ser V ing the hungry Where to get help with food in Rutherford County.
18
shop local gift gui D e Support local businesses and check out these spots for some unique gift ideas.
22 black mountain
High point features two overlooks with stunning Tennessee views, connects to lengthy Cumberland Trail.
25
loVe note to tennessee MTSU student photographs state’s trees.
28 pay attention
Says family after Murfreesboro man takes his life outside local Papa John’s.
6 Events
calenDar Christmas Lights in the ’Boro, North Pole Fest, Christmas Parades, Santa Photos, Ice Rinks and more!
14 Sounds concerts
24 Living mr. murfreesboro Christmas shopping on the Square
26 Food restaurant Boro Bagel
i hAvE MuCh TO bE ThANkFuL FOr!
I began counting my blessings this past Thanksgiving season, and got to 4,000 and something before I decided it was time to pause that and move on to some other activities.
The Pulse celebrates 20 full years of operation—of publishing a real-deal, hard copy, paper-and-ink community periodical—with this December 2025 edition.
It’s been an adventure, not always easy but quite interesting, a privilege to meet so many people in this town and to experience such a variety of experiences and places, and an honor to work alongside Pulse co-publisher Sarah Mayo for all of these years.
Sincere congratulations and respect to Bracken Jr. for earning his black belt. The team at Bill Taylor’s Bushido School of Karate has their students locked in, focused on working hard and consistently improving themselves.
30 News
business buzz Bricks & Minifigs, Chick-fil-A, Clay Oven, Black Frog Arms, In-N-Out, Coffee Haus, Franklin’s Fruit Tea, Waldron Station and more!
33 Opinion money matters
Finishing the year strong free your chilDren
The rise of charter
schools is meant to take power away from the voters
sports talk Merry Christmas, Nashville Predators, Cam Ward, Diego Pavia, Mike Vrabel, Amy Adams Strunk constitution stuDy Flag burning is not speech, but still protected liVing . . . well! You can’t turn back the clock, but you can wind it up again
Otherwise in November, I got my pumpkin soup in—a delicious fall tradition—have been hanging out at Lil’ Kickers watching the Beckster kick it, wandering the forest, selling ads, playing chess, taking in some football games, lifting heavy, playing some Mega Man 2 and Freestyle Metal X , eating Thanksgiving leftovers, writing about Boro Bagels and just trying to keep health and household rolling along.
In other notable Murfreesboro news and activities: there’s some holiday horse-drawn carriage ride opportunities this month on the Square. At first glance, that seems like a simple, out-of-the-ordinary, fun, festive and nostalgic pastime. It’s somewhat surprising how controversial that activity can be to some, though. Evidently, some folks feel like this is overly exerting for the horses, and even some type of animal cruelty (as if humans didn’t learn centuries ago that a couple of horses are plenty strong enough to pull a carriage carrying a few people without much difficulty). Anyway, I propose we give the animals a break, load them on a wagon, and see how many dudes it takes to hitch up and pull them around the Square. The ride would surely be a whimsical trip around downtown Murfreesboro for the equines, a display of community solidarity and animal kindness, and a gesture of holiday goodwill and cheer.
There’s some drama brewing within the Rutherford County Property Assessor’s office and the county mayor’s office regarding inconsistencies with property tax valuation and using taxpayer-funded facilities as a retail outlet to sell honey. Look for more to unfold with that soon.
The area restaurants keep on popping up at a rapid pace. Despite the continually rising cost of food, cost of real estate, cost of building and cost of labor, plenty of restaurants seem to think it’s a good idea to open in the competitive Murfreesboro market, many of them constructing pricey new buildings.
Seems there has to be a limit at some point as to what the market will support, but people always have to eat, right?
The Murfreesboro Buc-ee’s has begun rising up tall. The popular travel stop is coming right along. The people love it.
Like Mr. Murfreesboro says, do something nice for someone, whether that’s a stranger who could perhaps use an act of kindness, or doing something special for those closest to you. Merry Christmas!
Peace!
b racken m ayo
Publisher/Editor in Chief
2025 Shop Loca L Gift Guide
Dec. 4
tpo christmas concert
The Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra presents its annual Christmas Concert, a tradition in Middle Tennessee, conducted by Terry Jolley and featuring the TPO Chorus, on Thursday, Dec. 4, at Belle Aire Baptist Church (1307 N. Rutherford Blvd.). For tickets and more information on the Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra, visit tnphil.org
Dec. 5
rutherforD county
christmas tree lighting
On Friday, Dec. 5, gather around the historic Rutherford County Courthouse for the annual lighting of the Rutherford County Christmas tree. Parking in the Public Square will be closed at 5 p.m.; free parking is available at the Civic Plaza and County Judicial parking garages. Beginning at 6 p.m., enjoy free activities around the courthouse (crafts, free hot cocoa and small games), carriage rides for purchase and choirs performing around the square. Stage performances featuring School of Rock student rock bands, Rutherford County and Murfreesboro City School Elementary Choir, Center for the Arts performers and The Dancer’s School begin at 6:30. Performers will then welcome Santa onstage and turn on the lights for the Christmas tree. Afterwards, from 7:30–8:30 p.m., activities will continue around the courthouse such as carriage rides, more choir performances, and free pictures inside the courthouse with Santa. For more information, call 615-895-1887 or visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org/ celebrate-christmas-downtown
Dec. 5
legal aiD society open house
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Tennessee’s largest nonprofit law firm, hosts an open house at the Murfreesboro office (526 N. Walnut St.) from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5. Attorneys from Legal Aid Society will be on hand to discuss the work they do to provide free legal assistance to lowincome residents of Murfreesboro and the surrounding area. During the open house,
Dec. 6–7
bethlehem marketplace
Enjoy a free walk-through drama reenactment depicting how the village of Bethlehem may have looked the morning after Jesus’ birth at the 40th Annual Bethlehem Marketplace at Southeast Baptist Church (708 Minerva Dr.) Saturday and Sunday Dec. 6–7, from noon–5 p.m. each day. The atmosphere and surroundings take guests back 2,000 years, with characters dressed in historic costumes such as Roman soldiers, prisoners, weavers, merchants in shops, census takers and more. There will also be live camels and other animals. In years past, the presentation has drawn as many as 8,000 guests over the weekend from all across the country. There is no cost for admission, and the merchandise in the marketplace is not really for sale. No reservations are required. Tour time averages about one hour, even at times of peak crowds. Experience-goers will be entertained in the sanctuary with Christmas music from local school choirs, groups, individuals and videos while waiting their turn to enter Bethlehem. For more information, visit sebaptist.org/bethlehem-marketplace or find Bethlehem Marketplace on Facebook.
the society will honor local partners, volunteers and community leaders who help ensure that every person—regardless of income—receives equal treatment under the law. Murfreesboro resident Cindy Gallaher will be recognized for her outstanding and dedicated service to expanding access to justice in the Murfreesboro community. The nonprofit law firm, which serves 48 counties, offers free civil legal representation and educational programs. RSVPs are encouraged. Expect light refreshments, a meet-and-greet with the legal team, office tours and program overviews, information about volunteer and partnership opportunities, and community networking and resource sharing. For more information, visit las.org, find the Legal Aid Society Murfreesboro Open House event on Event-
brite, follow the LASMTC Facebook page or call 615-890-0905.
Dec. 5
night of possibilities
Possibility Place will present its annual Night of Possibilities fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 5, from 7–9 p.m. at Lifepoint Church Smyrna Campus (506 Legacy Dr., Smyrna). Experience the joy of Christmas while enjoying a special performance by the Pals of Possibility Place. This year’s theme is “Christmas Through the Decades.” Delicious desserts, coffee and hot chocolate will be available, and the Mistletoe Market and a silent auction will be open for Christmas shopping needs. Possibility Place seeks to provide possibilities for individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities through job training, building friendships, and help with independent living skills and healthy lifestyle habits. For more information, visit possibilityplacetn.org/events or find Possibility Place on Facebook.
Dec. 6
paraDe of lights
The 15th annual Parade of Lights will be Saturday, Dec. 6, beginning at 5 p.m. at City Hall (5093 Murfreesboro Rd., La Vergne) and ending at Veterans Memorial Park (115 Floyd Mayfield Dr., La Vergne), where the tree lighting ceremony and fireworks show take place. This year’s theme is “T’was the Night Before Christmas.” The grand marshal is George Lancaster. All parade participants are being asked to decorate their cars, floats or signs with lights for the event, which will take place after dark. Following the parade, there will be Christmas carols, cookies, fireworks, ice skating and pictures with Santa. Get pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 6:30–8 p.m. The popular free snow rink will be back with first-come, first-served entry. Participants are allowed one hour of skate time that rotates out every hour. Skates are available for free, if needed. For more information, call 615-7933224, visit lavergnetn.gov/237 or email events@lavergnetn.gov
Dec. 6 & 13
santa photos at the rutherforD courthouse
Bring your kids and your camera and capture holiday memories with the big jolly guy himself, Santa Claus, at the historic Rutherford County Courthouse from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays, Dec. 6 and 13.
Dec.
6, 13 & 20
grinch photos anD cookie
Decorating at oflow
OFLOW (Overflow – Brews & Bakes, 115 N. Maple St.) hosts photos with the Grinch and holiday cookie decorating on Saturdays Dec. 6, 13 and 20 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Decorate a cookie for $5 or 3 cookies for $10. OFLOW provides all the candies, sprinkles, and icing, and does the cleanup. If you are nice, you
CONTiNuEd ON PAgE 7
can get a photo with the Grinch (bonus points with the Grinch if you show him your cookie!). Enter for a chance to win a Grinch stainless steel mug with every cookie-decorating. Visit overflowb.com or find Oflow (Overflow Brews and Bakes) on Facebook for more information.
Dec. 7 & 21
photos with grinch
Middle Ground Brewing Co. (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.) invites the public to drop by for pizza, pints and free DIY photos with that green Grinchy guy from 1–4 p.m. on Sundays, Dec. 7 and 21.
Dec. 7
winter wonDerlanD with a charlie brown christmas
World Outreach Church (1921 New Salem Hwy.) invites the community to celebrate Christmas through a variety of festive and family-friendly events throughout the season in Murfreesboro. A Winter Wonderland featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas is Sunday, Dec. 7. Specifically built for children elementary age and younger, the church campus transforms into a winter wonderland experience with ice skating, snow tubing, snowball games, a live nativity, train rides, and more, beginning at 2 p.m. The WOC Teen Choir will present A Charlie Brown Christmas at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Admission and activities are free; all ages are welcome. For more information, visit wochurch.org/events
Dec. 13
canDlelight tour of homes
Usher in the holiday season with the 42nd Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes, featuring Oaklands Mansion dressed in all of its holiday splendor, on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 4–8 p.m. This special holiday tradition takes you through Murfreesboro’s East Main Street Historic District, to some historic homes on adjoining streets and then to Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.). Participants are welcome to drive themselves to view the houses. Free parking is also available at Oaklands Mansion and Oaklands Park. Murfreesboro Little Theatre members will be found throughout the mansion sharing short stories and tidbits of information about the historic structure. Elaine Winters and Rob Pearcy from The Home Sweet Home Band will play Christmas standards and old holiday favorites. Oaklands Museum Shop will be open for unique holiday shopping. Food trucks will be parked at Oaklands Man-
sion as well as a self-serve s’mores bar (weather permitting). Mrs. Claus will be sharing cookies in Maney Hall and collecting toy donations for Give a Little Christmas. Give a Little Christmas is a group of artists for community transformation who help spread Christmas magic by providing gifts for kids, focusing on families with last-minute emergencies and temporary setbacks. Also in Maney Hall, the Tennessee Valley Winds will play two 45-minute sets starting at 4 p.m. Admission is $30 per adult and $10 per student ages 6–12 (free for ages 5 and under). To inquire about including your property or for more information, call 615-893-0022, email events@oaklandsmansion.org or visit oaklandsmansion.org/candlelighttour.
Dec. 13
north pole fest & shopping expo
Brianna Victory Events presents breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 8–10 a.m. followed by the North Pole Festival & Shopping Expo from 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and includes breakfast with Santa, drinks, a picture taken with Santa (use your own camera), live music, Christmas music and a petting zoo interaction. The Mid State Cloggers Perform from 10–11 a.m. Shop from over 50 vendors, partake in the ice skating rink and Kid Zone, Christmas-themed bounce houses ($5 wristbands- play all day; or included with Breakfast with Santa ticket), face painting and a short-distance, Christmas-themed race with all proceeds ($25 race fee) donated to the Rutherford County ATLAS Program. ATLAS supports hundreds of students experiencing homelessness. Sign up at the event in person to reserve your spot. The winner of the race will win $50 Market Bucks to spend on vendors at the event. There is free parking and free admission to the market. For more information, find the North Pole Festival & Shopping Expo event on Eventbrite and Facebook, call 931-952-0472 or email briannavictoryevents@gmail.com
Dec. 14
ceDar glaDe classic car cruise-in
Shine ‘er up and drive ‘er in at the Cedar Glade Brews (906 Ridgely Rd.) classic car cruise-in on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 1–4 p.m. Car-ticipants get $3 off their tab (1 per car). Stick around for trivia at 5 p.m. There is no sign-up required and no cost to participate. For more information, visit cedargladebrews.com or find the CGB
CONTiNuEd ON PAgE 8
ongoing christmas lights in the boro
For many families, it’s an annual holiday tradition to load up in the car and cruise the nearby neighborhoods to view festive Christmas light displays— maybe while singing along to Christmas carols and sipping a hot beverage. Murfreesboro Realtor Tony Crabtree continues his holiday project, compiling some of the best places to see Christmas light displays and other festive decor in town. He offers a map on his website, a great resource for those looking for fun and inexpensive holiday entertainment. Viewers can observe all of these displays from the comfort of their vehicles.
