East Tennessee's Mountain Views January 2023 Edition

Why Hire an Interior Designer?

By Sandy Kozar – owner –decorating den interiorS Kozar deSign team

That is a great question, and I am glad you asked! To put it simply, hiring a professional interior designer allows clients peace of mind by bringing their aesthetics and needs together in a way that is convenient, curated, and fun

There are many misconceptions about what an interior designer does. Many assume that the role of a designer is just to make a room pretty, and while that is a part of it, working with an interior designer has many more benefits than that.

“They made the process of furnishing several rooms painless. Everything came together and was installed right on time, and I absolutely love coming home. So thankful for their hard work!” – Laura, Knoxville Experienced and Trained – With a combined 25 years of experience and degrees in interior design, as well as being Decorating Den Certified Designers, we have the experience and training to make rooms functional and aesthetically pleasing. Oftentimes we do this by creating a different layout, changing the traffic flow, and/or using the proper amount and scale of furniture and accessories. We also coordinate fabrics, furniture, flooring, window treatments, artwork, lighting, wallpaper, and wall color together using the elements and principals of design. We aim to create visual interest, along with adding comfort and style. Is there enough variety and texture? Does the space need more lighting?

Will additional seating be needed? Do the window treatments need to provide sun protection or privacy? Would the room need to be easily cleanable for children and pets? These are all some of the many questions we ask when pulling together a design.

Uniquely Curated - We also make sure that each design matches the lifestyle preferences and functional needs of each client. We do this by in-depth interviews during our complimentary consultation with homeowners. This allows us to create and implement a personalized design plan that’s unique for each client. We listen to the emotions they wish their home had, the quality the room should have, and needs of each client. We then sculpt their ideas into their customized design. From the thousands of design

options available to us, we narrow the scope of options to a perfectly curated two or three design options for their home, making sure that it fits all of their requirements and desires. Since all of the options we present will be perfect for the finished room, clients can easily choose their favorites. We save you the stress and wasted time going through solutions that would not work or endless shopping at retail locations trying to bring it all together.

“I have been working with Sandy and Rachael since September of 2019 and they have done a wonderful job. They truly put the customer needs first, and I can trust that every detail is a well thought out process, things that the non-decorator in me would have never thought of. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a decorator.”

–Judy, Lenoir City

(L to R) Rachael Sheridan and Sandy Kozar

Decorating Den Interiors is a franchise with businesses throughout the United State and Canada. The benefits of working with a franchise are the tried-and-true systems for every project, as well as over 150 trade suppliers that are vetted and quality approved for us to use. Our clients benefit from the combined purchasing power of all of the Decorating Den franchises. We are also continuously informed and educated of all of the latest trends and innovations in the industry. Sandy and Rachael are Decorating Den Certified Designers who have passed the 3 day exam to confirm that they are experts in their field.

PRO DESIGN TIPS

FROM THE KOZAR DESIGN TEAM

Our favorite spot to put family photos is in a hallway leading to the bedrooms. Hallways are usually long and have room for expansion as the family grows and has more adventures through the years. Start in the middle with a focal image, a wedding, your last name, or a large family photo with everyone in it, and expand outward as the picture gallery grows.

Another favorite tip is to use books! Many of today’s homes do not have many books left, but there is something really comforting and inviting about a small stack of poignant or themed books on a nightstand or coffee table in the living room.

When it comes to accessorizing, we like to go with a few big focal items, rather than a lot of little ones. This gives a greater visual impact and lets your eye rest to really absorb the beauty of those few pieces, without adding visual clutter. Another bonus is that there is less to clean, too!

Not sure what your style is? That’s okay! Many of our clients can’t really say what their design style is, but they can often say what isn’t! During the first phone call, as well as during the complimentary consultation, we ask lots of questions and go through an in-depth lifestyle form to narrow down and target your needs and wants, as well as what your style is. We listen closely to what you are saying and take many notes that we continue to review throughout the design process. If there are pieces in the room that will be staying, we will take the style of those pieces into consideration for the design as well.

Set Your Investment – Oftentimes when homeowners are furnishing their home by themselves, it is done piece by piece over long periods of time. After it is all said and done, they might be surprised how much they have spent on their room. When we work with clients, we design within an investment range. Once the investment is set, this also lets us determine which of our vendors (from good, better, best, and luxury lines) to design the project with. We can work room by room, entire homes, or bits at a time, but the project will be within an agreed upon investment range. Not sure what things cost at the

moment? That’s okay, during our complimentary consultations we walk through what items typically cost, and work with our clients to find an investment range that they and we feel comfortable with. When clients give us an investment amount, we are respectful of that.

Keep What You Love - We happily incorporate family heirlooms, collections, and cherished mementos in our designs - we have even built designs around such pieces. Pieces like this give a home character and help make it uniquely your home. We’d never tell you to get rid of something that you love.

When we have clients bringing pieces from one home to a new one, there’s many times the puzzle pieces just don’t fit the way they did in their home before. We often find that rugs are one of the hardest things to place. The large open floor plans of today need much larger rugs than the sectioned off spaces of older homes, and vice versa. When working together with our clients, we look at all of the pieces to see how they best fit together in the new space, often in ways the client would never have expected.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes - One of the best benefits to hiring a designer is that we save homeowners costly mistakes, as well as the hassle of returning or repairing those mistakes. By using

our photo realistic 3D renderings,

fabric,

we are able to

client exactly how their new room will look. We analyze all of the pros and cons of each option. Our clients can feel confident their new room will be exactly as we envisioned it for them!

Professional Results - Another benefit of hiring professionals - you get professional results. We help clients from the beginning of their project to the end and beyond. Some of the things that we do for clients they never are aware of. Our professional design services are all inclusive of: all plans, drawings, conceptual sketches, and renderings, all presentations, project sourcing of all materials, all finish and fixture selections throughout, all selections to ensure both function and aesthetic fit for all furniture, rugs, lighting, window treatments, art accessories and more selections.

Throughout the project management aspect, we are responsible for: purchasing of all goods approved, tracking and shipping management, professional receiving, inspection of all goods, coordinate schedule with installers, delivery and professional installation of all goods. We also update clients throughout the process to ensure all progress stays on track to meet expected deadline.

We are there for every install, guiding our professional installers to ensure that everything is placed in the perfect spot. We strive for excellence in all that we do, and by doing all of this, we give our clients the reassurance that everything will be handled with dedication and our high-quality standards.

“Sandy Kozar and Rachael helped us to redecorate our “new” home. They listened to our vision and then helped us create a beautiful home that we will enjoy for years to come. They helped us with furniture, lamps, rugs, draperies, and accessoriesa lot! A very positive experience from start to finish. We highly recommend them!!” – Melissa, Vonore

Ready to see the difference that hiring a professional can bring? Let’s chat about your next project! We can’t wait to hear from you! So, give us a call at 865392-6222 or visit our website at www. SandyKozar.DecoratingDen.com to get started today! Remember, the sooner you get started, the sooner you will be enjoying your beautiful new room!

Decorating Den Interiors

Kozar Design Team 865.392.6222 www.SandyKozar.DecoratingDen.com skozar@decoratingden.com

scaled sketches, physical

wood, and rug swatches

show each

It’s another new year. But you knew that.

Flipping the page of our calendar from 2022 to 2023 tends to prompt thoughts of change, but you knew that, too. For some reason, January 1 gives us psychological permission to draw a line and forget the mistakes of the past and encourages us to resolutely resolve, “This year, I’m going to see this goal through to the end.”

