Thousands Run For A Cause at 'Country Music Marathon'

By Taylor Dooley

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Thousands of runners lined up at Centennial Park on April 27 to participate in the "Country Music Marathon" benefiting the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Runner Shauna McCulley and her husband have participated in this event for two consecutive years for their 7-year-old daughter Alexa, a childhood cancer survivor. Alexa was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 3.

The purpose of this event was to bring awareness to childhood cancer research, as well as to raise money. Several runners also ran in support of the victims of the “Boston Bombing” that occurred on April 15.

Unlike last year, which was perfect running weather, the weather was rather dreary and miserable. However, that didn’t dampen the spirits of those runners and walkers who came out in support of such an important organization that fills such a great need.

“I doubted my sanity,” said McCulley.

Considering that all of the runners had to stand in the rain for over an hour preparing for the run, it seemed to be a miserable wait for everyone. 

Finishing with a time of 3:12:40 for 13.1 miles (the half-marathon length), McCulley hopes to return next year with a lot of training under her belt to improve that time.

This opportunity has motivated her to become more active in her own day-to-day life.  She also hopes to organize a group and walk solely in support of the organization CureSearch, which ran in the Country Music Marathon as well.

McCulley’s employer, Dave Ramsey, and his company The Lampo Group in Brentwood, Tenn., sponsored McCulley and her group of runners by reimbursing them with the registration fee and other costs pertaining to the marathon for crossing the finish line.

“Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, like Dory from Finding Nemo,” said McCulley.

She says she still hears this in her head from a spectator during the marathon as she crosses the finish line!

According to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, participants running in the race were working to raise $1.8 million. The total amount raised was not released by press time. To learn more about the "Country Music Marathon", visit http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/nashville.

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MTSU to Host ‘Cyber Summit’ From May 7-8

  

                   By Jacob Scott

          MURFREESBORO, Tenn.—Middle Tennessee State University is set to host the 2013 Middle Tennessee “Cyber Summit” meeting on May 7 and 8 at the Student Union Ballroom, with 207 law enforcement and tech officials gathering to learn more about the growing threat of cyber crime.

            The “Cyber Summit’s” goal for the two-day meeting is to address criminal, intelligence, disruptive and information cyber threats and provide possible deterrents.

            “We hope to expand our knowledge on this type of crime by arming ourselves with strategies that can reduce or mitigate opportunities for cyber crime,” Middle Tennessee State University Police Chief Buddy Peaster said during a recent interview.

          The event is expected to have a large turnout with presentations from the United States Department of Homeland Security, Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Secret Service, as well as private sector cyber security organizations. Each presenter will have a separate booth set up where attendees can ask questions and learn more about the departments.

          Several speakers are scheduled to make appearances at the summit, including FBI Cyber Division Cyber Task Force Unit Supervisor Scott Augenbaum, who will provide insights on how to protect yourself and others from the threat of a cyber-attack.Tennessee Chief Information Security Officer Sese Bennett will share insights on one of the biggest threats to the electronic world, Social Engineers. These criminals exploit the human factor and use them to gain passwords and other vital information without having to even be in the same building.

          “As people become more dependent on their smartphones, tablets and computers for their personal needs, the threat for cyber crime has exponentially increased," said Derek Teague, an IT administrator at the MTSU Police Department. "Now more than ever, we need to take cyber security as serious as say home security.”

          The "Cyber Summit” will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on both May 7 and 8. Anyone is allowed to attend, and no admission fee will be required to enter. To receive more information about the "Cyber Summit" and those attending, visit the Forensic Institute for Research and Education's website at http://www.mtsu/fire.

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Cigar Bar Becoming Popular Venue in Downtown Nolensville

By Joshua M. Yardley

          NOLENSVILLE, Tenn. - The Cigar Bar & Bistro might just be the best hotspot for small-time fun in the little town of Nolensville, Tenn.

          Owner and founder Carroll Davis opened the Cigar Bar & Bistro on Dec. 27, 2011. Furnished with a vast array of cigars, new leather couches, and a beer selection that would make any mouth water, the Cigar Bar & Bistro has something for everyone. Davis started the Cigar Bar as part of a passion project for retirement.

"We designed the interior as a 1920s speakeasy atmosphere where people could come in and relax after a hard day and smoke a cigar while taking their mind off of the everyday stress that comes with the 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. workday," said Davis. "The first six months was intense because of the various town ordinances we had to go through in order to be able to sell beer, tobacco, liquor and food. In order to sell tobacco and alcohol, we had to have 65 percent of our total sales be food. What we appealed to the city was to incorporate the cigar sales into that figure in order to stay open. We were rejected on our second reading of the bill due to our close proximity to the baseball fields located next to us."

           Davis likes to try and keep things fresh for his customers, like choosing which cigars are most popular (which he buys directly from the distributor), what kind of beer his regulars like, and having live music every first Saturday of the month. While there are not specific bands that play every Saturday, Davis likes to provide a classic rock cover band that will complement the bar’s atmosphere.