WhErE TO viEW ChriSTMAS LighTS iN MurFrEESbOrO:
103 Gateway Dr. 1127 Newberry Dr. 1438 Trotters Ln., Rockvale 1516 Neutrino Dr. 1737 Marian Ln. 1920 Higgins Ln. 2050 Sugartree Dr. 2119 Patriot Dr. 218 Stockton Dr. 2407 Tinnell Ct. 3016 Richland Richardson Rd. 3031 Fallswood Dr. 305 Beverly Randolph Dr. 3172 Winfield Ct. 3908 Regiment Pl. 4205 Ruston Ct. 501 River Birch Farms Dr. 6527 Forrest Ln.
841 Lexi Ln. 9845 Roanoke Dr. 402 Clubridge Ct. 3023 Schoolside St. 648 Laurel Ln. 229 Applewood Ln. 7922 Spire St. 1009 Stratus Dr. 1910 Falsetto Ln. 2332 Londonderry Dr. 1184 Ithaca St. 4598 Barfield Crescent Rd. 2435 English Hill Dr. 416 Bell Buckle Wartrace Rd., Bell Buckle 1505 Blueridge Dr. 110 Slidell Ct., Rockvale 135 Surevue Dr. 1625 Drayton Dr.
The community may use the hashtag #borochristmas2025 to tag photos of area homes and their seasonal light-viewing fun.
Crabtree also encourages everyone to share more locations for the evergrowing map. To submit addresses to add to the Christmas lights map, email tony@crabtreehomestn.com. When asking for displays to be added, be sure to attach a photo or video of the display, if possible.
After viewing all of the lights, people can vote for their favorite display; everyone who votes will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 Visa gift card.
FiNd A FuLL MAP of these Murfreesboro holiday light displays, and enter your vote for your favorite, at crabtreehomestn.com/christmaslights.
Classic Car Cruise-In event on Facebook.
Dec. 14
photos with santa
Bring your Christmas list and drop by Middle Ground Brewing Co. (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.) for pizza, pints and free DIY photos with the big jolly guy himself, from 1–4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14.
through Dec. 15
toys for tots collection
Jeff and Joann Royer, owners of Wild Birds Unlimited Murfreesboro, have partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program to help them in their efforts to collect new unwrapped toys which will be distributed to economically disadvantaged children within the local area at Christmas. The goal of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is—through the gift of a new toy—to help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America’s disadvantaged children. Last year the Toys for Tots Program provided over 30 million toys to nearly 13 million children. Members of the community are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys for children, from tots to teens, in the collection boxes positioned inside Wild Birds Unlimited at The Avenue, 2615 Medical Center Pkwy., Suite 1060. Toys will be collected daily Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Dec. 15. For more information, contact the retail location at 615-869-7975.
through Dec. 15
tennessee poetry contest
The Poetry Society of Tennessee, a statewide nonprofit for poets and poetry lovers, seeks poetic voices for its 69th Annual Poetry Festival Contests. This year, 17 different contests and more than $1,200 in prizes are being offered. Contests explore a variety of themes and forms, including Tennessee-based topics. In addition, firstplace poems are considered for the Best of Fest award and a $250 prize. Winners will be announced during the Tennessee Poetry Festival on Saturday, April 18, 2026. First-place winning poems will be published in the Tennessee Voices Anthology, 2025–26, which features the best of poetry from the society’s program year. Among the contest categories is the Tennessee Voices contest, which seeks poems from Tennessee-based residents. Contest prizes are $150 for first, $100 for second and $50 for third. All three of the winning poems from this contest will be published in the anthology. Entry fees vary based on
Dec. 14
m urfreesboro c hristmas para D e
Save the date for the 2025 Murfreesboro Christmas Parade, scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 14, from 2–4 p.m. The theme of this year’s parade is “A Sweet Christmas.” The parade starts at Middle Tennessee Boulevard and Main Street near MTSU, and ends on Walnut Street just past the Murfreesboro Public Square. Celebrate the holidays with street performances, dancing, horses and decorated business vehicles and floats. For more information, find Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation on Facebook or visit murfreesborotn.gov/2171.
contests entered and membership status. Entries must be submitted on or before Monday, Dec. 15. Student memberships are also available. To learn more, visit poetrytennessee.org/pstfestivalcontests or email poetrytennessee@gmail.com.
Dec. 16
boro books anD brews book club
Books and Brews meets Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. at Middle Ground Brewing Company (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.). Highland Hearts Holiday Bookshop by Tricia O’Malley is the book lined up for the December discussion. Participants plan to meet before the December discussion for a holiday celebration and community food collection. For more information on the Books and Brews Book club, email rachgauger@gmail.com, visit middle groundbrew.com or find Middle Ground Brewing Co. or the Boro Books and Brews group on Facebook.
Dec. 18–19
Dashing through the snow
Welcome to the Snowflake Inn in Tinsel, Texas, where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. Written by three-member collective Jones Hope Wooten, Dashing Through the Snow follows the chaos and antics that take place in a Christmas-themed bed and
from Narrow Gate Coffee, and Taiwanese bubble tea. The cost is $35 per person or $20 for children between 3–8 years old, plus tax. OFLOW asks that you dress for a high tea party (semi-formal or smart casual). There will be a prize for the bestdressed. Reservations are limited. A nonrefundable $10 per-person fee is required to secure your spot. For more information, find Oflow’s Christmas High Tea Party event on Facebook or call 615-900-1676.
Dec. 20
family campfire anD night hike
breakfast in the Lone Star State. From affairs to family feuds to the Christmas Carol, will Trina Walcott, the owner of the B&B, survive the season? Or will more than just the halls be decked? This is a hilarious evening filled with raucous guests, family secrets and the charm of small-town Christmas, performed by Murfreesboro Little Theatre at Oaklands Mansion’s Maney Hall (900 N. Maney Ave.) Thursday and Friday, Dec. 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the play are available at mltarts.com and oaklandsmansion.org.
Dec. 19
christmas at patterson park
The jolly bearded guy and his sleigh will be on hand for Christmas at Patterson Park (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.). This free community event begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19. Enjoy DIY photos with Santa, Christmas cookies, ornament decorating, story time with Mrs. Claus, writing letters to Santa, character greetings and more.
Dec. 20
oflow high tea party
OFLOW (115 N. Maple St.) will host a Christmas high tea party on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 1–2:30 p.m. The limitedset menu will feature nine different pastries and savories as well as fresh-brewed loose leaf tea from Music City Tea, coffee
The Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center staff will host an evening around the campfire at Sharp Springs Natural Area (1000 Espey Dr., fire pit located behind the Green Building) on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 6–8 p.m. for fun games, friends and yummy s’mores. The event will also include a guided hike with activities designed to increase knowledge and comfort when it comes to darkness. (Food is first-come, first-served; weather-dependent program). The cost to participate is $2 per person; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is suggested through the Community Pass. For more information, email mike.kraft@townofsmyrna.org
Dec. 26
4th friDay fun*working
The monthly “fun working” event at Spread the Positive (906 Ridgely Rd.) is held the fourth Friday of every month from 5–7 p.m., presented by Reed and Associates of Primerica and Spread the Positive. The event is focused on shining a light on what’s going right and highlighting businesses making a positive impact in the community. Each month the event features a live podcast featuring local businesses and community leaders as well as networking and conversations, on and off the air, in and around the STP studio. There will be an on-site food truck, so grab a drink and a bite while you connect with the best in the ’Boro. For more information, find 4th Friday Fun*Working on Facebook.
Dec. 27
holiDay hustle last chance 5k
Kick off the new year with a bang at the Holiday Hustle Last Chance 5K on Saturday, Dec. 27, at 8 a.m. at Sharp Springs Park (311 Jefferson Pk., Smyrna). This festive 5K run/walk welcomes participants of all ages and abilities as well as furry friends (on a leash). Every finisher will earn a medal, and there are exciting
CONTiNuEd ON PAgE 10
it’s the holiday season
Don’t Forget to Support These Local Businesses!
CONTiNuEd FrOM PAgE 8
awards for the top two finishers in various age groups. The race not only promotes health and community spirit but also local causes, with proceeds benefiting youth programs and veterans’ groups such as the Tennessee Veterans Home in Murfreesboro. Pick up your race packet early on Friday, Dec. 26, from 4–7 p.m. at VFW Post 8422 (10157 Old Nashville Hwy.) or on race day starting at 7 a.m. This event is sponsored by the Stones River Marine Corps League Detachment 1158 and funds are raised to support their youth group and local veteran groups. The registration fee is $35; $40 after Saturday, Dec. 20. For more information, find the Holiday Hustle Last Chance 5K on runsignup.com.
throughout December
la Vergne snow rink
The popular free snow rink will be back this winter from Dec. 6 through Jan. 3 at Veterans Memorial Park (115 Floyd Mayfield Dr., La Vergne). Entry is first-come, first-served. Participants are allowed one hour of skate time that rotates out every hour. Skates are available for free, if needed. (The snow rink will not be open Friday, Dec. 13.) For complete hours and more information, call 615-7933224, visit lavergnetn.gov/678 or email events@lavergnetn.gov.
throughout December
free
outDoor ice rink
World Outreach Church (1921 New Salem Hwy.) invites the community to celebrate Christmas through a variety of festive and family-friendly events throughout the season in Murfreesboro. The ice rink is open to the public for free ice skating throughout the season through Jan. 19. Guests can enjoy hot chocolate by the fire and even watch a movie while they skate. Skates are provided, and sessions are first-come, first-served. All ages are welcome. For more information, visit wochurch.org/events
Jan. 1
new year’s Day 5k
The Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation New Year’s Day 5K is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 1, at 10 a.m. at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.). This family-friendly race is open to runners, walkers, joggers, adults, teens and children. This race is electronically timed, and every finisher receives a medal. Participants will receive a festive long-sleeved T-shirt and compete for awards for overall winners and
age group winners in male and female categories. The cost to register is $30; deadline to register is Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. (or until max participants of 525 is reached). Find more information and register for the Murfreesboro New Year’s Day 5K at runsignup.com.
monDays
grinch-mas at Doco
During December, that mischievous green Grinch guy will be serving up donuts and causing a little trouble, interacting with guests and snapping photos with kids of all ages at Donut Country (1311 Memorial Blvd.), every Monday from 4–5:30 p.m.
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 new participants 10 minutes after start time. For more information, visit rclstn.org/venue/smyrna-public-library or call 615-459-4884.
tuesDays
sight worD snack attack
The Sight Word Snack Attack will be held at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Tuesdays at 3:15 p.m. Sight Word Snack Attack is a child-focused but all-ages program that includes a snack, water, and a round of Sight Word Bingo. Afterward, participants can choose from a variety of fun 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. For more information, call 615-459-4884 or visit rclstn.org/venue/smyrna-public-library
tuesDays
after-school climbing club
Join the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E.) on Tuesdays Dec. 2, 9 and 16 from 4–6
p.m. to climb on the indoor rock wall and challenge yourself. Climbers must weigh at least 50 pounds and wear closedtoed shoes and clothing appropriate for climbing. The cost to participate is $2. All ages are welcome; walk-up guests are welcome. For more information, call 615-459-9710 or email soac.group@ townofsmyrna.org
We D nes D ays
a ll ages story t ime
Come out to Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) for All Ages Story Time on Wednesdays from 10–11 a.m. Read stories, sing songs and play fun games to enhance early literacy. Programs will close to new participants 10 minutes after start time. For more information, call 615-459-4884 or visit rclstn.org/venue/smyrna-public-library
We D nes D ays
w il D w e D nes Day
Join SOAC staff on Wednesdays Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E.) from 4:30–5:30 p.m. to discover something wild about the natural world. Meet a SOAC animal or enjoy a nature-based activity each week; weekly topics are posted on Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center social media. There is no cost to participate and all ages are welcome. For more information, call 615-459-9710 or email soac.group@townofsmyrna.org.
thursDays
after school art club
Join the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E.) from 4:30–6 p.m. on Thursdays Dec. 11 and 18 to create some art to take home. In SOAC’s Art Club, participants will develop art skills, learn about art history and have fun. All supplies are provided. The cost to participate is $3 for members and $5 for non-members per class. Ages 7–17 years are welcome; anyone under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is suggested through Community Pass; walk-up guests are welcome. For more information, email sam.kaviyakone@townofsmyrna.org.
thursDays
early learners
Join Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center staff on Thursdays Dec. 4, 11 and 18 (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E.) for a different themed lesson geared toward introducing your young ones to a classroom setting from 10–11 a.m. or 1–2 p.m. The Early Learners program is developmentally and age-appropriate. Each lesson may involve STEAM investigations, song and motion, story time, and/or exhibit free-play. The cost to join is $2. Ages: 2–6 years old are welcome. Registration is required through Community Pass. Call 615-459-9710 or email soac.group@townofsmyrna.org for more information.
FriDays
murfreesboro community chess
Murfreesboro Community Chess meets at McAlister’s Deli (2357 Medical Center Pkwy.) every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Organizers invite those of all ages and skill levels to this casual chess meetup each week. Those attending may bring a board and a clock, but there should be plenty of supplies on hand.
FriDays
c3 networking
C3 is an open networking group for local business professionals at Achieve Entrepreneur 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, support each other’s professional growth and educate people on how to participate in the local community. Complimentary coffee and snacks are provided. To learn more, find Prohibition Home Brewing on Facebook.
FriDays & saturDays
charming christmas at cannonsburgh
Stroll around the beautifully decorated Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) and enjoy live entertainment, visits from Santa and more, each Friday and Saturday from 4–8 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.
saturDays
historical society coffee & conVersation
The Rutherford County Historical Society has been preserving and promoting Murfreesboro’s local history since 1971.
