Murfreesboro, TN November 2022

Thankful Issue

LI F E + C U LTU R E

TRACY L AWRENCE M ISSIO N: POSSIBLE H E A LTH + W E LLN E S S

REFIN ING TH E B O RO H O M E S E RV I C E S

H O N O RIN G TH E ELDERLY

N OV E M B E R 2 022

November 2022 PUBLISHER

Kimberly Thomas | kimberly.thomas@citylifestyle.com MANAGING EDITOR

Kim Dickson | kim.dickson@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

“From what we give, we make a life” - Tracy Lawrence What are you thankful for, Murfreesboro? You know what I'm thankful for?

Families like the Lawrence family, who do great things for their communities. We were so honored to share the legacy that Tracy Lawrence and his family are leaving in Rutherford, Wilson and Davidson counties with Mission: Possible.

Our family is full of those who have served our country, and we take a moment every chance we get to thank a veteran.

In this issue, we also shine a light on a story about honoring our elders. With the beginning of the holiday season upon us, beautiful memories are made. Let us remember to take this time to reflect, and pay extra attention and gratitude to those who came before us.

Don't forget your neighbors. Take this opportunity to invite a new friend or neighbor to the table this year. You have no idea what others are going through, and how much kindness can go a long way.

Last, but not least, sit back and enjoy our incredible Thanksgiving spread to give you some inspiration!

Take time for yourself and be thankful for each day!

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kourtney McComb | kourtney.mccomb@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER

Rachel Collins LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Christina Hamilton, Grace Libman, Kevin Fehr, DeAnn Hays, Matthew Hibdon CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Angel Pardue, Cara Clear, Patrick Robinson

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

K I M B E R LY T H O M A S , P U B L I S H E R @BOROCITYLIFESTYLE

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/MURFREESBORO |

Proverbs 3:5-6 Murfreesboro City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Murfreesboro area’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Murfreesboro City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered

4

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Can you go tuition free?

Let’s find out.

MTSU’s combination of low tuition and generous 0622-0792 / Middle Tennessee State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. See our full policy at mtsu.edu/iec.

scholarships allows many students to attend tuition free.

Visit our website to find out if you’re one of them.

mtsu.edu/MTfree

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 2

inside the issue The Thankful Issue

14

30

34

22

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Tracy Lawrence

4

Lifestyle Letter

8

City Scene

10

Business Monthly

12

Local Experiences

14

Giving Back

22

Self Care

26

Family Care

30

Education Corner

32

Events

34

Decor Trends

Mission: Possible

22 Refining the Boro

Offering High-Quality Cosmetic Services to the Residents of Rutherford County

30 MTSU

We are thankful. We are True Blue

34 Welcoming Family and Friends to the Table Inexpensive Tips for your Family Gathering During the Holiday Season.

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Patrick Robinson Country Music singer-songwriter, Tracy Lawrence and his wife, Becca.

6

LI FE + C U LT U R E

HEA LT H + WELLNES S HO ME S ERV I C ES EDU CAT I ON

HO ME + DES I GN

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

7

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 2

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1

3

6

4

2

7 5

1-4: MTSU 1st Home Game 5-7: Rutherford Chamber Golf Classic event Photography by Megan Cochran

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @borocitylifestyle

8

C I T Y SC E N E

City Tile and Floor Coverings offers more than Middle Tennessee’s best selection of tile and flooring. Our team of professional design consultants, in-house installers, and support staff will move heaven and earth to create the remodel of your dreams. Stop by our showroom today to schedule your free design consultation.

CityTile.net 223 South Spring St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 // (615) 205-7501

HORMONE REPLACEMENT and PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT HEALTH MONITORING MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:

ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR FOOTBALL SEASON.

Labwork Monitoring, Medication Review, Prescriptions if Necessary, and Appointments With Dr. LaPere BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY! VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS

132 Saint Andrews Dr. Suite D, Murfreesboro, TN 37128

(629)772-4676

www.theReFineryMedical.com

(615) 624- 7821 | www.tngolfstation.com 1276 NW Broad St | Murfreesboro, TN 37129 NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

9

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 2

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Hello Garage Bringing Premium Services to Middle Tennessee!

