KIDS & PETS & K ISSES
Up
At MMC pediatrics, it is more than a check-up. It’s about catching something early, working together, and changing the course of a child’s future. Scan the QR code to read one family’s story of collaboration, trust, and a moment that made all the difference. Your child’s health is our mission.
Shannon Moran, MD, Jeremiah Thomas, and Amanda Gammel, DO
Cadence Academy Preschool, Murfreesboro
Our Promise: To provide parents with peace of mind by giving children an exceptional education every fun-filled day in a place as nurturing as home.
Cadence Academy Preschool is a private Christian preschool in Murfreesboro providing a high-quality, fun, Faith-Based learning environment for all children to develop and grow. We offer programs focused on values, for children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old. The Christian message of God’s grace, love, and forgiveness is the foundation of all learning here at Cadence. If you are looking for the best preschool in Murfreesboro, look no further!
Center Director, Catherine Clinton-Edmond
Assistant Director, Araminta Turner
Kids Rock & Pets Rule
Our annual Kids and Pets edition is dedicated to some of our cutest residents. Pets and kids both have a way of making us feel special, plus their loyalty and sense of wonder is refreshing.
While we recognize the immeasurable value of children, it's important to note that both children and pets rely on us. Our care, attention and intention shape their upbringing and shape the individuals they become. We hope this edition serves as inspiration, encouraging you to pour a little extra love and dedication into the children and pets in your life this month.
Summer always flies by, but before summer comes to a close and the start of school commences, we hope you're able to take some time to just relax and to spend quality time with family and the ones you love, including the two-legged as well as four-legged ones.
Hope to see you soon,
JON GREGORY, PUBLISHER @BOROCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Jon Gregory | jon.gregory@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Stacie Gregory | stacie.gregory@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Angela Lynn Dugger
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lynn Caldwell/Parks & Recreation marketing coordinator, Julie Brown Patton, Kali Kasprzyk, Kristy Belley
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Michael Gomez
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
With
Lifestyle’s
print + digital packages, your business captures attention wherever our community is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page, and drive immediate action online.
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Webb Earns Continuous International Recognition With Two 2026 CASE Awards
The Webb School was again recognized globally, earning two prestigious accolades in the 2026 Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Circle of Excellence Awards. These awards recognize outstanding work in advancement services, alumni relations, communications, fundraising and marketing. A panel of 570 volunteer judges reviewed 4,185 global entries from colleges, universities and independent schools across dozens of countries, selecting only 493 winners worldwide. Webb’s honors showcase commitment to innovation, creativity and community engagement.
Meet Greta, A Murfreesboro Salon Support Dog
Bombshells Hair Studio has an official comfort queen, Greta, who has a special way of making everyone feel welcome the moment they walk through the door. Whether she's offering a calming presence during an appointment, a sweet greeting between services or a little extra love on a busy day, the salon team says Greta brings joy to both clients and stylists: "She's more than just our salon dog, she provides unconditional love wrapped in fur."
Full-Service, Luxury Portrait Photographer Provides Children, Family Heartfelt Portraits
"One of my favorite things isn’t just taking the photograph, it’s seeing where it ends up!" shares Angela Dugger, of Angela Lynn Photos in Murfreesboro. "The truth is, the most meaningful photographs aren’t the ones sitting forgotten on a hard drive. They’re the ones you see every day, ones that become part of your home and your family’s story. My heart isn’t just in creating beautiful images; it’s in helping clients enjoy them after sessions."
Photography by The Webb School
Photography by Bombshells
Photography by Angela Lynn Photos
Hummingbird Hummingbird Festival Festival
PRIVATE OFFICES. SHARED ENERGY. SMARTER WORK. Join our thriving business community while space lasts!
Located in the vibrant Fountains at Gateway community, Studio Suites features turnkey, furnished corporate suites accommodating up to 20 team members and a full complement of luxurious amenities.
With only one Corporate Suite and two Team Offices currently available, Studio presents a unique opportunity to elevate your workspace at Fountains. Designed for modern teams, these suites feature cutting-edge technology, refined finishes, and flexible monthly leasing. Act now while these openings last!