The RCHS 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. For more information, visit rutherfordtnhistory.org.
ongoing
f3 workouts
F3—which stands for fitness, fellowship and faith—holds free, outdoor, peer-led workouts for men across the country. The free weekly workout sessions welcome all men and always end with a “circle of trust,” emphasizing the group’s commitment to faith. In Murfreesboro, F3 holds workouts on the Murfreesboro Public Square at 5 a.m. on Tuesdays; at Oakland Middle School (853 Dejarnette Ln.) at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesdays; at the Murfreesboro Medical Clinic/ Gateway Island parking lot (1272 Garrison Dr.) at 5 a.m. on Thursdays; and at Old Fort Park (201 Golf Ln., at the north entrance parking lot) at 6 a.m. on Saturdays. In Smyrna, F3 meets for workouts at Cedar Grove Elementary (354 Chaney Rd., Smyrna) at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesdays; at Thurman Francis Arts Academy (221 Todd Ln., Smyrna) at 5:30 a.m. on Thursdays; and at Stewarts Creek High School (301 Red Hawk Pkwy., Smyrna) at 6 a.m. on Saturdays. The group meets every week, rain or shine, hot or cold. For more information, visit f3murfreesboro.com.
concerts Live Music in M idd L e tennessee
We D , 12/3
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Blues Jam
Hig H s ociety
Jam with Mickey
M tsu s aunders Fine a rts, r oo M 117
Clarinet Studio recital
Mtsu w rig Ht Music Building
MTSU Salsa Band; MTSU Concert Orchestra
sM yrna VF w Post 8422
Sharon & Dave
t hurs, 12/4
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Dueling Pianos with Carter Elliott and Tyler Petty
Hig H s ociety
Cary & Sherrie Lynn
Fri, 12/5
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Tony Castellanos; Jack Finley
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
Heroes d en
The Fog
Hig H s ociety
The Bar Tabs
l a c ucina i taliana
Luna Morena
l una’s n ig H t c lu B
Blank Page
sM yrna VF w Post 8422
Shane and the Money Makers
s at, 12/6
Bar l ouie
Jeff Lysyczyn
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Kaleb Scherer Band
c edar g lade Brews
Barz in the Boro
Hip-Hop
Ha PP y’s sP orts l ounge
Rudge Powell Band
Heroes d en
Roland Justice; Cooter River Band
Hig H s ociety
Rockin Country
Po P ’s Bar & g rill
Sharon & Dave
sM yrna VF w Post 8422
Eden Storm
s un, 12/7
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Andru Jamison
Ho P sP rings
Da Jam Band
Mtsu w rig Ht Music Building
MT Choral Society
m on, 12/8
Hank’s Honky t onk
Open Mic Night
Hig H s ociety
Ashley Dawn
Mtsu w rig Ht Music Building
Osten Collins
sM yrna VF w Post 8422
Randy and Friends
t ues, 12/9
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Savannah Benz
Hig H s ociety
Shane Douglas
s easons 2 Bar and g rill
Kim the Harp Jam
We D , 12/10
Boro Bour B on & Brews
A Slice of American Pie
Hig H s ociety
Jam with Mickey
sM yrna VF w Post 8422
Sharon & Dave
t hurs, 12/11
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Carson Mac c ar M en’s taqueria
Jeff Lysyczyn
Hig H s ociety
Lisa & the Fab 3
Fri, 12/12
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Sean Donovan; Carson Mac Trio
c edar g lade Brews
The Secret Commonwealth
Ha PP y’s sP orts l ounge
Phoenix Rising
Heroes d en
Jay Martin; No Escape
Hig H s ociety
Jack Finley Band
l a c ucina i taliana
Luna Morena
sM yrna VF w Post 8422
Shane and the Money Makers
s at, 12/13
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Eden Storm
c edar g lade Brews
Jeff Lysyczyn
Ha PP y’s sP orts l ounge
Revolution
Heroes d en
Whiskey Hollow
Hig H s ociety
Shane and the Money Makers
Po P ’s Bar & g rill
Sharon & Dave
s un, 12/14
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Jesse Morgan and Dane Peoples
Ho P sP rings
Da Jam Band
m on, 12/15
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
Hank’s Honky t onk
Open Mic Night
Hig H s ociety
Ashley Dawn
sM yrna VF w Post 8422
Randy and Friends
t ues, 12/16
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
Hig H s ociety
Shane Douglas
s easons 2 Bar and g rill
Kim the Harp Jam
We D , 12/17
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Glenn Brown
Hig H s ociety
Jam with Mickey
Hilton g arden i nn sM yrna
Jeff Lysyczyn
sM yrna VF w Post 8422
Sharon & Dave
t hurs, 12/18
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Carter Elliott
Hig H s ociety
Rockin Country
Fri, 12/19
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Tony Hartman;
Silent Ruckus
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
Ha PP y’s sP orts l ounge
Vintage Voltage
Heroes d en
Casey Gerhardt;
Cary and Sherrie Lynn
Hig H s ociety
Tough Enough
l a c ucina i taliana
Luna Morena
sM yrna VF w Post 8422
Shane and the Money Makers
s at, 12/20
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Tony Castellanos; Lisa Law
Ha PP y’s sP orts l ounge
DJ Two Tone
Heroes d en
Jeff Lysyczyn; Eden Storm
Hig H s ociety
Stove Tops
l una’s n ig H t c lu B
Leonard Brothers Band; Revelry
Middle g round Brewing c o.
Miles Damaso Trio
presents A Charlie Brown Christmas
Po P ’s Bar & g rill
Sharon & Dave
s un, 12/21
Boro Bour B on & Brews
The O’Donnells
Ho P sP rings
Da Jam Band
m on, 12/22
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
Hank’s Honky t onk
Open Mic Night
Hig H s ociety
Ashley Dawn
sM yrna VF w Post 8422
Randy and Friends
t ues, 12/23
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Elliott Booe
Hig H s ociety
Shane Douglas
s easons 2 Bar and g rill
Kim the Harp Jam
We D , 12/24
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Steve Fox
sM yrna VF w Post 8422
Sharon & Dave
Hig H s ociety
Jam with Mickey
Fri, 12/26
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Stones River Revival
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
Ha PP y’s sP orts l ounge
BlueAshes
Heroes d en
Delyn Christian; Aether Slade
Hig H s ociety
The Sugar Daddies
l a c ucina i taliana
Luna Morena
sM yrna VF w Post 8422
Shane and the Money
Makers
W e D nes D ay night J am
wednesdays @ H ig H society restaurant & Bar
Wednesday nights in Murfreesboro are getting a jolt of rhythm and soul thanks to a continuing weekly jam series, held each Wednesday evening at High Society (211 W. Main St.). Join mickey gannon , Alan Baker, Joe Bass, Eric Lopez and other local players at the lively mid-week musical meetup. Each Wednesday, music fans can enjoy a mix of blues, rock, Americana, country and improvisational numbers from a rotating cast of skilled musicians at the open jam. Bring an instrument, plug in, sit in and swap songs sometime. Music kicks off
s at, 12/27
Bar l ouie
Jeff Lysyczyn
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Delyn Christian and the Bar Tabs; Ballistic
Ha PP y’s sP orts l ounge
Heroes Den
The Revenue Man
Hig H s ociety
Cooter River Band
Po P ’s Bar & g rill
Sharon & Dave
sM yrna VF w Post 8422
In Cahoots
s un, 12/28
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Rattlesnake & Eggs
d a Ja M Band
Hop Springs
m on, 12/29
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
Hank’s Honky t onk
Open Mic Night
Hig H s ociety
Ashley Dawn
sM yrna VF w Post 8422
Randy and Friends
t ues, 12/30
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Kip Gunnells
Hig H s ociety
Shane Douglas
s easons 2 Bar and g rill
Kim the Harp Jam
We D , 12/31
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Kevin Wolf; Jack Finley Band
Hank’s Honky t onk
Zach Neil & Friends, with Dale Clear, Gregg Lohman and Cliff Canterbury
Hig H s ociety
Rockin Country
s easons o F Mur F rees B oro
Midnight Highway
sM yrna VF w Post 8422
Shane and Tony
spotlight on nonprofit
serving the hungry
where to get help with food in murfreesboro, multiple organizations provide for those in need
by l aura l in D say
WiTh hELP FrOM A MuLTiTudE OF COMMuNiTy MEMbErS, several groups in Rutherford County work to alleviate hunger, providing for those with food insecurity.
The need for community resources supplying food for the hungry and the effect of local giving was seen even more clearly when the recent government shutdown paused SNAP benefits.
“It went a lot better than I expected,” said Sarah Carroll, an organizer of The Blessing Boxes of Rutherford County Facebook group. “I was a little nervous because I felt like everyone had been stretched so thin lately, but we got a great response.
“It seems like SNAP benefits have been restored, but there is still a big need for help. A lot of people still can’t feed their families properly.”
Daily throughout the year, these blessing boxes are emptied and refilled. The number of blessing boxes in our county has increased from about 40 last year to 60 this year, as people keep putting up boxes to help others.
Nourish Food Bank was able to stay open during the period of increased demand, serving even more families, thanks to community support.
Various other organizations delivered or served meals during the Thanksgiving season, but for many, the need for food may arise any time through the year.
For those in the community unable to provide food for their family, these organizations exist to help. Those in a time of need can contact them to help bring stability to their life and household. Or, for those who would like to get involved in serving others and becoming part of a network that helps provide food, the Murfreesboro area has various nonprofit organizations that always seek donations and volunteers.
greenhouse ministries was established to assist the under-served with practical needs and education that inspires, builds skills and encourages. Greenhouse Ministries offers a grocery-style food bank called Spring House, set up like a small grocery store, and clients may pick out items they need, with assistance from a personal shopper.
The ministry was founded in 1999, when the founders noticed a gap in services to single moms and the working poor struggling to meet the basic needs of their families, although they worked full-time. Often, they make too much money to qualify for any assistance from government programs.
To volunteer at Greenhouse Ministries, attend one of the regularly scheduled volunteer orientations, which are held on Wednesdays at 2 p.m., Thursdays at 10 a.m., and on the last Saturday of the month at noon. For specific events and immediate needs, email volunteer@greenhousemin.org
To get assistance from Greenhouse Ministries, go to their location at 307 S. Academy St. to speak with a peer counselor to receive a voucher for services like food, clothing and hygiene products. You can also access specific services like a free legal clinic or free classes in various subjects.
The number of blessing boxes in Rutherford County has significantly increased this year as people provide for others in their community who are struggling with food insecurity.
Doug Caldwell, who organizes the Blessing Box group with Carroll, wrote, “We now have 60 boxes in the county, including three pet boxes. However, we continue to search for more locations. If you have suggestions, or especially contact with churches, please pass it along so we can hopefully add more locations. The need is still huge and will continue.”
Carroll said there is an even greater need around the holidays, when children are out of school. Also, since the cold weather has come, people appreciate finding hats, scarves, gloves and Hothands in the blessing boxes.
For more information about the local network of Blessing Boxes, visit the Facebook page The Blessing Boxes of Rutherford County, TN.
nourish fooD bank started over 40 years ago and still works to end hunger and build up a response to food insecurity.
Nourish Food Bank is headquartered at 1809 Memorial Blvd. in Murfreesboro, with an additional location at 130 Richardson St. in Smyrna.
Nourish serves approximately 3,000 people a month. Each person receives a grocery cart of food consisting of perishable and non-perishable items as well as personal care necessities.
To donate or for more information on Nourish Food Bank, visit nourishfoodbanks.org. In-person donations of non-perishable foods can be dropped off from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Mon.–Wed.
and 3:30–7:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Volunteers are also needed to help onsite. The Smyrna location is open from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Mon.–Thurs.
To get help from Nourish Food Bank, visit the location in person. Bring proof of identity, proof of income, and proof of address. After the intake, you will receive a grocery cart full of food.
miD-cumberlanD meals on wheels provides home-delivered meals, and companionship, for local seniors.
Hot meals, planned by a registered dietitian and prepared in a commercial kitchen Monday through Friday, are delivered by volunteers to homes and to group meal sites, such as the St. Clair Senior Center.
This organization focuses on providing meals, outreach, nutrition education, supportive services and recreational activities for individuals age 60 and older, as well as those with disabilities. Visit mc-mealsonwheels.com or call 615-8951870 for more information.
the Journey home is a Christian ministry that serves the homeless and disadvantaged in Rutherford County by providing basic need and support services that includes housing programs, meals, laundry and shower facilities and case management. The organization focuses on helping individuals and families transition out of homelessness through resources, coaching, and support for issues like health/mental health, employment and addiction recovery.
Journey Home just opened its new location at 1207 Old Salem Rd. in October 2025. The new facility includes 10 short-term family units, a wellness clinic, a chapel, and a dining room. Journey Home serves two meals a day in its dining room. They offer breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, lunch and supper on Saturdays and Sundays.
To get help from Journey Home, visit their outreach center during business hours, call them at 615-900-0400, or visit their dining room for a meal. To volunteer or donate to Journey Home, visit lovegodservepeople.org.
A faith-based organization based out of Murfreesboro, feeD america first has a simple mission statement: to provide food to those who feed the hungry. They receive bulk food donations that they distribute to about 150 partner agencies throughout Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky. With the help of hundreds of volunteers each month, they distribute one million pounds of food to feed about 40,000 families.
For every $1 donated, Feed America First says it has been able to provide 10–15 meals to people in need.
To volunteer with Feed America First, contact Michelle at michelleolsen@feedamericafirst.com or call 801-589-9301. For more information or to donate, visit feedamericafirst.com.
Support local businesses this Christmas season and check out these spots if you need some unique gift ideas.
Shop Local Gift Guide
s easonal style
A downtown Murfreesboro boutique filled with trendy apparel, accessories and farmhouse-style décor, rustic rebel (301 N. Spring St.) is perfect for gifting cozy sweaters, boutique jewelry and stylish, fun pieces.
h oli Day look for l ess
Find sweet deals on gently used brand-name clothing, shoes and accessories at plato’s closet , located at 429 N. Thompson Ln.
A gift card could make a great Christmas present for your fashionable teen or young adult. g ather ’ r
c hristmas t unes
Snag a vintage record album or a CD for the music fan on your list at century 21 music & more , located at 125 Lasseter Dr., a locally-owned shop in business since the 1970s.
Doggie ’ s Day o ut
Perfect for parents of fur babies, Doggie’s Day out, located at 424 Medical Center Pkwy., offers grooming, boarding and treats for canines. Gift certificates for grooming packages or toys make tails wag all season. Gift your dog a grooming session at this spot; or the gift of a boarding package from Doggie’s Day Out to the dog owner in your life means that they can take a vacation while knowing their dog remains well cared for. For more information, or to book an appointment visit doggiesdayout.net, or call 615-624-6140.
a ll a boar D !