But where to start? Our advertisers are ready to help you fulfill your goals for 2023. Is it time to bring the décor of your home into the 2020’s? Check out our cover feature on Decorating Den for inspiration and decorating services, Express Blinds (3B) for new window treatments, or Premier Consignment (11A) for a few unique, gently used options. Plaza Electronics and Appliances (10B) is the place to go to replace your old equipment, and locate some great furniture finds as well. Maybe you’d like to finally get the clutter and disorganization in your home under control: look to PremierGarage (5B), The Tailored Closet (7B), and ShelfGenie (12A) to provide creative solutions to your dilemma. Or is it time to replace or refresh your deck? You can’t go wrong with CertaPro Painters (2B).

Maybe your goals fall more into the financial category: contact Marsh Wealth Management (below) for financial planning, WarrenJackson (9B) for accounting services, or Scott Chamberlain

(1B) to discover if any of the new Reverse Mortgage options would work for you. Or, how about finally getting your hearing checked out? Look no further than Tellico Hearing Solutions (5B).

Whatever your focus will be for 2023, it is important to make a commitment and then follow through on it. Goals left to whither tend to drain us mentally. But taking steps toward your goals, any step, tends to motivate and energize.

If your list of resolutions, like mine, is as long as your arm, and you don’t know where to start, try starting with the one that bugs you the most; think about how great it will feel to lift that weight off your mind. The mental energy boost that you’ll gain is a huge byproduct of finally getting it done! That extra energy spurs motivation to attack the other items on your list – even if it’s not New Year’s. Just take on one item at a time – no matter how small.

East Tennessee’s Mountain Views is looking forward to a great 2023. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you, our loyal advertisers and readers, for helping to make Mountain Views successful for the last 21 years!

So, Happy New Year to all, and we wish you a very healthy and prosperous 2023.

YOUR AMAZING 401(K)

By yvonne marSh, cFP®, cPa

We all want a comfortable, secure retirement, right? And let’s be honest, you need money to make that happen. Many lucky people have access to a company 401(k), which is the ultimate gift for creating wealth. Notice I said “creating” wealth, not just saving toward wealth. There’s a multitude of goodness waiting inside your 401(k).

For example, not only do your contributions lower your taxable income, but most plans offer an employer match, which is a golden ticket to building a 401k balance quickly. A common match is 50% of the first 6 percent. So, if you put in 6 percent, they’ll match 3%, for a total of 9% of your paycheck going into savings. It’s free money! Please don’t pass this up – at a minimum, you should always be contributing an amount to capture your employer’s full match.

The real power of a 401(k) that is so exciting is in the tax-deferred compounding growth effect. You know how you always hear that you need a million dollar to retire, and you think how impossible that sounds? You’re right it’s hard to save that much, but it’s not as hard to create that much, using money to make more money, or “compounded growth”. Albert Einstein called compounding interest “the 8th wonder of the world.” A quick example: If you save $200/month at age 25 until you retire at age 65, and earn an average of 7%, you’ll have $525,000. Here’s the kicker: You only contributed $96,000 of your own money ($200/month for 480 months), and the rest, $429,000 is compounded growth, or money using itself to make more money. Throw in a 50% employer match, where your 401(k) is adding $300/month, and you’ll have $787,500 in 40 years at 7%. Again, you’ve only saved $96,000 and the rest is coming from your employer and market growth. There’s magic in that math you can’t deny.

If you’re fired up to put compounding growth to work for you but find logging in and studying your 401(k) investment options confusing, overwhelming, or both,

let us help. We have two service offerings that allow us to provide you investment advice while leaving the dollars right where they are – in your 401(k); no IRA rollover needed. While, of course, we can’t guarantee investment performance, an AON Hewitt study entitled Help in Defined Contribution Plans showed that 401(k) accounts with professional oversight earned an average of 3.32% more than accounts that were self-managed, even after the cost of the management fee. As a fiduciary, we are held to act in your best interest, and work hard to match your investment strategy to your risk tolerance and remaining years to retirement.

Learn more about our 401(k) service at www.marshwealth.com/401k-investment-advice and then contact me via email or phone with your questions. Don’t deny yourself the magic in the compounding math.

Marsh Wealth Management, LLC

Ours was a little different home building journey. We enjoyed living in a small mountain village in Germany for the past thirty years. When we started to plan our retirement in the US, we wanted to try building a home of our own.

Though we had visited Tellico Village several times over the past five years, we ended up having to purchase our Mialaquo lot from Germany, at the beginning of the pandemic, with the help of our realtor’s phone video. After reviewing several local builder’s websites and interviewing Kit Keener over the phone, we felt very comfortable starting the building process from across the Atlantic Ocean. Kit was very friendly, knowledgeable, and patient with all of our questions. Having never built a home before, we relied on him for advice. We really liked every suggestion he offered.

Once we were back in the US, we were also very impressed with Kit’s foreman, Derek, who was always willing to meet us at the house site and provided answers to our numerous questions. The subcontractors and suppliers were courteous, and their craftsmanship exceeded our expectations. It was obvious they took pride in their work. Krisha, at the home office, kept us up to date on our budget and patiently explained how everything worked. We appreciated Kit and his team with their warm humor cheering us on.

Building during a pandemic was tricky. There were significant supply cost increases and shipping delays. Kit and all of his team worked hard to minimize these setbacks and get us in our home before all of our household goods arrived from overseas. We are so very grateful for our beautiful forever home in Tellico Village brought to life by Keener Homes, Inc.

East Tennessee’s Mountains Views Team

Following are just a few of the Special Features in this beautiful custom-built home:

• 2,109 sq. ft. of living area with a modern Craftsman style front elevation and a courtyard garage entrance.

• This beautiful home also includes a partially finished and conditioned lower level for storage and workshop area.

• Massive coffered ceiling throughout the main living area, a double tray ceiling in the master bedroom, tray ceiling in the dining room/office and beamed ceiling in bedrooms #2 and #3 add a sophisticated feeling of elegant volume.

• The spacious and functional kitchen design includes stone counters, upgraded, top-of-the-line “Kemper Echo” cabinets and premium Frigidaire Gallery appliances, including refrigerator.

• The master bath features an exotic, oversized custom-built curbless walk-in door-less shower with built-ins for soaps, shampoos and accessories, and a transom window supplies plenty of natural light.

• Huge “his” and “her” walk-in closets with deluxe shelving and drawer stacks.

• Custom gas fireplace with stone surround.

• Beautiful hardwood floors throughout the entire living area and master suite.

• Large laundry room is fully cabinetted. • Dual fuel high-efficiency heat pump with propane back-up.

• The garage will have large windows and a “man door” and it will be completely finished, trimmed and painted and will include a utility sink and attic space.

• Enormous 10’x25’ screened

craftsman

• Award winning designer floor plan that optimizes

space (no

space

• Every room is a practical and a functional size. • The great room features a gas fireplace (select a “traditional” or stone surround.) • All rooms will have unique ceilings. The great room features a massive tray ceiling, the office has a tray, the master bedroom has a double tray, and the dining room has a very dramatic reverse tray. Both bedrooms #2 and #3 have unique beamed ceilings. • As you enter through the front door, the spacious foyer features a very practical coat closet.

• The elegant and functional kitchen design includes stone counters, upgraded top-of-the-line “Kemper Echo” cabinets, Frigidaire Gallery (or equivalent) appliances (refrigerator not included). *NOW! If you hurry – this is where you can make many custom upgrades.*

• The master bath features an exotic, oversized custom-built curb-less walk-in shower with seat and built-ins for soaps, shampoos and accessories and a large drying area with seat. A very large transom window supplies plenty of natural light.

• Bedrooms #2 and #3 share a “Jack and Jill” bath with an oversized garden tub/shower unit and large transom window.

• This home also features a conveniently located half bath.

• This home will have the largest laundry/drop zone we have ever built. *If you hurry, you can have a hand in designing and customizing this great space.* This area could include a large number of cabinets, a bench, a closet or even an area for a second refrigerator or a freezer.

