What started out as discarded bicycles ended up as Christmas presents for Rutherford County children.

About 17 bicycles thrown away at Rutherford County convenience centers were refurbished by the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center garden trustees with help from Greenhouse Ministries volunteers.

Deputy Arthal Minter, who supervises the garden trustees, said they repaired and cleaned the bicycles, then donated the bikes to their own children, Journey Home parents and other children who needed presents for Christmas.

Sheriff Robert F. Arnold said the project helped instill pride in the inmates who were able to contribute to their children’s Christmas while incarcerated.

“We did a green project,” Arnold said. “We helped the kids and the environment. We saved the bicycles from the landfill and provided a better Christmas for the children of inmates.”

Murfreesboro, TN – “Every year, the Child Advocacy Center comes alive with the true spirit of the holiday season,” said Executive Director Sharon De Boer. “After the sponsors delivered the gifts, the Child Advocacy Center looked like Santa’s workshop filled with presents for needy families.”

Families picked up gifts and greeted Santa’s helpers with smiles, hugs, laughter, and tears of joy.

“It is such a great feeling for our staff and volunteers knowing that all these families are going to celebrate a happy Christmas,” said De Boer. “The holidays are a particularly stressful time of year for many of the needy families we serve. We are very grateful to all of the Secret Santa’s who have made children’s Christmas wishes come true this holiday season.”

A retired grandmother could not contain her tears when she picked up the gifts for her four grandchildren she is raising alone on a fixed income.  She told Cannon County Coordinator Susan Lankheet she "never dreamed people could be so generous. I can't wait to see the children's faces when they see all of these presents on Christmas morning.”

One of the fathers picked up the gifts and said to Family Services Coordinator Jennifer Gamble, "I am a single father raising my kids and I am so blessed to be sponsored this year.  I know without the Child Advocacy Center my kids would not have any gifts.  This is helping us so much!"

It warmed the Child Advocacy Center staff’s hearts to know that all of these families had a happy ending to a very difficult year.

When asked why his family chose to sponsor a needy family this holiday season, Jeff Brown from Dempsey, Vantrease, and Follis responded, “Families supported by the Child Advocacy Center have been very deeply hurt.  By sponsoring a family, we hope we can help alleviate some of the hurt and demonstrate that someone cares about them, especially in such difficult circumstances.”

Lori Glaze from State Farm Payment Plan Management Team said that they sponsor needy families every year because, "These families have gone through trying times and if there is a little something we can do to help them out, we believe it's our mission. We believe in being good neighbors of the community and enjoy looking for ways to give back."

De Boer said, “It is the belief of the Child Advocacy Center that children deserve the best, especially in their times of crisis.  We want to thank Jeff and Lori and all of the Secret Santa’s for sharing that belief and making the holidays a joyous season for the families we serve.”

For additional information on ways you can get involved and help child abuse victims contact the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County at 867-9000 or the Cannon County Child Advocacy Center at 563-9915.

“Operation Christmas Care,” a hometown project that sends holiday cards to wounded soldiers, is under way.

Operation Christmas Care has sent more than 46,000 Christmas cards since December 2006, said coordinator Lee Ann Newton. The MTSU employee began the program six years ago.

“Unfortunately, the wars continue, and the need is as great as it ever has been,” Newton said. “For every casualty, there are approximately nine (military personnel) wounded, and 40 percent of these soldiers never return to active duty due to the severity of their wounds.”

Because hospitals remain full of wounded warriors, who are arriving on a daily basis, Newton is asking that supporters “add a card or two to your list this year, as the need for the ongoing support is critical to their recovery.”

“Often our soldiers’ individual support systems dwindle after the life-threatening danger has passed, yet their painful daily regimen toward recovery continues,” she added.

”Emails are nice, and they’re appreciated, but a colorful card or letter with a heartfelt message of support and encouragement can beam from the walls of their hospital rooms as they are ready to go home.”

Operation Christmas Care is funded through “Pennies for Postage” donations, Newton said. Mailings are set for Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 11.

Supporters who need more information or can’t locate a drop box and/or a Pennies for Postage jar may email Newton at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 615-804-5393. She can also supply a drop box or postage jar to place at a workplace, church, school or other location.

Newton, an executive aide in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, also has a list of items “always appreciated and needed” by wounded warriors for those who want to send more than a card.

— Randy Weiler ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

This season of the year is truly a remarkable one. Lights are going up around the city and the cooler air is beginning to flow through as we approach the best time of the year. Many are running about shopping for their loved ones. There is excitement and joy in the air as Christmas approaches. Unfortunately, hard times will not allow some to feel that wonderful feeling this year. It seems hard times has touched every one of us, in some way, the past 3 years. However, God’s blessings will always help us through it. There are still some who have been hit harder than others and we will bond together to bring Christmas to those who couldn’t have it otherwise.