Get a Lionel Train set for around the tree, and for all through the year, at thor’s furniture anD lionel trains . This locally owned spot, located at 416 Medical Center Pkwy., sells new and used Lionel sets and pieces of all gauges, as well as other toys and collectables and handmade Tennessee furniture large and small, from small tables and footstools to sturdy bookcases.
t he g ift of f itness
Give someone the gift of fitness by purchasing them a membership at aValon athletic club, located at 710 Memorial Blvd., where the recipient can access a large selection of free weights, extensive cardio section, functional fitness area, basketball, racquetball, cable and Hammer Strength machines, turf, classes and more. For more information, call 615-396-0999.
h oli Day g reenery
Find a huge variety of cannabis-infused items at emeralD heart cafe & Dispensary oils, edibles, lotions, beverages, honey and more. Open seven days a week, this spacious community hangout and dispensary for ages 21 and up, located at 810 NW Broad St., has recently opened Murfreesboro’s first cannabis restaurant.
merry fit-mas anD a muscular new year
Personal training packages from kk fitness are a motivating way to start the new year and invest in someone’s future with one-on-one attention and custom nutritional planning. Sessions can be tailored to each individual, making them a thoughtful, personal wellness gift. For more information, email kayce@kkfitnesstraining.com or visit kkfitnesstraining.com
m usic, m oV ies, m emorabilia
A paradise for collectors, the great escape (810 NW Broad St. #202) carries vintage comics, vinyl records, video games, movies, toys and pop-culture memorabilia. It’s an ideal spot for fun nostalgic gifts and rare finds.
s anta’s t ech s upport
Find great deals on used tech devices as well as fun and functional accessories like cases, VR goggles, earbuds and other items at ifix wireless, located at 1433 Warrior Dr., Suite B. If it has a screen, iFix can repair it. iFix also offers cash for your electronic gadgets.
o h, c hristmas t ree!
A great stop for gardeners all year long, this local greenhouse is packed with poinsettias and Christmas trees during the holidays. Valley growers (985 Middle Tennessee Blvd., near the Co-Op) also offers flowerpots, yard ornaments, plants, garden gifts, arrangements, wind chimes and other potential gifts that can brighten any home or garden space.
w hite c hristmas
A vendor-curated shop, white monkey market is known for its eclectic mix of decor, antiques, furniture, art and oddities. White Monkey Market (224 W. Main St.) is perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind vintage treasures and unique local gift items.
CONTiNuEd ON PAgE 20
Deck
the h alls
Offering premium rugs in all sizes, the murfreesboro rug store warehouse carries a variety of modern designs and traditional weaves. A stylish rug can make a memorable decorative and homey gift. Shop the Murfreesboro Rug Store, located at 3923 Richard Reeves Dr., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
h oli Day h aircut
Gift a man a haircut and straightrazor shave at nexgen barbershop , located at 2705 Old Fort Pkwy. NexGen also has a retail area with beard oils, shaving gear, skincare products, pomades and other grooming products, which can make classy gifts for the modern man. Book your appointment at nexgenbarbers.com
m erry t hrift-mas
steereD straight thrift store, located at 1007 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., is a nonprofit thrift shop that offers ever-changing treasures—from furniture to clothing to collectibles to dishware. Browsers never know what sort of fun gift idea they’ll discover while thrifting.
a c ozy b ook n ook
A beloved local used bookstore, the grumpy bookpeDDler (610 W. College St. #110) is stacked with thousands of gently used favorites, giftable classics, and an ever-changing selection of hard-to-find titles and collectibles. It’s a perfect stop for bookworms.
s anta’s g ot a n a irplane
A Discovery Flight from murfreesboro aViation (1936 Memorial Blvd.) gives recipients 60 minutes (or more) in the air with a certified local pilot. Taking in the sights of Murfreesboro from above makes a truly unique and unforgettable experience gift for thrill-seekers.
c hristmas c lean
a n D a partri D ge in a p ear t ree
Perfect for nature enthusiasts, wilD birDs unlimiteD stocks bird feeders, seed blends, binoculars, backyard habitat supplies, birdwatching books and birdbaths. Gift sets for bird lovers are a seasonal favorite. Wild Birds is located at The Avenue, at 2615 Medical Center Pkwy.
Make your gift healthy and safe with safe anD sounD soap co. Local artisan Savannah Reed handcrafts her hand soaps, body wash, body scrubs, laundry soaps, car fresheners, room and linen sprays and other fine products with all-natural essential oils and non-toxic ingredients. Shop at safeandsoundsoapco.com. toylan D !
it’s the spa-liDay season
Treat your loved one to a day of pampering at the nurture nook Day spa & gift shoppe. This tranquil and cozy local spa retreat offers various massage packages, facials and foot treatments, as well as a gift shop with essential oils, robes, candles, gift sets and other items. The Nurture Nook is located at 624 W. Walnut St. For more information or to book your appointment, visit nurturenook.com
h
ealthy h oli Days
sunshine nutrition center, located at 621 S. Church St. in Murfreesboro, and its sister store, Sunshine Nutrition Center II, (901 Rock Springs Rd., Smyrna), carry supplements, essential oils, health foods and natural products. Essential oil kits, tea assortments and healthy snacks can make great holiday picks.
m
For many, LEGOs bring back lots of fun holiday memories. Grab a stocking stuffer, or a larger set, for LEGO collectors of all ages at bricks & minifigs , a new LEGO retailer located at 510 N. Thompson Ln.
erry m anscape
uptown male spa & skincare center offers men’s grooming with a refined touch. A gift certificate here can be used for massage, manicure, pedicure, waxing or haircut services. Uptown Male is located at 745 S. Church St. Book an appointment at uptownmalespa.com or call 615-956-6040 for more information.
a c hristmas f east
g iv E T h E gi FT OF g OO d FOO d while supporting local restaurants, bars and coffee shops. Stuff someone’s stocking with a gift card from one of these fine local establishments:
the alley on main, located at 223 W. Main St. serves steaks, pastas, craft cocktails and fish at its downtown Murfreesboro hangout. The Alley is also a popular option for event catering. Call 615-203-3498 for more information or to place a takeout order, or visit alleyonmain.com
Visit Joanie’s for hot and iced coffee drinks and lots of other beverage options, crepes, burgers, salads, French toast, breakfast burritos and more at two Murfreesboro locations: 13 S. Public Square and 1733 St. Andrews Dr. Visit joaniesboro.com for more information.
l a c ucina i taliana invites diners to enjoy authentic Italian pasta recipes, rich sauces, warm bread, meatballs, seafood and even some Cuban selections at 451 N. Thompson Ln. Gift cards are great for anyone who loves a fresh, delicious, scratch-made meal. La Cucina also offers event catering services. Call 615-546-4444 to learn more or to place a pick-up order.
Donut c ountry , Murfreesboro’s local, 24-hour doughnut shop, offering warm, fresh-baked deliciousness, along with coffee and an assortment of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, is located at 1311 Memorial Blvd. Call 615890-3129 to place a pick-up order.
m arina’s on the s quare , a downtown favorite located at 125 N. Maple St., serves up pizza, calzones, pastas and more warm and delicious Italian favorites in its quaint historic corner space in downtown Murfreesboro. Call 615-849-8881 to order ahead.
b oro b ourbon & b rews is a laid-back bar, located just off the Square at 124 N. Maple St., with a solid whiskey selection, burgers, wings, steaks and salmon. The spot also hosts a nightly lineup of local live music. For more information, or to place a pickup order, visit borobourbonandbrews.com
nacho’s mexican restaurant, located at 2962 S. Rutherford Blvd., is local go-to for queso lovers, along with margaritas, sizzling fajitas, delicious chicken dishes, burritos and South-of-the-border vibes. A
Nacho’s gift card is always welcome for an MTSU student or anyone on your list—especially during the busy holiday season. Call 615-907-2700 to place a pick-up order, or for more information visit nachosmexican.com
wako s ushi, h ibachi & s eafoo D , located at 740 NW Broad St., is Murfreesboro’s spot for unlimited, all-you-can-eat sushi, hibachi, teriyaki and other Japanese items. Gift cards are great for anyone who would appreciate a special sushi-themed dining night. Wako also offers individual menu items for delivery. For more information, visit wakojapanese.com
Find coffee, pastries, bubble tea, cheesecake, scones, hand pies and lots of other freshly baked items at oflow (Overflow Brews and Bakes), located at 115 N. Maple St., just off the Murfreesboro Square. This local, veteran-owned scratch bakery also hosts tea parties and weekend brunch, and offers holiday and event catering. To learn more, visit overflowbb.com or call 615-900-1676.
champy’s chicken, known far and wide for its perfectly fried chicken, beers, tamales, bar and bluesy atmosphere, slings that bird atcha from two locations: 1290 NW Broad St. in Murfreesboro, and 835 Isabella Ln. in Smyrna. Champy’s gift cards are great for casual dinners or game-day feasts.
Enjoy karaoke and live music at high society, a local neighborhood lounge known for cocktails, weekly music nights, burgers, surf-and-turf, po’ boys and socializing at 211 W. Main St. Visit highsocietyrestaurant.com or call 615-962-8095 for more information.
A new local go-to spot for steaks, burgers, sushi, drinks, dips and sports on the TVs, Drake’s (2614 Roby Corlew Ln.) appeals to diners young and old. Place an order by calling 629-2820080 or visiting drakescomeplay.com
l as t ro Jas c antina serves fajitas, enchiladas, chimichangas, tacos, margaritas, quesadillas and all of your Mexican favorites. Pay them a visit at 3105 Medical Center Pkwy. or call 615962-7331 to place an order.
Black Mountain
TENNESSEE ExPLOrErS can take in two expansive views and also explore a unique boulder field littered with crags, caves and climbing paths atop Black Mountain, a peak just off of I-40 between Crossville and Knoxville, not far from the town of Crab Orchard, Tennessee.
With areas now part of the very lengthy Cumberland Trail State Park system—a “linear park” still in development—Black Mountain reaches 2,900 feet above sea level at its summit, towering above the surrounding valleys. Features here, at the portion of the
If You Go
3004 Owl roost rd.,
alone may be enough to strike a bit of wild spirit and fear into the hearts of city folk.
tions would require a little doubling back at some point.
Cumberland Trail State Park near the Black Mountain Overlook, include three trail segments, two overlooks and a beautiful piece of wooded hilltop terrain. The trails, in three distinct sections totaling just under two miles altogether, involve the north section of the Black Mountain Loop Trail, the south section of the Black Mountain Loop Trail, and a portion known as the Below the Bluff Trail.
An adventure begins—while still in your vehicle—with a secluded climb up Owl Roost Road, a very narrow, winding mountain road that snakes uphill. This car ride
After a couple of miles of steep travel, this road leads to a somewhat strange parking area—a paved lot next to a high cellphone tower with no real amenities or clear markings, but this is the place.
After a quick walk down a foot trail setting off from nearby the cell tower, hikers arrive at a map covered by a little roof, a fixture at Tennessee State Parks and a more proper trailhead. The ruins of an old chimney and a small springhouse constructed of stone sit nearby.
At this point, visitors may embark on the loop trail and crest the hill while venturing to one of the overlooks, or choose the Below the Bluff Trail, which takes a lower path. Great sights await with either option. Exploring all three of the brief trail sec-
Choosing the Below the Bluff section soon leads down to some very interesting large rock formations with various nooks and crannies and narrows to explore.
Continuing on, hikers will see huge boulders scattered about, a great area for rock climbing, more so for bouldering work than sheer cliff face to climb.
There’s cool little caves and crags cut into the rocks for those of all skill levels to discover.
This half-mile Below the Bluff trail will eventually connect to the main Cumberland Trail, not far from the Black Mountain Campground. After taking this back toward the loop for a short bit, a staircase leads up a narrow crag in the rocks. Climbing these
CONTiNuEd ON PAgE 23
stairs leads back to the top of the bluff and the north segment of the loop trail.
Leaves cover the footpath on a breezy November afternoon. Just 40 miles away, the Tennessee trees were packed with their lively fall colors, while all of the leaves atop Black Mountain had already fallen by midNovember, leaving the trees totally bare. It’s a different type of terrain up on Black Mountain; quiet, still and removed.
The northern loop trail will guide explorers to one of the park’s overlooks, a large rock where visitors can see striking scenes of faraway towns and valleys.
Those taking a moment to gaze can see tiny-looking cars and trucks on the interstate from here, over three miles away, traveling along silently in the distance.
Continuing along the loop trail will eventually lead back past the cell tower at the parking lot, and then back to the map and the chimney at the crosspoint, where hikers can then continue on the loop, rather than the Below the Bluff section. This will soon lead to another overlook rock, this point on the south side of the summit.
Sight lines here reach even farther than those from the northern overlook, with explorers seeing the faraway peaks of the Smokies way off in the distance.
This area of the Cumberland Trail offers a
quick taste of the Appalachians, just outside of Middle Tennessee, but within sight of the Smokies from its high vantage point.
A visit could be a quick excursion. One could travel from I-40, up the mountain, to the parking area and to an overlook fairly quickly if they knew where they were going.
A party could take their time exploring, leisurely wandering the forest, climbing boulders for a bit, ducking into a crag or perching on a rock for a picnic and taking in the memorable views, unrushed.
Or, the ambitious could arrive and leave the area via the Cumberland Trail.
This lengthy system of trails will eventually span the height of Tennessee and will include nearly 300 miles of trails from Cumberland Gap on the Tennessee, Virginia and Kentucky border to the Tennessee River Gorge, near Chattanooga, according to information from Tennessee State Parks.
“The completed trail corridor will encompass the largest acreage within a Tennessee State Park unit,” according to Tennessee State Parks. The trail is sprinkled with rustic campground areas suitable for longer, multi-day hikes, and has been designed as an alternative experience to the sometimescrowded Appalachian Trail.
