A look at local favorites that make our hometown a lovable place to live, explore and share
22
aV ent cab I n
Mysterious hidden gem at Elkmont in Great Smoky Mountains National Park was once home to an art studio.
28
saM alVey
After lengthy UFC career, Murfreesboro fighter now training locally and competing in karate combat.
6 Events calendar
Teddy Bear Tea, Cave Exploring, Pride and Prejudice, Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating, Elvis Has Left the Building and more!
14 Sounds concerts
MusIc note MTSU goes GRAMMY
24 Living nature news Magic of a snowflake
Celebrate National Bird Feeding Month
Mr. MurFreesboro
Coach Jimmy Earle
26 Food restaurant
Mike’s Pizzeria
30 News
busIness buzz
Premium Muay Thai, Compassion Eye Care, Vanderbilt Rutherford, Swig, Buc-ee’s, Experience Community, Joanie's and more!
33 Opinion Money Matters
The first step in financial planning Free your chIldren Legislative overreach sports talk Bowl LX, lots of Super Bowl food, and new coaches in Nashville constItutIon study
Unreasonable searches lIVIng . . . well! In the name of love
DuriNg ThiS MONTh OF LOvE, the Pulse pays tribute to the town of Murfreesboro, the unique elements that give the community its character and make our hometown so lovable. This is the market that has supported us and our business. We love Murfreesboro!
We love all of the people involved with the Pulse—the readers, the advertisers, those who send us information, comment on the material, and share articles and information from the Pulse with others. We love all of the individuals operating the distribution points which keep this community publication out and available for the people of Murfreesboro. We love all of the organizations who support the Pulse financially, who use it to advertise their business and promote their message, who contribute towards making it happen.
What works for your business? How do you reach new consumers and communicate with local folks?
Consider joining the great collection of local independent organizations that you see within the Pulse. Get your brand in the pages of the Pulse. Use our local outlet to help communicate your vision to existing and prospective customers.
To all of the entrepreneurs out there, to those behind all of the thousands of special businesses that make up the fabric of Murfreesboro, let’s all stick together.
When the big organizations disappoint, let’s shop small and band together. Many have begun to feel that big medicine, big tech, big religion, big education, big media and big government may not really have the interest of the little guy at heart. Keep it small. Keep it local.
Hopefully you got some good family time and rest in during the big ice event of 2026. I opted not to do a road run outside in the ice. I did have a little backyard chase around the magical ice castles and tunnels, but definitely need to get back to run training soon. The Special Kids Race is coming up on March 14. It’s time to get in 5K condition!
Riding out the winter storm was no big deal at our house. We stayed warm, well fed and all powered up. It is incredibly unfortunate that others, particularly the customers of NES, had a tough time this past month. Our thoughts and prayers are with those families.
Super Bowl LX is almost here. The Super Bowl is a wonderful tradition, bringing all sorts of people together, watching the best in American football for a few hours each year. Whatever your nationality or religion or politics, all can come together and complain about how much they dislike the halftime show every year!
At first glance, I have to predict a Seahawks win. I did realize, if New England gets another win for the AFC, here in its 12th Super Bowl appearance, the AFC/NFC Super Bowl win balance will be equal, after number 60. I like that symmetry and parity. Plus, the Patriots will be wearing white. And, honestly, I like Vrabel. But, still, I’m going Seahawks. They can score however many points they need.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 8:38-39
Peace, b racken Mayo
Publisher/Editor in Chief
Feb. 5
events calendar ❤ February 2026
tales to taIls wIth bella
Tales to Tails is a heartwarming library program at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) designed to combine the joy of reading with the therapeutic benefits of spending time with dogs. In this pawsome program, participants are invited to come to the library to read aloud to the friendly therapy dogs in a relaxed and supportive environment. Ten-minute slots are available on Thursday, Feb. 5, from 3–4 p.m. For more information, call 615-4594884 or email smyrnays@rclstn.org
Feb. 6
toddler shapes & colors
Toddler Shapes and Colors invites young children and their caregivers to explore basic shapes and colors through interactive activities designed for early learners. This hands-on program, held at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) on Friday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m. focuses on playful learning, helping toddlers develop early cognitive and motor skills in a welcoming group environment as they piece together their own unique paper quilt. To register or for more information, call 615-890-0355 or email sthompson@murfreesborotn.gov
Feb. 6
lego Jr. club at the tec
Get creative with bricks at the LEGO Jr. Club at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.) on Friday, Feb. 6, from 3–5 p.m. This monthly club offers builders a fun-filled afternoon of imagination, construction and building challenges designed to let kids showcase their skills. This session, held the first Friday of each month, is geared toward builders ages 5–8. This program is free and open to the public. For more information on Rutherford County Library events, visit rclstn.org/event.
Feb. 6
greenway nature rIde
Grab your bike and ride a scenic path along the beautiful Smyrna greenway on Friday, Feb. 6, from 4–5:30 p.m. The trip leaves from the SOAC (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy E.) and makes its way to the 9th Avenue Trailhead before heading back. The trip is around 5 miles, with stops along the way to
learn about the natural world right in your backyard. Loaner bikes are available in limited supply. Email mike.kraft@townofsmyrna .org to reserve a bike or for more information. There is no cost to participate. All ages are welcome; anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Feb. 6
wInter readIng, snow day!
The Winter Reading Program celebration will be a huge outdoor Snow Party on Friday, Feb. 6, at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) from 10–11 a.m. Play in the snow and get some treats. This event is aimed to get participants registered and reading for the Reading Is Snow Much Fun! with the Walter King Hoover Memorial Winter Reading Program. This is an all-ages event. For more information, visit rclstn.org.
Feb. 6
paMpered paInt nIght
Join Pampered Artist for a fun pre-Valentine’s Day event catered specifically for professional people looking to network and unwind. Enjoy wine as you unleash your creativity with a paintbrush in hand at Middle Ground Brewing Company (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.) on Friday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. For more information, find Middle Ground Brewing Co. on Facebook.
Feb. 7
teddy bear tea
Grab your favorite stuffed animal, squishy toy or teddy bear, and come out to the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E.) on Saturday, Feb. 7, for crafts and a special teatime from 10 a.m.–noon. The cost to join is $2. All ages are welcome. Registration is suggested through the Community Pass. Email sam.kaviyakone@ townofsmyrna.org for more information.
Feb. 7
3d prInt orIentatIon
The introductory 3D print orientation will be held at the Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Class size is limited to four patrons per class; ages 13 and up are preferred. To secure a spot, email smyrna3dprint@rclstn.org
Feb. 7
MoVIe MatInee
Come out to Smyrna Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) for a showing of 2025’s live-action Lilo & Stitch (PG), on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 1:30–4:30 p.m. A lonely Hawaiian girl befriends a runaway alien, helping to mend her fragmented family. Bring your favorite movie snacks; free popcorn will be provided. For more information, visit rclstn.org.
Feb. 7
craFternoon
Tap into your creativity at Smyrna Public Library’s (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) Saturday Crafternoon program for Take Your Child to the Library Day on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 1–2 p.m. The event is hosted by Youth Services, but all ages are welcome to participate. Supplies are provided. For more information, visit rclstn.org.
Feb. 7
caVe explorIng
Outdoor Murfreesboro will lead a caveexploring excursion on Saturday, Feb. 7. Meet at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park at 8 a.m. for a day of learning about caves, geology and subterranean ecosystems through an educational and interactive experience. Transportation is provided. This is a challenging adventure, not for casual outdoorsman. There will be lots of crawling over rocks and mud. Upper body strength and balance are necessary in all wild caves. Ages 10 and up; $15 per person. Call 615-642-1103 or email ekreuziger@murfreesborotn.gov to register.
Feb. 7
brIan seadorF book sIgnIng
Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) hosts local author Brian Seadorf for a book signing on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 2–3 p.m. The author will sign and sell copies of his book, Five Baptisms, with a reading to follow in the conference room. The book contains many specific pop culture references about his life in the ’80s and ’90s, allowing many Gen-Xers and older Millennials to make connections to those different aspects. Five Baptisms, released in October 2025, is his first book. You can find more information at seadorfbooks.com. For more information, visit rclstn.org or call 615-893-4131.
Feb. 7
crocheted coaster class
Come out to Middle Ground Brewing (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.) for a Crocheted Coaster Class on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. For more information, find Middle Ground Brewing Co. on Facebook or visit middlegroundbrew.com.
Feb. 8
pressed Flower FraMe MakIng class
Come out to Middle Ground Brewing for Pressed Flower Frame Making Class on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. For more information, visit middlegroundbrew.com or find Middle Ground Brewing Co. on Facebook.
CONTiNuED ON PAgE 7
Feb. 10
hoMeschool scIence
Homeschool Science, held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.), offers home-school students ages 5–8 the opportunity to explore scientific concepts. Designed to supplement athome learning, the program encourages curiosity, experimentation and age-appropriate scientific discovery while making new friends along the way. To register or for more information, call 615-217-3017.
Feb.
10 & 24
boro books and brews
Books and Brews meets Tuesdays, Feb. 10 and 24, at 7 p.m. at Middle Ground Brewing Company (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.). For more information, email rachgauger@gmail.com, or find the Boro Books and Brews group on Facebook.
Feb. 10
tennessee traIls MeetIng
The Tennessee Trails Association’s monthly meeting of the Murfreesboro Chapter is set for Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 7–8 p.m., at the Wilderness Station in Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.). Jane Powell, a Certified Tennessee State Naturalist from Boro Birders, will present BirdEd for beginner birders. Nonmembers are welcome. Come out and see what TTA has to offer. For more information, visit tennesseetrails.org
Feb. 10
lIVIng sent
Everyone is welcome to the February 2026 Living Sent Murfreesboro meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at Wilson Bank & Trust (3110 Memorial Blvd.). Speakers Reggie and Tanora Polk will talk about taking Jesus to work in the construction industry. Speaker Malcolm Laws is the campus director for Bethel Community Church’s MTSU outreach program. He’ll share his passion for telling people about Jesus. A complimentary lunch will be provided by Sir Basil’s Boneyard. Please RSVP to bob.williams@ alhambrapartners.com.
Feb. 11
stor I es b eh I nd the Qu I lts
A guest speaker tells the stories behind various quilts at Cannonsburgh Village on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m. As the quilts are shown, the maker, the patterns, the fabrics, and their history are revealed. Quilts can cover several generations, and
Feb. 13–15, 20–22
prIde and preJudIce
Springhouse Theatre Company will present its production of Pride and Prejudice, based on the beloved novel by Jane Austen and adapted by Janet Munsil, Feb. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22.
perfect mood for romance, nostalgia and toe-tapping fun. Whether you’re planning a classic Valentine’s date night or simply looking for something special to share, this is an evening designed to delight the heart and soul. To reserve your seat, visit tnphil.org
Feb. 12
h o M eschool c he F acade M y
Come learn the ways of cooking with a Homeschool Chef Academy for Teens at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Thursday, Feb. 12, from 3:30–4 p.m. Ages 13 and up are welcome. Registration is required; email smyrnays@rclstn.org to register.
Feb. 13
b lack hI story MoVI e Come out to Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center (516 S. Academy St.) for a free movie night special for Black History Movie Night. Celebrate culture, history and community while watching The Jackie Robinson Story on Friday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. For more information, find Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center – Murfreesboro on Facebook.
Feb. 14
Valent I ne’s day c ook I e d ecorat I ng
each quilt has a story to be told. Admissions is $5 per participant. All ages are welcome. For more information, email sthompson@murfreesborotn.gov or call 615-890-0355.
Feb. 11
horse ManageMent FIeld day
The University of Tennessee Extension will host a Horse Management Field Day at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) on Wednesday, Feb. 11, as part of its 2026 Field Day Series. Beginning at 5 p.m., this educational event is designed for horse owners and enthusiasts interested in best practices for equine care and overall management. Participants will hear from UT specialists and industry professionals and can expect practical, research-based information. For additional details and to register, visit tiny.utk.edu/2026fielddays or call 865-974-7294.
