State Senators Meet at Capital Connections Breafast

Rachel Schmelzer

Motlow Buzz Reporter

www.MSCC.edu

               MURFREESBORO, Tenn.—A new, controversial transgender bathroom bill was discussed with three state legislators at the Capital Connections Breakfast in the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce on April 8.

             Tennessee State Senators Jim Tracy and Bill Ketron, and State Rep. Mike Sparks sat down to discuss issues in Rutherford County and the state at breakfast in the Chamber’s Thomas T. Martin Visitor Center.  They all agreed that the meeting was a good way to improve the community, and were happy to discuss issues that are important to the people here.

Local sponsors for the event (photo by Rachel Schmelzer)

             The moderator of the event, Kirk Wade, asked the table about the transgender bill being proposed. When the issue was brought up, the room erupted in laughter. The bill, though it has not yet gone to the floor, would only affect public schools, allowing students to use the restroom of the gender they identify with. 

            “We’ve lost common sense,” said Tracy. “I don’t know where we’re going to go with this.”

              Tracy added that he believed it was a matter of what one’s birth certificate said. He did not dismiss the issue and was very firm and upfront on his beliefs about it, as was Ketron and Sparks.

                Tracy said that it should be up to the principals of the schools to decide. The rest of the table agreed.

                 Sparks said these issues are difficult because Tennessee has not really faced them until now.

                     Two hours have been spent debating the proposed bill in the Tennessee Senate. The senators at the meeting said they did not want the bill to go to the Senate floor for any further debate.

                     Ketron brought up his three main priorities: education, transportation and the landfill.  The landfill in Rutherford County has been left alone since 1993. Researchers now say that it has six years of use left. In the last few years, it has become a Class 3 landfill by allowing the disposal of animal carcasses. Sparks has been looking into new, environmentally friendly ways to clean it up while keeping necessary resources for local citizens.

                    Ketron has also been working toward improving education in Tennessee by making it possible for more people to get into four-year colleges.

                   The legislators also mentioned the need for a monorail system to solve regional problems in the community and state.

                    “We have to move in that direction,” said Tracy.

                  In 2017, the legislature plans to begin working on a plan for the monorail. Sparks added the need to implement more enforcement for HOV lanes as well.

              They all agreed that the Tennessee State Legislature is working to accommodate a growing population and the welfare of college students and retirees alike.

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The Well Celebrates its 10th Birthday

By Karz Miller

Motlow Buzz Reporter

                SPRING HILL, Tenn. - - The Well of Second Harvest Food Bank hosted “The Well Mobile Food Pantry “at 8 a.m. April  7 at Spring Hill Hospital, 3001 Reserve Blvd.

                The event consisted of an 18-heeler loaded with tons of food that is called “The Well”, was parked at Spring Hill Hospital, allowing 300 to 500 less fortunate and  low income people to fill shopping carts with food. There were at least 90 people who volunteered, unloading the truck and helping families transport food to their cars, retrieving shopping carts, and cleaning up.

(hoto from Second Harvest Food Bank website)

 

                The Well began as a food pantry in a local church in 2006, with the purpose of showing God’s love by giving away food to those who need it. In 2009, the Well Outreach incorporated as its own entity, expecting to expand its reach to all of the community. Today, it is now supported by the community in Spring Hill and nearby areas. Countless individuals, churches, civic organizations and businesses contribute consistently to ensure that every household in Spring Hill, Thompson Station, Northern Columbia or College Grove is with food.

                “There are people that stay right across the street from our organization who didn’t even know we existed,” said Development Director Wendy Strobel. “Everyone should ask themselves one question: Can I make a difference?” said Wendy Strobel.

                The Well’s staff members are working to increase their number of volunteers, as well as the number of people who donate. Individuals can donate to the Well is by dropping off canned foods and other goods in a box that is located in the Spring Hill Library. People can also donate by bringing your items to the event.

                “I have been working with The Well organization since July of 2015,” said Strobel. “I have also lived in the Spring Hill area for nine years, and am very passionate about giving back to this community,” Strobel added.

The Well outreach exists to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving those in need by supporting spiritual, emotional and physical growth. The Well is a non-profit organization and would eventually like to turn the ones who were in need into volunteers or staff members for the company.

