Second Annual Raiders’ Choice Awards—May 2
The Middle Tennessee athletic department is proud to announce the Second Annual Raiders’ Choice Awards, a year-end Academy Awards-style show recognizing the athletic and academic achievements of the Blue Raider student-athletes for the 2012-13 academic year, May 2, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the presentation at 7 p.m. at the MTSU Tucker Theater. This blue- carpet celebration is open to the public with a limited number of free tickets available. Pick up tickets at the MT Ticket Office. MT Director of Broadcasting Chip Walters will serve as the emcee with the event being broadcast by the College of Mass Communication Electronic Media Department students. The show will air live on MT 10 and delayed on NewsChannel5+ (channel 250) on May 8 from 8-10 p.m. For more information, visit goblueraiders.com.
Murfreesboro Art League to exhibit in the Rotunda of Murfreesboro’s City Hall—May 3-21
The City Hall Art Committee announces the Murfreesboro Art League’s 7th annual fine arts exhibit at the Rotunda of Murfreesboro’s City Hall (111 West Vine St.), May 21-June 21, free and open to the public; an artists’ reception will be Tuesday, May 21, from 4:30-6 p.m. The MAL gallery opens each spring and remains open on Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays, 1-4 p.m. MAL gallery’s grand opening, “A Taste of Art,” will be Friday, May 3, from 6-8 p.m. with refreshments, live music with Rev. Newsom and a silent auction. The artwork of the YMCA Art Embrace program will also be on display. For more information, visit murfreesboroartleague.blogspot.com or e-mail Suzanne.LeBeau@att.net. Exhibits in the Rotunda are free and open to the public 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except observed holidays.
Doors of Hope hosts Second Annual Celebration of Hope—May 3
The community is invited to come out to The Experience Church, Park Place (521 Old Salem Hwy.) Friday, May 3, to celebrate the accomplishments of Project Braveheart, Doors of Hope, and the Rutherford County Correctional Work Center (RCCWC) as they create awareness about recidivism, honoring men and women graduates and celebrate more than 10,000 community volunteer hours. Superintendent of the RCCWC Bernard Salandy, volunteers, and graduates will give presentations. Tickets are available at the event or can be purchased for $15 at Doors of Hope (302 E Vine St.). Doors open at 6:30 with refreshments (catering by Robyn’s Nest) with the program beginning at 7:15 p.m. For more information, visit opendodorsofhope.org, facebook.com/OpenDoorsofHope or call (615) 653-8491.
Tennessee Renaissance Festival—May 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 & 25-27
Travel back to 16th Century England! The Village of Covington Glen (2124 New Castle Road, Arrington, TN 37014—Castle Gwynn) comes alive with the bustle of a Renaissance marketplace from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Over 60 skilled artisans from all over the country display their wares from silks to swords and from gems to jewels. Enjoy flavors, aromas and tastes of specialty foods and drinks while you hear the sounds of Renaissance musicians and merrymakers as they echo through the trees. Color, movement, and peals of laughter welcome those who thrill to the challenges of Games of Skill and Man-Powered Rides. For more information, call (615) 395-9950 or visit tnrenfest.com.
42nd Annual Days on the Farm—May 9—11
The 41st annual Days on the Farm will be hosted by the Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Rd) on May 9—11 Event hours are 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday. This popular living history celebration will feature more than 20 demonstrations including how to make candles from hot wax and how soap was made from pig fat and lye. With hands-on activities, find out what life was like as a Civil War soldier and how quilts were made to keep people warm during the cold winter months. After your tour, visit the museum exhibits and stop by the gift shop to pick up a reproduction historical toy or some old-fashioned candy sticks. All are welcome and encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it under the trees of the historic plantation. Admission is $5 per person. For more information, please call (615) 459-2341 or visit samdavishome.org.
Birds and Bees Series—May 10
Come out to the Wilderness Station (697 Barfield Crescent Road) May 10 at 10 a.m. for Backyard Habitat Habits with Polly Rooker! Birds and Bees Series will offer help and ideas on how to attract wildlife to your yard, provide habitat, and learn about native plants and animals that can benefit your life. Polly Rooker has worked with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for 35 years and has served as a wildlife officer for 18 years; she is presently working as a state wildlife biologist where she works with Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN, formally known as “endangered” or “threatened”). This series is free and geared towards adults. For more information, contact Rachel Singer at (615) 217-3017 or rsinger@murfreesborotn.gov.