Feb. 11
ValentIne’s day craFt
Come feel the love and art with Smyrna Public Library’s (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) Valentine’s Day Craft event on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 3:15-4 p.m. The event is hosted by Youth Services, but all ages are welcome to participate. Supplies are provided. For more information, visit rclstn.org
Feb. 12
sweetheart & sw I ng Jazz c elebrat I on
The Sweetheart & Swing Jazz Celebration, presented by Dick and Marta Curl, will be Thursday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. at the Center for the Arts (110 W. College St.). The Valentine’s event blends the timeless elegance of jazz with the energy of big band swing for an evening in downtown Murfreesboro. From recognizable old favorites to songs you know and love, this concert sets the
OFLOW (Overflow – Brews & Bakes, 115 N. Maple St.) hosts Valentine’s Day cookie decorating on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 8 a.m.–noon. Decorate a cookie for $5 or 3 cookies for $10. OFLOW provides all the candies, sprinkles, and icing, and does the cleanup. For more information, visit overflowb.com or find Oflow (Overflow Brews and Bakes) on Facebook.
Feb. 14
c ra F ternoon
Tap into your creativity at the Saturday Crafternoon program hosted by Youth Services at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 1–2 p.m. All ages are welcome to participate. Supplies are provided. For more information, visit rclstn.org.
Feb. 14
o Flow hI gh t ea party
OFLOW (115 N. Maple St.) will host its Valentine’s Day high tea party on Saturday, Feb. 14, with seatings at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The limited-set menu will feature nine different pastries and savories as well as fresh-brewed loose leaf tea from Music City Tea, coffee from Narrow Gate Coffee, and Taiwanese Bubble Tea. The
Led by director Heidi Buyck, this production focuses on the humanness of the characters. With its sharp wit, emotional depth and memorable cast of characters, Pride and Prejudice remains a timeless story that continues to resonate across generations. Kristian Rarig serves as producer. Harrison Hall joins the creative team as assistant director, and Marcus Lackey rounds out the team as stage manager, guiding the production from rehearsal through performance. The cast features Haydin Olivia Oechsle as the spirited and insightful Elizabeth Bennet, opposite Brooks Bennett as the enigmatic Fitzwilliam Darcy. Zakyra Loving appears as the gentle Jane Bennet, with Harrison Roulaine Hall as the charming Charles Bingley. Kristina Ramsey brings her brilliant humor to the role of Mrs. Bennet. Buyck points out that this is “a take that is unique and separate from the iconic 2005 film version and the 1995 series, but with elements of the story and period that audiences know and love.” Composer Anna Hatch collaborated closely with Buyck to create original music that accompanies the telling of this beloved story. Springhouse Theatre Company is located at 14119 Old Nashville Hwy., Smyrna. Tickets are only available at springhousetheatre.com CONTiNuED ON PAgE 8
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID W ARREN P HOTOGRAPHY
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 best-dressed. Reservations are limited. A nonrefundable $10 perperson fee is required to secure your spot. For more information, call 615-900-1676 or visit overflowb.com/events.
Feb. 16
lego b lock party
The LEGO Block Party is a fun and engaging afterschool program at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) where imagination knows no bounds. Designed all ages, this bi-weekly program from 3:15–3:45 p.m. invites participants to come together and build amazing creations using the collection of LEGO bricks. No registration is needed. Programs close 10 minutes after start time. For more information, visit rclstn.org
Feb. 15 & 22
Free c logg I ng l essons
Cripple Creek Cloggers, now in their 58th year of teaching and performing Appalachian-style square dancing with a clogging step, welcome all those interested to sessions on Sundays Feb. 15 and 22, at 4 p.m. at Smyrna Senior Activity Center (100 Raikes St., Smyrna). There is no cost to participate; no dance experience is necessary. For more information, email appdancer@aol.com or visit cripplecreekcloggers.org or find Cripple Creek Cloggers/Mboro on Facebook.
Feb. 17
Mus I c and MoV e M ent
Move to the music and hear stories with a special guest presenter at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 10–11 a.m. All ages are welcome. There is no cost to join. For more information, visit rclstn.org
Through Feb. 19
baby bas I cs
The annual United Way of South Central Tennessee Baby Basics Collection Drive takes place through Thursday, Feb. 19. Baby Basics is an initiative focused on helping parents and babies get a healthy start and to ease some of the financial burden new families face while also connecting them to helpful local resources. United Way is collecting new, unopened packages of diapers and wipes in all sizes. After items are collected, they are sorted and distributed to local organizations that can identify families in need of these resources.
Feb. 15
great backyard bIrd count
Become an ornithologist and join the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center in the international effort of identifying and counting birds outdoors on Sunday, Feb. 15. Listen to and look for a variety of birds at Sharp Springs Natural Area, Pattie King O’Connor Shelter (311 Jefferson Pk.), and then submit your data so scientists can keep track of bird populations all around the world. Beginner and experienced birders alike are welcome. Binoculars will be provided. This is great for home-school students. Participate in either session, from 8–9 a.m. or 11 a.m.–noon. There is no cost to attend. All ages are welcome; anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is suggested through the Community Pass. Email mike.kraft@townofsmyrna.org for more information.
Collect new baby items (diapers and wipes) and drop them off at the following collection sites before Tuesday, Feb. 17:
• Female Foundation/Milestone Family Chiropractic, 611 N. Maple St.
• First Bank, 615 Memorial Blvd.
• Regions, 301 S. Lowry St., Smyrna
• Murfreesboro Water Resources Department, 316 Robert Rose Dr.
• Ascend, 231 Waldron Rd. La Vergne, 3403 S. Church St., Ste. A
• Wee Care Day Care, 510 S. Hancock St.
• Wilson Bank, 3110 Memorial Blvd., 710 NW Broad St., 4195 Franklin Rd., 210 Commerce Dr., Smyrna, 2640 S. Church St. • YMCA Smyrna, 2001 Motlow College Blvd, Smyrna
• Smart Bank, 1605 Medical Center Pkwy.
• Volunteer Bank, 2019 Memorial Blvd., 2240 Medical Center Pkwy.
For more information, visit yourlocaluw .org/babybasics.
Feb. 19
the connectIon
Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken will host the February 2026 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation networking event, where they can meet
other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. Networking begins at 5 p.m. with introductions at 6 p.m. Champy’s is located at 1290 NW Broad St.
Feb. 19
tales to ta I ls Tales to Tails is designed to combine the joy of reading with the therapeutic benefits of spending time with dogs. In this pawsome program, participants are invited to come to the Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) to read aloud to our friendly therapy dogs in a relaxed and supportive environment. Ten-minute slots are available on Thursdays from 3–4:30 p.m. Email smyrnays@rclstn.org or call 615459-4884 to reserve your spot.
Feb. 20
c rypt I d c ra F ternoon
Create your own cryptid masterpiece during this collaging event at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W) on Friday, Feb. 20, from 3:30–5 p.m. All ages are welcome; children under 13 must have a guardian. Supplies and fun cryptid videos will be provided. For more information, visit rclstn.org
Feb. 20
c a M p FI re and stargaz I ng
Gather around a campfire with the Smyrna
Outdoor Adventure Center staff for fun games, friends and yummy s’mores at the Sharp Springs Natural Area (1000 Espey Dr., fire pit behind the green building) on Friday, Feb. 20, from 6–8 p.m. Talk about stars, what different cultures believed about them, and how to identify the many constellations. Use the telescope to view the moon and stars. Food is served on a first come, first served basis. The cost to join is $2. All ages are welcome; anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is suggested through the Community Pass. For more information, email mike.kraft@townofsmyrna.org
Feb. 20
wI nter c oncert
The MTSU School of Music Winter Concert features an engaging mix of energetic, lyrical and expressive works celebrating cultures, places and personal memories on Friday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. in the Hinton Hall of the Wright Music Building (1439 Faulkinberry Dr.). Joined by guest conductor Mandy Boonshaft and Concerto Contest winner Jeremiah Jernigan on tuba, this free concert is sponsored by KHS America. For more information, find MTSU School of Music on Facebook.
Feb. 21
V r c areer Fa I r
Explore your next career in a virtual reality setting at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) with VR technology provided by Rutherford Works of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 2–4 p.m. This 16-and-over event is a great way to learn a new skill or find your next opportunity. For more information, visit rclstn.org
Feb. 21
b lueb I rd talk
Become a backyard habitat hero at the Bluebird Educational Talk with an expert WBU bluebird enthusiast on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m., at Wild Birds Unlimited (The Avenue Murfreesboro, 2615 Medical Center Pkwy., Ste. 1060). Learn some great “inside the box” tricks and tips on how to set up the perfect bluebird sanctuary in your own backyard. Attendees will automatically be entered to win a WBU Bluebird Feeding Basket. For more information, call 615-869-7975.
Feb. 21
lego Jr. c lub
Bring your creativity and building skills to LEGO Jr. Club at Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) on Saturday, Feb. 21,
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED
CONTiNuED FrOM PAgE 8
from 10–11 a.m. The youth LEGO club meets monthly, the third Saturday of each month, to build and explore imaginative designs with LEGOs, offering a fun and engaging space for kids and families to connect and create together. For more information on Rutherford County Library events, visit rclstn.org/event.
Feb. 23
hooked on yarn
Hooked on Yarn is a space for any fiber crafter—crochet, knitting or embroidery—to work on projects and talk with other artists at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Friday, Feb. 23, from 4–5 p.m. Supplies will be provided, or you can bring your own. This event meets the fourth Monday of each month in the Conference Room. Ages 18 and up are welcome. For more information, visit rclstn.org
Feb. 25
Jeep crew Meetup
The Rutherford County Jeep Crew has a meetup scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at Middle Ground Brewing Company (2476 Old Fort Pkwy.). All Jeepers are welcome. For more information, find Middle Ground Brewing Company on Facebook or visit middlegroundbrew.com.
Feb. 27–march 1
southern eQuIne expo
The Southern Equine Expo returns to the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro from Feb. 27–March 1. The expo offers 100 clinics/demonstrations and lectures along with 90-plus vendors, attracting horse enthusiasts to Middle Tennessee from across the nation, with the greatest concentration coming from the Southern and Midwestern states. Horse lovers can connect, learn and have a blast, whether they are a rider, trainer or just a fan. Expect demos, fun activities and equine excitement. For more information, visit southernequineexpo.com
Feb. 28
stones rIVer Market
Stones River Market returns to the Stones River Mall (1720 Old Fort Pkwy.) on Saturday, Feb. 28, bringing together local makers, artists, food vendors and small businesses for a community shopping event. Hosted by Brianna Victory Events, the market, running from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., features handmade goods, artisan products and locally owned vendors in a family-friendly atmosphere.
For more information on the event and vendor opportunities, visit brianna-victory-events.com or call 931-952-0472.
Feb. 28
lunar new year tea party OFLOW (115 N. Maple St.) will host its Lunar New Year High Tea Party on Saturday, Feb. 28, with seatings at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The menu will feature nine different pastries and savories as well as fresh-brewed loose leaf tea, coffee and Taiwanese Bubble Tea. The cost is $35 per person or $20 for children between 3–8 years old, plus tax. Dress for a high tea party (semi-formal or smart casual). There will be a prize for the best-dressed. Reservations are limited. A nonrefundable $10 per-person fee is required to secure your spot. For more information, call 615900-1676 or visit overflowb.com/events
Feb. 28
Free coMMunIty
closet
Visit Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) at 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, for a Free Community Closet sponsored by Say Cheese, a nonprofit that provides free thrifted clothes for teens and adults in need. Stop in and learn how to help out your community or get yourself some sweet thrifty finds.
Feb. 28
noVel nerds
Avid library lovers and readers who love reading multiple genres may join Novel Nerds at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) on Friday, Feb. 28, from 12–1 p.m. For more information, email smyref@rclstn.org
Feb. 28
g I l M ore g I rls celebrat I on
Visit Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) from 2–4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, for a big fat happy sunshine day celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Gilmore Girls. The cozy afternoon will include a marathon of the show, coffee, bingo and crafts for all ages. For more information, email smyref@rclstn.org.
march 3
MIdtn MagIc group
Join the MidTN Magic Group on Tuesday, March 3, from 6:30–8 p.m. in the second-floor conference room at Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.).