“We do not want to force our faith on anyone, but we are a Christian based organization,” added Strobel. “Our motto is P.E.O. participation, engagement and ownership.”

The staff members are Executive Director Alison Worden, Operations Manager Sully Cook, Development Director  Wendy Strobel, president Andy Hudelson, Vice President Pat Brittan, Secretary Dereck Hunter, Treasurer Rick Godfrey, Community Representative Dan Costello,  Community Representative Sherri Duffek,  Community Representative  Jill Rosenberry, Community Representative David St. Charles, Community Representative Janet Thompson, Community Representative Courtney Wade, Community Representative  Arthur Watkins and Jr.

For information about on “The Well” go to www.springhill well.org/.

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Thousands Attend Mile-Long Yard Sale

By Ashley Corbitt

MSCC Buzz Reporter

            WATERTOWN, Tenn. – Watertown held its bi-annual Mile-Long Yard Sale on West Main Street at 7 a.m. on April 16, with hundreds of booths and activities and thousands of shopping options lining a main thoroughfare.

            Watertown holds the yard sale around the square twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. The yard sale was located off of Exit 239A of Interstate 65, roughly 12 miles north of Nashville.

            The yard sale is sponsored by the Watertown/East Wilson Chamber of Commerce. The chamber also sponsors the “Community Easter Egg Hunt” and the “Big Hill Challenge” that happens in June.

            The event drew thousands of shoppers from around the area to buy items from hundreds of vendors. Booths featured everything from food to antiques to tools and more.

Shoppers on the street.
Photo from Watertown website

 

          While West Main Street is only a two-lane road, it’s difficult for traffic to flow smoothly with shoppers flooding the streets. Police eventually made it a one-way road and directed traffic out of the square, closing off certain roads.

            There are many houses on West Main Street, and homeowners took advantage of the opportunity to set up their own items for sale in their yards.

            Popular items included glass items such as plates and collectibles. There was a vast amount of baby items to choose from for expecting mothers or parents. There were also booths for face painting and snow cones for children.  

            Parking was a hassle for those who arrived later in the day. Individuals parked on the street or in the grass, or paid $5 to park in various lots at churches and Watertown Middle School.

            “This was my first year here,” said Ashley Key, a shopper at the yard sale. “I did not know what to expect but there is a lot here, and I could probably stay all day.”

 
              If the yard sale was not enough, the city offered discounted tickets online for the Tennessee Central Railway Museum train ride. Collectibles and souvenirs were sold on the train.

            For more information about the Mile-Long Yard Sale, visit http://www.watertowntn.com.

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Murfreesboro Business Hosts Largest Nerf Shootout in Tennessee

By Kayla Graves

Motlow Buzz Reporter

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The Princess Club of Murfreesboro hosted Tennessee’s largest nerf gun war on April 9 in the heart of Nashville at Nashville Airsoft, 406 Davidson St.

            The Princess Club is a spa party business for girls from the age of 4 to 16. It typically hosts different types of birthday parties, but this time it chose to host a nerf gun war. Owner Alisha Baker explained why the company decided to host.

            “We hosted a nerf war because I purchased ‘Santa Clause’ nerf guns for the entire family, and as we ran around the house firing nerf bullets,” said Baker. “I wanted to get a group together at the park to have some fun.”

            The event was hosted Saturday at Nashville Airsoft. The war, originally to be held at Old Fort Park in Murfreesboro, had to be moved to accommodate more attendees.

Volunteer Stephen Cook announcing game rules
(Photo by Darnell Morr)

“We expected maybe 20 families at the most,” said Baker. “When nearly 200 people showed up to battle, it shocked the volunteers and employees.”

            The event cost $10 at pre-registration and $15 at the door. Each player had to sign a safety waiver before playing. Participants were divided into two teams, blue and orange. The teams were divided into age groups to ensure that everyone had a great time while also playing fairly.

“There was this kid who was just small enough to fit under a car, and no one knew he was there, so every time anyone ran by it they were shot,” player Katelynn Fogg said. “It was so funny because no one could figure out where it was coming from. I finally saw him reach out from under the car and try to grab extra bullets.”