ARTICLE BY LYNN CALDWELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION
Look At Great Things Happening!
Award-Winning Parks And Recreation Department Provides Opportunities For Safe Community Activities Through Network Of Parks, Facilities, Open Spaces
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation team members pride themselves on being centered around their mission statement that includes “strengthen the quality of life of our community." To Executive Director of Recreation Services Nate Williams, that goal carries a lot of weight.
“Being responsible for providing facilities, events, programming and activities that bring meaning and value to those in our community is something we don’t take lightly,” Nate shares. “We work hard as a team to determine what's needed and how we can develop unique opportunities for the families of Murfreesboro.”
For the parks and recreation staff, Nate says it means more than just having several amazing parks and greenways for children to enjoy. It’s more than the new splash pad and inclusive playground that was just added to Patterson Park Community Center, and it’s not just the “coming soon” Veterans Park that will showcase a destination playground and more than five miles of walking trails. It includes the programming across the facilities that ensures there's always something happening for the children and families, and even the pets in the local community.
To illustrate this, some of Parks and Recreation staffers wanted to share some of their favorite things that the department offers or achieves.
Lauren Pearson, assistant program coordinator for Outdoor Murfreesboro:
“My favorite event that we do is Raptor Rhapsody. I love teaching people about how cool raptors are!”
Seth Thompson, assistant program coordinator for Cannonsburgh Village: "My favorite event is Bingo at Cannonsburgh Village. This program occurs monthly and receives community members of all ages. The best moments are when several rounds have passed and a kid finally wins. The moment you hear 'BINGO!' it raises the excitement and the room cheers them on. The community comes together to play a great game where anyone has the chance to win."
Carrie Stafford, recreation facility coordinator for aquatics: “Watching kids swim during Open Swim is one of my favorite parts of my job. It's wonderful to see them have fun, build confidence and develop new skills in the water through play. Being able to support their growth and see their excitement in a safe environment makes my job both meaningful and rewarding.”
Dana McKee, program coordinator at Adams Tennis Complex: “I love seeing our tennis camp kids enthusiastically embrace the fundamentals, engage in skill-building drills and enjoy playful games. The highlight of our camp experience has been seeing the friendships blossom, hearing the joyful laughter filling the air and feeling the genuine gratitude shared by the children."
Among the services provided by this staff are athletics, aquatics, cultural arts,
“Being responsible for facilities, events, programming and activities that bring value to our community is something we don’t take lightly.”
Wilderness Station
fitness/wellness and outdoor recreation, all while promoting lifelong play. Whether it’s taking a thrilling ride down a water slide at Boro Beach, exploring historic Cannonsburgh Village, playing a competitive game of tennis at Old Fort Park, hiking along the beautiful Stones River Greenway, or taking advantage of hundreds of other options, these dedicated staffers assure there's a quality experience available for every member of the community.
Of course, this team on behalf of the broader Murfreesboro area was "Red, White and READY" to celebrate America's 250th in a spectacular way on the Fourth of July at The Fountains, including DJ music, games, food trucks, splash pad fun, John Foster's live performance on stage and an incredible display of fireworks.
615.890.5333 | MurfreesboroParks.com
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation options are interesting and diverse.
‘I Can Do It’ Pre-K
Cadence Academy Preschool Team Reveals Why They Value Teaching Exceptional Education And Moral Values
Fall enrollment for new students is underway for the teaching team at Cadence Academy Preschool, a private, faith-based preschool in Murfreesboro. The Cadence program is designed to stimulate a child’s curiosity and instill strong moral values. Their specialized curriculum uses Bible stories, songs and values-based lessons to build foundational skills for reading, writing, math and science.
Murfreesboro City Lifestyle asked Cadence teachers what they enjoy most about the academy's approach, students and opportunities to help youngsters thrive in life.
CATHERINE CLINTON-EDMOND, CENTER DIRECTOR
"Working at Cadence Academy feels like a home away from home. The enriching curriculum we have, not just in academics but also in faith-based learning, helps to foster a community that you just cannot find anywhere else. My teachers are loving and caring not only to the children and each other, but also to the families enrolled. We're an integral part of the village needed to raise socially, emotionally well-rounded children. We see the family as a whole and aim to provide parents with peace of mind by giving children an exceptional education in a place as nurturing as home."
