April Events

April, 2010

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Daily Local Events Listed Here

On Going and Future Events Listed Bottom of Page

City of Murfreesboro Election

Early Voting March 31-April 15, 2010: SportsCom (2310 Memorial Blvd.), Election Annex (426 E. Vine St.), and Blackman Elementary School (586 Fortress Blvd.). These locations are open weekdays from 10:00AM to 5:00PM and Saturdays AM-Noon. Early votes can also be cast at the Rutherford County Election Commission Office (#1 Public Square South) on weekdays 8:00AM-7:00PM and Saturdays 8:00AM-Noon. (Note: offices are closed on Friday, April 2nd…NO early voting that day)

Election Day (7AM-7PM on Tuesday, April 20, 2010). Complete results “live” from Election Commission over WGNS as soon as the poles close.

Candidates

Mayor: Tommy Bragg (incumbent) and Tim Davis

City Council (top 3 vote recipients): David Boyce, David Edwards (incumbent), Madelyn Scales Harris, Shane McFarland (incumbent), Thomas Connor Moss, Mark Nobles, Bill Shacklett, Brian A. Vaughan, and Doug Young (incumbent).

Murfreesboro School Board (top 3 vote recipients): Ray Butrum, Kevin Fisher, Patrick McCarthy (incumbent), Eric Newell, Dennis L. Rainier, and Mary McKnight Wade (incumbent).

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Local educators are reminded that the Business Education Partnership is again offering exciting professional development programs this summer for third through twelfth grade students. This is designed to enable area youth to learn more about businesses in which they have an interest. In addition, the State Farm Summer Business Camp’s for sixths through eighth grade students are scheduled for July. Deadline for all applications is April 26^th. To obtain forms and for more information, contact the BEP at (615) 278-2008. The Business Education Partnership (BEP) Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization created by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. The BEP seeks to form and sustain valuable relationships between Murfreesboro City and Rutherford County schools with businesses in Rutherford County.

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Mon.-Sun. (Now-May 30, 2010) The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring (502 SE Broad at Maney Avenue) presents the BONE ZONE CARNIVAL OF HEALTHY CHOICES. This carnival-themed exhibit teaches children how eating a healthy diet with plenty of calcium-rich foods and participating in weight-bearing exercises or playing sports will strengthen their bones and help them avoid osteoporosis in the future. Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 1-5PM. For more information, phone 615-890-2300.

As the New Year of 1947 was rung-in, Murfreesboro and Rutherford County suddenly entered the electronic age. At 10PM on December 31, 1946, this community’s first radio station signed-on. It was built on the principal of being a GOOD NEIGHBOR. In fact, the G N S in the station’s call sign stands for Good Neighbor Station. That slogan shapes the way WGNS reports news, promotes itself and the way our staff is personally involved in this community. WGNS really is your radio station. When you hear something you like, let us know. But when you hear something you don’t like, especially let us know. Phone 615-893-5373.

Thu. (April 1, 2010) 7:30PM ARTS CENTER OF CANNON COUNTY (1424 John Bragg Highway; Woodbury, TN) presents The Jake Leg Stompers in concert. Tickets: $15 for adults, $12 for students, seniors and groups. For more information, phone 615-563-ARTS (2787).

GOOD FRIDAY
Friday, April 2, 2010

Remembering back one-year to when the tornado swept across Rutherford County and changed lives forever. Always remembering and appreciating the almost instant and caring response from emergency crews (police, fire, paramedics, sanitation workers) along with armies of volunteers who helped. Times like this let you know how fortunate we are to live in the Heart of Tennessee.

Fri. (April 2, 2010) 5:30-8:00PM Walnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church (2480 Twin Oak Drive) reaches out and welcomes all to their FEEDING FELLOWSHIP. Transportation is provided. Call Pastor R. W. Sibert (615-896-1553).

Fri. (April 2, 2010) 6:30PM GOOD FRIDAY Tenebrae service at Central Christian Church (404 East Main St.). There will be a prayer vigil beginning at the end of the service abnd continuing through Easter Sunday morning. For more information, phone 615-893-2764.