Each individual chose to participate in age 6 and under, 10 and under, and a group in which any age could play. The rules were specific as to how a participant was “out” once the match began. Each team had a starting point. When participants were shot, they raised their hands and made their way back to a starting point. Once someone reached home, he or she could start again. A participant only had five attempts at this until he or she was no longer in the game.

Orange Team getting ready to battle!
(Photo by The Princess Club)

            “My favorite moment was when there was a little boy, no older than 6, who was afraid to go out in the field,” Baker continued. “I had six guys stay back and do a little war with him till he got comfortable. Once he was comfortable, he finished the rest of the wars with us all. If I wouldn’t have helped the mom get her son out there, he wouldn’t have gotten to experience the fun.”

            The Princess Club mentioned on Facebook that proceeds from the war were to go to Club YES, which stands for Youth Empowerment Service. This non-profit organization helps the homeless youth in Middle Tennessee. The Princess Club will host the Mommy and Me Ball on May 28. All other future events are listed on the Princess Club’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PrincessPartyClub.

The organization intends to host another nerf gun war next year. Details for this event have not been released yet, but the Princess Club has set up an event page on Facebook if anyone is interested in helping plan the event.

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The Races Begin at the Nashville Speedway

By Justin Gilchrist

Motlow Buzz Reporter

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Eight divisions clashed for a spot on top at the season opener at the Nashville Speedway on the Nashville Fairgrounds at 5 p.m. on April 2.

First seven divisions race around the track. (Photo by Justin Gilchrist) 

            More than 149 racers completed in eight separate divisions on the small and large track over the course of the night. The eight divisions consist of legends, front runners, sportsman, super street, limited late model, pure stocks, pro-mod, and pro late models for the grand finale.

            Approximately 10,000 people filed the stands waiting for the grand opening of the races to start. Once the races started, people hooted and shouted for the cars they picked to win.

            “This is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most of these drivers on this track tonight, and they will make every bit of it count,” said Operator Tony Formosa Jr.

A little boy caught a dollar.  (Photo by Lauren Reynolds)

 As the second-to-last division race ended, the announcer said, “We are going to throw $1,000 off the roof, so turn around and be ready for the money to drop.” As soon as he stopped speaking, $1 bills were flying off the roof. A little boy caught a dollar while barely hanging on to the railing, and people had to back away from the edge. Only one of the bills fell on the racetrack where no one could get to it.




The Pro Late Models are ready to race. (Photo by Lauren Reynolds)

            The Pro Late Model race was the grand finale that everyone was waiting for. It consisted of 100 laps at speeds of over 100 mph. Before the race started the pit crews gathered up all their tools and took them to each parking spot in the pit lane. Then all of the cars lined up side by side in the pit lane, before slowly riding onto the track with the pace car in front of them.

The Pro Late Model cars were low to ground to create more traction with the track. The shape of each car was intimating, with the nose down to the ground and smooth curves from front to back. The cars sparkled with different colors so fans could tell one from another.

Race cars racing around the track. (Photo by Justin Gilchrist)

Once the pace car drove into the pits, the cars were bumper-to- bumper until they reached the starting point. Then they shot off passing each other left and right. The crowd roared with cheers over the drivers they picked as the cars raced around the track.

            “I’ve been waiting all night for my driver to his win this race, and he finally did,” said Jerry Davis, owner of the 29 car. “Let’s go celebrate.”

            Davis’ son, Spencer, ended up winning the race. He ran to the stage in the middle of the track and held up his trophy.

             The eight division winners were as follows: Legends, Jeff Green; Front Runners, Joshua Stephens; Sportsman, Travis Ryman; Super Street, Jeffery Belt; Limited Late Model, Paul Nogardi Jr.; Pro-mod, Tanner Arms; Pure Stock, Jerry Hendrixson Jr.;and Pro Late Model, Spencer Davis.

For information about the race that occurred on April 2 visit http://www.fairgroundsspeedwaynashville.com/ .

           

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Local Record Stores Celebrate Music

By Noah Gardner

Motlow Buzz Reporter

            NASHVILLE, Tenn.— All-day music events happened at various record stores in Nashville on April 16, celebrating Record Store Day.