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
LEXI COLLIER, PRESCHOOL
"I enjoy working with the children here because they're loving, and they love to explore and learn."
LERANDA COLLIER-JACKSON, PRE-K, CURRICULUM COORDINATOR, TEACHER OF THE YEAR
"Cadence has an amazing administration team, and I like the kindness I see daily provided to the children as well as the staff."
BRYNN BOWERS, SCHOOL AGE/FLOATER
"Cadence is a supportive environment in which children have a place to grow and play. I also enjoy that we're a faith-based campus, which gives us the opportunity to help children in their walk with God. We work together as a team to help children be seen and valued. I like working with children because I'm investing in their future. Knowing I'm making a difference in a child's life is important to me. Being a sense of stability in the lives of children is so necessary for today's culture."
KASI AMARO, EARLY LEARNERS TEACHER
"I love being a part of the children's growth and development every day. It's rewarding to help them learn new skills, build their confidence and watch them reach important milestones. I enjoy creating a safe, caring and fun environment where each child feels supported and encouraged to explore and learn. Working with my coworkers and building positive relationships makes my job meaningful and something I look forward to each day."
AUBRIE DAILY, PRESCHOOL
"Cadence Academy left a lasting impression on me when my son was enrolled as an infant. There was no question to it when I got the opportunity to join the Cadence team. Not only do I know firsthand that my son is receiving high-quality enrichment and education, but I also get to participate in providing the same for his peers that are within my classroom. As both a parent and an educator, there's nothing more fulfilling and reassuring than knowing I work with fellow individuals who hold the same value in early childhood education as myself."
SARGUL TAHER, INFANTS
"I love the babies so much. It's great to watch them grow up and meet even the smallest milestone like sitting up. After 4 years I've seen children go from toddlers to pre-K, and I feel like they're my babies graduating. I really feel like I'm a grandma for all the children in the school; when I see them it makes me feel so happy."
JENNIFER ATWOOD, INFANTS
"I love watching the babies grow and seeing their little personalities form. I love the women I work with; we're like a family here."
LALA RASHEED, TODDLERS
"I love the kids and the families here so much. My coworkers make being a team so easy. Working here adds joy to my life!"
SIMONE GRAHAM, TODDLERS
"I feel as if we're all one huge, happy family. If I need help I know I can go to anyone here and obtain the support I need. My son feels very welcome here, and has learned so much in the time we've been here. I'm also glad I have the opportunity to provide my students the same learning experience in their precious first years."
NIKKI CASEY, CHEF
"Being part of the Cadence Academy staff is an absolute blessing. Every day, I get to weave faith, love and learning into the hearts of our students. As a bonus, I have the added benefit of my own daughter in attendance, and I see firsthand how our school has fostered her independence and social growth. I'm so proud to say all the schoolwork, songs and scriptures she learned have now fully prepared her for kindergarten. I adore all of our students because they approach every activity with pure wonder, and I'm honored to be part of their academic journey. It's an incredible privilege to nurture their minds and spirits within this supportive, faith-based community. And as Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"
ARAMINTA TURNER, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
"Serving as the assistant director here at Cadence Academy has been nothing less than amazing. The fulfillment and honor I constantly feel pouring into these children is truly unmatched. Building lifetime bonds with families we become a part of is impactful. I'm blessed to have found such a loving community."
615.624.7633
Cadence-Education.com/Murfreesboro
THE CADENCE INFANT CARE PROGRAM
The Cadence infant care program embraces children starting at the age of six weeks up to 12 months. The Cadence toddler care program is for children starting at 12 months up to 2 years old. The pre-Kindergarten program invites children starting at 4 years up to 5 years old. Additionally, the Cadence team offers customized programs for summer and spring breaks for those 3 to 4 years old, and for school-age children, 5 to 12 years old.
HOW MODERN HOMES ARE EVOLVING TO BRING ORDER, FUNCTION AND CALM TO BUSY FAMILY LIFE
THE FAMILY
CENTER COMMAND
Pantry
Behind every beautiful home is a closet working overtime.