“It gives hikers access to areas preserved for their natural or scenic beauty, providing a wilderness experience rare in the eastern U.S.”
Minute The with bill wilson
Shopping on the Square
Murfreesboro Stores of
yesteryear, The hub, Aultmans’s, French Shoppe, brown’s Shoe Store, ruby’s
WiTh ChriSTMAS around the corner, there comes a time of reflection and a time of love that goes hand in hand with the season. We buy presents for the people who mean the most to us, a tradition that goes back as far as the three kings, with gold, frankincense and myrrh as they visited the newborn King.
As a kid growing up here in Murfreesboro in the 1970s, when Murfreesboro had maybe 30,000 people, we typically shopped on the Square. There was the Hub store, which had the wolf mannequins up in the window. Mr. Arbit sold a lot of boots out of that store. There was the Men’s Shop, where you could buy your Sunday dress-up clothes. Mother always liked going to Holloway’s just off the Square for clothing for us.
I remember my first charge account was at Aultmans’s Jewelers, where I had a $200 credit limit with Mrs. Bean.
Of course, there was Goldstein’s, which had an escalator. They also had a cool Christmas scene in their storefront windows. Some may remember Martin Shoes, Mullins Jewelry and Cecil Elrod’s French Shoppe, located near where Puckett’s is today.
Some of the places we could eat while Mother shopped were Don’s Kitchen Korner, which is now Marina’s on the Square, and of course the old City Cafe, which closed this year after 125 years of being in business.
I remember going to Brown’s Shoes and, for me, it was special to get to go down in the basement to try on shoes. While in the basement, one of the salespeople would drop a box of shoes down a chute which led to the basement. I always thought that was cool. Mother also shopped at Ruby’s for her dresses. And there was Bell Jewelers. We were big-time when we had J.C. Penney at the corner of College and Maple, today the location of Miller Loughry and Beach. The Penney Plaza, the nearby area, had little shops next to J.C. Penney.
If you needed money, you could stop by Cit-
izen Central Bank, which was on Maple Street where the Rutherford County Clerk office is today. What was cool about that bank was they had a colony of bees that had a beehive outside the building. There was a tube that led into the building and you could see the bees in their hive. They also produced honey that the bank either sold or gave away (maybe for opening up an account). I’m hoping there are other readers who will remember this.
When doing your Christmas shopping, if the Square didn’t have everything you needed, you could head over to Harvey’s at Mercury Plaza. This is where the talking Christmas tree was. As soon as you walked in, the speaking Christmas tree would fire up like a chatterbox. Just ask Beth Burgess Brown. To me, that talking Christmas tree was kind of creepy.
After visiting Harvey’s and talking to the Christmas tree, you had to go down to Rose’s Department Store and see Santa Claus (Mr. Dinkins), who sometimes flew in a helicopter and was dropped off in the parking lot. For some reason, I remember waiting in line for a while to see Santa. Santa was a big deal back then and there was no mall Santa. It was a special time. When Hickory Hollow Mall opened, it opened up another dimension of shopping. It was like a rite of passage getting to go there and shop. Hickory Hollow was our first Amazon (except you had to go there to buy the merchandise).
I hope this brings back some memories for everybody, especially all of my old Murfreesboro friends.
We shouldn’t forget how they decorated on the Square with all of the decorations on the light poles, and the sound of Christmas music coming from the Courthouse. Yes, it was a much simpler time. I am very grateful to have grown up during that time here in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
I hope everybody has a merry, merry Christmas and a happy, happy new year. Always remember, go out and do something nice for somebody else. God bless!
Call bill Wilson for your local real estate needs at 615-406-5872.
MTSU Student
Photographs Trees as “A Little Love Note to Tennessee”
Midd L e t enne SS ee State University senior Dawn Fós received her first camera at age 12, and from then on, her love for photography has blossomed into her current project: photographing all of Tennessee’s native trees.
Drawing inspiration from Richard Powers’ book The Overstory, which she read during winter break last year, Fós knew she wanted to create work that went beyond herself.
“The book is all about trees and humans and how we relate through stories about trees,” she explained. “Tennessee, as we know, has a lot of great trees, so I really wanted to highlight that, like a little love note to Tennessee.”
A biochemistry and studio art doublemajor, Fós displayed her work at her B.F.A. senior show in Todd Art Gallery Nov. 17 through Dec. 3, which included many photos from her Tennessee tree project.
Fós began conceptualizing the project in January, applied for an Undergraduate Research Experience and Creativity Activity grant through the university, and then got to work on photographing the more than 120 trees native to Tennessee.
“From the east to the west and north to the south, I wanted to document those trees through alternative process,” she explained of her project, called “Chlorophyll and Silver: Documenting Tennessee Native Trees Through Alternative Process Photography.”
Fós said even though she isn’t a photography major she was able to get permission from the art department’s chair to take alternative process photography last fall. Fós worked with associate photography professor Jonathan Trundle in the Department of Media Arts for support and guidance during the course of her project.
“The connection and rapport I had formed with Jonathan is what really provided me with the opportunity to apply, obtain and complete the URECA,” Fós said.
Trundle, who has worked with Fós nearly every step of the way, said this project has really been an experience.
Fós said her photography is really an extension of studying and learning chemistry.
“Everything for me is chemistry. I think that the play between science and nature and humanity and nature is just so inspiring,” she said.
“While people may not see the relation of my biochemistry with this project, the prints themselves [are] made with chemical solutions that are handmade emulsions (a light-sensitive coating that’s coated onto film), and they’re all reacting with the water and the light. It’s an echoing of photosynthesis,” Fós explained.
Fós said Trundle has encouraged and mentored her all along the way.
“Jonathan has been great. I had this crazy, wild, hare-brained idea, and he’s like, ‘Yes, let’s do it. Let’s go give it a try,’” she said. “Early on, there were a few really hard moments, when he and I thought this project was failing, but we went back and forth troubleshooting and we worked it out.”
When thinking about her favorite tree, Fós said she loves them all in their own ways, but her favorite leaf is an American sweet gum.
“They’re so beautiful and they’re everywhere,” Fós said of the leaf. “The sweetgum is star-shaped and has spiky seedpods. They’re so pretty.”
Fós said the Fraser fir—which is endangered and can only be found in the Great Smoky Mountains—and the particularly hard-to-find American Chestnut are among her favorite trees.
“We have to take care of the Fraser fir. There are only around 600 remaining in the natural environment, so they are endangered,” she explained. “The American Chestnut is another one. It’s very elusive, functionally extinct. There are a few scattered here and there throughout Middle Tennessee. Those three trees are pretty important to me.”
Fós graduates in December. She hopes to get into a Master of Fine Arts interdisciplinary program and work in sculpture and photography.
For all manner of bagel creations—savory, sweet, simple to sandwiches, many of the menu items named in honor of classic films—stop by Boro Bagel.
Located on busy Memorial Boulevard, the local bagel shop and deli stocks various flavors of bagels and cream cheeses. These lead to a plethora of different delicious combinations, such as a chocolate chip bagel with strawberry cream cheese, a jalapeño bagel with bacon scallion cream cheese, an everything bagel with blueberry cream cheese or a plain bagel with chocolate chip cream cheese.
“I had the asiago jalapeño bagel with chive cream cheese, and my friend had the cinnamon bagel with cinnamon cream cheese,” reported Lynda Andrea after a visit to Boro Bagel. “The bagel was just the right texture— a slight crunch on the outside with that beautiful, soft, dense texture on the inside.
“After eating at Boro Bagel, you develop a deep longing for the bread and cream cheese that once grazed your taste buds,” the pleased customer posted following the meal.
There’s also pumpernickel (rye), cinnamon raisin, blueberry, chocolate chip and onion bagels, and olive or maple cinnamon
cream cheese, among other choices.
In addition to the cream cheese varieties, the shop has about whatever else you may like on a bagel: egg, salami, tuna salad, peanut butter and jelly, chicken, avocado or even a burger. Boro Bagel stocks a selection of Boar’s Head meats and cheeses.
The “Lox”ness Monster is the eatery’s take on a classic, with thin slices of smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomatoes, red onion and capers on the customer’s choice of bagel.
The very thinly shaved bits of red onion, along with the capers (the pickled, unopened flower buds of the caper bush), give it great, but not overwhelming flavor.
The Mad Max consists of a fresh-pressed burger with house-made pimento cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato on a bagel.
Boro Bagel’s My Cousin Vinny—has Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and thousand island dressing along with a choice of corned beef, pastrami or turkey.
Diners have said they also really enjoy the everything bagel, topped with oats along with poppy seeds and sesame seeds.
The club was a very tall sandwich; that was about the only complaint one diner had about this lunch option on a bagel, that
it was a little hard to wield.
The shop is quite generous with the cream cheese, as well. Those who appreciate a thick schmear have found their place.
Boro Bagel opens at 6:30 a.m. on weekdays, and can be very busy in the mornings, according to staff; they say the customer base is roughly split between those who quickly grab a bagel and take it to-go and those who dine in, perhaps leisurely sipping coffee, getting work done, or chatting with a friend in the sunny dining room.
“I find it hard to find a good breakfast sandwich, but Boro Bagels has one. I ordered a bacon and cheese on toasted Asiago with lettuce and tomato and it is delicious,” another customer, Dana Croy, posted in a review Customers can place orders on the website, borobagelshop.com
And pizza bagels are on the horizon for Boro Bagel, along with bagel dogs and more veggie options.
Stop in each day and grab a bag of “yesterday’s bagels” for $5 for a half dozen of those baked only one day ago. But get there early, the word is spreading on those.
Another popular house specialty is the French Connection, a sort of cinnamon toast
The Dish
b oro bagel
1520 Memorial b lvd., Ste. 101
Mon.–Fri.: 6:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Sat.–Sun.: 7 a.m.–2 p.m. b agel with any flavor cream cheese: $4.78; burger on a bagel with choice of cheese, three toppings and condiments: $11.59; b aker’s dozen bagels: $21.99; borobagelshop.com
created with a French toast bagel—an egg bagel with cinnamon and maple syrup flavors—rolled in cinnamon sugar and toasted under the broiler. Some recommend this sweet creation with the shop’s honey butter.
One customer said the bagel spot felt like “a real slice of New York City,” while another diner quite familiar with the bagels of NYC, Benjamin, said that “the chewiness is just perfect. While I got several varieties, the jalapeño cheddar bagel is my favorite with just the perfect amount of heat.”
The place seems extremely clean and, to accompany the movie title-inspired themes of the bagel sandwiches, the restaurant contains various fun movie posters as bagel parodies—“Herrrre’s bagels” from The Shining, The Lord of the Rounds featuring Gollum with a bagel (“my precious”), and so on.
As far as critiques, some say they found the bagels tough, or didn’t care for the coffee. Others said the eatery seemed to have big city prices to go along with its New York vibe.
But many view Boro Bagel as a fine spot to obtain a quick delicatessen lunch or a snack, or to grab bagels, cream cheese spreads, tuna salad or potato salad to go, and appreciate the creative bagel creations.
p ay a ttention to t hose you l ove Says family after Murfreesboro man takes his
ON OCT. 11, 2025, my young nephew, Donald Joseph Stafford, took his own life on the sidewalk in front of the Papa John’s restaurant on Memorial Boulevard in Murfreesboro where he had worked. His co-workers were gathered, watching the drama outside between Joey and one of his managers. That’s when he did it. Joseph, at the age of 40, pulled out a gun and shot himself in the head.
That’s a horrible thing to witness up close, especially to someone you know and see every day. Many of those who were nearby will need counseling for a long time after witnessing something like that. It’s not something you can get out of your mind.
Joseph was a good man—loved by his family, loyal to his friends, and hardworking. None of us can quite make sense of it. We knew he had been struggling, but we didn’t realize how deep the pain had gone until it was too late.
Now, in the middle of unbearable grief, I can’t stop thinking about how important it is that we pay attention—truly pay attention— when the people we love are in distress.
Mental health crises don’t always look exactly like what we expect. Sometimes the signs are loud—talk of hopelessness, sudden anger or withdrawal. But just as often, they are subtle. A person might seem tired or distracted, or suddenly stop talking about future plans. They may begin giving away personal items, isolating themselves, or acting “off,” even if they insist they’re fine.
In Joseph’s case, there were signs, small ones at first, that in hindsight seem so painfully clear. We wish someone, anyone, had understood what those signs meant. Joseph actually told people that “death is around the corner.” No one heard what he was trying to say.
Family members have set up a GoFundMe campaign to help pay off the funeral debt, all of those proceeds going directly to Jennings & Ayers Funeral Home. If someone you know seems “different”—quieter than usual, withdrawn, reckless or preoccupied—don’t ignore it. Ask questions, even if it feels uncomfortable. Say things like: “I’ve noticed you don’t seem yourself lately. Are you okay?” or “You’ve been on my mind a lot; can we talk?” It’s better to risk an awkward conversation than to regret staying silent. If you believe someone might be in danger, never assume that others are handling it. Tell a supervisor, call a family member, or reach out for professional help. If there’s an immediate threat, call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It’s free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. They can send trained crisis responders and guide you on what to do next.
Many communities also have local crisis centers, mobile crisis units and nonprofit counseling services that charge on a sliding scale or offer free sessions. For those with limited means, organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness or local health departments can help connect people to no-cost resources. We can’t bring Joseph back. But maybe his story can help save someone else. Please, check on your friends, your coworkers, your family members. Sometimes the people who seem strongest are the ones who are barely holding on. Pay attention. Ask questions. Stay with them. It might just be the moment that keeps them here.
To donate to Joseph Stafford’s funeral expenses, visit tinyurl.com/joeyfuneral.
b ricks & Minifigs, Chick-fil-A, Clay Oven, b lack Frog Arms, in-N-Out, Coffee h aus
by D elores elliott
briCkS & MiNiFigS MurFrEESbOrO will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 11 a.m. at its new location within the Oaks Shopping Center at 510 N. Thompson Ln. The new store is owned and operated by local residents Robert and Stacey Handy and marks the couple’s first Bricks & Minifigs franchise location.