Fri.-Sat. (April 2-3, 2010) 7:30PM The Murfreesboro Center for the Arts (110 West College Street) presents Lionel Bart’s musical “Oliver”. The play is a musical adaptation about an orphan who runs away from an orphanage and hooks up with a group of boys trained to be pickpockets by an elderly mentor. For information or to make reservations, phone 615-904-ARTS (2787). This play continues through April 4th. (Note: NO Sunday matinee 4/4/10)

Mon. (April 5, 2010) Become a RESOURCE PARENT and help children, families and the community. Classes begin at MTSU to teach volunteers to be a path to “Help parents as tender healers”…a curriculum for foster, adoptive and kinship care parents. For more information, phone Andrea Beck (615-217-8930) or check website: www.state.tn.us/youth/fostercare/becomefosterparent.htm

Thu. (April 8, 2010) 6PM reception/7PM dinner Evening Exchange Club’s 1st ANNUAL CELEBRITY DINNER at the Double Tree Hotel (Old Fort Parkway). Some of the celebrity waiters include Sheriff Truman Jones, County Mayor Ernest Burgess, Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg, MTSU Lady Raider Coach Rick Insell, Athletic Director Chris Massaro and more. There will be a “Big Top” theme with clowns, magicians and wild animals from Property Assessor Bill Boner’s farm. Proceeds will benefit the Exchange Club’s Child Abuse Prevention Center. For more information or to secure tickets, contact John Hood (615-893-4651).

Fri. (April 9, 2010) 7:30AM Chamber of Commerce CAPITOL CONNECTION BREAKFAST (at Chamber office on Memorial Blvd.) an opportunity to talk with state representatives and senators from Rutherford County. For more information, contact Chassen Haynes at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce (615-893-6565).

Fri. (April 9, 2010) BAKE SALE FOR MARCH OF DIMES in the cafeteria at Middle Tennessee Medical Center.

Fri. (April 9, 2010) SPECIAL OLYMPICS at MTSU’s Dean Hayes Track and Soccer Stadium (Greenland Drive).
10:00AM Opening Ceremonies
10:30AM-1:00PM Track and Field Games

Fri. (April 9, 2010) 5:30-8:00PM Walnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church (2480 Twin Oak Drive) reaches out and welcomes all to their FEEDING FELLOWSHIP. Transportation is provided. Call Pastor R. W. Sibert (615-896-1553).

Fri.-Sat. (April 9-10, 2010) 7:30PM The Center for the Arts (110 W. College St.) presents “Oliver!” This is a musical adaptation about a boy who runs away from an orphanage and hooks up with a group of boys. They are trained by an elderly mentor to be pickpockets. Tickets: $14 for adults, $12 for seniors 65+ and students age 12-18 with a valid ID, $10 under age 12.For more information, phone 94-ARTS (2787) or visit website www.BoroArts.org. Note: there is a Sunday matinee (4/11) at 2PM.

Sat. (April 10, 2010) Stones River Primitive Baptist Church (2315 Joe B. Jackson Parkway) invites the community to be a part of BRIDGING THE GAP WITH THE COMMUNITY. WGNS’ Man On The Street correspondent Zack Troutman fascillitates the 2-4PM segment. If you have questions, call Corey S. Howse (615-294-3292).

Sun. (April 11, 2010) 5:30PM CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH (404 E. Main Street) is starting a new ADULT EDUCATION CLASS: “The Victory of Reason” uses a book with that same name and it covers how Christianity led to freedom, capitalism and then western success. Author Rodney Stark demonstrates why there is so much anti-capitalist and anti-religious feeling among world powers. Church Pastor Steve Odom is teaching this class. For more information, phone 615-893-2764.

Fri. (April 16, 2010) 11AM-2PM MARCH OF DIMES COOKOUT AND CORN-HOLE TOURNAMENT in the courtyard at Middle Tennessee Medical Center (Highland Avenue).