           "Since we were forced to incorporate food into our total sales, we had the idea to order food, through our computers, from the restaurants around us and incorporated that as part of our total food sales," said Brett Wagoner, the official head bartender.

           While there are many different types of cigars offered at the Cigar Bar, there is no single type that is the most popular. Davis likes to order certain cigars based on recommendations from both cigar connoisseurs and patrons of the bar. While Davis offers many beers, both on tap and in a bottle, Wagoner feels that an IPA compliments the cigar taste the best, as do the customers.

          “We offer to call in food from Martin’s BBQ Joint, China Garden, and Uncle Bud’s, which tends to be our highest seller,” Wagoner said.

           Admission is free with no cover charge. Wagoner says the Cigar Bar is a fun gathering place for Nolensville area residents who need a place to wind down after a long, hard day of work. The Cigar Bar & Bistro is located at 7240 Nolensville Road (U.S. Highway 31) in downtown Nolensville. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. - 10 p.m. To learn more about the venue and see what the interior looks like, visit http://www.cigarbar-nolensville.com. Individuals can like the venue on Facebook at Cigar Bar- Nolensville.

Middle Tennessee State University Presents 2013 Annual Wind Ensemble

By Sade Eubanks

          MURFRESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee State University held its Wind Ensemble April 18, 2013 at the T. Earl Hinton Music Hall in the Wright Music Building.

            The Wind Ensemble occurs three times a semester to show the students’ artistic work and the ability to demonstrate great things. It usually takes about three weeks to prepare the Ensemble. 

The program began with a piece called “Call and Echoes” that was led by DJ Creech and Matt France. Then it was followed by five compositions that all served a purpose to society. "Sparkle", "Funeral March", "Symphony for Band", "Epitaph" and "Apophenia" were all very inspirational compositions. 

            Between performances, there were two tributes. One was presented to 18 students who will graduate this year and who have made a substantial contribution to the MTSU School of Music.

            "'Symphony for the Band' was one of my greatest experiences to perform in,” said senior Gordham Ihman, who plays in the percussion section.

            The second tribute was presented to George Riordan, the director of the School of Music. He will be retiring this year after serving the school for 10 years. 

            The Wind Ensemble totally consists of MTSU music students.  The Ensemble is led by Dr. Reed Thomas, who serves as the lead conductor of the music program and director of bands.

            “Students involved have to audition and get accepted to the MTSU Wind Ensemble and have to show their creative art for music,” Reed said.

            Interested students can receive more information about the Wind Ensemble at http://www.mtsubands.com .

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72nd Annual 'Strawberry Festival' to Occur May 11

By Lakendra Rippy

          PORTLAND, Tenn.--  The 72^nd annual “Strawberry Festival” will kick off on May 11 with the annual “Strawberry  Parade”, which will be led by Portland native Tim “Mountain Man” Guraedy.

Along with Guraedy leading the parade, there will be World Wrestling Federation wrestling at Meadow Brook Park later that evening. This is considered one of the most entertaining events of the day.

 Corp. Kenneth Rippy of the Portland Police Department said that all local businesses in town participate in the parade by creating floats and competing in various sports activities.  “Movie night" will occur in Richland Park later that night.

Festivities such as grilling, food sales, money drawings and live music will also be taking place on Main Street. There will also be “Kids Town USA”, where kids play all day for $5. A “Duck Calling” event will be hosted by Guraedy as well.

There will also be other events hosted earlier during the day of the festival, including the "Strawberry Stride". Adults and children of all age groups can participate in a running marathon that starts at 8 a.m. at Portland High School. It is a six-mile run. However, they will not have the 52-mile yard sale because it caused a lot of issues last year, according to Rippy.

        Rippy said he expects 15,000 to 25,000 people to attend the "Strawberry Festival" this year. Last year, there were a little over 10,000 in attendance. People from across Tennessee and Kentucky will be in attendance. He credits the high attendance rate to the strawberries and the appearance of “Duck Dynasty” star, Tim Guraedy.

The city of Portland is improving safety for the event. The town's emergency teams, including police officers, firefighters and other emergency service providers, will be on alert. The mayor also plans to shut down the intersection of Highway 109 and Main Street for safety purposes. Individuals will no longer be able to drive through Main Street. They will have to park their cars and walk. Law enforcement is making sure that all roads are blocked-off leading into Main Street so people are no longer in danger of moving traffic. Officers will be on foot as well.

“The carnival will be here the same weekend, and the crime rate will be higher," said Rippy. Also, more car wrecks are likely to occur because of all the traffic coming into such a small town.

 For more information about the "Strawberry Festival", go to http://portlandcofc.com .

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Local Sorority Raises Money for a Good Cause

By Dallas N. Adams

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Delta Pi chapter of Kappa Delta sorority at Middle Tennessee State University hosted its 10^th annual "Wing Fling" fundraiser at MTSU’s Murphy Center Lawn from noon to 3 p.m. on April 13, 2013.