            Record Store Day occurs once a year and is celebrated around the nation. It is a day that supports music in record form, which has made its comeback among music listeners. Individuals use this day to celebrate music and local record stores.  For the record stores, it is the biggest day of the year, generating thousands of dollars in record sales.

Bands and major record labels from across the country use the day to release or re-release some of the legendary acts’ most-sought-after albums. Some of the big names this year included David Bowie, Johnny Cash, Madonna, Outkast and Metallica. Record collectors grabbed some of these rare and limited records before they were gone.

Wray at Grimeys (photo by Noah Gardner)

            This day was especially important in a town where music is so prevalent. The big record stores across town such as Grimeys, Third Man, The Groove and Fond Object staged all-day events. The day started at 10 a.m., and the weather couldn’t have been better. Located on Eighth Avenue, Grimeys had Mayor Megan Barry perform a DJ set where she spun some of her favorite Nashville records. Also, some up-and-coming acts such as Wray and Los Colognes played behind the store to a music loving crowd.

 “There has been a great turnout and I am really happy to see this many people still interested in records,” said Josh Walker, the assistant manager of Grimeys.

Right down the road on Seventh Avenue, Jack White had some of his own special RSD releases at his well-known Third Man Records. In addition, local punk group Faux Ferocious energized the line of people waiting to get in the store with their catchy riffs and Southern charm.

 Others ended up in East Nashville, where The Groove and Fond Object had many all-day festivities.

At The Groove, there were many new and used records that the East Nashville culture looked highly upon. There was not a sad face in the crowd as everyone watched the local sweethearts Ornament while munching on food truck tacos and soaking them down with craft beer.

Fond Object not only celebrated Record Store Day, but also its third anniversary. At the Fond Object backyard, there were many booths from local stores selling their own antiques, shirts and art. The day ended with the sun going down as everyone listened to the harmonious Nashville based group Promised Land Sound. They lived up to their name by playing twangy folk music to a big crowd behind the store.

Ranch Ghost at Fond Object (photo by Noah Gardner)

“We are really proud to be living in a city that cherishes music as much as we do, and we are especially honored to be playing on a day that celebrates the best format of music,” said Promised Land Sound’s front man Joey Scala.

            As a whole, the day was filled with great music and great records. Although a lot of people now have holes in their pockets from the exclusive records that they could not live without, the day was filled with an energy unlike any other. A sense of community was spread throughout each store and a shared love for music.

For more information about Record Store Day, visit www.recordstoreday.com

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"Boro Art Crawl" Bridges Local Artists and Small Businesses to the Public

By Kevin Wurm

Motlow Buzz Reporter

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn.— “Boro Art crawl” drew hundreds of art lovers to downtown Murfreesboro and beyond on April 8, providing outlets for local artists to show their work, exposing the locals to new art and mediums, and getting local businesses involved.

            Although Murfreesboro is home to the largest undergrad university in the State of Tennessee, the “art scene” is nonexistent and a few pioneers in Murfreesboro changed this. Two art gallery owners and Middle Tennessee State University affiliates took this into their own hands. These Murfreesboro art pioneers later created a committee that formed the “Boro Art Crawl”.

 This event showcases local artists’ work in local art galleries and small businesses around the city. Galleries that are participating are Tone-Two Art Gallery and Moxie Art Gallery. A few of the local businesses that participate in the crawl are Liquid Smoke, Mayday Brewery, Top of the Block Salon, and Cultivate Co-Working.

            “Cultivate Co-Working is a small business located in downtown Murfreesboro where work-from-home business owners and entrepreneurs can come and rent office space to work out of,” said Gretchen Bilbro. “Also we have a local Murfreesboro magazine renting space here as well.”

She also noted that this is a great way for small businesses to get exposure and an even better way to get people in their doors.

            Beth Moore of Gallatin, Tennessee, was an artist showing her mixed-media pieces at Cultivate Co-Working. Not only is she an artist, but Moore is also a kindergarten through fifth grade art teacher. One might ask, “What is mixed media, and what does it look like?”

            “Mixed-media is art with more than one media,” Moore explained.