• Hardwood floors are included in the main living areas and in the master bedroom. Tile will be in the baths and laundry.

• The large covered and screened deck and open grilling porch are built with no-maintenance lifetime decking, and a gas valve is included to provide an abundance of practical outdoor living space.

• The spacious office features a built-in bookcase.

• The garage will have a large window and a “man door” and it will be completely finished, trimmed and painted and will include a utility sink. This oversized garage will have 8 ft. high doors and they will have unique frosted glass panels.

• This model includes a dual fuel, high-efficiency heat pump with propane back-up. • 13-month builder warranty.

believeRX & believeRXtra –

Equipping You to “Live Your Best Life”

Local pharmacist and entrepreneur, Ellen Phillips, operates a unique, client-centered concept in pharmaceutical care: believeRX, located at 9627 Countryside Center Lane near the intersection of Middlebrook Pike and Bob Kirby Road in Knoxville. Ellen and her compassionate, caring team of highly trained pharmaceutical associates have a mission to provide traditional pharmacy services combined with a holistic approach to health and well-being. Now, with the addition of their newest pharmacist, Arlyn Cuccia, the care available at believeRX just got even better.

believeRX is a full-service traditional pharmacy where you can get all of your medications and supplements, as well as receive a personal approach to your health. Ellen and her staff believe there is more than one way to prevent or treat disease, and we offer alternative therapies such as Halotherapy (dry salt therapy for breathing conditions, skin and mental well-being), infrared heat sauna sessions, peptides, and a large selection of high-quality supplements such as Terry Naturally products, and many more.

believeRX is very different from the “national chain” pharmacy you are used to. Believing it’s time to focus on patients, not just their prescribed medications, staff members even receive additional training to become Certified Health Coaches.

Ellen and her team strive to provide a custom-tailored experience for each customer/patient by treating them as a whole individual and not just their specific ailments or prescription medications. Their name says it all, “We Believe in You” and your goal for better health, well-being, and longevity.

In addition to believeRX, Ellen and her team of health-conscious professionals have created believeRXtra in the same location, offering fresh, healthy great tasting fresh juices, smoothies, and bowls, made with real ingredients and without any added sugar. They are sweetened with only natural sweeteners such as local honey or agave - and they taste fantastic!

Medical grade protein, Blender Bombs, YourSuper, CBD Oil, MCT oil, collagen, and many other options to help promote weight loss round out the offerings to help equip you to maintain good health, and

Meet Your New Pharmacist

Arlyn Cuccia joined believeRX as a pharmacist in April 2022 after working at Walgreens for the past 14 years. She brings over 22 years’ experience to this new role. Originally from the Memphis, TN area, she completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Mississippi.

Arlyn has always been passionate about her patients and improving their health. Along with managing their prescription medications, she has taken an interest in a more holistic approach, which is what brought her to believeRX. Arlyn recently obtained her Integrative Pharmacy Specialist Level 1 certificate and is currently working on completing Level 2. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their dog Biscuit.

break sugar addiction!

Remember the old-fashioned pharmacies of the 60’s? Like believeRX, they also featured personal, caring service and after-hours home delivery, when needed. Some even had ice cream and soda fountains. Also, like believeRX, they were very different from many assembly-line medical pharmacies of today. Those pharmacists knew their customers and treated them as individuals and friends. Going into a large, chain pharmacy, many feel treated like only a number. It is refreshing and encouraging that believeRX still

believes in personal, caring, and holistic customer service.

To experience a friendly, caring pharmacy that you might have thought no longer existed in today’s big box, assembly-line pharmacy world, you are invited to visit believeRX or believeRXtra today!

believeRX/believeRXtra 9627 Countryside Center Lane Knoxville, TN 37931 865.214.6672 www.believeRXtra.com Monday - Friday 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday 9 am to 2 pm

Our agents have the expertise and unmatched experience in just about every situation you can imagine. From finding your dream home on the lake, or your forever home on the golf course, or the magical home with spectacular views of the mountains and an extra bedroom for the grandkids

For over 30 years we have been here in Tellico Village serving all of Loudon, Monroe, and Knox Counties. We are good at what we do. This is why we come to work every day - to make your life a little easier and help you Through the Transitions.

What will you toast to this year? We hope you’ve found a few things worth raising your glass to. Here’s to a happy, healthy, safe and successful 2023.

Wherever life takes you, we’ll help you get there.

Family, friends, and a cozy home in which to enjoy them all. All of us at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Lakeside Realty wish you all of the above for the holiday season.

Join Us for Worship and Study the Gospel of Mark

New Year’s greetings from First Baptist Church of Tellico Village. As we say good-bye to the wonderful Christmas season and celebration of Jesus’ birth, First Baptist Church of Tellico Village is looking toward great things in 2023. Interim Pastor Charlie Campbell is planning a series of sermons from the Gospel of Mark starting with Jesus’s baptism by John the Baptist and walking with Jesus through his ministry. The series of sermons will take us through the last week of our Savior’s life culminating at Easter with His crucifixion and resurrection. Mark, the first Gospel written, is in easy-to-read story format. John Mark, the author, is considered a very accurate historian by biblical scholars. He knew Apostle Peter very well and recorded the life of Jesus for us to enjoy today. Sunday Worship services are 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM with Bible study options available at the same times. Visit us at FBCTV.org.

First Baptist Church Of Tellico Village 205 Chota Road, Loudon, TN 37774 (865) 408-0110 | www.fbctv.org

Worship With Us

First Baptist Church of Tellico Village

Love God, Love Others, and Reach our World for Christ!

Sunday Bible Study & Worship: 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Live Stream link at top of Home page

205 Chota Rd. • Loudon, TN 37774 • 865.408.0110 • www.fbctv.org Charlie Campbell, Interim Pastor

The advertisement made us think of “Abeba”

walks two miles to fill a “jerry can” with water for the day’s washing and cooking.

Changing her water would change her life.

We thought of “Moges.” He’s not in school because water for the family is essential for the day.

Changing his water would change his life. I thought of “Tsehai” who must be wary of being molested on her long trek to the water pool.

Changing her water would change her life.

Water means life, but it is also can bring death. Cooking in such water risks diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever. Washing one’s face in such water risks trachoma, shigellosis, or scabies. But for these three people, and thousands and thousands of others they represent, there is no alternative but to accept the risks of contaminated water.

At Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church that challenge of changing water and changing life is transformed into a prayer. We are in the middle of our biennial effort to fund the construction of more wells in rural villages through the organization Water To Thrive (www.watertothrive.org). We have currently funded 15 wells in 15 villages which serve at least 700 people per village.

Every well that is funded means “Abeba” no longer makes the trek with jerry-cans but remains close to home in raising her family and managing the scarce resources of her life. Every well means that “Moges” spends his time in school rather at the distant water pool. Every well means that Tsehai no longer fears molestation and now attends to her growing craft business. Every well means no more water-borne diseases for an entire community. For Shepherd of the Lake a well looks like the answer to our petition, “Thy kingdom come.”

Each well requires a $5000 investment for the equipment and its installation—all managed and maintained by the local village. Each well has a life-span of 20 years! We couldn’t say “no” to such a return-on-investment. Who could?

We will never meet any of the people in the photos, above. We will never receive any personal “thank you” from any of these people. It makes no difference to us. It’s not our kingdom that comes to these villages. We rest in the promise of God written into Paul’s first letter to his Corinthian congregation and extended to our Tellico Village congregation: “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

Maybe I read the tag line on that truck wrong. Maybe what it said was “We’ll change your water. It will change our life.” It kind of reminds us of baptism…

While driving on Kingston Pike last week, a water company truck passed our car with the tag line “We’ll change your water. It will change your life.” It was just a glance, but we think we got that right.

who

Really, what can we do? We don’t know these people who live so far away with a culture we don’t understand, who worship in a style so different from ours. But, the tag line on that truck whispers into our imaginations: “We’ll change your water. It will change your life.”