No matter how stunning the kitchen is or how perfectly styled the living room looks, real life usually happens somewhere between the mudroom, the pantry and the frantic search for a missing soccer cleat five minutes before school drop-off. For today’s families, luxury is no longer just about beautiful finishes or square footage. Increasingly, it is about function, organization and creating a home that supports everyday life.
Increasingly, the most valuable rooms in the home are not always the grand kitchens or formal living spaces. They are the hardworking spaces quietly keeping life
“THE ORGANIZATION OF THESE SPACES HELPS TO KEEP HOMES OF BUSY FAMILIES MUCH LESS CHAOTIC.”
on track. Sandra Sokol, owner of Closets by Design, has seen this shift firsthand. “Homeowners are definitely compartmentalizing their spaces,” Sokol said. “Homes are all open-concept now, but consumers are looking for ways to create specific areas for each specific need.”
That shift has led to growing demand for intentional spaces designed around modern family life. Mudrooms, drop zones and customized storage are helping families better manage daily routines. “Mud Rooms or ‘Drop’ areas for shoes, bags, etc, when they get home,” Sokol said. “Clients want storage for sporting equipment to keep it from ending up all over the home and garage. We all want ‘a place’ for everything.”
Spaces once considered secondary, such as closets, pantries and laundry rooms, are now central to keeping a household running smoothly. “Today's Moms and Dads are working and have kids with full schedules,” Sokol said. “The organization of these spaces helps to keep homes of busy families much less chaotic.”
Thoughtful design helps eliminate daily stressors that many families know well. A missing shoe can derail a morning. A cluttered pantry can turn snack time into a scavenger hunt. Laundry piles can quickly become overwhelming.
“If you give a Mom an organized closet, you may be saving her those 15 minutes that she needs to be able to have
Closet with Island
breakfast with her children before she leaves for work,” Sokol said. “Those minutes add up and allow for more calm in a person’s daily life.”
For local families balancing elevated living with packed schedules, that balance between beauty and practicality matters more than ever. “Once we have planned a very functional space that meets the client’s needs, we then have the fun of layering on the customization with accessories, colors, collections and other upgraded options,” says Sokol.
The rise of remote and hybrid work has also changed what families need from their homes. Home offices now serve multiple purposes, functioning as workspaces, guest rooms and flexible family spaces. “Remote work really skyrocketed during Covid,” Sokol said. “Since then, we have seen a continued rise in our clients needing home offices that can also serve other needs.”
At the core of every successful design is one simple principle: everything needs a home. “Finding a specific place for items solves the endless searching for these needed items when you are trying to get out the door for work, play or any activity,” Sokol said. The impact goes far beyond organization. A thoughtfully organized home creates calmer mornings, smoother routines and less daily stress. For many families, the greatest luxury is a home that makes everyday life feel easier, calmer and more connected. After all, a beautifully organized home may not solve every problem, but it can at least help you find the missing cleat!
ClosetsByDesign.com
Garage with storage
Wall Bed
Community Partners For Animals
RUTHERFORD COUNTY PET ADOPTION AND WELFARE SERVICE (PAWS) LEADS THE WAY TO RESCUES, ADOPTIONS, ASSISTANCE
ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAWS
“Shelters like PAWS are collaborating with ASPCA because when we work together, we save more lives,” says Matt Bershadker,
ASPCA president/CEO. “Choosing pet adoption makes lifesaving impacts that benefit more than one animal.”
Puppies and kitties and roosters — oh my! Bunnies and reptiles and ducks sometimes, aye!
Serving as Rutherford County's animal control, animal shelter and pet community resource, the staff and volunteers at Pet Adoption And Welfare Service (PAWS) in Murfreesboro fuel multiple initiatives to connect people and pets for happy, healthy lives together.
Even a 35-year-old African tortoise named Squirtle was assisted by this compassionate team last year when he was found alone at a local body of water. After a stay at PAWS, Squirtle is living his best life at an area farm.
PAWS offers free spay/neuter services for Rutherford County residents, handles stray drop-offs, runs an animal foster care for newborn puppies and kittens and administers an animal adoption program, explains Sebastian Jordan, PAWS public relations and media specialist.