Anyone interested in the magical arts is welcome to attend this free meeting. For more information on Rutherford County
CONTiNuED FrOM PAgE 10
Library events, visit rclstn.org/event
march 6–8
elVIs has leFt the buIldIng
Murfreesboro Little Theatre will present Elvis Has Left the Building by V. Cate and Duke Ernsberger on Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7, at 7 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on March 8 at 2 p.m. The nostalgic slapstick comedy unfolds in the office of Elvis Presley’s manager, the Colonel, as chaos erupts when Elvis mysteriously goes missing just days before Christmas. Packed with quirky characters, quick wit and outrageous schemes, the production celebrates the cultural frenzy surrounding the world’s most iconic performer. Performances will be held in Maney Hall at Oaklands Mansion, located at 901 N. Maney Ave. Tickets are available at mltarts.com
ongoing
storyland
Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites remains on exhibit at The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring (502 SE Broad St.) through Sunday, May 3. Created by Minnesota Children’s Museum, the traveling exhibit features
interactive, literacy-focused environments inspired by classic children’s books and is included with general admission and free for museum members. The exhibit features seven well-known picture books re-created as interactive story environments and incorporates activities that promote early literacy concepts such as vocabulary building, narrative sequencing, letter recognition and sound exploration. Take part in the The Tale of Peter Rabbit, searching for hidden objects while experiencing scenes that encourage storytelling and descriptive language. The Snowy Day introduces visitors to a wintry urban landscape where they can experiment with words inspired by the story’s sensory themes. A dedicated Where’s Spot? space provides babies and toddlers with tactile wall panels and interactive elements. The Chicka Chicka Boom Boom area features bold colors, musical components, and letter-based activities. Additional environments based on Abuela and Tuesday offer settings for dramatic play. For tickets or more information, visit explorethedc.org.
ongoing
wInter readIng prograM
The Smyrna Winter Reading Program is designed to encourage life-long readCONTiNuED ON PAgE 12
ing habits. All participants who submit six reviews will receive a winter reading completion prize as well as one grand prize entry. Read six books in six consecutive weeks and log your reading progress. All ages can participate. Participants can register through ReadSquared by selecting the Program Title or emailing smyrnareadingprogram@rclstn.org, or pick up a review worksheet at the library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.) and turn in hand-written reviews by March 14.
mondays
Monday nIght hIstory
The Patriot Institute presents free Monday Night History classes every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. at Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken (1290 NW Broad St.). The group will continue to explore Civil War campaigns in February. Instructor Galen Walker formed The Patriot Institute in 2015. For more information, visit thepatriotinstitute.org mondays & Tuesdays
sIlly song and dance
Join Ms. Nicole for Silly Song and Dance Mondays and Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. W.). 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 close to arriving participants 10 minutes after start time. For more information, call 615-459-4884 or visit rclstn.org/venue/smyrna-public-library
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. This is a child-focused but all-ages program that includes a snack, water and sight word games. 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
Join the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E.) on Tuesdays from 4–6 p.m. to climb on the indoor rock wall. Climbers must weigh at least 50 pounds and wear closed-toed shoes and clothing appropriate for climbing. The cost to participate is $2. All ages are welcome; walk-up guests are welcome. For more information, email soac.group@townofsmyrna.org or call 615-459-9710.
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.
Wednesdays
all ages story tIMe
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, visit rclstn.org/venue/smyrna-public-library or call 615-459-4884.
Wednesdays
wrIters group
The Murfreesboro Writers Group gathers each Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the second floor meeting room at Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.). Writers of all styles, interests and experience levels are welcome to join this regular critique and writing meetup to share work, offer feedback and grow. For more information on Rutherford County Library events, visit rclstn.org/event
Wednesdays
wIld wednesday
Join SOAC staff on Wednesdays at the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E.) from 4:30–5:30 p.m. to 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.
Wednesdays
lIne dancIng lessons
Krisdale Hoggatt presents line dancing lessons every Wednesday night at 6 p.m. at Strike and Spare (1720 Old Fort Parkway), offering a fun and social way to learn popular line dances in a casual setting. Open to all experience levels, the weekly event invites participants to dance, meet new people and enjoy an energetic night out.
Thursdays
aFter school art club
Join the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (100 Sam Ridley Pkwy. E.) from 4:30–6 p.m. on Thursdays to create some art to take home. Participants will develop art skills, learn about art history and have fun. All supplies are provided. The cost to participate is $3 for members and $5 for non-members per class. Ages 7–17 years are welcome; kids under age 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
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. For
more information, find Prohibition Home Brewing on Facebook.
Fridays
FarMers Market
Rutherford County Farmers Market will be open Fridays only from 8 a.m.–noon at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.). This new addition ensures that residents can continue to enjoy high-quality, locally sourced foods year-round while supporting local farmers and producers. For more information, vendor opportunities or seasonal updates, call 615-898-7710 or email rcfm@rutherfordcountytn.gov.
saTurdays
sIngo
Check out SINGO every Saturday night at 7 p.m. hosted by BrainBlast Trivia at Nacho’s Murfreesboro (2962 S. Rutherford Blvd.). SINGO is the musical BINGO game that will have everyone dancing in their seat; no singing is required. It is family friendly, free to play and win prizes. For more information, find BrainBlast Trivia on Facebook or visit brainblasttrivia.com.
saTurdays
coFFee & conVersatIon
The Rutherford County Historical Society hosts Coffee & Conversation each Saturday morning from 9 a.m.–noon at the Ransom School House Museum (717 N. Academy St.). Bring old photos or questions about the past to ask members, and enjoy free coffee and donuts. For more information, visit rutherfordtnhistory.org
ongoing
F3 workouts
F3—fitness, fellowship and faith—holds free, outdoor workouts for men. The sessions always end with a “circle of trust,” emphasizing the group’s commitment to faith. 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 MMC/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 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 rain or shine, hot or cold. Learn more at f3murfreesboro.com.
concerts
Live Music in M idd L e tennessee
Wed, 2/4
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Blues Jam
MT su w righT Music Building
Daniel Kuk
sMyrna VF w PosT 8422
Sharon & Dave
Thurs, 2/5
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Douglas Riley
s easons 2 Bar and g rill
Dustin Nicholson and Judy Taylor
Fri, 2/6
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Copper & Lead
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
c edar g lade Brews
Blues Man John Ford
c ha MPy’s c hicken (sMyrna)
Cooter River Band
h ank’s h onky Tonk
Jack Finley Band
h a PPy’s sP orT s l ounge
Stones River Revival
h eroes d en
Memory Train
MT su w righT Music Building
Bryan Hayslett
sMyrna VF w PosT 8422
Shane and the Money Makers
s aT, 2/7
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Charlie Allen Band
c edar g lade Brews
Barz in the Boro Hip-Hop
Showcase
h a PPy’s sP orT s l ounge
Southbound Crows
h eroes d en
The Fog
Middle g round Brewing c o.
Whiskey Hollow
MT su w righT Music Building
Nathanael Taylor
Po P’s Bar & g rill
Sharon & Dave
s un, 2/8
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Kevin Wolf
h o P sP rings
Da Jam Band
m on, 2/9
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Will Sarver
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
h ank’s h onky Tonk
Open Mic Night
MT su w righT Music Building
Ethos Wind and Jazz Band
sMyrna VF w PosT 8422
Randy and Friends
Tues, 2/10
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Lauren Freebird
MT su w righT Music Building
Chris Combest
Wed, 2/11
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Krista Lynn Meadow
c edar g lade Brews
Roland Justice
sMyrna VF w PosT 8422
Sharon & Dave
Thurs, 2/12
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Jeff Ricketts
MT su w righT Music Building
Wind Ensemble
Fri, 2/13
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Vinyl Four;
Tony Castellanos
Burger Bar
Delyn Christian
c ha MPy’s c hicken (sMyrna)
Jeff Lysyczyn
h a PPy’s sP orT s l ounge
JILLfm
h eroes d en
Cooter River Band
Middle g round Brewing c o.
Los Swamp Monsters
MT su w righT Music Building
Arunesh Nadgir
sMyrna VF w PosT 8422
Shane and the Money
Makers
s aT, 2/14
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Eden Storm
c edar g lade Brews
The Howlin Embers
h a PPy’s sP orT s l ounge
Mixtape ’80s
Tribute Band h eroes d en
Roland Justice;
Piano request night
Middle g round Brewing c o.
DJ El Gnashador
Po P’s Bar & g rill
Sharon & Dave
s un, 2/15
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Chase Stetson
h o P sP rings
Da Jam Band
MT su w righT Music Building
Euphonium-Tuba Concert
m on, 2/16
Boro Bour B on & Brews
T.J. Powers
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
h ank’s h onky Tonk
Open Mic Night
sMyrna VF w PosT 8422
Randy and Friends
MT su w righT Music Building
Drake Wallace Memorial
Tues, 2/17
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Austin Gray
Wed, 2/18
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Christie Huff
sMyrna VF w PosT 8422
Sharon & Dave
Thurs, 2/19
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Cam Shelton
h igh s ocie T y
Judy and the Dead Artists
Society; The Bar Tabs
MT su w righT Music Building
Jazz Ensemble I
Fri, 2/20
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Southern Bryze
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
h a PPy’s sP orT s l ounge
The Band ASHH
h igh s ocie T y
Copper & Lead
h eroes d en
Delyn Christian; Cary and Sherrie Lynn
Middle g round Brewing c o.
Jimmie Anderson
MT su w righT Music Building
Tennessee Valley Winds
sMyrna VF w PosT 8422
Shane and the Money
Makers
w oods V iking Bar B ersho P
Jeff Lysyczyn
s aT, 2/21
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Crooked Eye Tommy
FronT sTree T Pu B
Dustin Nicholson; Jeff Lysyczyn
h a PPy’s sP orT s l ounge
The Roundabouts
h eroes d en
Lisa Law Trio
h igh s ocie T y
Cooter River Band
Middle g round Brewing c o.
Roland Justice; Heart of Vinyl
Po P’s Bar & g rill
Sharon & Dave
s un, 2/22
Boro Bour B on & Brews
David Brookings
h o P sP rings
Valen T ine’s n igh T s ho W
saT urday, Fe B . 14 @ B oro B our B on & Brews
Eden Storm will bring a high-energy night of live music to Boro Bourbon & Brews on Saturday, Feb. 14, taking the stage in the heart of downtown Murfreesboro. Known for “hitting you with a tornado of rockin’ tunes, good times and great friendships,” Eden Storm—Jane Ogg, Dino Johnson, Evan King and Cody Thomas—delivers a crowd-pleasing mix of rock favorites and a lively stage presence that should make for a memorable Valentine’s weekend show.
Da Jam Band
MT su w righT Music Building
H. Stephen Smith, Arunesh Nadgir
m on, 2/23
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Ciera Makenzie
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
h ank’s h onky Tonk
Open Mic Night
MT su w righT Music Building
Jazz Ensemble II
sMyrna VF w PosT 8422
Randy and Friends
Tues, 2/24
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Kip Gunnells
MT su w righT Music Building
Schola Cantorum
Wed, 2/25
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Mark Henes
MT su w righT Music Building
Ethan Christian
sMyrna VF w PosT 8422
Sharon & Dave
Thurs, 2/26
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Brother Dusty
h igh s ocie T y
Cary & Sherrie Lynn
Fri, 2/27
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Jack Finley Band; Tony Castellanos
Burger Bar
Jeff Lysyczyn
h a PPy’s sP orT s l ounge
A.R. Cash: A Tribute to Johnny & June h eroes d en
Casey Gerhardt; Piano request night
Middle g round Brewing c o.
John Prine tribute with Delyn Christian
MT su w righT Music Building
Stones River Chamber
Players; Johnathan Oldham
sMyrna VF w PosT 8422
Shane and the Money Makers
s aT, 2/28
Boro Bour B on & Brews
Stovetop Band c edar g lade Brews
Joey Fletcher
FronT sTree T Pu B
Roland Justice
g rindsTone c ow B oy
Cary & Sherrie Lynn
h a PPy’s sP orT s l ounge
Stretta h eroes d en
Twang Dang Doodle
Middle g round Brewing c o.
Jeff Lysyczyn
MT su w righT Music Building
MTSU Symphony
Po P’s Bar & g rill
Sharon & Dave s un, 3/1
h o P sP rings
Da Jam Band
mtsu r eturns to the Grammys musi C note
Students get behind-the-scenes look at production, alum Lecrae up for more awards
STuDENTS AND FACuLTy FrOM MTSu
again traveled to Southern California for the music industry’s biggest weekend, celebrating former students whose work has been nominated in the 68th Grammy Awards, presented Sunday, Feb. 1.