One of Moore’s pieces was titled “Sting”. After just a few moments of looking at “Sting”, one could easily see why it was titled that. There was a honeycomb and waxed paper with a poem written on it, encased in an old wooden frame --a gorgeous piece that would complement any wall. Moore would later sell this piece, and she went home with more cash than she came in with.

            Two-Tone Art Gallery featured local pop artist and fashion designer Liz Kelly Zook. Zook displayed a wide variety of painted pop-art pieces. There were paintings of the nude female body, and there were pieces with a Neil Degrasse, Bill Nye, and Barak Obama selfie. Zook is a stay-at-home Mom and full-time artist who makes a living selling her work.

            “I have been doing Art pretty much all my life,” Zook responded when asked how long she has been painting. “Things got serious when my husband told me I should stay at home to take care of our child and take on my art full-time.”

Zook also sold several pieces and made new networking opportunities.

                        The “Boro Art Crawl” is a bi-monthly event that takes place on the first Friday of every month. The next crawl will be a two-night event in June. The first night’s will occur from 6-9 p.m. on June 9, and the second night’s event will occur from 6-9 p.m. on June 10. With this being estimated as the largest “Boro Art Crawl” to date, there will be several new locations participating in the city.

                        More information about the event can be found at www.BoroArtCrawl.com or the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BoroArtCrawl.

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Hello Ocho Comes to Nashville for the First Time

By Andrew Tidwell

Motlow Buzz Reporter

            NASHVILLE, Tenn.— The rock group Hello Ocho debuted the new album “In Portuguese” during their first concert in Nashville on April 7 at the new venue Queen Ave off Dickerson Pike.

            Hello Ocho, which is from Atlanta, celebrated their sophomore album on April 1 and launched a U.S. and Canadian tour. Stopping in Nashville was a big deal with new labels on hand including Infinity Cat. It was a good way for band members to meet individuals in the music business.

Hello Ocho's performing in Nashville. (Photo by Noah Gardner)

Mike Kluge, co-owner of Queen Ave., said he and other friends joined forces to open the venue because of their love of art and music.

“It’s great because we are located deep into East Nashville,” Kluge said. “It adds to the effect of a crusty house show, while we still keep it within the rules of it being a venue. It’s the easiest way for touring bands to open for an act that has played here before. Hello Ocho got on the bill by opening for Linear Downfall.”

            Hello Ocho’s second show of the tour included guest performances by I’m An Island, Mom and Dad, and Linear Downfall. The former corner store doubles as an art gallery and a musical show space. Walking into the venue, one is surrounded by paintings that create an illusion of plants breaking down the wall and growing through it.

            “We heard about this band when we got the gig ourselves.” said I’m An Island band member Joe White. “They put on a great show that fit the scene in East Nashville. We hope to play with them again soon after their tour.”

            “This is our first time playing in Nashville.” said John Gregg, Hello Ocho band member.  “It was a great first show here, and we hope for many more.”

            Hello Ocho is a five-piece band. The music they play is similar to Pink Floyd in some ways as they use a synthetic rock sound to back their music. The stops on the tour include Omaha, Nebraska; Madison, Wisconsin; and Toronto, Ontario. For more information about the band, visit www.hello-ocho.com. 

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Grammy Museum Gallery Opens in Nashville

By Monica Leslie

Motlow Buzz Reporter

 

 Entrance of Grammy Museum Gallery "Photo by: Monica Leslie"

            NASHVILLE, Tenn.-The Musician’s Hall of Fame located in the Municipal Auditorium in downtown Nashville opened a new exhibit on April 2 called the Grammy Museum Gallery spotlighting the musical impact of legends Garth Brooks, Ray Charles, Jermaine Dupri and many others.

            The Grammy Museum features 7,000 feet of exhibits. The exhibit explores the history of the world renowned Grammy Awards through a series of interactive activities and memorabilia. Along with experiencing the music, visitors are able to see the evolution of the four designs of the Grammy Award and even how the award is made.

            This highly interactive museum gives visitors a chance to become one with the music and the huge process that goes into making a song. From being on stage, with the privacy of a headphone, visitors get to see what it’s like playing an assortment of different types of digital drums, keyboards, bass and guitars. Along with instruments, music lovers even get the chance to see what it was like being a Raelette and singing next to the legendary Ray Charles, they can perform one of Charles’s hits, “Hit the Road Jack” or even get to rap a verse with Jermaine Dupri “Step on my J’s”.