The Salvation Angel Tree program has been one of the largest gift-giving programs in Murfreesboro for many years, giving gifts/toys/other needed items to thousands of kids each year. The signup list of needy children for the Angel Tree reached over 1400 this year. Through the kindness and generosity of you and many others locally, we want to reach that goal. Each year, there are a few kids who just happen to be the unlucky ones whom did not get picked off the Angel Tree. The so-called “Forgotten Angels”.

However, four years ago a couple of college-age guys, with a heart for the Forgotten Angels and a bundle of creativity, came up with a solid idea. Combining wholesome, entertaining, and interactive competition with an intangible reward, The Charity Adventure was born. The Charity Adventure is an activity based competition pitting young adults 16-35 in groups against each other in an interactive scavenger-hunt-like-citywide game. Rather than only finding items, the list of activities ranges from solving puzzles, singing carols with strangers in public, dressing up as ole Saint Nick, pumping gas for a stranger, and plenty more… Each group consisting of 4-10 people will have a very special activity on this list; taking the $10 “entry fee” per person to participate and combining it together to buy gifts for their own Forgotten Angel.

This combination not only provides a very hilarious and memorable outing (winners get donated gift cards from local restaurants!!!) with your friends but also helps a less fortunate child this year. So put your team together and sign up online on Facebook. Also you can call Caleb Tidwell at 615 406 0208 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Feel free to contact any of the local Corps Officers on Main Street for any reason.

We love you and Thank you for your gift to not only us, but our community. God bless you and hope to see you Saturday, December 10 at 5:00 p.m. at the Salvation Army on Main Street for The Charity Adventure!

Come to win, play to give…

The public is invited to the Christmas musical A Night in the Toy Store at Northside Baptist Church in Murfreesboro.  Performances will be Friday through Sunday, December 9 - 11 at 7:00 nightly.  A Night in the Toy Store features more than 75 actors and singers dressed as classic and contemporary toys, who tell the Christmas story through drama and song.  The production is accompanied by a 30 piece orchestra and is perfect for children and adults of all ages.  Admission is free and childcare is provided for infants to 3 year olds.

Attendees are invited to help share Christmas with needy children in the community by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to help support Toys for Tots.

For more information, visit www.NightInTheToyStore.com.  Northside Baptist Church is located at 655 West Thompson Lane in Murfreesboro, next to Siegel High School.

Northside Baptist Church
655 W. Thompson Lane
Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Event: “A Night In the Toy Store” (A Christmas Musical)
Date: December 9 – 11  (Friday – Sunday)
Time: 7:00 PM nightly
Admission: FREE!

Santa Claus and his elves ride through the neighborhoods of Rutherford County aboard the spectacular Barkaroo Santa Express. Santa is check his list twice to make sure he has all the boys and girls on his list.   At specially marked stops, they are collecting wish lists and greeting children. Families are also welcome to surprise Santa by bringing a dog or cat toy, treats, food or supplies  for Santa's sheltered animals at the Rutherford County Animal Shelter (P.A.W.S) and The Beesley Animal Humane Foundation.

Monday Dec.12th- Murfreesboro/Barfield (Route begins 6:00)
Hwy 231, Savannah Ridge Dr., Argyle Ave.,Sayre Lane, Stop (6:10) Savannah Ridge Pool,
S.Church, Runnymeade Dr., Blackbear Trail, Apache Moon Ter., Calumet Trail,
Stop (6:35) Indian Hills Golf Course Club House, Calumet Tr., Church St., Church Street,
Innsbrooke Blvd., Stop (7:00) Innsbrooke Pool area, S. Church, Indian Park Dr., Stop (7:40)
Oxford Hall/Indian Park Dr. corner, Oxford Hall, Nyu Pl., Stetson Ct., Southridge Blvd.,
Stop (8:00) Wargo Ct., Southridge Blvd., Barfield Cresent Road, left on Matheus Dr.,
Stop (8:30) Laramie Ct loop, Brickle Dr., Barfield Cresent Road.

Tuesday-Dec.13th- Murfreesboro (Route begins 6:00)
Broad Street. Clark Blvd., Jones Blvd., STOP (6:05) Mitchell Neilson Primary School, front of school,
Jones Blvd., Medical Center Pkwy., Memorial, Osborne Lane, Hardwick St., STOP (6:35) Blake Ct.,
Osborne Ln., Rocking Horse Ln., Penny Ln., Compton Rd., April Ln., Morris Dr., STOP (7:15) corner
of Lauren Lane/Morris Drive, April Ln., Compton, Memorial Blvd., Northfield, STOP (8:00) Northfield
School side street, Northfield, Saddlebrook Dr., STOP (8:15) Saddlebrook Apt., Memorial Blvd.,
Broad Street.


