June 1–26 – Center for the Arts TV Camps
The Center for the Arts still has spots available for CSA TV June Summer Camps for ages 5–18. Center Stage Academy in-person camps and classes are still on hold. CSA TV is a fun and interactive mix of live and recorded classes from a roster of talented teaching artists providing children with education and enrichment through the arts while they stay at home. Classes are available as a bundle or to purchase individually June 1–26. Scholarships are available at boroarts.org/scholarships. For more information, contact 615-904-2787 ext. 1205 or kristin@boroarts.org, or visit boroarts.org/csa-tv-summer-2020.
Rutherford County Library System Begins Phase Two of Reopening
The Rutherford County Library System (RCLS) opened Monday, June 1, under Phase Two of its safety protocols. Phase Two includes both reduced schedules for libraries and extensive safety protocols within the facilities, the most important of which is to refrain from entering one of the RCLS libraries if you feel sick or think you may have COVID-19. Please note the branch libraries will operate on the following schedule, with the first hour of each business day dedicated to seniors ages 65 and over:
Linebaugh (Main branch, 105 W. Vine St.): 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday
Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd.): 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday
MGL in Patterson Park (521 Mercury Blvd.): 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Thursday; 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Eagleville Bicentennial Public Library (317 Hwy 99E): 1–6 p.m. Monday–Friday; 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturdays.
Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr.): 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Saturday
The RCLS Bookmobile will serve as a free WiFi hotspot and mobile branch at these locations and times:
Monday: Barfield Crescent Park 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday: Sports*Com 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Wednesday: Lee Victory Park 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Thursday: Hop Springs 1–6 p.m.
Libraries return to the regular checkout schedule for materials with accompanying fines for late fees. Curbside service continues at most branches. Call your local branch for additional information. All branches will be limited to 50% occupancy during this phase. The RCLS Summer Reading Program is underway with online system-wide sign-up. Programming is virtual. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.
June 5 – Online Secret Garden Party
Celebrate the beauty and love of learning with the Discovery Center as the children’s museum moves one of its most popular fundraisers online this year. As a nonprofit, the 28th annual Secret Garden Party is the premiere fundraiser benefiting the Discovery Center, and local support greatly helps with the “reopening” this year. Participants can interact with one another during a virtual tour on Friday, June 5, from 7–8 p.m. and view the evening’s presentations including storytelling by Kara Kemp and Kory Wells, a cooking demonstration by Mitchell Murphree of Five Senses Restaurant and Catering, and a discussion of best home gardening practices by Nina Hanson of Lascassas-based Hanson Farms. In lieu of the party’s signature cocktails and gourmet dining, the Discovery Center is partnering with Five Senses to provide a take-home menu of specially-created fare for the event. The tour showcases virtual garden tours of Dr. and Mrs. Joe Little, Ran Powers and Autumn Schultz. Tours can be viewed at no cost and will be shown on the event’s Facebook event page. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at explorethedc.org/sgp. Featured sponsors are The Adams Family Foundation and Dr. Susan Andrews and Dr. Randall Rickard.
June 5 – Songwriting 101 with Country Music Hall of Fame
Join the Rutherford County Library System on Friday, June 5, from 2–3:30 p.m. on Zoom to write a song as a group in the introductory workshop for ages 12–18 presented in partnership with Smyrna Public Library Summer Reading Program. Songwriter Kayley Nell Walker teaches the fundamentals of songwriting, including form, theme and rhyme scheme. Participants listen to a Tenille Townes song to get the creative juices flowing, then sing their newly written song. Walker is a museum educator and singer-songwriter who has performed on NBC’s Today. In 2016, her EP Wanderlust was nominated for an Independent Music Award. Registration is required. For more information, visit rclstn.org.
June 6 – Handmade Marketplace
The Handmade Market returns to Quinn’s Mercantile (301 N. Spring St.) Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m.–2 p.m., and coincides with the opening day of the Downtown Farmer’s Market. Shop local wares and hand-crafted items from curated vendors, artists, makers and businesses throughout the yard. For more information, call 615-318-4247 or visit quinnsmercantile.com.
June 6 – Ransom School History Talk
Join the Rutherford County Historical Society for “coffee and conversation” about local history in the historic one-room Ransom School House (717 N. Academy St.) on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m.–noon (and every Saturday throughout the year). Admission is free. Bring old photos and memorabilia while meeting people and learning more about the history of this community. For more information, call 615-900-4063 or visit rutherfordtnhistory.org.