President Sidney A. McPhee, Provost Mark Byrnes and Beverly Keel, dean of the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment, joined six students, as well as faculty members, as they visited recording industry firms and went behind the scenes at studios before attending the Grammy ceremonies. The university has held events at the Grammys since 2014.
The six media and entertainment students selected to represent the college on this year’s trip arrived in California on Wednesday, Jan. 28, and include:
Colman Connolly, a senior majoring in audio production and data science
Gabriela Diaz, a senior majoring in audio production
Emily Eastap, a senior majoring in music business
Chandler Furr, a graduate student majoring in recording arts and technologies
Jenene Grover, a senior majoring in journalism
Anna Shinholster, a senior majoring in commercial songwriting
In addition to visits to music locales in Los Angeles, students went behind the scenes to get insight into the staging of the telecast, and attended the ceremony itself. On Friday, Jan. 30, they volunteered at the Person of the Year event hosted by MusiCares, the Recording Academy’s charitable entity, honoring multi-Grammy-winning singersongwriter Mariah Carey.
“Bringing students to Los Angeles to participate in Grammy Week, including attending the Grammy Awards, has become a nationally known signature event of MTSU,” Keel said. “Our mission is to bring our students to where the action is, so that they can learn from industry leaders, meet successful alumni and begin making their own career connections.”
Six MTSU-trained professionals contributed to Grammy-nominated projects up for 2026 honors, including former student Lecrae Devaughn Moore, known professionally as Lecrae and nominated this year for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Headphones” (featuring Killer Mike and T.I.) and Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, for his Reconstruction release.
While not listed on the nomination, several other MTSU alums worked on Grammy-nominated projects, including:
Audio production engineers Jimmy Hall (Class of 2000) and Jason Mansfield (Class of 2014), who worked on Molly Tuttle’s So Long Little Miss Sunshine, nominated for Best Americana Album. Hall is also a credited engineer on country artist Lainey Wilson’s Whirlwind (Deluxe) album, which includes “Somewhere Over Laredo,” up for Best Country Song.
Brandon Bell (Class of 2004) is credited as an engineer on Billy Strings’ Highway Prayers album, nominated for Best Bluegrass Album.
Tony Castle (Class of 1995) recorded and mixed Willie Nelson’s Grammy-nominated release, Oh, What a Beautiful World, nominated for Best Traditional Country Album.
Former student Shannon Finnegan worked as project coordinator on two of Willie Nelson’s Grammy-nominated projects this year: Last Leaf on the Tree, nominated for Best Americana Album, and Oh, What a Beautiful World, nominated for Best Traditional Country Album.
MTSU held its annual pre-Grammy gathering for nominees and Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment college alumni at the Godfrey Hotel in Hollywood on Saturday, Jan. 31. The MTSU Alumni Association also hosted an event at the Santa Monica Brew Works for alums from all of its academic colleges on Friday, Jan. 30.
MTSU alums, former or current students, and faculty from across the university have been a part of almost 180 Grammy Award nominations in the last two decades.
we murfreesboro
a l ook at l ocal favorites t hat m ake o ur h ometown a l ovable Place to e xplore and s hare
EvEry TOwN hAS iTS OwN uNiquE people, places, character and activities that set it apart from every other city, those special elements that make a place feel like home. In Murfreesboro, local love shows up in a variety of ways: favorite walking trails, go-to restaurants, the hometown college, a Friday night crowd downtown
or a quiet moment near the river or at the battlefield. For those new to the Murfreesboro area, or anyone considering a visit, planning a date night or family outing or looking for some new places to explore in the community, here—in this month of appreciation and love—are just a few of the reasons: We Love Murfreesboro.
w e ❤ Cannonsbur G h
Our local pioneer village stands as a symbol of the history of Murfreesboro, and so many other early American communities. The village, just off of Broad Street, contains a gristmill on the banks of the creek, a blacksmith shop, school house, wedding chapel, doctor’s office and many other old wooden structures. Visitors can also find the World’s Largest Cedar Bucket, one of Murfreesboro’s claims to fame. A bucket manufacturer created the original six-foot-tall, 1,500-gallon bucket in the 1800s to promote the local bucket industry, which gave Murfreesboro its “Bucket City” nickname (a replica of the original giant bucket sits at Cannonsburgh today). With so many options and attractions to choose from, surely there’s something in the Bucket City that belongs on your bucket list.
w e ❤ d owntown
Downtown Murfreesboro blends history with modern energy. Friday Night Live concerts, the Murfreesboro Saturday Market, live music at Boro Bourbon and Brews and Casa Primos, lots of seasonal events and fundraisers like Wine Around the Square, Cookin’ to Build, and the annual Christmas tree lighting and celebration, along with coffee-shop hangouts such as Joanie’s and Oflow, keep the historic Square buzzing while an increasing number of boutiques, restaurants, bars and shops make it a destination with a historical sense of community and vintage architecture that cannot be duplicated in a strip mall setting.
w e ❤ l o C al r estaurants
From Marina’s on the Square, Slick Pig, Toot’s, The Bangkok, Donut Country, Demos’ and other longtime local institutions to date-night favorites like Primrose Table, The Alley and Five Senses, Murfreesboro contains a fantastic, wide-ranging dining scene. Southern classics at Sylvan Park and Kleer-Vu, pizza at Luca’s or Sal’s, Thai food at Pad Thai Cafe or Taste of Thai, Italian comfort food at La Cucina Italiana, all-you-can-eat sushi at Wako, burgers at Sandwich Factory, Busters or Jack Brown’s, Indian fare at Clay Pit, Ugadi or Tandoor, and a wealth of other eateries hold special places in local hearts. Explore these, and more, unique, local and independent spots.
w e ❤ o ld f ort Park
Old Fort Park remains one of Murfreesboro’s favorite outdoor hubs for kids of all ages. The park features a skate park, a huge playground, walking trails and connectivity to the Greenway system, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, pickleball courts and green space, suitable for an active afternoon, a casual picnic, a lazy day of reading, a walk, a cookout, or as a place for the kids to burn off some energy running around with a herd of other local boys and girls.
w e ❤ n ature
For those who need some room to roam, Flat Rock Cedar Glades and Barrens, one of Murfreesboro’s unique natural spaces, offers over three miles of walking trails that feel far removed from the city—even though it’s just a few miles away from the university and downtown Murfreesboro. The open landscape and quiet trails at this state natural area make it an ideal spot for an afternoon hike, nature photography, or a peaceful, unplugged outing immersed in Middle Tennessee’s distinct ecology.
w e ❤ m exi C an f ood
Murfreesboro’s Mexican food scene is deeply loved and many local diners have their own personal favorite. From longtime Tex-Mex favorites like Camino Real, Nacho’s and La Siesta to the authentic spots such as Mexico Tipico, from Carmen’s Taqueria to MexiVen, Mercados Marias and the other jewels of the Bradyville Pike area, plus the newer arrivals like Las Trojas Cantina and a wealth of other neighborhood taco
w e ❤ b lue r aiders
The MTSU Blue Raiders bring NCAA competition to town and give Murfreesboro its college-town heartbeat. In addition to the football, basketball, baseball, soccer, softball and tennis games, the university hosts a variety of concerts, festivals, events, performances and other events open to the entire community.
w e ❤ Community t heater
trucks and slightly hidden eateries found in grocery stores, gas stations and down side streets, the town has a huge variety of places selling fish tacos, queso, enchiladas, beans and rice, birria quesa, burritos and quesadillas. With so many options and no sign of the quantity of Mexican restaurants slowing down, residents often joke that whenever a new restaurant space is under development, that it must be another Mexican place—though many of them will soon go try the new taqueria.
Murfreesboro’s community theater scene brings storytelling to life. Productions from Murfreesboro Little Theatre at Oaklands Mansion provides fun, theatrical entertainment in a scenic, historical backdrop, and performances at the Mills-Pate Performing Arts Center make memorable nights out, all while supporting local creatives and homegrown talent.
w e ❤ G o usa f un Park
GO USA Fun Park is Murfreesboro’s old-school, go-to destination for family fun and playful nights out. With indoor and outdoor attractions including arcade games, go-karts, mini golf, simulator rides, batting cages and a driving range, it’s the local place for fun competition among family and friends.
w e ❤ m urals
Public art continues to add color and character all throughout Murfreesboro. A butterfly near the Square, the colorful “Murfreesboro” Tennessee Tri Star Rainbow mural on Walnut Street and many other large colorful creations at Fountains at Gateway, Slick Pig, Liberty’s Station and various other locations turn everyday spaces into photo ops and conversation starters, celebrating creativity and community pride. These local pieces keep the town colorful. Check out boropulse .com/murals for a listing of local mural locations.
w e ❤ the tn tem P o
Soccer plays a growing role in Murfreesboro’s identity, with the UPSL’s Tennessee Tempo— spring 2025 league champions—calling Murfreesboro home, and the Siegel Soccer Complex drawing national tournaments to the Middle of Tennessee. Murfreesboro also has strong youth league and recreational opportunities, with many local families filling their calendars with games and practices.
w e ❤ l o C al h istory
Equal parts fun outdoor escape and hallowed national history, Murfreesboro’s Stones River National Battlefield offers serene walking paths, open fields and moments of reflection, drawing Civil War historians from across the country and providing locals with an outdoor spot to run, walk and learn. It’s also a place to slow down, take in some moments of quiet and remember those who walked the grounds in the 1860s.
w e ❤ d is C o V ery Center
Discovery Center at Murfree Spring makes a fun and educational outing for families all year long. The museum is home to a large waterworks play area and many other activity areas and learning stations, plus a rotating lineup of traveling exhibits, all about discovering more about how the world works. Visitors to the Discovery Center can also enjoy an outdoor playground, picnic areas, water features and elevated walking trails above the beautiful Murfree Spring wetlands nearby.
Living
If You Go
aV ent cab I n Elkmont Campground, g reat Smoky Mountains National Park, g atlinburg, Tennessee
Journey to
Avent Cabin
Mysterious e lkmont hidden gem once home to an art studio
Retu R n t R ips to e lkmont a small slice of the massive Great Smoky Mountains National Park—continue to prove that the area has much more than can be seen in a single day.
Among the many attractions, landmarks and photo opportunities scattered throughout the area, one of Elkmont’s unique treasures sits quietly and mysteriously off the beaten path, situated upon the wooded mountains above Jakes Creek.
Most visitors won’t stumble upon the Avent Cabin by accident, but for those who
know where to go, it offers a special chance to step into a preserved piece of Smoky Mountain history.
Elkmont, home to dozens of trails, historic structures, campsites and mountain streams, holds plenty of secrets for those willing to wander slightly beyond the marked paths. While now part of national park lands, there was a time when families, vacationers and artists called these mountains home.
Explorers can access one of the popular hiking routes, the Jakes Creek Trail, at
a parking area near the former Elkmont resort village. Those walking the trail, after roughly a mile from the parking area—and after passing by three different forks in the trail—will see a historic home-place structure in the distance perched on a facing hillside on the opposite side of the creek valley, if they know where to look, over to the right through the thick forest.
An unmarked path, beginning with a set of five steps, sets off down the hill—careful on that last step! Taking this path will lead them to the Avent Cabin.
At first glance, the cabin looks deceptively far away, requiring a descent down one slope and a climb up another. The route is well traveled, though, and not especially complex to navigate for most hikers comfortable with uneven terrain, so the trip goes smoothly.
At the bottom of the hill, a narrow log footbridge with an attached handrail spans the creek, stretching probably 50 or 60 feet long, providing those who wish to venture up to the cabin a crossing above the rushing, rocky Jakes Creek. After cautiously crossing this, head up the hill to the old wooden home, known as the Avent Cabin, where a sense of quiet isolation sets in.
Standing on the front porch of the home, visitors can look down at the flowing creek below and imagine the folks who lived in this secluded place long ago.
The cabin served as the summer painting studio of Mayna Treanor Avent (1868–1959), a celebrated, Nashville-born American painter who helped contribute to early 20thcentury Southern art. She studied at the
CONTiNuED ON PAgE 23
story by bracken M ayo photos by sarah M ayo
Clockwise from above: Foot bridge crossing the creek on the path leading to the Avent Cabin; hiking Jakes Creek Trail; Concealed stairway descending to the pathway towards Avent cabin; Creekside ice box, once used for cold food storage
Art Academy of Cincinnati and then at the prestigious Académie Julian in Paris, where she trained alongside artists influenced by European impressionism. After returning to Tennessee, Avent taught painting in Nashville and her oil and watercolor landscapes, still lifes, portraits and Japanese-inspired woodblock prints were exhibited across the United States.
