Ongoing through Thanksgiving – Christmas Tree Drive Program
The annual Christmas tree program provides an average of 100 fully decorated trees each year to lower-income families and homeless families living in local area motels. Some people might wonder why a Christmas tree would be more important than gifts for families in need. Thankfully, there are several great organizations providing parents with the resources to ensure their children will have Christmas gifts. Your donations will help the children build a lifetime of memories and ensure this will not be another Christmas spent without a tree. If you or someone you know needs a tree, sign-ups begin each year on Oct. 15, ending the day before Thanksgiving, with delivery on the first weekend in December. For more information on how to donate, contact info@thebrittanyproject.org, or visit tbp.myeyedesigns.com or The Brittany Project on Facebook.

Nov. 1 – Outside the Lunchbox
The Discovery Center presents Outside the Lunchbox on Thursday, Nov. 1, at The Grove at Williamson Place (3250 Wilkinson Pk.) from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. featuring local executives speaking on innovation and workforce development. A casual, business luncheon, Outside the Lunchbox engages the community in conversations on learning and workforce development. Aligning with Discovery Center’s mission, vision, and values, the event brings together community members to cultivate an environment of innovation and inclusion. Speakers include Marcus Whitney, Holli Montgomery and Teauna Upshaw. This event is free to attend, though a donation is suggested. For more information, visit explorethedc.org/lunchbox.

Nov. 1 – Afternoon Book Club at Linebaugh
The Afternoon Book Club meets on the first Thursday of each month (Nov. 1, Dec. 6) at 1 p.m. in the Linebaugh Board Room on the second Floor (105 W. Vine St.). The Afternoon Book Club reads a mixture of novels and nonfiction both light and serious, and enjoys outings several times a year. For more information, visit rclstn.org.

Nov. 3 – Ham Breakfast Benefits Widows and Orphans Fund
The Sam Davis Masonic Lodge #661, 101 Mary Law Dr., Smyrna (across from Planet Fitness on Nissan Boulevard) hosts its Country Ham Breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 3. Included in the $10 per person ticket is real country ham, eggs, potato wedges, biscuits and gravy, juice, jelly, coffee and great fellowship. Serving hours are 7–10 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Tennessee Grand Lodge Widows and Orphans Fund. For more information, call 615-459-4576 or find samdavis661 on Facebook.

Nov. 3 – It’s a Craft Thing
Clear View Retreat invites the public to a craft-building event at LifePoint (506 Legacy Dr., Smyrna) Saturday, Nov. 3, to raise funds for their family-centered retreat in Lancing, Tennessee. This Christ-centered family retreat ministry has several cabins available for rentals, getaways, retreats and pastor/missionary sabbaticals. CVR raises funds to benefit grieving families in their time of need, providing a space of respite and grief mentoring. It’s a Craft Thing! brings the community together for fundraising while making customized ornaments, decorations and other knickknacks before Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, contact 615-739-0634 or cvr@clearviewretreat.org.

Nov. 3 – Hazardous Waste Collection
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), in collaboration with Rutherford County and City of Murfreesboro governments, holds a second Household Hazardous Waste Collection (HHW) Saturday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. at the City of Murfreesboro Public Works Facility (4765 Florence Rd.). TDEC also holds numerous HHW collections throughout the state; for an online schedule and a list of disposable items, visit tn.gov/environment.

Nov. 3 – Cookin’ to Build
Middle Tennessee residents can fill their bellies with delicious chilies, soups, stews and gumbos from over 30 cooking teams at the 11th Annual Cookin’ to Build Saturday, Nov. 3, from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on the Murfreesboro Town Square. The popular food event raises money for Rutherford County Area Habitat for Humanity to help build safe, energy-efficient and affordable homes for low-income families across Rutherford County. Cooking teams from organizations, groups, churches, schools and local businesses prepare the food for free, as a way to help support the Habitat for Humanity mission. Teams also vie for prizes as attendees vote for their favorites. Tickets are $20 and include a painted pottery bowl to take home, “all you can eat” from the food booths, free dessert and drinks and musical entertainment. Ticket holders who also painted a bowl at The Pottery Place during early registration can get in a half-hour early, at 10:30 am. The Pottery Place donates the bowls for the other ticketed attendees. For more information, contact melissa@rchfh.org, 615-890-5977 x110 or 615-603-5395.