Hello Garage of Middle Tennessee is excited to bring premium garage floor coatings, highly durable cabinets and shelving, and smartly designed organization solutions to the Murfreesboro area. Hello Garage of Middle Tennessee owner, Michael Heyen, is looking forward to helping area homeowners transform their garages from dirty and cluttered to clean and organized, creating spaces they’d be proud to share with friends and family. Schedule your free, no-obligation estimate and design consultation today!

Authority Title and Escrow

Groundbreaking for Family Pet Health

Authority Title & Escrow celebrated its ribbon cutting with the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce on September 29th.

Authority Title & Escrow provides customers in Tennessee with customized, tailored solutions that exceed expectations and provide peace of mind through the real estate title and closing process. They are committed and ready to serve!

Congratulations to Family Pet Health on their groundbreaking event presented by the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce on September 27th!

Family Pet Health is a full-service veterinary hospital in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Their veterinarians offer services and care for small and exotic animals.

Phone: 615-907-8387 Email: info@familypethealth.com

Photography Rutherford Chamber of Commerce

Photography Rutherford Chamber of Commerce

Scan to read more.

Scan to read more.

Photography Provided by Hello Garage

Scan to read more.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Murfreesboro

10

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Most professional power washing services in Rutherford County Residential & Commercial House | Roof | Concrete

waterlyco.com | (615) 653-2857 NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

11

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 2

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area.

The holidays are here, and it’s time to enjoy all that Murfreesboro has to offer to celebrate this time of the year. From holiday markets to festive lights to pop-up shops and establishments to enjoy a firepit, we have you covered to help get you in the holiday spirit.

Seasonal Pastimes WALTER HILL ELEMENTAR Y HOLIDAY MAR KET: Join Walter Hill Elementary

on November 5th at 10 AM for their annual Holiday Market. They will have a variety of local vendors to shop from. 6309 Lebanon Rd, Murfreesboro, TN HOLSTON HOUSE CHRISTMAS POP-UP BAR: Bar TENN will transform into a pop-up Christmas wonderland featuring Christmas cocktails, festive vibes, and a lot of holiday cheer. November 17 - December 23 118 7th Ave N , Nashville , TN THE DANCING LIGHTS OF CHR ISTMAS: The Dancing Lights of Christmas drive-thru is BACK! Grab your family and enjoy a magical night of holiday lights, songs, and hot cocoa! 1033 Sparta Pike, Lebanon, TN STONES R IVER NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD: With 7 miles of walking trails and 26 acres of forestry, Stones River National Battlefield is a perfect spot to view the fall foliage. 3501 Old Nashville Hwy, Murfreesboro, TN MUR FR EESBOR O SMALL BUSINESS SATUR DAY HOLIDAY MAR KET : Shop and support small businesses on November 26th. There will be a variety of crafters, vendors, food trucks, music, prizes, and much more! 315 John Rice Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN

Murfreesboro Small Business Saturday Holiday Market:

Scan for more photos and the full list.

Want to recommend a local experience?

Scan the QR code and message us on Instagram.

12

LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S

Murfreesboro Designated Driver Turner’s Transportation Serving Rutherford and Surrounding Counties!

HAIR EXTENSIONS Bellami Certified

Real human hair that feels like your own Won’t damage your hair Complimentary in-person consultations

twesleysalon.com (615) 390-6283 Follow Us @twesleysalon

Turners Transportation Services is a Livelihood not a side hustle.

BOOK YOUR DRIVER TODAY Call Turners Transportation at 615-713-7836. www.turnerstranpo.com

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

13

Tracy Lawrence MISSION: POSSIBLE

ARTICLE BY JEREMY MCCOMB | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VARIOUS

Becoming a Country Legend is an incredible (and for most) unimaginable dream. Creating a lasting legacy? Well, that's even more difficult. Tracy & Becca Lawrence have done both inside the music business and with Mission: Possible.