Avent drew much of her inspiration from the landscape of the Great Smoky Mountains, where her studio—now known as the Avent Cabin or the Mayna Treanor Avent Studio—still stands strong near Jake’s Creek within Elkmont, a symbol of the creativity inspired by the ancient mountain environment. Her husband, Frank Avent, purchased the rustic log cabin in 1918 for $200, and it became the artist’s creative retreat from about 1919 into the late 1930s; presently, it remains a historic site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Numerous logbooks signed by hundreds of guests over the years sit in the side studio room, where Avent once painted.
Winter makes a great time to visit Elkmont for those wishing to walk mainly in solitude and avoid crowds (although the wildflowers will come out in the spring).
The Elkmont Campground, open late March through November, remains the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park during camping season.
Today, visitors who make the trek can explore the interior of the cabin, entering through the back door.
Note: A parking tag is required to park anywhere within the great Smoky Mountains National Park; the cost for tags is $5 a day or $15 for a week.
nature news
story and
ashle I gh newnes
magic of a snowflake
snow is A RARe enough event in Tennessee that, when it arrives, it sometimes brings the state to a near standstill. Schools close, grocery shelves empty, and social media overflows with photos of whitedusted backyards and cozy living rooms. But what so many people overlook is the true marvel behind it all: the snowflake itself. Like the opening sequence of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the Jim Carrey version), the snowflakes hold such wonder, especially when you take the time to look really, really closely.
Each snowflake begins high above the ground, as water vapor freezes onto a microscopic particle. From there, it starts a slow, tumbling journey toward Earth. Along the way, it passes through layers of air that differ in temperature and humidity, and these subtle shifts shape how the snowflake grows. Snowflakes always form with six sides, a result of the molecular structure of water. Within that symmetry, however, exist endless variations. Some snowflakes develop into broad, star-shaped dendrites with delicate, lace-like arms. Others form as simple
Celebrate National Bird Feeding Month
Feeding biRds, wAtChing biRds, counting birds. These three simple actions can make a world of difference for the birds in your backyard this month. You can help celebrate National Bird Feeding Month by participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, which takes place annually each February.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society launched the Great Backyard Bird Count in 1998 with Wild Birds Unlimited as the founding and
hexagonal plates, slender columns, or fine, needle-like crystals.
What makes this especially remarkable is that no two snowflakes are truly identical. For two snowflakes to be the same, they would have to experience the exact same temperature, humidity, and airflow at every moment of their fall. In a constantly shifting atmosphere, that kind of repetition is nearly impossible. Even snowflakes that appear nearly identical under a microscope, when closely examined, reveal tiny differences in their branching.
Snowflakes are temporary by nature. They melt almost as soon as they are touched, their intricate forms disappearing before we can fully take them in. And perhaps that is part of their power. Each one is a singular creation, never before seen and never to be seen again. In a place where snow is rare, this makes every Tennessee snowfall feel especially meaningful. The flakes drifting down are not just weather; they are tiny, unrepeatable events. If you pause long enough to watch them fall, you’re witnessing a moment that will never happen again.
major sponsor. The 2026 four-day count event takes place on Feb. 13–16. For at least 15 minutes on one or more of these days, simply tally the numbers and kinds of birds you see. Visit birdcount.org for more details and instructions on how to submit your data. Individuals, families, schools and organizations are encouraged to count birds at bird feeders and in backyards, local parks, or at other locations. By simply offering your birds a variety of foods and recording the activity you observe
around your feeders, you will provide valuable information that helps scientists determine where bird populations are thriving—and where they need help. Not sure which foods to offer your birds during the GBBC? Keep it simple by providing suet for woodpeckers and other woodland birds, WBU Finch Blend for finches, and a WBU seed blend to bring in a wide variety of other backyard birds. Throw in some extras like peanuts or Bark Butter and your birds will come flying
in to be counted.
“The count is fun, easy and educational,” according to a statement from Jeff and Joann Royer, owners of the Murfreesboro Wild Birds Unlimited. “It’s also a terrific way for Cornell and Audubon to learn more about the abundance and distribution of bird species.”
Organizers encourage you to be a songbird hero this month by sharing your sightings during the GBBC.
For more information about the great Backyard Bird Count or other ways to celebrate National Bird Feeding Month, visit wild Birds unlimited Murfreesboro at 2615 Medical Center Pkwy., Suite 1060, or contact your local bird feeding experts directly at 615-869-7975 or by visiting wbu.com/murfreesboro.
photos by
Coach Jimmy earle
Led Golden Years of MTSU Basketball in the 1970s
i hope you All hAve ReCoveRed from the January ice storm. Cold weather is no fun, in my opinion.
Being in the thick of college basketball season, I want to discuss something that was near and dear to me as a kid growing up in Murfreesboro. I loved MTSU basketball. I loved going to “The Glass House,” the Murphy Center, to see our Blue Raiders play basketball.
You see, in the 1970s, Murphy Center was a new, state-of-the-art sports facility.
I recently had the golden opportunity to sit down with my favorite MTSU coach and talk about the good old days. I’m talking about Coach Jimmy Earle, who really set the foundation for Blue Raider basketball. He was an assistant coach to Ken Trickey in the ’60s and then took over as the head coach from 1969 until 1979. Before coming to Middle, Earle had coached high school basketball at DeKalb County and then at Martin Methodist Junior College.
like the Hartford Civic Center, that collapsed in 1978 due to too much snow.
I spoke with Coach Earle about the significance of Murphy Center. It was one of the few multi-sports venues. Athletes played basketball there and teams also ran track and field there. I remember in the early ’80s watching Herschel Walker run track there.
We also discussed people like Coach Ray Mears, who came up with the term “Big Orange Country,” and other local basketball legends like Foots Compton, Jimmy Montgomery and Dickie Thomas.
During his time at MTSU, Coach Earle, along with others, visited several places like Notre Dame and the Air Force Academy to get an idea of what the new MTSU basketball arena would be like. Coach Earle was there during the building of Murphy Center, which has a floating roof. I remember people worried that Murphy Center was going to collapse from heavy snow and ice in the ’70s. There were several domes,
to play; I remember going to Murphy Center with friends, taking a flyswatter to the Austin Peay games. I remember when we played our nemesis, Tennessee Tech, and the fans would holler, “If you can’t go to college go to Tech!”
The ’70s were the golden years of MTSU basketball. All 11,000 seats were filled at every home game and the Voice of the Blue Raiders, Monte Hale, called the games on the radio. Basketball was the hottest ticket in town during this time. Coach Earle led the Blue Raiders to two OVC championships and two NCAA tournament appearances, the first being in 1975 when we took on the Oregon State Beavers, followed in 1977, when MTSU played the Detroit Titans, coached by Dick Vitale.
was a ball boy during this time.
While he was at Middle, Coach Jimmy Earle also served as the athletic director for a year and coached baseball for a year. After coaching, he took over basketball operations for the Atlantic Coast Conference, followed by the Southwest Conference. He then helped lay the foundation for basketball game officials, developing training programs, rules, guidelines and camps to help basketball officials stay on top of the game.
MTSU basketball fans have much to be thankful for. Yes, we’ve had wins over Kentucky, Florida State, Michigan State and Minnesota, but much of the later program success was set in motion by Coach Jimmy Earle.
One thing I found intriguing is that there was no pep band when Earle started as the head coach. It was several years later before the band was incorporated.
I asked him which team was his favorite to play against, and he said, “without a doubt, Austin Peay.” He said the Ohio Valley Conference was a tough league. Tennessee Tech very seldom lost at home. We talked about other Middle players like Jimmy Martin, who was my favorite player because he had long hair and we all thought he was so cool. He actually came to Campus School and took a photo with my Cub Scout troop. There were so many other players, such as Sleepy Taylor, Bob Martin, Greg Joyner, Willie Brown and Tim Sisneros. And there were great opposing players. Truck Robinson came from Tennessee State, and Fly Williams from Austin Peay also came to Murfreesboro
During this era, after all the home games, all the kids would rush the floor, hoping to get a sweaty wristband from Sleepy Taylor or Jimmy Martin or any other player. I remember one time getting Sleepy Taylor’s. I put it on my wrist and I didn’t take it off for several days. The players would all stick around after the game to talk to the fans.
Another great local honor would be being a Blue Raider ball boy. I know Mark Hardison
Earle, now 90 and doing well, still attends games here at Murphy Center.
We owe much gratitude to Coach Earle for all he has done—not only for MTSU, but for the game of basketball. And thanks to Jimmy Jr. for helping make this article possible. Now everybody go out and do something nice for somebody! Go Blue Raiders! God bless.
Call Bill wilson for your local real estate needs at 615-406-5872.
Bringing the Heat
Pizzeria Fires u p
Pizza in Murfreesboro
story by bracken M ayo photos by sarah M ayo
Murfreesboro certainly has its fair share of pizza places, each with its own special spin on the popular pie.
When Mike Botros, founder and pizza chef at Mike’s Pizzeria, realized that none of them were doing wood-fired style pizzas, though, he decided to open his own place on Memorial Boulevard and pay homage to the traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas, adding yet another option to the wide range of Murfreesboro food options.
“Some in the U.S. have brick-oven [style],” Mike says, as he takes sticks of wood from a large pile of kindling on the floor and loads them into his oven, “but Neapolitan should be wood-fired.”
This method results in pies with a thin crust, displaying a wood-fired crisp on the outside with just a hint of char from the oven but a fluffy and light bready texture inside.
The outer rim of each pizza puffs up substantially in the oven and the Neapolitan style uses sparse cheese and toppings compared to its American counterparts, but with the thin amount of crust towards the interior of the pie, each warm slice has a fantastic, soft bite and topping-to-crust ratio, particularly when eaten hot, just a few minutes
after leaving the company of the fire.
“Mike and the crew serve up the best pizza in the ’Boro,” said one pleased customer, Andrew Bailey. “If you like fresh ingredients and wood-fired greatness, don’t hesitate to give Mike’s a try. My personal favorite is the meat lovers. I also really enjoy the spicy salami with the hot honey. So good! I would suggest dining in for the best pizza experience.”
The margherita—a popular, simple Italian pizza with fresh mozzarella, basil, marinara sauce and olive oil—hits you with some herbaceousness, highlighting fresh basil flavor.
The small, cupped pepperonis pack some boldness, and the Mike’s Pizzeria menu has a whole section of white pizzas—many of these with no sauce at all (which those who expect Alfredo sauce on a white pizza should note, lest they find them dry for their taste).
The chicken pesto makes a delicious choice, with a good amount of pesto to add flavor and texture and both mozzarella and shaved Parmesan cheeses.
Once the pizzas cool to room temperature, the outer rim of the crust—the “pizza bones”— can become a bit tough. But many suggest dipping these in the homemade ranch.
Nearly everything in the pizzeria is
The Dish
M I ke’s pI zzer I a 1612 Memorial Blvd.
Monday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday: 1–8 p.m.
629-899-1818
Margherita pizza: $14; Chicken or meatball Parmesan: $14; q uattro formaggi (four cheese) pizza: $17; Caesar or arugula salad: $10; Prosciutto pizza: $20; Pepperoni, meatball or sausage pizza: $16 mikespizzeriawoodfire.com
The pizzeria’s prosciutto pie is a simple cheese pizza, with the arugula, prosciutto and shaved parm added cold, after the pizza bakes.
house-made: the dough, pesto sauce, marinara, the Caesar and ranch dressings, and it is surprising how much love the ranch gets from customers. The bold, herby dressing has developed a strong fan base of its own.
“Maybe the best ranch I’ve ever had,” said Terrence Reed, who also recommends the spicy salami—“Outstanding pizza!”
The Mike’s dining room is somewhat plain and “low key,” nothing flashy, with the blazing hot oven as its centerpiece and the pizza itself clearly the star of the show.
Mike keeps the oven temperature between 800 and 900 degrees, he tells some guests. This means the cooking time is super fast— three minutes, maximum, and that’s for a crispy request. Standard pizzas bake for less than two minutes in the blazing hot oven.
The place has eggplant and zucchini among its toppings, and offers provolone and Gorgonzola cheeses in addition to fresh mozzarella and shaved Parmesan.