June 6 – Saturday Market
The Main Street Saturday Market kicks off Saturday, June 6, from 8 a.m.–noon and continues every Saturday through September at the historic Murfreesboro Public Square. Over 45 vendors offer produce, baked goods, prepared foods, coffee, tea, sno-cones, flowers, plants, fresh eggs and more. New CDC guidelines are strictly adhered to. This includes social distancing, wearing a mask, no dogs, one-way walking path around the courthouse, no touching products, only using vendor’s bags, no children and one person per family recommended. For more information, contact mainstreetmarket@downtownmurfreesboro.com, visit mainstreetmurfreesboro.org/main-street-farmers-market or find Murfreesboro Saturday Market on Facebook.
June 10–12 – Waymaker Worship Night
The Experience Community (521 Old Salem Rd.) wants to offer a Worship Night with Spirit-filled worship and strategic prayer (following social distancing and CDC guidelines) each night June 10–12 from 7–9 p.m. Sign-ups are required. Visit waymakerwn.eventbrite.com and pick a night. All churches, denominations and backgrounds are welcome. Invite friends and family. For more information, call 615-707-0384 or visit experiencecc.com.
June 11–12 – Special Kids Golf Classic
It is the goal of Special Kids that no child is turned away due to their family’s inability to afford services. Special Kids relies on 40 percent of its income to come through community support. The Special Kids Golf Classic is a unique opportunity to raise much-needed funds while enjoying a great day out on the golf course with friends. Enjoy a beautiful day at Indian Hills Golf Course (405 Calumet Trace) June 11 and 12. Participants, in a four-person scramble style, compete for prizes from Indian Hills and other local sponsors. Players receive a free lunch and the option to play in the Thursday or Friday afternoon tournaments. Registration and lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. An awards ceremony follows. Cost for a team of four is $600 and $150 for individuals. For more information, visit specialkidstn.com/golfclassic.
June 19 – Dewdrop Jamboree
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy live Americana, country and bluegrass music at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) on Friday, June 19 at 6 p.m. as American Musical Arts Group presents Dewdrop Jamboree. Admission is free.
June 19–20 – Redneck Rumble
The 6th Annual Spring Redneck Rumble welcomes back an impressive gathering of hot rods, customs, rat rods and motorcycles, June 19–20 at the Wilson County Expo Center (945 E. Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon) beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, June 19, and continuing through Saturday evening. Camping is available. For more information, call 615-364-1828 or visit bothbarrels.us.
June 20 – Summer Solstice CycleBar Ride
CycleBar Murfreesboro will host a special Summer Solstice ride and brunch on Saturday, June 20. This outdoor ride will include catering by the Tasty Table, drinks from Mayday Brewery and more to start off summer. Rides will kick off at 8, 9 and 10 a.m. For $50 attendees will get to participate in the ride session and receive a brunch ticket, drink ticket, thermal tumbler and gift bag. To register or for more information, visit bit.ly/CBBORO or contact bryna.podwoiski@cyclebar.com. CycleBar Murfreesboro is located at 2249 Medical Center Pkwy., Suite A.
June 27 – Watermelon Festival
Lucky Ladd Farms (4374 Rock Glenn Rd.), Tennessee’s largest petting farm and fun park, features the annual Watermelon Festival on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Cool off in the Splash Zone featuring a splash pad, bubble blast pool and inflatable water slides. Enjoy exciting hands-on animal encounters, pony rides, unique playground, nature trails, wagon rides, barrel train, gem mining, tumbling tunnel, giant jump pad, outdoor games and educational exhibits. Join belly-laughing contests and prizes testing your skills in the watermelon crawl, seed spitting, melon toss and watermelon eating contests. Get a free slice of watermelon! For more information, call 615-274-3786 or visit luckyladdfarms.com or luckyladdfarms on Facebook.
July 2 – NARFE Meeting
The Murfreesboro 0834 National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Chapter meets for lunch at The Villages of Murfreesboro (2550 Willow Oak Trail) Thursday, July 2 (and the first Thursday of every month) from 11 a.m.–noon. The meeting is in the second floor conference room. NARFE involves all active and retired federal workers and spouses. For more information, visit narfe.org.
July 4 – Freedom Fest
Visit the historic railroad town of Wartrace from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a 4th of July celebration of freedom! Shop a variety of vendors and food trucks, watch or participate in the freedom parade and entertain the kids with some summer activities. Then stay afterwards for the town’s annual reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by the fireworks show just across the street! Vendors wanted at Jernigan Field, 119 Bridgeview Ave. For more information, call 931-240-0300 or fill out an application on wartracechamber.org.
Tuesdays and Fridays – Farmers Market
Shop local produce, fruits, local honey, cheese, meat, flowers and other plants (the only 100% producer-only farmers market in Rutherford County) at Lane Agri-Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m.–noon. Currently, all customers are required to wear a mask. Free classes are held Tuesday and Friday mornings at 9 a.m. currently on YouTube at RC Farmers Market Education series. Videos from extension agents regarding lawn care, pests and more are also available. For more information, call 615-898-7710. visit extension.tennessee.edu/rutherford or find Lane Agri-Park Community Center on Facebook.