A LOT HAS CHANGED IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY SINCE TRACY LAWRENCE WAS A "NEW ARTIST." GOING BACK TO THOSE EARLY DAYS, HOW DID YOU BREAK THROUGH, PERSEVERE, AND CONNECT WITH FANS? Radio and lots of live shows. I did 289 shows in my first full year on the road—some were two shows a day. Without radio, you had nothing. We were able to put out multiple songs a year on the radio to give the fans the ability to hear who we were.

photography by Patrick Robinson

14

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

photography by Patrick Robinson

AS A "PRO'S-PRO" ENTERTAINER AND A LEGENDARY VOICE IN COUNTRY MUSIC, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL A NEW ARTIST (OR A YOUNG TRACY LAWRENCE) TO HELP THEM ON THEIR WAY UP TO AVOID PITFALLS? To be focused on the music and not get distracted by the outside noise. It's easy to get caught up in the fame and the negativity that surrounds an artist, especially now with social media, but if you focus on the music and keep doing what you're doing, you can persevere.

YOUR NAME, TRACY LAWRENCE, CARRIES A LOT OF IMAGERY: COUNTRY STAR, COMMUNITY-DRIVEN HUMANITARIAN, FATHER, AND HUSBAND. WHAT DO ALL OF THESE HAVE IN COMMON, AND WHAT DRIVES YOU TO EXCEL IN EACH OF YOUR EFFORTS? These are all identities of who I am and who I have been for many years. Being passionate about what you're doing, no matter what it is, is what drives me to excel in these areas.

CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

15

photo provided by Mission: Possible

photography by Jordan Smith

16

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

photography by Timothy Hiehle

photography by Jordan Smith

CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

17

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO BE SUCH A CHARITY-CONSCIOUS FIGURE IN OUR COMMUNITY? With all the great blessings I've had in my life, I really feel I am called to give back.

TO CELEBRATE YOUR 30TH YEAR IN THIS INDUSTRY, YOU STARTED A 3-VOLUME RELEASE: "HINDSIGHT." IT'S AN INCREDIBLE VOLUME OF MUSIC FEATURING HIT SONGS AND NEW RECORDINGS. YOU DID AN AMAZING JOB COUPLING YOUR HITS WITH NEW RELEASES; HOW DIFFICULT WAS IT TO PICK HOW THESE RELEASES FLOWED AND WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS FOR WRITING AND RECORDING THIS TYPE OF PROJECT? First of all, I've never done any project like this. It was a massive undertaking and overwhelming trying to figure out which old songs to include while weaving the compilations together. This project was so different that there was nothing normal about it. It doesn't conform to how I normally make a record.

IN 2006, YOU, ALONG WITH YOUR WIFE, BECCA, STARTED TRACY LAWRENCE "MISSION: POSSIBLE," A NON-PROFIT TURKEY FRY EVENT THAT HAS RAISED OVER $600,000 FOR NASHVILLE RESCUE MISSION AND HAS FRIED OVER 6,400 TURKEYS, PROVIDING OVER 90,000 MEALS TO THE UNHOUSED AND FOOD INSECURE PEOPLE OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE. WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL THOUGHT IN STARTING YOUR TURKEY FRY? The simple goal of driving awareness to the Nashville Rescue Mission and giving back to the community. When we started frying turkeys, it was just a few people from church who brought their own propane tanks and fryers. We bought a few birds to fry and handed out the food to those in need. The rest was history.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE HOW IT FEELS TO STEP BACK AND LOOK AT THE TURKEY FRY AND WHAT YOU'VE ACCOMPLISHED WITH THE HELP OF FRIENDS AND SPONSORS? THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE YOU HAVE IMPACTED, FED, AND PROVIDED HOPE TO? We never imagined this event would grow into what it is today, but I am very proud of what we have accomplished, and I'm grateful for what we've been able to do and give back to the community.

photography by Patrick Robinson

18

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

photography by Patrick Robinson

SINCE THE INCEPTION OF MISSION: POSSIBLE, YOU HAVE ADDED A CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BRING MORE FUNDS TO THE NON-PROFIT. HOW CAN PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY HELP, VOLUNTEER, OR BE PART OF THE AMAZING WORK YOUR NON-PROFIT IS DOING? The best way to help is to go to our website and sign up to volunteer for the fry or donate to the cause. We are always learning about new organizations that are working towards the same cause, so we are always updating our website to be a resource.