            This museum was made possible by Bob Santelli, executive director of the Grammy Museum, Joe Chambers, founder and CEO of the Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum, and philanthropist Mike Curb, founder and chairman of Curb Records. There all providing deep connections with the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.

            “Our Mission is to celebrate the creative process of making music, and we are excited about providing an interactive way to get people of all ages to experience music first hand.” said Santelli.



Monica Leslie playing on the electric drums "Photo by: Monica Leslie"

Songwriters including Nashville’s own Desmond Child and Lamont Dozier of Motown Fame give visitors the opportunity to finish up a half of a new song. Legendary country artist Garth Brooks and his team of session musicians “The G Men” give the visitors a chance to feel the excitement of being inside the studio and to record actual music.

            The Grammy Museum also gives its visitors a behind-the-scenes look at what all goes into making a record including songwriting, engineering and producing aspects. With each aspect having its own room, visitors get to experience and interact with each step.

“Listeners often do not realize how many different people it takes to complete a song or album, and with this museum they get to see first-hand how the process is done,” said Santelli.

                        The Grammy Museum is a fun and affordable, small adventure into the world of music and the 58 years of the Grammy Awards. To get more info on hours, location and pricing, visit http://www.grammymuseum.org/explore/grammy-museum-gallery-at-musicians-hall-of-fame    

             

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Murfreesboro Hosts Walking Horse Show

By Jared Hennecy

Motlow Buzz Reporter

                MURFREESBORO, Tenn.—The Tennessee Walking Horse “Spring Fling Circuit” occurred from April 8-10 at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, drawing in horse trainers from across Tennessee.

                Horses and riders were judged on various areas of horsemanship, including reigning, trail pleasure and types of horses.  After winners are chosen in each category, the judges chose all-around winners of the competition.  The all-around champion for the Youth Division was Joshua Reagor and his horse, “Answer To My Dreams,” from Karnak, Illinois.  The all-around champion for the Amateur Division was Dr. Katherine Draughon and her horse, “Absolute Purple Haze,” from Mt. Vernon, Indiana. 

                A large number of horses walked past the judges’ table in various patterns.  Between competitions, the trainers draped large overcoats on the animals to keep them warm and clean.  Everyone participating wore a cowboy hat and spurs. 

Getting ready for the event, (Photo By Jared Hennecy)

The judges of the event were Michelle Tidwell, Doug Rath, Kendra Weis, Bruce Walquist, Glenn wells and Benny Sergeant.  Doors opened at 8 a.m., and the show started at 10 a.m.

                The event was free for attendees.  The cost to participate was $20 per class or $60 per horse per day.  Horse owners were required to be amateur horse trainers.  Owners who wished to compete were required to be members of the Walking Horse Owners Association, or to purchase a temporary WHOA permit for $20.

                The event was founded by Rawhide Blackwell, who was unable to attend.

                “We were located in Martin, Tennessee, until a couple of years ago,” said Mrs. Shirley Jones, a WHOA representative who works in the event planning office.    “People drive in from all around  Judges can be very strict.  They don’t mess around.” 

                Drinks and snacks were available at the concessions stand.  There was also a gift shop area with plush toys and t-shirts. 

For more information about WHOA, visit: http://www.mtsu.edu/tmc/

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Motlow State Community College Hosts Racing Event

By: Jackson Bond

Motlow Buzz Reporter

            TULLAHOMA,Tenn--Tri-Lakes Sports Car Club hosted its monthly auto-cross event at Motlow State Community College’s Tullahoma campus on April 10, 2016, drawing large numbers of racing enthusiasts.

            Tri-Lakes broke out the cones to set up for an auto-cross course on the local campus. The area used was the large parking lot next to the baseball field and tennis courts. Around 20 cars participated in the event.

            The event has been run at Motlow for several years and is generally favored over the more stringent Nashville Chapter of the Sports Car Club of America.  The more lax nature of the event does not diminish the safety preparations however. There are always three people working the course, with one to set the cars off and two others holding flags and radios watching for dangerous situations and calling time penalties.