Bricks & Minifigs specializes in the resale and trade of new and used LEGO sets, bulk bricks and minifigures. The store offers an ever-changing selection of LEGOs for sale, as well as a dedicated event space, after-school robotics clubs, Brick Derby races, make-andtake build packages and more. At the heart of the Bricks & Minifigs brand are its three core principles: Rebuild, Reuse and Reimagine.
“I’m thrilled to bring the Bricks & Minifigs experience to our community,” Robert Handy said. “LEGO is more than just a toy— it’s a timeless form of creative expression that resonates with kids, parents, grandparents and adult collectors.”
To celebrate the grand opening, the first 100 customers will receive a Bricks & Minifigs totebag. Additional giveaways, in-store specials and surprise activities will be happening throughout the day. Customers who book a party or event during the grand opening weekend will receive 10% off standard rental rates.
Special guests Niki Loheit and Brittain, fan-favorite contestants from LEGO Masters, will make an appearance during the grand opening.
Founded in Portland, Oregon, in 2009, Bricks & Minifigs now operates dozens of franchised stores across North America and Canada.
M.L. rOSE has opened its first Murfreesboro location at 2108 Medical Center Pkwy. The restaurant, known for its extensive craft beer list and gourmet burgers, was founded in Nashville in 2008 and has since opened seven more locations including the Murfreesboro restaurant. The new location includes a heated and covered dog-friendly patio with several TVs, brunch service on Saturday and Sunday until 2 p.m. including two-for-one mimosas and bloody Marys, Tuesday Trivia at 7:30 p.m. each week, and a happy hour
a round t own ’boro b usiness buzz
FrANkLiN’S FruiT TEA has been awarded $50,000 at a national pitch competition created by artist, producer, entrepreneur and cultural visionary Pharrell Williams, whose influence spans music, fashion, innovation and philanthropy. The finals were held during mid-November in Miami, and out of more than 2,500 applicants, Franklin’s Fruit Tea advanced to the top six companies in the nation, earning company principals the opportunity to take the stage and present their business before a distinguished panel of judges, investors and national partners.
Co-founded by husband-and-wife team Mylikia and Germayle Franklin, Franklin’s Fruit Tea has grown from a local festival favorite to a regional beverage company, now sold in select Kroger stores within the Nashville area, JR’s Foodland, Compton’s Foodland, Mike’s Foodland, various convenience store locations, Dwight’s Mini Market at Middle Tennessee State University, and inside the Tennessee Tribune Marketplace at Nashville International Airport.
The $50,000 award marks a major milestone for the Tennessee-based company as it accelerates production, expands cold-storage capacity, and prepares for broader retail distribution. Franklin’s Fruit Tea crafts small-batch beverages using fresh brewed tea and fruit purees, offering flavors including Liquid Gold, Mango Peach, Strawberry, Peach Papaya Tea, Wild Berry Tea, Strawberry Peach Lemonade, Peach Papaya Lemonade, Wild Berry Lemonade, Classic Southern Lemonade, and a Tea-and-Lemonade Half and Half.
Co-founder Germayle Franklin created the original fruit tea recipe while he was a student-athlete at MTSU. What began in a college apartment kitchen and at local festivals has grown into a Tennessee favorite. As demand continues to rise, Franklin’s Fruit Tea’s founders are now open to conversations with aligned investors and strategic partners who share its commitment to quality, community and long-term expansion across the Southeast and beyond.
from 3 to 6 p.m. offering $4 beers, seltzers and ciders; $5 well drinks and wines; and $6 starters. Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and Sunday. Visit mlrose.com for more information.
CLAy OvEN iNdiAN CuiSiNE has opened at 710 Memorial Blvd., Ste. 220, in the former Chutney’s space. The new restaurant owners will focus on a buffet filled with regional Indian dishes, updated recipes and fresh Tandoor dishes, with a refreshed restaurant interior. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 5 to 9:30 p.m. every day. For more information, visit clay-oven.com
ChiCk-FiL-A has announced plans to open another Murfreesboro location, this one in the Savannah Ridge Marketplace located at the intersection of South Church
personal defense products and more. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Visit blackfrogarms.com for more information.
hOrSEShOE bArCAdE has opened at 2333 Memorial Blvd. and offers a unique gaming experience complete with a barand-grill atmosphere. Posted hours are from noon to 10 p.m. daily.
La Vergne’s WALdrON STATiON has announced plans for a new 76.5-acre mixed-use development including 208,000 square feet of commercial space provided for retail, restaurants and medical space; 16 single-family homes, 38 townhomes, 578 multi-family units, a town center, parks, greenways, sidewalks and about 25% of the space dedicated to providing an open/green space for community use.
The project is expected to help create 1,500 jobs and generate $5.3 billion in economic impact over the next 20 years. It will be located near Waldron Road and Blair Road. Waldron Station is designed as a self-contained community where residents will be able to live, shop, dine and access services all within walking or short-drive distance.
Street and Joe B. Jackson Parkway. The new restaurant will feature two drive-thru lanes and a 5,183-square-foot building; site plans suggest that the restaurant will focus primarily on traffic flow design consistent with Chick-fil-A’s newer restaurants.
COFFEE hAuS has opened in the former Curries restaurant space near M.L. Rose and West 22 Tacos at 2108 Medical Center Pkwy. Coffee Haus offers a variety of coffee drinks, waffles and mini pancakes, acai bowls, sandwiches and ice cream options. The restaurant is organized to offer seating designed for studying as well as socializing. Hours are Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
bLACk FrOg ArMS has opened at 915 N. Thompson Ln. Black Frog Arms offers a variety of firearms and ammunition, accessories,
The developer plans to invest up to $17.6 million, to be reimbursed over time through Tax Increment Financing (TIF), ensuring improvements to roads, utilities, parking and storm-water systems, are financed by the growth the project brings rather than burdening existing taxpayers. The project is expected to begin early 2026, with completion expected by 2031 at the latest.
Local business owner Manuel Cervera has filed plans to construct a 1,364 square foot facility for MANNy’S TOWiNg on Elam Farms Parkway, located just off Joe B. Jackson Parkway. The project includes a service building and a secure storage yard, adding additional towing and recovery capacity to southeast Murfreesboro’s industrial zone.
AuTOZONE plans to build another area location of its auto parts store, set for South Rutherford Boulevard, in between the Speedway gas station and Cobalt Row, across from StorPlace Self Storage (in between the Walmart development and Bradyville Pike).
Devon Rideout has purchased a property that will be dedicated to assisting women
CONTiNuEd ON PAgE 32
Las Trojas Cantina Opens Murfreesboro Location
The Home of the Margarona, Mexican Restaurant Brings Big Flavor
After much anticipation, Las Trojas Cantina has officially opened the newest location of its beloved Mexican restaurant at 3105 Medical Center Pkwy., Murfreesboro, marking the 11th restaurant for the family-owned brand.
The soft opening on Nov. 3 drew strong early crowds, and the full grand opening celebration on Nov. 17 delivered everything fans expected: a Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting, packed dining rooms, and the unmistakable sound of a live mariachi band filling the space, as Mariachi Viva Mexico of Nashville performed.
“It was a long time coming, but we’re finally here,” manager Anahi Martinez said. “And we’re excited to show Murfreesboro what Las Trojas Cantina brings to the table!”
Although Las Trojas has other locations throughout Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia, Martinez stresses that the brand is 100% family owned and operated.
ditional margarita and deals across the “Favorite Fiesta Drinks” lineup.
Dishes Just for Murfreesboro
While standard favorites like fajitas, chimichangas and enchiladas anchor the menu, the Medical Center Parkway location also features several exclusive dishes:
BIRRIA RAMEN – Tender, slow-cooked birria in a rich, flavorful broth with ramen noodles, cilantro, onion and a soft-boiled egg.
OAXACA BURGER – (pronounced wah-HAHkah) Locally sourced beef topped with melted Oaxaca cheese and crispy bacon paired with lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo.
“We are constantly trying to think of new ideas to create better customer experiences,” she said. That approach shows in the Murfreesboro build-out, which features authentic decor, a large central bar, and a tortilla maker producing fresh, housemade tortillas daily.
3105 MEDICAL CENTER PKWY. 615-962-7331 • LASTROJAS.COM LINKTR.EE/LASTROJASCANTINA
CARNE ASADA FRIES –Their flavorful carne asada served over fries and smothered in cheese dip.
DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS run 11 a.m.–3 p.m., with items like the chimichanga, burrito real and fajitas ranging from $11.50–$18. Guests can also assemble a four-item dinner combination each night for $16.
A Team Focused on Service
The space also includes two private dining rooms, each able to seat up to 30 guests—ideal for team lunches, birthday gatherings, or family events. A 264-guest total capacity, 22 televisions tuned to live sports, and a bar that seats 26 make the new location one of the most spacious Mexican dining options in Rutherford County, designed with families and large groups in mind.
The Margarona
Since 2005, Las Trojas Cantina has proudly claimed the title of “Official Home of the Margarona.” The signature drink features their classic margarita served with an upside-down bottle of Corona for a fizzy, flavorful twist—and it’s available in the traditional lime version as well as several other fruit flavors. Beyond the iconic Margarona, the Murfreesboro menu includes the Horchata White Russian, Anahi’s Classic (a strawberry Mexican soda-infused cocktail created specifically for this location), and the new Raider Margarita, a nod to the MTSU community.
WEEKDAY HAPPY HOUR runs from 2–5 p.m., with specials including a $6.99 small tra-
Opening week put the staff through a test, and Martinez praised their commitment. “Our biggest challenge was making sure the staff was fully equipped to handle the amount of guests we had come in on opening day,” she said. “Learning a new menu can be a daunting task, but our team is doing an amazing job. Our goal is to exceed customer expectations.”
She added that the support from the Murfreesboro community has been overwhelming.
“We are so incredibly grateful to every person who has come to visit since we opened.”
Catering, Events and To-Go
Las Trojas also offers catering packages—including wedding catering—and can reserve space in the dining room for groups even larger than 30. All food is made fresh daily using quality ingredients, fresh vegetables and house-made seasonings.
With bold flavors and a menu built for both traditionalists and adventurous eaters, Las Trojas Cantina is poised to become a new favorite on Murfreesboro’s booming restaurant corridor. FOR CATERING DETAILS , call 931-6267224 or email lastrojascatering@gmail.com. TO-GO ORDERS may be placed anytime by calling 615-962-7331.
iN-N-OuT burgEr has reached agreements for temporary overflow parking areas to alleviate heavy traffic congestion on Medical Center Parkway during its grand opening and the following months. The parking areas will include a space at Willowoak Trail and Robert Rose Drive, as well as a second area on land at the intersection of Willowoak Trail and Wilkinson Pike. The restaurant will have access to these two locations for up to 120 days.
These zones are designed to prevent spillover into public roadways, protect major intersections, and maintain safe traffic flow. In-N-Out openings in other states have seen hour-long lines stretching onto adjacent streets. Murfreesboro officials expect a significant turnout on opening day and early weeks.
Although In-N-Out has still not announced an official projected opening date, this indicates that the restaurant’s opening is getting closer.
in crisis situations. The home is rented out to dOOrS OF hOPE, a Murfreesboro residential program for women coming out of incarceration, addiction and homelessness. Doors of Hope will rent out each room to one of the graduates of its alumni program, which will assist in finding a home for those with felonies, no credit, and no substantial savings.
“I am hosting a furnishing party and calling all of Murfreesboro together to donate gently used home goods and furniture to fully furnish this home for three new women who will be entering the home Dec. 20, just in time for Christmas! People can also donate directly to Doors of Hope or contribute Amazon gift cards for more home goods needed to make this home a warm inviting place when they move in,” she said in a statement to the Pulse. Items needed include home goods, furniture, kitchenware, bathroom essentials, hangers and more. Clothing is not needed. Email devonrideout19@gmail.com or text 757-2899779 for a detailed list of needs or questions.
Donations can be made by dropping off suitable items during the weekends of Dec. 6 and 7 and Dec. 13 and 14 at 1003 Tyler Rd. in Murfreesboro, off of Bradyville Pike. Donors may bring used belongings to the doorstep of the address listed during the weekend; there will also be a tent set up on the driveway with a table to leave things on. Items not used will be donated or sold to put on gift
cards and offered to the alumni to pay for home essentials they may need.
For more information on Doors of Hope, visit opendoorsofhope.org
Developers have revised plans for the ONE EAST COLLEgE project, at the downtown Murfreesboro city block formerly the site of the First Methodist Church. Plans still include a mix of condominiums, office space, retail outlets and parking, as well as the preservation of the historic sanctuary, but without the hotel component. Developers first unveiled plans for the property years ago, and negotiated its acquisition from the city. A Facebook page for the One East College project remains live, showcasing grand plans for the Murfreesboro city block, but that page appears to have been abandoned since 2019 and little activity has occurred at the site since. In 2024 the city began the process of condemning and reclaiming the property, but now, nearing 2026, the Murfreesboro City Council expects to see updated plans for the site soon.
closing
Owners of hiCkOry FALLS WOOdFirEd griLLE in Smyrna announced on Facebook, “We have made the very personal decision to retire and close.” The restaurant’s last day in operation will be Dec. 27.
by sean moran
opinion money matters
f inishing Strong
i s your financial house ready for 2026?
i’M NOT SurE if you feel the same, but to me, 2025 has flown by. It seems like just yesterday we were ringing in the new year, and now we are down to the final month. With the holidays approaching, we have very little time left to check off our goals for this year before we start drafting our resolutions for 2026.
Earlier in November, I met with someone who shared that their long-time financial advisor was retiring. Their main concern was simple but profound: “Am I actually on the right track?” It struck me that this is something their current advisor should have already made clear. It was a reminder that you need an advisor who looks at the full picture—from protection and savings to growth and legacy.
If 2026 is the year you plan to truly get your financial house in order, here are five key areas to focus on now.