Nov. 4 – Bikes, Cars and Cigars
Show off your cool car or motorcycle and meet people in the community at Murfreesboro’s Historic Public Square at 3BC and MurfreeZboro Motorclub’s Bikes, Cars and Cigars on Sunday, Nov. 4, from 2–6 p.m. This is to raise support for A Soldiers Child Foundation. Space is limited to 40 cars and 20 bikes. Registration is $10; first place prize value is $100 for cars or $50 for bikes. Register at mboromotorclub.com or at the event from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Nov. 6 – Yarn Love
Yarn Love Murfreesboro is a casual group of yarn enthusiasts who love to knit and crochet. All levels of experience are welcome from beginners to experts. Come out and talk shop, bring your current works in progress, stitch a project for charity or just to learn. Bring your own yarn, hooks or needles, and get the assistance you need. Yarn swaps are also initiated time to time. YLM usually meets in Linebaugh Library’s upstairs meeting room on the first Tuesday of each month from 6–8 p.m. unless otherwise stated. Find Yarn Love Murfreesboro on Facebook.

Nov. 8 – Photography Connect
Photography Connect Murfreesboro is a group that aims to bring together the many talented photographers in Murfreesboro and the surrounding areas. All photographers and photo enthusiasts are welcome; professionals and hobbyists, any specialty, whether you have been shooting for 50 years or 5 minutes. This group is a tool for connecting, teaching, learning, exchanging resources, and most importantly, promoting photography in Murfreesboro. Photography Connect meetings are an opportunity to learn and meet other photo enthusiasts. Each meeting will have a dedicated photo topic or guest speaker and a critique session. To submit photos for critique or see topics in advance, find Photography Connect Mboro on Facebook or contact photographyconnectmboro@gmail.com. This group meets the 2nd Thursday of each month (Nov. 8) in the Linebaugh Board Room on the second floor.

Nov. 10 – D.F. Jones Book Signing
Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) welcomes author D. F. Jones for a book signing on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Jones signs and sells copies of her books from the Ditch Lane Diaries Series and her newest work, Happily Ever After, Again. This murder suspense features exciting romantic elements. Jones operates a local advertising agency and has created many campaigns and materials for clients. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

Nov. 11 – Bowl for Our Troops
Join the Bowl for our Troops Tournament on Sunday, Nov. 11, from 1–4 p.m. at Murfreesboro Strike and Spare (941 NW Broad St.) to benefit Homes for Our Troops. Each home is specially made for a severely injured veteran. This year, funds benefit Sergeant Brian Camacho’s Murfreesboro home. Sergeant Camacho was wounded in Iraq and returned home paralyzed from the waist down. Then, while in his accessible vehicle, he slipped on ice and crashed. The accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. The registration fee is $25 per participant ($125 per team). Register at active.com (Bowl for our Troops) or contact 931-703-7940 or jga2r@mtmail.mtsu.edu for more information.

Nov. 12 – Murfreesboro Veterans Day Service
The 22nd annual Murfreesboro Veterans Day Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 12 at 11 a.m. on the downtown Square on the corner near the War Memorial monument at the Rutherford County Courthouse. Elsie Stem started the tradition in 1996. Her beloved husband was a veteran. Mayor Bill Ketron, Murfreesboro City Mayor Shane McFarland and other local leaders will welcome attendees and guest speaker Col. John Cogill. Cogill was commissioned as an Infantry officer from the United States Military Academy in 1994 and has held a variety of positions in both conventional and special operations units. His first assignment was Platoon Leader and Executive Officer in the 82nd Airborne Division. He served two years in the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment as a Platoon Leader and Civil-Military Affairs Officer. For more information, visit murfreesboroveteransday.com.