Modified Midget hangs on in corner
(from Tri-Lakes Sports Car Club website)

All participating vehicles are required to go through a thorough tech inspection to look for dangerous faults and potential hazards for both drivers and spectators. All drivers are required to wear a DOT or Schnell-approved helmet and seatbelts.

“We are always concerned about safety out here,” Said Tri-Lakes organizer Tim Miller. “It is no fun if someone gets hurt.”

            Autocross is a type of automotive racing based on time trials on a closed course. A course is drawn out in a parking lot or similar large patch of pavement in chalk and is then lined with cones. Cars start at the starting line, tripping a timer, and proceed through the course as fast as possible while staying mostly in control of the car. If a car knocks over a cone or moves it outside of its designated area, the driver is given a two-second time penalty for every cone.

The goal of the event is to have the fastest time in your class. There are dozens of different classes a vehicle could be in depending on if they are stock or lightly modified and have a low-tread wear-rated tire, or are heavily modified. The stock classes depend on the power and performance of the vehicle and when said vehicle was produced, and street-prepared classes include things like wheel and suspension modifications.

            Jim Bond, who drove a 1966 Corvette, competed in the Classic American Muscle class.

“This is really a great event, even though there is no overall winner everyone stays competitive and has a good time” said Bond, who ran six runs. 

Jim Bond's 1966 Corvette
(from Tri-Lakes Sports Car Club website)

            There is no first place in the traditional sense for this event, but there was a fastest overall time for each class of participating car. The fastest driver of the day was Scott Mcbride who ran his Ford Focus ST. Mcbride’s best time was 50.152 seconds. The times ranged from 66.3 seconds to the winning time.

            “Every year we’ve been out here we have been able to offer a $1,000 scholarship to one Motlow student.” Said Miller “We love being able to help out students like that.”

            The vehicles participating in this event were extremely varied, ranging from more mundane and common street vehicles like a Mazda Miata or a Ford Fusion to an angry Ford Mustang or a Chevrolet Corvette. Even a purpose-built-for-racing MG Midget was there. Individuals who themselves are petrol-heads are ideal Participants and spectators for this event.

            For more information, visit the Tri-Lakes Sports Car Club page on Facebook.

                                                       https://www.facebook.com/tlscc/

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PAWS Holds Weekly Pet Adoption Fair

By Deah Williams

Motlow Buzz Reporter

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Pet Adoption and Welfare Services of Rutherford County hosted a pet adoption fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 15 at PetSmart in Smyrna, Tennessee, where many animals found a new home.

On Saturday, PAWS sent a trailer to PetSmart for its pet adoption event. The trailer was attached to one of its vehicles, providing air conditioning or heat, electricity and water. The trailer did so even without the vehicle running. This made it easy for pet owners to adopt pets straight from the trailer.

The trailer held four to eight dogs at a time depending on the size of the animals. If the dogs got along, attendants were able to put two to a kennel, making more room for more dogs to get adopted.

“In the past, we would try to go to the Murfreesboro and Smyrna PetSmarts every weekend, but it was difficult as our staff stays very busy,” said Lindsay Frierson, the public relations media specialist at PAWS of Rutherford County. 

The PAWS staff decided that it was best to send animal specialists out every third Saturday to the Smyrna location, and every fourth Saturday to Murfreesboro, to improve their pet adoption efforts.

“It is definitely a major help to the organization in finding homes for these animals,” said Frierson.

Adopting animals from PAWS has no worries behind it.  The animals come spayed or neutered and tested for heartworms and illnesses. The adoption fee varies between each animal, but will not exceed $80. Anyone who is interested in adopting for approval, should allow themselves 30 minutes to an hour to fill out paperwork.

Volunteers get to walk and play with all of the animals.
(Photo by Deah Williams)

Dozens of people visited the trailer in an effort to find new pets. Although not every animal was adopted, a few found new homes. The animal specialists shared stories about the animals and explained their personalities to help better their chances of getting adopted.

Lara, a pit-bull mix, shares her love.
(Photo by Deah Williams)

For more information on the PAWS adoption fairs, visit their Facebook page at PAWS of Rutherford County at www.facebook.com/rutherfordcountypaws. The website lists upcoming events and pet adoption fairs. 

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