Quick Fire Questions: • Favorite food: Italian • Favorite song in your setlist (right now): Nothing Burns • Something you HAVE to have on Tour: Dr. Pepper • If you weren't a country legend, as a profession, you would have been: working in radio or A&R department at a label • Artist you're listening to right now: HARDY

Tuesday, November 22nd's Turkey Fry will continue to provide turkeys to the Nashville Rescue Mission and the state's Family Resource Center's Thanksgiving Program in the following counties: Murfreesboro City Schools, Wilson, Davidson, Robertson, Smith, Sumner, and Trousdale County Schools, and Lebanon Special School District.

Across these districts, Mission: Possible will provide an estimated 800 turkeys and 9,600 cans of food.

Following the Turkey Fry, a benefit concert will be held at Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville. Proceeds from ticket purchases are donated to Mission: Possible. For more information about Mission: Possible, including volunteering, donating, or sponsoring, visit tlmissionpossible.com

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

19

FLOOR PLAN DESIGN

EXTERIOR FACADE DESIGN

F ULL CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS

A C U S TO M R E S I D E N T I A L D E S I G N F I R M, J TAY LO R D E S I GN S I S N ’ T J U S T A C HO I C E I N HO ME D E S I GN E R , it’s an investment in your future.

(615) 617-6466 20

•

JTAYLORDESIGNS.NET

Interior Design Kitchen and Bath Design Cabinetry | Tile Window Treatments Airbnb Design and Stocking New Construction and Remodel Selections and Consulting

SHOP OUR W EBSITE NOW! 61 5 .9 92 .1 597 H A M I LTON R A E TN .COM

Exceeding Expectations One Closing at a Time 319 Hickerson Drive Suite F Murfreesboro, TN 37129 (615) 819-5880

Melanie Harper melanie@authorityclosings.com

www.authorityclosings.com

Tabitha King tabitha@authorityclosings.com

Are you frustrated you're not making progress?

.

You're doing all the "right" things and still, nothing is happening?

·'

. ·.

..

I

- NURTURING NUTRITION WITH BRANDI MOSBY 12 - week nutrition course - Create a healthy, sustainable lifestyle (lifetime access) - Leave behind the yo-yo diet and guessing games - Rid yourself of sabotaging behaviors and create healthy new habits

Brandi Mosby Health Coach 575-578-9517 coachi11g@brandimosby.com

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

21

OFFERING HIGH-QUALITY COSMETIC SERVICES TO THE RESIDENTS OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY

22

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLNE S S

REFINING THE BORO In today's society, we respect and honor many people, including the elderly, medical professionals, law enforcement, and veterans. Every day, men and women dedicate their lives to protecting our beloved country, which does not go unseen. Even individuals currently not in the military are still very honorable citizens who have put their lives on the line for others. Dr. James LaPere is one of these incredible people. After high school, LaPere joined the Air Force and became a medic. He served eleven years as a medic, was deployed in many countries, and spent one year in the Honor Guard.

After his military career ended, he pursued his career as a doctor, hoping to serve his country in a different but meaningful way.

Even though he was moving in another direction, James says he "Wouldn't change my time in the air force for anything."

Three years ago, James and his family moved to Murfreesboro and instantly felt at home within the community. After moving here, he became a doctor on staff at TriStar Stone Crest Medical Center and opened his medical aesthetics practice called The Refinery Medical. With his particular fascination with medicine's cosmetic and aesthetic

sides, James offers options for his clients that regular practicing physicians don't.

He has created a safe place for professional athletes who need an exceptional physique help to come and get their needs met. Botox, micro-needling, lypo dissolve therapies, laser hair removal, and hormone replacement options for both men and women are only a few services available at the Refinery.