Fri. (April 16, 2010) 11AM registration/Noon putting contest/1PM shotgun start 11th Annual City of LaVergne Golf Scramble at the Smyrna National Golf Course (Sam Ridley Boulevard in Smyrna). This benefits the LaVergne Police Athletic League (PAL). The scramble is limited to 36 teams. Entry Fee: $75 per player (teams of 4). Sponsorships are also available. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Gerry Howse, Executive Director, at 287-8730.

Fri. (April 16, 2010) 11:30AM First Lady Anrea Conte leads a walk to benefit THE CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY. It begins downtown on the Civic Plaza (in front of Murfreesboro City Hall and Linebaugh Library) and goes to the Child Advocacy Center on Samsonite Boulevard. Business people and walkers can bring a brown bag lunch and join us on the Civic Plaza for music entertainment prior to the walk. This is one of the major fundraisers for the local group. For more information, phone 615-867-9000 or visit website www.cacrutherford.org.

Fri. (April 16, 2010) 5:30-8:00PM Walnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church (2480 Twin Oak Drive) reaches out and welcomes all to their FEEDING FELLOWSHIP. Transportation is provided. Call Pastor R. W. Sibert (615-896-1553).

Fri.-Sat. (April 16-17, 2010) 7:30PM The Center for the Arts (110 W. College St.) presents “Oliver!” This is a musical adaptation about a boy who runs away from an orphanage and hooks up with a group of boys. They are trained by an elderly mentor to be pickpockets. Tickets: $14 for adults, $12 for seniors 65+ and students age 12-18 with a valid ID, $10 under age 12.For more information, phone 94-ARTS (2787) or visit website www.BoroArts.org. Note: there is a Sunday matinee (4/18 at 2PM.

Sat. (April 17, 2010) 6-10AM Kittrell Volunteer Fire Department’s COUNTRY HAM BREAKFAST at the fire hall (8067 Old Woodbury Pike). All proceeds help to fund this district 17 volunteer fire department. Phone 615-890-8740 and your “to go” order will be ready when you arrive.

Sat. (April 17, 2010) GOLF FOR BABIES TOURNAMENT to benefit the March of Dimes. There is a $10,000 hole in one prize, $1,000 in other prizes. A light breakfast, lunch and goodie bags to all players. To register or for more information, phone 615-396-6713.

Tue. (April 20, 2010) 7AM-7PM Election Day In Murfreesboro (see details at top of this page). At 7PM when the poles close, tune to WGNS for “live” coverage from the Rutherford County Election Commission.

Tue. (April 20, 2010) 7PM MIDDLE TENNESSEE CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE meets at Bradley Academy Historic Museum (415 S. Academy Street). The local group meets every month on the THIRD TUESDAY at Bradley Academy. Membership: $15 per year for individuals; $20 for families. Each meeting includes a CIVIL WAR SHOW AND TELL segment. For more information, contact Jim Lewis at 615-243-6830 (call before 8PM) or by e-mail at mtcwrt@comcast.net. Visit the Civil War Roundtable’s website www.mtswrt.org

Thu. (April 22, 2010) 11:30AM The Agricultural Extension Service presents its popular BROWN BAG LUNCH series at the Lane Agri Park (315 John R. Rice Blvd.) with a FREE learning session on insect control in & around the home. For more information, phone 615-898-7710.

Fri. (April 23, 2010) LaVergne Police Athletic League (PAL) Annual Golf Tournament at the Smyrna’s National Golf Course (Sam Ridley Parkway). We need players to participate in this fun event, as well as donations of door prizes and more to help make our biggest fund-raiser of the year a success. For more information or to sign-up, phone: 615-287-8730 or e-mail pal@lavergne.org.

Fri. (April 23, 2010) 5:30-8:00PM Walnut Grove Missionary Baptist Church (2480 Twin Oak Drive) reaches out and welcomes all to their FEEDING FELLOWSHIP. Transportation is provided. Call Pastor R. W. Sibert (615-896-1553).