Wednesday- Dec. 14th- Murfreesboro (Route begins 6:00)
Barfield Road, Barfield Cresent Rd., Barfield Church Road, River Downs Blvd.,
Janice Drive, STOP (6:05) River Downs-Whittle Ct, Barfield Rd, Hwy 99,
STOP (6:30) 2511 Hwy 99-Fellowship UM Church Boyscout Tree Lot, New Salem, Cason Lane,
STOP (7:00) Cason Lane Academy School (side street of school), Cason Lane, Wellington Pl.,
St. Andrews Dr, Old Fort Pkwy, Mall Area, Chaffin Place,
STOP (7:30) 116 Chaffin Place @ Sandwich Factory (by Clarion Hotel), this stop offers the
community a warm wait inside this location.  Santa will be carrying a special treat
for the children at this stop, from this business,  Old Fort, Kings Hwy,January St.
STOP (8:00) Franklin Heights, January St.,Stop (8:30)corner, West Main/January St.,Broad Street.

Thursday-Dec.15th- Murfreesboro (Route begins 6:00)
Charleston South, Lansdan Drive, Prater Ct., Meigs Drive, STOP (6:15) Meigs Dr/Jenkins Dr. loop,
Allgrin Ct., Jenkins, STOP (6:25) Abbie Road, Barfield, Rutherford Blvd, SE Broad St., Elam Rd.,
Lee Ln., STOP (6:45) Corner of Reidhurst Dr./Lee Ln, S.Rutherford, Bradyville Pike,Medford,
Campbell Blvd., Floyd Drive, STOP (7:15) Arrow Ct., Floyd Dr., Rutherford Blvd., STOP (7:40) Beesley
Animal Humane Society, 2215 Keeneland Commercial Dr. (behind Subway), S. Rutherford,
Surprise Neighborhood visits.

Friday- Dec. 16th- Murfreesboro (Route begins 6:00)
Private /Shut-In visits.

Saturday- Dec. 17th- Murfreesboro/Rockvale/Eagleville (Route begins 5:00)
Midde Tennessee Blvd., N.Tennessee Blvd., STOP (5:15) Cedar Park Mobile Estates-Community Center,
Hwy 99, (Rockvale) Clearidge Dr, Dalton Circle, Stop (6:30) Jeremiah Ct, Hwy 99,
Stop (7:00) 6121 Hwy 99-Dollar General Parking Lot, Hwy 99, N. Main Eaglevile, Hwy 99, Main St.,
STOP (7:30) Main Street Eagelville, Hwy 99, Suprise Neighborhood VIsits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens?
Santa Claus and his Elves will begin rounds each night!  Be on the look out for the Santa Express as it slowly drives by your area and checks his address list.  Wave to Santa , flash your porch light, hold-up a sign or yell as he rides by.  Make sure Santa knows where you live!

What happens at Special Stops?
Every stop is open to the community.  Families and Children awaiting at specially marked stops will be able to briefly greet Santa and meet his elves.  Children are welcome to bring their wish lists for Santa.  Parents are welcome to bring a camera.  Please keep cars off driveways and grass. Drive in this area with extra caution.  DO NOT approach the Santa Express until it comes to a complete stop and the door opens.

This is a Community Service Event....NEVER A COST!

Surprise Santa Claus's special dogs and cats!

Santa and Barkaroo (Santa's Dog at the North Pole) have some very special four-legged friends at the Rutherford County Animal Shelter (P.A.W.S) . Santa also relies on The Beesley Animal Humane Foundation (a non-profit animal clinic) to provide low-cost welfare services to all Rutherford County family companions, rescues, pet-adoptions and shelter. You are welcome to surprise Santa by bringing a new dog or cat toy, treats, food, blanket, cleaning supply, old sheets or donation for his special friends at PAWS and The Beesley Foundation.  For a complete wishlists: PAWS wish-list: http://www.rutherfordcounty.org/pets/wish_list.htm or The Beesley Foundation http://beesleyhumane.org/getinvolved.htm he Santa Express can not take cash donations. Santa can accept checks, written to: P.A.W.S or The Beesley Foundation. (THIS IS NOT MANDATORY)

Is the route ever cancelled?
We are under the National Weather Service, should severe rain,ice or snow hamper driving safety we will cancel or postpone on this day. Should the Santa Express vehicle breakdown for any reason this would also force us to cancel.  You may call the Santa Express Hotline (during route week) to check our location (see below) or check this website for updates. 