James offers a discount to his fellow veterans and thoroughly enjoys getting the opportunity to provide them with his services and help them in any way he can. He also has a great partnership with Carbon Culture Gym, holding many educational seminars several times a year. Using only the highest quality of tools and materials, James offers a list of high-quality services that will benefit areas of our community immensely. His goals for the future of Refinery Medical are to expand services, procedures, and hours of operation. James says, "My ultimate goal for all my clients is for them to feel the most comfortable in their skin." For more information on all the services at Refinery Medical, head to their website, therefinerymedical.com, or their Facebook at The Refinery Medical & Aesthetics.

ARTICLE BY GRACE LIBMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGEL PARDUE

CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

23

“My ultimate goal for all my clients is for them to feel the most comfortable in their skin.”

24

S ELF CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLNE S S

Full Service Dermatology clinic offering General, Surgical, Pediatric, and Cosmetic Services.

Ronald “Junior” Nelson, MD & Associates stonesriverdermatology.com 615-904-2010 1608 Williams Dr. Ste 200, Murfreesboro, TN 37129

John Starling, III, MD Gillian H Choate, MSN, FNP-BC Elizabeth A Otter- PA-C Taylor Newman, PA-C

TRI STAR TITLE & ESCROW, LLC

When purchasing a home, whether it is the first or the fifth, every buyer/seller wants a smooth secure closing.

Mention this ad and receive $100 off your closing fee with us!

Tri Star Title & Escrow, LLC is dedicated to making sure that your most important asset is thoroughly protected from start to finish.

We have made it our mission to provide the best service with a quick response time.

(615) 425-3350 | tristartitleandescrow.com smorgan@tristartitleandescrow.com 1535 W Northfield Blvd, Ste 16, Murfreesboro, TN 37129

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

25

Honoring the

Elderly “Cherish the moments with mom and dad and let our professional caregivers do the tough stuff.”

Kevin and Kelly Fehr have been married for the past 15 years, and in 2014, Kevin had a conversation with God, which led him to leave his corporate job at Merck & Co., Inc. and start Amada Senior Care in Middle Tennessee. “Being a young leader in a large corporation was very stressful and, quite frankly, unfulfilling. I wanted a sense of purpose in my career by truly helping others, and I wasn’t experiencing that in the pharmaceutical industry.” Their faith led Kevin & Kelly to Christ, and when the calling came, they invested

ARTICLE PROVIDED BY AMADA SENIOR CARE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARA CLEAR

26

FAM ILY CA R E | HOM E SE RVI CE S

CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

27

28

FAM ILY CA R E | HOM E SE RVI CE S

everything in following their dream to help others. Amada Senior Care was born in Middle TN late in 2014. Eight years later, they felt it was the best faith-based decision the couple had ever made. Amada Senior Care has been rated the #1 non-medical in-home care agency in 7 counties throughout Middle TN (familyassets.com) and has earned an A+ rating by the BBB for the past six years. They are also the second company in Tennessee to earn an A+ rating from the Home Care Standards Bureau, based in Colorado. “Our company was built on Core Values,” the President & CEO Kevin Fehr explains. “We knew one thing in business: Culture eats strategy for lunch. Even though my role in the company is to head up Business Development, I knew we had to get the culture right for our agency to prosper.” While Kevin takes the lead on Business Development/ Sales/Marketing, Kelly serves as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. “The oversight of everything from an operational standpoint in a company that serves over 100 seniors can be a daunting task, but I welcome the challenge,” stated Kelly.

The key to running a successful business with your spouse is “know your lane and stay in it.” This philosophy helped Kevin and Kelly flourish in the senior care industry. Helping families during difficult times is what drives these business owners daily. Kelly explained, “We want sons and daughters to be sons and daughters of their parents in that final chapter of their life, and not a caregiver.

Cherish the moments with mom and dad and let our professional caregivers do the tough stuff.”