“100% recommend if you’re looking for real deal Italian style pizza. The dough is fantastic,” Matt Seamon said.
Many from Italy are very glad to see prosciutto—not the most common pizza topping in the U.S.—as an option at Mike’s, as well.
Mike’s will soon experience some business changes behind the scenes. Botros, the restaurant founder who studied the art of Neapolitan pizza in New York City for over 10 years, says he is in the process of selling the restaurant to other investors, but will remain on board with the business as pizza chef with plans to help grow the brand into more locations.
Mike’s makes its own bread for its sandwiches, using the same dough it uses for the pizza crusts. Botros says he under-bakes the bread, removes it from the oven, slices it, places the sandwich toppings on, and then places it back in the oven to cook fully, melding the bread and its contents into one delicious creation.
With the pizzas topped with a minimal amount of cheese and toppings, the meats thinly shaved, crust not incredibly substantial and some of the 12-inch pizzas going for $21 or more, many diners feel the value doesn’t always line up with portion size.
Shane Haynes said the “pizza is delicious!” but did add that “the dough is so thin you have to eat a whole one by yourself” and feeding three people would be a minimum of $50, perhaps more.
But plenty of Murfreesboro pizza enthusiasts feel the quality justifies the cost.
Plus, as a special offering for February, Mike’s Pizzeria will make its pizzas heartshaped the week of Valentine’s Day.
Sports
a fter l engthy uf C Career, m urfreesboro’s s am a lvey n ow Competing in k arate Combat
by b obby s chne I der
MurFrEESBOrO’S SAM ALvEy has carved out a lengthy fighting career, competing in some of the premier organizations in the combat sports world and continuing to rack up accolades.
Alvey had a 24-fight career with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, becoming one of the most notable middleweights in the promotion before a stint at Karate Combat, where he rules the light heavyweight division and has made history with the promotion.
While most MMA fighters train for years before competing in the sport, Alvey’s start to his MMA career came in a more unconventional way.
“I had no intention of fighting,” said Alvey, originally from Wisconsin. “But some guy asked ‘Hey, you wanna fight?’ and so I went out there and I fought.”
“I would have won had I known the rules. I dropped him hard and I celebrated. I assumed I won; it was not the case,” Alvey said. “Round two happened, and he took me down and beat the brakes off me.”
Alvey would go on to have a shot at redemption against this opponent, scoring an early knockout.
He would continue fighting in local promotions to get by, taking as many fights as he could to make money. At one point Alvey fought three times in one night for King of the Cage.
“I always knew I had another fight, and I knew what I was getting paid. I loved the promotion for it.”
Years later, Alvey is on top of another combat sports organization: Karate Combat. As the light heavyweight champion of Karate Combat, he made history by being the promotion’s first simultaneous twodivision champion. Alvey says he’s enjoyed the match-ups he’s been faced with during his time with the organization.
The unique rule set of Karate Combat has made him change his approach to each fight, but it has brought a lot of success.
“The pit changes the way I fight, too. I’ve always been a counter-striker. I always backed my back foot up on the cage,” said Alvey. “If my back foot is on the wall, I will fall over. I can’t do it like that anymore.”
As a viewer, Alvey tends to enjoy watching Karate Combat more than traditional MMA promotions as well.
“I really do like watching Karate Combat more than the UFC. The fights are structured a little bit faster,” Alvey noted.
“It was like 250 bucks and some gas every time I fought,” he recalled.
Eventually, he would be pushed to aim higher in his career, moving across the country to train at a bigger MMA gym.
“My wife—fiancée at the time—said you got to go somewhere where you’re not the big fish anymore.”
That led him to Dan Henderson’s Team Quest in California, where he spent about a decade of his career. After climbing through the ranks of the regional MMA scene, Alvey would earn his shot in the UFC, where he went on to fight 24 times.
“I really was blessed to be with them for 24 fights,” Alvey said.
His lengthy tenure in the UFC, he says, was due to his willingness to accept all opportunities he was offered, regardless of opponent, time or place.
“I was always the short-notice guy,” he said. “They’d say, ‘Can you fight next week against this guy up two weight classes?’ and I’d say ‘Yeah, okay, I’m fine with that.’”
He hinted that Karate Combat was looking to match him up with another notorious former UFC fighter, Uriah Hall, in his next defense of his light heavyweight belt.
“Hall has one fight lined up against the Australian bloke,” Alvey said. “If he wins this fight, he’ll likely be my next light heavyweight title defense.”
These days, Alvey spends much of his time training at local MMA and karate gyms to sharpen his skills in preparation for upcoming fights.
“Guardian [MMA] is wonderful,” he said. “They’ve really been a driving force in what is becoming my career.”
Alvey also teaches a weekly MMA class on Tuesday mornings at Guardian. In this class, he teaches people how to use the cage to prevent getting taken down in a fight.
“I knew how to use that cage better than almost everyone, and that is what the class is [about].”
Along with training at Guardian MMA, Alvey spends his time learning at Bill Taylor’s Bushido School of Karate.
“I train at Bill Taylor’s. Their karate side is the bigger side, but their boxing has a lot of real athletes in it.”
Follow Sam Alvey on Facebook and instagram, where he frequently posts updates.
PHOTO COURTESY OF UFC / Z UFFA LLC
Sam Alvey, in his 2014 uFC debut, lands a kick against Tom watson
PrEMiuM MuAy ThAi, already open to the public, will celebrate its official grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 7, at noon, and will provide coffee and refreshments as well as a free raffle for those interested.
Daniel Champa opened the martial arts school, located at 2955 S. Rutherford Blvd., to provide high quality and authentic training focused on technical skill, safety, and a positive, team-oriented culture. It holds class sessions from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
Champa began training in martial arts at the age of 6. He now has 20 years of experience in Muay Thai, is a red belt in tae kwon do, and has also studied the Ronin Grappling System, judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Muay Thai, known as the “art of eight limbs,” utilizes eight points of contact including fists, elbows, knees and legs. It is widely known for its emphasis on conditioning and technique. Premium Muay Thai provides structured classes designed for both beginners and more experienced participants.
Training options are divided into two levels, with introductory classes focusing on fundamentals and conditioning, and advanced classes available with instructor approval. A seven-day trial is available for new members, with basic equipment provided during that period.
For more information, visit premiummuaythai.com
BuC-EE’S has announced that its Murfreesboro location, expected to open by the end of 2026, will include one of the brand’s new signature Texas-style Tortilla Factory machines, which currently produce tortillas at just a handful of Buc-ee’s locations. The tortilla machine will make flour tortillas used for breakfast burritos, wraps and chicken fajita tacos, dedicated to providing a tastier, fresher flavor.
The Murfreesboro Buc-ee’s will also include a larger electric vehicle charging area and a walking trail.
a round t own ’boro b us I ness buzz
Swig, known as the “home of the original dirty soda,” has opened its Murfreesboro location at 1213 Greenland Dr., near MTSU. It opened its drive-thru in early February, with plans to open the lobby later in the month. Swig offers a variety of dirty soda options and flavors, for those interested in something other than plain sodas or coffee-based beverages, Swig also offers water-based refreshers with either flat or sparkling water, energy drinks, and sugar-free and low-calorie drink options.
Some popular drinks include the Texas Tab—a blend of Dr. Pepper, vanilla flavoring, and coconut cream—the Strawberry Breeze—made with water, sugar-free coconut, vanilla, strawberry puree, frozen strawberries and coconut cream—and the Shark Attack, which includes a blend of Sprite, lemonade, and blue raspberry topped with a gummy shark.
Posted restaurant hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Satur day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit swig.com for more info.
vANDErBiLT uNivErSiTy
MEDiCAL CENTEr has received approval to continue work on its Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital project, to be located at 1803 Blackman Rd., after its certificate of need was originally denied in 2023, the result of heavy opposition from other healthcare organizations in the area.
The new location, near the intersection
of Veterans Parkway and I-840, is expected to cost an estimated $144.3 million, and will include 42 beds, an emergency department and obstetrics, surgical suites, and cardiac catheterization abilities.
COMPASSiON EyE CArE, led by Dr. Laura Keith, has moved into the longtime home of Legacy Ink at 727 S. Church St. Compassion offers eyeglasses, dry eye treatment, emergency eye care, cataract evaluations and glaucoma management. For more information, visit compassioneyecare.com
ExPEriENCE COMMuNiTy has opened another church campus, this one located at 352 W. Northfield Blvd. (the former home of Margarita’s restaurant). The new location offers a smaller space, but provides churchgoers with the usual chapter-bychapter, verse-by-verse teaching.
The Murfreesboro North campus offers
ECCO programs for kids and a Spanish ministry. Service hours are Sundays at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 12 p.m. Visit experiencecc.com for more information.
ADuLT & TEEN ChALLENgE has announced its plans for a new residential addiction treatment center in Murfreesboro.
“We are working toward opening a new Adult & Teen Challenge Murfreesboro residential campus, and we believe this will be a place where lives are rebuilt, men are set free from addictions and life-controlling problems and learn how to stay free,” according to Murfreesboro Outreach Director Gene Garcia. “We have the vision. We have the mission. We have the people. Now we just need the building.”
The nonprofit’s staff has asked that those who have real estate connections, or know of a property suitable for the Center, to reach out. Adult & Teen Challenge has also released a lengthy list of needs for this new facility that supporters can donate or sponsor, with items for the residential center ranging from home furnishings and beds to office supplies, musical instruments for its chapel to lawn care equipment. For more details, contact Gene Garcia at 615-624-7878 or email gene@atctn.org.
The TENNESSEE NAShviLLE ChiNATOwN development, a plan to create Middle Tennessee’s first Chinatown area, continues to take shape on Hickory Hollow Parkway in Antioch.
The PAN-ASiA SuPErMArkET (5255 Hickory Hollow Pkwy., Antioch), an anchor of the project, will hold its grand opening on Friday, Feb. 6. In addition to housing the largest Asian grocery store in Nashville, the supermarket will also feature a food court with a wide range of Asian cuisines represented, including Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Korean food.
The ongoing five-acre, multi-building Tennessee Nashville Chinatown project located just off of I-24 near the intersection of Bell Road and Hickory Hollow Parkway will also host a variety of other Asian restaurants, shops, nail salons, spas and office space, as well as outdoor elements such as gazebos and green space. For more information on the project, visit tnnashvillechinatown.com
Popular local restaurant and coffee shop JOANiE’S has announced that it will soon be expanding its location on the Murfreesboro Public Square.
“Our biggest issue here downtown is that we’ve just run out of room,” Joanie’s owner Jason Day confirmed in a Jan. 5 video. “I am so excited and so incredibly grateful to announce that we are going to be expanding our downtown location and taking over the space next door.”
Joanie’s, located at 13 S. Public Square, will now also occupy the neighboring space, formerly home to Red Bicycle, at 11 S. Public Square. The new addition will be entirely gutted and, once renovations are
window, with views looking upon the Square and artwork from local artists, as well as an area with more of a “living room vibe” than the coffee shop next door, containing couches, a TV and electric fireplace.
complete, will be unlike anything else in Murfreesboro, Day said.
Once open for business, the door connecting the two spaces will remain open so patrons can flow from one side to the other, but customers can expect a whole different vibe from the other side of Joanie’s in the new space.
While he is keeping some of the new elements a surprise, he did say that he plans for more of a wine lounge atmosphere for the expansion, keeping the original brick walls of the 1890s-built structure exposed. It will contain some seating by the front
Then, a separate back room with windows bordering Vine Street will seat 45 customers in itself—the original space next door as a whole has only 51 seats. Plus, the new space will also include about 25 more seats in the front part of the new space, so it will more than double the total restaurant capacity.
“The best part of this,” Day said, “(is) we’re not having to build a new kitchen!”
The new space will contain a new coffee bar, and customers can order anything from the Joanie’s menu they like, but the existing kitchen can serve both rooms. The changes downtown will also bring some expanded beer and wine offerings to the menu.
Although certainly steeped in coffee shop vibes, what really sets Joanie’s apart is the food. Its menu covers everything from breakfast burritos to delicious, fresh salad combinations, French toast, beefy burgers and more, many items having a creative twist and name.
Day said that like most historic downtown renovation projects, this one is expected to take some time, so he has not set a precise opening date though he says he plans to open this spring.