Nov. 13 – Rutherford Cable Breakfast Meeting
Join Rutherford Cable for its November Breakfast Meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 13, from 7:30–9 a.m. at the Stones River Country Club (1830 NW Broad St.) for “The Cultural Shift: Where Do We Go From Here?” a presentation by Aerial Ellis featuring a comprehensive review of today’s most pressing and urgent issues of cultural diversity in the world and the workplace. Ellis is a gifted speaker and strategist who launched her first public firm at the age of 22. Since then, she has become sought after for her ability to help organizations transform culture, improve diversity, enhance communication, navigate change, build community and drive innovation. Ellis is co-founder of the Nashville Women of Color in Communications Network and has been named among Nashville’s 40 Under 40 and Women of Influence. Members and guests welcome. For more information, contact yourrutherfordcable@gmail.com or visit rutherfordcable.org.

Nov. 13 – Business After Hours
The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce presents Business After Hours, an informal business networking event, on Tuesday, Nov. 13, from 5–7 p.m. at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center, 200 StoneCrest Blvd., Smyrna. Bring plenty of business cards. Admission is $10 for Chamber members and $20 for future members. No registration is required. For more information, visit rutherfordchamber.org.

Nov. 14 – Dixie Dewdrop Story
MTSU’s Center for Popular Music welcomes Micheal D. Doubler to MTSU’s College of Education (1820 MTSU Blvd.) to discuss his new book, Dixie Dewdrop: The Uncle Dave Macon Story on Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Doubler, a native of Murfreesboro and the great-grandson of Uncle Dave Macon, has enjoyed a long career as a soldier, scholar and author. He holds a doctorate from Ohio State University and has authored several books, articles and special studies. His primary work, Closing with the Enemy: How GIs Fought the War in Europe, 1944–1945, received two national book awards. Doubler recently authored Dixie Dewdrop: The Uncle Dave Macon Story, serves on the board for Murfreesboro’s Uncle Dave Macon Days music festival and is director of the Macon Doubler Fellowship.

Nov. 14 – First Presbyterian Church Murfreesboro Fall Festival
Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 5–8 p.m. Join First Presbyterian Church Murfreesboro and Antioch Primitive Baptist Church for a great night out for both church families and the entire community at First Presbyterian on Spring Street. Enjoy live music, bounce houses, a climbing wall, train rides, food and drinks. For more information, call 615-893-3882.

Nov. 15 – Paint Your Pet Party
Join Paint Your Pet Party Nashville and Beesley Animal Foundation on Thursday, Nov. 15, at Mayday Brewery (521 Old Salem Rd.) from 6:30–8:30 p.m. to paint a portrait of your pet or favorite animal. A portion of the proceeds benefit Beesley Animal Foundation. Seats are limited. Advance registration is required. To register, visit paintyourpetpartynashville.com or email a photo of your pet to paintyourpetpartynashville@gmail.com.

Nov. 15 – The Connection
Local small business owners will gather for The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 15, at Milano II, 114 E. College St. All Middle Tennessee entrepreneurs and professionals are welcome to attend this casual, free, no-obligation event, where they can meet other small business owners and tap into one another’s experience and energy. An open roundtable discussion will encourage participation from those in attendance, asking them to articulate their vision for their business and calling for examples of some of the business challenges and solutions they are experiencing. The series will continue the third Thursday of each month.

Nov. 16–18 – Faith, Increase and Destiny Conference
Join the Destiny Center Church and pastors Ben and Jewel Tankard for the annual Faith, Increase and Destiny Conference on Nov. 16–18. Friday, Nov. 16, is the free Ben Tankard Album Release Concert at 7 p.m. The Ministry of Helps Seminar begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, and Dr. Bill Winston follows at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, features Dr. Rick Layton at 10:30 a.m. To register, visit thedestinydome.com/fid.

Beginning Nov. 17 – Winterfest at Fountains
Join Fountains at Gateway Winterfest this holiday season from Nov. 17–Jan. 21, for a magical experience for all ages with an ice skating rink and beautiful holiday decorations on the central plaza. Host your school spirit nights and church and youth events at Winterfest at the Fountains. Admission includes skate rentals and 90 minutes on the ice. Skaters from the Scott Hamilton Skate Academy present a free exhibition at 8:15 p.m. on Nov. 30. Come get your photo with Santa from 2–5 p.m. on Dec. 1. For more information, visit fountainswinterfest.com.