This speaks to Kelly’s character as a leader in the company. Based in Murfreesboro, Amada Senior Care offers non-medical in-home care services for seniors or adults with disabilities. They offer complimentary consultations with a Certified Senior Advisor to help families carve out a path forward for a loved one’s care needs. To learn more about Amada Senior Care, contact them at 615-933-7494 or their website www.amadaseniorcare.com.

Come see us for nutritious & delicious beverages, a positive atmosphere, and of course, good vibes!

Ghouls Night Out

October 14th, 6PM at Serenity Skin

Enjoy Spooky Games, Pumpkin Carving, Food, and Spooky Teas from Vibe Nutrition.

Wearing costumes is encouraged. FREE entry and kids are welcome! Pumpkin carving winner will receive a facial, skin products, and gift basket.

208 West Main St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 615.556.0209 | facebook.com/VibeintheBoro

I F YO U A R E READING THIS...

S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

2 O UT O F 3 of our readers regularly purchase from our ads.

ADVERTISE WITH MURFREESBORO CITY LIFESTYLE™ CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/MURFREESBORO

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

29

MTSU is T h a n k f u l Fo r. . . .

We are thankful. We are True Blue ARTICLE BY DEANN HAYS AND MATTHEW HIBDON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY MTSU

30

EDU CAT ION COR N E R | EDUCATI ON

WE

As one of the oldest universities in Tennessee, Middle Tennessee State University has so much to be thankful for.

From 125 faculty, staff, and students in 1911 to more than 20,000 students and 3,000 employees in 2022, we are now and forever True Blue.

STUDENTS Students are at the top of our list. They make MTSU the great University it is. With students from all around the world, we really are the University of Opportunity. While the road to graduation may seem long, we’re here to support them and cheer them on to success.

FACULTY AND STAFF

ARE

In the face of the pandemic and beyond, our faculty and staff have accomplished things that once seemed impossible.

From teaching in Peck Hall to working Bonnaroo alongside our students, our faculty and staff served our students in the best possible way. We are a top University because of them.

ADMINISTRATION We’re thankful for the leadership of Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, who has led the University since 2001. Under his leadership, MTSU has added more than 40 degree programs, raised admission standards, and added more than $1.3 billion in construction and renovations.

ALUMNI We’re thankful for our alumni – all 159,095 of them. Whether they turned their tassels recently or decades ago, we’re proud of their success and accomplishments. As the saying goes, once a Blue Raider, always a Blue Raider.

A ‘W’ IN MIAMI And we’d be remiss not to include the victory of our Blue Raider football team over the University of Miami on the road in Miami, Florida.

TH A N K FU L We are thankful. We are True Blue.

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

31

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 2

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

NOVE M BE R 6T H

Car/Truck Event at Big Creek Winery Tasting Room

7 027 MAIN STR EET, CHRISTIA NA , T N 37 0 37 | 3:0 0 P M Come check out cool cars and trucks. Drive your cool car or truck. Come support local business. Wine. Grab something to eat from Belfast BBQ Truck, and more!

NOVE M BE R 1 1 T H

Veteran's Day Memorial Service at the Historic Rutherford County Courthouse

10 N PUBLIC S Q MURFR EES BOR O, , T N 37 1 30 | 1 1 :0 0 A M Join the community for the Veteran's Day Memorial Service at the Historic Rutherford County Courthouse on Friday, November 11th @ 11 AM. The event will be held outside, rain or shine. FREE EVENT. Bring your own lawn chair

NOVE M BE R 1 1 T H

The Dancing Lights of Christmas

1033 S PARTA PIKE LEBAN ON , T N 37 0 8 7 | 6 :0 0 P M Tennessee’s Largest Drive-Thru Light and Music Show opens November 11th! Load up the family and enjoy a magical night! Don’t forget to stop by Santa’s Village for pictures with Santa, pony and train rides, holiday shopping, and so much more! **Military Appreciation Night is November 11th.** NOV 11th AT 6 PM – DEC 9 AT 6 PM

NOV EMBE R 1 2 T H

Winter Boro Art and Craft Festival

10 N PUBLIC S Q MURFR EES BOR O, , T N 37 1 30 | 8 :0 0 A M Festival with food trucks, art and craft vendors on the Historic Courthouse Square. There will be local artists and crafters displaying their work.