American Legion Post 256 Makes Donation to Veterans Facility

Affordable Home Updates for 2023

ith the arrival of the New Year, it’s time to act on one of your top resolutions for 2023: Updating your home’s interior. No doubt you’ve begun considering new color schemes, hardwood flooring, carpeting, tile, and wallpaper, but what about your home’s furnishings, accent rugs, art, and home décor? Where to even begin?

Delivering a donation check: Steve Buelow, Commander and Stan Stosiak, Finance Officer, accepting the check Terry Pate, Activities Director for the Ben Atchley Veterans Home. Tennessee State Veterans’ Homes (TSVH) is an organization with four facilities dedicated to serving Tennessee’s veterans and their families. All facilities provide top quality long-term care, skilled nursing care, and rehabilitative therapy services including individualized care plans, and a full calendar of daily activities; all while encouraging veteran camaraderie in a home-like setting. Tellico Lake American Legion Post 256 of Vonore has supported the Ben Atchley Veterans Home of Knoxville in many ways and again recently making a contribution and rendering their support.

For additional information about the American Legion visit the Post 256 website: www.tellicolakepost256.org.

Updating your home can be pricey, and if you’re closely watching your budget during retirement, like most of us, you’re likely in search of cost-effective solutions to your New Year’s updating resolution. Here’s how Premiere Consignment can help you. Premiere Consignment takes delivery of gently used, name brand furniture, art, home décor, and Oriental rugs every day from homeowners who have relocated here from other areas of the country, in addition to items from homeowners who have downsized and who are changing things up as well.

Premiere Consignment features art from well-known regional and national artists, furniture from Bassett, Drexel, Stickley, Hooker, Bernhardt, La-Z-Boy, Lane, Henredon, and more, and quality Oriental rugs from Turkey, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and beyond. Another perk you’ll discover at Premiere Consignment is savings of up to 90% off original full retail pricing, providing you with the financial incentive to tackle any New Year’s home updating resolution.

Interested? Get started by making a list of furniture, décor, art, and area rugs you are considering in your home’s update. Second, visit Premiere Consignment with your list. We can show you the inventory we have on hand and contact you in the future when we take delivery of the other items on your list. The other way is to visit us often, as new inventory items arrive almost every day.

If you’re ready to act on your New Year’s home updating resolution or have items to sell, why not visit us today at Premiere Consignment in nearby Tellico Village and begin enjoying that new upscale, showcase quality look you’ve been dreaming of for 2023?

Custom Solutions

ShelfGenie custom Glide-Out shelves are the best way to eliminate common frustrations in the kitchen, pantry, and bath. Our design will help fully utilize your space and our shelves pull out the full depth of your cabinets so you can see, reach and retrieve items with ease.

Custom design, sturdy wood construction, quiet rails that hold up to 100 pounds per shelf, and professional installation- all backed by a transferable, lifetime guarantee- will ensure your satisfaction.

Your Experience

Getting personalized attention from the ShelfGenie team is easy. Here’s what you can expect from our custom design process.

Free Design Consultation: Work with a ShelfGenie Designer to create a custom

solution to solve your home pain points, eyesores, and trouble areas.

Custom Solution: Your personal Designer will present a design plan built just for you and your needs and show you a 3D-rendered plan of what your future home will look like.

Professional Installation: We handle it all. After measurements are taken and your products are hand-crafted, your Installer comes to your home and installs everything for you in one day.

Schedule Your Free Design Consultation Today!

One of our talented ShelfGenie Designers will come to your home and create a design plan, customized just for you – no obligation required.

ShelfGenie® 865-270-5465 www.ShelfGenie.com

pring is just around the corner. It’s time to plan for and prepare your garden. Lizzy Mc Daniel, a local prepper and grower, will cover preparing and fertilizing your soil to provide the optimum nutrients needed for your plants to flourish. Lizzy will offer ideas for plant selections and seed sourcing. Tips and tricks will be included to maximize your productivity for your personal growing space. Great Door Prizes.

Mark Your calendar for our February 20 program: “Simple Steps for Better Balance” presented by Paul Kelly, Master Myoskeletal Alignment Technique Practitioner and Certified Personal Trainer.

CHEO programs are free for members, with a $10.00 suggested minimum donation for all guests. CHEO is a non-profit organization supporting holistic and integrative wellness. CHEO provides the community with many opportunities to discover pathways to well-being.

*Farragut Location: Please check the CHEO website www.cheoknox.org for details on the exact address and location of this CHEO program or call Diane Minch at 423 884 6031.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A BOARD MEMBER - contact Diane Minch at 423-884-6031 or send an email to us on the CHEO website www.CheoKnox.org. CHEO

Tonya Bledsoe Broker 865-643-0644

Marcie Bledsoe 865-253-1788

Kelli Monger 865-382-9800

Kathy Cardwell 865-680-0380

Kenda Yates 865-388-2385

Misty Tidwell 865-680-9819

Ron Lascola 865-705-6691

Scott Schiller 865-242 2323

Tim Kukla 865-403-0400

Terrie Dal Pozzo 865-936-8687

Jennifer Vineyard 865-898-0915

Stephanie Morrow 678-571-4337

Paula Miller 865-805-3331

Ron Kukla 630-781-7355

Brittani Clements 865-386-8309

Amy Martin 865-740-7360

Larry Smith 865-789-1942

Lindsay Barlow 865-405-8406

David Martin 865-389-9025

Bailey Hammontree 423-519-7097

Tracey Dailey 865-803-2935

Ceria Hall 423-300-4859

Dawn Moats 865-254-3675

Ryan Hall 865-209-7791

Deborah Underwood Ward 865-742-0544

Valerie Kaeding 865-722-8803

Angie McNabb 865-679-0637

CJ Casto 865-705-0534

Jodi Moody 865-936-4745

Blake Gonyea 865-963-8351

We decided not to exchange gifts this year, but rather to help our favorite charities: 2nd Harvest Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, Fireside Festival to benefit autistic children, Miracle Lake (men’s Christian training facility), Beauty for Ashes, and the Keiley Waldrop scholarship that was founded by Smoky Mountain Realty this year. This is a $1000 scholarship and will benefit a senior at Lenoir City High School, Loudon High School and Greenback. This was given only to LCHS this past year, and it was our goal to include all 3 schools for 2023. This is a non-profit and set up as a 501 (c)(3). We will continue to add scholarships as funds become available. Please keep us in mind if you would like to see this scholarship grow.

Our Christmas party was at The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show, and we have included a few pics. Jeremy Curtis was our murder victim.

My tenure here at The Village Salon began way back in September of 19 and 95. At thirty-one years of age, youth was a gift that was never given any consideration and was also taken for granted.

Tellico Village only had 18 holes of golf, and our population was but a fraction of its current number. The Village Salon had a full staff of five providers and was operating out of eight hundred square feet of space. Also, I was one of the youngest and certainly the most inexperienced member of our staff.

In the blink of an eye, here we are in the year of our Lord, 2023. Tellico Village now has fifty-four holes of golf, our community’s population is exploding, and I am now the oldest provider on our staff of eighteen. My, oh my, how things have changed!

While the fundamentals of cutting and coloring hair have remained essentially the same, there are some facets of the modern industry that are now handled mostly by the very talented group of younger stylists at our salon.

Abstract colors, ‘fairy’ hair, and hair and eyelash extensions are all examples of modern trends that have me as the elder learning from the youngsters.