Named for owner Jason Day’s mother, Joanie, the establishment serves its entire menu during all business hours seven days a week out of its two Murfreesboro locations: 13 S. Public Square and 1733 St. Andrews Dr. Day opened the original restaurant on St. Andrews in 2019 (just before COVID) and, soon after building a strong customer base there, had an opportunity to open a second location right on the Square.
Now, he embarks on the latest expansion with a long-term vision in mind, having just signed a new 10-year lease for the neighboring spaces at 11 and 13 S. Public Square.
closed
CASA ADOBE ExPrESS on Warrior Drive in Murfreesboro has closed its doors after operating for just over two years in the space, just off of Salem Highway.
However, the Casa Adobe owner/ operators have recently opened ChE TAquEriA at 1813 Memorial Blvd.
A little over a year after its opening, TiJuANA FLATS has closed its Murfreesboro location at 1306 Westlawn Blvd.
CONTiNuED FrOM PAgE 30
Opinion
money matters
by sean M oran
p rotect the overlooked first step in financial planning
AS A FiNANCiAL ADviSOr,
I adopt the PS&G Model, an acronym for protection, savings and growth. Many people approach their financial lives with a “growth first” mindset, which can be a mistake. Depending on your budget and circumstances, PS&G can be followed step by step or addressed simultaneously.
I often ask people what they think is the largest asset most individuals have. Take a moment to answer that question before reading on.
Did you say your home? That’s the most common response, and it’s logical. However, the reality is that your single largest asset is your ability to earn a living. If you are already retired, that earning power was your largest asset—and it’s what allowed you to reach where you are today.
pR ote C t you R lAR gest
Asset: d is A bility
Nobody likes to think about the possibility of something going wrong in their life. It’s uncomfortable and frightening, but ignoring the possibility can be costly for you and your family. Imagine a scenario where you are injured and unable to work. You will still need a roof over your head and may require additional medical care, devices or accommodations. These added
No one expects to die at 30, but it happens.
You wouldn’t drive a car or live in a house without insurance—so why risk your life when so much depends on it?
l ong-t e R m CAR e
Federal estimates suggest that approximately 70% of people turning age 65 will require some form of long-term care during their lifetime. This care may take the form of in-home assistance, assisted living or nursing home care.
expenses, combined with a loss of income, can quickly lead to financial hardship.
While some people have disability insurance through their employer, it often covers only about 60% of income and may be limited in duration. This is where long-term disability insurance can play a critical role.
l i F e i nsu RA n C e
Losing someone you love is incredibly painful—you lose the ability to share time and experiences with them. Even more tragic is leaving loved ones without the financial resources they need when they are relying on you.
Several years ago, I spoke with a teacher whose husband, just 30 years old, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In less than six months, she lost her husband. She and her children were forced to sell their home and move in with her parents because they could no longer afford the mortgage on her teacher’s salary alone.
What stayed with her the most was the regret her husband felt in his final months. She shared how he would cry and apologize for not having life insurance in place. For less than $50 per month while he was healthy, he likely could have secured close to $1 million in coverage—but he didn’t think he needed it.
Many people assume this type of care is covered by Medicare, but it is not. Medicaid is the primary safety net, and it is generally available only to those with significant financial need. In many cases, one spouse requires care, leaving the surviving spouse with substantial costs and limited resources after their partner passes.
As a result, many families turn to unpaid caregiving by loved ones—often with regret. I recall an elderly family member who repeatedly apologized to their children for being “a burden.” I often ask clients to consider this question: Do you want your children to be supervisors—or grunt workers?
k now you R o ptions
Life is full of unknowns, and it’s essential to protect your family from whatever may come your way. The cost of avoiding uncomfortable conversations today is often far greater discomfort for the people you love tomorrow.
If you would like help determining the best course of action for your situation, I’d be happy to walk through different scenarios and help you protect what matters most.
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 PIXABAY / PEXELS
Opinion
# FREE YOUR CHILDREN
by t IFFany boyd
a nother l egislative s ession
More attempted government overreach in education and homeschooling
Our LEgiSLATurE NEvEr fails to disappoint. Right out of the gate this year, multiple bad bills were filed. The only thing slowing down the globalists so far has been the ice storm that hit Tennessee, which sent our legislators home for the week. Since they couldn’t be at the state capitol selling our freedoms to the highest bidder, social media seemed to become their outlet. Go ahead and pour yourself a cup of coffee as we delve into a few of Tennessee’s bad education bills of 2026.
Sen. Adam Lowe and Rep. Kevin Raper filed SB 1705/HB 1700 target-
ing both the home-school community and parents in general with an unconstitutional bill that could allow a judge to legally deny parents their constitutional right to withdraw their children from public school and enroll them in a legal educational alternative, such as a home school. This struck a nerve with FYC because this is already happening in Coffee County, Tennessee, and it is unconstitutional.
I reported on this in 2023 when we traveled to the Coffee County Juvenile Justice Center and watched in disbelief as the constitutional rights of parents were being infringed upon.
Currently in Tennessee, there is no law that prevents a parent from removing a child from public school and enrolling them in another legal educational option, yet it is happening. This bill, according to statements made on the Free YOUR Children Facebook page, sought to do just that. According to Sen. Lowe’s Facebook comment, this bill would ensure there was “no hijacking your homeschool label to avoid neglect charges.” Subsequently, Lowe is also the legislator that feels he has the right to “codify” home-school rights and referred to the homeschool community as “tribal” in a recent social media post.
After Free YOUR Children issued a call to action against the bill, the bill was withdrawn; however, he wasn’t finished with his gestapo mentality of government overreach. Lowe immediately filed another bill with Rep. Raper, sb 1968/hb 1823, that omitted the “homeschool verbiage” but still affords judges the same legal authority to direct a child’s educational path and deny a parent the right to remove their child from public school and enroll them in another legal educational option if they so choose.
Judge Andrew Morgan, who took credit for bringing the bill to Lowe and Raper, stated, “We are committed to battling truancy issues in schools.” He outlines how battling truancy will “help ensure appropriate state funding for schools.” That folks, is the real reason for the push for “battling truancy” in Tennessee and across the nation. It is about money, power and control.
Remember when we warned about at-risk boarding charters (“Opportunity Boarding Charters”) in Tennessee?
Now they have officially opened in Tennessee with one of the criteria being “chronic absenteeism.”
Parents need to understand that if Lowe’s bill passes, you will have no other educational option than public school and your child
could potentially be enrolled in an at-risk boarding charter.
The state and globalist legislators like Lowe want complete control over your children, to be used as vehicles for profit.
Another equally alarming bill is sb 1470, sponsored by Sen. Paige Walley, Tort Liability and Reform, another avenue of gross governmental conduct.
This bill states “Tort Liability and Reform – As introduced, states that certain nonprofit entities that contract with the Department of Children’s Services to provide community-based care or child welfare services shall not be held liable for damages resulting from an act or omission of the entity’s employee or volunteer or a caregiver providing services on behalf of the entity if certain requirements are met.
– Amends TCA Title 9; Title 29; Title 36 and Title 37.”
Sen. Walley’s background is also interesting in relation to this bill. “In addition to his roles as Commissioner of Children’s Services in Tennessee and Commissioner of Human Resources in Alabama . . . Walley is a licensed clinical psychologist.”
Why is our Tennessee legislature focusing on giving immunity to entities that contract with DCS to provide services to children?
Our legislature seems to be focused on criminalizing lawabiding citizens, yet carving out protections for entities in which damages to children have already resulted! This is egregious and completely unacceptable. Where is the outrage? Who is protecting the children in Tennessee?
Free YOUR Children is also staunchly opposed to hb 1729 filed by Rep. William Slater.
This bill is being sold by Slater as “an opportunity for homeschool families,” yet is another attempt at an unconstitutional law potentially benefiting a for-profit testing company. As a home-school parent you should be extremely cautious of the government school system offering any type of “help”
to the home-schooling community. The home-school community doesn’t need the government supplying them with AP classes. We also do not need any additional unconstitutional home-school laws in Tennessee. All rules and laws currently regulating home schools and private schools in Tennessee are unconstitutional. We don’t need more. We need the current ones repealed.
Independent home-school parent Myryea Ivey weighs in on Slater’s bill: “This bill adds new requirements for recorded thirdparty-proctored testing in lieu of TCAP. The changes establish state oversight that goes beyond current law and mirrors the accountability framework used in ESA and future voucher programs.” It is worth noting that Tennessee Home Education Association President Claiborne Thornton recently released a video referring to Slater as “home-school friendly.” That statement is an insult to home-school families in Tennessee in light of the fact that Slater killed The FREE Act in the Education Committee last legislative session, which would have given home-school parents in Tennessee true educational choice. Not only did he kill the bill, he read a letter from the Tennessee Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges which claimed if parents were given true educational autonomy in Tennessee they could potentially abuse their children. These are the same juvenile judges that are eager to trap families and children up into the juvenile justice pipeline via truancy and chronic absenteeism. Are you seeing a pattern yet? All of the above bills should be killed, and you should be contacting your legislators today. Our children in Tennessee are not government property, and it is time we let these legislators know who they work for.
Tiffany Boyd is the founder of Free yOur Children. Learn more at freeyourchildren.com.
s uper b owl lx
ThE TrAiN DADDy iS
BACk with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! Time is ticking, it keeps on ticking and time is ticking away—so embrace all of it! Here we are getting ready to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday. In Roman numerals that would be America’s CCL Birthday! The only reason I was thinking about Roman numerals was because here we are in February, getting ready to kick off Super Bowl LX, or Super Bowl 60.
The NFL uses Roman numerals to limit confusion with the big game being played in same calendar year as the following regular season, later in the year. It’s also reported former Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt believed the use of Roman numerals added a sense of grandeur to America’s most popular sporting event.
I wish I could be excited for the halftime show. Some dude named Bunny hopping around in a dress may tickle your pickle, but it does little for me. I can’t find any humor in the NFL booking a dude who has zero songs in English.
I see the business side of it, though. Marketing worldwide! The fact remains, Bad Bunny is one of the most streamed artists in the world. If millions of people across the seas are tuning in, the NFL does not care if the average American isn’t excited for the show.
Jay-Z and his Roc Nation company need to be kicked to the curb. Since 2019, Jay-Z has held primary responsibility for choosing the headliner and over the years it feels like there’s been a lack of diversity as far as music genres go. There are far
too many people who care more about a political or social statement needing to be made than they do the musical performance. That’s why we all should support Battle of the Bands instead for our halftime entertainment. We line up two large college marching bands on opposite ends of the field. They begin by dueling one another through music and, after that, instruments and all, they attack one another. Last person standing wins the bloody, gladiator-style event. Imagine a 300-pound tuba player stiff-arming a clarinet player and then planting their school’s flag midfield. Problem solved, with an event that potentially becomes bigger than the game.
If that’s not suitable, we should just do a better job representing the most popular genres of music. Is it too much to ask for the occasional rock show? Maybe a little metal? I have high hopes for a country music tribute show in the next decade when Nashville hosts a Super Bowl, which I imagine will be shortly after the new Titans stadium opens in 2027.
With the recent reports of Jay-Z being involved in the Epstein files, plus his Diddy past, I imagine we aren’t far off from the NFL actually kicking him to the curb and having someone else pick the halftime entertainment, hopefully someone who sets a diverse standard for different genres of music within a given time frame. Every year the show seems to become more vulgar and sexualized. I guess society is okay with our children seeing these things, and that’s bothersome.
The second largest food consumption day of the year is Super Bowl Sunday, right behind Thanksgiving. What food will you have at your Super Bowl watch party? I hear 1.25 billion chicken wings are consumed on game day. In perspective, that would be around 4 wings for every legal American. Nearly 20
million pounds of chips are purchased. Screw a veggie, give me a chip! I guess if you want to be healthy, avocados are a fan favorite—140 million pounds of avocados mushed up into delicious guac.
The Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin tell us that we will eat enough cheese on Super Bowl Sunday to cover Mercedes-Benz Stadium, end zone to end zone, 10 yards deep in cheese. We Americans wash it down with over 325 million gallons of beer! The number seems unrealistically insane, but it pops up everywhere, cited by numerous sources. That’s near a gallon of beer per person in the country. I am skeptical of that number, but whatever.