World-renowned leaders to speak at World Outreach Church—May 10
Community business leaders can access the knowledge and experience of world-renowned leaders by attending Chick-fil-A Leadercast hosted by Murfreesboro Towne Center at World Outreach Church (1921 New Salem Rd.) May 10. Chick-fil-A Leadercast is a one-day leader development event broadcast live from Atlanta, Ga. to hundreds of sites throughout the nation, including Murfreesboro. Speakers for this year’s event include Jack Welch, former chairman and CEO of General Electric, Andy Stanley, best-selling leadership author and communicator and many more. This diverse group of internationally-acclaimed authors, leadership experts and practitioners will share insights to help leaders learn how to Simply Lead. For more information, visit chick-fil-aleadercast.com, and for tickets, contact (615) 896-4515 or cfa.rmd.01224@gmail.com.
One Book Presents an Evening Under the Stars—May 10
Join in celebrating the book The Fault in our Stars on Friday, May 10, from 6-8 p.m., as part of Read To Succeed’s One Book program, which challenges Rutherford County residents each year to read a chosen book and learn more about area nonprofits. This year’s selection, The Fault in our Stars by John Green, deals with teens with cancer in an insightful and life-affirming way. The Riverdale High School Jazz Band will kick off the evening, followed by refreshments and activities including a book swap, trivia contest, art project and prizes. People are invited to dress in their finest party attire, and a photo booth will be available for pictures. For more information on One Book, Read To Succeed, and The Fault in our Stars, visit readtosucceed.org or call (615) 738-READ.
Career Solutions Job Fair—May 10
Every year during the first full week of May, Goodwill agencies across the United States and Canada celebrate the power of work through local events and promotions, and this year the week of May 6 is Goodwill Week in Tennessee. Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee will host approximately 40 events, including 30 job fairs, at the 23 Goodwill Career Solutions centers across Middle and West Tennessee. Career Solutions (710 Memorial Blvd., Suite 210) will host a job fair from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Friday, May 10, for multiple employers including Express Employment Professionals, Essex Bargain Hunt, All-Star Personnel, Centaur Building Services and SMX. Dress for success! Job candidates are encouraged to bring resumes, photo ID, and Social Security card or birth certificate. For a complete list of events, visit giveit2goodwill.org/goodwillweek.
Cannonsburgh Concert Series—May 17
Have fun at Cannonsburgh Concert Series at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) from 7-9 p.m. in the pavilion. Admission is free. For more information, call (615) 890-0355.
To Brew or Not to Brew, That is the Question—May 17
Discovery Center and the Nashville Shakespeare Festival are pleased to announce Murfreesboro’s first ever Shakesbeer on Friday, May 17, from 7-10 p.m. at the Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St.)! With an endless supply of food, fun and beer, enjoy samples of craft beers from around the mid-state and delectable tastes; learn the science behind brewing and enjoy live performances from the Nashville Shakespeare Festival (celebrating its 25th anniversary season). For tickets, please visit explorethedc.org/shakesbeer. Pre-sale tickets are $40 and $45 the day of the event. A ticket includes one commemorative glass, tastings from all vendors, a sampler of food, live performances and a Science of Brewing session. Must be 21 to attend. For more information, visit nashvilleshakes.org, facebook.com/discoverycenter or email info@discoverycenteronline.org. Breweries participating in the event include (but are not limited to): Electric Avenue Brewing Co., Fat Bottom Brewing, Mayday Brewery, Mid-State Brew Crew, Music City Brewers, O’Possums, Short Mountain Distillery.
Run United 5k—May 18
The 2013 Run United 5k hosted by The Avenue Murfreesboro to benefit United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties (615 Memorial Blvd.) kicks off May 18 at 7 a.m.! Early registration is $30 per person until May 1 and $35 a person after (and participants will not receive a t-shirt). Register at active.com. Teams of 10 can register for $250 ($25 per person) by contacting United Way at (615) 893-7303. This year’s event will include a one-mile fun run. Registration for the fun run is $15. This includes a kid’s station with entertainment for children located in The Avenue’s central park area before and during the race. Proceeds from the race will be invested into the local community through the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties.