As pointed out before, with all of my teammates being younger than myself, it is easy to notice something similar happening with our guests. Many of our new guests have retired at a young age and have changed the demographics of our community considerably.

All of these factors, combined with the melancholy of being blessed with another new year, have me feeling a bit like Old Man River. For everything there is a season, and the time has come for me to be the elder statesman for The Village Salon, and to continue to learn from the youngsters.

May this New Year be filled with peace, joy, health, and happiness for us all.

Peace, Brian K Whitehead Managing Partner

The Village Salon

Brian K. Whitehead Managing Partner The Village Salon

Happy New Year and Happy Savings!

January is always a great time to reassess your winter wardrobe. There is finally time to go through all of the pieces hanging in your closet that haven’t been worn this season and either donate them or take them to the nearest consignment shop. Whichever you choose, you’ve begun the process of updating your own winter wardrobe while selections are still great and on sale!

At The Lily Pad, our sales are huge semi-annual events which take place in January and July. Our winter merchandise is now 25% off, and on Saturday, January 14th at 10:00 am, every piece that’s left goes to 50% off! We’ve found this method to be quite effective to not only clear out the store, but also to pass tremendous savings on to our customers.

As the winter merchandise goes on sale, our “La Sale Boutique” (the big room at the rear of the store) goes to 70% off! Thus, the clearing out begins as we ready ourselves, and the store, for a brand-new season. Spring fashions have been ordered, fresh looks are arriving, and the holiday decor has been put away for another year. We’ll look forward to seeing so many of our customers

and friends during our unbelievable sale days. If you’ve ever spent a day at Filene’s Basement in Boston, The Lily Pad is almost as wild on the first days of our sale! Plan to spend some time with friends and neighbors, every arm loaded with bargains, and having the time of our lives! What a fun day during a not so fun month. It’s a social event you won’t want to miss!

At The Lily Pad, we reflect on how blessed we have been this year to again be part of your lives. We truly appreciate the vote of confidence you place in us to be your fashion headquarters! Our most sincere wishes for a happy and healthy 2023!

The Lily Pad Boutique 209 N. Main Street Sweetwater, TN 37874 423-337-5537 www.lilypadboutiqueonline.com Mon-Sat: 10am-5:30pm

@shopthelilypad

aving first begun her search for a new family dentist online, Vicki Ailey found Heritage Family Dentistry.

“They had all five-star reviews,” she said. “Heritage Family Dentistry is a wonderful practice. I have major ‘dental anxiety,’ and they always put me at ease. They treat you like family. Dr. Bradshaw and his team are very gentle and make sure you are comfortable throughout your entire procedure.”

Vicki’s first procedure was a dental implant. Dental implants are fast becoming the preferred treatment option for patients with missing teeth. Most patients can’t tell the difference between dental implants and their natural teeth. And, more importantly, dental implants continue to promote healthy bone density in the jaw. In the absence of natural teeth or dental implants, bone density can deteriorate, often creating a sunken or premature aging appearance.

“Dr. Bradshaw is also very informative,” said Vicki. “He takes the necessary time to explain everything in detail and always makes certain that you fully understand the recommended treatment plan and procedure.

“Heritage Family Dentistry is the best dental office I have been to. I have moved often and have seen at least 10 dentists. I would absolutely recommend them to others. They are the best dentistry team I’ve ever experienced.”

Patients at Heritage Family Dentistry can further relax with warm neck wraps and their choice of soothing music or nature television.

To learn more about Heritage Family Dentistry, request

Reverse mortgages can seem difficult to understand. With both pro and con opinions stated in very strong terms by knowledgeable people, it’s hard to decide if they are a tool that you should use or avoid.

This month, we interviewed Scott Chamberlain, Retirement Mortgage Specialist with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, to delve into information about reverse mortgages and when they might or might not be an appropriate choice for senior homeowners. Scott lives in Tellico Village, is an expert in the mortgage industry, and specializes in working individually with people in the area on reverse mortgages.

MV: Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you started your reverse mortgage business.

Scott: I started in the mortgage industry in 1982. When I retired, I moved to Tellico Village. After a short time, I flunked retirement and decided to get back into the business world. Now that I am a senior citizen myself with so many years in the mortgage industry, the Reverse Mortgage program was a natural progression. This is a powerful program that has evolved over the years, and my goal is to be an ambassador to get the facts to my fellow neighbors.

MV: Tell us about your business philosophy and why people in this area might want to do business with you?

Scott: I like to work with my customers face to face to make sure they completely understand all aspects of this important retirement tool. I’m not big on technology for communicating information to people. I also attend every one of my closings to make sure what the customer requested is delivered, so I always assist the closing agent in explaining this unique mortgage. I am also a Retirement Mortgage Specialist with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, one of the most established and trusted companies in the industry.

MV: Can you tell us about reverse mortgages and how they work?

Scott: Sure; they seem to be a bit complex! But like anything, when explained in simple terms, it’s not hard to figure out if it would be of benefit to you as a homeowner. The reverse mortgage was originally developed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and signed into law by then President Ronald Reagan in 1988, to assist senior citizens that were living on a fixed income that had their homes paid but were struggling with extra living expenses.

The only options for seniors up until this time were to get a loan, which was impossible to repay on a limited income, or sell their home and relocate. The reverse mortgage is a program that advances a portion, not all, of the equity in your home with no monthly payment required for as long as you live in the property, pay property taxes, keep homeowner’s insurance on it, and maintain the home in generally good condition. You can access your money in four ways: cash at closing, a line of credit, monthly disbursements, or select a combination of the previous three.

Now, the program has added a purchase program for those that want to downsize for a more accessible living space. There have been many positive changes through the years since 1988.

MV: Tell us about why people should consider a reverse mortgage.

Scott: The reverse mortgage, at one time, was considered as a last resort type loan, however with the constant evolution of this product, it has become a very important retirement tool. It is no longer just for refinancing your existing home, but currently offers a purchase option as well as providing a vehicle to manage retirement funds during a down market.

For homeowners with medical issues, it can provide a line of credit option that allows people to stay in their home as long as possible. For homeowners with cash flow issues, this option releases funds that can be accessed in monthly payments or available with a line of credit that can be received when needed. The term house rich but cash poor better defines this type of homeowner.

With people living longer than ever, the older generation is concerned with, “Will I outlive my retirement funds?” A reverse mortgage can allow you to convert equity for a practical use.

MV: Can you give us some sample situations where a reverse mortgage has helped some of your clients?

Scott: Absolutely.

One good example is that of a widowed woman. With the loss of her husband’s income, she was starting to fall behind on her mortgage and other bills. Fortunately, she had enough equity in her house to get a reverse mortgage. It paid off her old mortgage and her other fixed monthly debts with a little extra cash to have in the bank for emergencies. For her, it was a great option to have at her disposal.

Another good example is that of a husband and wife who have social security income and a small monthly

pension, but the husband still needs a part-time job to live comfortably. The unexpected happens. The husband is hurt and cannot continue to work. They obtained a reverse mortgage and paid off their home loan and bills. This reduced their monthly debt by $700 and eliminated the need for a part-time job.

A final example is a husband and wife living on both their SSI and their IRAs. During a bear (down) market, they saw their investment portfolio shrink since much of it was in the stock market. By accessing the equity in their home, they did not have to liquidate their accounts until after the market recovered. This kept their investments growing instead of needing to withdraw funds at a loss. Also, another benefit was when they accessed the money from their reverse mortgage, it was tax free. (Always consult your financial advisor for options.)

MV: What are some general things people should know about reverse mortgages?

Scott: The most important things homeowners should know about this program are:

You are not giving your home to the government.

You can sell and move should you wish in the future. You don’t have to qualify with income and credit scores like traditional mortgages.

You can still pass your estate to your family.

You do not have to make any mortgage payments –ever.