Thursdays – Pool Tournament at Van’s
Van’s Bar and Grill hosts an 8-ball pool tournament every Thursday at 7 p.m. Registration is $20 and opens at 6 p.m. The tournament is double elimination. Payouts depend on number of entries. Van’s Bar and Grill is located at 2404 Halls Hill Pk.
July 11 – Hallowed Ground: A Lantern Tour of Stones River National Cemetery
Join a park ranger for an hour-long walk by lantern light through Stones River National Cemetery (3501 Old Nashville Hwy.) Saturday, July 11, from 7:30–8:45 p.m. Hear stories regarding the cemetery by listening to soldiers and civilians share their experiences through the letters they wrote and received during the conflict. Reservations are required and are open through Eventbrite at 10 a.m. on July 4. This is not recommended for children under 10 years of age nor is it accessible for strollers or wheelchairs; pets are not permitted. For updates, visit nps.gov.stri/index.htm or find StonesRiverNPS on Facebook.
POSTPONED EVENTS
Postponed to Oct. 2, 3 and 9 – Seniors Acting Up, Trouble at the Circus)
The Seniors Acting Up show “Trouble at the Circus,” has been postponed to Oct. 2, 3 and 9. For more information, find St. Clair Senior Center on Facebook.
Postponed to Oct. 24 – Backstage Bash Masquerade at Center for the Arts
The Backstage Bash Masquerade at the Murfreesboro Center for the Arts (110 W. College St.) features cocktail attire and masks starting at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 24. The full event is $100 per ticket or $175 per couple. This Center for the Arts annual fundraiser includes dinner, music and fun. The afterparty ($25) does not include dinner. The 2020 Arts Advocates of the Year are Gloria and Ted LaRoche, with a special “thank you” to The Alley of Murfreesboro for providing the food. For more information, call 615-904-ARTS (2787) or visit boroarts.org.
Online Library Resources
The Rutherford Country Library System offers many ways for all ages to continue learning and stay active with children and family members. Visit rclstn.org for the Virtual Library, Book Recommendation Newsletters, RCLS Reads weekly lists, Awards Lists, E-book Alerts, Author Spotlights and more. The sites booklistonline.com and hoopladigital.com offer books online through the library, and StarNet offers a wealth of resources and activities for people of all ages at clearinghouse.starnetlibraries.org/66-activities. Visit worldbookonline.com for distance learning resources.
KidSpeak offers an introduction for children learning new languages at rclstn.org/databases.
Girls Who Code has made educational activities free to download for anyone at home at girlswhocode.com/code-at-home. Sign up for the Girls Who Code 2020 Virtual Summer Immersion Program.
The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program continues at 1000booksbeforekindergarten.org/resources.
Highly acclaimed author and illustrator Mo Willems hosts daily online drawing sessions on the Kennedy Center’s YouTube channel.
Digital magazines can be found at flipster.ebsco.com.
Imagination Library offers resources and engaging activities to do along with each book your child receives, and those resources from the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation can be found at governorsfoundation.org.
Online Classes With the Chattery
The Chattery, a nonprofit learning collective located in Chattanooga, offers fun, affordable and accessible classes and workshops for adults to learn from a variety of community leaders, experts and hobbyists. Upcoming online classes include “Managing Mental Health in the Midst of Uncertainty,” “Get Started Making Helpful Videos,” “Introduction to Reiki,” “Soap Making 101” and more. For more information, visit thechattery.org.
Online Workouts
Join Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation and Murfreesboro Sports*Com on Facebook for a schedule of the live workout videos throughout the month.
Bill Taylor’s Bushido School of Karate offers a variety of workout and karate videos online, from stretching and warm-up exercises to advanced kata and karate instruction. Visit bskonline.com and click on “Home Dojo.”
Transparent Heart Yoga Class offers yoga classes for all levels on Zoom. Email contact@transparentheartyoga.com for more information, to receive the meeting ID and be added to the general email list. For a complete list of classes, visit transparentheartyoga.com/live-schedule-virtual-classes.
Virtual Tours
Visit Rutherford features 12 Virtual Tours of Rutherford County at visitrutherfordtn.com including attractions such as the Stones River National Battlefield, The Earth Experience: Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History, Center for the Arts, Todd Art Gallery at MTSU and more.
Online Music Classes
Murfreesboro Academy of Music Virtual Lessons practice social distancing while students enjoy lessons in a safe way. For more information, contact 615-905-1882 or info@murfreesboromusic.com, or visit murfreesboromusic.com/2020/03/20/virtual-lessons.