Fri.-Sat. (April 23-24, 2010) 7:30PM The Center for the Arts (110 W. College St.) presents “Oliver!” This is a musical adaptation about a boy who runs away from an orphanage and hooks up with a group of boys. They are trained by an elderly mentor to be pickpockets. Tickets: $14 for adults, $12 for seniors 65+ and students age 12-18 with a valid ID, $10 under age 12.For more information, phone 94-ARTS (2787) or visit website www.BoroArts.org. Note: there is a Sunday matinee (4/25) at 2PM.

Fri.-Sat. (April 23-24, 2010) 7:30PM THE ARTS CENTER OF CANNON COUNTY (1424 John Bragg Highway; Woodbury, TN) presents an 1898 script by Mark Twain that was lost and recently found: Is He Dead? This is the story of an impoverished painter who realizes that he is worth more dead than alive! Tickets: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and students. For information, phone 615-563-ARTS (2787) or visit the internet www.artscenterofcc.com. NOTE: There is a 2PM matinee on Sunday (4/25/10).

Sun. (April 25, 2010) 11AM-1PM FREE FOOD AND CLOTHES GIVE AWAY at the Oakland Park 7th Day Adventist Church (711 N. Maney Avenue in Murfreesboro). (Note: this is every 4th Sunday)

Sun. (April 25, 2010) 1PM ROLLING THUNDER, INC. Tennessee Chapter 1 meets at the VFW Post 8422 (10157 Old Nashville Highway; Smyrna, TN). ROLLING THUNDER works for the return of the missing from wars and support for America’s veterans. Visit their website: www.rollingthundertn1.com or call Bob Ousley (615-513-5852) or Norm Hoffman (615-715-0523) for more information. Note: Rolling Thunder meets at 1PM on the 4th Sunday of each month at the VFW Post 8422 in Smyrna.

FUTURE events and ON-GOING activities

FLAGS OF REMEMBRANCE HEALING FIELD MEMORIAL coming to Murfreesboro May 23-25, 2010 (Memorial Day weekend). 1,500 eight-foot tall American flags in perfect rows and columns at the grassy field on the Medical Center Parkway (next to Belk’s). Each flag will bear the name of a brave American who has made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. The Exchange Clubs of Murfreesboro are asking individuals and businesses to sponsor one or more flags (contact a person listed here). A sundown patriotic ceremony, prayer and playing of TAPS will be held on Memorial Day evening, May 25, 2009. Contact Don Wright (615-641-0121) or e-mail WrightDon@comcast.net or on the internet www.MurfreesboroNoonExhcangeClub.org

Thu.-Fri. (April 29-30, 2010) 9AM-1PM OAKLANDS HISTORIC HOUSE MUSEUM (900 N. Maney Avenue) invites everyone to step back to the 1800’s for “The Days of Washing, Churning and Learning”. Teachers and parents can plan a day of hands-on activities, demonstrations, crafts, and games. Children can experience chores from the 1800’s when they wash clothes on a washboard, make candles, churn butter, and beat rugs. For more information and reservations, please call 615-893-0022 or email mb@oaklandsmuseum.org.

Fri. (April 30, 2010) 12 Noon LABOR OF LOVE CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP meets on the last Friday of each month. This group offers compassion and advice for caregivers of seniors with dementia, the disabled and chronically ill. Contact Elbert Dyer for more information (615-848-2550).

Fri.-Sat. (April 30-May 1, 2010) 7:30PM THE ARTS CENTER OF CANNON COUNTY (1424 John Bragg Highway; Woodbury, TN) presents an 1898 script by Mark Twain that was lost and recently found: Is He Dead? This is the story of an impoverished painter who realizes that he is worth more dead than alive! Tickets: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and students. For information, phone 615-563-ARTS (2787) or visit the internet www.artscenterofcc.com. NOTE: There is a 2PM matinee on Sunday (5/2/10).

Shop Local…It Matters! When you shop in Rutherford County, your sales tax dollars build our schools and improve the roads. When you shop locally, you make jobs available here. Shopping local makes it easy on you, in the event you need servicing or repairs at a later date. It’s even more important to shop with local FAMILY BUSINESSES. Have you ever wondered what makes this community unique? One advantage is a large number of family operated businesses. Keep FAMILY BUSINESSES strong, patronize them! Listen to the WGNS Good Neighbor Network (FM 100.5, FM 101.9, AM 1450, and over-the-air TV-11) for information about this area’s vibrant local FAMILY BUSINESSES.