The funds you receive do not count as taxable income. Your home does not have to be free & clear.

» You can never owe more than the value of the home.

» You need to be at least 62 years old, have enough equity to pay any liens against the home, and currently occupy the home.

MV: What are some situations where a reverse mortgage might not be a good idea?

Scott:

» If you do not have equity in your home, unfortunately, this program won’t work for you.

» If you are planning on moving in the near future, the closing costs for the reverse mortgage would take away from your equity and you might not have enough time to receive the benefits of the mortgage.

» If your family has agreed to keep your home for future heirs, you would not want to put this or any type of mortgage on the home.

I know homeowners still have a lot of questions about this program; I am here to answer all of your questions and help you decide if you can benefit from a reverse mortgage. Give me a call and I will be happy to guide you through this sometimes confusing process.

Call today: Scott Chamberlain Retirement Mortgage Specialist with Mutual of Omaha Mortgage Office: 865-364-0566 Cell: 706-474-1101

Scott Chamberlain

Celebrate a New Winter Window Treatment Solution

By Darla Zorn – owner/FounDer – express BlinDs

The New Year has come and gone. The winter months have settled in, and while the cold they bring presents its own series of challenges, including those pesky heating bills, those frosty temperatures also open the door to a whole new realm of beauty and color, from cool alpine greens, arctic blues, and aurora pinks to calm shades of grey, warm holly reds, and hearth fire oranges. With such a unique atmosphere filling the world around us, now can be the perfect time to channel it right into your home.

If you are considering refreshing your home décor, particularly your window treatments, the shift into deep winter can inspire you to find the answer that ties together both aesthetic atmosphere and everyday practicality.

In need of ideas? How about this celebrated solution from Express Blinds? Cellular Shades!

Cellular Shades represent tailored elegance and versatility to compliment nearly every lifestyle and situation while taking the lead in energy efficiency and insulation. Why Cellular Shades?

» Block the cold! Homes in colder climates benefit from cellular shades’ insulating properties to block out the cold and regulate inside temperatures, delivering up to a 22% reduction in heat transfer during the winter.

» Block the heat! Homes in warmer climates benefit from cellular shades’ light blocking properties to keep the heat from transferring to the inside and delivers up to a 60% reduction in heat transfer during the summer.

Thanks to the air pockets integrated into its attractive, honeycomb cell design, not only are you effectively insulating your home from both heat and cold, but you’re achieving consistently lower energy bills year-round. But these aren’t the only reasons to invest in cellular shades.

» They also provide excellent sound absorption, ideal for rooms with hard wood floors.

» They aren’t limited to regular windows but can accommodate larger windows and doors as well.

» Customizable to fit your exact light-filtering needs with four op acity levels including sheer, semi-sheer, semi-opaque, and opaque, as well as available in five different cell sizes.

» Available in a large selection of sumptuous fabrics featuring a rich range of hues and patterns to compliment any room’s theme.

If you’re ready to move forward with an elegant and energy-efficient answer to your window treatment needs, simply call Express Blinds, Shutters, Shades & Drapes today at 865-730-4880.

Express Blinds, Shutters, Shades & Drapes 865-730-4880 www.ExpressBlindsKnox.com

“Put the “Magic” Back into Your Expensive Oriental Rug!”

taste, and if you inherited it, it’s a manifestation of your family’s history. In both cases, it’s a special investment-after all, you’ll never have another rug exactly like it. Preserving its colors, protecting its longevity, and maintaining its attractive appearance requires maintenance and care.

That’s where Superior Rug Cleaning comes into the picture. Thanks to their commitment to innovation in new, state-of-the-art technology, they provide the comprehensive servicing your rug needs. But don’t just take our word for it. Just see below what their customers have to say about the service they received:

» Superior Carpet and Rug Cleaning is a fine specialist in handling handmade rugs. Owner, Kerry McDuffie, analyzes the make, age, and condition first and THEN carefully proceeds. He is thorough and knowledgeable and treats each rug with vital individual care. - J. Harmer, Lenoir City, TN

» I am so pleased! My 20+ year old oriental rug looks new... The colors are so vivid. I highly recommend them. Thank You! - W. Shepherd

» I wanted to thank you for the excellent job you did on the jute rugs in our den. They look as nice as they did when we first purchased them! The rugs in our hall and bedroom look equally as clean. We have been pleased each time we’ve used your company. - S. Wallace

» Fantastic experience from start to finish. Kerry and his team were extremely professional. They showed up exactly when they said they would and did an amazing job. We were very pleased with the value we received and will absolutely use them again. Anyone looking for this type of service should look no further! - M. Stooksbury

» I have known Kerry and used Superior Carpet and Rug Cleaning for many years. My rugs are cleaned perfectly and are always returned in beautiful condition. Superior Carpet and Rug Cleaning will always be my choice. - K. Gotcher

Don’t wait! Call or text Superior Rug Cleaning at 865-680-1450, or email them at info@superiorofknoxville.com or reach out on Facebook to schedule your Oriental rug cleaning today. Restore your rug to its full beauty and, once again, experience the “magic” of what it’s like to be absolutely in love with it!

Superior Rug Cleaning 865.691.5686 www.superiorofknoxville.com

LUXURY VINYL PLANK FLOORING

For the Look and Feel of Genuine Hardwood or Stone

By rick kleveno owner – country carpet & Flooring / caBinets

In my over four decades of experience in the carpeting, tile and hardwood flooring industries, I have observed firsthand the ongoing evolution in the residential and commercial flooring products marketplace. I have seen some truly innovative new products introduced. But, the one product that really stands out in my mind is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring or LVP.

This posh Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is one of the most sought after interior features by both homeowners and designers today. Available in both wood and stone finishes, these surfaces offer unparalleled beauty, versatility, longevity and resale appeal. And you can now install LVP Flooring in any room of your home or business, below grade, in kitchens and baths, there’s no limitation. Virtually indistinguishable from their genuine hardwood or stone cousins, Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring offers authentic wood and stone surfaces rich in texture, grain and contour, and in all the colors, tones and hues imaginable, just as nature intended.

If you’re contemplating a single room or an entire home update or remodel, I would like to personally invite you to visit our showroom located 3107 Highway 411 in Madisonville, across from Sequoyah High School.

Let us show you the virtually unlimited selection of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring and explain their many advantages over traditional wood floors. LVP Flooring won’t warp or stain, is waterproof and highly resistant to scratching. We can help you to create that classic look of traditional hardwood and stone flooring for less money and maintenance.

And while you’re visiting, be sure to ask about our semi-custom, solid wood, kitchen and bath cabinetry lines. Discover how to achieve that showcase look for far less then you might have imagined.

Country Carpet & Flooring / Cabinets

3107 Highway 411

(Across from Sequoyah High School) Madisonville, TN 37354 423-442-8860

countrycarpet@bellsouth.net www.country-carpet-and-flooring.com

A Resolution to Keep

By connie Ferraro – tellico Hearing solutions

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

With the start of the New Year come all the New Year’s resolutions. Some people try to make simple changes like joining a club or breaking out of your comfort zone once and a while. Others make more complicated goals, such as losing weight, breaking a bad habit, or establishing good ones. Everyone’s resolutions are different.

But there s one thing everyone knows about New Year s resolutions. Hardly anyone ever keeps them. Maybe keeping the resolution was more difficult than we expected, or else life simply got in the way. Sometimes it’s because that resolution was never very realistic to begin with. Whatever the reason, the result is the same.

But this New Year, we ve got a simple and achievable resolution for you. This year, resolve to get your hearing tested.