Discovery Center Resources for Children
Visit explorethedc.org/discoveryathome to access resources for at-home learning and play from the Discovery Center while it is closed. Find activities, videos, favorite staff-picked links, online “Art with Abby,” and a weekly Pre-K presentation on Facebook: SPARK Live Tuesdays at 9 a.m. The goal is to continue engaging curious minds to fuel the future, so stay connected via social media, especially the Discovery Center Facebook page and the blog at explorethedc.org/blog.
Limited spots available for onsite and virtual summer camps at explorethedc.org/camps including limited-capacity in-person CAMPOLOGY sessions, following CDC guidelines, as well as virtual coding camps you can do from home.
Follow Discovery Center at Murfree Spring on Facebook for videos on Do That Science, Sunday trivia with Brainiac Trivia League and Art with Abby. facebook.com/discoverycenter.
Food for Those in Need
Rutherford County Schools expands its free food program for children to 26 sites during the shutdown; for a complete list of locations and more information, visit rcschools.net or call 615-893-5812.
Meals 4 Hearts offers free daily lunches at Nourish Food Bank (1809 Memorial Blvd.) from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (while supplies last). Contact Nourish Food Bank for hot meals at 615-203-3963. Free meal delivery is available for children and seniors unable to obtain food. Call 931-954-2049 and give code Meals4Hearts.
LifePoint Church is providing food boxes; they can be reached at lifept.org/forthecommunity.
Food can be donated to help those in need through Feed America First. Visit feedamericafirst.com.
Murfreesboro Parks Update:
Greenway
Hiking trails, bike trails, dog parks, open green spaces, outdoor restrooms – open
Playgrounds, pavilions – closed
Adams Tennis Complex
Outdoor courts and restrooms – open
Indoor courts – open for play with strict physical distancing and sanitation protocols
Water fountains, coffee stations, locker rooms – closed
Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center – closed
Cannonsburgh Village
Village, grounds and restrooms – open
Visitors center – closed
McFadden Community Center
Pre-planned, structured programs and activities only – open
Pickleball – by reservation only
No open gym hours
Game room – closed
Outdoor Murfreesboro / Wilderness Station
Trails, restrooms – open
Gift shop, visitors center – closed
Patterson Park Community Center
Weight room, exercise/fitness classes, indoor track – open
Washington Theatre, game room, pool, racquetball courts, water fountains, coffee stations, locker rooms – closed
Sports*Com
Indoor pool open for organized activities only (lap swim, exercise classes), no open swim
Weight room, exercise/fitness classes, indoor track – open
Outdoor pool, Boro Beach, water fountains, coffee stations, locker rooms – closed
Siegel Soccer Park, McKnight Park, StarPlex, Barfield Park ballfields, Old Fort Park ballfields – closed to organized activities:
More Helpful Resources for Tennesseans:
– Keep up to date on Tennessee’s COVID-19 updates at tn.gov/governor/covid-19.html.
– COVID-19 testing is offered Monday through Friday, at no charge and without restrictions, at the Rutherford County Health Department (100 W. Burton St.). To get a test, please first call 615-898-7880 or 615-849-0347. Tennessee’s Coronavirus Public Information Lines are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT daily at 833-556-2476 or 615-857-2945.
– Tennessee Higher Education Commission offers resources on financial aid at tn.gov/thec/covid-19-campus-information.html and tn.gov/collegepays/schools-and-lenders.html.
– Tennessee College of Applied Technology Murfreesboro has been posting financial aid videos through its virtual Paying for College presentations. Find out more at tcatmurfreesboro.edu/future-students/financial-aid.
– The Tennessee Talent Exchange powered by Jobs4TN helps the community find jobs by matching workers with employers who have immediate job openings in the grocery and retail industries, good-paying jobs with flexible hours. Apply at tn.gov/workforce/covid-19.
– Need a WIC (Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) appointment? Call 1-800-DialWIC or visit tn.gov/wic.
– Contact Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network at tspn.org, Text TN to 741 741 or call 1-800-273-TALK.
– Tennessee businesses are being asked to join in the fight against COVID-19 and donate new, unused personal protective equipment to a National Guard Armory location. Visit tn.gov/tema.
– People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get emergency medical care. Do not visit public areas. Questions? The Tennessee Department of Health Public Information Line is open at 10 a.m. CT. Call 833-556-2476.
– Find the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development on Facebook for a video and more information about unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
– Small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have suffered economic injury as a result of COVID-19 can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million per applicant to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have otherwise been met. Learn more at tn.gov/ecd.
– Contact the Tennessee Department of Health at tn.gov/health, 833-556-2476 or 877-857-2945 from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. CDT.
– The Tennessee Department of Revenue’s deadline for March & April vehicle registration renewals is extended to June 15. Visit tn.gov/revenue.