Free Day in May—May 18
Spend Saturday, May 18, in Rutherford County for the 15th annual Free Day in May event. Attractions such as Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center (415 South Academy St., 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.), Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St., 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.), The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County (225 W. College St., 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.), Oaklands Historic House Museum (900 N. Maney Ave., 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.), Sam Davis Home and Museum (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna, TN, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.) and the Stones River National Battlefield (1563 N. Thompson Ln., 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.) will be open free of charge. Please stop by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center or visit readysetrutherford.com for a free visitors guide. For more information on this annual spring event, call (615) 893-6565.
TSSAA Spring Fling—May 20-24
State championships in five high school sports, track and field, tennis, baseball, boys’ soccer and softball will take place from May 20-24. For more information, call (615) 889-6740 or visit tssaa.org.
Self Care for the Caregiver—May 23
Alive Hospice is offering a free event to empower caregivers with tips and strategies to avoid burnout. Self Care for the Caregiver will be May 23 from 1-4 p.m. at Belle Aire Baptist Church (1307 N. Rutherford Blvd.) with topics including stress management, compassion fatigue and anticipatory grief. Refreshments will be provided as well as door prizes from local businesses. To register, contact Alive Hospice Community Outreach Coordinator Keith King at (615) 346-8418 or kking@alivehospice.org. Speakers will include Alive Hospice’s Murfreesboro Team physician, Dr. David Johnson, Chaplain Phyllis Sublett and Grief Counselor Pam Quaintance.
For more information about Alive Hospice, visit alivehospice.org or call (615) 327-1085.
Belle Canto Women’s Chorale—May 23
If you love music from the Big Band Era—also the era of the big war, WWII—come and hear the Swinging Belles sing many big band favorites with a dash of patriotic music. Belle Canto Women’s Chorale, which includes women from various faith traditions, will perform a concert May 23, at 7 p.m., in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church (210 N. Spring St.). Admission is free and open to the public. A love offering will be taken with half the proceeds going to the Tennessee Veteran’s Home. For more information, contact windcaller@att.net.
Flags of Remembrance Healing Field—May 25-27
This living display of heroism will fly as a temporary patriotic tribute to the strength and unity of Americans, and will honor all the men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice for our nation’s security and freedom. Take a walk through this awe-inspiring 800-flag display through Medical Center Pkwy. and Maplegrove Dr. across from Belk near The Avenue. No admission charge. For more information, call (615) 641-0121 or visit healingfield.org/murfreesboro.
Animal Secrets Exhibit—May 25—Sept. 8
Families can explore the hidden habits and secret lives of forest animals at the Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St.) as they discover nature from an animal’s point of view in a hands-on naturalistic environment. For more information, call (615) 890-2300 or visit discoverycenteronline.org.
Memorial Day Service—May 26
Visitors are invited to gather at the national cemetery rostrum to remember the sacrifices of soldiers, past and present, at 1:30 p.m. at Stones River National Battlefield (1563 N. Thompson Ln.). The event will include patriotic music, a wreath laying ceremony and a reading of the names of veterans who have passed away since last Memorial Day. For more information, call (615) 893-9501 or visit nps.gov/stri.
Campus Life Memorial Day 5k to Honor Veterans—May 27
Come kick off your Memorial Day while honoring those who have bravely served and given their lives for our country. The 2013 Campus Life Memorial Day 5k will be May 27 (Memorial Day) at Central Magnet School (701 E. Main St.). The race starts at 7 a.m., with registration from 6-6:45 a.m., and will take participants through the beautiful streets of downtown Murfreesboro. Runners and walkers of all skill levels are welcome. The course is a certified and professionally timed, family friendly, 5k run/walk. Awards will be given to top age group finishers; T-shirts and goodie bags are guaranteed to early registrants. Those interested can also call the Campus Life Office at (615) 890-3203 or go to Campus Life Murfreesboro’s Facebook page under events. All proceeds will benefit Campus Life/Youth for Christ.
