog breeds and behavior. After moving to Charleston, SC, I found a great dog daycare for my dogs, but when I moved to Murfreesboro, I was unsatisfied with the local options. So, I opened my own facility, using my volunteer experience and the Charleston daycare model to create an affordable, safe, and enriching environment for dogs.

WHAT TYPES OF TRAINING PROGRAMS DO YOU OFFER?

We offer a CGC Prep Academy integrated into daycare, where dogs come twice a week and work on CGC class skills. We also provide basic obedience and enrichment activities daily. We have two certified trainers on staff and refer group classes or lodge-and-learn needs to Wag It Better.

HOW DO YOU INVOLVE DOG OWNERS IN THE TRAINING PROCESS?

We provide weekly report cards and training homework for owners. We also communicate with them at drop-off and pick-up about their dog's progress in Prep Academy and current focus areas.

WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY?

Our mission is to be the first choice for doggy day academy, overnight lodging, and grooming. We aim to fulfill your pup's physical and mental needs in a positive and loving atmosphere.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE RANGE OF SPA SERVICES YOU OFFER AND THEIR BENEFITS?

We offer grooming services from walk-in nail trims to full-service breed trims to maintain the skin, coat, and overall well-being of each pet. Regular grooming sessions prevent infections, reduce anxiety, detect skin problems, maintain hygiene, and improve overall behavior.

Ruby

Wag It Better Family Dog and Training BoutiqueHeather

Moore

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR BUSINESS?

I moved to Murfreesboro 11 years ago and started Wag It Better. I have been training dogs for 25 years. Now, Wag It Better has six trainers serving our community.

WHAT TYPES OF TRAINING PROGRAMS DO YOU OFFER?

We offer programs for all ages of dogs, including obedience classes, behavior modification, day training, private lessons, group classes, and board and train programs.

ARE THERE ANY NEW SERVICES OR PROGRAMS YOU PLAN TO INTRODUCE IN THE COMING MONTHS?

We have a new socialization class for puppies called Puppy Socials. We will also offer supervised playgroups separated by age at our new location in Nolensville.

WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR DOG OWNERS TO MAINTAIN THEIR DOG'S TRAINING AND BEHAVIOR AT HOME?

Reviewing what dogs already know helps retain training. This can be done in everyday situations or with five minutes of weekly review.

WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY?

At Wag It Better, we believe dogs are family members. We train both people and dogs to understand and communicate better using positive techniques. We are passionate problem solvers with decades of expertise.

HOW DO YOU STAY UPDATED WITH THE LATEST DOG TRAINING TECHNIQUES AND BEST PRACTICES?

All Wag It Better trainers attend seminars and conferences yearly. Recently, several trainers became Fear Free Certified. We also train our dogs together weekly, trying new techniques and methods.

“We believe dogs are family members. We train both people and dogs to understand and communicate better using positive techniques.”

ARTICLE BY LYNN CALDWELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM DAVIES

MURFREESBORO FAMILY ADVENTURES

MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION PROVIDES ENDLESS FUN FOR FAMILIES

MAKING FAMILY TIME COUNT

Family campouts with campfire stories and roasted marshmallows, days spent playing and splashing at Boro Beach, hikes through the scenic backcountry of Barfield Park, and movies on the big screen under the night sky are just a few activities that families in Murfreesboro can enjoy.

KEEPING THE KIDS HAPPY & ACTIVE

Meet local animal ambassadors or learn more about nature in a hands-on environment at the Wilderness Station, get creative with cultural arts activities or kids' classes at Cannonsburgh Village, visit indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and remember that there are more than six parks scattered throughout Murfreesboro for enjoyment, running, playing, and being a kid!

LOVING THOSE FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS

Murfreesboro boasts two great dog parks, and dogs are always welcome in the parks and on the Greenway trails, provided they are nonaggressive and on a leash. The Puppy Plunge, a local favorite event, allows dogs to play and splash around at Boro Beach on the last day of summer.

For more information, visit www.MurfreesboroParks. com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram

“THERE ARE MORE THAN SIX PARKS SCATTERED THROUGHOUT MURFREESBORO FOR ENJOYMENT, RUNNING, PLAYING, AND BEING A KID!”

PREPARING PRESCHOOLERS FOR KINDERGARTEN SUCCESS

ARTICLE BY MATILYN JENNINGS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE MURFREESBORO

THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT MURFREESBORO PREPARES PRESCHOOLERS FOR THE FUTURE

At The Learning Experience of Murfreesboro, preschool introduces children to a structured setting with routines and schedules, similar to what they will experience in kindergarten. This structured environment helps children adapt to following a daily agenda, understanding the importance of time management, and preparing for the more regimented schedule of kindergarten. The daily routines at The Learning Experience include designated times for various activities such as learning sessions, playtime, meals, and rest. These routines help children become accustomed to a predictable pattern, which is crucial for their sense of security and stability.

Social Interaction: In preschool, children have ample opportunities to interact with peers, learning essential social skills through guided play and group activities. They practice sharing, cooperating, taking turns, and resolving conflicts. These interactions teach effective communication, empathy, and relationship-building. The social skills developed in preschool prepare children for the collaborative and participatory environment of a kindergarten classroom.