"People might be surprised by the volume of phone calls we get regarding strays and animal welfare checks. We handle abandoned animals or cases of breed restrictions as well. When we're fully staffed, we only have 10 animal control officers, and our officers responded to more than 14,000 calls in 2025, including strays, welfare checks, injured pets, as well as potentially dangerous animals," Sebastian says.
Additionally, two inhouse veterinarians handle complimentary spays and neuters for county residents, although those are typically scheduled two to three months in advance.
Among other beneficial services provided by PAWS, according to Sebastian, is low-cost microchipping for pet identification and a pet pantry that provides free cat or dog food, kitty litter or leftover but unexpired pet medications.
Sebastian says when an animal is found and taken into their care, there's a three-day hold. "If we have evidence of a potential owner, that hold is extended to five days to give them enough time to locate and retrieve the animal from us."
He says the facility even has weekend open hours and a microchip scanner to help with reclaiming a lost animal.
Note that PAWS does not handle nuisance or wild animals, such as deer, opossums, raccoons, eastern cottontail rabbits, groundhogs, owls, hawks, wild turkeys, great blue herons and Canada geese.
Sebastian says the adoption floor, or kennel area, can accommodate about 30 dogs, with perhaps 30 more in a back area. There's a backyard area where guests can take a dog outside to get to know them. "You'll often see volunteers giving dogs some outdoor and fun play time there," he adds.
He says volunteers can assist animals in a variety of ways, such as providing them direct interaction or simple cuddles, cleaning up the shelter environment, assembling goodie bags, sorting pet-pantry donations or playing outside games in yard areas.
He says a popular activity is youths reading to dogs in the shelter.
In conjunction with the natonwide campaign of The Rescue Effect of ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) funded program, the local PAWS staff plans to hold two, free adoption periods this month at their facility located at 285 John R. Rice Blvd. Both adoption sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The first is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15 and the second will be held Saturday, Aug. 29.
PAWS hours for front desk, pet adoptions, reclaims and animal viewing are Monday through Friday 12-1:30 p.m. and 2-6 p.m. The facility is closed 1:30-2 p.m. for staff lunch & pet rest period. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday hours 12-4 p.m.
615.898.7740
Pet Help Desk: 615.907.DOGS (3647) RutherfordCountyTN.gov/PAWS
Rutherford County PAWS provides many helpful services for pets and their peeps.
ARTICLE BY KRISTY BELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Ready to give this childhood classic the upgrade it deserves? Whether you’re packing your kid’s lunch or treating yourself to something special, these elevated PB&J creations will make anyone excited for lunchtime.
THE ART OF THE UPSCALE
The secret to an elevated PB&J isn’t complicated—it’s all about premium ingredients and creative combinations. Swap that white bread for artisanal sourdough, brioche, or even croissants. Trade processed jelly for fresh fruit compotes, gourmet preserves, or actual fresh berries that burst with flavor.
Quality nut butters make all the difference. Think creamy almond butter, rich cashew spread, or that perfectly salted natural peanut butter from the farmer’s market. These simple swaps instantly elevate your sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.