1 Strengthen your Emergency Fund
The general rule is to set aside 3 to 6 months’ worth of living expenses. This liquidity allows you to weather the storm of a job loss or major unexpected expense without derailing your long-term plans. If your income is variable
a budgeting strategy to pay down these balances. Deferring spending today to clear the deck for tomorrow is one of the best gifts you can give your future self.
4
review and Optimize investment Strategy
or you work in an industry with high turnover, aim for the higher end of that range. We only have to look at the recent government shutdown to see how quickly stability can be threatened. Cash reserves keep your household stable when the world isn’t.
2 increase retirement Contributions
Now is the time to look at your contribution rates. At a minimum, ensure you are contributing enough to capture your employer’s full match—that is essentially free money. If you are already doing that, consider increasing your contribution by just 1% for the new year. It’s a small amount now that can make a massive difference later due to compound interest. Also, if you are over age 50, ask me about “catch-up” contributions to maximize your tax advantages before the year ends.
3 Eliminate high-interest debt
High-interest debt acts as an anchor on your financial progress. If you are paying double-digit interest rates to credit card companies, you are effectively negating the gains you might make in the stock market. Instead of helping companies pad their pockets, focus on
While “time in the market” generally beats “timing the market,” you shouldn’t simply set it and forget it forever. When certain assets perform exceptionally well, they can grow to represent too large a portion of your portfolio, creating concentration risk. If that one “basket” drops, your portfolio suffers disproportionately. It is important to review your allocation annually to “rebalance”—selling some winners to buy undervalued assets—to keep your risk profile in line with your goals.
5 update Protection and Estate Planning
Having insurance shifts risk from your life to the insurance company. With home prices surging over the last few years, your current homeowners policy might leave you underinsured. Tragically, many people also pass away without proper life insurance or an estate plan, leaving families with debt and legal headaches. As my friend and colleague Seth Connell, a local estate planning attorney, likes to say: “Everyone has an estate plan; it just depends on if it’s your plan or the government’s plan.” Don’t let a judge decide your legacy.
LET’S gET STArTEd
Make 2026 your best financial year yet. You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to me, and let’s build a plan that covers every aspect of your financial life.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not tax, legal or financial advice. Everyone’s situation is different, so consult a financial advisor
To connect with Sean Moran, call 615-619-6919, email smoran@redbarnfinancial.com or visit redbarnfinancial.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MAKSIM GONCHARENOK / PE x ELS
opinion
# f R ee Y ou R chi L d R e N
by tiffany boy D
t he Rise of c harter Schools i s Meant to take the p ower away f rom the Voters
“ThE SigNiFiCANCE OF ThE charter school/school choice issue is NOT related strictly to educational choice. It is related to acceptance of a communist system of governance where decisions are made by appointed, not elected officials. Appointed officials cannot be removed from office by voters/taxpayers,” said Charlotte Iserbyt, writer and critic of the American government educational system. Iserbyt said it best when she issued that warning.
How does this impact Tennessee?
In 2019, the Tennessee legislature created the public charter school commission, which now has the authority to bypass local school board decisions regarding the approval of charter schools. To put it simply, if a local school board votes against a particular charter school opening within its district, the charter can apply directly to the commission, which can then approve its application.
In 2024, the legislature passed SB2820 establishing “opportunity boarding charters,” a.k.a. “at-risk boarding charters.” These are set up to
be residential, meaning children will eventually be residing in these institutions. The Rock Academy will be the first at-risk charter in Tennessee, focusing primarily on chronically absent children, foster children, and children within the juvenile justice system.
The New School Venture Fund has invested $23 million dollars in ventures including The Rock Academy. The New School Venture Fund is funded in part by Bill and Melinda Gates, The Walton Family Foundation, and the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, Mackenzie Scott, who donated a whopping $35 million.
Founder of The Rock Academy, Dr. Ahmed White, explains:
“From a financial standpoint, the model we are developing is inherently more expensive. We’re not just opening another school—we are attempting to transform the trajectory of education for youth who have been historically marginalized. This means offering more flexible scheduling, trauma-informed supports, culturally responsive curriculum, and wraparound services that foster
belonging, relevance, and healing. The existing public school funding structures are not built for this level of personalization or intensity.”
What he is describing is an institution that will capitalize monetarily on a sector of children who will be ripe for the picking.
Dr. White’s LinkedIn page lists him as serving as the Principal of Smithson Craighead Academy from 2017–23. According to the Tennessee Department of Education’s 2022–2023 Public Charter Schools Annual Report, 76% of students at Smithson Craighead Academy were not proficient in math, 80% were not proficient in ELA, and 85% were not proficient in science. In addition, Smithson Craighead Academy earned a low composite Tennessee Value-Added Assessment Score of 2.
“The Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS) provides measures of school effectiveness by estimating the impact teachers and schools have on their students’ academic progress,” according to the state of Tennessee. “Schools earn composite TVAAS levels each year ranging from Level 1 to Level 5. Level 1 schools are described as ‘Least Effective,’ while Level 5 schools are ‘Most Effective’.”
It will be interesting to see the fiscal impact these opportunity/at-risk boarding charters will have on taxpayers; more concerning will be the
potential negative impact these charters will have on children in the state of Tennessee.
Advancing the charter scam even further, in 2025, the Tennessee legislature passed a bill that would allow charter schools to bypass local school boards in order to expand charter networks. Multiple bills have been passed in Tennessee in an attempt to pave the way for charter expansions. As we have been tracking that legislation, it underscored the importance that citizens need to understand that charter schools are not only taxation without representation but they are an expansion of communism. Any politician promoting charter schools is not conservative. Often they will claim that charter schools outperform traditional schools. But do they? Let’s take a look.
AMEriCAN CLASSiCAL
ACAdEMy ruThErFOrd: 71.6% of students are not proficient in ELA and 79.3% of students are not proficient in math. Touting a classical curriculum, many parents had high hopes that ACE would be the answer for their family. However, throughout the year I was personally inundated with allegations from parents about lack of transparency, bullying, safety concerns, lack of accountability to taxpayers, and more.
ruThErFOrd COLLEgiATE
PrEP: 74.6% of students are not proficient in ELA and 75% of students are not proficient in math. Rutherford Collegiate Prep has a primary focus on social emotional learning, which, according to these statistics, does not seem to be resulting in improved academic performance.
SPriNgS EMPOWEr
ACAdEMy: With a focus on social justice, SEA churned out scores revealing that 74.1% of students are not proficient in ELA and 71.9% of students are not proficient in math. According to its application form, this school is devoted to equity.
“Springs believes that public education is the most important social justice institution.” Professional development includes topics such as culturally responsive
strategies, instruction restorative practices, and developing culturally responsive classrooms.
“Restorative practices are used to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as develop social connections and communities. . . .
Staff development will also focus on school culture including classroom community, Social and Emotional Learning, and staff and student well-being.”
Springs Empower may want to consider shifting its focus from social justice to core subjects like reading and math. Follow the money. Charter schools are multimillion-dollar businesses.
“In 2022 The Charter Facilities Fund in Tennessee was increased to $38 million dollars, $22 million of which is recurring. Tennessee also received a federal grant worth $24 million. In 2024, a $15 million non recurring investment was made to the Charter Facilities Fund,” according to the Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education. Now that taxpayers are being forced to fund multiple avenues of education via school choice and scholarships, they need to understand that their constitutional republic is being systematically dismantled.
The question is, when will citizens have enough? If you don’t want to heed my warning, I hope you will listen to Charlotte:
“Widespread acceptance of this aspect of communist governance—as it relates to education (U.S.A. has 17,817 operational school districts that could well come under this non-elective system)—will make it easier to usher in the unelected system across the board at the local level to the county, to the state, to the Congress, to the White House level. That will spell the end of elected representation and our freedoms established under the Constitution of the United States of America. We will be a totalitarian state.”
Tiffany boyd is the founder of Free yOur Children. Learn more at freeyourchildren.com.
m erry c hristmas n ashville p redators, c
ThE TrAiN dAddy iS bACk with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk
Yuletide greetings, Feliz Navidad, let’s Scrooge, Happy Hanukkah, show me those sugar plums, Joyous Kwanzaa, season’s greetings—there’s probably 1,000 ways to say it, but for me it has always been: Merry Christmas!
Embrace the insanity of the holidays and smile, spend as much time as possible with family, friends and, of course, watch good sports. Now, let’s do what I have been doing for over 15 years in the Murfreesboro Pulse—give you my annual Merry Christmas article where I spread my Z-Train joy and anger.
m erry c hristmas p redators!
Can you please turn the season around? I had faith in the return of Barry Trotz, yet here we are with another disastrous start to a season. No exaggerations here, the Preds are the NHL’s worst team right now. Point standings, team defense, goals per game— we are last. Please figure it out right now because having discussions of a fire sale before Christmas has bad vibes all around.
m erry c hristmas, t itans fans!
Tough times in Tennessee, hopefully brighter days ahead. Nobody has had it tougher than us these last few seasons as we are on the heels of back-to-back seasons with the worst record in the NFL. Doesn’t phase me, though; I will cheer for this team until they put me six feet under. Keep your head up, Titan nation.
m erry c hristmas, c am ward!
The 23-year-old quarterback was thrust into a tough spot and yet he has shown many positives. It isn’t always pretty, but the lessons learned should be invalu-
able as Ward’s growth continues.
The young QB has shown us he can be a star, and his composure in tough situations is key.
m erry c hristmas, n ashville!
Some of you may not have wanted a stadium costing over $2 billion for a team playing bad football, but tough turds, that’s exactly what you get. It really is wild realizing this new stadium is about 14 months away from being ready. Now just imagine a year-three Cam Ward ready to break out with a team tailored to him in a brand-new stadium. Titan up!
m erry c hristmas, c himere d ike!
This rookie is electric with speed. He’s the league leader in allpurpose yards, the most exciting return man in the NFL. Don’t screw this rookie out of an All-Pro nod. He has earned that Pro Bowl appearance. Not since the days of Pacman Jones has Tennessee had a player who could flip the field that fast in the return game. Dike is getting more involved in the offensive package as well—a very exciting player.
m erry c hristmas p eyton m anning and his son, m arshall!
They recently went viral on TV watching Arch Manning versus Georgia. That’s royal blood. Manning DNA! Mannings come out of the womb ready to throw a football. Marshall will be playing high school football next year at Baylor High School in Chattanooga. I wish Marshall well with that and, hopefully, the Vols legend Mr. Peyton Manning has some sway in what college his son attends.
m erry c hristmas to r ick Barnes!
The Vols are lucky to have this legend still rocking in an everchanging NIL world. The Vols
should ride the Barnes train for as long as the 71-year-old coach is willing. During this last decade, Barnes has delivered some of the best basketball this school has ever seen. This new-look team with players like the star transfer Gillespie and the highly touted freshman Nate Ament look to have so much potential. I am convinced after the recent Houston victory and close Kansas defeat that this might be the most complete team Barnes has ever had—and that’s saying something after back-to-back Elite 8 appearances.
m erry c hristmas to d iego p avia!
I don’t really like you, but I can respect the arrogance when it’s backed up. I was hoping you would end the season with another loss to the Vols, and Vanderbilt would be looking at seven consecutive losses to Big Orange. That isn’t what happened. Diego played excellent football in the second half and the Commodores absolutely manhandled the Vols in that season-ending game. Bad for the Vols, but it’s good for the rivalry.
m erry c hristmas c oach h eupel!
Tough end to the season for the 8-4 Vols, but after the Nico debacle that ended up giving us Joey, the Vols played better football than expected. Many had this team projected as a bottom of the barrel SEC team, yet they managed to give us a respectable season (with an ugly ending). The future is bright, though. The fan base remains top-tier, the facilities toptier and the incoming 2026 class brings some of the most exciting young players in the nation.
m erry c hristmas f aizon Brandon! Standing 6-feet 4-inches, weighing 200 pounds, the five-star QB out of North Carolina was a massive commit for the Vols. This kid has a sturdy base and smooth release. He is the future. He will be joined alongside one of the nation’s most talented classes, led by top-ranked fivestar receiver Tristen Keys and a couple four-star receivers in Moa and King. Faizon has a deep ball and will be surrounded by talent.
I’d imagine he takes the starting gig at Tennessee sooner rather than later.
m erry c hristmas o akland h igh s chool f oot B all team! The 1984, ’98, ’08, ’18, ’20, ’21, ’22 and ’24 state champions of 6A football in Tennessee have a dynasty that runs through Murfreesboro. I wrote this article right after the Patriots defeated Blackman High and earned a fourth straight trip to the state championship game. Hopefully as you are reading this, they have added another title to the impressive résumé.
m erry c hristmas to the ioc
The International Olympic Committee is reportedly set to ban trans women from competing in all female categories in future games. It’s baffling that it took this long for them to realize that biology matters in sports, but it’s a win for the integrity of female athletics. Better late than never.
m erry c hristmas to d erek m ason
(Not to be confused with my favorite Derrick Mason)! MTSU will retain Derek Mason for the 2026 season after posting a 6-18 record his first two seasons. I still don’t have much faith in Mason, but I understand why MTSU is keeping him on. There is reason for 2026 excitement, though, winning the final two games of this season with a new QB under center. This freshman quarterback Roman Gagliano looks to be the real deal, and may be the savior this team desperately needs.
m erry c hristmas to Brian c allahan! Someone asked me the other day who is a worse coach, Callahan or Mason? That’s a legit tough question. It’s close. I may be upset at Callahan for leading some of the worst football in Titans history, but I truly wish him, and his pops, Bill Callahan a very Merry Christmas! Callahan seems like a stand-up man, but was not a good head coach for the Titans.
m erry c hristmas to c oach v ra B el! Daggum, the Patriots, entering December, already have 10 victories and a firm grip on the AFC East with the Bills slogging behind, while Titans fans reminisce about the good old days. Vrabel has his pros and cons, but as this Titans team sits around struggling to find its identity, it’s a tough pill to swallow watching the Patriots have so much success under our former Coach of the Year, Vrabel.
m erry c hristmas to t itans owner a my a dams s trunk!