We here at Tellico Hearing Solutions want to help you find out if a hearing device is right for you. Our cutting edge technology helps us perform complete and thorough testing here in our office, or even in the comfort of your own home. After a comprehensive testing of your current hearing, we ll tell you if a hearing aid is appropriate to you and fit you with the best device for your hearing situation and budget. If needed, we can additionally provide you with devices to make everyday living easier for you, such as listening devices for use with your phone, TV, or other audio equipment. Thanks to new technology, we no longer have to settle for only being able to hear certain volumes or frequencies. We can help you enjoy the simple pleasures, like a conversation with your family or a good song on the radio, better than you’ve been able to in years.

Getting your hearing tested can be a scary thought, as can the thought of having to adjust to a hearing aid. We get it. After all, Robert, our Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist, wears a hearing aid himself, and he s very familiar with what it s like to deal with hearing loss. But he’s also experienced the joy of getting his hearing back through his hearing device, and he wants to help others experience the same thing for themselves. That’s why we can guarantee you’ll receive compassionate, thoughtful care and the best hearing aid available for you.

Our resolution is to provide you with the best options available to resolve your hearing loss. But ultimately the decision on whether or not to take advantage of those options is up to you. The New Year is the perfect opportunity to take the first step and schedule a

become a dumping ground for whatever doesn’t fit into the house. So let’s cut the clutter & talk about finally getting your garage organized this spring!

PLAN THE SPACE

How are you going to use your garage? If there’s enough space, homeowners are now using the garage for “flex space”. Besides parking cars, people utilize the garage for multiple purposes, workshops or hobby area, exercise space or a man cave. People are planning garages so they look and work like a part of the house, rather than an addition.

ELIMINATE THE WASTE

Go through everything in your garage. Place items into three piles on tarps in your driveway: Keep, donate or toss. Toss or donate outgrown toys, things that are broken beyond repair, outdated chemicals or paint, which may need special disposal, and anything you haven’t used in two years. If you need to store items for a couple of nights, renting a trailer is the least expensive way to store something short term.

MAXIMIZE THE SPACE

When putting items back into the garage, put similar items near each other, making it easier to find things. For example, all the sporting equipment goes in one area and your everyday tools in another. Things you use the most, like bikes or the lawnmower, place close to the garage door. Put seasonal items that you use once a year in hard-to-reach places.

The most important clutter-busting tip is to keep items off the floor! You’ll free up more room for your car. PremierGarage can help maximize wall and ceiling space by designing and installing cabinets and organizational system. And a durable, easy-to-clean floor that stands up to the heat and friction of tires.

Let Premier Garage help you get your garage in gear by taking it from chaos to clutter free!

Are you embarrassed to leave your garage door open very long? Have your cars been displaced from their rightful home to make room for more

clutter? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. Of U.S. homes that have two-car garages, 35% can’t park their cars in the garage because of the junk! Garages often

In the Garden January

By lisa grugin

Out with the old and in with the new! This is the perfect time to evaluate what you did in your yard this year and think about what you want to do differently. What worked well? What did not? What changes have occurred? Have trees grown and created more shade than some of your plants like? Have trees come down and allowed the sun to scorch your shade lovers? Have you experienced life changes? Perhaps your goal is to work in your garden more. Perhaps it is to grow more of your own food. Perhaps it is to create a garden that requires minimal maintenance so that you can do less. Whatever your wishes, January is a great month to start planning your steps to make those dreams come true.

The first step to getting started on your plans is to go out and make notes. We always have some nice days this time of year, so take advantage of them! Have a nice walk around your yard and check on your plants. Look for signs of insects, disease, damage, and demise. What needs to be treated, pruned, moved, divided, or removed entirely? What would you like to add? What would you like to subtract?

If you lack ideas, I always suggest that you take a walk or drive around your neighborhood and see what type of landscaping appeals to you. Do you prefer a manicured look or natural shapes? What

colors and textures do you like? Take some photos if you don’t know what a plant is and bring it in for identification.

There are also LOTS of ideas on Pin terest, in magazines and on TV. Please be aware, however, that many of those ideas come from areas that have a different cli mate than we do. In addition, TV shows are notorious for overplanting! Producers want the plantings to look good for the 5 minutes they are on camera and couldn’t care less what it looks like in 5 years. I had to stop watching them because they made me mad.

Is planting trees and shrubs on your list? Customers often think that they can not plant now, but that isn’t true in our zone 7 climate. Winter planting allows trees and shrubs to focus exclusively on their root system so that they will be ready to grow in the spring. The assortment of plants that is available might not be exten sive, but you are likely to find bargains!

Getting your soil ready for next year is another great gardening project for winter. Planting cover crops or simply adding topsoil and compost will replenish nutrients in the soil and give all your spring plants a nice boost. You also need to try to stay on top of the weed situation. If you don’t, you will find yourself this spring out on your hands and knees trying to find

your plants amongst the weeds. Pruning is another winter gardening chore, but I always hate to bring it up because I see it done wrong so often! Please keep in mind that pruning is performing surgery on a living thing. Good pruning doesn’t harm the plant. Bad pruning does. Here are a few pruning guidelines: There is no rule that says you must prune. However, it can be beneficial to remove dead, diseased or damaged branches. It is also useful to open up dense canopies to allow sunlight and air circulation. In addition, pruning can create larger blooms or more fruit, and will control and direct new growth. Pruning should be done at a specific time of the year depending on the plant. Blooming trees and shrubs are generally done after flowering. Other plants should be done when they are dormant. Pruning at the wrong time can eliminate your flowers or kill your plant. I can’t tell you how many times I have had to tell someone that their plant didn’t bloom because they pruned all the buds off, so please do some research before you start whacking! Pruning should always be done with a sharp pair of pruners or loppers. Would you want your surgeon to use dull

knives? Dull tools tear the wood and leave it open to disease and insects.

Pruning saws are good for larger branches, but if a chainsaw is necessary, you should leave it to a professional.

4. It is possible to salvage plants that have been butchered in the past, so stop by if you have questions.

I will finish with a plea for the birds. Our songbirds, like our bees, are in crisis. Help them build up fat supplies to get them through the wintry weather by providing high fat foods such as sunflower seeds and suet. Keep your feeders full and clean and use a good quality food. It isn’t a bargain if most of it is kicked out onto the ground! We sell Cole’s, which is a great line with very few fillers.

We reduce our hours in the winter, but we are still here 5 days a week. If you have questions, just give us a call or stop by. We would love to help you have a beautiful yard!

9885 Highway 11E Lenoir City, TN 37772 865.986.7229 www.meadowviewgreenhouse.com

“This

all of your future out-of-door events,” said Jim Conn, owner of Undercover Systems. “Throughout the entire process, our skilled craftsmen work with you, each step of the way, until your project is completed. Because your project will be completed this winter, you can begin enjoying your new outdoor living spaces at the first sign of spring.”

Undercover’s patented system also helps extend your outdoor season of enjoyment by protecting you from early spring showers, July and August’s relentless sun, and autumn rains.

You’ll also appreciate Undercover Systems’ attention to detail, which comes from years of experience, as they help you craft a seamless transition from your home’s interior to your new out-of-door living spaces, which will perfectly complement your existing architecture and landscaping plan. Homeowners also appreciate the fact that Undercover Systems does not use those generic, off-the-shelf components used by the competition. Every system they install is customized to perfectly fit your home.

A complaint-free member of the Better Business Bureau, Undercover Systems offers homeowners the peace of mind that they deserve in a building contractor

Why not surprise your family this holiday season with the gift of unlimited and memorable out-of-door activities for the New Year? Call Jim Conn at 423-267-0091 today and let the memories begin.

The New Year is the perfect time to hit the reset button. In fact, one of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to get more organized. Why? Research reveals that on average we waste 10 minutes a day – 2.5 days a year -- looking for things we’ve misplaced. It clearly pays to get organized because time is one commodity we can’t recover.