Sun. (May 16, 2010) 2PM check-in/3PM walk RUTHERFORD COUNTY ARTHRITIS WALK at Murfreesboro’s Gateway Island (behind the new Murfreesboro Medical Clinic, near the new hospital). Walk Coordinator Marian Eidson is signing-up participants as well as sponsors. Phone her at 615-254-6795 (extension 106) or e-mail MEidson@arthritis.org

Sat. (May 22, 2010) 2010 HEART BALL at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. An elegant evening of dinner, dancing and a chance to put good fortune to good use. Heart Ball Chairs are Lisa and Ken Haliburton, Honorary Chair is Ray Earnest, and the Late Party Chairs are Rachel and Jimmy McElhaney. For more information, get with Tambry Brechon (615-340-4102) or e-mail tambry.brechon@heart.org.

The Cripple Creek Cloggers invite you to join them for fun every Tuesday night at 7PM. They practice at the Leanna Community Center on Sulphur Springs Road. Come visit and learn more about this local group of ambassadors who represent our community at local events as well festivals worldwide. If you’ve been looking for a fun and beneficial way to exercise while having fun…then the Cripple Creek Cloggers is for your! Plus, you get to make interesting trips to distant lands! For more information, contact Steve Cates 615-896-2559 or e-mail appdancer@aol.com

Every Tuesday and Thursday night 6-8PM The Rutherford County Schools sponsor FREE GED classes in the Myrtle Glanton Lord Library at the Patterson Community Center. Free childcare is also provided. For more information, contact Howard Rhodes (615) 907-3439 or (615) 589-6158.

Now Five Blood Drives Weekly The Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross has renovated and enlarged its blood center at 836 Commercial Court (around the corner from UPS). The same local staff is now handling all of these new blood drives. In addition, Murfreesboro is now equipped to service platelet aphaeresis donations. If you are at least 17-years of age, weigh a minimum of 110-pounds, and in good health, you are encouraged to give the GIFT OF LIFE. Phone 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) for more information.
Monday and Thursday 10:30am-6:30pm
Fridays 9:30am-4:30pm
Saturdays and Sundays 7am-Noon
Note: In addition, there are regular Red Cross bloodmobiles at locations all around Rutherford County. Look at this WGNS calendar for exact times and locations.

G. Gordon Liddy on WGNS Monday-Fridays 9:00am-Noon
You learn from people with different opinions.
Keep you radio tuned to the station you’ve depended on since 1947!
Hear the G-Man on the WGNS Good Neighbor Network
FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over-the-air TV channel 11; worldwide on www.WGNSradio.com

LaVergne’s Police Athletic League (PAL) invites area kids ages 7-17 to join this community group for fun, homework tutoring and more. There are PAL drama and theatre sessions, PAL boxing program, help with homework and tutoring, bowling, self-empowerment and motivational activities, racing and more. Phone 615-287-8730 for more information.

Do you have a loved one who suffers from a mental illness? Learn about the regularly scheduled National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) meetings. This is a program for families, friends and primary caregivers of individuals suffering from mental illness. Call Lori Turek (615-896-6169) for details.

Local issues covered daily on Action Line (Monday-Friday mornings 8:10-9:00am)
Show from WGNS studios on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday and Fridays. But every Wednesday morning “live” from City Cafe. Join us there for breakfast and share your opinions in person. Tune to your Good Neighbor Network: FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; and over-the-air TV 11.

e-mail community events to events@wgnsradio.com

Wake-up with the all new WGNS Good Morning…M-F 5:00-9:00am
Inudes news, sports, weather, traffic, obits, swap’n shop, guests!
The South’s only father-son news team, join Bart and Scott Walker along with Bryan Barrett
WGNS Good Neighbor Network FM 100.5; FM 101.9; AM 1450; over-the-air TV 11; worldwide on the internet