Jan. 6 – Carmen Maples Book Signing
Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) hosts local author Carmen Maples for a book signing on Thursday, Jan. 6, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. The author will be signing and selling copies of her book Gigi’s Little Dreamer, which highlights the relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter. For this little girl, there is no greater joy than visiting her Grandma Gigi. It is a place where unforgettable memories are made and inspiring adventures are had. This charming rhyming picture book, paired with playful illustrations from Jasmine Mills, is the latest in a series of books written by Maples, a Memphis native who had a vision to create a children’s book after the birth of her daughter Chloe. She recognized the lack of diversity in children’s books and wanted to share her story with others so that little brown-skinned kids could see people in books that looked like them. The Maples Corner book collection also includes Chloe’s ABCs and Chloe and Her New Farm Friends. The books are available for $11 each. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

Through Jan. 6 – Arts Laureates Exhibit: The Hope Effect
The Cultural Arts Laureate Program is a notable honor for local artists, providing recipients with further opportunities to educate, advocate and represent the community through their own creative initiatives. The Hope Effect, an exhibit at City Hall Rotunda (111 W. Vine St.), presents the work of the 2021 Murfreesboro Laureates. This exhibit features the organization’s first interactive video experience on the city’s new kiosk, featuring past performances presented by the laureates. City Hall is open weekdays from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. For more information, contact lbrowning@murfreesborotn.gov.

Jan. 7 – First Fridays with CAT Choreography
C.A.T. Choreography offers hip-hop classes on Friday, Jan. 7, at no charge at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.). Dancers aged 8 and up are welcome to bust a move from 4–5 p.m. and 5–6 p.m. every first Friday of the month. For more information, call 615-893-7439.

Jan. 8 – Polar Bear Plunge
Join the Arctic Adventure in the Sports*Com gym (2310 Memorial Blvd.) Saturday, Jan. 8, from 8:30–10:30 a.m. for games, inflatables, hot chocolate, coffee and doughnuts. Participate in a costume contest and introductions and then walk to the outdoor pool. Immediately after the jump into the outdoor pool, the indoor pool will open and remain available until 11:30 a.m. The cost to join the Polar Bear Plunge is free for all ages with either a canned food donation or a donation to Special Olympics. For more information, contact 615-895-5040. [Pictured: Polar Bear Plunge 2019, photo courtesy of Jim Davis / Murfreesboro Parks and Rec].

Jan. 10 and 24 – NASP Murfreesboro Networking Event
The Nashville Association of Sales Professionals hosts its Murfreesboro networking event the second and fourth Monday of each month (Jan. 10 and 24) in the Burger Bar Restaurant in The Doubletree by Hilton (1850 Old Fort Pkwy.) with networking starting at 11 a.m. and the meeting at 11:30 a.m. NASP is a professional nonprofit organization that provides a positive forum for skill enhancement training and networking for career sales people. Learn how to become a more polished and successful sales professional by improving your presentation and enhancing your people skills. Everyone from new sales professionals to seasoned road warriors are invited to attend. For more information, visit nashville-nasp.org.

Jan. 10 and 24 – Snake Feeding at Wilderness Station
Learn all about snake adaptations and how they swallow their food whole with a live educational demonstration of the snakes being fed at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Mondays, Jan. 10 and 24, from 11–11:30 a.m. There is no registration required or cost to join. For more information, call 615-217-3017 or email dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov.

Jan. 11 – Velocity Business Summit
Set your business up to win in 2022 with Momentum Seminars on Tuesday, Jan. 11, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at Middle Tennessee Association of Realtors building (311 Butler Dr.). The Velocity Business Summit is one of the first opportunities in 2022 to take your business further, faster. Avoid past mistakes and equip yourselves with tools needed to be successful by getting advice from business experts. Organizer Blaine Little focuses on team building, Jon Cleaver and Wendy Stephenson will discuss finance, Dwight Dye will present on business structure and taxes, Bill McCleskey on sales and Sheri Traxler on getting (real) energy. For more information, visit momentrumseminars.com and find the Velocity Business Summit on Eventbrite.

Jan. 12 – Living Sent Ministries
Living Sent Ministries invites the public to the January 2022 Living Sent Murfreesboro meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 12, from 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Experience, 521 Old Salem Rd., Murfreesboro. Eddie Poole, a successful Realtor who uses his business to share Christ, will share how God is growing his business because he is living sent in the arena God has placed him in. Dave Weill, owner of Steak ’n’ Shake in Murfreesboro, will share his God story. Big Road Productions will provide a complimentary lunch. Please RSVP to bob.williams@alhambrapartners.com.

Jan. 13 – Crafting at Cannonsburgh
Grab a friend or two and craft at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) Thursday, Jan. 13, from 1–2 p.m. Paint wooden spoon snowmen to take home or give as gifts. Admission is $15 per person. Reservations are required. Ages 18 and up are welcome. Call 615-801-2606 or email mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov for reservations.

Jan. 13 – Nature Journaling for Kids
Calling all nature lovers! Make your own nature journal at the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Thursday, Jan. 13, from 3–4 p.m. Afterwards, take a hike to explore and record your observations. The cost to join is $3 and ages 7 and up are welcome. Pre-registration is required by calling 615-217-3017.

Jan. 15 – Friends of Linebaugh Virtual Afternoon With an Author, Featuring Jennie Fields
Author Jennie Fields is the 2022 featured author for the Friends of Linebaugh Library’s Virtual Afternoon With an Author, held on Zoom on Saturday, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m. Fields is the author of five novels, including historical fiction works The Age of Desire and Atomic Love. Fields speaks about Atomic Love, which is set in Chicago in 1950 and centers on allegations of Soviet espionage in the development of the atomic bomb. The main character, Rosalind Porter, is the only woman to have worked on the Manhattan Project. Acclaimed area author Ann Patchett says the novel is “a novel of science, love, espionage, beautiful writing, and a heroine who carves a strong path in the world of men.” Email follauthorevent@gmail.com to request an Zoom invitation. Friends of Linebaugh Library is a nonprofit organization formed in 1981 to promote the library and its activities through exhibits, special programming and library materials beyond the regular resources of the library.

Through Jan. 16 – Christmas Tree Drop-Off
If you would like to recycle your live Christmas Tree, please remove all decorations (including tinsel) and bring the tree to Lee Victory Recreation Park (100 Sam Ridley Parkway E., Smyrna) through Jan. 16. Signage directs you to the area adjacent to Freedom Playground. For more information, visit townofsmyrna.org and search Christmas Tree Drop-off.

Jan. 17 – MLK Day of Service: Pack the Packs
In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to community service, Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) invites the public to its second annual MLK Day of Service: Pack the Packs Sort-a-thon on Monday, Jan. 17, from 1–3 p.m. This event benefits Murfreesboro City School children in need of after-school and weekend meals. If you would like to volunteer, register at unitedwayvolunteer.org. For more information, call 615-893-7439 ext. 6121 or email cellis@murfreesborotn.gov.

Jan. 18 – Preparing for a Disaster: Emergency Food Kits
It’s best to be prepared when a disaster strikes. Meet at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) from 10–11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18, as UT-TSU Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Misty Layne-Watkins shares why having an emergency food kit and a communication plan is a step in the right direction. Admission is free. Reservations are required by Tuesday, Jan. 11, by calling 615-801-2606 or emailing mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov. Ages 18 and over are welcome.

Jan. 18 – Lanyard Keychain Craft at Wilderness Station
Join Murfreesboro Parks and Rec to learn how to make a square knot and create your own lanyard keychain on Tuesday, Jan. 18, from 3–4 p.m. at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.). Use it for a key or to hang it on your backpack. Ages 9 and up are welcome and the cost to join is $5. Register by calling 615-217-3017.

Jan. 20 – MLK Day of Service: Career Expo
Looking for a new career or extra income? Meet at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20, and network with over 25 hiring companies. Learn interviewing skills and résumé writing. The event is free. For more information, call 615-893-7439 ext. 6121 or email cellis@murfreesborotn.gov.

Jan. 20 – The Connection at Champy’s
Champy’s World Famous Fried Chicken will host the January 2022 installment of The Connection: An Evening of Professional Networking and Business Brainstorming from 5–7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20. 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. Champy’s is located at 1290 NW Broad St.

Jan. 25 – MLK Day of Service: Make Every Dollar Count
Ever wonder where all your money goes? Want to move from financial chaos to financial confidence? Attend the Make Every Dollar Count workshop to get answers to your budget questions at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.) on Tuesday, Jan. 25, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. The workshop is free. For more information, call 615-893-7439 ext. 6121 or email cellis@murfreesborotn.gov.

Jan. 27 – Toddler Adventures: Winter Walk and Snowflake Craft
Get some outside time during a winter walk through Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) on Thursday, Jan. 27, from 10–11 a.m. Kids can enjoy looking for ways to stay warm in several of the log cabins and participate in a snowflake craft and story time. Ages 5 and under are welcome, and admission is $3 per person. Reservations are required by Thursday, Jan. 20, by calling 615-801-2606 or emailing mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov.

Jan. 28–29 – Boots in the ’Boro
Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association’s Convention and Trade Show celebrates 37 years of serving the state’s cattle producers with its annual convention and trade show Jan. 28 and 29 at The Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro (1200 Conference Center Blvd.). Hear from top livestock industry speakers addressing topics like herd health, forage systems, sustainability and the current state of the beef business, with informational breakout sessions called “Cow Colleges.” Speakers include Laura Vaught, Dr. Justin Rhinehart, Tom Field, Gregg Brann, Nancy Choate and Dr. Lowell Midla. Other topics to be covered include fence laws and liabilities, considerations for first-calf heifers, estate planning, multi-species grazing and agriculture’s future. Opening on Friday morning is the state’s largest beef-cattle trade show, where attendees can visit with more than 100 exhibitors. Network with fellow cattle producers and meet new friends at TCA’s awards luncheon honoring outstanding industry leaders while hearing from some of the state’s legislators. Youths will have the opportunity to learn about livestock judging, animal care and beef cuts, and to participate in speech contests, photo contests, trainings, a quiz bowl, a county chase activity and a scavenger hunt. Attendees can register at tncattle.org/shop. For hotel reservations, call 615-890-4464 or visit murfreesboro.embassysuites.com. For more information, visit tncattle.org/2022-convention.

Mondays – Connect Murfreesboro
Join Connect Murfreesboro each Monday from 9–10 a.m. at BoomBozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse (2839 Medical Center Pkwy.) for a casual networking event designed to connect professionals, build relationships, drive referrals and help grow businesses. Please prepare a 60-second pitch about who you are and what you do, as well as a specific referral request for attendees on what can be done to help promote your business. The approximately 20 minutes at the end of each of meeting is reserved for members to set up one-on-ones and socialize. For more information or directions, visit connectnashvillenetworking.com/events.

Thursdays – Raptor Rhapsody
Have you ever looked an owl in the eye or checked out a falcon’s wings? This is your chance to meet the screech owl and American kestrel up-close and learn about these master predators of the sky at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) Thursdays in January from 4–5 p.m. Registration is recommended by calling 615-217-3017. All ages are welcome, and admission is free. For more information, contact dthomas@murfreesborotn.gov. [Pictured: Barred owl spotted at Barfield Crescent Park, photo by Ashleigh Newnes].

Thursdays – American Voices Past and Present
Seniors ages 55 and up have the opportunity to improve their way of life as well as their mental health through life programs Thursdays in January from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in the dining room of Patterson Park Community Center (521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.). Using gerontology, creative writing and visual arts, seniors share their life stories. The class is limited to 30 people and there is no cost to join. For more information, call 615-893-7439.

Throughout January – Seven Decades, Five Continents, One Eye
View the Walter LeCroy: Seven Decades, Five Continents, One Eye art exhibit, presented by Cultural Arts Visualize Murfreesboro and the City of Murfreesboro at City Hall Rotunda (111 W. Vine St.) through Feb. 24, available to view on weekdays from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. LeCroy’s interest in photography began at an early age and has remained a lifelong passion. In the mid-1940s, at about age 10, he began to develop his own film by making contact prints using a flashlight inside a ruby-colored water glass. As a teenager in Decatur, Alabama, his pictures of newsworthy happenings around the city appeared in the Decatur Daily and the Birmingham News, occasionally making the front page. Throughout his career, LeCroy traveled the world continuing to photograph everything that captured his imagination. He was an early adopter of then-new, and now pervasive, digital imaging techniques, first in printing and later in image capture. He became particularly drawn to forms and patterns, both in color and black and white, and to what he calls “the world of the small”: objects above the microscopic level but just below what is clearly visible to us in daily life. For more information, visit walterlecroy.com, or call 615-543-0952 or email lbrowning@murfreesborotn.gov.

Throughout January – Smyrna Parks & Recreation Flag Football Signups
Signups continue for Smyrna Parks & Recreation Flag Football for boys and girls ages 7–13. To register, visit townofsmyrna.org. or contact kyle.mooney@townofsmyrna.org. The cost to join the league is $75 per player (includes jersey & flag belt). Games are played at Lee Victory Recreation Park (110 Sam Ridley Pkwy E., Smyrna). The registration deadline is Sunday, Feb. 6. Games begin Saturday, March 19.