There are also benefits from being organized, such as reducing stress and generating greater productivity. However, getting organized can often feel overwhelming, so here are some tips on getting started.

Schedule the Time to Organize

Like any other appointment, plan time to organize. If you don’t plan the time, it’s too easy to put it off until another time, which means it may never get done.

Start Small

Trying to organize your entire house in a week is enthusiastic, but unrealistic. Start with a space that’s an organizational priority, or choose one closet, or even a drawer. Small victories in organizing will encourage you to focus on bigger projects.

Clear the Clutter

In each room, remove items that are no longer needed. Place them in piles for donating, recycling, or tossing away. Then make a list of organizational items you need, such as additional shelving in the children’s rooms or cabinets in the laundry.

Straighten Up the F ront Entry

One of the most important areas of the house to keep neat is the entrance to your home. If you always enter and exit through disorder, you’ll carry that clutter -- emotionally and physically -- into the rest of your home and out into the world. Having a clean entryway and garage flows into the rest of your home and life.

Organize Your Closet

To help you get organized, invite a friend over so it feels more celebratory as you decide what items to keep, donate or toss. Then organize clothes by style, color, and season so everything can be seen at a glance. If your closet is a wire system, consider investing in an affordable, custom-designed closet to maximize available space. A custom closet can add 30% more storage space than wire shelving or do-it-yourself kits.

Stay Organized

Keep everything in order by spending just 10 minutes a day decluttering. An organized home reduces stress by also decluttering your mind so you can focus on the important things in life.

The Tailored Closet can help organize every room in the house. Using 3D design software, The Tailored Closet’s organization specialists listen to your needs, create a computer model of your new system, and provide a quote -- all in one visit.

With just a bit of help, this is one New Year’s resolution you can keep!

East Tennessee Wildlife

By kalley cook

Racoons

Ifigured I would ring in the new year with Tennessee’s official wild animal, the raccoon. A few fun facts about the raccoon: its name means “animal that scratches with its hand” and Christopher Columbus was the first individual we know of to have written about the raccoon. While the raccoon is so common across our state and all of North America, I still always get so excited when I get the chance to photograph one. There’s just something about them, their cute “masks,” and it’s just all-around fun to watch with their mischievous ways.

Raccoons can be found just about anywhere; my best luck finding them has always been next to riverbanks during dawn or dusk. While raccoons are a carrier of rabies, they are the biggest carrier of any animal; I don’t say this to scare anyone, but it is important to know the warning signs of rabies should you see one - such as staggering, seeming oblivious, a repeated high vocal noise, and foam from mouth and eyes. Some people don’t enjoy their company, but they are important to the ecosystem; they can actually be beneficial to have around as they will take care of any pests that do occupy your yard. If a raccoon is causing damage to your property, be sure to contact TWRA; it is illegal to relocate one without a permit. I hope if you do have them in your yard, you’re able to make it their home.

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Cute Coon - The “mask” on a raccoon is its most familiar feature. The mask is not only cute, but it serves a purpose. Some think the darkness of the mask helps reduce glare and enhances night vision. The raccoon’s fur is grayish brown and almost 90% is dense underfur to insulate the animal during the cold. Many believe raccoons hibernate; though they aren’t true hibernators, they will sleep for weeks during winter. Some might deny the cuteness of a raccoon, but I definitely can’t!

and Then

By www tecHtn org

Wet Paws - This coon gave me great look at those long toes as it decided to take a quick pause and lick the water off its paws. Those five long toes on its front paws are extremely functional; they can grasp objects and figure things out like opening doorknobs, jars, and latches. Raccoons don’t just forage in the water, and as we all know, are often found in dumpsters since they are opportunistic eaters and will eat just about anything. Other foods that they like are nuts, berries, plants, rodents, and insects. You might notice raccoons dipping their food in water; this is because they gather more sensory information and wetting their foods help them further understand what they are eating. They are such highly intelligent animals and have been compared to monkeys.

This event is organized by Tennessee Environmental Council, a nonprofit organization. Seedlings are available for a donation of $1.99 or $3.99/tree. Not all species are available at every location.

On Tennessee Tree Day 2022 we engaged 18,585 volunteers in planting 80,900 native trees in all 95 Tennessee counties, as well as 47 counties in neighboring states, encompassing all watersheds that flow through Tennessee.

Each year Tennessee Tree Day engages thousands of volunteers in a fun, meaningful, family-friendly, event that results in multi-generational benefits to our environment, communities and public health.

Since 2007, our Tennessee Tree Day events have mobilized almost 79,000 Tennessee residents in planting 822,860 native trees in Tennessee and surrounding states.

TEC hopes participation in Tree Day instills public awareness of the value of trees, while nurturing a culture of sustainability in our region.

Photographing the beauty of Tennessee, and the wildlife who call it home.

Foraging Raccoon - Raccoons are excellent swimmers and can stay in the water for hours while they forage for food. The raccoon pictured is actually using its paws to feel under rocks for crayfish, snails, fish, frogs, or clams. The most heightened sense of a raccoon is its sense of touch which increases when its paws are under water, especially in the front paws.

Curious Coon - Most are somewhat familiar with how raccoons walk. They seem to walk with a hunched back, and this is because their hind legs are much longer than their front legs. They can also run at speeds up 15 mph. They usually have 5-8 rings on their tails which can alternate dark to light. If you’re curious about what caught the eye of this coon, it was just a fisherman on the other side.

The New Year gives us the opportunity to reflect on our personal journey, and the need for self-care to meet the challenges we face. Coming out of the frenzied holiday season, we often are exhausted, and feel the January letdown of early darkness and colder weather. This is especially true of caregivers of a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, who cannot anticipate the needs of the coming year.

Let’s talk about caregivers – YOU – who provide care to people- a spouse, partner, parent, or child, who need assistance with everyday tasks. You live in an environment which can be rewarding, yet also presents emotional challenges. This can lead to mental fatigue or burnout, often caused by unrealistic expectations of yourself or others, by unreasonable demands, or lack of support.

Symptoms of caregiver fatigue and burnout are: denial about the disease and the person diagnosed, anxiety about the future, depression and social withdrawal, feeling isolated, health problems, anger, and irritability. We all experience these emotions occasionally, but when they become overwhelming, it is time to seek support and begin to think about self-care.

Sometimes you may feel it’s selfish to need self-care, or you are uncomfortable asking

others for help. You may take on too much, in the belief that no one else can properly take care of the loved one. Recognize your feelings, and be gentle with yourself. The reality is, being a caregiver is a huge responsibility, and you need to nurture your body, mind, and soul in order to create more moments of joy.

How do you find the time for self care? You need to plan it; consider that time a “must-do” and include it early in each day so it doesn’t get set aside by other demands. Create a space in your home that is yours- a place to read, listen to music, enjoy a cup of tea, or talk with a friend. Have a basket of self-care items you can “go to” for a breakword find books, jigsaw puzzles, the Bible, a personal journal, knitting, or magazines. Look for shortcuts to your tasks; for example, make two meals at time so you don’t have to stress about the next day. Take a short walk outside to inhale the fresh air. Learn to say “no” to things you don’t want to do, and make time for things you enjoy.

Plan a larger block of time for yourself once a week. Attend an Our Place Caregivers Support Group the 2nd Friday of each month, 9-11am. at the Tellico Village Public Library. Conclude your day with gratitude for the positive things, and gift yourself with peace, joy, forgiveness and love.

The staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers of Our Place wish you and yours a Happy, Healthy 2023. If you would like further resources or support, information can be found at OurPlacetn.org, or by calling 865-657-7222. Our Place is a 501C 3 non-profit organization.

Our Place 103 Cheeyo Way, Loudon OurPlaceTN.org (865)657-7222