Nov. 17 – Pancake Breakfast for Journey Home
The Journey Home welcomes you to its annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser from 7–10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, at Middle Tennessee Christian School (100 E. MTCS Rd.). Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes freshly prepared by the locally renowned Pancake Crew, served with coffee, juice and milk. There will also be activities for children. Tickets can be purchased from any board member, or just drop your donations at the door. Proceeds help provide services to Journey Home clients, a Christian charity that strives to end the cycle of poverty and homelessness. The group provides laundry and shower facilities, hot meals daily, a computer lab and supportive services like mental health, among a variety of other offerings. For more information, visit lovegodservepeople.org or contact info@lovegodservepeople.org.

Nov. 17 – Family Movie
Join Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) Saturday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m.–noon. for a fun, family-friendly movie. All ages welcome. For more information, visit rclstn.org.

Nov. 17–18 – Art Studio Tour
The 25th annual Art Studio Tour runs the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17 and 18, with studios open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tour is free and spans across miles of beautiful countryside in Rutherford County. Visitors may go where they are most interested in visiting. Most of the studios will offer snacks and refreshments, and parents are encouraged to bring their children to enjoy and learn about these trades. For more information, visit artstudiotour.org.

Nov. 19 – Veg Club Thanksgiving Potluck
MTSU Veg Club will hold a Thanksgiving event for members and other students curious about the club or veganism and vegetarianism. The club asks each attendee to bring a dish to share to the potluck dinner, held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 19, in the MTSU Honors Building, Conference Room 202. The evening will also include games, community bonding and discussion of the club and future events. Sign up here. The MTSU Veg Club is dedicated to promoting general awareness of veganism, animal welfare, the positive environmental effects of veganism, the health effects of veganism and information about transitioning to a plant-based diet.

Nov. 22 – Borodash
Join Borodash on Thanksgiving Day in their mission to bring glory to God by raising money for charitable purposes and providing the community a well-organized family event, a 4-mile walk/run through historic Murfreesboro. For more information and to learn about the charities supported by Borodash, visit borodash.org.

Nov. 24 – BoroDojo Group
CoderDojo is a global network of volunteer-led, independent, community based programming clubs for young people between the ages of 7–17. This club is free and locally takes place in the Linebaugh Library Learning Center (105 W Vine St.) on the 2nd floor. The BoroDojo club meets the 4th Saturday of each month (Nov. 24) from 9–11 a.m. with a fun space to explore technology. Make your own cool projects, learn to make games, websites and apps. For questions, visit BoroDojo on Facebook or rclstn.org, or call 615-893-4131.

Nov. 24 – The Gathering at Milton Open House
Years ago, when the holidays were approaching, it meant the appearance of some special merchandise on the shelves of Cherry’s Store in the small hamlet of Milton, Tennessee. A return to a simpler time of visiting with friends and neighbors is celebrated during the first Christmas Gathering, from 4–8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at The Gathering at Milton, a charming, restored historic venue (12026 Milton St.). The event is free to the public and light refreshments are served. More than 100 years old, the building formerly was the community’s country store and, later, home to Manuel’s Cajun Country Store and restaurant. Enjoy a small selection of affordable gift items and a mini-photo session with Santa. For more information, find The Gathering at Milton on Facebook, or contact 615-653-6018 or thegatheringatmilton@gmail.com.

Nov. 24–25 – Craft Barn Sale
Join The Grove at Williamson Place on Saturday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 25, from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. for the Craft Barn Sale. Enjoy multiple craft vendors along with food trucks. For more information, find the 1st Annual Craft Barn Sale on Facebook.

Nov. 27 – Photography Meet up
If you love photography, join the Murfreesboro Photography Meetup group the fourth Tuesday of every month (Nov. 27) in the Linebaugh Board Room on the second floor (105 W. Vine St.). The Meetup describes itself as a social club to discuss the world of photography. They are also a learning center for folks who want a better understanding of the art. They arrange events and outings for the club. It’s a great place to meet new people and work to improve photography skills. This group is free and open to teens and adults. For more information, visit rclstn.org.