Check out Budweiser’s new commercial for this year’s Super Bowl. This year’s “American Icons” commercial commemorates Bud’s 150th anniversary. It follows a Clydesdale foal that saves a young bird. The bond grows over the years as Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” plays. I won’t spoil the rest, but that one brought a patriotic tear to my eye.
After the party, all that food and drink must go somewhere! They say we flush down 13 million pounds of poo during the big game. I guess that’s why antacid sales see a 20% rise the following morning. The Monday after the Super Bowl needs to be a national holiday. The holiday of healing, rest and self-reflection. Super Sunday to Mild Monday has nice ring to it. I’m not even joking on this one. It’s downright evil we as a country don’t make the following day a National Day of Rest for everyone.
Next topic—Titans Talk! My Tennessee Titans have made me proud with the hiring process of their new coaches. This was a cycle where the NFL had a recordtying 10 vacancies at head coach. The Titans, after firing Brian Callahan mid-season, had
months to think about the direction they wanted to take.
The team hired robert saleh, one of the few men in the NFL who I believe would whoop Coach Vrabel in a fist fight. Coach Saleh has a Greek god/caveman look about him. Power.
The Titans then went and grabbed one of the best options available for their new offensive coordinator, bringing in decades of QB developing experience in Brian Daboll. If these two coaches can’t get the best out of Cam Ward, nobody can. It’s reason for excitement.
I absolutely loved Coach Saleh’s introductory press conference; the defensive-minded genius was giving all the right answers. He was asked about what this team’s identity will be now, he said “Fast and violent,
play in and play out. We’re going to play confident, and we’re going to play with some swag.”
When Coach Saleh said we are going to be able to feel this football team through the TV—maybe I am doing nothing more than grasping at hope—but I believed him. There is a good reason these hirings were well received by the national media. The Titans will look very different this coming season, with the job being to get the best out of year-two Cam Ward and turning this Jeffery Simmons-led defense into a problem for opposing offenses. There is a much-needed identity change happening in Nashville, and I for one am embracing it. Let’s truly wrap this up now. It’s ridiculous that we must continue saying this, but keep wieners out of female athletics. The Supreme Court seems inclined to allow states to ban transgender athletes, and that’s a win for integrity.
The Train is rolling into the station. Choo-choo!
Constitution Study by paul engel
u nreasonable s ear C hes
whEN A gOvErNMENT AgENCy searches without a reason it’s called “fishing.” When the attorney general of New Jersey issued a subpoena demanding the names, addresses and phone numbers of the donors to a pregnancy center, it wasn’t just fishing, it was searching for a white whale. The Fourth Amendment protects us from unreasonable searches. However, that does not stop some law enforcement agencies from abusing their subpoena authority to conduct unreasonable searches. That appears to be what happened to First Choice Women’s Resource Center.
Subpoena vs. Warrant
We should define the difference between subpoenas and warrants.
The criteria for a warrant is defined in the Fourth Amendment.
[N]o Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
— U.S. Constitution, Amendment IV
According to the Free Legal Dictionary, a subpoena is:
A formal document that orders a named individual to appear before a duly authorized body at a fixed time to give testimony.
— Subpoena, The Free Legal Dictionary
This distinction is important, because according to The Free Legal Dictionary, a “duly authorized body” can order an individual to appear without any probable cause. There’s no need to provide a reasonable suspicion that the person has committed, is committing or is about to commit a crime. No right is held more sacred, or is more carefully guarded, by the common law than the right of every individual to the possession and
ters v. New Jersey – Oral Arguments
I agree that the lower court decision should be reversed and that the case belongs in an Article III court. But I disagree that the subpoena violates the First Amendment, because what it does is violate the Fourth Amendment.
The attorney general of New Jersey argued their case.
Sundeep Iyer, Esq. on behalf of the Respondent: Petitioner’s factual allegations do not show that the issuance of this subpoena objectively chilled Petitioner’s First Amendment rights.
based on the mere reception of the subpoena, so what did that cause you to do?
Ms. Hawley: So the subpoena commands First Choice to do several things. It commands it to produce 28 different categories of documents, including every solicitation e-mail and text message it sent to its donors. It commands it produce donor names, addresses, phone numbers, as well as places of employment. It imposes a litigation hold, Your Honor.
— First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. New Jersey – Oral Arguments
control of his own person, free from all restraint or interference of others, unless by clear and unquestionable authority of law. — Union Pac. R. Co. v. Botsford, 141 U. S. 250, 251 (1891)
So where is the clear and unquestionable authority of law for a “duly authorized body” to search without a warrant? Where is the authorization for said body to seize, by demanding attendance, with the authority of a warrant? This is a cornerstone of the protection of our rights.
Erin M. Hawley, Esq. on behalf of the Petitioner, to the U.S. Supreme Court:
This Court has long safeguarded the right of association by protecting the membership and donor lists of nonprofit organizations like First Choice. Yet the attorney general of New Jersey issued a sweeping subpoena commanding on pain of contempt that First Choice produce donor names, addresses and phone numbers so his office could contact and question them. That violates the right of association.
— First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. New Jersey – Oral Arguments
First Choice’s associational interests were harmed the moment it received a coercive subpoena demanding donor names on pain of contempt.
The attorney general does not dispute that First Choice faces a credible threat of enforcement, and there’s no question that First Choice’s First Amendment interests are arguably burdened by the subpoena. This Court’s cases require no more.
— First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. New Jersey – Oral Arguments
First Choice has a simple ask.
This Court should reverse and hold that this subpoena violates the First Amendment and satisfies Article III.
— First Choice Women’s Resource Cen-
— First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. New Jersey – Oral Arguments Funny that Mr. Iyer claims that a subpoena threatening contempt if First Choice doesn’t comply does not chill their rights. I agree it doesn’t chill their First Amendment rights, but it does chill their liberty to retain donors when they find out their personal identifying information has been collected by the State of New Jersey simply for donating to a particular nonprofit organization.
New Jersey state law establishes that subpoenas do not require anyone to produce documents, and a party faces no penalties for non-production. Any legal duty to produce documents and, in this case, any disclosure of donor identities is instead wholly contingent on a future state court order requiring production.
— First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. New Jersey – Oral Arguments Interesting. If the laws of the State of New Jersey do not require complying with the subpoena, you would think the attorney general’s office would know that. Yet still, they included this language in the subpoena. Failure to comply with this Subpoena may render you liable for contempt of Court and such other penalties as are provided by law. . . . You have an obligation to retain, and continue to maintain the requested Documents.
— First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. New Jersey – Petition for a writ of certiorari
Yes, the subpoena says First Choice “may” be liable for contempt of Court, but the threat is there: Comply or else. Not to mention the legal costs to First Choice to attempt to quash the subpoena.
I believe the court should be the first to consider whether or not subpoenas, specifically the language to compel attendance, violate the Fourth Amendment.
Command or Request
During questioning, several interesting arguments were looked at.
Justice Thomas: Your argument seems to be
Remember, under the Fourth Amendment, any search must be reasonable. While there are circumstances where a search can be reasonable without a warrant, there has to be some basis for reasonableness.
Justice Thomas: Were there complaints against you that stimulated the subpoena?
Ms. Hawley: No, Your Honor. The attorney general has never identified a single complaint against First Choice.
— First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. New Jersey – Oral Arguments
If there is no complaint, what is the reasonable articulable suspicion that a crime has been committed?
Justice Thomas: Did you view this as a request?
Ms. Hawley: Absolutely not, Your Honor. First Choice immediately convened an emergency board meeting to discuss the subpoena. The very Latin term for subpoena means under penalty. If you look at the face of the subpoena, it twice commands First Choice to produce on pain of contempt, and it twice threatens that the failure to comply with the subpoena, not a later state court order but with the subpoena, shall render First Choice liable for contempt and other penalties at law.
— First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. New Jersey – Oral Arguments
Having received a federal subpoena, I can tell you there is nothing about that process that leads you to believe it is a request. Now that I know that subpoena is Latin for “under penalty” I’m sure it’s not a request.
Does the idea that a document literally titled “under penalty” does not impose an obligation to produce documents, under some penalty, sound reasonable to you? The New Jersey AG didn’t send a letter requesting documents, they sent a subpoena, a subpoena that sounds like a demand to produce documentation to be searched without a warrant, exigent circumstances, or even a claim of reasonable cause. That, ladies and gentlemen, is an obvious and blatant violation of the Fourth Amendment.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KINDEL MEDIA / PEXELS
by JennIFer durand
As we enteR the month of celebrated love, I feel an energy all around that is crying out to be loved, starving to be noticed and validated. This isn’t even particularly new, it’s just gotten louder over time. I also see a quiet retreating in others who don’t know how to interact anymore, so they just slip out of sight. But their longing and need for connection is still loud. It’s loud in the absence they create, when they think no one has even noticed them missing.
The loud distractions of life tend to cover up what’s really important, what is really happening to connection and relationships. So you see and hear the screamers who are saying and doing things that cry “look at me, see me, hear me, notice me,” but they are unwilling to have a calm, cordial conversation to allow anyone to actually understand them. Then you have the quiet ones who don’t feel anyone wants to see them, hear them, or really know them and they retreat into their silent existence.
The rest of the people, who have developed or are developing their intellect, who lead, train, guide, coach and continue to foster continuity, grace, faithfulness and confidence, are having to manage both ends of the spectrum to keep information clear, relevant and to find truth.
“Love is shown more in deeds than in words.” — Saint Ignatius
Love isn’t just finding someone to dote on or to shower adoration on you. Love is the light within you that shines out over you and onto others. When you walk with love it is a beam that shines out and enables you to see the good in each other, not to find fault, to understand, grow and live in harmony. Love lifts you up. Love, when practiced, leads to understanding. Understanding leads to quiet confidence.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
What part do you play in living in the name of love? There are endless ways to express love. Simple variations are kindness, patience, consideration, attentiveness. I recently heard someone say how important it is to love another the way they need to be loved. If you love them the way you want to be loved, not the way they need to feel love, they will feel a gap in being understood and really feeling noticed by you.
There’s a well known book by Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages, that illustrates how people feel and experience love differently. In short they are: Physical Touch, Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Kindness, and Receiving Gifts. If your person needs to hear words of affirmation (“you look so beautiful”; “what a great job you do taking care of so many things”) but you give them gifts, they won’t feel like you’ve noticed them. If your person needs to have quality time with you, it won’t matter as much what you say if you never spend any time with them (without distractions). And if
your person loves to hold hands, or lean in close and just be able to touch you often or be touched by you, and all you do is go fill up the car with gas and change the oil, that’s a nice gesture but it won’t feel like love to them. Get the idea?
“Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.”
— Oreki Houtarou
How do you show up for friendship or gratitude, in the name of love? I have a friend who was a public figure for many years. He knew everyone and everyone knew him. He showed up and had a presence at countless community events, boards, civic organizations. After he retired and stepped out of the spotlight, I still stayed connected to him. I assumed that someone like him was always busy with lunch dates and visitors. He had so much wisdom and life experience to share. I was completely shocked when he told me that wasn’t the case. The calls slow down, the frequency lengthens and the disconnect happens. People still remember him and occasionally see him, but nothing like it was when he was actively involved. That taught me a harsh lesson—it’s important to remember the ones who led, taught and created opportunities for us. While I can’t be there all the time, I do make the effort to stay in touch and visit a few times a year.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” — John 13:34
Another similar story made a big impression on me. I follow a leader and self-made billionaire named Jesse Itzler (look him up!). He shared a story that taught him one of the most important lessons of his life, one that came many years later. As he told it: “In 1997, I sold my company and became a millionaire. The man behind the deal was in the middle of a massive run acquiring 80 companies and building a multi-billion-dollar empire. We were one of the smallest deals in the bunch. But he changed my life forever. Fastforward decades later, the man was battling cancer. Alone in the hospital bed with a tube in his throat. So I flew to New York. Just to say thank you. When I walked in . . . he lit up. Even with limited speech he wanted to talk about old times and mutual friends. And then he looked at me and said something I’ll never forget: ‘You’re the only one that has come to see me.’ Out of 80 deals, hundreds of people impacted, I was the only one that showed up. That hit hard. Money comes and goes. But character? That’s the legacy. Showing up. Being loyal. Saying thank you.” I am thankful to Jesse for having shared that story. It resonated with how I’ve been feeling about connections and being available to make a difference. I hope you are inspired to show up and act in the name of love. You will make a difference not only to others, but to yourself.
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.