I take that back, Amy! Fix this team. She still has my support, believe it or not, but she doesn’t have my trust. We are just a handful of more bad seasons away, and I really believe she should consider selling this team to someone who wants the challenge of making football great in Nashville. Because she appears to be one of the most clueless owners in the NFL. I hate saying that, but you know it’s true.
Constitution Study by paul
engel
f lag Burning
Not speech, but still protected . . . and the preferred way to destroy a flag
WhEN iT COMES TO FrEEdOM
of speech, one thing that generates a fair amount of controversy is the act of burning the United States flag. Recently, Donald Trump issued an executive order about flag burning. So let’s take a look at the order and some of the history around flag burning. Many people will point out that the Supreme Court found flag burning protected by the First Amendment, but is that true? Let’s take a closer look at that case.
During the 1984 Republican National Convention, respondent Johnson participated in a political demonstration to protest the policies of the Reagan administration and some Dallas-based corporations. After a march through the city streets, Johnson burned an American flag while protesters chanted. No one was physically injured or threatened with injury, although several witnesses were seriously offended by the flag burning.
— Texas v. Johnson (1989)
As pointed out in the opinion, no one was injured or threatened by Gregory Lee Johnson’s protest. However, some were offended. Johnson was convicted of desecration of a venerated object in violation of a Texas statute, and a state court of appeals affirmed. However, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reversed, holding that the State, consistent with the First Amendment, could not punish Johnson for burning the flag in these circumstances.
— Texas v. Johnson (1989)
Here we have our first constitutional problem. Not the conviction, which was wrong, but the reason the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reversed. They claimed that the state violated the First Amendment by convicting Mr. Johnson. There’s just one problem with that. Mr. Johnson was convicted of a law passed by the Texas
Legislature, not Congress. There’s more to this problem.
The court first found that Johnson’s burning of the flag was expressive conduct protected by the First Amendment.
— Texas v. Johnson (1989)
The First Amendment does not protect freedom of “expressive conduct,” but of speech and press. And burning a flag is neither speech nor press.
In this case, the flag burning did not seem to threaten a serious disturbance. Had it led to violence or other disturbances, another Texas statute that prohibited breaches of the peace could have been used, without specifically punishing flag desecration.
Held: Johnson’s conviction for flag desecration is inconsistent with the First Amendment. — Texas v. Johnson (1989)
So here we have another court that comes to the right conclusion for the wrong reasons.
trump’s executive order
Which brings us to Trump’s executive order.
Section 1. Purpose. Our great American Flag is the most sacred and cherished symbol of the United States of America, and of American freedom, identity, and strength. — Prosecuting Burning of the American Flag
Is the flag indeed the most “sacred” symbol?
1 a: dedicated or set apart for the service or worship of a deity
2 a: worthy of religious veneration: Holy b: entitled to reverence and respect
— SACRED – Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online
It’s almost as if Trump is painting the flag as a religious symbol.
Over nearly two and a half centuries, many thousands of American patriots have fought,
bled, and died to keep the Stars and Stripes waving proudly. The American Flag is a special symbol in our national life that should unite and represent all Americans of every background and walk of life. Desecrating it is uniquely offensive and provocative. It is a statement of contempt, hostility, and violence against our Nation.
— Prosecuting Burning of the American Flag
The American flag is a symbol, and yes, many people have fought and died for it, but if we use that symbol to destroy what it symbolizes, than what good is it? Should a symbol of rights and liberty be used to infringe on our rights and liberty?
Burning this representation of America may incite violence and riot.
— Prosecuting Burning of the American Flag
Burning the flag may indeed incite violence, but so can speeches, publications and assemblies. We do not criminalize them because they may incite violence, we criminalize the actual incitement to violence. While the Supreme Court used the wrong reason to protect this type of demonstration, the Constitution does protect our right to do with our property what we want.
So why prohibit some expression because it “might” lead to violence?
While there are laws against inciting violence, Title 4, Section 8 of the United States Code is entitled “Respect for flag.”
No disrespect should be shown to the flag of the United States of America; the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. Regimental colors, State flags, and organization or institutional flags are to be dipped as a mark of honor.
— 4 USC §8 – Respect for flag
However, this is not a criminal law. In fact, by using the word “should,” it’s only a suggestion, not a demand or command.
The Attorney General shall prioritize the enforcement to the fullest extent possible of our Nation’s criminal and civil laws against acts of American Flag desecration . . . This may include, but is not limited to, violent crimes; hate crimes, illegal discrimination against American citizens, or other violations of Americans’ civil rights; crimes against property and the peace.
— Prosecuting Burning of the American Flag
So Trump’s “flag burning” EO really calls for prosecution of other crimes using the American flag. Furthermore, Trump’s order limits the Department of Justice, in the case where a state or local law is violated, to referring the matter to the appropriate state
or local authority, saying that if burning a flag “may violate an applicable State or local law, such as open burning restrictions, disorderly conduct laws, or destruction of property laws, the agency shall refer the matter to the appropriate State or local authority for potential action.”
So while there is plenty of bluff and bluster in this executive order, legally there aren’t any real teeth to it.
is flag Burning constitutional?
Is burning the flag protected by the First Amendment? No. Does that mean that flag burning is not protected by the Constitution? Also no, because of this little thing we like to call “due process.”
. . . nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law;
— U.S. Constitution, Amendment XIV
You see, if you purchase or are gifted a flag, it’s your property. And the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits states from depriving you of your property without due process of law, an established process to protect the rights of the individual. Furthermore, your liberty, your ability to live your life as you see fit, is also protected by the Fourteenth Amendment.
conclusion
Should the American people respect the American flag? I think so, but we cannot use our desire to respect the flag as an excuse to disrespect the republic for which it stands. Probably the greatest cornerstone of the republic is the protection of our liberty, including our right to show our disfavor of our country.
Whether flag burning is “symbolic speech” or the exercise of your liberty, it is protected by the Constitution of the United States, and that cannot be taken away by any law or executive order.
Finally, keep this in mind, according to the Respect for Flag law:
(k) The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
— 4 USC §8 – Respect for flag
So if the preferred way to destroy a flag is by burning, this has nothing to do with flag burning, but with people who are offended by how some treat the flag. Look all you want, but the Constitution does not protect Americans from being offended.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREA PIAC q UADIO / PE x ELS
Strategies to Avoid Probate: Planning Ahead
WHEN IT COMES TO ESTATE planning, one of the most overlooked but crucial aspects is avoiding probate. Probate can be a lengthy, costly and stressful process for your loved ones, often at a time when they are already dealing with emotional loss. The good news is, with a little planning, you can protect your family from this burden and ensure that your wishes are carried out efficiently.
As a Certified Probate Specialist, I’ve helped many families navigate the complexities of estate planning and probate.
Let’s dive into what probate is, why avoiding it is often a smart decision, and the strategies you can use.
WHY AVOID PROBATE?
Probate is the legal process that oversees the distribution of a deceased person’s assets. It ensures that any debts are paid, and the remaining property is transferred to the rightful heirs. While it serves an important legal purpose, it’s often more of a headache than a help. Here’s why: IT TAKES TIME: Probate can drag on for months or even years,
especially if the estate is complex or if disputes arise.
IT’S EXPENSIVE: Between court costs, attorney fees and executor fees, probate can significantly diminish the value of the estate.
IT’S PUBLIC: Probate proceedings are part of the public record, meaning anyone can access details about your estate.
Avoiding probate allows your family to bypass these challenges. With proper planning, you can ensure that your assets are transferred privately, efficiently and without unnecessary expenses.
STRATEGIES TO AVOID PROBATE
1
Create a Living Trust
A living trust is one of the most effective tools for avoiding probate. When you create a living trust, you transfer ownership of your assets to the trust while retaining control during your lifetime. Upon your death, the successor trustee you’ve chosen distributes the assets directly to your beneficiaries, bypassing probate entirely.
For example, imagine you own a home, a bank account and an
investment portfolio. Without a trust, these assets could be tied up in probate for months. But with a properly funded living trust, your successor trustee can handle everything seamlessly, ensuring your beneficiaries receive their inheritance quickly and without court involvement.
PRO TIP: Don’t forget to fund your trust by transferring assets into it. An unfunded trust won’t help you avoid probate.
2Use Joint Ownership
Assets owned jointly with rights of survivorship pass directly to the surviving owner without going through probate. Here are some examples of joint ownership: Joint Tenancy: Commonly used by spouses, this allows assets to transfer automatically to the surviving spouse. Community Property with Right of Survivorship: Available in certain states, this combines probate avoidance with tax benefits.
3Designate Beneficiaries
Many financial accounts allow you to name beneficiaries using payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) desig-
Proud to share that I am now a CERTIFIED PROBATE
Whether you’re dealing with probate for the first time or need expert advice, I'm here to help.
nations. These accounts transfer directly to the named beneficiaries upon your death, bypassing probate.
Common accounts with beneficiary options include bank accounts, retirement accounts (e.g., IRAs, 401(k)s) and life insurance policies.
PRO TIP: Keep your beneficiary designations updated to reflect your current wishes and to avoid unintended consequences, such as an ex-spouse receiving funds.
4Gift Assets During Your Lifetime
By gifting assets during your lifetime, you can reduce the size of your estate and ensure that your loved ones receive their inheritance without delay. This strategy not only avoids probate but also allows you to see the positive impact of your generosity.
For example, consider gifting a portion of your savings or transferring ownership of a family heirloom to your children. Just be mindful of gift tax limits and consult a tax advisor for guidance.
5Explore Small Estate Procedures
In many states, estates below a certain value qualify for simpli-
fied probate procedures or can be settled using small estate affidavits. If your estate meets these criteria, it may be possible to avoid full probate proceedings.
TAKE ACTION TODAY!
Planning ahead to avoid probate is one of the most thoughtful and impactful steps you can take for your family. By using strategies like creating a living trust, naming beneficiaries, and leveraging joint ownership, you can ensure that your assets are transferred according to your wishes while sparing your loved one’s unnecessary hardship.
Request a free guide, “Strategies to Avoid Probate: Planning Ahead,” to help you dive deeper into these solutions and start your planning journey. This guide is packed with actionable advice and practical examples tailored to your needs.
Access this guide today by emailing platinumprobate@gmail. com or call 615-828-1645. Together, we can create a plan that protects your legacy and gives your family peace of mind. I look forward to helping you through this journey.
by Jennifer DuranD
you
c an’t turn Back the c lock
t he tit L e of thi S a Rtic L e is a quote by Bonnie Pruden. It’s a great reminder that we can choose to be different any time we want. We just have to take one step in the direction we are seeking. Some time ago I went to visit a friend who lived in a retirement community. This was an area with beautiful lakes, walking trails, tennis courts, golf courses, boating, a clubhouse with a swimming pool and a calendar of events that could keep you as busy as you want to be. There was dancing, arts and crafts, theater, singing and concerts. I was in awe of all the fun things available within walking, golf carting or bicycling distance. Couples were out strolling together. Friends were busy chatting or going to and from activities. These communities are designed for those who are no longer working, whose children are grown and living on their own.
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” — George Bernard Shaw
As I observed what was happening, it occurred to me that these adults were doing all the things that children are introduced to in their developmental years. Curiosity, creativity, playfulness, anticipation, excitement at discovering something new or simply enjoying something already learned are the norm when we’re young. So what happens in between the time when we are young and learning and the time when we retire and can start enjoying things we once loved again? It mostly seems to happen to married people who settle in and start raising a family. Single people still force themselves to go out and participate in clubs or social activities to meet others and be active. Couples with children start to teach them how to play different games, allow space for resting, creating through storytelling, art creations, singing, dancing, even comedy.
“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” — Satchel Paige
It seems the gap of freedom to play and explore comes in the middle of our lives, when we are trying to earn a living, create financial wealth and what we deem to be a “secure” future. This mentality comes at the risk of forgetting to enjoy those same things we’ve been taught along the way. We get caught up in the “have tos” and the “shoulds,” the “should nots” and the “I’d like to, buts” and it doesn’t take long to realize you’re working so hard to build a life, that you forget to live the one you have. It’s good to point out that how we show up for ourselves is an imprint on the young ones we are teaching. We are the role models they have for what being an adult will look like.
“Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind.”
— Luella F. Phelan
One friend recently shared how she has been witnessing her grandchildren, with whom she often
gets to spend time. One of the biggest things she noticed was how JOYful they are when they wake up each morning. The enthusiasm for waking up and getting to discover what adventure the day will bring is contagious—what new revelation they’ll see or experience. They don’t wake up thinking “oh God, not another day of pressure to perform, to do or be a certain way.” Just pure anticipation of a new day.
“A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.” — John Barrymore
One way of keeping our dreams alive and filling the hole of regret before it has a chance to grow, is to take the advice of the older generations. Here are a few things they have to say to children:
take ca R e of you R B ody: Eat well, exercise regularly and avoid harmful substances to ensure a healthy body for life.
pR io R itize you R M enta L we LL B eing: Find ways to stay mentally sharp, like reading, thinking, or positive dialogue with others. take one day at a ti M e: Don’t think too much and get overwhelmed by the future or dwell on the past. Focus on the present moment to manage or prevent stress. Don’t worry about things that are out of your control.
Va Lue you R R e L ation S hip S : Maintain strong connections with family and friends who support and encourage you. Make the effort to stay in touch.
Be R e S pectfu L : Treat others with kindness and courtesy, even when you disagree.
c hoo S e you R f R iend S wi S e Ly: Surround yourself with people who have goals and who encourage you regarding yours.
Be cu R iou S and L ea R n: Never stop learning. Acquire new knowledge and skills. This keeps your mind sharp while inviting new opportunities.
SaV e and i n V e S t Money: Even if you have to start out small, start saving a little each week or month. Little habits done consistently develop into bigger things. As your money grows, invest it and make it grow even more.
Even if you forget to enjoy your life in between being a child and being retired, don’t fear. You can begin any time. As the quote says, you can’t turn back the clock but you can start from where you are and wind it up to give you momentum again. As long as you are consistent, even in tiny doses, you will keep the spark of youth in all you do.
“Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.” — Stanislaw Jerzy Lec
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.