            The "Wing Fling" fundraiser is an annual competition for campus organizations and local businesses to compete in. The prize at stake is the bragging right to making “The Best Wings in Murfreesboro.” Groups who wish to compete in the competition must pay a $100 entry and tent fee, as well as prepare at least 1,500 wings for the event. Wing preparation can occur on- or off-site, but most groups take the opportunity to prepare them fresh at their tent.

Wings are "flagged" by team at Wing Fling so that
attendees can know which wing they want to vote for.

          It is open to anyone who cares to attend for a minimal fee of $10. "Wing Fling" is also an opportunity for the community to spend a pleasant spring afternoon with all-you-care-to-eat wings! The event is very popular in the Murfreesboro community, especially among families around the MTSU area.

           “This fundraiser is something my family looks forward to every year,” local mother Jane Kimball said. “My husband and I enjoy the delicious food, and my children love to play with the other kids in attendance.”

            “Last year, we raised about $12,000 and had around 800 people come and support the event,” said "Wing Fling" Coordinator Laura Lewis. “A portion of 'Wing Fling' proceeds go to our local philanthropies, and another portion will serve as prizes for wing contestants.”

Official button given away at
Wing Fling 2013

            Their local philanthropies are Prevent Child Abuse America and The Exchange Club Family Center of Rutherford County. The Prevent Child Abuse America has a local chapter in Nashville, Tenn. The chapter serves as a place where advocates against child abuse meet. They discuss tactics of advocacy, public awareness, training and education to prevent child abuse, and prevention programs in schools. The Exchange Club Family Center of Rutherford County specializes in parenting education, in-home counseling, and community awareness of child abuse. Although the cause is not widely publicized at the event, guests have no problem paying the $10 entrance fee.

            In a follow-up interview, Lewis said that the fundraising event raised about $14,000 this year with almost 450 attendees. This is a better turnout than last year’s event, which had about 300 guests in attendance.

            Although the Exchange Club Center could not provide the reporter with the exact funds they received from Kappa Delta’s event, they did mention that the center is very fortunate to receive support through the event.

            “Those girls and this fundraiser account for most of the donations we receive over a calendar year,” local volunteer Judy Davis said. “The families that utilize this facility are very grateful to have someone support them and their cause.”

Delta Pi chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority.
Photo courtesy: http://www.mtsu.edu/greeks/npc/kappadelta.php

            The next “Wing Fling” event does not have a scheduled date as of yet for next year. The event is not open for volunteer work because it is hosted and produced by the Delta Pi chapter of Kappa Delta sorority. However, anyone is welcomed to enter the competition. Information about the Delta Pi chapter's activities can be found on its website at mtsu.kappadelta.org or by sending an e-mail to mtkappadelta@yahoo.com.

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Blue Raider’s Impressive Bullpen Helps Team Beat Tennessee

By: LeVar Walker

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – A strong offensive effort, including an excellent performance by the bullpen, led the Blue Raider’s baseball team to an 11 to 5 victory over Tennessee on April 22 at Reese Smith Jr. Field.

             The win improved the team's record to 24-20.  Pitcher Paul Mittura was making his first start of the season after 18 appearances on the mound for the season.  He struggled giving up eight hits and four runs through two innings of play.  Blue Raiders coach Jim McGuire made a pitching change in the third inning, going to his bullpen. The bullpen’s impressive performance didn’t allow a hit the remaining seven innings of play. Backup pitcher Kooper Kessler picked up the win (1-0) (meaning his win-lost record), setting the tone for the incredible display for the bullpen.

As the bullpen was shutting down the Vols, the offense was led by right fielder Jake Ellison, who was 3-for-4, including his third homer of the season.  Left fielder Ryan Ford hit his fourth homer of the season with a 3 RBI (Runners Batted In).

            The Vols took a 4 to 3 lead going into the bottom of the fourth inning when MTSU had its most productive inning.  Back-to-back hits by Dain McNabb and Dalton Henzman set] up a two-run “homer” by Ford to give the Blue Raiders an 8 to 4 lead.

            Middle Tennessee continued in the fifth with Michael Adkins and McNabb each picking up an RBI giving the Blue Raiders a 10 to 4 lead.  McNabb finished the game two for four with 2 RBI.

             A solo homer by Ellison in the seventh inning gave Middle Tennessee an 11 to 4 lead.  A late run by the Vols in the eighth inning ended the game, giving the Blue Raiders an 11 to 5 victory. 

            "We got down 4 to 1 early and we got right back in it and made it 4 to 3," Head Coach Jim McGuire said. “That was a little unusual for us.  Usually when we are behind, it takes us awhile to get back going. We had some good at-bats in there, and it all took off with that big five-run inning. I'm very proud of what we did offensively with 14 hits and 11 runs. The bullpen was big to come in and give up no hits the rest of the game, and that was very impressive." (@MTAthletics)

            With the win, Middle Tennessee now has won back-to-back games and will try to make it three in a row when the Blue Raiders play at Arkansas State on 6 p.m. Friday, April 26.

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