Bread Options
• Artisanal sourdough
• Brioche
• Croissants
• Multigrain bread
• Cinnamon raisin bread
• Hawaiian sweet bread
• Whole wheat bread
• Thick-cut bread (for open-face)
Nut & Seed Butters
• Natural peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Dark chocolate almond butter
• Cashew butter
• Coconut butter
• Nutella
Fresh Fruits
• Strawberries
• Fresh blueberries
• Fresh raspberries
• Fresh peaches
• Kiwi
• Mixed berries
• Bananas
• Pears
Preserves & Sweet Spreads
• Honey
• Fig jam
• Mango preserves
• Raspberry preserves
• Grape jelly
• Marshmallow cream
Toppings & Add-ins
• Fresh mint leaves
• Granola
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Cream cheese
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Dark Chocolate Syrup
TRANSFORM YOUR HUMBLE PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH FROM LUNCH BOX BASIC TO GOURMET GREATNESS
COMBOS TO Try:
The Sophisticated Sweet: Nutella, sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of honey on brioche bread
The Panini Perfection: Peanut butter, fresh blueberries, and marshmallow cream pressed between sourdough slices
The Beautiful Mess: Your favorite nut butter topped with sliced fresh peaches, kiwi, or berries, then drizzled with golden honey or sprinkled with toasted coconut on thick-cut bread
The Grown-Up Classic: Almond butter, fig jam, and thinly sliced pears on multigrain bread
The Breakfast Crossover: Cashew butter, sliced bananas, and a sprinkle of granola on cinnamon raisin bread
The Tropical Twist: Coconut butter, mango preserves, and toasted coconut flakes on Hawaiian sweet bread
The Chocolate Dream: Dark chocolate almond butter, raspberry preserves, and fresh mint leaves on whole wheat
The Savory Surprise: Natural peanut butter, grape jelly, and a thin layer of cream cheese with everything bagel seasoning
PRO TIPS FOR LUNCHBOX SUCCESS
Toast your bread lightly for extra texture, even if you’re making it ahead. Create a barrier with your spread to prevent soggy sandwiches—apply nut butter to both sides, then add your sweet elements in the middle. Pack fresh elements separately and assemble just before eating when possible.
Cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters, wrap in parchment paper tied with twine, or pack in a bento box with complementary sides like apple slices, fancy crackers, or dark chocolate squares.
THE BOTTOM LINE
An elevated PB&J proves that sometimes the best meals come from taking something familiar and making it special. These upgraded versions will have everyone asking for the recipe—and maybe even offering to trade lunches.
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
AUGUST 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 4TH-31ST
Exhibit: 250 Years Of Commemorating
American Independence
Cannonsburgh Village | 9:00 AM
A special exhibit, developed in collaboration with the historic Cannonsburgh Village and MTSU Honors College Dean John Vile, invites visitors to explore 250 Years of American independence. Running through Aug. 31, prints and other artifacts trace how Americans have celebrated independence across generations. The exhibit culminates with introducing the fall 2026 Buchanan Lecture Series in the Jaycees Building at Cannonsburgh Village.
AUGUST 7TH
The Boro Art Crawl
Downtown Murfreesboro/South Public Square | 5:00 PM
Take a walk around the historic Murfreesboro Square and experience The Boro Art Crawl. Discover and support local artists working across a variety of mediums while exploring downtown businesses, artwork, handmade goods and creative experiences throughout the evening. This is family-friendly and free to attend. Go to TheBoroArtCrawl.com.
AUGUST 7TH
Friday Night Live on the Square
Downtown Murfreesboro | 6:30 PM
Downtown Murfreesboro comes alive with music as Main Street Murfreesboro hosts Friday Night Live on the historic courthouse square. Join a free concert from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for a funfilled evening of live music and dancing.
CONTINUED
The band, Third Party Thieves, plays a combination of classic and current rock along with country and Southern rock.
AUGUST 21ST
Ladies' Night Out(side)
Wilderness Station At Barfield Crescent Park | 6:00 PM
Calling all adventurous ladies! Join a fun evening designed just for you! This night is all about connecting, sharing laughter and having a great time under the stars with a 0.8 mile hike followed by relaxation at a campfire with s’mores and mocktails. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $5. Call 615.217.3017 or email lpearson@murfreesborotn.gov.
AUGUST 24TH
Invasive Plant Removal Day
Murfree Spring Wetlands
Help remove invasive plant species from riparian areas at Murfree Spring. Volunteers, aged 18-plus, in this event may be tasked with using hand tools, such as loppers, hand saws, snips and rakes (provided by Outdoor Murfreesboro). Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required; no sandals, crocs or flip-flops. Long pants and long sleeves are recommended as are hats, sunscreen and insect repellent.
AUGUST 28TH
Solar Printing
Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park | 1:00 PM
Ever channeled the sun to create a piece of art? Do just that by using special paper and objects found in nature. Capture nature's beauty in a fun, creative way while learning the power of the sun’s UV light and effects it has on light-sensitive paper. Recommended age for this program is 5 and older. Pre-registration required. Email lpearson@murfreesborotn.gov.
BUILDING CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE
