The Olympic Games are happening. Still billed as the 2020 Olympics, and with competitions held in front of very few spectators, organizers refused to postpone the gathering of world’s greatest athletes any longer.

We have badminton, trampolining, surfing, kayaking, water polo, shot put, tennis, archery, judo, fencing, and hours and hours of these and many other disciplines to entertain the TV-watching sports fans around the world. I could watch almost any kind of competition, at the highest level, whether I understand the rules or not. I’ll figure out some of them.

Great stuff as highly skilled competitors come together from all over the globe to engage in friendly athletic competition.

It has been an excellent July for the Mayos. This little Beckett takes a lot of time and care and energy, but we found some time to get in a creek, swim in a pool, go down a water slide, view some fireworks and otherwise observe some 4th of July festivities, go visit Machine Falls, attend a fun Blue Raider-sponsored bowling event at Strike and Spare, and even get the kayak into Cordell Hull Lake for a bit in the midst of all of your publishing family’s other activities: dental crowns, pulled pork, home improvement projects, karate, salmon, flowerbeds, apples and playing with the 10-month-old. Wonderful times. I hope the summer is great for your family.

Go take advantage of the nearby natural lands to view some animals and birds sometime; look to the coming pages for some suggestions where to go.

Also find more in this issue about watching the next chapter of the legendary Williams country music family tradition unfold right here in Murfreesboro, the Middle of Somewhere Hemp Fest, the Creative Voices, Creative Visions art show, NexGen Barbershop and much more.

Thanks to all of those who support this little community endeavor.

Everyone loves the Pulse—especially those who want some coverage of their event or project or campaign!

The Connection is back. Many local business owners have inquired about the monthly networking function’s return over the past months, and Aug. 19 at Notes will be the next opportunity to attend for those who would like to help grow the local small business community.

What’s your small business concept? Dive right in. Plenty of others in town will help.

You may be the next Musk, Bezos or Branson whose business idea grows so wildly you can someday take a joyride to an altitude without gravity.

Or, consider using your energy and talents to help one of the existing local businesses or organizations to achieve their full potential. Many of the grassroots organizations in Murfreesboro could really use some quality team members.