32

EVE N TS

NOV E M BE R 1 8T H

Zoolumination - Chinese Festival of Lights

N AS HVILLE ZOO AT G R AS SME R E | 5 :0 0 P M Visit the country's largest Chinese lantern festival featuring colorful scenes of more than 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns Nightly, November 18 - January 8; Thursday - Sunday, January 12 - February 4.

N OV E M BE R 19TH & 20TH

Dino and Dragon Stroll

1660 MIDDLE TEN N ES S EE B LV D MUR F R E E S B O R O, T N 37 1 29 | 1 0 :0 0 A M DINO & DRAGON STROLL is the only North American tour that lets you walk-thru and get up close to life-like and life-size dinosaurs AND dragons. This must-see event features the LARGEST creatures touring the country, much larger than any other event of its kind. Tickets sold online. Children under 2, military, and veterans get in FREE!

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Murfreesboro

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/MU R F R E E S BO R O

33

Welcoming Family A ND F RIEND S T O T HE TA BL E INEXPENSIVE TIPS FOR YOUR FAMILY GATHERING DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON. Royce and Christina Smith merged their experiences to open Hamilton Rae in Murfreesboro, TN, in 2020. An interior designer and appliance service and sales manager, they were no strangers to this business. "We knew what our customers wanted and which niche we wanted to fill."

HR offers interior design, kitchen design, and all products/services to complete the interior of a home, including, but not limited to, cabinets, appliances, window treatments, furniture, and accessories.

When asked about setting the table for a holiday gathering, Christina advises, "Grouping items of different heights, textures, and colors, feels inviting and special, which can often be misinterpreted as expensive, but it doesn't have to be."

Although we opted for terra cotta dishes, a more versatile option to get you through all seasons is white. The greenery accents could be changed to represent each season, and the dishes and accessories could remain the same, saving time, money, and storage.

Table/chairs/Accessories are available at www.hamiltonraetn.com Plates/Glasses/ Cutlery purchased from Old Time Pottery.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY CHRISTINA HAMILTON

34

D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN

Table/chairs/Accessories are available at Hamilton Rae. Dishes/Glasses/Cutlery purchased from Old Time Pottery

40% OFF PLUS FREE

INSTALLATION 40% OFF ANY ORDER OF $1,000 OR MORE. 30% OFF ANY ORDER OF $700 OR MORE. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. FREE INSTALLATION WITH ANY COMPLETE UNIT ORDER OF $600 OR MORE.

WITH INCOMING ORDER, AT TIME OF PURCHASE ONLY. OFFER EXPIRES 11/30/22

MF

LOCAL COMPANY LOCAL EXPERTISE

HomesInTheBoro.com 239 John Rice Blvd. Suite A Murfreesboro, TN 37129 Office: 615.867.3020 TN Firm Lic: #260670

JOHN’S LOCAL REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE In September, Listings Added were again down slightly year-over-year in Rutherford County, now for the second straight month. Contracts dropped -17.42% and Closings -25.64%, resulting in a net effect of a +77.91% improvement in Average Daily Inventory. So buyer activity is still slowing, but not to the degree we expected with the recent Mortgage Interest Rate hikes. Supply has finally eclipsed the 2-month mark, now sitting at 2.1 Months Supply, but still a far cry from the 4 Months Supply we consider a balanced market locally.

Inventory has now crossed the 1,000 Active Listing mark. That's welcome news for buyers who have been struggling to find a home. Days on Market has increased +214.29%, reintroducing opportunities for contract contingencies such as home inspections, and even home sale contingencies are now being considered. We're seeing some builders now offer incentives and increasingly become willing to entertain below-asking offers. Probably the most surprising movement in the data this month is a slight tick back up in Price Per Sq. Ft., after two straight months of downward movement. For more local real estate market insights visit HomesInTheBoro.com/blog

Learn More