Academic Foundation: The Learning Experience of Murfreesboro introduces basic academic concepts through fun and engaging activities. Children learn about letters, numbers, shapes, and colors via interactive play, laying the groundwork for formal education in kindergarten. Activities like counting objects, identifying shapes, and recognizing letters foster a positive attitude towards learning, making children excited about their educational journey.

Fine and Gross Motor Skills Development : Activities at The Learning Experience enhance both fine and gross motor skills essential for overall development. Fine motor skills improve through tasks like cutting with scissors and drawing, while gross motor skills develop through physical activities like climbing and running. These activities boost hand-eye coordination, dexterity, physical fitness, coordination, and balance, preparing children for tasks they will encounter in kindergarten.

Independence and Confidence: The Learning Experience fosters independence by encouraging children to perform tasks like putting on coats, packing bags, and cleaning up. This builds self-reliance and boosts confidence, making them more prepared for the responsibilities of kindergarten. By taking responsibility for simple tasks, children feel capable and competent, enhancing their self-esteem and sense of independence.

ARTICLE BY JOE WEST WITH CASSIDY POLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

NEW CLINIC BRINGS INNOVATIVE TREATMENT TO TENNESSEE

A Lice-Free Future

“It’s the least we could do for those who work hard every day to teach our children,” says Joe .

As the back-to-school season arrives, so does the unwelcome return of head lice. The mingling of children, teachers, and caregivers after a summer apart often leads to a surge in lice cases. But families in Middle Tennessee now have a new ally in the fight against lice: Lice Clinics of America— Williamson County. This clinic, part of the Lice Clinics of America (LCA) franchise, offers a groundbreaking dehydration technique to eliminate head lice and their eggs.

Owner Joe West was inspired to start the business after his daughter, who was away at college, called him worried about an itchy scalp. Fearing it might be lice, Joe contacted a clinic offering the AirAllé™ treatment for a head check. Fortunately, his daughter was lice-free, but this experience got Joe thinking: "What if someone needed help here?" After researching local options, he discovered that not a single clinic in Tennessee offered the non-pesticide AirAllé™ dehydration treatment.

"I saw this as a huge opportunity to launch a successful business by helping others in a crisis. It's a very rewarding business model," says Joe. The clinic opened in July 2024 to offer relief to families with its innovative approach.

The FDA-cleared AirAllé™ device provides a 30-minute session that dries out lice and nits. Once that is complete, the technician will comb out the nits from the hair and finish with a topical rinse. This efficient process eliminates lice and their eggs in about one hour without the mess of water or shampoos.

BENEFITS OF THE AIRALLÉ™ TREATMENT INCLUDE:

• Minimizing school and work absenteeism due to lice.

• Providing a safe alternative for those with asthma, allergies or chemical sensitivities.

• Avoiding the risk of lice developing resistance, as they cannot adapt to dehydration.

Chemical treatments pose risks, especially to children and individuals with health concerns. Overuse of pesticides can be harmful, and many lice have evolved resistance to these chemicals. The AirAllé™ treatment, by contrast, offers a safe and effective solution by dehydrating lice—a method to which lice cannot adapt.

The clinic offers other services, including head checks and lice-prevention products. The clinic has committed to helping school staff on the front lines with children. Any private or public school principal who registers their school in our Schools Without Lice Program will enable full-time teachers, nurses or administrators to receive head checks and treatments in the clinic for FREE. No questions asked. "It's the least we could do for those who work hard every day to teach our children," says Joe. LiceClinicsOfAmerica.com/Nashville

MYTHS VS. FACTS: UNDERSTANDING HEAD LICE

Misconceptions about head lice are common. Here are some myths debunked:

Myth: Topical anti-lice shampoos effectively kill lice eggs.

Fact: Lice have developed resistance to the pesticides in many traditional treatments.

Myth: Having lice is a sign of poor hygiene. Fact: Lice prefer clean hair.

Myth: Lice can spread diseases.

Fact: Head lice do not carry or transmit diseases.

Myth: Pets can spread head lice.

Fact: Lice can only survive on human heads.

Myth: Lice can fly, jump, and hop

Fact: Lice can only crawl. They depend on consuming blood every few hours, so they would never choose to leave their host. They are adapted to living in human hair and are reluctant to leave it.

Myth: Lice can live on pillows, hairbrushes and hats for a long time

Fact: Lice relies on feeding off its human host every 3 hours. They become weak and die quickly if they don’t have a host to feed from every few hours.

Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.

ARTICLE BY LISA MOYER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

STYLED BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”

Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “That, in turn, fosters an environment where the next time a family hosts Thanksgiving or has friends over, the owner and their dogs fall into the habit of obeying commands because of the confidence built through all the work put in beforehand.”

Even dogs with a troubled history can achieve improvement.

“We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.

• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it, but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.

• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.

DOG

SOCIALIZING TIPS:

• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.

• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.

wagitbetter.com heather@wagitbetter.com V

Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.

• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.

• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.

• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.

• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.