Are route "Stop Times" accurate?
Sorry, stop times are not accurate, only estimated.  We could be late due to traffic, volume of children at prior stops and other variables, stop times are estimated.  We try our best to be within 20 minutes of the estimated scheduled time.  Those awaiting in cars or on a sidwalk may enjoy singing holiday songs, a family game, making wish lists, snacks or drawing pictures for Santa .  Your also welcome to contact the Santa Express Hotline (during route hours) to find out our current location.

Can the Santa Express make special stops and visits?
Yes, Individual's or Business's can be included on the public route or request a private stop time. Also, private stops can be requested by Hospice or Physicians for shut-in adults or children.  Simply contact us for details.

Why is this called the "Barkaroo" Santa Express?
Barkaroo is a Middle Tennessee dog festival.  Barkaroo enjoys supporting four-legged friends while educating the owners. Prior to November, Barkaroo lives at the North Pole with Santa Claus (loves belly rubs from the Elves)! For details see: http://www.barkaroo.com/.  The Santa Express is powered by Barkaroo's support.

Why is Santa in town?
Santa Claus is checking his list twice, checking to make sure he has everyone's address and collecting wish lists.  Santa Claus, Barkaroo and Santa's Elves  will also be checking on their special four-legged friends at the Rutherford Co. Animal Shelter.
and The Beesley Animal Humane Foundation.

Why is Santa Claus not in his sled?
Oh no! Santa Claus can not take out his sled, the elves are busy getting it ready.  The Santa Express is Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and his lead Elves " VIP North Pole Vehicle" !  Santa has all the bells and whistles inside and out!

Murfreesboro, TN - The holidays are an exciting time of year and Stones River Mall is brightening the season even more with a calendar full of events. There’s Santa who’s inviting everyone to come and visit – and to join him for breakfast. There are giveaways, previews and surprises, including a North Pole Prize Patrol that will be roaming through the shopping center on busy days and brightening visitors’ experience with a variety of prizes.

Shoppers should check the events below and visit www.stonesrivermall.com/holiday for details.

Now through November 18: Black Friday Red Carpet Treatment

One lucky shopper is going to win the Red Carpet Black Friday sweepstakes and be treated to an amazing VIP shopping experience on Black Friday, November 25. The lucky winner will get a free, up-front parking spot for the day, lunch for two at T.G.I Friday’s, a hair and brow pampering package from Paul Mitchell the School, a gift card to Gamestop, plus gift cards to shop at other select retailers to create a personalized experience based on the winner’s shopping preferences. To enter, shoppers should visit Facebook, “like” Stones River Mall and then click on the Enter to Win tab. Individuals can enter now through Friday, November 18 and the winner will be selected at random on Saturday, November 19.

Saturday, November 19: Santa’s Arrival and Breakfast

The celebrity of the season is headed back to Stones River Mall and he’s inviting everyone to come and join him for breakfast on Saturday, November 19 at 8 a.m. in the Food Court. After Santa makes his grand entrance by fire truck, he and his little visitors will have plenty to do, including baking and decorating cookies, courtesy of The Cookie Store. Each little guest will receive a holiday apron as a gift. In addition to breakfast, there will be North Pole activities and time to visit with Santa, too. Tickets are $10 for each child and $5 for each adult. All of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity. Tickets are available at Stones River Mall Management Office, located near Kay Jewelers. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are limited and required for admission to the event.

Saturday, November 19 through Saturday, December 24, Santa’s in the house

Throughout the holidays, Santa will be receiving guests in his Holiday Studio in the Sears wing. In a bright holiday whirl of red-and-white decorations, he'll be happy to visit with his little fans one-on-one. Professional photographers will be ready to capture the moment as little ones sit on his lap and whisper holiday wishes. Photo packages start at $24.99.

Murfreesboro, TN – Usher in the holiday season with an enchanting tour of historic homes and landmarks. The annual Oaklands Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes is slated for December 3, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The tour, sponsored by Oaklands Association will feature beautiful and historic private homes, a distinctive church, and the graceful Oaklands Historic House Museum.

In the late 1860s, the Maneys subdivided and sold most of the front drive into lots to create a residential neighborhood, originally called "Maney's Addition," thought to be Murfreesboro's first "subdivision." It later became North Maney Avenue, which intersects present-day Main Street. Advertisements for lots in Maney's Addition appeared in local newspapers assuring prospective owners of free access to the Maneys' spring. In the late 1880s, after she left Oaklands, Rachel Adeline Maney moved into a home in Maney's Addition known as "Big Holly."