Dec. 2 – Smyrna Christmas Parade
Come out for the 44th Annual Smyrna Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 2, beginning at 2 p.m. Folks of all ages gather along Lowry Street in anticipation of the arrival of floats, bands, classic cars, riding clubs, dancers and, of course, Santa Claus, as they glide northbound on Lowry Street from Mayfield Drive toward Sam Ridley Parkway from 2–4:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Songs of the Season.” Cash prizes awarded for Mayor’s Cup, Most Creative, Best Use of Theme and Best Christmas Spirit. The parade broadcasts live on Smyrna’s Channel 3 on Comcast as well as Channel 99 on AT&T’s U-verse system. For more information, contact 865-320-3982 or jill.strange@townofsmyrna.org, or visit townofsmyrna.org.

Dec. 8 – Toy Drive Golf Scramble
This annual tournament is to benefit children who do not always receive a gift at Christmas time. It is recommended to please bring at least one toy, and more if you can. You can also drop off a toy if you cannot attend the event. Cost is $50 plus an unwrapped toy. Shotgun begins at 11:30 a.m. with dinner afterwards (rain or shine) at Champions Run Golf Course (14262 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Rockvale). For more information, call 615-274-2301 or visit championsrun.biz.

Dec. 9 – Rutherford County Christmas Parade
The theme of the annual Rutherford County Christmas Parade will be “A Christmas Story.” The parade will be held on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. The route begins at Middle Tennessee Blvd. / East Main St. intersection and travels west towards the historic Rutherford County Square. The location for the end of the parade will be on West Main St. at Walnut St. past the Courthouse. The deadline to enter the parade is at noon on Thursday, Nov. 29. Registration fee is $12. To register online: https://www.wgnsradio.com/webform.php?ViewForm=7

Saturdays and Mondays – Storytime at Barnes & Noble
Join Barnes & Noble (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) Saturdays and Mondays at 11 a.m. for children’s storytime and coloring. For more information, call 615-895-8580.

Mondays – Girls Who Code
Girls Who Code is a nonprofit whose aim is to support and increase the number of women in computer science. The organization is working to close the gender employment difference in technology and change the image of what a programmer looks like. The group meets at the Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.) every Monday through from 4:30–6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Angela@okasinc.org or 615-904-4493 or visit girlswhocode.com.

Tuesdays & Wednesdays- Linebaugh Storytime
Join Ms. Mindy and Ms. Laura for storytime and a puppet show Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) from 10–10:45 a.m. All ages are welcome. Sing, read, craft and learn. For more information, visit rclstn.org.

Wednesdays – Boro2Square Runners
Boro2Square Runners is a running group for individuals interested in running and socializing with other runners. Weekly runs begin at 6 p.m. each Wednesday, starting from the Boulevard Bar and Grill, 2154 Middle Tennessee Blvd. Distances covered are 3–5 miles, with runners of all paces welcome to participate. For more information, visit facebook.com/boro2square.

Wednesdays – Writers Group
The Murfreesboro Writers Group, comprised of local writers who seek to improve their work through mutual critique, meets every Wednesday at Linebaugh Library (105 W. Vine St.) from 6–8 p.m. You might hear science fiction, poetry, alternate reality, memoir, fantasy, mystery, literary fiction, or more. For more information, find Murfreesboro Writers Group on Facebook, email sayhello@murfreesborowritersgroup.com, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

Thursdays – Chess Club
The Murfreesboro Chess Club meets each Thursday at 6 p.m. at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 907 E. Main St. Chess players of all levels are invited to come meet and play against other local chess enthusiasts. For more information, call 615-713-9256 or email murfreesborochess@gmail.com.

Fridays – Game Night and Chess at Barnes & Noble
Come hang out in and around the cafe at Barnes & Noble (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) to enjoy any available demo games or play with the local Chess Club on Fridays. Anyone is welcome to participate. For more information, call 615-895-8580 or visit the Barnes & Noble Facebook event page.