Set in the historic district of Murfreesboro, stops along the holiday tour include the following historic buildings:

• Oaklands Historic House Museum, 900 North Maney Avenue,
• Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Bell, “Big Holly” 718 N. Maney Avenue,
• Carriage Lane Inn, 411 North Maney Avenue,
• Mosaic Art Gallery, 312 North Maney Avenue,
• Marie & Glen Eubanks, 321 North Maney Avenue,
• Mr. and Mrs. Bill Jakes, 225 North Maney Avenue,
• The Morris House, 347 East Main Street,
• Central Christian Church, 404 East Main Street

These festively adorned historical homes and church, dressed in holly and evergreens, will transport you to a simpler time. From the veranda of Oaklands mansion you will see the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, Murfreesboro Camp #33 as they present living history demonstrations on the lawn of the mansion.

"This years’ tour guides visitors along the old carriage path of the plantation and offers an opportunity to visit homes spanning several decades and various architectural styles,” said James Manning, Executive Director of Oaklands Historic House Museum. “Visiting the festively appointed homes on our Candlelight Tour is a popular way to begin the celebration of the holidays.”

The cornerstone of the tour is the grand Oaklands Historic House Museum. Interpreters in period attire will guide you through the history of this gracious mansion. At its peak, Oaklands was the center of a 1,500 acre plantation and one of the most elegant homes in Middle Tennessee. Since that time, Oaklands has seen dramatic changes. Following the Civil War, it deteriorated from a majestic mansion to virtual ruins and, in the 1950's, its very existence was threatened. The mansion was brought back from the brink of destruction and saved from the wrecking ball when a group of concerned ladies created Oaklands Association in 1959. Since that time, the Association has worked tirelessly to restore Oaklands to its original splendor and preserve its unique history.

Today, local residents and visitors alike enjoy the mansion that has been lovingly restored and brought back to its former glory. The proceeds of the Candlelight Tour of Homes go toward the care and upkeep of this historic treasure. Admission is $10.00 per person 21 years and older, students $8.00, ages 6-12 years $5.00 and ages 5 and under are free. Tickets may be purchased at any home on the tour or at Oaklands Historic House Museum. Oaklands Association is a non-profit educational organization. For more information on becoming a member or a volunteer, please call (615) 893-0022 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

AYD Ministries’ Fundraiser will benefit Thai women & children rescued from Human Trafficking & Sexual Exploitation in Bangkok

The Light in the Night 5K and Kids’ Christmas Loop is a great opportunity to burn off those holiday calories while benefitting AYD Ministries’ mission to lead a movement of freedom for the defenseless.

Early registration for the 5K will cost $25 per runner and $10 per participant in the Kids’ Loop. The prices increase on Race Day to $30 and $15 respectively, but only pre-registered runners are guaranteed to receive t-shirts. Participants can register on-line at www.Active.com or mail their entries to AYD Ministries, PO Box 754, Smyrna, TN 37167. The Gateway Trail is located on 1875 West College Street in Murfreesboro.

Packets can be picked up on December 1^st & 2^nd at Fleet Feet Murfreesboro on 544 North Thompson Lane from 4-6 pm.

Race sponsor Old Chicago Pizza will host the post-race festivities providing complimentary food with one runner winning a year’s supply of pizza just for participating.

Special thanks to our additional sponsors Fast Signs, Hob Nob Murfreesboro, B.Real Magazine, Lanes, Trains, and Automobiles, McCrary Research, Smoothie King, Great Harvest Bread, Owens Telecom Inc., Cassie Tedder Art & Photography, The Boro Pulse, Vanessa Bean Designs, Elite Energy Gymnastics, and Riverview Family Chiropractic.

The proceeds will help educate and provide basic necessities for a group of rescued women and children in Bangkok and to enable more victims of human trafficking to be saved.

MURFREESBORO TN – Dr. Ron Messier, professor emeritus of history at MTSU, will talk about his new book Jesus: One Man, Two Faiths on the next edition of “MTSU on the Record” with host Gina Logue at 8 a.m. this Sunday, Dec. 19, on WMOT-FM (89.5 and wmot.org).Messier, a professor of Middle East history and historical archaeology at MTSU from 1972 to 2004, spent eight years writing this book, which is subtitled “A Dialogue between Christians and Muslims.” Jesus: One Man, Two Faiths compares and contrasts Biblical and Quranical perspectives on Jesus’ birth, crucifixion, resurrection and impact on humanity.